Chapter 9
Nick had appeared beside me without warning.
His tall figure made me feel more at ease.[]
River happily hugged him, saying, “Uncle Nick!“]
Nick crouched down slightly, swept River up in his arms, his eyes full of satisfaction and happiness. “I heard you won first place. Would you like Uncle to take you to see a naval ship?“]
“Yes, yes!” River couldn’t stop smiling.]
Watching this “heartwarming” scene before him, Zane’s expression darkened.]
Who are you? That’s My son.“]
Who
River buried himself in Nick’s embrace, arms around his neck, not wanting to speak.]
“My name is Nick,” Nick said coolly, freeing one arm to wrap around my waist.]
Zane’s eyes darkened as he stared intently at Nick’s hand.
Yet Nick held me even tighter and said with a smile, “I’m planning to propose soon. We’ll definitely invite Mr. Blackwell to the wedding.”
“You’re delusional!” Zane’s face darkened as he tried to pull me away.
Nick quickly set River down and grabbed Zane’s hand, immobilizing him. Zane’s gaze turned hateful.[]
“Grabbing and pulling people isn’t what a gentleman does, Mr. Blackwell. You wouldn’t
To make a scene, would you?“||
Nick was half a head taller than Zane. With his back to me, I couldn’t see his expression, but I could hear his heavy breathing.[]
“Nick, let’s go,” I said, gently patting his back.[]
Nick immediately released his grip and turned to me, his tone lighthearted.]
“Sure, let’s not let unimportant people ruin our day.“]
With that, he held River’s hand in one of his and put his other arm around my shoulders as we walked away.
On the way, River looked at me curiously, his eyes darting around.
When he caught me looking at him, he finally asked, “Mom, are you really going to marry Uncle Nick?“]
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Your Uncle Nick was just kidding.“]
Nick and I were only friends. What he said and did was just to help me get rid of Zane’s persistence and make him give up.[]
Indeed, after that day, Zane didn’t appear again, while my interactions with Nick increased.[]
He helped me create fake information about moving abroad to avoid the Blackwell family’s investigation.
Later, I moved to Los Angeles, and coincidentally, Nick’s family business had also relocated its core operations there.
By chance, Nick and I became neighbors, which led to more frequent contact.
One day, as usual, Nick came over for dinner.]]
At the table, River said seriously, “Mom, if it’s Uncle Nick, I’d be happy to have him as my new dad.“[]
I was slightly taken aback, my face reddening, not knowing how to respond.
Nick, sitting beside River, pulled him into a hug and planted a big kiss on his little face.
“Your uncle hasn’t been spoiling you for nothing!“]]
To my surprise, in the following days, Zane somehow found my residence and started appearing frequently.[]
I either ignored him completely or had Nick help drive him away.]
A few days later, I learned from a teacher that River’s school had a new sponsor.[]
That day, when River came home, he hesitantly said, “Mom, I… I saw Dad today.”
I took his small hand in mine. “River, what happened between your dad and me is adult business and has nothing to do with you. If you still love your dad, I won’t stop you from seeing him.“[]
River looked stunned. I smiled and stroked his head. “No matter what, Mom will respect your decision.“[]
After staying in Los Angeles for half a month, Zane returned to San Francisco.
Perhaps he believed that Nick and I were really together, or maybe he just got tired.
Either way, he truly left, and I felt nothing but relief.]
But not long after, news came that Blackwell Group’s headquarters would be moving to Los Angeles.
River called me from school. “Mom, Dad said he’s taking me to the amusement park after school today.“[]
“Okay. When you’re done, I’ll pick you up to go home“.
Zane was back again.]]
A gentle breeze swayed, carrying the fragrance of flowers through the car window.
Sitting in the car, I stared absent–mindedly at the entrance of the amusement park when a soft laugh
“Having regrets?”
I snapped back to reality and shook my head.]]
came from beside me.[]
“I’m just afraid. I
I don’t know if letting River see him is good or bad.“]
Nick leaned on the steering wheel, looking at me with a smile.
“The senior I knew was always decisive. When did you become so hesitant?“[]
Five Stars of Austriage–Turce–ann by His Secret Lugner
Caprer s
“I just… I just think River seems very happy these past few days. It seems like he’s forgiven his dad.“[]
“What about you?”
Nick suddenly sat up straight, his tone serious.
“Will you forgive him too?”
“No. I don’t want to be anyone’s second choice.“]
Nick’s tone suddenly took on a playful, childish quality. “So, does that mean I still have a chance?“]
“Come on, stop joking.” I laughed helplessly, waving him off.
But Nick’s gaze became unusually deep.
“Maybe I’m serious. I don’t want to just be friends.”
“Aurora, is it possible that the girl I mentioned to you back in school, the one I had a crush on… was you?“[]
I was stunned, recalling years ago at school when my usually shy junior came to ask for advice on how to pursue a girl he had a crush
on
I gave him advice without hesitation, but at the end, he suddenly asked, “What type of guy do you like, Aurora?“[]
After thinking, I answered seriously, “I prefer someone more manly, outgoing, and preferably fit–lean and muscular. Someone who makes me feel safe.“]
I hadn’t noticed the dimming look in his eyes then, but now, the intense gaze before me was impossible to avoid.]
“I’m sorry for being so forward. Back then, I missed my chance with you because of hesitation, so this time I want to be braver.“]]
“Aurora, would you give us a chance?“]}]
I was speechless.
The complicated, unresolved relationship with Zane and the uncertain future made me unsure.
Was this person beside me right?
Would he be worthy of my trust?
“I don’t know..“[]
The presence before me suddenly drew closer, Nick’s voice deep and husky.]
“Why not give it a try?“]]
A kiss with the scent of mint descended, sending a shock through me like an electric current flowing throughout my body.
But I didn’t push him away []
Until I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure coming out of the amusement park [
My face flushed red as I pushed him away and opened the car door.]
94.19
Chapter 9
Zane had become much quieter. He handed River to me, his gaze complex as he looked at me. “Thank you for letting him come.“]
My expression remained calm. “It’s nothing. You are his father, after all.“]
Turning around, I saw Nick had also gotten out of the car and was holding River’s hand.[]
River looked at Nick’s face, back and forth, his expression puzzled.]
2
“Uncle Nick, why are you smiling like that? It looks silly.“[]
“Really? Am I smiling?“]]
“Yes! Like when I eat my favorite cake!“]
“That’s because I’ve had something just as delicious.“[]
“Really? Uncle Nick, where is it? I want to try it too!“]]
“Sorry, I can’t share this one with you. But I can take you for ice cream now.“]
“Great! Thank you, Uncle Nick!“]]
Listening to the conversation between the two, my cheeks grew even hotter.
A warm breeze carried a low whisper from afar.]
“As long as you’re happy, I’ll silently give my blessing from a distance.“]]
I instinctively turned around, but there was no one there.]]
Looking up, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the green leaves overhead.[]
This summer seemed especially bright.[]
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