Travis remained silent.William's cane slammed against the floor with a heavy thud.“Speak up! What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?!”Travis stayed silent.Lucy, sensing the tension, quickly stepped in with a gentle, careful tone.“Grandpa, maybe Travis was just acting on impulse,” she said, her voice soft and understanding. “He was drunk. He probably didn’t even realize what he was doing.”Then, she turned to Nicole, flashing that familiar innocent smile.“Nicole, I’m sure you don’t blame Travis for this, do you?”Nicole resisted the urge to roll her eyes.Lucy—always playing the mediator, always pretending to be the kind-hearted peacemaker.But now wasn’t the time to expose her.William was old. His health wasn’t as strong as before. He couldn’t take too much stress.So, for his sake, Nicole played along.She let out a small sigh and said, “Grandpa, I’m sure Travis didn’t mean any harm. Please don’t be too hard on him. If you keep scolding him, I’ll feel guilty. After
Hearing Travis demand an explanation, Nicole frowned. “That’s none of your business,” she said flatly. Then she turned and walked out of the hospital room. “Nicole, where are you going? Get back here!” Watching her retreating back, Travis didn’t think—he just moved. Ignoring the throbbing pain in his bandaged head, he swung his legs off the bed, pushing himself up to follow her. Lucy’s face paled at his reaction. “Travis, wait! Nicole has school—she’ll be back tomorrow!” But Travis wasn’t listening. As he reached the doorway, Lucy desperately grabbed his wrist. “Travis, don’t go! Let her go, please!” She was practically half out of her wheelchair, straining to hold him back. But he barely spared her a glance. He yanked free and rushed out the door. Lucy’s grip slipped, and without support, she tumbled from the wheelchair, landing hard on the cold floor. Pain shot through her body, but she gritted her teeth and forced out a cry— “Travis! P
Hearing something so utterly ridiculous, Nicole let out a sharp, cold laugh. Travis Graham, her ex-husband, actually thought he had a say in her life now? Before she could reply, her phone rang—Alexander. The moment he heard she was at the hospital, he didn’t hesitate to lie that he was nearby. "I'm nearby," he said smoothly. "I'll come pick you up." Nicole hesitated for half a second before nodding to herself. Recently, she’d sensed Travis acting strangely toward her, and it unsettled her. The sooner she left, the less of a chance he had to corner her again. “Where are you?” Alexander asked. “In the elevator, heading down. Just wait a few minutes.” The second she hung up, the elevator reached the ground floor. Nicole threw one last wary glance at Travis before stepping out. "Mr. Graham," she said coolly, "we’re both single, independent adults now. We don’t owe each other anything, and we don’t need to be in each other's way. I hope you can respect that
Travis stormed forward, rage twisting his features, and shoved Alexander hard. “You filthy pair of cheaters!” Nicole had been walking ahead, half-asleep and rubbing her eyes. Alexander followed slightly behind, relaxed, hands in his pockets. So when Travis slammed into him from behind, Alexander stumbled, nearly losing his balance. The drowsiness in Nicole’s eyes vanished instantly. She whipped around, her expression sharp—ready to tell off whoever had the audacity to touch Alexander. But the moment she saw Travis’s furious, reddened face, her irritation spiked. Her stomach twisted with frustration. These past few days, she had put up with enough of his nonsense. And now this? "Travis Graham," she bit out, fire flashing in her eyes, "what the hell is your problem?" He froze. Because those words—those exact words— He’d once said them to her. "Nicole, what the hell is your problem? We have no feelings for each other. Stop expecting anything fr
Nicole shook her head. “No. I’m not defending him—I’m doing this for Grandpa. You know how much he means to me.” Alexander studied her face. Her eyes—clear, sharp, yet distant—like winter moonlight. “You’re not lying?” His voice was low, unreadable. “You really feel nothing for him anymore?” Nicole knew what he wanted. He wanted her to say it outright—to confirm that Travis meant nothing to her now. But she had no patience for this. She sighed, rubbing her temples. “Why would I lie?” she muttered. “You saw everything yourself—how he treated me all these years. You think I’d still waste my time feeling sorry for him?” She exhaled sharply, then added, calmly but firmly, “But Grandpa has always been good to me. And Travis is his only grandson.” She met Alexander’s gaze and said, pointedly, “Sometimes, you don’t do things for the person—you do it for the people who matter.” That was all it took. Alexander inhaled deeply, fists still clenched—
"Hearing Nicole say this, Travis instinctively turned around.He immediately spotted Lucy struggling to wheel herself toward him.Nicole used this opportunity to quickly walk away from the hospital plaza.Alexander, always perceptive, immediately followed after her.When they reached the parking lot, Alexander finally asked the question that had been on his mind."Nicole, was what you just said true?""Which part?" Nicole stopped and turned to Alexander, who was about to get into the passenger seat. Her eyes were filled with confusion.She had said so much that she wasn't sure which statement had prompted his question."What you told Travis just now... that you don't have any feelings for me at all..."Alexander found it somewhat embarrassing to ask this as a grown man.Nicole suddenly understood.She nodded thoughtfully. "If we're speaking in terms of romantic feelings, then yes, I don't have those kinds of feelings for you.""None at all?" Alexander asked, incredulous.N
