Ch. 261..270
Chapter 261
The lights were bright at Sudvilla. The clock in the living room showed 10:30 pm.
Suzanne was sipping on a cup of warm milk on the sofa, beside her were Nathan and the Hudson siblings.
Cole and Lucas stood guard at the side. Everyone’s expression was heavy as they looked at her with anxious eyes-They were all waiting for her to calm down and tell them about her sudden disappearance.
She finished the last of her milk and lifted her head to look at everyone. Finally, her gaze fell on Nathan.
His face looked grim. His gaze was gentle yet laced with a hint of intensity. He picked up a tissue to wipe the corner of her mouth.
She lightly evaded his hand and took the tissue from him. “I got it,” she said.
“Are you feeling better now?” Nathan asked patiently. “Tell me. How did you suddenly disappear? Where did you go? What happened?”
She hesitated for a moment before turning to point toward the balcony.
“There’s a huge banyan tree in the back garden. I was sitting under the tree when a rope suddenly dropped down from above,” she explained. “I lifted my head and saw a woman climbing down from the rope.”
“What woman?” Nathan asked.
Suzanne shook her head. “I don’t know. I passed out before I could see her face. When I woke up, I was at a very remote wetland park on the outskirts. There wasn’t anyone there.”
Cole immediately turned on the computer and started looking for surveillance footage on the internet.
“What did she want? Did she harm you?” Nathan asked again.
She shook her head guiltily, her gaze flickered as she said, “I don’t know, she was gone by the time I woke up.”
Everyone in the house looked at each other with a confused look on
their faces.
“Who’s going to believe all this?” Fenna scoffed.
Suzanne fell silent and lowered her head.
Everyone was clever and lying wasn’t one of her strong suits-It was only natural that they didn’t buy her illogical story.
But Phoebe actually transported her out of Sudvilla with a pulley rope attached to a tree trunk. Then, she was placed in a car that brought her away from the estate. She just didn’t give them Phoebe’s name.
“Is someone threatening you, Suzanne? You can tell us the truth, we’ll keep you safe,” Cameron said solemnly.
He continued, “Your husband is the head of national defense. He’s untouchable in the whole of Norvania. You shouldn’t hide anything from us.”
She lied with an innocent expression plastered on her face. “No one is threatening me. I’m telling the truth.”
Fenna scoffed and stood up.
“You’re wasting our time with your fabricated nonsense,” she said coldly. “The way I see it, you’re completely fine-You snuck out for fun and to make everyone worried about you.
“Nate had so many people looking for you while you just wanted to
draw some attention to yourself!”
“I…” Suzanne was suddenly speechless. The word “no” was stuck in
her throat.
The kidnapping wasn’t her fault, but she was technically lying. Hence, she had no confidence to defend herself.
She didn’t explain any further and stood up to lightly bow at everyone. instead. “I’m sorry for making all of you worry.”
Subsequently, she turned and headed toward the staircase.
Nathan hurriedly ran after her. He pulled on her wrist and asked, “Are you really okay, Chubs? Let me take you for a check-up at the hospital.
She turned her head and looked up at him. His eyes were filled with worry but his gaze was laced with warmth.
”
In that instance, she finally understood why he was calling her “Chubs” and looked at her with such a gentle gaze. If her guess was correct, Nathan must’ve already been aware of her true identity.
That was the only thing that made her happy in that moment-The woman that he had deeply loved for more than ten years turned out to
self.
this time, she’d been jealous of herself. Upon thinking about it, she found it incredibly unbelievable.
“I’m really fine,” she replied softly. “I just want to get some rest in my
room.”
The worry in his eyes was still apparent, but he still obeyed her wishes and let her return to her room anyway.
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Chapter 262
As she headed upstairs, she overheard Nathan thanking the Hudson siblings. She could also vaguely make out Fenna’s dissatisfied
complaints about her earlier actions
Suzanne entered her room and locked the door behind her. Then, she sat on the edge of the bed and thought about every event that had taken place since she regained her memory.
Since the time Nathan’s grandmother recognized her as Wanda at first glance, she seemed to have had many close encounters with her aractual background.
What unsettled her the most was Oliver Hoffis. He was her uncle, yet he conspired with outsiders to steal her identity. He even posed as her ex-boyfriend.
B Being Wanda Hoffis was relatively easier to come to terms with. HHowever, she was also Mila Winkler-The name carried a weight. It fefelt suffocating just thinking about it.
