When Damon arrived, Nyla was sitting on the sofa, staring blankly. Hearing the footsteps, she looked up toward the door. Her eyes were red and filled with helplessness and fear, like a frightened little rabbit."Uncle Damon, you're here," she called out.Damon approached her and asked in a low voice, "Are you hurt?"Nyla shook her head. "I'm okay… I was at the bar with Valarie. I wasn't home… When I came back, this is what I found…"Damon frowned. "Have you called the police?""Yes, I did. They should be arriving soon," she replied."Alright. You can't stay here. I'll have Spencer find you a new place," Damon said."Can I stay with you for the next few days?" Nyla asked.As soon as she finished speaking, the living room fell silent, so quiet that they could almost hear each other's breathing.Damon's eyes narrowed dangerously as he spoke, each word deliberate. "Do you know what you're saying?"His direct gaze seemed to penetrate everything, making Nyla feel as if she had nowh
After Nyla finished speaking, she hung up and blocked Clark without giving him another chance to speak.Soon, an unfamiliar number called her again, but she ignored it.After several attempts, the calls stopped.Nyla served the meal she had prepared on the table. Just as she finished tidying up the kitchen, the doorbell rang.When she checked and confirmed that it was Damon at the door, she opened it.Noticing the aroma of food, Damon looked surprised. "You cooked?"Nyla nodded and stepped aside to let him in. "Yes. Let's have dinner before we head out."As they walked into the living room, Damon saw the table set with three dishes and a soup. They looked appetizing, and the tableware was neatly arranged.After sitting down, Damon suddenly asked, "Did you use to cook often?"Nyla smiled. "No. Before my divorce from Clark, we mostly had a housekeeper who cooked."Damon hummed but said nothing more. He picked up his cutlery and took a bite.After a moment of silence, he set do
Back at the villa, Damon instructed the housekeeper to show Nyla to a guest room while he retreated to his study. He needed Spencer to investigate the man who had bumped into Nyla that evening."Mr. Sumner, we've identified the man. He's the popular actor Malcolm Underwood. He was at the restaurant tonight with his non-celebrity girlfriend. He bumped into Ms. Jayston while rushing out after spotting a paparazzo," Spencer reported.Damon's expression remained icy, and his voice was devoid of emotion. "Give him a lesson."Spencer was taken aback, realizing he had underestimated Nyla's importance to Damon.After a moment of reflection, he suggested, "Should we leak the fact that he has a non-celebrity girlfriend?"Malcolm had a new romantic drama coming out soon and was currently promoting his on-screen romance. If news of his real-life relationship emerged, it could severely damage his public image.Damon hummed in agreement.…Meanwhile, Sky returned to his studio and reviewed t
Nyla lowered her gaze and nodded. "Okay."…As they neared the company, Nyla asked Damon to drop her off at the corner.He frowned, clearly displeased. "Am I so embarrassing to you?""It's not that," Nyla replied. "I just got divorced from Clark. If people from the company see us together now, it will negatively affect you.""I don't mind," Damon said flatly."But I do. I need some time to adjust to our relationship, so let's keep it private for now, okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope and a hint of hesitation.Damon covered her eyes with his hand, his voice low and husky. "Alright, but I'll need to collect some interest."Nyla was startled, her eyes widening. "What kind of interest?"Her lashes brushed against Damon's hand, tickling him slightly. He held her waist and leaned in to kiss her."Mmph…" Nyla stiffened, instinctively trying to pull away. As she moved back, she found herself pressed against the car door, unable to escape. She could only surrender to Damon.
Clark sneered. "I was wondering why you were so eager to divorce me. Turns out you've latched onto my uncle. Nyla, you're no different from those cheap women out there."Nyla slapped him hard across the face, drawing the attention of everyone around them.Clark had never felt so humiliated. His eyes blazed with fury as he reached out to choke Nyla.Before he could touch her, a powerful kick sent him crashing to the ground.Damon pulled Nyla into his arms, looking down at Clark with cold, piercing eyes. "She's your future aunt. Show some respect when you speak, or next time it won't just be a kick."Upon hearing the words "future aunt", Clark's face flushed with rage."Uncle Damon, Grandpa and Grandma will never allow you to marry a divorced woman. Being with her will only make you a laughingstock in Saintornia!" Clark spatThe more he spoke, the more smug he became.Richard and Marie had always been so picky about the women they wanted for Damon. Yet here Damon was, falling for
After a few moments of silence, Damon answered coldly, "I'll head over right after my meeting."…Nyla arrived at the top floor at noon, only to be stopped by Spencer."Ms. Jayston, Mr. Sumner isn't in his office right now," he informed her."Is he still in a meeting?" she asked.Spencer shook his head, his gaze fixed on her. "No. He got a call from Mr. Richard this morning. He went back to the Summer residence and hasn't returned yet."Nyla's heart sank. She didn't need to guess—it was clearly about what had happened earlier that morning."I see. Thank you for letting me know, Mr. Hogg," she replied.Noticing that her expression remained unchanged, Spencer frowned. "Ms. Jayston, aren't you going to go over there?""Even if I did, it wouldn't help. Besides, seeing me would only make the Sumners more upset," Nyla answered calmly."This whole situation started because of you. Shouldn't you stand by Mr. Sumner and face it together?" Spencer's gaze was filled with disapproval, hi
Melody was furious after hearing the gossip and stormed over to the women who were talking.She sneered. "I was wondering where that foul smell was coming from. Turns out someone's just jealous!"One of the women glared at Melody. "We're just telling the truth. Unless the person involved has something to say, who are you to butt in? Don't be someone's puppet. Who knows what dirty tricks she pulled to get close to Mr. Sumner!""If you've got what it takes, go land yourself a Sumner. If not, shut up! And if you think Nyla isn't that pretty, why don't I buy you a mirror so you can see what you look like?" Melody shot back."You!" the woman snapped.Melody tilted her chin up defiantly. "You what? Why don't you go repeat every word you just said to Mr. Sumner's face and see if he still lets you loudmouths keep your jobs?"The woman opened her mouth to retort, but her friend pulled her back. "Forget it. Let's go."The woman shot Melody a cold look. "You'll regret this!"Melody crosse
A flash of pity crossed Richard's eyes. "Do you really think you can marry into the Sumners again?"Damon was defying him now only because he still had feelings for her.It wouldn't be long before he realized the difference between marrying a wife who could help him and one who couldn't. When that time came, he wouldn't choose Nyla.If Nyla were smart, she'd leave him now.Nyla replied calmly, "I know a lot of people want to marry into the Sumners, but I'm not one of them. When I married Clark, it was because of who he was, not because of the Sumners behind him. Now, I'm with Damon for the same reason—because he's Damon."Richard snorted. "Are you willing to swear that you're with him with no ulterior motives? That it's purely because you like him as a person?"Nyla's hands tightened at her sides. She was about to respond when Damon interrupted coldly, "Dad, enough. Stop pressuring her!"Richard glared at him. "Shut up! If you don't break up with her today, we'll sever our fathe
"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