"Enough with the overthinking!" Lydia chided. "Take this time to relax. Once they're back, you'll probably be driving late nights again.""Fair enough," Walter remarked.…In the car, Damon glanced at Nyla. "The place we're going is a bit far. You and Buddy should rest. I'll wake you when we get there."She nodded. "Okay."Leaning back, she closed her eyes but couldn't fall asleep. Thoughts of leaving Damon and Mason in just three days weighed heavily on her.After a while, she opened her eyes, gazing at Damon with a mixture of longing and reluctance.Sensing her stare, Damon turned to her briefly. "What's wrong? Can't sleep?""Yeah," she admitted softly. "I just wanted to look at you. Don't mind me."Damon smiled. "Nyla, do you really think I can drive normally with you staring at me like that?"His teasing tone made her roll her eyes. "Buddy's here. Be serious!"From the back seat, Mason piped up, "Mommy, I covered my eyes! Pretend I'm not here. I can't see or hear anythin
Drake stormed off, his anger radiating with each step.Reaching his car, he kicked the door hard in frustration. The action brought little relief, so he pulled out his phone and dialed a number."Put a hold on the collaboration between MK and the Kinsey Group. Don't move forward until I return," he commanded.Whatever the person on the other end said only fueled his fury."Do as I say! I'll take full responsibility for any consequences!" he growled before abruptly ending the call.Breathing deeply to suppress his rage, Drake yanked open the car door and sped away.…Two hours later, Damon pulled up to a luxury hot springs resort.Nyla's face lit up with delight as she turned to him. "I've always wanted to visit this place, but you've been so busy with work that I never mentioned it."Damon smiled. "Spencer recommended it. I might have to give him a raise when we get back."In the back seat, Mason's curiosity was piqued—he'd never been to a resort before.As the family exited
After changing their clothes, Damon led them to a shallower spring more suitable for Mason. He stepped in first to test the temperature, then carefully lowered Mason into the water.As soon as Mason felt the warmth, he beamed. "It's so cozy!"Damon chuckled and let go once he was sure Mason was steady. The shallow depth was perfect for Mason, as the water reached his neck when seated.For Damon and Nyla, however, it was a bit too shallow.After Mason adjusted to the spring, Damon turned to Nyla. "Should we move to one of the deeper springs? This one feels a little chilly."Nyla hesitated, glancing at Mason as he splashed around. "But I'd feel uneasy leaving Buddy here alone.""I'll call for some staff to keep an eye on him. He'll be fine," Damon said.After a moment of thought, Nyla nodded. "Alright."Once the staff arrived to supervise Mason, Damon led Nyla to a nearby, deeper spring.As she sank into the warm water, which reached up to her shoulders, she sighed in satisfacti
Mason nodded excitedly. "Okay!"They returned to the changing area, showered, changed into fresh clothes, and took the shuttle to the restaurant.As soon as they sat down, a server approached. "Mr. and Mrs. Sumner, we have several types of cuisine ready. What would you like for lunch?"Damon looked at Nyla. "Nyla, you decide."Nyla glanced at Mason and noticed his eyes fixed on the roasted chicken leg. She couldn't help but smile. "I'd like a steak, but I think Buddy wants the chicken leg."Following her gaze, Damon saw that Mason's eyes were practically glued to the golden-brown roasted chicken leg. He chuckled. "Alright, we'll have the steak, and Buddy can have the chicken leg.""Understood. How would you like your steak cooked? Any dietary restrictions?" the server asked.Nyla shook her head. "Medium-well, and no restrictions."Damon replied, "Medium-rare.""Got it. And for Mr. Mason, besides the chicken leg, would he like anything else?" the server asked."No, that's all
"Alright, let's take a nap. We still have to play with Buddy later," Damon suggested.Nyla shook her head. "Before we nap, there's something I need to tell you.""What is it?" Damon asked.She pulled a small notebook from her bag, flipped it open, and handed it to him. "This is what Buddy wrote last night—all the rewards he wants."I plan to buy the remaining ones over the next two days. I'll also prepare a few extra gifts. In the future, for his birthdays or holidays, just pick something from here and give it to him for me."As soon as she finished speaking, Damon frowned. "Even after you go to Meristate, you can still send him gifts yourself. Are you planning never to come back?""No, listen to me. I just want to be prepared. If I can stay in touch with both of you after I leave, then you won't need to use these gifts. I'll choose new ones every year and send them myself. I'm just getting these ready in case something happens," Nyla explained.Damon protested, "There won't be
Damon nodded. "Got it. You don't need to worry about these things. You're going to Meristate alone. If something happens, I won't be able to reach you right away. You need to be careful.""I know," Nyla replied."You can't trust Alexander or Drake, but they don't get along. You might be able to use that to your advantage," Damon suggested."As for the internal power dynamics of the Nixons, I don't have all the details yet, but from what I've found, your stepfather has a son and a daughter with your mother."He also has a mistress, and they have a son together. For the past ten years, he's essentially been living with her, and his relationship with your mother is terrible."Now that he's sick, he wants to pass the Nixons down to his mistress' son. Your mother won't accept that, so there's been a lot of internal conflict."I wasn't able to find out much more beyond that. If you can gather more information once you're there and can contact me, call me. I'll help you."Hearing Damon
