The two strolled one behind the other.When Harvey and Snow came out, all they saw were Jared and Nicole’s distant back. Under the illumination of the street lights, two slender shadows gradually overlapped in one place and stretched out endlessly in the night.Harvey's smile slowly dwindled as he locked his gaze on them. His eyes, which were usually gentle, became icy.It was not until the girls behind him said their goodbyes that he turned around with a smile and told them to be careful on the way home. After seeing those girls being picked up by cars one after the other, Harvey took off his suit jacket and put it on his arm. He spoke to Snow on the side, "Snow, go back."He was telling her to stop following him.The smile on Snow's face froze. She had noticed Harvey's grim expression when he was looking at Nicole's back. Snow pursed her lips and murmured, "Harvey, you've been acting strange lately. What's wrong with you?"Snow’s words had startled Harvey.‘Even Snow is aware
When Jared’s ride had arrived, he retracted his eyes from Harvey’s face. His expression remained indifferent as he opened the car door, got in, and left the scene.Harvey, who was still on the spot, covered his face while laughing. ‘I thought I could at least provoke him and make him say something nasty. But sure enough, Jared Johnston is someone who will never allow himself to be manipulated.’The next day, Nicole got up early for her morning routine. After a morning jog, she carried several weapons and went to the back mountain for training as usual.However, someone was already sitting there in the place she frequented. It was Harvey. Propping his head up on his elbow, he was taking a nap before an open book.Nicole didn't startle Harvey. Instead, she turned and left without a second thought.When she was leaving, Harvey’s closed eyes suddenly opened. He looked at Nicole's back, and the glimmer in his eyes flickered.‘Another terrible morning for me,’ thought Harvey who let ou
As the Royal Creek Institute’s high school department head, Ms. Thompson hated students who misbehaved and did poor in study. ‘This Nicole has already given me a bad impression because she’s a transfer student from the countryside. Not to mention now she is a troublemaker!’ Ms. Thompson snarled silently.Seeing Ms. Thompson’s manner, Nicole knew that Ms. Thompson was deliberately targeting her. She spoke to Ms. Thompson nonchalantly, "Do whatever you want."Ms. Thompson was furious at Nicole, but on second thought, she realized that Nicole did not even refute her. ‘Did she not care about the penalty she will face at all? It seems that giving her penalty is still too light,’ she thought."Nicole, is this how you behave when talking to teachers? It seems that you are unfit to be a student in an outstanding school like Royal Creek Institute student where teachers are respected. I will file for your expulsion through the principal instead!"The whole class was in an uproar. Nicole had
Nevertheless, who would expect Ms. Thompson, who often found faults in students, to have good hearing. When she heard Sammey’s words, she shouted, "Sammey, what did you say?!"Sammey did not bother to hide it since he was caught. He raised his head and said, "I said Nicole tutored us better than you! Unlike you who would insult after teaching us a while, Nicole respects us. And I can comprehend everything she explains! An ‘excellent teacher’ like you are incompetent!"As soon as those words came out from Sammey’s mouth, Ms. Thompson raised her hand angrily. She was on the verge of slapping him. Just when she was about to slap him, a fair and slender hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.There was a bracelet of red woven yarn on the wrist of the hand. It was neither thick nor thin. The hand had a strong grip. No matter how hard Ms. Thompson struggled, she could not even shake the bracelet. It was as if the hand had infinite strength, making her unable to move.Sammey, who was ready to ta
Mr. Ellison was silent for a moment when he heard Nicole's words on the other end of the phone.He did not doubt Nicole’s words. However, Austin and his gang were notorious for their stubbornness and unruly behavior. Moreover, Nicole had finally enrolled in the Royal Creek Institute as Mr. Ellison wished, so he did not want Nicole to take any risk of leaving the school.But Nicole had already said those words. So there was nothing he could do about it. Upon the sight of how Nicole was defending Austin and the gang, Gary’s grip to his pen tightened.‘Why can't Nicole get rid of her habit of talking big!’Gary refused to admit the jealousy that was rising instantly within him. ‘Why is Nicole willing to go this far for these b*stards and yet she does not even bother to look at me?’Vivian also looked at Nicole in disbelief. ‘I did not expect Nicole to be so stupid. This monthly exam is rumored to be very difficult. Even I feel that I have not study hard enough for it. Yet she sti
Edwin quickly shut his mouth. But after a while, he could not contain his curiosity. While typing his keyboard he said, “But Nicole is really mysterious. Many Internet search experts on the campus looked her up but found nothing.""Not even you?" Harvey raised his eyebrows slightly.Edwin was a cyber expert proficient in some hacking techniques. Despite being a twelve grader, he had partnered with Preston to set up a hacking service company outside the campus. The company was said to have made plenty deals."That’s right. I’ve found some private accounts Nicole is using for her daily life.""But be it messenger or social media, all her accounts are newly created. Her personal information is well hidden, and her past records seem to have been deliberately deleted.""She's that mysterious?" Harvey stared at Edwin's screen. As what Edwin had said, there was nothing in her file.‘This is strange. What is Nicole's identity, that even grandpa is so concerned about her?’"Yes. In fact,
