Just as he was spacing out, Owen carefully leaned over and warned Martin as he looked at the latter's sullen face."Chief, the cig is going to burn your fingers."Only then did Martin realize that. He immediately flicked the cigarette butt that almost burned his fingers onto the ground. He extinguished it before picking it up and tossing it into the nearby trash can.His expression was very sullen, so Owen cautiously tried to comfort him. "Chief, don't be too sad. We've failed so many times previously..."'This is just another of those attempts.'As Owen saw Martin's expression darken, he did not mention the latter half of the sentence.Martin knew what he said was true, but the failure of the experiment sent his mood down into the abyss.He irritably scratched his fluffy curly hair. In the end, he finally took a deep breath before he said softly, "I'll be heading home for a bit."He wanted to go home to calm down and consider if he should be persisting on this path or not.Af
Yet, Martin also inexplicably felt sad inside.'So dad would rather listen to this ambitious woman than to listen to his own son's words?'All these years, his father, Sebastian Wyance, was extremely strict with him, yet he was so kind to that woman and her child and gave that child a lot of money for his expenses. Yet, Sebastian had never been so kind to him before!Thinking of this, Martin felt even more distressed. He was already in a bad mood today and did not expect his father to land another critical blow on him.He had always disliked talking to his stepmother, so he just said, "Remember to tell dad to do what I told him."Since the McCarthy family wanted to work together with the Riddle family on that new project, he would help her get that as long as it did not harm Nicole. Once done, Joyce would no longer keep bugging him about her family members like a haunting ghost.Martin's stepmother was clearly not happy being treated so brusquely, so she quickly asked, "Martin, w
Austin thought, 'I've not done learning, so how can Nicole stop teaching me?'Seeing his reluctant face, Nicole smiled helplessly, "What's the point of learning so many combat techniques? The techniques you know right now are more than enough. It's not like you're in the army. Focus on your studies, and don't keep thinking of fighting."Austin looked at Nicole, and an indescribable look appeared in his eyes. "It's... it's not that I want to fight."Nicole was the strongest person he had ever seen in the Royal Creek Institute.He really did not know whom he should learn martial arts from if Nicole did not teach him anymore.His heart set, Austin said determinedly as he looked Nicole in the face, "I really want to learn martial arts, and maybe join the army or the special forces in the future, to be someone useful to society.""Pfft." When Zeke heard Austin saying something so absurd just to have Nicole continue to teach him, he could not help but laugh. "Austin, you're overestimat
Back then, it was Vivian who would preside over the sports meet as she coaxed or even threatened people to join one of the events. Nicole had only just taken up the position and did not know about this, much less force everyone to participate."I see." Nicole only said that before turning to her books."How are you not panicking?" Seeing that Nicole was still unperturbed, Lulu panicked in her stead."Some things are just pointless to fret over. Things will work themselves out. Don't worry." Nicole smiled and asked Lulu to calm down.Lulu calmed down somewhat. 'Nicole is different from Vivian. Perhaps she could really find a way.'As she said that, she saw Vivian walking into the classroom.After avoiding her for a few days, Vivian finally returned to class for fear of falling behind in class.When she stepped into the classroom, she gave Nicole a bitter glance, but her temper was not as fiery as before.Seeing that she was behaving, Lulu did not say much.Soon, Ms. Emerson cam
Nicole narrowed her eyes at seeing everyone stirred up. "Register now before places run out."Those students, who felt dejected just now, raised their hands at once. "I want to take part.""Me, too. I will take part in the long jump." The class came alive instantly.Lulu did not expect Nicole to turn things around so quickly, arousing everyone's enthusiasm for the sports day in just one day. This was something that had never been seen before at the Royal Creek Institute.Vivian did not expect Nicole to be so smooth-spoken, persuading everyone with just a few words.In the past, she had to make people sign up for the sports day by using coercion and inducement tactics, sometimes having to pay out of her own pocket to do that, yet those people were still reluctant to take part. So she was upset when Nicole, who had just assumed the post, could do that effortlessly.'When did the student union have a reward mechanism?'Feeling with hatred, Vivian was itching to pour cold water on e
At the end of the day, Nicole had all the forms distributed, and everyone had signed up. When Nicole delivered the report to the student union, Stanley and Edwin, and the others were working on things. They were a little surprised to see that Nicole had gotten everyone signed up.Stanley was also surprised. "Your class signed up so fast?"The entire Royal Creek Institute, whether it was the high school or the college department, hated sports events. Everyone did not want to take part, and they would push the decision to the last day if they could."Yes." Nicole nodded and then asked, "Don't your classmates want to take part?"Stanley was helpless at the mention of this. "Yeah, they're enthusiastic about everything except for sports day every year."Edwin could not help but interject. "Our class is the same. They all are uncooperative. Most of them do not want to take part. Only Harvey and his classmates will take part because he is Mr. Ellison's grandson. But the other classes are
Nicole looked at Stanley. "You guys discuss it. I was just proposing it. You all are the ones implementing it. I will go now.""Okay." Stanley smiled, feeling more assured.Edwin could not hold back his curiosity. Seeing Nicole leave, he quickly grabbed Stanley. "What is so secretive? Tell me what idea Nicole has come up with."Stanley broke free of his grip. "Okay, I'll tell you."The two then discussed the plan together, and Edwin could not help but clap his hands exultantly. "Nicole is awesome. Only she could think of such a way."It was sunset. Students were pouring out of the Royal Creek Institute. Those who did not live on campus got into their family cars and went home.In the café opposite the school, Martin was watching the students come out of the school. He just wanted to see the person he had been waiting for. He was happy to have just a glimpse of her. Since the last time Martin knew that Nicole was injured, he had been worried and thinking about her, even more so af
Joyce was smitten at the thought of this.She was in a daze, thinking about her future with Martin, and then about the bits and pieces she had spent with Martin before. She and he had been schoolmates since childhood, at the Royal Creek Institute and also at Yamenia. Even though they had left school and were working as doctors at San Joto Central Hospital, people called them the tag team of San Joto. Just as she was the only female researcher in Martin's research, he had never allowed other girls to approach him.Joyce felt indescribably sweet when she thought of this. She was almost certain that Martin liked her. They had similar interests and compatible personalities, even their professions so perfectly matched. He might have a quirky temper, but she was willing to put up with him. She was sure that she would be the woman who understood him the most in the world and that Martin could never meet another woman like her.The crowd outside had dispersed, and Martin did not hear Joyce'
"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