Damon and Nyla didn't speak. They simply lay there, holding each other, feeling time slowly slip away.Eventually, they both drifted off to sleep.The next morning, Nyla and Damon were still asleep when there was a knock at the door."Daddy! Mommy! Are you awake?" Mason called.Nyla stirred but still felt groggy, her eyes refusing to open. "Damon, can you get the door for Buddy?""Alright." Damon sat up, yawning as he walked to the door.When he opened it, he looked down to see Mason fully dressed—hat, mask, everything—looking completely ready to go.Seeing that Damon was still in his pajamas, Mason frowned. "Daddy, it's already past eight, and you guys are still sleeping?"Damon leaned against the doorframe, looking a little helpless. "Mommy and I went to bed late last night. Can you let us sleep for just 30 more minutes?"Mason thought about it seriously before nodding. "Alright. I'll wait for you in the living room.""Good." Damon closed the door and climbed back into bed,
Nyla looked appalled as she quickly asked, "Which hospital?"After receiving the details, she hung up and turned to Damon. "My dad suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. I need to go see him.""I'll go with you," Damon said."No, you stay here with Buddy. Keep playing and enjoying the trip. I'll go check on him first. If it's not serious, I'll return," Nyla refused."Dad isn't feeling well. Buddy and I would just be worrying here anyway. We'll go with you," Damon insisted.Meeting Damon's serious gaze, Nyla hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright."…They rushed to the hospital, arriving over an hour later.As soon as they reached the hospital room, the housekeeper quickly approached. "Ms. Kinsey, Mr. Jayston hasn't woken up yet."Nyla frowned. "What happened? Why did he suddenly collapse?"The housekeeper shook her head. "I don't know. This morning, a well-dressed middle-aged woman came to visit him. Mr. Jayston sent me out to buy groceries. When I got ba
"That's more like it," Valarie chirped.Nyla couldn't help but say, "Valarie, stop bullying Brandon all the time."Brandon turned to her and sighed dramatically. "Aunt Nyla, since you mentioned it, I have to say something. You have no idea what I've been through these past six months, I— Ouch!"Before he could finish, Valarie pinched his waist. "What was that? Tell me, Brandon. Have you been unhappy these past six months?""N-No... I've been very happy..." Brandon winced."Have I bullied you then?" Valarie pressed."No..." Brandon murmured.Valarie huffed. "If not, then keep your mouth shut, or Nyla will really think I mistreat you." Brandon gave her a pitiful look, lowering his head like a scolded puppy.Before they married, Valarie had been gentle and beautiful in his eyes. But after marriage, he realized how wrong he had been.Gentle and beautiful? All an illusion.If he stayed out drinking and came home late, he'd have to choose between sleeping on the couch or outside.
Taking Mia to work was exhausting, but every time she smiled at Damon, it made everything worth it."She'll be fine. Didn't you just say she loves us both equally? She'll cry for a bit, but if you stop taking her to the office, she'll get used to being at home," Nyla reasoned.Seeing Nyla's determination, Damon finally relented. "Alright, we'll try it tomorrow. But if she cries too much, you'll have to take her to the office.""Deal!" Nyla said....After getting ready for work the next morning, Damon kissed Mia on the cheek and headed for the door.As soon as he changed his shoes at the entrance, she reached her little arms toward him, asking to be held. She had grown so accustomed to going to the office with him every day that it had become a reflex.Damon glanced at Nyla. "Nyla, maybe today we should—"Nyla interrupted, "Nope. You go to work. And if you're free for lunch, don't bother coming home. If you need to work late, no rush to come back either."Damon chuckled. "You'
"Brandon, from now on, I'm entrusting Valarie to you," Jonathan said. "She's been spoiled by us and can be a little willful at times. I hope you'll be patient with her in your marriage, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together."Brandon held Valarie's hand tightly, his expression solemn. "Dad, don't worry. I'll cherish her with all my heart."Jonathan nodded, stepping down from the stage. He discreetly wiped away his tears.After exchanging vows and rings, Valarie and Brandon sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by cheers and applause.…On the way home from the wedding, Nyla glanced at Damon. "I saw Mr. Weir wipe his tears so many times today. When Bunny gets married, you'll definitely be just like him, sneaking off somewhere to cry."Damon's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze sharpening. "No one will ever be good enough for my daughter. If she never gets married, we'll take care of her for the rest of our lives."Nyla raised an eyebrow and
