Taking a deep breath, Dylan said slowly, "Alright, I'll follow your lead."âĶNyla had been busy in the lab until after 10:00 p.m. due to problems with her experiment. As she gathered her things and prepared to leave, she received a call from Clark.His slightly icy voice came through as soon as she answered. "Why aren't you home yet?""I'm wrapping up now. I'll be home soon." Just as Nyla spoke, the elevator doors opened.She was about to step in when she saw Damon standing inside. She hesitated for a moment.Their eyes met, and Damon's were filled with frost. His entire demeanor radiated a chilling aloofness.Nyla bit her lip, unsure if she should enter. Given Damon's attitude toward her at lunch, he clearly didn't want to see her.Clark's voice came through the phone, asking if he should come pick her up.Nyla snapped back to reality and replied, "No need. I drove. Just wait for me at home."She hung up and could feel Damon's sharp gaze on her, making her palms sweat as she
Nyla shook Clark off, dismissing him with indifference. "You're overthinking it."Clark was dissatisfied with her dismissive response, and his gaze grew colder.After taking a deep breath to calm himself, he softened his tone. "Nyla, I know you feel wronged, but Grandma is getting old. I hope you can be more understanding."Nyla found his words laughable. Whenever the Sumners were involved, Clark's solution was always for her to endure. She had previously ignored these issues because she loved him, but now she realized she would always come second to his family and career."Don't worry. I have no issues with her," she said calmly.After all, she no longer cared about Clark, so why would she care about anyone else?Seeing her calm demeanor, Clark dropped the topic and said, "By the way, Mom invited us over for dinner tomorrow night."Nyla was surprised. Cindy had never liked her and rarely invited them over since their marriage. However, if she could get into Cyrus' study, she mi
"You accuse me of harassing her? Do you have any evidence? If not, I'll call the police and report you for assault. You might end up spending a few days behind bars!" Dylan threatened.Clark remained unfazed. "Go ahead, but don't be surprised if it's you who ends up in jail."Dylan's bluster lost its impact as Clark's calm demeanor persisted. Gritting his teeth, Dylan snapped, "Fine! Just wait. You'd better hope I don't see you again!"With that, he turned and stormed off.Clark watched him go with cold, steely eyes. Someone like that dared to harass Nyla?Clark turned to her, his expression dark. "Why didn't you tell me someone was bothering you?"It was clear from her reaction that this man had been a recurring problem.Nyla pressed her lips together. "I didn't expect him to get physical. I rejected him yesterday."She hadn't anticipated Dylan's persistence despite her clear refusal.Clark sneered. "Tolerating people like him only emboldens them. I'll call Uncle Damon later
Cyrus shook his head and remarked, "With a temper like yours, I wonder what kind of woman could ever put up with you."Damon did not respond, concentrating on picking up the chess pieces."Come on, let's eat."At the dining table, Cyrus chatted with Damon almost excessively.Nyla ate a small amount, then set down her cutlery and said, "I'm done. You all take your time."As soon as she spoke, everyone at the table looked at her.Cindy frowned, clearly displeased, but remained silent.Clark turned to Nyla, his voice gentle as he asked, "Is the food not to your liking tonight?"Nyla shook her head. "No, I'm really full. I remember leaving some clothes in your room last time I was here. I'm going to see if I can find that dress I liked."Clark nodded. "Alright."Cindy initially considered suggesting that a maid look for the dress but then reconsidered. If Nyla wanted to find it herself, it would save the service staff the trouble.Once inside Clark's bedroom, Nyla locked the doo
Seeing Nyla biting her lip and remaining silent, Damon sneered and pushed her aside, preparing to leave.In a panic, Nyla quickly stopped him by grabbing his hand.Damon tensed, his gaze turning cold and dangerous."Let go!" he barked.Nyla bit her lip. "Uncle Damon, do you really have to push me this far?"Damon smirked coldly. "Nyla, do you know what would have happened if Cyrus had found you in his study?"Nyla was unaware of Cyrus' true nature, yet she had dared to sneak into his study. Had Cyrus caught her, she might have vanished without a traceâsomething that had happened before.Her grip on Damon tightened involuntarily, her face growing pale under the harsh light."Still not talking?" Damon's voice loomed above her.Nyla took a deep breath and said slowly, "I... I wanted to find my marriage certificate with Clark...""Why would your marriage certificate be in Cyrus' study?" Damon asked, his skepticism clear.Nyla bit her lip and continued her story. "When we got mar
After Clark left, Nyla finally breathed a sigh of relief.The incident was over, but she knew she had to be more cautious in the future.She got up, straightened her wrinkled clothes, grabbed a random piece of clothing from the closet, and went downstairs.Clark and Cyrus sat facing each other in the living room, both looking displeased.Seeing Nyla come down, Cyrus said coldly, "It's late. You two should head back."Clark nodded and stood up. "Alright."He looked at Nyla with an emotionless gaze. "Let's go."On the way back, Clark remained silent, clearly still angry about what had happened.As they reached the villa and Nyla was about to get out of the car, Clark spoke coldly. "Don't you have anything to say?"Nyla turned to him. "What do you want me to say? That I really cheated, or something else?""Nyla!" Clark's gaze was icy, making Nyla feel as though he might strangle her at any moment."People say you need to catch someone in the act. You didn't even see your uncle'
"He bankrupted the Magills. If they come for revenge, what does that have to do with me?" Clark dismissed Michael's concerns, ignoring his warning.Seeing that Clark wasn't listening, Michael frowned and replied, "Alright, I understand."After Michael left, a murderous look appeared in Clark's eyes. Since Damon had tried multiple times to humiliate him, it was time to teach him a lesson.âĶFor the next few days, Dylan went to the lab daily, bringing gifts for Nyla, but she rejected them each time.While helping Nyla set up an experiment, Melody commented, "I don't get it. Why does Dylan keep coming even though you reject him every day? Does he have a masochistic streak?"Nyla shook her head and replied, "I don't know. Don't worry about him. You set that rack up backward."Melody quickly fixed the rack and didn't bring it up again.After a week of visiting the lab, Dylan finally figured out Nyla's schedule. Now, he just needed to find a time when Melody wasn't around to take Nyl
Nyla, who should have been unconscious, had seized a nearby flask and smashed it over Dylan's head.The sharp shards of glass sliced into his forehead, and blood began to flow immediately.Seizing the moment of his shock, Nyla shoved him away and stumbled toward the door.However, she had expended all her strength in that single blow and felt weak and unsteady. Before she could reach the door, Dylan yanked her back by her hair."Bitch, how dare you hit me!" Dylan snarled.He slapped her across the face repeatedly. His forehead, still bleeding, made him appear grotesque and terrifying.Nyla wanted to fight back, but her weakness prevented her. She could only glare at him with disdain.Her defiant stare further enraged Dylan. He slapped her again and again until she was nearly unconscious."Let's see how long you can keep that attitude!" he growled.He threw her to the floor and ripped off her skirt. As he gazed at her pale, slender legs, his eyes turned red with lust, and his h
"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, Iâ 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 shouldâ"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.âĶOn 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 detailâfrom 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 anyoneâI 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 subtlyâor sometimes not so subtlyâhint 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 herâbuilding 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 meetingâit 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