When Edwin realized that Nicole would go out and talk with him for real, he suddenly became excited. "Hahaha, Harvey, your charm is not as good as mine! What campus hunk are you! “Nicole, I have known you for a long time. I think you’re very beautiful. I will definitely choose you as the new campus queen! “I don't think you have anything to do with the bad rumors mentioned on the Internet. Anyone with brains won’t easily fall for information circulated on the Internet. “After all, famous people tend to attract rumors. What do you think? Am I right?"Everyone in Class B looked at Edwin. ‘Edwin seems to behave differently than we have seen. How did he become so talkative all of a sudden?’What they did not know was, Edwin might have been indifferent when facing people he disliked, but he was a fan of Nicole's beauty. Thus, when he saw Nicole, he was acting like fans seeing their idols. It was hard for him to contain his excitement.Nicole walked out with him, feeling a littl
Edwin shook his head at the thought of the advanced hacker's request, "I can't tell you."Nicole also looked back at him, her expression calm. However, it felt as if there were waves surging in her deeper parts. "Edwin, since we can't trust each other, don't look for me again."Edwin stared blankly at her back and did not catch up.‘Yes, Nicole is right, how can we make a deal if we can’t trust each other? I was too reckless.’Edwin took out his phone and called Preston. "My path to the solution is blocked. You need to find another expert."He looked at Nicole who was walking away without hesitation and sighed.Nicole returned to the class with all eyes on her..She went back to her seat, her expression unchanged. She did not care about them at all.Bradley in front turned to her curiously. "Nicole, why did Edwin and Harvey look for you?"Nicole was pulling out the new exercise that Ms. Emerson gave her from the desk drawer, and said lightly, "It's nothing. Edwin needs some he
"Let's go, it's time to head down. The ceremony will start soon."The group laughed and talked as they left the bridal suite. Jared and his friends, Spencer and Preston, were also guided out by everyone.Now, only the family of four remained in the bridal suite, getting ready for their big entrance."Mommy, it's almost time. Let's get ready," Nolan said, pulling on Nicole's hand.Nicole gently patted Nolan and Lana's cheeks, whispering, "Okay."As she made to stand, Jared extended his hand toward her. Lifting her gaze, she caught Jared in a moment of elegance, his charm unmistakable. A smile bloomed on her face as she placed her hand in his.With a gentle tug, Jared drew her up, his touch tender against her palm.In a swift move, he pulled Nicole into his arms, his other hand circling her waist to pull her close.As Jared looked at Nicole, admiration shimmered in his eyes. "You look truly beautiful today," he remarked."Daddy, Mommy is beautiful every day," Lana chimed in, til
Nicole laughed off the debate between Lulu and June, saying, "Both are lovely. I'm happy with either."Both sets of jewelry were beautiful, and she felt that either would do."Exactly. Nicole will shine in anything," Cindy said, picking a set. "Let's go with this one."Lulu gave June a victorious look. "Told you this was the one."Cindy then suggested, "Why not wear this for the ceremony and switch for the reception? That way, we use both.""Great idea," June agreed, smiling at Cindy's suggestion.Nicole smiled. "Sounds perfect."With everyone agreeing, the stylist went ahead with preparing Nicole.Lulu watched Nicole, amazed by how calm she seemed. "Aren't you a bit nervous?" she asked. Lulu remembered her own wedding jitters.Nicole bit her lip, a hint of nerves showing. "I'm more excited than anything," she admitted.She had been looking forward to this day, ready to face the future with Jared with hope and joy."Just finished," the stylist announced, stepping back to adm
"Do you think I don't want to meet someone? I just haven't found the right person," Gary said somewhat resignedly. He had long regarded Nicole as just a friend."Why don't we just try the dates our families set up?" Ryder suggested, calm and collected. He figured since finding someone on his own wasn't working, maybe arranged dates could help. In their circles, it seemed like good matches were meant to be."Arranged dates don't sound great. You hardly know the person. Are we really okay with deciding to spend our lives together like that?" Preston wasn't too keen on the idea."Emery's doing pretty well with it, you know," Ryder said confidently. "I trust our families. They wouldn't set us up with someone terrible. They've probably made sure we'd be a good match."Gary thought it over. "You might be right. Our families aren't just trying to make deals; they want us to be happy."As Gary and Ryder seemed more into the idea, Preston was still unsure. "You guys are serious?""Why not