"Of course! When's the wedding?" Nyla asked.Valarie shook her head. "We haven't decided yet. He'll come to my house in a few days to discuss it with my parents."Nyla raised an eyebrow. "You're about to get really busy. Planning a wedding alone will take a lot of work.""Yeah, I'm already getting a headache just thinking about it," Valarie replied....For the next few months, Valarie was completely consumed by wedding preparations and work, barely having time to catch her breath.The wedding was set for August 8th, leaving them with less than six months to finalize everything.Valarie even traveled abroad several times to meet with designers and ensure her wedding dress was exactly what she wanted.Beyond the dress, she and Brandon spent hours discussing every detail—from the venue to the wedding favors and bouquet choices....After months of nonstop planning, the big day finally arrived.Valarie was already up, getting her hair and makeup done at 2:00 a.m.By the time N
Valarie looked up and saw the approaching glow.When the figure finally stopped in front of her, she realized it was Brandon.Frowning, she asked, "Where did you go? I waited so long for you. And what are you hiding behind your back?"Brandon flipped his phone face-down on the table, revealing the flowers he had hidden. Then he dropped to one knee."Valarie, I had planned a perfect proposal for you, but when you asked earlier about the meaning of wearing a wedding dress, I knew I couldn't wait any longer."Before I met you, my life revolved solely around work. I never paused for anyone—I never cared whether the sun was rising or setting, or if the moon was full or waning. But everything changed after I met you."I began cherishing the thought of greeting you every morning, sharing meals with you, and standing by your side for life."Valarie, I want every morning to begin with us waking up together, and every night to end with us holding each other as we fall asleep."Finally, B
Of course, every time they visited Valarie's home, Phoebe would subtly—or sometimes not so subtly—hint that they should get married.Brandon had always assumed Valarie wasn't interested in marriage since she never responded to those hints. He hadn't considered proposing.But today, seeing her so excited about picking out baby clothes made him start to imagine a future with her—building a family, raising a child.That thought filled his heart with warmth.After more than three hours of shopping, they finally left the mall, their arms full of bags.Once they loaded everything into the car, Valarie turned to Brandon. "I'm starving. Let's grab something to eat."Brandon nodded. "Sure. What are you in the mood for?""I'm not picky. Is there anything good around here? I don't feel like going too far," she replied.Brandon paused, then said, "There's a place with ethnic cuisine nearby. I went there once for a business meeting—it was pretty authentic. Want to give it a try?""Sounds g
Nyla was silent for a moment before nodding. "Alright. If you ever need Damon to help figure out Brandon's thoughts, just let me know.""I will. Don't worry about us, though. You just gave birth. Your main priority should be resting," Valarie said."Okay," Nyla replied.Valarie lingered in the bedroom for a while, but when she saw Nyla looking tired, she stood up and left.Downstairs, only Brandon was in the living room.Valarie walked over to him and asked, "Where's Damon?""He had something to take care of for work, so he went to the study. How's Aunt Nyla?" Brandon asked."She seems to be doing well, and the baby is adorable. Oh, right, I forgot to ask what the baby's name is. I only know her nickname is Bunny," Valarie said.Just thinking about Mia Sumner's cute little face made Valarie smile. She was already looking forward to the day the baby would call her godmother.A flicker of something crossed Brandon's eyes. "You really like kids, huh?""Of course! I've said befor
Once they were in the car, Nyla suddenly recalled Damon's phone call earlier. "By the way, what did Alexander want?"After a brief pause, Damon glanced at her. "He said Ms. Kinsey left you an inheritance and asked when we'd be able to go to Meristate to take care of it."Nyla pressed her lips together before replying, "Call him later and tell him to donate it or keep it for himself. I don't want it.""Alright," Damon replied.When they arrived home, Damon helped Nyla settle onto the couch, placing a pillow behind her back for support. Then, he said seriously, "Nyla, you've been through enough. Let's not have any more kids after this."During her first pregnancy with Mason, Damon hadn't been around, so he hadn't realized how difficult it was for her.Now, experiencing this pregnancy with her, every checkup and blood draw made his heart ache.Once Nyla gave birth, he planned to get a vasectomy. Two kids were enough for them.Nyla shot him a look. "This wasn't exactly planned, was
More than half an hour later, Nyla finally stirred from her nap.When she opened her eyes, she found Damon sitting by her bed, watching her. She froze for a moment, caught off guard.Rubbing her eyes, she realized he was still there and confirmed she wasn't dreaming.She slowly sat up, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in your study working?""I missed you, so I came to see you," Damon replied.Nyla narrowed her eyes. "You definitely have something to say if you're here all of a sudden."Damon chuckled, a little helpless. "I guess I can't fool you.""Of course not. I know you too well. Ever since I got pregnant, you've never come to see me like this in the afternoon," Nyla said."Alright. Go freshen up first, and I'll wait for you downstairs," Damon suggested."Okay," Nyla replied.After washing up, she went downstairs and sat beside Damon. "Alright, tell me. What's going on? You're acting all mysterious."Damon hesitated for a moment befo