"Of course." Nicole raised her eyebrow. "This is your chance. You better be well-prepared for this weekend."The news made Lulu very excited, though she attempted to remain poised anyway. "I... I will..."Nicole could see that the two of them were serious about their feelings for Spencer and Samuel, and due to that, it would be nice if there was an opportunity for her to pair all of them up.However, it was then that Nicole received a message from Sean. "Nicole, my previous companion was my assistant. Mom just loves playing match-up a little too much. I don't want things to be awkward in the office later on. Help me out and find me a partner to even the count, if you would."Nicole raised her eyebrow the second she had read that. 'Sean is truly a shmuck.'Although she had not paid much attention to Sean's companion during the dinner, that assistant of his was both considerate and well-mannered. Moreover, she was almost a little too submissive toward him.For a workaholic like Sea
Regina had just entered the classroom, and yet, she was already assigned to sit next to the class representative. Ms. Emerson was too fond of her.All of a sudden, a wide smile formed on Regina's face. "Thank you very much, madam. I would like to ask, who is the class president?"She turned around to look at her classmates, hoping to find the aforementioned class president.Much to her surprise, everyone proceeded to turn their heads toward Nicole.Vivian noticed the dumbfounded look on Regina's face right away. She was already trying to get on Nicole's good side as soon as she joined the class, and yet, she did not know that the class president was none other than Nicole.Remembering that she was classmates with Nicole previously, Vivian stifled her anger for Nicole and directed it to Regina instead. "You've just joined the class, and yet, you've tried to suck up to Nicole. And now, you're saying that you don't know who the class president is? In the entire class, she's the only
Based on the comments from her classmates, it seemed to her that Nicole had been leading a good life thus far, a reality which Regina had a hard time swallowing.Concurrently, Nicole had just returned to the classroom too.Unable to stomach the truth anymore, she walked up to Nicole and said sarcastically, "I did not expect you to be leading such a good life here at San Joto. You even made it to the position of president."In Regina's point of view, Nicole had always been a class below her. On top of that, she thought that Nicole had nothing in her skill set that would qualify her for the position of class president at Royal Creek Institute.In response, Nicole shot Regina a glance. "Why? Are you jealous?"Those two lines infuriated Regina at once. "Who is jealous? I'm just shocked with San Joto's standards when it comes to appointing a class monitor. If someone like you can become the class monitor, I could too!"Once those words had left Regina's mouth, the entire class was tak
'What is going on? Were these people surprised to know who I am? Why are they laughing like that?' she wondered.Based on Regina's foolishness alone, she would never understand the true reason.After an entire day of classes, there were no further interactions between Nicole and Regina.Initially, Regina was confident about becoming the class president, but after a few periods of lessons, she began to lose hope. The pace at the Royal Creek Institute was too fast, and Regina could not catch up at all. Soon, she began to grow curious as to how Nicole could be so calm and relaxed. After every lesson, Nicole would be reading reference books, prompting Regina to become furious. If she really wanted to become the class monitor, she had to better manage her own studies first.During self-revision time, Regina was sweating buckets while studying. On the other hand, Nicole had already stood up, ready to walk out with Bradley, Gary and the rest quickly following suit.Seeing that Nicole did
Nicole glanced over and noticed Regina strutting in arrogantly, during which she mocked, "It seems that someone can't wait to be humiliated again."Gary, Jack and Wayne turned over to check out what was going on, and they could already predict that there would be another drama soon.Outside of the computer lab, Lulu and the rest were peeking through the window, waiting to witness the drama.Regina could feel those eyes watching her, and she still thought that everyone was staring at her because of her beauty. So, she unconsciously lifted her chin and greeted the teacher. She then mentioned that she was the new student who had just registered before taking a seat.However, her gaze was directed at Nicole throughout the entire time. Deep down, she was comparing herself to Nicole.At that moment, Ryder stepped onto the podium. "For today, I'll still be assigning tasks to all of you on behalf of the teacher. Everyone, please hurry up to solve the question. Those who manage to solve it
"Of course...a little." Gary embarrassedly replied.Nicole put on a wicked smile, remained silent, and continued sipping on her coffee.At that point, Ryder was standing next to Nicole. Noticing that Nicole was taking sip after sip of her drink, Ryder thought that he had finally challenged her.Thus, he purposely teased her, "Why? Is the question too difficult today?"Hearing that Nicole was finding it difficult to solve the question made Regina smirk. Initially, she thought that Nicole would be leagues above her. Yet, it seemed that she was in the same position as Regina.What Regina did not know was that Nicole's question was a lot more difficult than hers.Nicole noticed how provocative Ryder was, and so, she playfully smiled. "It's not hard. I don't even have the urge to solve it."Once those words exited her mouth, the whole room fell silent in shock.Previously, everyone had witnessed Nicole's ability with their own eyes, so much so that even Ryder could not defeat her. H
Gary instinctively pinched his forehead, for his prediction had come to life, as expected.At that moment, Ryder's face was brimming with embarrassment and shock, "H-how is that possible?"Nicole stood up in an instant. "Senior. Can you please set a harder question for me the next time?"Then, she raised her hands and said to the teacher, "Maam, I've completed my task. I'm leaving now."Not expect Nicole to complete the assignment quicker than she had during the last session, the teacher frowned at Ryder in annoyance.'He's a senior, and yet, he could not even give his junior a run for her money,' the teacher though, wondering if she should ask Nicole to set the questions for the training program instead.Seeing that Nicole had just walked out, the entire class was shocked, with Regina so taken aback that her jaw dropped.'That b*tch, Nicole Riddle! She could actually solve such a complex task?' she asked herself. 'Were they really telling the truth when they referred to Nicole
"Alright," Gary nodded in agreement.With gloomy expressions on their faces, Wayne and Jack said, "How could this b*stard drag Ms. Emerson down? She's ruining our class reputation.""Exactly! I have never seen someone so irritating before!"Gary did not react well to this situation at all, since it was his own class being raked over the coals. He was not pleased that such a person had ruined his reputation. Unfortunately, they had to endure it, as they had sworn not to abuse women.Nicole walked out of the computer lab and spotted the duo of Lulu and June with a bunch of other students who were standing at the door, watching the drama.Nicole frowned at the sight right away. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in class?"Lulu chuckled while covering her mouth. "Nicole, We all saw what happened. You were amazing!""That's right. You even solve Ryder's task!"Initially, they were all there to witness Regina's failure. Who would have known that they were able to watch such
"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