Nyla spent some time with Valarie and left after Phoebe arrived.…The next morning, as Nyla was heading to work, she saw Michael standing a short distance away and frowned. Initially, she planned to ignore him, but he quickly approached her and stopped right in front of her."Mrs. Sumner, this is a gift from Mr. Sumner," Michael said.Nyla glanced at the jewelry box in his hand, her face expressionless. "What does Clark mean by this? Is it a slap in the face followed by a prize?"Michael shook his head, trying to stay calm. "No. This is Mr. Sumner's apology gift. He's too afraid to come himself, so he sent me to give it to you."Nyla took the box, opened it, and found an expensive diamond necklace inside.Just as Michael let out a sigh of relief, Nyla tossed both the box and the necklace into a nearby trash can."Mrs. Sumner!" Michael exclaimed.Nyla looked at him, her voice cold and deliberate. "Go back and tell him that I won't accept such a half-hearted apology."With tha
Was Nyla really just going to let Clark have his way? It seemed that the only way to distance herself from him was to get a divorce.Before she could do that, Harrison's kidney surgery needed to be completed. Otherwise, Clark would continue to use the situation to threaten her. If she relied solely on herself, she would have to wait in line for a kidney, not knowing how long it might take.Nyla looked up at Clark and said coldly, "If you want me to move back, fine."Clark's face lit up with hope, but her next words made his smile freeze."I will move back in after my father's kidney transplant is completed," she said.A heavy silence fell over the hallway.Clark clenched his fists. If he hadn't rashly given the kidney to Jordyn's father, he would have agreed immediately. With no new kidney donation available now, he couldn't make that promise.Seeing his silence, Nyla assumed he intended to use the kidney donation to keep threatening her and grew even colder in her gaze."If yo
It seemed someone was already getting impatient.After tossing the dress aside, Nyla found a white V-neck slit dress in the closet and put it on. She removed the hair tie, letting her hair cascade down. She then straightened her hair with a flat iron and spent five minutes on a light makeup look before she was ready to leave.As soon as she got into the car and was about to fasten her seatbelt, Clark's deep voice suddenly came from beside her. "Why aren't you wearing the dress I had prepared for you?"Nyla raised an eyebrow and looked at him coldly. "That dress isn't my size."Clark, perceptive as ever, quickly understood, and his expression darkened. "I'll look into this."Nyla offered a slight smile. "Let's go to the party first."Her face was small and delicate, perfectly made up with light makeup. Her long hair flowed like silk behind her. In her white dress, she looked like a fragrant gardenia, so beautiful it was almost impossible to look away.Clark's gaze lingered on Nyl
This had only caused the Sumners to treat Nyla with even more disregard.Nyla had endured their behavior before because she had expectations for Clark. Now that her love for him was gone, tolerating it would reduce her to nothing more than a doormat.She smiled and replied, "Getting a divorce is still better than never getting married. What do you think, Aunt Anne?"Anne's face immediately darkened, her gaze sharp as daggers. "Say that again?!"Anne had once been in a relationship and waited for that man after their breakup. Now, approaching 40 and still unmarried, it had become a sore spot for her. No one dared to mention it in her presence.Marie also felt offended. Since Nyla had previously confronted her, Marie had harbored resentment. She had hoped Nyla would eventually apologize, but instead of showing remorse, Nyla had begun criticizing Anne!Cindy looked at Nyla with surprise and suspicion. Was Nyla out of her mind to say something like that?Nyla maintained a calm smile
"Mr. Sumner, long time no see. I heard Prospectus Technology recently invested in the government project in the east suburb.""I'm also interested in that project. I wonder if you could give me a chance to get a piece of the action, Mr. Sumner?"Damon, who lacked the patience for idle chat, reluctantly paused to acknowledge the men speaking as it was Marie's birthday party. He greeted them with little enthusiasm."Good evening, Mr. Lowe."While Damon was being cornered by business associates, Nyla had already dismissed the man she was speaking with and was seeking a quiet place to rest.Suddenly, a maid from the Sumners rushed up to her. "Ms. Jayston, Ms. Cindy has asked to see you. She's waiting for you at the pavilion in the garden."Nyla glanced toward Marie. Seeing that Cindy was indeed absent, she frowned slightly. "Did she say what it's about?""No, but it seemed quite urgent. Ms. Jayston, you should go quickly," the maid urged.Noting the urgency in the maid's gaze, Nyla
Just then, a maid hurried over to Damon. "Mr. Damon, Ms. Jayston suddenly fainted. I couldn't find Mr. Clark."Hearing this, Damon looked up, his voice cold. "Where is she?""She's upstairs now. Madam Summer and the others are busy with the guests. You should go and check on her," the maid replied.If it were any other time, Damon would have noticed something was off. Nyla had fainted, so why hadn't a doctor been called? Instead, they were asking him to check on her.However, having drunk the spiked glass of wine Cyrus had given him earlier, Damon felt dizzy and sluggish. He didn't immediately realize something was amiss.By the time he noticed, he was already in Clark's room."Mr. Damon, Ms. Jayston is inside," the maid said.Damon stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "I'll wait here for the doctor."Entering without knowing what was happening could lead to unforeseen consequences.It was becoming clear to Damon that this was a trap set by Cyrus. He hadn't ant
"Uncle Damon, wake up," Nyla said, pushing him away.She quickly got out of bed and watched him warily, gripping the bedside lamp tightly, ready to use it for self-defense if he charged at her.Damon nearly fell off the bed from her push.After a few seconds, he looked at her in confusion, his usually cold face now flushed. His eyes burned with a fierce intensity, as if a fire were scorching right through one's heart."Come here," he commanded.Nyla frowned but stayed where she was.Damon looked dangerous. His gaze was filled with a predatory desire as if he might devour her at any moment.Nyla's mind raced, trying to understand Cyrus' motive.Tonight was Marie's party. Had Cyrus chosen this moment to create a scandal, intending to make it look like she and Damon were having an affair?No, this would not only embarrass the Sumners but also severely offend Damon. It was more likely that Cyrus wanted Damon to have relations with her and then use this as leverage to blackmail him
Nyla froze upon hearing Jordyn's voice."Jordyn, I've warned you before. I have no intention of marrying you. And what right do you have to bring a gift to my grandmother? Are you some mistress I'm keeping on the side?" Clark demanded.After a brief silence, Jordyn's voice trembled as she responded. "Clark… I'm not foolish enough to think you'll marry me. I just wanted to deliver a gift to your grandmother to thank you for finding a kidney for my father...""Shut up!" Clark's voice was cold and cutting. "Jordyn, if you mention this again, I won't let it slide!""Clark…" Jordyn pleaded."Get out, now!" Clark's voice was filled with anger.Jordyn seemed frightened. After a moment, she replied softly, "Clark… Please don't be angry. I'll leave right away…"The sound of her high heels faded, signaling her departure. Soon after, Clark also left.Nyla remained seated on the grass, her head lowered, her body hidden in the darkness. It was as if the night had swallowed her whole, mergin
"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