‘But now, as an educated man, I’m facing jail time, big time. Talk about irony.’“There’s no need to rack your brain for the answer. There’s no way that I’m telling you that.” Hector looked at him, smiled, and added, “You can try to guess the answer when you’re in there. After all, you’ll be released someday in the future, so maybe you’ll find out about it later on in life.”Liam seemed to be exhausted. His lips were so dry and stuck to each other that he could not even squeeze a word through his lips. Thus, Hector ended the 10-minute visit in less than a few minutes.As soon as he left the precinct, he received a call from Linda.When Hector returned to the apartment, Linda was standing downstairs and blocking his way.The moment Hector appeared at the apartment entrance, she rushed up and slapped him.Hector, who got slapped, turned his head to the other side due to the sheer force. He did not say anything while Linda grabbed him by the hem of his collar angrily. “You just can’
Maisie looked at her. “Is it okay with you?”Naomi made up her mind and nodded. “I’m willing to give it a try.”When the meeting was over, Naomi caught up to Maisie. “Ms. Vanderbilt.”Maisie turned to look at her and asked with a faint smile on her face, “I’m willing to bet that this shouldn’t be too difficult of a task for you, right?”Naomi paused for a bit and lowered her gaze.“I’m very grateful that you’re always trying to give me a chance to prove myself, and I’ll cherish it by trying my best to perform. However...” She paused for a split second. “It’s just that I’ve never tried designing anything in the baroque style.““I’ll be your guide, and I’ll get someone to bring you more information about the baroque style later on.” Maisie placed her hand on her shoulder. “I have faith in you.”Naomi pursed her lips and nodded solemnly. “I won’t let you down.”Maisie walked back to the administrative office and happened to run into Hector, who was sitting on the couch, waiting fo
Maisie’s expression was cold. “You were born in a family that focused more on boys than girls. You felt that your circumstances were all because of your brother’s existence because your grandmother didn’t care about what was right or wrong and blindly indulged him.“But did you try to change it? You didn’t. You listened to your grandmother about marrying into a rich family. Even if it was your way of getting away from her, you did everything you were told because you wanted recognition.“The change in your mind was to marry into a rich family and get recognition. You’re weak and useless and didn’t want to fight back, so you obeyed. Why do you think you have the right to blame others now?”Linda froze, and her face was ashen. “Nonsense!”“Was it nonsense, or are you refusing to see the truth? You know the answer to that.” Maisie looked at her calmly. “If someone has seen how cruel life can be but chooses not to accept it and continues living in delusion, it’s absolutely stupid and m
Naomi smiled but didn’t answer. She had been in a coma for over a decade and had lost all her friends. Even now, she wasn’t very comfortable being around people yet. When they were happily discussing, Naomi made an excuse and left. One of the colleagues was obviously curious. “Why do I feel that she doesn’t really like talking to people?”“I noticed that too. Other than talking about work, she’s usually alone for meals and work.”“Is she anti-social?”In the evening, at the Topaz mansion…Naomi brought some files home and saw Anthony sitting in the living room on a call with someone.When he saw she was back, he said something, hung up, and turned around. “Nelly, you’re finally home. Is work tiring for you?”Naomi shook her head. “It’s not. It’s quite relaxing.”“Great, I was worried. If this job is too taxing for you, you can come work in my company, and I’ll arrange for a relaxing job for you.” Anthony looked worried. “You’ve been coming home late lately, and I’m worried t
Maisie came to Naomi’s office and knocked on the door. She saw Naomi rubbing her temple in front of a pile of documents as if she had a massive headache when she walked in.Naomi got up. “Ms. Vanderbilt?”“You seem to be in trouble,” Maisie smiled, “Ran out of inspiration?”Naomi lowered her head and nodded. “I’m uninspired. The drafts that I’ve made are… not good enough.”Maisie looked at the pile of paper in the trash and looked at her watch. “Do you wanna go take a walk with me?”Naomi was surprised. Maisie took her to the old street at the back. Old buildings surrounded them, and they all looked old yet elegant. It had an otherworldly feel. The two of them stopped in front of an old jewelry shop called ‘Jewel Attic’. The store had a classic interior. The jewelry wasn’t from any big brands and was mostly priced in the thousands. Naomi looked at Maisie, confused. “Ms. Vanderbilt, what are we…”Maisie smiled and put her arm on her shoulder. “I brought you here to get some
Each piece was a work of art. Every item, from earrings, to bangles, and necklaces, was inspired by mythical creatures.Maisie saw a single bracelet in one of the cabinets. The phoenix engraved onto it looked very lifelike. She had been exposed to engraving, but it wasn’t possible to make something look so lifelike even for her.The man said, “This bracelet was my teacher’s creation. He has a lot of engraved pieces.”He pointed toward a hanging ornament with gold trims. There were green, blue, and red gems on it, and it looked beautiful under the light. “Is this a ring?” Naomi looked at one of the rings on the display. That was the first time she saw creativity like that.The man smiled. “Yes, that’s a ring. It’s one of my teacher’s engraving pieces too.”Naomi mumbled, “So, that’s what classical craftsmanship can produce.”The man slowly said, “He told me that classical craftsmanship and antique jewelry pieces are very closely related. He has a strong understanding of craftsma
