Ch. 101..110
Chapter 101
Suzanne was overwhelmed with shame and discomfort when her
thoughts laid bare. She gradually lowered her head.
Fuming in anger, Nathan let go of her hand and uttered, “If you want a divorce, just tell me. I won’t make you stay. Don’t use tactics like this. to upset me.”
Tears began to well up in Suzanne’s eyes, burdened by a heart heavy with pain and sorrow. She bit her lip and struggled against the urge to
cry.
Leaving Nathan was not her desire, but she felt powerless to change the direction of their relationship. She grappled with the weight of not wanting to be defined by a troubled past she couldn’t undo.
Yet, she found herself trapped. Every day felt like a battle for survival, and she felt like a soul slowly withering away.
Nathan picked up on her profound sadness, and his own heart sank in response. Realizing he had been too harsh in his words, his gaze softened as he looked at her.
In a gentle tone, Nathan said, “Share what’s troubling you.”
Suzanne stayed quiet, and Nathan’s expression darkened. He watched her, head still bowed, until he noticed a tear slipping away.
A jolt of concern hit Nathan. He hurried over to Suzanne and lifted her. With her petite frame and head still lowered, Nathan couldn’t see her face even after helping her up.
Nathan couldn’t help but feel a heavy sadness in his chest. He hadn’t felt this kind of pain since he saw a woman cry a decade ago.
Nathan asked, concerned, “Why are you crying?”
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Suzanne struggled to hold back her tears, but they kept coming. The weight of her cursed identity and the fear that Nathan might be the cause of her death in the future flooded her with sorrow.
Unsure of how to help Suzanne, Nathan simply went for it and pulled her into a warm, comforting hug. Suzanne was taken aback by the strength of his embrace.
Surprisingly, her tears dried up, and she couldn’t believe she was leaning on Nathan’s broad, cozy chest.
She stood there a bit stiff with hands hanging by her sides and blinked away the last of her tears. Her heart thumped like a drum in
her chest.
Suzanne noticed Nathan’s heart racing. However, she was unsure if it was just her ears playing tricks or if he was nervous.
Nathan gently lowered his head down and closed his eyes to breathe in the subtle, sweet fragrance of Suzanne’s hair. Her soft and comforting presence eased the ache in his heart that had lingered for over ten days.
The emptiness and restlessness that had been bothering him latel seemed to disappear in this precious moment.
Amidst the sweet smell of flowers, their hug felt beautiful and
heartwarming. Suzanne blushed, feeling like her heart was about to
burst.
“I’m done crying. Can you let go of me?” Suzanne said with a gentle
voice.
Nathan hesitated before slowly letting go. Suzanne stepped back and stared at him with a puzzled look in her eyes.
Her eyes were shimmering with tears, which made her look especially pitiful. The recent hug had left her in shock, and she couldn’t shake
off the feeling.
Suzanne couldn’t fathom why Nathan had hugged her. Hugging, in her mind, was reserved for close, romantic relationships.
Feeling uneasy under her intense stare, Nathan cleared his throat and asked, “What made you cry?”
Suzanne remained quiet.
Nathan’s brow furrowed as he continued, “Was it because I spoke to you a bit harshly earlier?”
It dawned on Suzanne that she had never witnessed Nathan hugging Sally, no matter how desperately she cried. Yet, he had embraced her just because she shed a few tears.
“Why did you hug me just now?” Suzanne asked.
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Chapter 102
Nathan froze in place when he heard the question. After a short
pause, he answered calmly, “It just seems like a good way to keep your tears at bay.”
Out of the blue, a soft voice interrupted their moment. “Did you finish setting up my flowers?”
Suzanne rushed back to her spot, grabbed her tools, and began
trimming. “Almost done, Florence.”
Florence walked in and saw that none of the flowers were arranged. Some empty vases still sat on the floor, waiting to be taken care of.
Confused, she glanced at Nathan. “Nate, didn’t you mention coming
over to-”
“Mom, go home and rest. We’ll handle it here,” Nathan spoke in a louder voice, trying to drown out whatever she was going to say.
He swiftly put his arm around Florence’s shoulders and guided her away. After seeing Florence off, he returned to find Suzanne focused on trimming the flowers.
Nathan grabbed a pair of scissors and took a seat across from
Suzanne. He observed how she did it and silently started helping. The peaceful, sweet-smelling atmosphere made time slip by in a soothing
way.
