"Look into Nyla's recent years and find out who she's been in contact with!" Erin ordered.She couldn't act directly, but targeting the people around Nyla would work just as well."Yes, Ms. Hulle," the other party replied.After they left, Erin stared out the window, her gaze filled with hatred.If Nyla had already died, why come back now? Wouldn't it have been better to just stay dead?No matter what, she wouldn't let anyone ruin her relationship with Damon this time!…Because Oliver and Mason had spent extra time at the mall, they didn't reach Nyla's home until close to 5:00 p.m.Oliver took the opportunity to stay for dinner.While Nyla was cooking, he stayed by her side, helping when he could.As Oliver watched her in an apron, her long hair casually tied back with a hair tie, his heart softened at how calm and serene she looked.This was the life he wanted—quiet, peaceful days with the woman he loved.Nyla finished chopping the potatoes and looked up to see Oliver sta
"Buddy, Uncle Oliver is always so kind to you. He would never hurt you, and I would never let anyone harm you either. No matter what, you are the most important person in my life," Nyla reassured.Mason's once-downcast eyes lit up. "Even more important than Uncle Oliver?""Of course. No matter who I'm with, you'll always be my number one," Nyla replied.Mason hugged her tightly. "I love you the most too, Mom."Nyla gently patted his back, sensing he had noticed the changes between her and Oliver and felt insecure. As smart as Mason was, he was still almost five years old. Without a father figure growing up, it was natural for him to be more sensitive than other children.Nyla silently vowed to spend more time with him, ensuring he felt secure.After getting Mason to sleep, Nyla returned to the living room, intending to read for a bit. Just then, her phone rang. It was Edgar."Nyla, Mr. Sumner's secretary reached out today. They're planning a seminar for their company's R&D team
Nyla froze for a moment and turned to Damon. "No... Why would you say that, Mr. Sumner?"Damon's dark eyes, filled with an unreadable emotion, locked onto hers. "If that's not the case, why are you sitting so far away from me, Ms. Kinsey?"Nyla stiffened and quickly sat up straight, lowering her gaze. "I just didn't want to disturb your work."As Nyla adjusted her posture, the distance between them shortened considerably.She placed her hands neatly on her lap, her gaze fixed downward, looking remarkably obedient.Damon set his document down, recalling how he had seen her smiling while talking to the man in the car that day. Yet whenever she was around him, it seemed like she couldn't get far enough away.Did he really look that scary?The rest of the drive to Prospectus Technology's branch office was spent in silence.When they finally arrived, Nyla let out a small sigh of relief as she stepped out of the car. She had been tense throughout the ride, completely unlike her usual
Nyla wanted to decline, but with the car already in motion, any further refusal would seem suspicious.She reluctantly fastened her seatbelt, feeling tense throughout the 30-minute ride. She had hoped to limit her interaction with Damon, but things seemed to be heading in the opposite direction.When the car finally stopped at the hospital, Nyla felt as though she could breathe again. She quickly stepped out, saying, "Thank you, Mr. Sumner, and thank you, Mr. Fleming."Luca smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Ms. Kinsey."Nyla hurried to the emergency area, searching for Mason.After a short while, she found him sitting on a hospital bed with a bandage on his forehead, still oozing a little blood. She rushed over, worried."Buddy, are you okay?" she asked.Mason pouted but managed not to cry when he saw her. "Mom, I'm fine. I didn't cry today. The nurse said I was really brave.""You were very brave, Buddy. Good job!" Nyla praised, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.Turning
Damon's expression was icy, his voice devoid of emotion. "You must be mistaken.""I'm serious! I didn't have time to take a picture because I was in a hurry, but I swear you'd be shocked if you saw this kid. I even wonder if he could be your long-lost son!" the other party exclaimed."If that's all, I'm hanging up," Damon said."Wait, wait, wait... About the amusement park project that Prospectus Technology is bidding on—any chance I can still get in on that?" the other party asked."Come to the branch office tomorrow," Damon replied curtly.Then, he hung up. Just as he was about to set the phone down, another call came in.He glanced at the screen and saw it was from Erin. His expression darkened, but after a moment of thought, he answered. "What is it?""Damon, forget what I said the other day. Since you're not ready for marriage, I won't push you. Besides, my career is taking off right now. We can talk about marriage later, okay?" Erin proposed.Damon remained silent. In tru
Realizing that she hadn't spent much time with Mason over the past few years, Nyla decided to take two weeks off to be with him.After arranging her leave, she returned to the hospital room, where Pauline quickly stood up. "Ms. Kinsey, Buddy said he wanted some soup. There's no time to cook it now, so I'll grab some from the eateries by the hospital. Do you want anything?""I'll have the same as Buddy. Have you eaten yet?" Nyla asked."I already ate. I'll go get breakfast now," Pauline replied.Nyla sat down next to Mason and felt his forehead. His fever had gone down, and she finally felt a sense of relief. "Buddy, is there anything you want to do or anywhere you'd like to go? Mommy has the next two weeks free, so I can spend time with you."Mason's eyes lit up for a moment but quickly dimmed as he lowered his head. "Mommy, you don't have to take time off just for me. I..."Nyla gently held his small hand, her voice soft. "Buddy, Mommy works hard so that I can spend time with yo
Luca caught a glimpse of Mason's profile and felt a strange sense of familiarity. He couldn't quite place where he had seen it before. Before he could look closer, Nyla had already put the mask on Mason.Standing up, Nyla faced Damon, trying to appear calm. "Mr. Sumner, Mr. Fleming, what a coincidence."Damon nodded. "The company has an amusement park project, so we're here to do some research."As he spoke, his eyes drifted to Mason, whom Nyla was holding by the hand.Mason looked up at him, and for a brief moment, their eyes met.Damon felt an odd, indescribable sensation. He usually didn't care for children, finding them a hassle, but there was something about Mason that stirred none of his usual annoyance."This child…" he began to say.Nyla instinctively pulled Mason behind her but quickly realized how overprotective she was being. She forced a smile to maintain her composure. "He's my son. He's a bit shy... Well, since you're here on business, I won't hold you up. Goodbye.
That was the first time Mason had seen his mother angry. Although the kids and their parents had apologized afterward, the incident had left a shadow in his heart. He wished he had a father—someone who could handle these situations instead of leaving it all to Nyla.Oliver had always been kind to him, and Mason thought he wouldn't mind if Oliver became his father. But deep down, what he truly wanted was his real father.Seeing that stern-faced man at the amusement park today, Mason had felt a strange connection.He thought they looked alike.When Nyla had suddenly made him put on a mask, he had noticed the emotion in her eyes—it had reminded him of the guilty look the kids in kindergarten had after doing something wrong.That's when Mason began to wonder whether he might actually be that stern man's son.Nyla turned around, her expression tense. "Buddy... why would you ask that? I told you before, your dad went somewhere far away...""Then why were you so scared when you saw tha
"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