Chapter 115 :Torn Loyalties There is a flicker of something in her eyes-perhaps disappointment, or perhaps a deeper understanding than she's willing to admit. She doesn't respond immediately, her lips pressed into a thin line. Nolan stands tall, feeling a surge of defiance rising within him. He'd always been the dutiful son, the one who followed the rules and met the expectations. But Elena. Elena was different. She made him feel seen, not for what he represented, but for who he was."Elena is the woman I choose," Nolan continues, his voice firm and unwavering. "And I'll fight for her. Whatever it takes.The weight of his declaration hangs between them in the sudden stillness of the room. Evelyn does not say anything; she does not move. And yet, her eyes would not leave him, almost weighing him against the cost of such a decision.Nolan," she says finally, in a low, measured voice. "You may indeed feel that you are strong enough to walk away from it all. There is a cost for opting fo
Chapter 117 Nolan enters into his car and grasps the steering wheel firmly, his knuckles white as the weight of his decision settles over him. The silence in the car was deafening, except for his irregular breathing. For a moment, doubt crept in: Had he made the right choice? Was he truly ready to sever ties with his family for Elena?But then, the memory of Elena's hurt expression, the pain in her voice, flashes through his mind. He can't lose her, not after everything they've been through. Nolan starts the engine and pulls onto the road, determined to find her and make things right.* * *Elena sat on the edge of her bed, her phone lying untouched beside her. The scene with Nolan's family replayed in her head, like a cruel loop, their words cutting deeper with each replay. She had known this wouldn't be easy, but the outright rejection still stung more than she anticipated.A knock at the door cuts into her reverie. She hesitates, half-thinking that it might be Nolan, but when she
Chapter 118 : Nolan's DilemmaNolan sat in his study, the amber glow of the desk lamp casting long shadows on the walls. The evening had been long, and his mind was still racing from the events of the day. He ran a hand through his dark hair; his fingers trembled a little. The pressure was overwhelming, suffocating. Every day, every hour, he felt it closing in, and no matter how hard he tried to avoid it, it was always there-his family's expectations, their desires for him to marry Marie, and the haunting thought that maybe they were right.The phone on his desk buzzed, its harsh vibration bringing him out of his reverie. He glanced at the screen. It was a message from his mother."Don't forget dinner tomorrow night. Marie will be joining us. It's important. Don't be late."His stomach twisted. Tomorrow night. He had been dreading this dinner for days, the day they'd set it all up-the perfect opportunity for Marie to further ingratiate herself with his family. His mother had been rele
Chapter 119: Nolan's Restless ArrivalThe orange streaks across the horizon blend into the deepening blue of twilight, almost in gentle farewell from the setting sun dipping below the skyline. Nolan's car cautiously navigates the crowded streets. White knuckles grip the leather-covered steering wheel. In his chest, it was heavy-as if the weight of what remained unsaid had situated there, and with every second passing, the burden leaned just a little bit harder.Dinner, which is supposed to be simple, familial, and routine, hence a relief after a long day, now feels like an entrance into the battlefield.His mind fills with Nolan's growing, turbulent musings. Marie. Her sudden return shook the fragile peace he had somehow managed to cobble together. Memories, questions, a storm of emotions, each tugging and pulling him this way and that. Then there is Simeon, the boy who has unwittingly become an anchor to his greatest terrors and highest hopes. Finally, there is Elena. She muddies th
Chapter 120The golden glow of the setting sun fades into the horizon as the tension in the grand dining hall deepens. Nolan, stiff beside the fireplace, is momentarily paralyzed. His breath catches as Elena steps into the room. Her presence commands attention as always, her elegant figure framed by the archway. She exudes quiet confidence, her eyes sharp and assessing, yet carrying an unmistakable warmth that only she seems capable of. But her sudden appearance sends a wave of shock coursing through Nolan. She wasn't supposed to be here."Elena?" His voice is barely above a whisper, his shock evident. He takes a step forward, confusion knitting his brows. "What.what are you doing here?Elena's eyes dart from Nolan to Marie, who still holds her glass of wine with a tight-lipped smile that barely conceals her discontent. The atmosphere in the room becomes weightier, thick with unspoken challenge."I was invited," Elena says succinctly, her voice quiet but firm, the slight edge in her t
Chapter 121Guilt weighs heavily upon Nolan’/ chest, an unwanted weight refusing to lighten. Firm as Nolan was the night before, the nagging at the back of his mind wouldn't completely go away. The decision he made was one of necessity, yet he can't help but feel regret at the thought of his family's disappointment-or even sharper words from Marie. Yet as he looks at Elena, who stands by the window bathed in soft sunlight, he knows why he made that decision. She's worth every fight, every sacrifice."Elena," he says softly, breaking the silence that has hung over the morning.She turns to him, her expression curious but guarded. Despite her composed demeanor, he knows she's just as affected by the confrontation as he is. He crosses the room to her, taking her hands in his."I know things have been tense lately," he starts off, his voice firm but laced with genuineness. "I don't want you to feel like you have to bear the brunt of all this. You've done so much for me, for Simeon, and fo