“Grandpa, you promised that you’d give me my console back if I got a 90!” Daisie complained because she wanted her console back. Nicholas drank his tea on the couch and looked helpless. The little girl was so obsessed with games that her grades were below 80 now. He put down his teacup. “Yes, I promised, I’ll give it back to you when you get 90 points, but there’s a condition…“You have to make sure that you hit 90 for all subjects.”Daisie was surprised. She suddenly lowered her head and scratched her cheek. Getting a 90 for all subjects was too tough.Nicholas chuckled and pointed at her head. “Look at you. Your father and brothers have spoiled you. They complimented you because you were doing well, and now you’re getting too proud.”Daisie pouted. “Can I… play for an hour?”Nicholas looked at her. “Just one hour.”“Yes!” She nodded. “I’ll only play for an hour a day!”“Alright, I’ll believe you this once. I’ll throw it away if you exceed one hour,” Nicholas warned. Daisie
“Really?” Daisie's eyelashes were wet and had stuck together. Her nose was red, and she looked like a deer.“Yeah,” Nolan replied, “I'll never lie to you.”“Then will I ever see him again?” Daisie’s eyes were filled with anticipation.Nolan was rendered speechless.He did not know why, but he had an urge to give his daughter a beating when he saw how eager she was to meet that kid.He pinched his nose and changed to another topic. “I heard that you've become addicted to video games, and you even brought a gaming console to school.”Daisie was stunned. She lowered her head and said, “I only have a gaming console left.”He patted her head and said, “Even though you’re not studying in the same class as your brother anymore, you can still make other friends, right?”“They don’t like me.”Daisie’s reply caused Nolan to narrow his eyes. He did not believe that there were people who actually did not like his daughter!His daughter was so pretty and adorable! How could they not like
“Daisie.” Leah and Morrison walked up to her with wine glasses. “You look so pretty today.”“Thank you,” Daisie said with a smile.Leah lifted her wine glass. “I propose a toast. Morrison and I wish you a happy marriage.”Daisie clinked glasses with her. “Same goes for you and Morrison.”After the toast, Cameron walked up to Daisie with Waylon. Behind them were Freyja, Colton, Maisie, and Nolan.Maisie raised her hand and caressed her on the cheek. “You were great earlier today.”She giggled. “Really?”Nolan added, “You’ll forever be our dazzling pride, so yes.”Daisie grinned as if she was still the little princess of the family.Nollace came over. “Dad, Mom, a toast to the both of you. Thank you for letting me have Daisie’s hand.”“Consider yourself lucky.” Nolan snorted softly, picked up his wine glass, and clinked glasses with him. “You’d better treat my daughter well from now on.”Nollace glanced at Daisie. “Don’t worry. She’ll forever be my one and only.”Maisie chuck
In order to make way for the wedding carriage, other vehicles had been forbidden from accessing the route from the palace to the cathedral.Daisie looked out of the carriage—the streets were crowded with citizens, and they were all there to witness this grand scene.Nollace, sitting on the side, was wearing a double-breasted dark blue military jacket. He looked tall and broad, and there were two St. Patrick’s Stars on his epaulets, one on each side, a full set of medals on his chest, and other complicated decorations.He held the back of Daisie’s hand and smiled suddenly. “You have sweaty palms.”Daisie looked back at him and responded with a trembling voice, “I’m nervous.”He lifted her hand and kissed the back of her hand. “I’m here, so don’t be nervous. Just take it easy.”Daisie’s gaze landed on his wedding jacket. “You look nice in this uniform.”Nollace chuckled. “And my bride looks stunning too.”Arriving at the cathedral, Nollace was separated from Daisie. Accompanied b
“By the way, where’s Cameron?” asked Morrison.Waylon replied, “She’s accompanying her father on a stroll. I’m going to go meet them already, so I’ll leave you to yourselves for now. You can do whatever you want with your free time.”After saying that, he got up and left the couple.Morrison shook his head. “He’s changed now that he has a wife.”“You’re speaking as if you haven’t changed.” Leah got up instantly and left the restaurant.Morrison put his cup down and caught up to her immediately. “Hey, why would you leave me behind? Wait for me.”Maisie and Saydie came out of the private room and ran into Nolan and Quincy in the corridor.Quincy nodded. “Mrs. Goldmann.”Maisie stopped in front of Nolan, and Nolan grabbed her by her hand. “Have you finished catching up?”“Of course. Didn’t you want to go to the Hathaways’ villa with Dad in the afternoon?”Nolan smiled. “I was waiting for you. We’re just going over to have a meal together.”Quincy walked up to Saydie’s side and