Suzanne looked up and spotted a vase of flowers that Nathan had arranged himself. She couldn’t help but grin.
In the vase, a bunch of deep red roses stood in a neat and precise formation, almost like his soldiers’ disciplined arrangement. Suzanne found amusement in Nathan’s sense of style.
Seeing her holding back laughter, Nathan’s mood lifted. “Is it strange?”
Suzanne carried on with her task. “Your mom would surely appreciate it knowing you did it.”
“Do you think it’s good?”
Suzanne nodded. “Yeah, it looks nice.”
Nathan looked at her rosy face and realized she was even lovelier than the flowers. It struck him, for the first time, that flower arranging wasn’t a boring or pointless activity.
As night fell, Nathan headed back to his room after dinner and had a shower. Dressed in a relaxed grey outfit, he stood on the balcony with his hands resting on the railing.
Looking up at the sky, he noticed the stars were clearly visible from where he stood.
The door creaked there. Nathan, hanging out on the balcony
open, and Suzanne stepped into the room. She shut-
the door quietly and
turned to look at her..
The room was big, but even from a distance, they could read each other’s faces. Nathan picked up on Suzanne’s nervousness.
He came in from the balcony and closed the gap. Suzanne’s heart sped up the closer he got.
She jumped into a conversation. “I heard everyone’s nervous about your aunt’s return tomorrow. Do you want to head back to Sudvilla like Taylor and the rest to avoid her?”
“Aren’t you afraid of her?” Nathan asked.
“I haven’t met her, so I don’t get why everyone’s so afraid.”
“She’s not that scary, just super annoying,” Nathan explained.
“More annoying than Sally?” Suzanne blurted out.
Nathan froze, and Suzanne quickly apologized, “Sorry, didn’t mean to offend your childhood sweetheart.”
Nathan stuffed his hands in his pockets and spoke with a touch of disbelief, “She pulled tricks to frame you. You should be calling her awful or mean. How is she just annoying in your words?”
Suzanne was caught off guard. She didn’t see that coming.
“Oh,” Suzanne mumbled awkwardly and wanted to take a step back.
Suddenly, Nathan moved in closer and placed his hand on the door. Startled, Suzanne pressed her back against the door. She was too frightened to move and simply stared up at him.
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Chapter 103
Chapter 103
Nathan's eyes glowed with a mysterious intensity, and a chill surrounded him.
With a touch of annoyance, he said, "You simply left a message and disappeared. Isn't that a bit rude? Can you at least give me an explanation?"
Suzanne found herself in a tight spot. She couldn't spill the beans about being a possible Nightshade spy.
Norvania's military base specialized in producing weapons and housed a highly confidential armory.
Being a spy, Suzanne knew she couldn't linger at the military base.
The risk of being suspected if any classified information leaked was too great. She was determined to avoid that accusation at all costs.
She left without notice because her mind was a chaotic mess at the time, and she couldn't come up with a proper excuse to say goodbye amidst the confusion.
"I..." Suzanne hesitated.
Nathan couldn't stop looking at her lips. Each little move of hers made his heart race. His throat was dry, and he felt the urge to kiss her.
He swallowed hard and asked, "What did the vice-captain say that made you leave all of a sudden?"
Suzanne felt a jolt down her spine as she looked up at him, her nerves evident in her eyes. Nathan quickly caught on to her unease.
"General Morrison, actually—"
Nathan smoothly interrupted with a voice that held a mysterious charm. "Change the way you address me."
Suzanne's heart melted a bit. She couldn't shake the sense that Nathan was playfully teasing her.
"Nathan," Suzanne called out in a gentle tone.
With a pleasing smile, Nathan responded, "Great."
Suzanne tensed up again. Her heart was like a roller coaster, going up and down with every twist and turn. She felt a bit shy when Nathan affectionately said the word "great".
Nathan noticed her cheeks turning slightly red. He hadn't interacted with many women, but Suzanne was the only one who would blush just because of his slightly intimate gestures.
He couldn't help but feel mischievous as he watched Suzanne become flustered. The more reserved she got, the more he felt the urge to tease her.
However, Nathan realized that if they kept going like this, they wouldn't get any real work done, and he might even push her away. Deciding to take a step back, he slowly withdrew his hand from the door.
"I'm not a fan of guessing games. Just tell me straight," Nathan stated.
