Seeing the mockery in Nyla's eyes, Jordyn sneered and followed the sales associate to the checkout.After purchasing the dress, Jordyn strutted back to Nyla with her chin raised, eyes brimming with contempt.Jordyn then sneered. "This card is from Clark. It has no limit. Don't think buying this dress is a big deal. I could buy the entire store and still have money left over!"Nyla nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, but I wonder if buying the store would make Clark turn against you?"Jordyn's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered and replied coldly, "What does it matter to you? Whether it's Clark or this dress, they have nothing to do with you anymore.""I'm not interested. This dress is the smallest size. It won't fit your figure anyway. And... I find your touch repulsive. Even if you hadn't bought it, I wouldn't want it anymore," Nyla shot back.The thought of Jordyn touching the gift intended for Valarie made Nyla feel nauseated.Jordyn's eyes flared with anger,
"If you hadn't refused to help me, would I have made such a fuss?" Jordyn challenged, her gaze filled with accusation.Clark was rendered speechless.After a moment of silence, he turned to Nyla. "Nyla, perhaps you should apologize to Jordyn and put this matter to rest."Nyla sneered. "Are you out of your mind? Apologize to her? Why should I?""Why not? You were seen hugging my husband not long ago, remember? I still have photos. Would you like me to show them to you?" Jordyn taunted.Nyla's gaze turned icy. "Jordyn, stop pretending. You were the one who interfered in my marriage with Clark. Now that you're married to him, have you forgotten what you did?"As for that photo, you can ask Clark about it yourself. I'm not interested in trash."Also, you mentioned I was fighting with you over the dress. Did you forget there are security cameras in the mall? Should I get the footage to see who was really fighting over it?"Regardless of whether it's a dress or a man, I wouldn't want
Nyla glanced at the invitation in Gabriel's hand. She hadn't bought a birthday gift yet, so attending the jewelry auction could be a nice alternative.However, she didn't want to feel obligated to him."No, thanks. I'm not interested," she declined.Gabriel looked a bit helpless. "Nyla, are you still upset about what happened with your dad?"Nyla met his gaze calmly. "This is between me and him. It has nothing to do with you."Gabriel seemed hurt by her response. "But we're family!""To your mom, I've never been considered part of the family. In her eyes, the three of you are the family," Nyla retorted."She's her, and I'm me! To me, you are family," Gabriel insisted, his expression earnest and passionate.Nyla paused before replying, "But we're not destined to be a family."The hallway fell into a heavy silence, their breathing the only sound breaking it.Gabriel's emotions flickered in his eyes. He seemed on the verge of saying something but then composed himself.As if no
Soon, Melody returned, looking dejected. It was clear she was still upset about Gabriel's refusal to accompany her to the jewelry auction.Gabriel smiled gently and said, "Melody, I've been thinking about it. Since I'm free that day too, I'll go with you after all."Melody's eyes lit up with a hint of disbelief. "Really?""Yes," Gabriel replied, his gaze warm and soft. "Since I got the tickets for you, it's only fair I accompany you if Nyla isn't going.""That's great! I'll see you at the auction then!" Melody exclaimed."I'll pick you up from your place," Gabriel said.Melody was momentarily taken aback.Gabriel's change in attitude seemed a bit sudden, but she didn't dwell on it. She was confident that spending time alone with him would increase her chances of winning his affection."Okay, I'll send you the address later," she agreed.The entire afternoon, Melody chatted with Nyla about Gabriel, asking about his past and his preferences in women."Nyla, what kind of outfit
There was a brief pause on the other end before Cyrus' cold voice cut through the silence. "You'd better not fall into my hands, or I'll make sure you wish you were dead."He hung up immediately after that.Nyla took a deep breath to steady her anger and frustration, vowing that she would get another chance to catch him.After changing her clothes, she grabbed her bag and headed out. As she approached the elevator, the doors slid open. She hesitated for a moment when she saw the two people inside.Rebecca, dressed in a white dress, was clinging to Damon's arm, her face bright with a smile. When she saw Nyla, she subconsciously tightened her grip on Damon's arm, and her smile faltered slightly."Ms. Jayston, what a coincidence!" Rebecca greeted, her voice tinged with forced cheerfulness.Nyla considered pretending she hadn't seen them but decided to acknowledge them with a curt nod. "Mm."Damon's gaze briefly skimmed over Nyla's face with indifference, as if she were a stranger
Nyla wasn't ready to forgive Damon. Could he really force her to fall in love with him again?Damon opened the car door and said calmly, "Get in the car."After having the driver take Rebecca home, Damon returned to his office to continue working. Work was the only thing that temporarily distracted him from thoughts of Nyla.Today, however, for some reason, he couldn't concentrate on the documents in his hands. Frustrated, he tossed the files onto his desk, grabbed his car keys, and left the office.…Once Melody and Gabriel had finished ordering at the restaurant, she looked up at him across the table and commented, "Gabriel, I've never been to such a high-end restaurant before. The food here is so expensive."Gabriel smiled, his voice gentle. "Then you should get used to it."He was already handsome, but with his bright smile under the lights, he looked almost glowing—so good-looking that it was hard to look away.Melody's face flushed instantly, and she quickly looked away.