"Maybe another time. I'm really tired today."Despite Alexander's pleading, Nicole firmly refused.The light in Alexander's eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses gradually dimmed."Alright, another time then. Just let me know when you're free.""Sure, see you later." Nicole climbed into the BMW X7's passenger seat without looking back.The car started slowly and quickly disappeared from Alexander's sight.The morning sunlight grew increasingly harsh.Alexander stared into the blinding light before angrily getting into his car and driving away."Travis, the summer sun is brutal. Let's get back to the hospital room."Lucy, seeing Travis staring in the direction Nicole had left, felt deeply uncomfortable.She clutched tightly at Travis's shirt, afraid he might slip away from her to chase after Nicole.Travis's agitated mood gradually improved as he recalled Nicole saying she didn't like Alexander."Let's go back to the room."Back in the hospital room, Lucy immediately called a
Lucy's question was like a hand reaching for the delicate veil covering Travis's thoughts, nearly exposing his true feelings.Travis gently touched his bandaged head and immediately denied it. "Lucy, what are you saying? How could I ever like that woman? She's the one who caused your condition."Lucy wiped tears from the corners of her eyes, her voice choked with emotion. "Travis, I know I'm disabled now and no longer worthy of you. I would bless your relationship with anyone—anyone except Nicole!""I understand. Don't worry, I won't fall for her. I just don't want her to have it easy.""Would you swear to it?"Travis fell silent.As a man approaching 30, he certainly knew how childish and hollow such oaths were.But if it would give Lucy some peace of mind, saying a few more words didn't matter.He raised his right hand toward the ceiling, his handsome face solemn and serious."Lucy, I swear on my life that I will never develop feelings for Nicole. If I ever like Nicole, may
Nicole thought she must have misheard him.Or perhaps she was dreaming.So when Travis said, "Nicole, settle down. Stay here. Let's live well together," she couldn't help but laugh coldly."Travis, do you even know what you're saying?""Just behave and I won't make things difficult for you." Travis clenched his fist."We're divorced. Saying these things now is meaningless." Nicole turned her head away, refusing to look at him."But isn't this how we've lived for all these years?"Nicole tilted her head back and laughed, her eyes reddening.Had this man forgotten how he had hurt her?"Fine. Untie me first, and we'll discuss this further." Nicole offered Travis a rare smile.Travis was taken aback by Nicole's sudden smile, but the darkness in his expression lightened considerably."Promise me you won't run away again." Travis sat on the floor, gradually moving closer to Nicole's side.His black shirt was half-open, revealing toned muscles.Nicole still wouldn't look at him,
Once Travis realized how important Nicole was to him, he would surely treat her well.But that process would be painful.Nicole would have to suffer a bit.James wasn't sure if Nicole could wait for that day to come."James, you know exactly what my relationship with your boss has been like all these years. What's the point of going back? To endure more of his insults?""Mrs. Graham, perhaps things aren't as bad as you think." James naturally sided with Travis.The reason was simple: Travis was his meal ticket.Besides, having worked for Travis for so many years, James believed his boss wasn't truly a bad person."Stop calling me Mrs. Graham. How many times do I have to tell you?" Nicole got a headache just hearing that title."Yes, Mrs. Graham. I'll be more careful in the future. Will you come back with me now?" James bowed respectfully to Nicole.Nicole shook her head with a bitter smile."James, do you not understand what I'm saying?""Mrs. Graham, you can't beat these t
"I know what game you're playing," Nicole said quietly.She lightly raised her foot to kick away Lucy's hand, then calmly brought the basin of hot water to Travis.Seeing Nicole easily dodge her attempt, Lucy's smile momentarily froze."Where's your washcloth?" Nicole glanced at Lucy, a slight curve to her lips, then turned toward Travis.Travis pointed to the wardrobe across from his hospital bed. "In there.""Hmm." Nicole turned and opened the wardrobe, immediately spotting the small white square cloth on top.As she was about to close the wardrobe door, she heard the sudden sound of a basin crashing to the floor behind her.This was followed by Lucy's scream."Ah! It's burning hot!"Nicole quickly turned around to see the hot water she'd carefully brought now spilled all over the floor.Lucy was soaked, moaning as she clutched her reddened arm."Nicole, did you do this on purpose? Did you deliberately place the basin precariously?" Travis's accusation immediately followed
