"You can wait outside. Having Martin here alone will do," Nicole said softly.Once Jared had heard her words, he became concerned for a bit, but he left the room nonetheless. He then took a seat on the couch and gave Max a call.Inside the medical room, Martin looked at Nicole and softly said, "Take your hands off the wound, Nicole. Let me look at it."Upon hearing that, she slowly lifted her hands.The moment he saw that Nicole's face was perfectly fine, Martin was stunned. "Your face. Why did he said you're injured?""Hush! Lower your voice. I'm putting up an act with Harvey, and Jared doesn't know about it." Nicole sat up, took a napkin, and wiped the liquid off her face.Martin glanced outside before walking up to her side and asked, "What the hell is going on?""You'll find out soon enough. For now, you just need to help with getting this ruse going." Nicole shot Martin a glance before lying back down on the bed.Looking at Nicole, Martin said in defeat, "How do you want m
Jared gave Martin a glance and a slight nod. He was in a daze as he continued to look at Nicole."Let's bring this conversation out of here," Martin said as the two men helped Nicole toward the couch.The trio then took their seats on the couch, with Nicole sandwiched in the middle. She shot him a glance and blinked.Jared did not understand what she had meant and turned to Martin.Martin immediately explained. "Oh, she said that there's no need to worry. She's fine."Jared looked at Martin with his brows raised. 'How the heck was he able to read that?'"I got it. Just relax and heal up. This wound is nothing. I'll hire the best doctors in the city to treat you." Jared turned around and comforted Nicole at once, intent on getting the best doctors to restore Nicole's visage.The instant Nicole heard that he wished to hire another doctor, she thought, 'Won't my ruse be exposed?'Then, she gave him another blink at once."What's the matter with her?" Jared asked Martin, unable to
After they had entered the room, Nicole slowly herself down on the sickbed with Jared's help while Martin stood at the edge of the bed, watching them.A nurse then walked in, saying, "You're here, Dr. Wyance.""Yes. She's my patient and I'll be in charge of her." Martin told the nurse.The nurse nodded in understanding as she grabbed a pen and wrote Martin's name on Nicole's patient ID, designating him as the attending physician, before placing it on the bed."Medicate her using this prescription." Martin handed the prescription to the nurse.When the nurse took the prescription, she raised a brow in confusion. "Dr. Wyance...""Just medicate her using the prescription I gave you." Martin shot her a glance, prompting her to leave without saying another word."Jared, just stay here and accompany Nicole. I'll head out for a bit," Martin said, and gave Nicole one last glance before exiting the room, leaving Jared and Nicole inside.Jared sat by Nicole's side and looked at her as he
Martin displayed a slight frown. For a moment, he could not understand Nicole's intentions.The, once he noticed that her eyes were closed, he thought, 'It's best not to bother her with any more questions. She must have her own reasons for doing so.'"Well, get your rest, then. If there's anything else you need, you can call me anytime," Martin finished, and turned around to leave the room."Alright."Nicole then slept peacefully throughout the entire night.Meanwhile, Jared had returned to his company, with Max already waiting for him in his office."Tell me everything," Jared ordered as he walked in and took a seat on his chair."From what we've gathered in our investigations, the Adam family are now linked to the McCarthy family through marriage. They've been expanding their sphere of influence wherever possible, and have been urging the McCarthys to do the same. The McCarthys have remained silent on this matter, however, and this has left members of the Adam family unhappy w
"Understood."Carl went back to the main control room after patrolling around for an hour. He then picked his phone up and gave Nicole a call."Carl, are you slacking off in the midst of a busy schedule?" Nicole asked jokingly."How'd you know? Are you a mind reader of sorts?" Carl asked in astonishment."Considering that you're able to give me a call, you must not be having anything urgent on your hands. Anyway, how's everything there? Are you okay?" Nicole asked with concern."I'm holding up just fine. I've just had another confrontation with The Raven about a week ago and fortunately, our men who've been injured were able to put the Beacons that you've given us to good use. Their recoveries were fast, and they were able to get back into action soon after," Carl said, praising Nicole for her foresight.'Wow, I didn't expect the Beacons to be of use that soon. The Raven seems to be quite conscientious...'"Are you okay?" Nicole asked worriedly."You know how I am. How are thos
"Why should I come over to protect you? Is it because Jared has not been taking good care of you? If that's the case, I'll fly over and teach him a good lesson!" Carl exclaimed, thinking that Nicole had not been treated well and threatened to stand up for her."Keep your voice down! It's not what you think. Jared treats me very well. Anyway, just do as I say." Nicole said, not taking no for an answer."But...""No buts! Are you turning your back on me now?" Nicole questioned, her tone becoming stern."Alright, chill. I'll do as you say." Carl quickly resigned.He too wished to stay by Nicole's side every day, for it was what he had long been yearning for."That's more like it. Well, I ought to go and catch some rest now. You can go back to work. Stay safe, and no matter what happens, please keep yourself protected first," Nicole sternly warned.She knew that he was more capable of defending himself, but she was worried about him, nonetheless."I know. You should get some good r
"Okay, I'll get Claus to go and buy you some food and bring it over," Jared said as he took his phone out and called Claus.Nicole helplessly watched as Jared made the phone call. 'What should I do?'[I suddenly remembered that I have something very important to do. Can you bring my computer here?] Nicole quickly typed on her phone and showed it to Jared."You're all injured! How can you think about work?" Jared asked, his face brimming with disapproval and concern.[My face may have been wounded, but my hands are fine. If you don't help me out, I'll have to go and get it myself.]Nicole gestured as if to get out of bed, threatening Jared."Don't move. I'll go.' Jared looked at Nicole, unable to disagree and resist her. "But if I go back now, I might not be able to accompany you tonight. I can only bring the computer to you tomorrow."Jared felt a little disappointed at the thought that he could not stay with Nicole for the night.[It's okay. I don't want you staying here with
Jared caressed Nicole's face, while his eyes were brimming with reluctance.Nicole's heart melted at the sight of his doting eyes. 'He has been treating me so well. Even after my face has become like this, he still treats me the same as before. He isn't disgusted by me at all...''The original plan was to lure the perpetrator out, but I didn't expect him to care about me this much. It's really getting overwhelming.'Nicole was struck with a pang of guilt when she saw how reluctant Jared was to leave. 'Maybe I should've told him the plan. That way, he wouldn't be as sad. But then again, Jared would behave too calmly, and because of that, we won't be able to fool anyone.'Then, she closed her eyes and waited for time to pass.As night fell, a person came knocking on Joyce McCarthy's door and barged in hastily."Nicole was injured and hospitalized, Ms. Jo. The injury was very serious. It left her disfigured!""Disfigured?"'The heavens must be on my side! Looks like the restaurant
"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