Years later, Nina was no longer that cautious, careful girl.
She graduated early with excellent grades and successfully joined a top research institute.
Her relationship with Oliver grew deeper and more stable through their time together.
Oliver remained as considerate and respectful as ever–both her intimate partner and her like–minded
colleague.
One warm weekend, Oliver brought Nina home to meet his parents.
The Bennett family was scholarly, with an open and warm atmosphere. Oliver’s parents had heard Nina’s name countless times from their son, knew about her excellence and resilience, and loved her even more after meeting her.
At dinner, Oliver’s mother personally served Nina food, her eyes full of affection.
‘Nina dear, Oliver’s always bragging about you, saying you’re smart and hardworking. Seeing you today, you’re even better than he described.”
She glanced at her son with satisfaction. “Looks like our Oliver has good taste.”
Nina felt embarrassed by the praise, her cheeks reddening as she instinctively looked at Oliver beside her.
Oliver was gazing at her tenderly, eyes full of love, gently squeezing her hand.
‘See? I told you my parents would love you.”
In that moment, Nina felt completely filled with warmth.
This feeling of being fully accepted and blessed was something she’d never experienced in past relationships
After dinner, they had tea on the balcony, looking at the distant scenery.
Oliver embraced Nina from behind, chin resting on her head, voice gentle but serious.
‘Nina, let’s get engaged. Once I finish my current project, we’ll go back to the States to develop our careers, or anywhere you want to go. I want to give you a home, a future that belongs completely to both of us.”
Nina leaned into his warm embrace, listening to his steady heartbeat, smiling happily.
She nodded gently: “Okay.”
90.09
Chapter 19
Meanwhile, back home, Declan was finally released from prison.
He looked much more weathered, his eyes carrying persistent melancholy.
The family business had been severely damaged by his scandal, his parents were deeply disappointed in him, and the family atmosphere grew increasingly distant. He had no choice but to return to the company and clean up the mess.
He threw all his energy into work like a tireless machine, trying to numb himself with endless busyness.
Romantically, he never married.
Sometimes through friends he’d hear news about Nina-
What award she’d won, how well her career was going, how stable her relationship with Oliver was, that they were apparently getting engaged soon…
Each piece of news was like a tiny needle, gently pricking the softest part of his heart.
He knew that brilliant, radiant girl had finally completely escaped the nightmare associated with him and become her most beautiful self.
That was enough.
Occasionally late at night, standing by his office’s floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking the city’s countless lights, he’d remember many years ago–that girl who would follow behind him, laughing and calling his
name.
Some people, once you miss them, it’s for a lifetime.
92.54
