Jared placed the clean dishes into the cabinet. He then heard Nicole's confused voice, "Why don't you use the dishwasher?"She noticed the dishwasher in the kitchen the last time she came, but Jared did not seem to like using it.Jared's fingers froze for a moment before putting the last plate away as if nothing had happened. Then only did he turn around to dry his hands while saying indifferently, "I always feel like doing things by hand makes me feel more at home."Nicole was startled. She did not expect such an answer. This answer seemed a little strange coming from a man like Jared Johnston. However, it was oddly fitting at the same time.For instance, the plaid apron tied to his waist. The red and black Scottish style was not intended for him, yet it looked elegant on him.When Jared noticed Nicole's silence, he turned around and walked toward her with slight worry in his eyes."Not feeling well?"Nicole chuckled. She was just thinking about something and spaced out, "I'm n
Nicole trudged toward the learning and teaching building. It was still early, so she was not in a rush.When she arrived, she saw someone who was not supposed to be there."What're you doing here?"Zeke had been waiting for her downstairs for a long time. His eyes were filled with resentment when he saw her approaching him."Didn't you tell me to wait for you at Royal Creek Institute every day at 4am once you get back?"His words reminded Nicole of her promise to Zeke previously. She had promised to help him improve his physique, but it slipped her mind because Mr. Riddle Sr. had been sick for the past few days.Nicole had an apologetic look in her eyes when she thought of this."I'm sorry. Something came up recently."Zeke knew she was not the type to stand someone up for no reason, so he did not pursue the matter after hearing her response.He stared at Nicole's sincere expression and pouted, "I figured something must've come up for you. Whatever. I forgive you."Nicole wat
'I figured he'd have poor foundations, but this is worse than I thought. Yet he still wants to learn martial arts?' she thought.Zeke ran past Nicole for the third time and instantly fell right onto the ground. He refused to get up for the life of him.'I can't run anymore. If I continue running, I'll depart from this beautiful world!' he thought.Nicole looked at him; a faint spark glinted in her eyes. She did not help Zeke up but watched him coldly.Zeke was used to being babied by others; he had never experienced being given the cold shoulder when he was dying from exhaustion. He looked at Nicole with a slightly dissatisfied expression. However, his gaze was met by her sparkling eyes.She spoke, "Get up and continue running."Zeke's eyes welled up. He grew up pampered, so he could not handle such hardships. He wanted to learn martial arts simply because he thought Nicole looked cool. The truth was, he was not willing to go the distance.He gazed at Nicole's face and used the
Nicole watched Zeke's back as he started to run once more.She returned to her previous position and stood still. Her slender figure and straightened back made her seem as if she were a ruler or a monument.'Fourth lap. Fifth lap. Sixth lap.' He thought.Zeke's pace was getting slower. He knew that he was truly nearing his limit now; the three laps he ran just now were a piece of cake.'Seventh lap. Eighth lap.' he thought.At this point, for someone who did not have the habit of exercising, it was a matter of having a will that was strong enough. His legs had gone numb and were swinging mechanically.There was a voice in his head constantly shouting and instigating him, 'Stop running, just stop running! You're too tired and need rest. This is enough for today!'Zeke shook his head. The sweat on his face dripped onto the running track, silencing the voice in his head for a moment.He looked at Nicole, who was standing in the distance. Though his vision was a little blurry, he c
'He ran slower than I thought. If I don't go back now, I won't be able to make it,' she thought.Zeke could tell that Nicole was being serious. He felt a little resigned.'Who would believe that a top-tier hacker like her was actually a law-abiding student?' he thought.Just as he was about to jog over to her, he was stopped by the numbing pain coming from his legs. Zeke shouted anxiously when he saw Nicole leaving, "Wait up, Nicole!"When Zeke saw Nicole stop and turn to him with a confused expression, he quickly dragged his handicapped leg and walked over to her. He dug through his pocket for a while before retrieving an ordinary-looking black box."Here, this is for you."Nicole did not accept it. She narrowed her eyes at Zeke and said coldly, "Where did you get this?"Zeke reached out and grabbed Nicole's hand before placing the item into her palm. He was all smiles and said, "My father consented to it. Consider it my tuition fee."Zeke shuddered when he thought of Karlo's
'I can't stand her,' Vivian thought.She noticed Gary's gaze on Nicole just now and was resenting her.'Even God can't bear the sight of her and sent someone to teach her a lesson!' she thought.Many of the people obviously had the same thought as Vivian. They all knew that Jimmy was head over heels for Snow Riddle.'Since the incident between Nicole and Snow Riddle has spread across the campus, he must be here to stir up trouble for Nicole!' they thought.They all gazed at Nicole mockingly.Nicole's expression remained unchanged. He looked at Jimmy and lightly raised her brows, "How are you feeling?"Everyone had a weird expression when they heard her question.'Could this be a new way of mocking someone?' they wondered.Jimmy looked at Nicole with a slightly agitated expression. He then walked up to Nicole and looked at her while saying a little worriedly, "I'm feeling fine. But you yourself…"He was there when Nicole fainted yesterday. He was so worried that he came to see
Nicole looked at their expressions and raised an eyebrow with interest.She ignored the ruckus behind her and nodded at Jimmy before walking toward the cafeteria."Jimmy wanted to run over to Nicole when he saw her leave. However, he was swarmed by the curious crowd the moment he moved.Jack was the first to ask him a question, "Jimmy, what's the matter? Why are you suddenly on Nicole's side?"Everyone else looked at him with confusion; none of them knew why he was acting so differently.Jimmy's expression remained unchanged. He unlocked his phone and showed them a video."See for yourself."The video was not exactly in high definition and was a little shaky; it was obviously recorded by a non-professional. However, it was evident that the person in the video lying on the ground unconscious was Jimmy. Everyone had formed a circle around him, but no one dared to go closer.Soon after, Nicole ran over. She asked Jimmy's friends to do something, but the people crowding around them
After that, Vivian walked back to her own desk as she coldly sorted out her things.The remaining people were affected by her attitude as they silently went back to their seats. Yet, a few were still clear-headed and did not agree with what Vivian had said.Everyone saw what happened to Jimmy. In that situation, the person who stood out not only needed to be equipped with medical skills but also unparalleled courage and a sense of responsibility for life. If anything were to happen to Jimmy under their watch, it was not something that anyone would dare to shoulder.They shook their heads as they returned to their seats.Jimmy did not refute Vivian but instead gave her a pitiful look as he then uploaded the video to the campus forum before putting his phone away.'A person who is so engrossed in their own little world, not being able to see black or white clearly, sure is pitiful.'Jimmy was very thankful to Nicole at this moment for allowing him to see things clearly, and not end
"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