Hearing the anxiety in Melody's voice, Nyla couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry. If he really dislikes someone, he won't even speak to them."Melody said, "He's my first crush, so naturally, I'm a bit anxious. I hope I didn't disturb you.""No, don't worry. I'll try to create opportunities for you two to be alone," Nyla reassured her.Melody was deeply touched. "Oh, Nyla, you're the best!"After exchanging a few more comforting words, Nyla ended the call. She set her phone down and reflected on how even someone as carefree as Melody could feel insecure about matters of the heart.Upon thinking about her own recent breakup with Damon, Nyla's expression grew somber. She took a deep breath, forced herself to move on, and prepared for bed.…The next morning, as Nyla walked into the office, she felt the eyes of her colleagues on her. Once she reached her office, Melody hurried over, her tone filled with anger. "Nyla, did you break up with Mr. Sumner because of his ex?"Nyla was
Noticing Spencer's silence, Damon frowned. "Is there something else?"After a moment of hesitation, Spencer spoke up. "Mr. Sumner, I think you should reconsider. The rumors circulating in the company are just hearsay. You could issue a statement prohibiting discussions about your personal life, but there's no need to clarify your relationship with Ms. Austen."If all the employees learned that Nyla had dumped Damon, it might cause an even bigger stir.Damon was silent for a few seconds before replying in a deep voice, "Fine, we'll handle it your way."Soon after, the CEO's office issued a statement banning employees from discussing Damon's personal life. Anyone caught doing so would be terminated.…Nyla and Melody were busy with experiments all morning and didn't check their phones until lunchtime. It was then that Gabriel informed them of the situation.As Gabriel spoke, he kept a close eye on Nyla. When he saw that Nyla's expression remained calm and indifferent, he looked aw
Gabriel smiled. "Mr. Sumner, what brings you here unexpectedly?""I'm here to check on your upcoming work plans," Damon replied.Gabriel was momentarily taken aback. "Mr. Sumner, you don't need to come in person for something so minor next time. Just have Mr. Hogg give me a call, and I'll report to your office."Spencer looked down, pretending not to hear and wondering whether Gabriel was genuinely that oblivious.Damon had come personally to see Nyla. How could he be concerned about a researcher's work progress otherwise?Damon's expression darkened. "So, you plan to report here?""Of course not. Our office is over here. Let me take you there," Gabriel said, leading Damon toward his office.As Damon passed by Nyla, the air seemed to freeze with his icy demeanor.Nyla pursed her lips and turned her gaze away.Damon's footsteps halted. He turned coldly toward her. "Do you not want to see me, Ms. Jayston?"Not wanting to stir up trouble, Nyla shook her head. "No.""Then why do
Finally, Damon shifted his icy gaze from Nyla and turned to Gabriel. "Let's go."Gabriel nodded and led Damon toward the office, leaving Spencer behind.Once the two men had entered, Spencer turned to Nyla. "Ms. Jayston, don't take Mr. Sumner's words to heart. He actually—"Before he could finish, Nyla interrupted, "Mr. Hogg, I won't take it to heart. I'm just working at Prospectus Technology, not one of its employees. Besides, aside from any mistakes in my work, Mr. Sumner has no right to dictate how I should act."Spencer was at a loss for words and could only sigh in response.A few minutes later, Gabriel and Damon emerged from the office.Nyla ignored them completely and walked straight to her own office.Damon's expression darkened, but he remained silent.After Damon left, Gabriel returned to Nyla's desk. "Nyla, I'd like to talk to you."Without looking up, Nyla replied, "If it's about what just happened, there's no need to discuss it. I don't think I did anything wrong.
Nyla's voice was impatient, indicating she didn't want any contact with him.Damon's gaze dimmed. "I understand. I'm here for personal matters. I'm currently downstairs at your hotel."Nyla let out a sarcastic laugh. "If it's personal, then we have even less to discuss. I'm not coming down, so please leave."With that, she hung up.When Damon tried calling back, he found himself blocked, and his expression darkened. Since she wouldn't come down, he decided to find her himself.As he was about to get out of the car, his phone suddenly rang. When he saw it was Rebecca, his grip on the phone tightened.After a moment's hesitation, he answered.Moments later, Damon's black Maybach pulled away from the hotel.…By 8:00 p.m., Nyla was watching a drama when a photo message from Melody popped up on her phone.Nyla paused the video and opened the message. After seeing the photo, she involuntarily frowned.Melody: [Nyla, Mr. Sumner is outrageous. Just a few days after breaking up with
Damon's gaze hardened. "Nyla, I know I have no right to ask anything of you right now. In three months, I'll tell you everything.""There's no need. I'm not interested. I just hope you'll stop looking for me," Nyla said, then walked past him and left.…In the following days, Damon did not come looking for Nyla again, but gossip about him and Rebecca spread like wildfire throughout the company.At first, Melody would get upset, but seeing that Nyla genuinely didn't care, she stopped bringing it up in front of her.Nyla's life gradually returned to normal. Besides going to work, she spent her time having real estate agents show her apartments. Staying in a hotel long-term wasn't convenient.…After work on Friday, Nyla was about to leave when Gabriel stopped her."Nyla, have you been looking for a place recently?" he asked.It wasn't surprising that Gabriel knew. Nyla often browsed through listings from real estate agents during lunch breaks and used apps to search for places o
When Clark finally processed what Nyla had said, he scowled."You'll regret this!" he spat before storming off.Nyla remained unfazed, calmly continuing to eat.Seeing that she showed no signs of distress, Gabriel lowered his eyes with a smile. "Looks like you're really over him."Nyla's tone was even. "He's just a scumbag. Not worth my time."Gabriel nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, you'll find someone better."Nyla didn't reply.At this point, she felt that spending time on a relationship wasn't nearly as productive as focusing on her career.…After they finished eating, Gabriel drove Nyla back to her hotel before heading home.As soon as he walked in, he saw Wren sitting on the sofa with an angry expression.Surprised, he asked as he took off his shoes, "Mom, you're not going to the hospital tonight?""What happened at that blind date the other day? I heard you brought another woman with you," Wren questioned.Gabriel hummed in response."Who was she? Was it Nyl
"Gabriel sees you as a sister, so of course, he wouldn't say it directly," Wren said with a sneer."But the girl he was on a date with did. She said he brought another woman along, claiming she was his girlfriend. He's just returned to the country and doesn't know many people in Saintornia. If you weren't the one he brought, who else could it be?" she demanded.Nyla looked at Wren intently. "Wren, shouldn't you consider why you're pushing him to go on dates when he's just back and hasn't even settled into his job yet?"Wren laughed coldly, her tone sharp. "Gabriel isn't like you, already married once and willing to settle for any divorced man. I have to be concerned about his future. If you have nothing to do, you should stay away from him and not ruin his relationships!"Nyla's gaze turned icy.Just as she was about to respond, the chair next to her was abruptly pulled out. She turned instinctively and saw Damon sitting down beside her.He wore a smile, but his eyes were devoid
"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