"What's she up to?" Nicole frowned. 'Is Cherry using Stanley as a shield?'"It's just a deal between us. She's getting her visa. But there are some problems causing the delay," Stanley admitted, relieved after sharing his dirt with Nicole.Nodding, Nicole instantly understood Cherry's plan, as well as Stanley's. "You're using her to stop the inflow of dates Mom's setting up for you?""You can say that, but you're not entirely correct," Stanley replied."What do you mean by not entirely?" Nicole asked, becoming even more confused.It was obvious that Cherry was using Stanley as a smokescreen to lull her family into a false sense of security until her visa was approved. After that, she would leave the country with her real boyfriend.However, Nicole could still not figure out Stanley's motive in this deal. Once Cherry had left, his family would still pressure him into getting married. This much would be true."She's helping me," Stanley murmured. "It's between Tia and I.""You an
Nicole then wondered, 'I guess only Stanley with his thick skull would think Tia has feelings for someone. How could he not notice that Tia has no men around her?'"What are you thinking about?" Jared's voice blared out from behind her.Looking up, Nicole asked, "Are the kids asleep?""Yeah," Jared replied, and sat down next to Nicole.He held her hand, and went on to ask, "You look like you've got something on your mind. What's going on?""Ugh." Nicole sighed, and she proceeded to tell Jared about Stanley and Cherry's situation.After hearing her out, he calmly replied, "They didn't look like a couple at all.""How did you notice?" Nicole frowned, puzzled that the situation had gone unnoticed by her."They look like friends, or even siblings. Compare them to Samuel and Spencer. You'll see what I'm talking about," Jared explained, shrugging his shoulders.And indeed, he knew full well how couples interacted in contrast with how siblings and friends did.After thinking about i
If Harvey was not so obsessed with ruining Nicole's life and flexing, they would not have gotten a chance to make a move."But it's best for you to be more careful. Harvey is still capable of pulling tricks." Nicole advised."Don't worry. I got it." Lulu replied solemnly."Yeah." Nicole nodded.She would always have faith in Lulu, but she figured that she should still offer her some advice.After a slight pause, Lulu lowered her voice, "Oh right, there's another thing. Harvey seems to be in contact with Thomas recently. I'm not sure what he is up to now again.""Thomas?" Nicole frowned.Thomas had been undergoing treatment abroad, and he seemed to be doing well, so it was strange that Harvey would contact him out of the blue."That's right. Do you think he's planning something? I mean, he had never seemed to care about Thomas in the past." Lulu said."It's possible." Nicole agreed.Indeed, Harvey's sudden attention for Thomas had made it obvious that he had a motive.The onl
Harvey was brimming with happiness as he whispered to Lewis, "You may start preparing...""Understood," Lewis whirled around and walked out of the office.Harvey then grinned as if he was anticipating something grand and sinister.On the other end, Thomas was staring at his phone with a heavy heart.He did turn down Harvey's suggestion, but for some reason, he was still riddled with feelings of unease. Based on his understanding of his grandson, Harvey was not the kind who would give up until he had gotten what he wanted. Therefore, Thomas was genuinely worried about him.Previously, he had gone toe-to-toe with Jared over Nicole, which ended up with Harvey losing.In a way, Nicole's disappearance was a blessing in disguise in that it had gotten Harvey to quit messing with the Riddles. Had that not been the case, there would be no telling if Ellison Group would still exist today. At this point, Thomas could not help but wonder what had given Harvey the balls and the confidence to
"I promise I won't keep you for too long. I just thought that I could ask to meet you since it's lunch hour. If you can't make it, we'll just meet some other time." Cindy quickly added, as she must have noticed Nicole's hesitation.Hearing this, Nicole smiled. "Now that you've put it like this, it wouldn't be right for me to decline.""Well, shall we meet at Regina Diner?" Cindy asked.She was excited that Nicole had agreed to meet up with her."Alright, see you later." Nicole hung up.As Nicole looked up, she suddenly saw Lulu, at whom she rolled her eyes. "When did you come in?""I knocked but you did not respond. Then, I opened the door and saw you talking on the phone, so I came in. Anyway, who's that?" Lulu asked, curious about the invitation Nicole seemed to have received."Martin's friend. She wants to meet me." Nicole replied."His friend? Why does she want to meet you?" Lulu asked in surprise.In response, Nicole shook her head. "I'm not sure. I'll find out when I'm t
After returning the smile, Nicole asked, "So, you invited me here to ask me about something?""Yeah. I actually would like to learn from you," Cindy's cheeks flushed as she coyly said."Learn from me?" Nicole frowned. 'What does Cindy even want to learn?'Lulu was also stunned. She repeatedly blinked at Nicole, trying to understand what Cindy was talking about.Nicole shook her head as she did not know what Cindy was really after.Cindy then continued, "Martin likes you very much, so I would like to know what I can do to touch his heart."She was hoping that Nicole would be able to impart some tips and tricks. That way, Martin would fall for her.Nicole furrowed her brows upon hearing that. 'How do I even teach someone something like this? I didn't manipulate Martin into falling in love with me.'Lulu's jaw was left hanging, after which she frowned and curtly asked, "What are you trying to say? Are you implying that Nicole seduced Martin into liking her?"Cindy's face turned p
"Hey. Feel free to call us when we aren't busy." Lulu smiled.Although it was their first time meeting each other, Lulu could instantly vibe with Cindy as if they were old friends who had met after a long time apart."Anytime." Nicole agreed with a friendly smile."Thank you!" Cindy said.She was touched by their gesture of kindness, as she finally had people in San Joto whom she could call friends. Now, she would not have to feel the sting of loneliness anymore."Alright, you should head back," Lulu reminded Cindy, seeing that lunch time was over.Everyone got into their rides, bade their goodbyes, and went their merry way.By the time Nicole and Lulu returned to the headquarters of Riddle Corporation, they already had a pile of documents waiting for them."I still have a few documents to go through, so I'll be returning to my office now," Lulu informed after they had exited the elevator.Then, she made a beeline for her office, while Nicole sauntered back to hers. They just
Nicole's eyes were brimming with tears as she felt a dull ache in her chest.It was such a familiar name, but it had always been hidden in her deepest corners of her subconscious. In fact, she had never experienced such a massive surge of feeling, but when she did, it struck her like a punch to the heart."They're doing fine. When you first came back, I'd already informed him that you wouldn't be around because you've lost your memories. But don't worry. He has been asking about you. Since you remember him now, you may contact him." Jared stroked her hair softly and comforted her."Let's go home first," Nicole said, having a mix of feelings at the thought of contacting Zane out of the blue.She was feeling unsettled, as if her heart and mind were at odds with one another."Alright, we'll go home then." Jared gave her a warm and gentle hug, comforting her."Now that I can recall the past, it feels like a lifetime has passed since then." Nicole sighed.Although she had been regain
"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