Chapter 122With every passing moment of the night, Nolan and Elena drift into the ocean of each other's eyes. The world outside evaporates, and all that remains is the hum of the evening, the soft radiance of the lights, and the warmth of their love.His hands roam over Elena's body, tracing the curves of her face, the slope of her shoulders, the gentle swell of her hips. He is in a state of awe and wonder at the beauty that stands before him, the love that shines so brightly in her eyes.Elena, too, was lost in the moment as the soft pressure of Nolan's hands, the gentle caress of his fingers, and the softness of his breath danced on her skin. In his arms, she felt a sense of safety, a sense of security, a sense of belonging she had never experienced in her life.As they stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, Nolan knows he has made the right decision; he has chosen the path that is true to himself, guided by his heart.He recalls the argument that took place with his family-the
Chapter 123The standoff between Nolan and his family is getting thicker by the minute, almost tangible in the air. Elena's eyes dart from Nolan to his family, her mind a buzz with what this can mean for them.His mother stepped forward, her eyes flashing. "Nolan, you are being unreasonable. Marie needs a stable environment, and we think she should reside with you and Elena.Nolan shakes his head, his jaw clenched in determination. "I understand that you think you're doing what's best for Marie, but you're not thinking about what's best for Elena and me. We're happy together, and we don't need Marie living with us to disrupt our relationship."Elena steps forward, firm and resolute. "I agree with Nolan. We're happy together, and we don't need Marie living with us. It's not fair to us, and it's not fair to Marie either."Nolan's sister, Rachel, sneers at Elena. "You're just jealous, Elena. You know that Nolan and Marie are meant to be together."Elena's eyes flash with anger, but she k
Chapter 132She balled her fists into the material of her dress as the confrontation's weight settled firmly onto her shoulders. She kept staring at the door, her heart clutched in her chest. The accusations and disdain from Nolan's family reverberated loudly in her ears, louder than the silence that greeted them after their dramatic exit.Nolan's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Don't let them get to you," he said, his tone softer now, though a residual edge of anger lingered. He stepped closer to her, his hand brushing against her arm, but Elena pulled back instinctively, the tension still too raw."How can I not?" she replied, her voice trembling. "They practically blamed me for everything—for Marie, for Marcus, for… for you not being the son or brother they want anymore.""They don't know what they're talking about," Nolan said firmly, his expression hardening again. "Marie is my past. You're my present. They'll just have to deal with it."Elena shook her head. Her throa
Chapter 131Nolan and Elena share a brief, weighted glance; then he turns to head back to the living room. Elena hesitates, her heart still racing from the tension, but she follows him, her footsteps quieter than usual.As they re-enter the room, Marcus is lounging exactly as they left him, eyes still half-closed as if he's genuinely relaxed, but the edge in his smirk is unmistakable. He's playing a dangerous game, and Nolan's not sure if he's the pawn or the one pulling the strings."Enjoying yourself?" Nolan asks, voice cold and sharp as he stands at the threshold.Marcus raises an eyebrow, makes a languid rise to sitting, tossing the magazine aside. "Just getting comfortable," he says-casually enough, but the challenge in his eyes is undiminished. "Isn't that what guests are supposed to do?"Don't mistake me for one who plays by the rules of hospitality," Nolan responds, not batting an eyelash. He steps closer to him, standing right in front of Marcus. "You're here on borrowed time
Chapter 130“You'll regret it. And trust me, Marcus, I don't make idle threats."The room seems to grow colder as Nolan's words hang in the air. Marcus holds his hands up in mock surrender, though the defiance in his smirk doesn't quite fade. "Alright, alright," he says lightly. "Message received, loud and clear. I'll be on my best behavior, promise."Good," Nolan snaps; there is no room for an argument. He steps back, his body a wall of silent warning, as he moves to stand beside Elena. She shifts uncomfortably under the weight of the tension, her fingers curling around the hem of her sweater.Marcus throws a glance between them, the corners of his lips twitching as if to hold back a comment. Finally, he leans against the couch and picks up the magazine again, an act of pretend indolence. "Three days it is, then," he murmurs, flipping a page. "Should be plenty of time.Nolan narrows his eyes but says nothing, turning to Elena instead. "Let's go," he says softly, his voice low enough