Suzanne nervously fidgeted with the hem of her clothes. She was torn about whether to speak up. She wondered if confessing now would be considered honest or if it would complicate things.
However, she knew that if Nathan discovered the truth on his own, it would only lead to more misunderstandings. She was aware that she had to face the inevitable.
Summoning her courage, Suzanne said, "Nathan, before I lost my memory, I worked as a spy for the Nightshade, and—"
Nathan's gaze hardened, and his expression grew serious. He cut Suzanne off abruptly. "Did the vice-captain tell you this?"
Suzanne nodded.
"And you believed him?" Nathan asked.
"Because he was also a spy, too. I messed up the mission, and the clan sent him to eliminate me," Suzanne explained.
A sigh of relief escaped Nathan as he gazed at her with empathy. "So, for the past few weeks, you've been silently bearing this pain, overthinking, and staying hidden at home?"
Suzanne nodded once more. Tears began to well up in her eyes.
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Chapter 104
Nathan led Suzanne to the dressing table and gestured for her to sit
down.
Meanwhile, he settled on the bed and adopted a serious tone. ”
Suzanne, in situations where we don’t have solid proof, it’s wise to be cautious and skeptical.”
Suzanne was a bit puzzled. Nathan sensed that she might not have encountered much of the real world.
Maybe she had been sheltered from it. Or it could be that amnesia protected her from the harsh realities of human nature.
“I have a hunch you could be a Nightshade spy, but without proof, it’s just a suspicion,” Nathan explained patiently.
“Did the informant you killed lie?” Suzanne asked.
“He wasn’t the one who tried to harm you earlier. I’ve scrutinized the footage extensively. Their body sizes don’t match.
“Also, the vice-captain, who’s usually armed with a gun, wouldn’t resort to a knife for an assassination attempt,” Nathan responded.
Suzanne was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Nathan to delve so deeply into the matter.
“The vice-captain might be getting framed. If he’s with the Nightshade, he would act quickly to eliminate you,” Nathan explained.
“I thought maybe I was the spy,” Suzanne murmured.
“That’s still a possibility,” Nathan replied.
Suzanne’s heart, which had just started to relax, tensed up again at Nathan’s words. She jerked her head up. There was a touch of worry
in her eyes as she glanced at him.
Nathan noticed her unease and quickly reassured her, “It’s just an occupational habit. I’ve always been a bit suspicious about your past, but I haven’t figured it out yet. It’s still under investigation.”
Suzanne looked at him expectantly. “Nathan, if I used to be a spy before I lost my memory, would you end me?”
Nathan was taken aback by the question. He stared into Suzanne’s clear eyes. His heart sank as he wondered if he could truly bring himself to end her if her past identity as a spy turned out to be true.
A sharp pain stabbed deep into his chest, and he avoided dwelling on the troubling thought.
“Go take a shower and stop overthinking,” Nathan urged.
His silence spoke volumes, and Suzanne sensed the likely affirmative
response.
“Okay,” Suzanne replied.
Her heart felt empty. She grabbed her pajamas from the walk-in closet before heading to the bathroom.
Deep in thought, Nathan lay on the bed and fixed his gaze on the
ceiling.
Maybe seeing Suzanne had eased his mind, or perhaps the fatigue from long workdays had caught up with him. He drifted off to sleep without realizing it.
When Suzanne finished her shower and came out of the bathroom, she found Nathan already asleep. She approached the bed quietly
and climbed in beside him.
As she lay down, she couldn’t help but watch his peaceful sleeping face. Nathan’s breathing was calm and steady. He looked handsome
with his well-defined features and smooth, healthy skin.
Suzanne gave in to the urge to touch Nathan’s thick eyebrows but stopped just before reaching his brow. Clenching her fist, she withdrew her hand and turned her gaze to his nose and thin lips.
Feelings overwhelmed her, and she felt the urge to lean in for a kiss. Yet, uncertainty clouded her mind. She was convinced that she was too tainted for Nathan to desire anything with her in this life.
Even though their marriage seemed strong on the surface, it felt empty inside. Doubts started to sneak in about how long their marriage would last.
Suzanne slowly closed her eyes as she sensed an uncomfortable
ache within her heart.
The next day, Suzanne woke up around noon in the Morrison Residence. Luckily, there were housekeepers to handle the chores, so she didn’t have to worry about that.
Besides, Gary and Florence were pretty laid-back and didn’t interfere much in their family’s lives.