"How am I supposed to drink this soup? It's scalding hot!"Travis discovered his hand firmly trapped in Nicole's grip, his handsome face darkening like the bottom of a pan.When he tried to use brute force to break free, he realized that the normally soft and gentle Nicole now possessed astonishing strength.The cold-faced Nicole before him seemed completely unfamiliar.She hardly resembled the woman he had so easily pushed around before."Mr. Graham, if the soup is too hot, you can drink it slowly. But isn't it time to break this bad habit of knocking over dishes whenever you're upset?""You used to blow on it to cool it down before feeding me. Why can't you do that now?" Travis was accustomed to Nicole's meticulous care.But the current Nicole treated him with less warmth than his household staff.Her cold, aloof attitude infuriated Travis."Mr. Graham, I suggest you wake your mind up. We're divorced. I'm no longer your wife. How could I possibly treat you like before?"Nic
Ben spoke with such sincerity that Nicole felt she would be letting him down if she refused."No problem."Nicole had heard that Ben was wealthy, but she didn't know the extent of his wealth.It wasn't until she saw the sprawling lawn, European-style villa, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, and basketball court on Ben's phone that her perception of him was completely refreshed."If you have no objections, let's sign a contract."Ben pulled out a briefcase from behind him and extracted three copies of an employment contract.Nicole finally realized something was off."Professor Wallace, you came prepared tonight?"Ben made no attempt to hide his intentions. "Yes. Calvin really likes you. He keeps talking about the pretty Professor Spencer... What can I say? The things we do as parents."After quickly reviewing the contract and finding no issues, Nicole signed it.Even after showing Ben out of her apartment, Nicole still found the situation unbelievable.Was she now working
"I'd appreciate fewer jokes like that. I don't want the whole school filled with rumors about us."Recently, due to the surgery and other matters, Nicole and Ben had been spending more time together, which had already sparked gossip that they were dating.Nicole had to repeatedly explain, "Don't misunderstand—Professor Wallace and I have a purely professional relationship!""Professor Spencer, no need to explain. You're both single—there's nothing wrong if you've fallen in love," her colleagues would tease.Only Richard would grimly say, "Professor Spencer, Professor Wallace's family situation is complicated. You'd be better off with someone whose background is simpler and cleaner."As for why he described Ben's background as complicated, Richard didn't dare elaborate. Ben had happened to walk by at that moment and shot him a warning glance."So, Professor Spencer, are you suggesting we should maintain a proper distance?" Ben asked, his eyes fixed intently on Nicole's."Yes." Ni
"Professor Wallace, you're quite the smooth talker. I imagine you're good at winning over the ladies."After years of being insulted and belittled by Travis, being complimented by another man felt strange to Nicole. She even felt herself getting warm.She stood up, gathering the empty dishes, and turned toward the kitchen.From behind her came the man's deep, magnetic voice."Professor Spencer, I'm not good at winning women over. I'm good at keeping them at a distance."Nicole paused. "Those women must be quite heartbroken then!"With that, she hurried into the kitchen.She turned on the faucet, cool water running over her skin.Her rational mind gradually cleared.Nicole, men love to sweet-talk, don't let yourself be fooled by their words.She reminded herself of this as she washed the dishes."Washing dishes this way wastes water. Let me do it."Ben, having finished his meal, walked into the kitchen and noticed Nicole staring absent-mindedly at the running water."Sorry,
Nicole was exhausted.After returning to her dorm and quickly freshening up, she slept from 2 PM straight through until 6 PM.She hurriedly ordered ingredients from a delivery app, then tidied up her apartment.After spending half an hour washing and chopping vegetables, she realized it was already seven o'clock.Ben knocked on her door right on time."Professor Spencer, is dinner ready?" he asked, walking in with drinks in hand.Nicole glanced at her cold stove and pots, and cleared her throat."I woke up late, so I've just finished prepping the ingredients. I'll be done quickly, Professor Wallace. Please make yourself comfortable on the couch.""Need any help?""No need. I can manage.""Okay then. I'll take you up on that."Though he said he wouldn't impose, Ben did exactly that—settling onto the couch and casually picking up a medical journal to read.When Nicole finally called him to the table, he returned the book to the shelf, washed his hands, and helped arrange the
Lucy's question was like a hand reaching for the delicate veil covering Travis's thoughts, nearly exposing his true feelings.Travis gently touched his bandaged head and immediately denied it. "Lucy, what are you saying? How could I ever like that woman? She's the one who caused your condition."Lucy wiped tears from the corners of her eyes, her voice choked with emotion. "Travis, I know I'm disabled now and no longer worthy of you. I would bless your relationship with anyone—anyone except Nicole!""I understand. Don't worry, I won't fall for her. I just don't want her to have it easy.""Would you swear to it?"Travis fell silent.As a man approaching 30, he certainly knew how childish and hollow such oaths were.But if it would give Lucy some peace of mind, saying a few more words didn't matter.He raised his right hand toward the ceiling, his handsome face solemn and serious."Lucy, I swear on my life that I will never develop feelings for Nicole. If I ever like Nicole, may