Uninvited GuestNolan and Elena back into the living room, their hands briefly touching, as if for reassurance. The tension between them in the air is palpable, but the look smoldering in Nolan's eyes indicates that he wasn't done with this just yet.Marcus is sprawled out on the couch, crossing his legs, an arm cast indolently over the back of the couch as he seems to exude superiority. He looks up; the smirk widens across his face, for all intents and purposes, he has just won some silent battle.Nolan's jaw clenches, but then, in one swift movement, a sly spreads across his face. He strides forward, his voice dripping with mock politeness. "Ah, my in-law," he says, articulating the words as if Elena's eyes must roll out of her head. "I hope you're feeling right at home?"Marcus' eyebrow lifts, partially taken aback by Nolan's tone, still smug, nonetheless. "I'm doing just fine, thanks."Nolan nods, pacing languidly in front of the couch. "That's great. My in-law, can I get you some
Chapter 128: Uninvited GuestMorning sun peeks through the apartment, casting a golden glimmer in the cozy living room as Elena and Nolan sat with the rare peace that finally rested between them. For the first time in weeks, the air felt light, the tension that had once gripped them now a distant memory. Nolan leans in, a playful smile on his face, and steals a kiss from Elena, who laughs softly and dodges, teasing him with a mischievous look."You missed," she teases, her voice lilting with false arrogance.Nolan chuckles, tugging her closer. "Did I? Let me try again."Their lips meet this time in a long, languorous kiss, and for a moment, everything is just right with the world. The world outside doesn't matter.Elena pulls back an inch, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I missed this," she whispers. "Us. Without all the chaos."Nolan brushes a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender. "It's not over yet, but I promise you-nothing will ever come between us again.They
Chapter 127 :The Breaking PointThere is an almost palpable sense of tension in the apartment. Nolan sits at the dining table, his head in his hands, while Marie stands across the room, watching him like a predator stalking its prey. A knowing smile curls her lips, as if she's already won.Marie steps closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "You can't keep ignoring me forever, Nolan," she says softly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "We both know you still have a soft spot for me. Why else would you let me stay here?Nolan's head jerks up, his jaw clenched. "Don't flatter yourself, Marie. You're only here because my mother forced this on me. If it were up to me, you'd already be gone."Marie pouts dramatically, her eyes shimmering with crocodile tears. "Oh, Nolan. Is it really that hard for you to admit that we had something special? Something worth saving?Nolan bangs his fist onto the table and jolts her. "We had something, Marie. Past tense. You destroyed it
Chapter 126The soft creak of the front door echoes faintly through the quiet house, signaling Elena's return. She had only been gone an hour, a quick trip to pick up groceries. As she steps into the hallway, the faint murmur of voices carries to her ears and stops her in her tracks. She recognizes Nolan's voice, low and steady, but there's another one, softer and pleading-Marie.Elena's heart clutches. What could they be talking about now? She sets the grocery bags on the kitchen counter and pads silently down the hall, the carpet muffling her footsteps.In the living room, Marie stiffens at the faint noise of the door opening. Her ears perk up, and her sharp gaze darts to Nolan, who is seated a few feet away from her on the couch, his expression unreadable. Instinct takes over. She rises swiftly and moves toward him, feigning vulnerability as she practically throws herself onto the couch beside him.Her hands claw at his arm, and she presses herself close, her voice shaking. "Nolan,
Chapter 125: A Plea for the PastThe door latched shut behind Elena and, with that, everything seemed to come to rest in a pool of discomfort. Nolan stood by the window and watched her figure descend the street. The strain didn't let go of his shoulders even after she turned and vanished out of his line of vision into quiet suburban anonymity.He turned around, ready to plunge into something—anything—that would take his mind off the growing unease in the house. But he couldn't escape it. Marie was leaning against the counter, her arms folded across her chest, standing in the kitchen with an unreadable expression on her face."Nolan," she said softly, breaking the silence. The edge was off her voice, and for a moment, he almost didn't recognize it.He stiffened, already sensing the direction this conversation might take. "What is it, Marie?" he asked, his tone curt as he walked past her toward the dining table."I want to talk," she replied, stepping away from the counter.Nolan sighed
Chapter 124As Nolan's mother and sister leave, Nolan and Elena are left standing in the living room, looking at each other in shock."Well, that was fun," Elena says sarcastically, breaking the silence.Nolan shakes his head. "I'm so sorry, Elena. I had no idea they were going to do that."Elena takes a step closer to him. "It's not your fault, Nolan. We'll figure this out together."Nolan nods, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Elena. "We will. I promise."As they hug, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of unease. He knows that his family is not going to give up easily, and he's worried about what they might do next.But for now, he's just grateful to have Elena by his side."What do you say we order some pizza and try to forget about this for a while?" Nolan suggests.Elena smiles. "Sounds like a plan to me."As they sit down on the couch, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they can make this work.But as they're waiting for the pizza to arrive, Nolan's