A chill ran down Suzanne's spine, sending shivers through her body as beads of cold sweat formed upon her back. A voice crackled through the headphones, the artificial intelligence's first words breaking the silence. "Iris recognition successful. Welcome to the personal information system, Mila. How may I assist you today?" "Mila?" Suzanne pondered. Though Nathan had mentioned this name a few times, Suzanne couldn't conceive of it belonging to her. The subsequent revelation left her reeling with shock, her senses overwhelmed. Trembling, she uttered, "Who am I?" The AI answered, "You're Mila Winkler, also known as Wanda Hoffis or formerly Sally Hoffis. Aged 25, you were born in Norvania to a father of the same origin and a mother from Sunterland. "You acquired Sunterland nationality at the age of 14. Your academic journey culminated in dual doctoral degrees from the Sunterland National Defense University. "You hold the esteemed title of research scientist in chemistry, along
The lights were bright at Sudvilla. The clock in the living room showed 10:30 pm. Suzanne was sipping on a cup of warm milk on the sofa, beside her were Nathan and the Hudson siblings.Cole and Lucas stood guard at the side. Everyone's expression was heavy as they looked at her with anxious eyes—They were all waiting for her to calm down and tell them about her sudden disappearance. She finished the last of her milk and lifted her head to look at everyone. Finally, her gaze fell on Nathan.His face looked grim. His gaze was gentle yet laced with a hint of intensity. He picked up a tissue to wipe the corner of her mouth.She lightly evaded his hand and took the tissue from him. "I got it," she said. "Are you feeling better now?" Nathan asked patiently. "Tell me. How did you suddenly disappear? Where did you go? What happened?"She hesitated for a moment before turning to point toward the balcony. "There's a huge banyan tree in the back garden. I was sitting under the tree wh
As she headed upstairs, she overheard Nathan thanking the Hudson siblings. She could also vaguely make out Fenna's dissatisfied complaints about her earlier actions.Suzanne entered her room and locked the door behind her. Then, she sat on the edge of the bed and thought about every event that had taken place since she regained her memory.Since the time Nathan's grandmother recognized her as Wanda at first glance, she seemed to have had many close encounters with her actual background.What unsettled her the most was Oliver Hoffis. He was her uncle, yet he conspired with outsiders to steal her identity. He even posed as her ex-boyfriend.Being Wanda Hoffis was relatively easier to come to terms with. However, she was also Mila Winkler—The name carried a weight. It felt suffocating just thinking about it. Wanda Hoffis, also known as Mila Winkler, was a Sunteri. She was a chemical scientist and a first-grade ordnance engineer. There were tears in her eyes as she smiled resignedl
Mila waited for a long time but still didn't get the answer she wanted in the end. She forced a disappointed smile on her face and said, "Doesn't matter if you do, our marriage will still be invalid." "I do…" Nathan suddenly blurted out anxiously. Every word he spoke was incredibly sincere as he continued, "I like you so much. I love you so much."When she lifted her head to look at him again, she found that his eyes were bloodshot and his handsome face was bright red. Even parts of the neck behind his ears were red. She felt like she took it too far—Why force Nathan to say all these things when being romantic wasn't exactly his forté? It was probably easier for him to run 10 miles with 20-pound weights than to tell her his feelings.Mila gently bit her bottom lip and stared at him with eyes welled up with tears. Her heart was beating fast from her emotions.She was only going to ask just this once, she wouldn't ask him this ever again.She knew that Nathan loved her. He lo
I only liked you. The words felt like stimulants being injected into Nathan's anxious heart. He felt excited and happy, but also nervous and restless. His joy was laced with a hint of worry.In the heat of the moment, he couldn't resist the urge and pressed a hand against the back of her head. He then lowered his head and kissed her lips. He poured all the love in his heart into the kiss. Mila's hand instinctively flew to his chest to put some distance between them.Afraid she'd run away, Nathan's free arm wrapped around her waist and he pulled her into his embrace.Her entire body was pressed against his muscular chest. She let out a sound of surprise before she was kissed until her lips were swollen. She was lightheaded and felt like she was running low on oxygen. His breath was hot on her skin. This made her entire body limp. She leaned into his embrace and allowed him to kiss her into oblivion.His kisses were deep, but he still had some sort of restraint. Everytime bef