When Suzanne finally rose from bed, it was already past 11:00 am, and Nathan was nowhere to be seen. After a quick freshening up and a simple grooming, she stepped out of the room.
As she entered the living room, she found several people gathered, creating a lively atmosphere.
Someone spoke up, “Gary, Florence, these are gifts for you. This one’s for Tay, this one’s for Toby, this one’s for Dukie, this one’s for Nate. Dan had run away from home for so many years, so no gift for him.”
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Chapter 105
“Guess what? I went to more than a dozen countries this time. It was super awesome!” exclaimed a woman in her 50s with excitement.
Her chattering made it feel like she was in the midst of a lively market. Suzanne approached everyone awkwardly. Nathan noticed her and patted the space next to him on the couch, inviting her to sit.
Suzanne was grateful for Nathan’s thoughtful gesture. She joined Nathan on the couch and noticed a poised young woman sitting across from her. The young lady was elegant and had her eyes fixed on Suzanne.
In the first few minutes of Suzanne settling down, she observed the whole family quietly enduring the constant talk of the middle-aged
woman.
The woman, decked out in jewelry, looked quite affluent. As she casually picked up her water from the coffee table and took a sip, she noticed Suzanne sitting next to Nathan.
Her eyes widened. Without waiting for Nathan to make the
introduction, she took the initiative to introduce the young lady beside
her.
“This is Elyse, from the Whitfield family. She’s my goddaughter and also the woman I found for Nate,” the middle-aged woman explained.
Suzanne was momentarily stunned, but everyone else appeared surprisingly unfazed.
“You’ve heard about the Whitfield family, haven’t you? The big shots in real estate and a prestigious family. But let’s shift our attention to Elyse today. She’s all gentle and thoughtful.
“Elyse graduated from a top-notch university and is a champ in both arts and academics. On top of that, she’s a pro chef and knows her way around social scenes.
“And let me tell you, she’s got this fantastic character and grace. She was way better than Sally in every way.
“So, Nate, what do you think? Are you happy with the bride I selected for you?” asked the middle-aged woman.
Nathan finally got a chance to talk. He leaned in a bit closer to Suzanne and said, “Aunt Lindsey, let me introduce you. This is my wife, Suzanne York.”
Lindsey Morrison’s expression changed all of a sudden. Her gaze turned cold and stern.
Nathan looked at Suzanne and introduced Lindsey to her. “Suzy, meet Lindsey-my dad’s younger sister.”
Suzanne greeted Lindsey politely, saying, “Hello, Lindsey.”
Lindsey snorted, crossed her arms, and gave Suzanne a thorough
once-over.
“What’s this, a joke? Why was I left in the dark about your ma Are you two just playing house before making it official? She’s probably not from a decent family,” Lindsey sneered.
“Nate, you should get to know Elyse instead.” Lindsey chatted a going on and on for quite a bit.
Gary felt compelled to step in. “Nate and Suzy got married, Lin. The officially registered two months ago without a wedding ceremony.
Elyse’s face instantly darkened. She couldn’t hide her displeasure.
Lindsey gasped. “What? Did they secretly tie the knot? This has been happening since Tay. I’ve raised all these kids. Shouldn’t they at least
get my blessing?
“Tay did it, Toby and Dukie followed suit, and now Nate is on the same path. What’s happening? Am I already in the afterlife or something?
“I even introduced my carefully chosen goddaughters, all of whom make excellent wife material, didn’t I? Gary, Florence, this is getting out of hand!”
Feeling concerned, Florence immediately explained, “Lin! Nate’s grandma picked his wife, and we can do nothing about it.”.
“Mom has been sick for years, hasn’t she? She’s an old fool. Can she even judge people properly? Are you guys fools, too?” Lindsey pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping away her tears.
Suzanne watched intently, and Nathan sighed helplessly as he foresaw what was coming. He approached from behind and covered her ears tightly.
Startled, Suzanne’s heart began to race uncontrollably. She got all
tense when she felt Nathan’s warm hands covering her ears. Nathan didn’t want her to hear what Lindsey was about to say.
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Chapter 106
Suzanne’s ears were covered by Nathan, but she could still catch. snippets of Lindsey’s talk. Lindsey was going on about old stories loudly with a lot of exaggeration.
“Back in the day, you guys were all focused on your careers, and I was the one raising your kids. Tay had a tough time at school. He got bullied and even wet himself out of fear. I was there to counsel and hug him to sleep every night.
