Mila was frozen, her vision blurred by tears and her heart heavy with pain. It was then that she realized that Nathan had known all along. Finding Mila had been a mission assigned to him by Donald, but he had pretended not to know her true identity.Clinging to Nathan, Mila wrapped her arms around his waist and hid her face in his arms as she wept. "I'm so sorry, Nate."Nathan closed his eyes and gently caressed her head. "I hope it's not because you don't feel anything for me, but because you have no other choice."Mila sobbed so hard that she struggled to breathe. She couldn't say a word. She lost track of time as Nathan held her, finding solace in the warmth and comfort of his embrace. In his arms, she felt a deep sense of belonging and security.She hated to let go and longed to stay in his arms forever. She had never felt so possessive and so desperate for Nathan before."General Morrison, we need to hurry." Cole's voice reached their ears.Before Mila could react, Nathan
Mila explained, "It's because Grandma came in too often and it truly bothered me.""That was her way of showing her love and your reaction was actually hurting her," Zach said.Mila hadn't realized it until now. She felt guilty about it.Zach continued, "You never opened the presents that your grandma buys for you. You just put them in your cupboard."Mila remained silent. It wasn't that she didn't like it when Loretta bought her presents. She just wasn't interested in the presents she bought.She loved learning, reading, machines, astronomy, geography, and all kinds of things to do with knowledge. Yet, Loretta gave her clothes, stuffed animals, jewelry, luxuries, and cosmetics."Every time your grandma talked to you, you would lose patience after a few sentences. But you could talk to me forever without tiring. Your grandma saw this and felt hurt."She didn't get a lot of education and is fond of small talk and gossip. But that's how she sees the world. It wasn't that she didn'
Before regaining her memory, Mila had forgotten Nathan for ten years. Yet, he had loved her selflessly for a decade and waited patiently for her. He was willing to keep waiting, even though there was no guarantee of success.Mila's appetite disappeared. She stood up with her phone in hand and said, "Grandpa, take your time. I have something to take care of.""Sure, go ahead," Zach replied.Mila went into her room, closed the door, and sat down on the edge of her bed. She stared at Nathan's number on her phone. Her finger hesitated over the dial button. She missed him terribly, even though it had only been two days since they had last spoken.She longed for the sound of his voice, to know where he was and what he was up to. Normally rational and unaffected by emotions, she found herself struggling to control her feelings. Her finger unconsciously pressed the dial button.Her heart was racing. Her nerves were on edge and her palms began to sweat. Soon, Nathan's soft voice came t
Mila arrived at Sudvilla together with Phoebe. After Mila introduced Phoebe to the Hudson siblings, they all sat down for a chat. Mila scanned her surroundings, in search for Nathan. Fenna noticed her and said, "Nate's in the kitchen preparing ingredients.""Is he preparing the food himself?" Mila asked."All the cooks have been laid off. He has to do it himself until he finds suitable replacements," Fenna answered. It seemed like she was hinting at something."I'll go help him," Mila said and got up.Fenna rose immediately and stopped her. She said contemptuously, "You'd better not. You're used to a life of luxury. Don't go in there and screw things up for him."Phoebe's face grew grim. Sensing a hint of hostility, she frowned at Fenna. Meanwhile, Mila smiled weakly. She stifled her displeasure and sat back down.Just then, the sound of footsteps came closer. Mila turned around to find Nathan, who was carrying a large tray. His eyes were warm and gentle as he looked at her.
After taking a sip of the sweet-sour orange juice, Mila forced a stiff smile and said, "I don't mind.""Really?" Phoebe asked earnestly.Mila couldn't help but glance at Nathan and Fenna again. Her mood was getting worse. "Actually, they seem quite compatible. They're a good match in terms of their backgrounds and their abilities. "Both of them are important leaders in Norvania and they have the same interests and ideals."Phoebe could hear the bitterness and seriousness in Mila's words."Mila, you're not going to reconsider about it?" Phoebe asked helplessly.Mila lowered her head with a bitter smile on her face."What are you two talking about? Reconsider what?" Cameron chimed in curiously."Nothing." Mila smiled thinly.Phoebe took a sip of her beer and let out a heavy sigh. Cameron leaned over to Mila and beamed at her. "How am I supposed to address you now? Ms. Hoffis, Sally, or Wanda?""Call me Wanda. Sally Hoffis stopped existing ten years ago.""Why?" Cameron asked.
Mila blushed and turned away from Nathan."I'll take the Truth," Nathan said.Cameron thought for a moment and asked, "What's your ideal type of girl?"Phoebe frowned because she didn't see the point of the question. She shook her head and muttered, "What a wasted opportunity."However, Fenna was curious about Nathan's answer. After glancing at Mila, Nathan calmly replied, "Wanda's my ideal girl."Fenna's face immediately turned sour. Cameron was dumbfounded and only realized that he had actually missed an opportunity. Everyone already knew Nathan was interested in Wanda. Mila felt a warm sensation run through her and her heart started beating fast. She sipped at her juice awkwardly."Forget it. Forget it. We all know that you're in love with her. Let me ask you another question," Cameron said shamelessly."Go ahead," Nathan agreed unexpectedly.Just as Cameron was about to speak, Fenna jumped in and asked, "If you had to choose between your love and career, what would you ch
Fenna trembled with rage. She clenched her fists and said, "I meant your love, not Wanda.""Wanda is my love," Nathan replied casually.A mix of emotions washed over Mila, who lowered her head and fiddled with her fingers. She felt touched and heartbroken at the same time.Fenna scoffed, "Are you still that Nathan you used to be?"Nathan picked up his glass and clinked it with Fenna's. It was a gesture of apology for letting her down. After taking a sip of her drink, Fenna said, "Even if you love her, she may not love you back.""So, there's nothing to talk about," Nathan said in a bitter tone.Mila's discomfort grew. She stood and whispered, "I'm going to the bathroom."Nathan looked fondly at Mila's figure as she walked away. Cameron laughed. "Well, this isn't a punishment game. It turned out to be your confession game. Your tactics for flirting are getting more intense. You even dare to tell such lies."Nathan looked at Cameron and said gravely, "My dream since I was a kid
Phoebe could see that Nathan was depressed. He was drowning his sorrows with alcohol. Fenna left the table in a somber mood and headed for the villa.Meanwhile, Mila came out from inside and found Fenna at the doorstep. Fenna stopped her and said, "Let's talk."Mila calmly waited for her to speak. Fenna collected herself before saying, "I love Nathan.""I know," Mila replied. She felt a stab in her heart. Even though she had known it for a while, it still hurt.Fenna stared at Mila. Mila wasn't breathtakingly beautiful, but she had a lovely appearance, graceful figure, gentle personality, and sweet voice.Besides being beautiful and talented, she was the granddaughter of the richest family. Fenna believed that no one would be able to resist someone like Mila.Besides, Nathan had been in love with her since childhood. Their feelings had been deeply rooted for more than a decade and were irreplaceable. Fenna knew that she couldn't compare with Mila in any way."Do you love Nate?"
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