Nathan invited them into the living room and they sat on the sofa. After the maids served the refreshments, Loretta sipped on her tea absentmindedly and said coldly, "What business do you have, asking both of us to come over this time?"Mila felt unusually upset at the moment. She looked toward the elderly couple in front of her—They were clearly her grandparents, but she had no memory of them at all.They didn't recognize her either.She lifted her gaze and noticed that Zach's gaze was still glued to her face. She felt conflicted. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hoffis senior, Madam Hoffis.""You don't need to apologize to us," Loretta scoffed. "You should apologize to my granddaughter."She lowered her head and felt claustrophobic. She then pursed her lips and nodded. "Okay."The elderly woman cast her another look of disdain and scoffed in response."Are you both in good health?" Mila asked again."Whatever you want from us, just be straightforward about it. There's no room for small ta
Nathan saw the emotion in Zach's eyes and understood everything.Did the wise Zach spot something amiss at first glance?Zach promptly looked toward Nathan with a solemn expression and followed up with, "Look after her, Nate."Nathan nodded earnestly in response."Is there something wrong with you? He's supposed to marry Sally! Who are you asking him to look after?" Loretta said in displeasure.Zach ignored her completely. Afterward, he stood up and said, "We won't disturb you any longer, and head back for now. Let's catch up again in the future."Loretta was confused.Nathan and Mila stood up to see them off.Before getting into the car, Zach couldn't help but turn around to look at Mila once more.The pair looked at each other with an emotional gaze that was laced with resignation.After watching the car pull away, Nathan reached for Mila's hand and let out a light sigh. "You shouldn't have met them."Mila was regretting her decision too. She nodded sadly and said, "I didn
Zach nodded and didn't say anything further.Standing at the side, Oliver narrowed his eyes. His fists tightened subconsciously and he clenched his teeth.…The next morning, Nathan left the house early as he had a lot to get done.Mila received a call from an unknown number."Ms. Suzanne York, I'm Zach Hoffis' assistant. Mr. Hoffis would like to meet with you in private. We'd like you to make a trip to the office.""Mr. Hoffis Senior wants to see me?" she asked in surprise."Yes, we'll send a car over to pick you up."For safety reasons, she declined their offer to pick her up. "Where is the address? I'll head over myself," she said."Alright, we'll send you the location."After receiving the address, she packed her things and promptly left with two bodyguards in tow.The car drove along the wide freeway. Mila gave it a considerable amount of thought—Zach must had something important to talk about if he invited her to his office. The bodyguard in the driver's seat turne
Jasper became concerned as Imogen placed her hand over her heart. He asked, "Are you experiencing any chest pains? Have you consulted a doctor? I can take you for a check-up."Imogen reassured him, gently holding his arm. "Jasper, I'm fine. I'm just trying to figure out how to balance my future family and career."Jasper smiled knowingly, gently patting her head before pulling her into an embrace. He recognized her uniqueness—her drive to pursue her career and showcase her skills and talents. The thought of being a stay-at-home mother or merely a trophy wife held no appeal for her whatsoever.Holding her close, Jasper murmured, "Imogen, have you forgotten about your husband's financial prowess?"Imogen couldn't suppress a chuckle.Jasper reassured her of his commitment, "As long as you're on board, I can arrange a driver to drive you to work, an assistant to handle all your tasks, and you won't have to worry about anything. When you return home, there will be maids and me to ens
After returning from her journey across the globe, Imogen headed straight to the hospital. During her travels, she started noticing subtle changes in her body—nausea, fatigue, and a stronger need for rest. Her hunch was confirmed when tests revealed she was pregnant.She felt a blend of anticipation and apprehension. The idea of being pregnant raised thoughts of focusing on family life and raising children. Yet, she valued her career and was steadily demonstrating her skills. She wasn't ready to give it up just yet.When Imogen arrived home and stepped through the front door, she found Gregory and Carol were there. They had just returned from their trip as well, bringing back gifts. "Hi, Mom, Dad," Imogen greeted them.Still excited about their travels, Gregory and Carol eagerly recounted their adventures to Jasper.When Jasper heard Imogen's voice, he quickly stood and walked over to her, taking her hand. "Imogen, I woke up early and didn't see you around. Where did you go?"