Gabriel contacted the head of the R&D department at a rival company, smiling as he said, "Mr. Palfrey, I have some details about Prospectus Technology's experimental research. Would you be interested?"…As soon as Nyla arrived at the office the next morning, Melody excitedly shared the details of her dinner with Gabriel from the previous night. "Nyla, he's so gentle and handsome. After last night, I think I like him even more!"Seeing Melody's flushed cheeks and lovestruck expression, Nyla couldn't help but smile. "Take it slow. You've only had one dinner, and you're already so excited.""You're right. But I'll keep trying and aim to win him over soon, so I can become your sister-in-law!" Melody gushed.Nyla's smile brightened. "Go for it. I believe in you!"Just then, the office door opened, and Gabriel walked in, smiling."What are you two so happy about?" he asked.Melody's cheeks flushed again at the sight of him. She shook her head quickly. "Nothing. We need to start the
Valarie sneered. "I didn't name anyone specifically. Why are you so quick to take offense? Have you been a mistress for so long that you're feeling guilty?""You!" Jordyn was about to retort, but Clark held her back."Enough. The auction is about to start. Let's go in," he said.If Jordyn and Valarie started arguing at the entrance, it would only reflect poorly on him.Jordyn shook off his hand, fuming. "Clark, I'm your wife, but you always defend others. Are you still thinking about that tramp, Nyla?"The moment the words left her mouth, Valarie slapped her.The sharp sound of the slap echoed, leaving a red handprint on Jordyn's face."How dare you hit me?!" Jordyn hissed, raising her hand to strike Valarie, but the latter grabbed her wrist and slapped her again on the other side of her face.Valarie smirked. "That's better. If you keep running your mouth about tramps, I won't let you off the hook!"Jordyn, furious, tried to fight back, but Valarie pushed her into Clark's arm
Then, Stefan was enveloped by the fragrance.When Valarie's arms wrapped around his waist, his body stiffened as though he had been struck by an electric jolt.Before he could respond, she had already released him.Smiling, she said, "Thanks for dinner and for showing me around campus tonight. Goodnight.""G-Goodnight..." Stefan stammered.As Valarie walked away, the faint scent of gardenias lingered for a moment before fading, leaving Stefan with an inexplicable sense of loss.He stood there, watching her car until it disappeared from view. Only then did he snap back to reality and head toward his dorm.Just as he reached the building, his phone rang. Seeing the name "Michelle" on the screen, he hesitated before stepping aside to answer."What do you want?" he asked."Nothing much. Just wondering how things are going with Valarie," Michelle replied."It's whatever. If that's all, I'm hanging up," Stefan said.A cold laugh echoed from the other end of the line. "Stefan, if y
"Fine, Brandon. Don't regret this!" Jayden snapped and hung up the phone.Brandon set his phone down and walked out of his office.…When Jayden returned to the hospital ward, Michelle looked at him with anticipation. "Jayden, what did Brandon say? Did he agree to come?"Meeting Michelle's hopeful gaze, Jayden pressed his lips together and lowered his eyes, unable to meet hers. "Michelle... Brandon's been really busy with work lately, so he doesn't have time to visit. But once he's less busy, he'll come see you—""You don't have to lie to me," Michelle cut him off, her gaze falling as she gave a self-deprecating smile. "He's not busy… He just doesn't want to come, does he?""Michelle..." Jayden walked over to the bedside, wanting to comfort her, but he didn't know what to say."Jayden, can I have some time alone?" Michelle asked quietly.Seeing the heartbreak on her face, Jayden felt a sharp pang of sadness. He also felt a growing sense of unfairness toward her.She had been i
Valarie raised an eyebrow and called Stefan.The call was answered almost immediately, followed by a nervous voice. "V-Veevee? You're calling me?""Did I interrupt anything?" Valarie asked."N-No! Not at all! I'm just surprised, that's all," Stefan replied.Valarie smiled. "Have you eaten yet?""I... uh... n-not yet... There's a new menu in the cafeteria. It's really good. Want to come try it?" Stefan asked.His cautious, hopeful tone tugged at Valarie's heart."Sure. Give me 20 minutes," Valarie said.After hanging up, she drove straight to Saintosh University.…The moment Valarie parked near the entrance, she saw Stefan walking toward her.She stepped out of the car and met him halfway. "Have you been waiting for me this whole time?"Stefan shook his head. "No, I just got here."As he spoke, he avoided her gaze, his eyes darting nervously.They walked across campus together, Stefan eagerly pointing out buildings and landmarks.Valarie laughed. "You know, I actually at
Valarie pushed him away, her expression impassive. "Say that again when the month is over.""You can trust me. I'll keep my promise," Brandon assured her.A flicker of sarcasm crossed Valarie's face, but she remained silent.She walked into the villa, and only once the door clicked shut behind her did Brandon turn and leave.Back in her bedroom, Valarie collapsed onto the couch, pressing her fingers to her throbbing temples.…The following days passed in a blur of work.Valarie was so consumed that she barely had time to eat.Every now and then, her youthful admirer would text her, asking what she was up to. If she had a free moment, she'd send a brief reply. Otherwise, she ignored him.Thankfully, he was tactful enough not to press when she didn't respond.By Friday evening, the preliminary phase of the project was complete, and Valarie finally had the chance to enjoy a proper weekend.She called Nyla, hoping to meet for drinks.There was a brief pause before Nyla's voice