“Toby went through a rough patch after a breakup. He even wanted to jump off a building! I was the one who begged him not to..
“Dukie loved flaunting his stuff and had always asked me for money to buy expensive brands. I had to give him whatever he wanted because I cared about him!
“And then there’s Dan-always rebellious and causing trouble. He hung out with the wrong crowd, got into fights, and skipped classes. I was the one tirelessly guiding and influencing him.”
Lindsey pointed at Nathan and continued, “And you, Nate, you were still hooked on milk at three. Every day, after your mom left for work) you’d come running after me and beg for milk.”
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Nathan took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and toughed them out. Suzanne had a hard time suppressing a laugh. She now realized why the Morrison brothers dreaded Lindsey so much.
Their childhood secrets were being laid bare-one embarrassing story at a time. It was a complete embarrassment.
Lindsey kept going with vivid details. “Remember the year Sally went. abroad? You were all grown up, but you cried like there was no tomorrow. You wandered every day and began to drink and smoke
like other’s.
“I was the one who helped you break free from that downward spiral. But now, all of you act like a bunch of heartless guys.”
Having heard them countless times, Gary was beyond weary of these tales.
With a sigh, he remarked, “Lin, these stories are ancient history.
Please, stop dredging them up all the time. The kids have grown up and gotten married. Revisiting these stories only brings embarrassment. Let’s move on from them.”
“Grown up? In my heart, they’ll always be my children. I’m in my 50s and still single. Do you know why? It’s all for looking after them. You heartless bunch.
“I even went to the trouble of choosing spouses for you guys, but none of you paid any attention,” Lindsey grumbled.
Pointing at Suzanne, Lindsey added, “And since you two haven’t had a proper wedding ceremony, maybe it’s time for a quick divorce.”
Nathan acted like he didn’t hear anything, but Suzanne’s face turned serious. She gently removed Nathan’s hand and managed a smile.
“Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, lunch is ready,” Edgar announced.
It was a welcomed distraction. Gary and Florence were delighted and stood up immediately. “Let’s go. Time for lunch.”
Nathan took Suzanne’s hand and headed toward the dining room together, Lindsey trailed behind while glaring at them.
As everyone settled into their seats, Elyse made a move to pour juice for everyone. When she got to Nathan and Suzanne, she handed them their drinks and said, “Nathan, Ms. York, here’s your juice.”
Lindsey patted Elyse’s shoulder and beamed. “Look at Elyse. She’s
such a polite and well-mannered lady.”
However, Nathan reclined in his chair and fixed a cold stare on Elyse.” If you’re going to call me Nathan, you should address my wife as Suzanne. Don’t you understand basic etiquette?”
Lindsey and Elyse’s expressions instantly soured. Yet, Nathan had a way of carrying himself that made everyone uneasy.
Elyse didn’t dare to disobey and managed to force a smile. “Suzanne, here’s your juice.”
Suzanne felt a sense of satisfaction as Nathan stood up for her. She gave a nod of acknowledgment to Elyse. However, Suzanne felt uneasy throughout the meal as Lindsey kept on chattering without a
pause.
She went over everything from the old days-discussing the birth of the Morrison brothers and revisiting their embarrassing moments repeatedly.
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Chapter 107
Lindsey couldn’t stop talking about how much effort she put into raising the Morrison brothers.
Suddenly, a loud noise outside caught everyone’s attention. Taylor, Tobias, and Duke hurried in with their wives, looking concerned.
They quickly asked, “Where’s Dad? How is he?”
With a big smile, Lindsey replied, “Your dad is here, enjoying his lunch.”
Gary was confused when he saw his sons and daughters-in-law looking anxious. “What’s happening?”
Taylor shot Lindsey an angry look and grumbled, “Aunt Lindsey told us you had a stroke and died at home.”
Frustrated, Gary slammed the table and shouted, “Lin! Can’t you tell a joke without making it sound like a curse? You wished a stroke and death upon me at home?”
Lindsey rushed over and gripped Gary’s arm. “Gary, I was just joking and no harm intended. Don’t be upset. Let me ease your mind.”
Gary felt helpless, and an awkward atmosphere settled among everyone. They were eventually forced into sitting down for a meal together.
Lindsey continued her critiques by labeling each member of the Morrison family as “heartless”. Suzanne grew tired after just two
rounds of hearing the complaints.