Jasper thought the idea was brilliant and agreed, "Let's plan our route and leave next week."Imogen gently pushed him back, her hands on his chest. "Sure, but let me get up first. We'll map out our journey, set a schedule, and go on a trip for our wedding."Jasper took her wrists and lifted them above the pillow. "Let's discuss this tomorrow. I have some pressing matters to attend to at the moment."Imogen was about to respond when Jasper leaned in and kissed her deeply. Their lips intertwined with passion.…A week later, Imogen received another call from Yulia's lawyer, who conveyed Yulia's apologies and expressed her desire for Imogen's forgiveness. Yulia also requested Imogen to intervene with Nathan on her behalf.Imogen decided to ignore the request. She believed in the fairness of the law. It reminded her of Zoey, who had fraudulently claimed her degree and ended up in prison at Jasper's behest.As for Yulia, she had orchestrated attacks on Gregory, caused Carol to lose
Imogen's heart raced as she slowly hugged Jasper, her voice bashful yet resolute. "Jasper, you'll always have a place in my heart."Jasper tensed slightly, his senses on high alert. He met her eyes. A glint of anticipation sparked in his gaze as he eagerly murmured, "Say it one more time. Say it—""I love you, Jasper," Imogen said gently.Jasper's eyes immediately filled with tears as he held Imogen tightly, his body shaking. Overwhelmed by emotion, he could only whisper her name into her ear. "Imogen… Imogen…""Do you love me?" Imogen asked, her voice tinged with shyness.Jasper frowned. "I do love you. Haven't you always known?""I still want to hear it," Imogen said."I love you. I love you with all my heart," Jasper declared, gazing at her with intense passion and unwavering resolve.Feeling a bit stiff from his tight hug, Imogen gently pushed him away. "I love you, too, but I must get up and go to work.""Not today," Jasper responded, scooping and carrying her back to bed
"If it's a gift, why not accept it?" Mila whispered.Gregory quickly took the check, looking unsure of his next move.Once his money was accepted, Oakley assumed the issue was settled. He took Yulia's hand and began to leave the ward, saying, "Well, I'll leave with Yulia for now."Still feeling resentful, Yulia glanced back and shot Imogen a glare as they departed.The ward fell silent. Feeling uneasy, Gregory and Carol exchanged anxious glances."Nate, we can't go easy on them," Mila whispered.Nathan smiled knowingly. He took Mila's hand, gently caressed it, and said quietly, "Don't worry. I'll ensure our in-laws get the justice they deserve."Mila nodded, feeling reassured. Gregory and Carol, who were listening nearby, felt deeply moved and grateful.Since Gregory was injured and confined to bed, the meeting between Jasper's and Imogen's parents ended earlier than expected. After saying goodbye to their parents, Jasper and Imogen headed home. On their way home, Jasper felt
Yulia was renowned for her boldness and strong-willed nature. Aware of Oakley's wealth, influence, and dual reputation in legal and illicit circles, she feared no one and held a contemptuous attitude toward others, including senior military figures."You need to apologize to Ms. Imogen immediately," Oakley whispered urgently.Pointing at Imogen, Yulia muttered irritably, "Her? Oh, please! If anyone owes an apology, it's her to me."Oakley wiped his forehead nervously, trembling with anxiety. Everyone's expressions around them darkened visibly. Jasper suppressed his anger; his hands clenched into fists.Before he could speak, Yulia grumbled, "Jay, you blocked me before understanding everything, and then you terminated our contract. That's just too much."Mila couldn't shake her worry for Jasper. If he couldn't manage his relationship with Yulia appropriately, it could severely impact his marriage. Concerned that he might not handle it well, Mila intervened. "Ms. Gibson, please resp
Carol no longer believed the portrayal of wealthy women on television.Jasper took Imogen's hand, and they sat down on the couch together, feeling anxious. It was their parents' first meeting, and the hospital setting added to the tension. If things went wrong and their relationship soured, their future would look bleak.Imogen was particularly anxious. Her palms were growing clammy. Jasper pulled out a tissue and gently wiped her palms before reassuringly saying, "There's no need to be nervous. My parents are easygoing."Offering an awkward smile, Imogen teased him, whispering, "You seem more nervous than I am, don't you think?"Jasper chuckled but offered no reply. Dealing with Gregory and Carol was sure to be a bit daunting.Typically reserved around strangers, Nathan found it difficult to start a conversation at that moment. Meanwhile, Gregory and Carol felt apprehensive and cautious, worried that any misstep could upset the Morrisons and cause problems for Imogen.Sensing th
Mila approached them with a bouquet, smiling. "Yes, we're in the right place. We've come to visit you, our in-laws."The term "in-laws" caught Gregory off guard as he lay in the bed. Despite his injuries, he quickly propped himself up, struggling to sit upright. Carol, equally surprised, cautiously accepted the gift from Nathan's outstretched hands.Jasper and Imogen took the next elevator, so they hadn't reached the ward yet.Nathan quickly set his things down and hurried over, gently placing a reassuring hand on Gregory's shoulder. "You're injured. Don't get up. Just lie down and rest.""General Morrison, I…" Gregory's voice faltered in distress.Carol's hands trembled uncontrollably as she glanced nervously at Mila, worried that Mila and Nathan had overheard her argument with Gregory.Nathan spoke in a gentle tone, "Please, don't call me General Morrison. It sounds too formal. You both are older than me. Just call me Nathan, and I'll call you two by name in return."Mila came
In the hospital ward, Gregory had been asleep for over an hour when the nurse woke him to change his medication.After the change, Carol peeled an orange for him to eat. They shared the segments, chatting idly."Imogen really picked a good husband. Even these oranges he bought are unusually sweet," Carol said, marveling at the oranges. Gregory glanced at the orange and said, "They must be expensive.""Yes, they're sold by the piece in big supermarkets. Also, they're more expensive than beef and lamb," Carol said before eating another sweet segment.Gregory pondered for a moment. Then he curiously asked, "Someone ruined our house's floor. Do you think Jasper would help us repair it?"Carol shot him a look and replied, "Listen, don't burden Imogen with this. Don't even bring it up.""Why would it burden Imogen? With Jasper's wealth, this is nothing.""Enough," Carol snapped. "That's his business. No matter how poor we are, we shouldn't ask for what isn't ours." "You're too stu