Noticing the worried expressions on their faces, Nicole continued to reassure them, "She might be too afraid to show up anyway."After exchanging glances with each other, they ultimately decided to leave. "Well then, we'll go home now and come back to visit you tomorrow."Deep down, they all knew that the act of staying was not going to help and might even disrupt Nicole's plan."Okay." Nicole smiled and nodded in agreement.After they had exited the ward, Nicole glanced at the time. She figured that it was almost time for visiting hours to end. The relatives and friends who had come to pay their visits had already left, leaving only patients and medical staff in the building.In a little while, it would be time for nurses to do their rounds. After that, everyone would turn the lights off and go to sleep. If Snow were to appear, it would probably be during the quiet hours of the night.Nicole then proceeded to calculate the possible time frame for Snow's appearance and the likeli
Nicole gazed coldly at Snow and remarked, "You went out of your way to hurt me first, and then, you tried to escape punishment. And now you've come to kill me. You really do hate me with a passion, don't you?""Of course I hate you! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be in this situation now!" Snow's eyes were bloodshot as she yelled in frustration.Nicole glanced at Snow coldly. "Too bad. It's entirely on you."Snow's current situation was hardly Nicole's fault, and yet, here she was, mindlessly blaming her for her predicaments. This had really left Nicole speechless."If it weren't for you, I would have had a loving relationship with Harvey. I would have become Mrs. Ellison long ago. I wouldn't have become the laughingstock of San Joto repeatedly!" Snow refused to listen to Nicole, deeply convinced that everything was Nicole's fault."The one who refused to marry you was Harvey. The one who deceived you again was Harvey. Shouldn't you blame him for your humiliation instead?" Nico
Jared gently brushed her hair aside and whispered, "Let's take care of your wounds first."His heart had been unsettled ever since he went home. So, once the children were asleep, he decided to return to the hospital and that was when he was immediately met with this scene.He was not concerned about Snow. as this outcome was entirely of her own making. However, Nicole had sustained another injury because of this, with her wound still bleeding, drenching the bandage and staining her clothes scarlet.He gently lifted Nicole into his arms and strode out of the ward."Clean the room," he said before carrying Nicole to the emergency room so that she could treat her wounds.As for Nicole, her heart began to calm and settle in his embrace. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling reassured. She knew that Snow would show up eventually, but this encounter had left her bamboozled; she had anticipated that Snow would wait for another two days before making a move.Still, it seemed that
Preston took a deep breath before he said, "Nicole, I know that Snow was in the wrong. I'll apologize to you on her behalf."Then, he gave her a bow to express his sincerity."No need for that, really. She's still in a critical situation right now. There's no need to apologize. Besides, it's not your fault anyway. You don't have to do this," Nicole replied.Although she did not remember everything, she knew that Preston was different from the other members of Dillion's family. He was the only one who had shown her any semblance of kindness."I'm aware of what happened. She orchestrated an accident and injured you before, yet she's now repeating her mistakes without any hint of remorse. Now, she's suffering the consequences she brought upon herself. She can't blame anyone else," Preston grumbled, feeling that Snow's actions this time were truly outrageous."Let's not talk about Snow anymore. If you have come to visit me, I must say that I welcome and appreciate that. There's no nee
"You heartless jerk. That's our daughter you're talking about!" Karen yelled.Dillon glared at her coldly, "If you feel bad for her, I'll get someone to send you to the hospital immediately.""I-" Karen choked.If she were to go to the hospital now, she would be announcing to the entire world that there was a connection between her family and what Snow had done, rendering them guilty by association. And if Jared wanted to take revenge on them, they would not be able to retaliate.Karen's face turned pale. In the end, she could only give up, calm down, and remain silent."Mom, Dad? Preston is at the hospital now. He'll update us soon," Raine comforted.The grimace on Dillon's face was even more sour now as he mumbled, "Isn't he worried about dragging us down?""But one of us must show up. Not to mention, Preston has always had a cordial relationship with Nicole. He's the only one who can be there without stirring anything up," Raine explained.She was of the opinion that Preston
"Hurry up. Why are you so slow?""Oh."Raine's annoyed response emanated from upstairs, causing James to snap out of his thoughts and follow her up.Just like that, the night passed, and a new day arrived.The hospital that had been silent all night, but by dawn, it had become chaotic all over again.At that moment, the emergency room lights, which were lit the entire time, finally dimmed.After Preston had been patiently waiting for the doctor to emerge from the ward, he immediately approached the latter. "How was it?"The doctor shook his head and sighed, "It's best for the family to be prepared for the worst. The patient's brain has suffered immense trauma. Even though the surgery was a success, we're still unsure if she'll regain consciousness.""So, she's...in a vegetative state?" Preston stammered, finding it hard to utter those words."We've tried our best," the doctor remorsefully said, and walked away.Preston's mind went blank at once, and he was left in a state of
"Alright. You must be tired. Do get some rest when you've returned home." Nicole looked at Preston calmly, her face void of any anger of dissatisfaction for him.In her view, this entire incident had little to nothing to do with Preston. Because of this, she would not direct her anger at him. Since Snow had gotten the punishment she deserved, this issue was considered settled."I'll go first," Preston said, still guilty and blaming himself.Then, he turned around and walked off.Seeing that Preston had left, Nicole bit her lips, turned to Jared, and said, "I want to be discharged and go home.""Alright, I'll get Max to arrange it for you." Jared replied."I'll help you." Lulu packed Nicole's stuff as she said.Once everything was ready, the three of them left the hospital.When they arrived at the house, a pang of sadness struck Daniel and Gloria as they noted the gauze on Nicole's body."You were already injured this badly, and Snow still refused to give up? Was she trying to
"In that case, what should we do?" Gloria asked through gritted teeth. "I know that there's nothing else we can do about Snow. I'm just worried that with Dillon's attitude, will they continue to harm Nicole?"Gloria understood that Daniel's consideration was valid, but ultimately, she was more concerned about Karen and Dillion's behavior in the grand scheme of things. So long as they were allowed to act with impunity, Gloria could not be at ease."Let's wait and see how things pan out." Daniel responded, deep in thought.He had a feeling that Nicole had her own plan, and so, he believed they ought to sit and observe instead of getting in Nicole's way.Gloria nodded and looked at the flight of stairs the moment she heard that, her eyes bloodshot and teary.Back in Nicole's room, Jared laid her down on their bed and urged, "Get some rest.""Okay." Nicole smirked and nodded. After all, Jared would not know what Nicole was up to after he was gone.Judging by how brief her response w
"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