Jared held Nicole close and looked at her. "After we get married, we'll move to the estate," he said.Their future home would be just theirs.He thought it was good for Nicole to spend more time with her family since she hadn't been with them for five years. But they knew they would move to the estate later."Okay," Nicole said, nodding. She was happy Jared made the estate close to her family, so she was okay with moving.Jared gently touched her hair and kissed her...****Time flew, and soon it was Nicole and Jared's wedding day.From the morning, San Joto was alive with excitement. Everyone was talking about Jared and Nicole's wedding.Politicians, business leaders, close friends, and business partners all came to wish the couple well.The Riddles were busy welcoming the guests, making everything look amazing."Patricia, hurry up, Charlie's here," Ellar called out as he spotted Charlie. He quickly got Patricia to come and greet him. Max, hearing the fuss, came over too.C
"You really need to rest. You shouldn't work for the next few days. Stay home and rest. A bride has to look her best," Gloria said, looking at Nicole and making the decision for her."Bride!" Nicole was surprised because she hadn't talked about any wedding yet."Yes, now that everything is settled, it's time for your wedding with Jared," Gloria said, deciding firmly. She used to think it was best for the kids to decide for themselves, but after several delays, she felt waiting longer made no sense. The wedding should happen soon."I was thinking that too," Jared said. They had planned the wedding after solving the Everett problem, but then they found out Lawrence had hurt Nicole in the past, causing more delays. Now, with everything sorted out, they saw no reason to wait. The wedding was the next big step.Nicole looked at Jared and, with a smile, agreed, "Okay." Their wedding had been waiting for five years; it was time, with no need to wait any longer."That's so cool, I'm the f
Patricia felt a mix of reluctance and happiness as she prepared to part ways with Charlie.Jared glanced at Charlie and said, "It's about time for us to board." He tenderly held Nicole's hand and led her toward the boarding gate."I need to go through the boarding procedures too," Patricia said, biting her lip. "You must find happiness as well.""I will," Charlie assured her with a gentle smile, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You've grown up, too. You don't need to cling to me anymore. I believe Ellar will take great care of you."Patricia nodded, then, leaning closer to Charlie, she whispered, 'When Mr. Johnston and Ms. Riddle get married, make sure you bring my future sister-in-law back with you.' Caught off guard, Charlie playfully scolded her, "You little rascal."Doretta, standing not too far away, overheard Patricia's whispered words. Her cheeks turned even redder."Let's go," Patricia announced, then turned to Doretta, adding, "We'll meet again.""Goodbye,
Lying in bed with Nicole cradled in his arms, Jared whispered gently, "Sleep for a bit.""Mhm." Finally feeling at peace, Nicole smiled slightly, and she quickly fell asleep.As Jared listened to her soft breathing, his eyes softened with affection, and he too closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.The next morning, as the group got ready to head back to San Joto, Zane and Doretta came to say goodbye."I still have things to finish here, but I promise to be at your wedding," Zane said with a big smile."And I'll be there to wish you well, Nicole," Doretta added.Saying goodbye is always hard, but everyone knew they had their own journeys to continue."Great, we'll see you in San Joto," Nicole said with a bright smile."It's time to go," Zane said, knowing they couldn't wait any longer without risking missing their plane."I've got the paperwork," Patricia said, ready to help with the travel documents for Jared and Nicole. Then, looking at Charlie, she asked, "Need help with
Nicole was quiet, thinking about everything. 'If I hadn't remembered everything, maybe Lawrence and I could have stayed friends. But after finding out about the airport, it's impossible...'Not only had she regained her memory, but she had also learned about the airport incident. Lawrence had gone to great lengths to prevent her from returning to San Joto."Thanks for saving me before, but you also hurt me. We're even now," Nicole said calmly, looking at Lawrence like he was someone she didn't know anymore.Jared squeezed Nicole's hand gently. "Let's go."They decided to leave the rest to Zane and head back."Wait." Lawrence's voice stopped Nicole. He sounded almost like he was begging. "Please, don't tell Nolan about this."Nicole paused, then said, "I won't tell him. Not for you, but because I don't want Nolan to see how bad people can be."With that, Nicole walked away with Jared.Lawrence sat down, watching her leave, with mixed feelings."Let's go too," Patricia said to C
"Your robots don't work anymore," a voice said, sounding very pleased. Then, a person came out from behind the crowd, looking pretty proud of himself."Carl!" Nicole was shocked to see him. 'It's Carl!'"It's been a while." Carl smiled and waved at Nicole.Carl had come as soon as Zane told him about the problem. He couldn't just do nothing when Nicole needed help.He didn't expect them to act so soon, which is why he was a little late. But he was still in time to help. Carl was surprised by Lawrence's robots at first, but luckily, the weapons he brought, which he had been working on for years, stopped the robots. This was a big help to everyone."We really need to thank Carl; we would have been in big trouble without him," Zane said, feeling relieved.Zane had asked Carl for help, hoping it would make them more likely to win, but Carl ended up being very important."Thank you," Nicole said with a warm smile. It was nice to see an old friend again."No need to thank me. I'm jus