Daisie grinned from ear to ear. “Then I’ll wear this crown on my wedding day, which can be considered an endorsement for my mom’s jewelry company and design.”Nollace hugged her from behind. “You can do anything as long as you like it.”…The members of the Goldmanns arrived in Yaramoor two days before the wedding and stayed in the hotel arranged by Nollace. The royal family had reserved the entire hotel for receiving distinguished guests from Zlokova who came to attend the wedding.Members from the Bouchers and the Lucases showed up, and Sunny was also present.There were also some familiar faces from the Zlokovian entertainment industry. Hannah, Amy, James, and Charlie, who were close friends with Daisie, all came.Leah and Morrison were also on the invitation list.When Maisie came to the restaurant, the waiter led her into a private room.As soon as she saw the man sitting inside, she smiled and exclaimed, “Godfather!”Strix slowly turned around.She had not seen him for
The rest of the people laughed.The night came, and the entire city was shrouded in a mist of neon light. Daisie and Nollace returned to Taylorton after having their dinner.Her hair was wet as she got out of the shower. Nollace took over her towel and helped her to dry her hair.She sat in front of her dresser and looked at the person behind her through the mirror. There was a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as she said, “Nolly, I’m really looking forward to our wedding.”“Really?” Nollace gently dried the soft tips of her hair. “I’m looking forward to it too.”“I can say that my life is perfect now, right? Since I can marry and walk down the aisle with the man I love the most.”He laughed out loud and leaned down to her ear. “You know what? All the wishes in my life have come true as well.”Daisie turned her head around. “What are your wishes?”“Marry you, give you a wedding, and have our own kids.”She was stunned. Slowly, her face turned red due to her embarrassme
“Yeah, it’s true,” replied Zephir.“It seems like you’ve finally become more mature after coming back from your vacation.” Naomi patted his shoulder. “I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.” He smiled at her but did not say anything.…Soon, it was the end of the month. Their vacation had come to an end, and they returned to Bassburgh.Maisie and Nolan were waiting for them in the courtyard. After getting out of the car, Daisie ran up to them. “Mommy! Daddy!”She hugged both of them.Nolan petted her head and smiled helplessly. “You’re an adult now. You should stop acting like a kid.”She smiled back at them and said, “But I know I’ll always be your kid in your eyes.”Maisie chuckled and looked at the other people. “It seems like you guys had a lot of fun. Anyway, come in first. We should eat together tonight.”Freyja and Cameron went to look for their kids after they went into the house. Charm and her two cousins were staying in the same room. All of them were sl
Nollace looked at them. “What a coincidence.”“Morrison and I were here earlier than you guys,” said Leah. “We only found out that you guys were here when Daisie posted a photo on her Facebook page.”Daisie pulled Leah to the seat and said, “Then you should stay a few more days with us.”After Morrison took his seat, Waylon introduced him to Freyja and Daisie. “She’s my sister-in-law, Freyja, and she’s my sister. Her name is Daisie.”“I’ve seen them before at your wedding,” said Morrison. “Your sister is my wife’s classmate. She has told me before.”“Since when did I become your wife? There’s a chance I may not marry you in the future,” said Leah.“We’re already engaged. If you don’t want to marry me, who else are you going to marry?” Morrison frowned, causing the crowd to break out in a burst of laughter, save for Daisie.She looked at Leah in disbelief and asked, “Engaged? When did you get engaged, Leah?” Leah cleared her throat and replied, “Well, I forgot to inform you abo
The stall owner said, “$10 for three chances.”“$10 for three chances only? That’s expensive,” commented Freyja.The stall owner raised his head and said, “I’m the cheapest around here. Other stalls offer $15 for three chances.” Daisie tugged at Freyja and said, “Let's just give him the money. It isn't easy for them to set up a stall here anyway, so let's have some fun.”After that, she gave $20 to the stall owner and said, “Please give us six hoops.”The stall owner gave her six hoops. She had her eyes set on a bracelet. Although she knew it was fake, it was rather beautiful. She held a hoop and threw it toward the bracelet.However, she did not get it.She threw another two hoops at the bracelet, but her attempts failed, much to her chagrin. She had only three hoops left.Seeing that Daisie was prepared to give up, Cameron took over the rest of the hoops in her hand and said, “Leave it to me.”She squinted and aimed at the bracelet. After that, she threw the hoop at it an
The night of the old town was silent. The air was filled with nothing but the humming of insects. There was a lamp hanging outside of the tent on the grass. The atmosphere was quiet. Daisie was tossing and turning in the sleeping bag as sleep just wouldn't come to her. Suddenly, an arm appeared across her waist as she was brought into a chest. “What’s the matter? You can’t sleep?”“Yeah…” She buried her head in his chest and said, “I want to go to take a leak, but I’m a little bit scared.”Nollace kissed her forehead and said, “I’ll go with you then.”Both of them came out of the tent. Nollace took a flashlight and led Daisie to a row of trees in the distance. Daisie turned her head and said, “You wait for me here.”Nollace nodded. “Just shout my name if you need anything.”She walked into the forest and stopped in front of a tree not far away from Nollace.After she had done her business, she hastily got out of the forest and held tightly to Nollace’s arm. “Alright, let’s go