She couldn’t imagine how many times the Morrisons had endured Lindsey’s criticisms to be so afraid of her.
After lunch, Lindsey forbade anyone from leaving. She forced the
entire family to gather on the living room couch for coffee and
conversation.
Sitting close to Nathan, Suzanne quietly asked him, “Nathan, is it true that Lindsey raised you and your brothers?”
Nathan leaned in and whispered to Suzanne, not wanting anyone else to hear, “Not exactly. In our family, we’ve had housekeepers since my grandmother’s time..
“When we were kids, each of us brothers had our own nanný. Aunt Lindsey never really went to work and liked staying at home. She kind of observed us growing up, but didn’t exactly take care of us.”
“It looks like your dad spoils his little sister quite a bit,” Suzanne
remarked.
“Yeah, that’s true.”
Suzanne playfully whispered in Nathan’s ear, “Are you happy with the bride she selected for you?”
Nathan furrowed his brow and replied in a slightly serious tone, “Don’t take it too seriously. This is her fifth goddaughter. She wants to play matchmaker for all five of us.”
Suzanne and Nathan’s close interaction caught everyone off guard They sat side by side and whispered intimately to each other. Their connection mirrored that of a couple deeply in love.
Even though they were an actual couple, the entire family was aware that Suzanne and Nathan lacked any emotional connection and were likely headed for divorce.
Their unusual behavior genuinely baffled everyone. However, Suzanne and Nathan appeared oblivious to the intimacy of their actions and the surprise they elicited from those around them.
A hint of jealousy flickered in Elyse’s eyes, but she put on a sweet
smile and commented, “Nathan and Suzanne seem to have a great relationship!”
Hearing this, Suzanne realized she had been too close to Nathan.
earlier and quickly moved away from him. Her face turned a bit red, and she felt embarrassed as her heart raced.
Lindsey gave Suzanne a disdainful look and remarked, “What’s so great about it? Nate has a crush on that Hoffis girl.
“I don’t even know where this woman sitting here is from, but my mom messed up the match, and they’ll likely end up getting a divorce.”
Nathan’s expression turned serious. The mention of Sally made
Suzanne feel uneasy.
Everyone seemed to have a negative view of their marriage and expected it to end in divorce. It cast a shadow over Suzanne’s mood.
Layla gave Suzanne a scornful look and sneered, “Lindsey, you have no idea, do you? She’s the nurse who looked after your mom. Her past is just-”
Before Layla could finish her sentence, Nathan sharply intervene Layla, who gave you the right to disrespect my wife before me?”
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Chapter 108
Layla was caught off guard by Nathan’s protective side for his wife. She nervously apologized, “Nathan, I’m sorry for talking too much.”
Suzanne was surprised and grateful for Nathan standing up for her. She suddenly cared less about what others thought of her.
After all, dealing with Duke and Layla’s condescending attitude had become routine for Suzanne.
Lindsey was in shock and blurted out, “Wait, she’s my mom’s nurse? Oh no! Her reputation is bad, and she’s from a rough background. Nate, marrying her is embarrassing, don’t you think?”
Nathan’s face turned red with anger as he rose to his feet. “Say that again, I dare you.”
Lindsey felt a rush of fear. Her legs gave way, and she sank onto the couch. Nathan’s unexpected fury left her in a state of panic. It was a
side of him she had never seen before.
Elyse’s contempt deepened on the sidelines, and her sense of superiority grew stronger. Initially lacking confidence, she now sa herself as far superior to Suzanne, who was from a less privilege background.
However, Suzanne wanted everyone in the family to get along,
especially considering Lindsey’s vengeful attitude. She gently pulled Nathan back to his seat, hoping they could talk things out peacefully.
Meanwhile, Duke and Layla couldn’t help but smirk as they watched. the drama unfold between Nathan and Lindsey.
Nathan’s cold stare made Lindsey uneasy, but she tried to act calm and said, “I-I was just telling it like it s!”
Letting out a deep sigh, Nathan took Suzanne’s hand and suggested,”
Let’s head back to our room.”
Suzanne glanced at him while shaking her head. She knew that
leaving would only make things tougher for her with Lindsey in the
Morrison household.
Nathan could sense her distress. He reluctantly took a seat and held back his anger. Everyone in the room was cautious around Nathan. Even his parents didn’t want to push him too far.
