Despite the murmurs, no one dared approach Damon or Nyla directly to ask about them, choosing instead to discuss and steal admiring glances from afar. After all, Damon had not been close to any woman in the past five years.The fiancee he had had was essentially a one-sided affair, and their engagement had been called off not long ago.Nyla's calm and graceful demeanor, despite the glances and attention directed her way, only enhanced her appeal.Damon guided her toward Pedro to offer their birthday wishes. Afterward, as they turned to leave, they ran into Nathaniel and Rebecca.When Nyla saw Nathaniel, she paused, surprised by how much he had changed in five years—he looked like a completely different person, his formerly vibrant energy now nowhere to be found.As they passed, a chilling aura surrounded him, causing Nyla to shiver involuntarily.Neither Nathaniel nor Rebecca acknowledged them, and Damon seemed equally indifferent, treating them as if they weren't there.Nyla gl
Valarie glanced over with a blank expression, then quickly looked away.Nyla turned to Valarie, unable to suppress her concern. "Valarie, maybe you should think over this engagement a bit more."Spending a lifetime with someone she didn't love would be painful—like reliving the same unfulfilling day over and over.Valarie managed a faint smile. "Nyla, you don't have to worry about me. I know what I'm doing."Seeing her stubborn expression, Nyla bit her lip. She wanted to tell Valarie about Damon's plan to help the Weirs but hesitated, fearing that Damon might change his mind and leave Valarie disappointed.With a quiet sigh, she decided to find a moment to ask Damon about it that evening."Nyla, I'd like to be alone for a while, so I'll leave you here," Valarie said, excusing herself."Alright, but don't wander off too far. The event will be starting soon," Nyla reminded her.Valarie nodded and quickly walked away.As she left, Nyla felt suddenly at a loss.After marrying Cla
The maid, Pauline Gundy, went pale and dropped to her knees abruptly. "Mr. Hackett, I have elderly parents and a daughter in university. My husband passed away in a car accident a few years ago. Without this job, my family will have no income. Please, have mercy on me!"Tears streamed down her face as her whole body shook with fear.Gabriel's expression remained cold and silent.Pauline's eyes darted toward Nyla, and she pleaded tearfully, "Ms. Kinsey, please, have mercy on me. I can't afford to lose this job. I beg you!"Before Nyla could respond, nearby guests began murmuring."She seems so pitiful. Maybe they should let it slide this time.""It's difficult for a woman to be the sole breadwinner for her entire family. Everyone makes mistakes. We should be forgiving.""It wasn't intentional. If they keep pressing the issue, it just makes them seem petty."Nyla's face turned frosty. It was easy for the crowd to act self-righteous—they weren't the ones who had nearly fallen onto
Pauline turned pale and collapsed to her knees under Gabriel's intense, chilling gaze. She knew what he was capable of, but implicating Jane would make her fate even worse.Resolving herself, she said firmly, "Mr. Hackett, no one told me to do it. If you don't believe me, call the police. I swear it was an accident!"Her words hung in the air as the room fell silent.Just then, a gentle female voice broke the tension. "Gabriel, what's going on? Why is everyone gathered here?"Everyone turned to see Jane approaching with a soft smile.When she noticed who was on the floor, she appeared surprised. "Pauline, what are you doing here?"A flicker crossed Pauline's eyes before she quickly lowered her head. "Ms. Wilkie, I accidentally bumped into Ms. Kinsey. She thinks someone put me up to it and now wants me to name the person… I swear, I'm innocent…"Jane frowned slightly and looked at Gabriel. "Gabriel, you know Pauline's character. She wouldn't hurt a fly. This must be some kind of
Once alone, Nyla quickly changed into the white dress, though it was a bit loose around her waist. She took a safety pin from her purse to cinch it. Then, picking up her original dress, she left the dressing room.When Jane saw Nyla in the white gown, her smile faltered even more. If Nyla had resembled a mermaid in the ocean earlier, she now looked as ethereal and untouchable as moonlight, her beauty strikingly cold and pure.Jane clenched and unclenched her hands before praising, "Ms. Kinsey, you really do look beautiful in anything. This dress suits you well!"Not missing the flash of envy in Jane's eyes, Nyla smirked. "Really? I have you to thank, Ms. Wilkie. I appreciate the loan.""You're welcome. Let's head back down," Jane replied.As they walked back to the main hall, guests took in the contrast between Jane's bold red gown and Nyla's elegant white one. In comparison, Jane's dress now seemed gaudy, almost overdone, while Nyla shone with understated elegance.Jane’s smile
Jane's gaze turned icy. "What's the matter? Feeling sorry for her now?"Gabriel frowned. "Why would I feel sorry?""Don't think I don't know. Nyla used to be your stepsister. You liked her back then, didn't you?" Jane's eyes flashed with anger. If Rebecca hadn't told her, she might have still been in the dark.The thought of Gabriel ever having feelings for Nyla made her despise Nyla even more.As dusk settled, shadows deepened around the rock formation, casting half of Gabriel's face in the darkness and making his expression harder to read."How did you find out?" he asked.Jane scoffed. "How I found out doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're still hung up on her."Gabriel chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I never knew my dear Jane could look so adorable when she's jealous."He reached out to pull her into his arms, but she pushed him back. "Don't touch me! You still haven't answered my question! And if I don't like your answer, you're not getting into my b
Sitting at the center of the living room, Pedro surveyed his family with a hard gaze, his eyes finally settling on Jane.This granddaughter of his was typically flawless, whether in business or personal matters. She was the one he'd entrusted with organizing his birthday celebration."Jane, you were in charge of the party. Since Pauline pushed Ms. Kinsey, I want you to get to the bottom of it and give Mr. Sumner and Ms. Kinsey a satisfactory answer," Pedro announced.Jane took a few steps forward and glanced at Pauline, who was cowering on the floor. She began, "Grandpa, Pauline claims she accidentally bumped into Ms. Kinsey. She denies any outside influence, and there were so many people around today—"She didn't get to finish before Damon cut her off icily. "Are you saying that my girlfriend intentionally staged this scene to frame the Wilkies?"Meeting Damon's gaze, Jane replied calmly, "Mr. Sumner, that's not what I meant. I'm only suggesting that this incident might truly hav
Pedro nearly staggered back in anger."Take him away! Stop letting him spout nonsense here!" he barked.Whether Jane was involved or not, the priority was to downplay the situation. If it hadn't been for Theo's foolishness, things might have already been smoothed over.The more Pedro thought about it, the angrier he became. Once Damon and Nyla left, he was determined to teach Theo a lesson. The young man needed to know when to speak up—and when to stay quiet.Jane trembled slightly, struggling to stay calm. Only she, Pauline, and Gabriel knew about this incident, and none of them would betray her. Thus, Theo had to be bluffing. There was no way he could know!Theo pushed Quincy aside, saying, "Mom, I'm fine."He took out his phone, eyeing Jane with a cold smile. "Jane, everything you said to Gabriel by the rock garden? I recorded it. Let's play it for everyone, shall we?"Without waiting, he pressed play.Instantly, Jane and Gabriel's voices echoed through the room, plunging th
"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