"Just go, Brandon. I don't want to argue with you here," Valarie said.Upon seeing her cold expression, a sharp pain stabbed at Brandon's chest. Without a word, he turned and walked away.Only when his figure disappeared through the restaurant's doors did the young man finally release Valarie's hand."Are you okay, Veevee?" he asked softly.Valarie exhaled, offering a small smile. "I'm fine. Let's finish eating."But throughout the rest of the meal, she was clearly distracted.The young man noticed and did his best to make her laugh, but her mood remained subdued.After dinner, Valarie offered to drive him back to his university.The drive was quiet, her energy subdued—nothing like the lively spirit she'd had when they first met up.When they reached the campus gate, he turned to her. "Veevee, do you... still have feelings for that guy from earlier?"Valarie hesitated before answering, "No, I'm just tired. Don't overthink it. Get some rest.""When can I see you again? I'll t
Valarie frowned and coldly asked, "Brandon, what are you doing here?"Brandon glared at her, frustration thick in his voice. "Valarie, I should be the one asking you that. You promised me that if I stayed away from Michelle for a month, you'd forgive me. So why are you here, on a date with another man?"His tone dripped with jealousy, but Valarie remained unfazed."I did say that," she replied calmly. "But if I remember correctly, we're already broken up. Who I see and what I do is none of your business, is it?"Brandon's face darkened. "You say we're broken up, but I never agreed to that. We just had a fight. And if you're seeing someone else while we're in a rough patch, that's not fair to us, is it?"Before Valarie could respond, the man across from her spoke up. "It's fine, mister. Even if I'm just a backup for her, I'm willing."The words hung in the air, and the entire restaurant fell silent.Brandon's anger flared, and he let out a laugh, though it was devoid of humor. He
Brandon noticed Nyla's cold attitude and sat down in silence. Neither of them spoke until Damon returned with the fruit."Why so quiet?" he asked.Nyla took the bowl of strawberries from his hands. "Nothing to talk about."Damon looked slightly surprised. Nyla rarely made her feelings about someone so obvious.He turned to Brandon and asked, "Did you do something to upset my wife?"Brandon was speechless.He was innocent! He hadn't even seen Nyla recently—how could he have offended her?Then it hit him. Valarie must have told her everything during her visit earlier. That had to be why Nyla was siding with her friend and giving him the cold shoulder.Realizing this, he grew anxious. "Aunt Nyla, I swear, there was nothing going on between me and that friend. Valarie misunderstood.""Oh," Nyla said flatly. "Then go explain it to her. She's the one dating you, after all."Thinking about Valarie's dinner plans that evening, Nyla suddenly chuckled. If Brandon knew about the younger
"I really don't know. I can barely remember how we even started liking each other. By the time I realized it, we already had feelings," Nyla explained.Seeing how serious Nyla looked, Valarie let out a sigh. "Fine. I guess I'll have to figure it out on my own."The two continued chatting for a while. Just as Valarie was about to leave, Damon walked in.She stood up to greet him but frowned slightly when she saw Brandon following behind him. Without a word, she completely ignored him.Brandon's face darkened for a moment, and he was about to say something when Valarie turned to Nyla and said, "Nyla, I'm heading out.""Okay, I'll walk you out," Nyla offered."No need. I've been here so many times—I know the way," Valarie dismissed.Watching Valarie disappear out the door, Brandon hesitated for a moment before turning to Damon. "Uncle Damon, I need to talk to Valarie. Give me ten minutes."Without waiting for a response, he rushed out after her.When he reached the entrance, he s
Nyla knelt in front of Mason and gently said, "Of course.""Thank you, Mommy!" Mason chirped.For the next week, Mason slept with Nyla and Damon every night. Only after he was completely sure they weren't going anywhere did he finally move back to his own room.…As soon as Valarie found out that Nyla and Damon were back, she drove straight to their house.The moment she saw Nyla, her eyes turned red, and she rushed over to hug her tightly. "I thought you were never coming back! You didn't even tell me—you just disappeared! Do you even consider me a friend?!"Nyla gently patted her back. "I didn't want you to worry.""And that's why you just left without a word?! You're a terrible person!" Valarie whined."Okay, okay, I admit it. I'm awful. I'm sorry, alright? Please don't be mad," Nyla coaxed.Valarie scolded her a little more before finally sitting down on the couch. "So now that you're back, you're not going back to Meristate, right?"Nyla shook her head. "Nope. I have not