Lindsey dialed back her arrogance a bit. Upon discovering Suzanne’s background, she opted for a different approach to embarrass her.
“Elyse graduated from a prestigious university and is known to be super-talented. She even bagged tons of awards in art and design. So, Suzanne, where did you graduate from?” Lindsey asked.
Suzanne was left dumbfounded. She knew Lindsey was attempting to put her down by questioning her educational achievements.
She clenched her fists in uncertainty, feeling a bit lost about how to respond. Yet, she could tell Nathan was about to blow up n
Suddenly, everyone’s attention was caught by the fast footst
echoing in the living room.
Wendy rushed into a room and darted back out while urging, lend me a hand with this.”
Taylor quickly unfurled the painting that Wendy was holding.
Wendy couldn’t stand how Lindsey acted. Lindsey had pushed We and Taylor into a divorce and then convinced him to marry her goddaughter. Wendy simply didn’t like Lindsey.
her.
As the unveiling of Inkwell’s artwork captivated everyone in the room Wendy expressed in satisfaction, “Lindsey, Suzanne is the renowned
charity artist known as Inkwell. This is her creation.
“Her most expensive paintings can fetch millions. Unfortunately, this one got accidentally damaged in a corner, or it would have been worth a million.”
Lindsey was shocked, and Elyse wore a face of disbelief.
Layla stood up and gave Wendy an incredulous look. “Wendy, what kind of joke are you playing? This seems like a forgery. Sally also gave Grandma a similar forgery, didn’t she?”
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Wendy couldn’t help but tease, “Oh, come on, you can’t handle the idea that Suzanne might be better than you, can you? I got this painting verified by experts, and it’s an authentic piece by Inkwell.
“Suzanne’s an artist who makes millions for charity.”
Taylor chimed in with a nod, “Yup, it’s legit.”
Layla’s face flushed with anger, but she couldn’t come up with a comeback. Suzanne felt a bit awkward about Wendy confidently stating something she wasn’t entirely certain about.
On the sidelines, Nathan smirked as someone in the family was finally recognizing Suzanne’s talents.
Lindsey huffed in annoyance, “Elyse is a trained artist, unlike some who paint casually and sell their art for millions.”
Wendy fired back, “Even casual paintings can make millions. I wonder if your goddaughter’s artwork can sell for any money.”
Lindsey was left without words.
Taylor chuckled as he rolled up the artwork. “Nowadays, there are s many college students, but their qualifications aren’t that impressive
“Lots of them can’t even land jobs, and what they create is just for personal satisfaction!”
Lindsey felt a surge of anger. Suddenly, her eyes landed on a nearby piano, and her face lit up.
“Elyse is a fantastic pianist, too,” Lindsey declared.
She guided Elyse toward the piano and suggested, “Elyse, how about playing a piece for everyone?”
With no hint of modesty, Elyse bowed to the people in the living room. “Allow me to showcase my skills.”
Taking a seat, she played a thoroughly satisfying piano piece.
Coming from a musical family and possessing a profound understanding of music, Layla scowled with disdain as she listened.
Others, less versed in piano techniques, found the piece enjoyable and well-played.
Following the performance, Lindsey enthusiastically applauded and bragged, “Elyse is truly incredible. Her piano skills are outstanding.
She’s a genuine talent!”
Gary and Florence politely joined in the applause, while the rest displayed a somewhat lackluster response.
Proud of her talents and quick to look down on others, Layla sneered, Isn’t this just a Grade 5 piano piece? Even elementary school kids
practicing piano for a year or two could play it better.
“How about trying ‘Piano Concerto No. 3’?”
Elyse sensed the sarcasm and appeared somewhat uneasy.
She forced a smile and gracefully replied, “I’ve heard your mother renowned music master. Why don’t you play that piece for me? love to broaden my horizons.”
Uninterested in a musical competition, Layla bluntly admitted, “I’m just average at the piano and can’t tackle the world’s most challenging pieces.
“With all the hype from Lindsey, I thought you could. Well, never mind.”
“I…” Elyse hesitated.
Lindsey felt perplexed. Her intention was for Elyse to outshine
Suzanne, but it had unexpectedly turned into a verbal exchange with
Lavla.
Redirecting the focus, Lindsey said, “Even though Elyse may not
tackle those highly challenging pieces, she’s still a hundred times better than someone crass like Suzanne, who lacks musical talent and can’t even grasp musical notes.”
All of a sudden, Suzanne felt stuck in the middle of an argument, and she didn’t know what to say.
Nathan’s face got serious, and he said with displeasure, “Aunt Lindsey, are you going after my wife today?”
“Nate, you’re being harsh. I don’t get why you think I’m going after her. How about we keep it simple? Let Suzanne play a birthday song.”
But Lindsey didn’t stop there and continued to poke fun. “She can’t even play a birthday song, can she? Even someone like me, who knows nothing about the piano, could manage it just by looking at
the sheet music.”
Chapter 110
Chapter 110
Suzanne felt the pressure of the moment. Wendy strolled by Nathan and shot him a reassuring glance.
Taking Suzanne by the hand, Wendy said, “Come on, Suzanne, play a birthday song for her.”
“I can’t, Wendy,” Suzanne replied in a hushed tone.
Wendy whispered, “Don’t worry. The piano has the song recorded. Just play it, and I’ll manage the rest. You got this. Don’t let Lindsey think you can’t do it.”
Suzanne got pulled toward the piano. She cast a helpless look back. at Nathan, who sat on the couch and observed quietly. He had faith in Wendy.
In her three years of amnesia, Suzanne sat at the piano for the first time and found that the keys felt strangely familiar.
Wendy slyly triggered the birthday song on the piano and Suzanne, “Relax, there won’t be any sound even if you play The music will play automatically.”
ured
10.
Sensing Wendy’s trickery, Layla rose from her seat and exo
Hold on.”
All attention shifted to Layla as she approached Suzanne.
Layla pulled out a thick music book from the piano rack and instructed, “Choose any piece you want from here, but not the
birthday song.”
Having spoken, Layla casually turned off the recording function.
Wendy’s irritation surfaced, and her expression darkened. “Layla, don’t
take it too far. What did Suzanne do to upset you and make you mistreat her like this?”
Layla arrogantly snorted. “Wendy, when did you see me mistreating her? I just told her to pick a piece- any Grade 1 piano piece, even ‘ Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ would be fine.”
“You’re intentionally doing this.”
“Believe whatever you want.”
As the two continued to argue, Suzanne was already flipping through
the music sheets. She studied the musical notes on the sheet. Surprisingly, she understood them all and recognized exactly which keys to press.
After turning to the final piece in the book, she positioned her hands on the piano keys. Though her mind felt empty, her fingers seemed to remember the moves all on their own.
The air was filled with a mesmerizing melody. Wendy and Layla, caught in the middle of their argument, fell silent in awe.
A hush fell over the entire living room, and every gaze shifted toward Suzanne in disbelief. The enchanting piano melody surrounded them reaching deep into their souls and capturing their hearts.
Suzanne’s slender fingers danced gracefully on the piano. They gradually quickened in tempo with fervor and intensity. Her demeanor remained composed and elegant.
Shocked, Layla hurried over to examine the sheet music Suzanne was playing. To her surprise, it was the globally recognized most difficult piano piece.
Even Layla’s mother, a skilled musician, might not necessarily play it well. Yet, Suzanne effortlessly performed it with ease and grace.
Elyse’s face went super pale. It felt like a big embarrassment just for
her. She lowered her head and puffed her cheeks while listening to the piano piece.
The difference in how well Suzanne played this piece compared to the Grade 5 one earlier was like night and day.
As the music faded away, the room erupted in applause. Suzanne couldn’t help but clench her fists. She was still trembling while staring at the piano in amazement.
The muscle memory had taken over, and she couldn’t quite believe it herself. It was tough for her to grasp just how many years of practice it would take to master such a challenging piece.
When Suzanne turned around, she was surprised to see Gary and Florence beaming with radiant smiles.
Their excitement was palpable, and their hands looked like they might be a bit sore from the continuous applause that just wouldn’t quit.
Yet, what held the most significance for Suzanne was Nathan’s reaction. His expression was serious, and he looked at her with profound and unreadable eyes.
Nathan’s admiration mirrored the excitement radiating from Gary an Florence.
Wendy walked up to Suzanne with her jaw hanging open in
amazement. “Wow, Suzanne! You’ve been keeping your talents under wraps. That piece you just played is known as the hardest one globally.
“Why were you hiding your skills? I was worried for nothing. You’re amazing!”
Lindsey looked extremely unhappy. She didn’t know how-to ease the awkwardness and sarcastically remarked, “It’s nothing special.”