WWanda Hoffis, also known as Mila Winkler, was a Sunteri. She was a
chchemical scientist and a first-grade ordnance engineer.
There were tears in her eyes as she smiled resignedly. She lay back. orom the bed and stared at the ceiling. Lingering worries swirled in her
heread.
AtAt that moment, she didn’t want to regain her memories anymore. Shahja just wanted to be Nathan Morrison’s wife-A common, weak,
Notvaranian woman.
Same ertime later, there was a knock on the door.
“Are yowasasteep, Chubs?” Nathan’s voice rang out.
Mila didn’t respond and only looked at the door with teary eyes.
After two knocks, the other side of the door fell quiet. A pair of footsteps could be heard shuffling away.
“What should I do now, Nate?” She curled up and pulled the blanket over herself, sobbing silently with her eyes closed.
The next morning, she washed up and got ready to head downstairs
for breakfast. She froze as she opened the door.
Nathan stood in front of her with his hands in his pockets. His posture was tall and upright-He had a domineering air around him.
Nathan was born with an intimidating aura. His presence was pressuring even if he did nothing but stand there wordlessly.
“Morning,” he greeted in a warm tone.
She swallowed lightly before flashing him a shallow smile. “Good
morning.”
He knew that she wasn’t asleep last night, and she was just avoiding
h him.
“Let’s talk, Chubs.”
MMila stepped backward and leaned against the door. “Come on in.”
N Nathan removed his hands from his pockets and marched into the
roroom.
SiShe closed the door and followed him in. She felt slightly restless.
Hele turned around to face her. “I know it wasn’t convenient for you to sasay anything last night because there were too many people there.”
Hele said, “Now that it’s just the two of us, please tell me the truth.”
Sithio lowered her head and fell silent for a few seconds. After thinking
about it the entire night, she was now aware of what she should and shouldn’t say.
She lifted her head to look at him assertively.
“Why did you keep it from me?” She questioned.
He furrowed his brows in confusion.
“I was Sally Hoffis when I was younger. After immigrating, I was called Wanda Hoffis. You already knew all of this, so why didn’t you tell me?”
Nathan’s expression fell. He paused for a moment before stretching a shaky hand toward her arm.
“I’m sorry. I wanted to get rid of the two that posed a threat to you before letting you know,” he explained.
Mila understood where he was coming from. There was no point telling her if she hadn’t regained her memory anyway.
If she’d been rash and went to the Hoffis’ to look for her family afterward, she would’ve exposed her own identity.
Then, the two would definitely plot against her.
She didn’t question him any further. Instead, she gradually approached him and looked up into his warm, dark eyes before. asking in a soft voice,
“So, the girl you used to like was me?”
Nathan stared at the pretty face that was inches away from his and swallowed instinctively. His breathing quickened slightly, and his
gaze became hot.
Observing his reddening ears, Mila blinked and asked again with a grin, “Do you still like me now?”
He lightly breathed through his mouth. His chest rose and fell-There was a blazing feeling that was difficult to suppress. He was so
nervous he couldn’t utter a single word.
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Chapter 263
Mila waited for a long time but still didn’t get the answer she wanted in the end.
She forced a disappointed smile on her face and said, “Doesn’t matter if you do, our marriage will still be invalid.”
“I do…” Nathan suddenly blurted out anxiously. Every word he spoke was incredibly sincere as he continued, “I like you so much. I love you so much.”
When she lifted her head to look at him again, she found that his eyes were bloodshot and his handsome face was bright red. Even parts of the neck behind his ears were red.
She felt like she took it too far-Why force Nathan to say all these things when being romantic wasn’t exactly his forté?
It was pr
probably easier for him to run 10 miles with 20-pound weights than to tell her his feelings..
Mila gently bit her bottom lip and stared at him with eyes welled up With rs. Her heart was beating fast from her emotions.
only going to ask just this once, she wouldn’t ask him this gain.
he knew that Nathan loved her. He loved her so much, and he
continued to love her for more than ten years.
Even after she became Suzanne York, some inexplicable attraction
still made him pick her over the fake Sally Hoffis.
As for her, her feelings for him must have been so deep, that she still fell in love with him at first sight despite the loss of memories.
She bit her lip and couldn’t help but tease him about it. She didn’t. touch him. She only replied with a nonchalant demeanor. “Oh, thank you for loving me.”
A wave of disappointment flashed across his face. He didn’t seem happy with her reply. Without a satisfactory answer, his gaze dulled significantly.
He gradually placed his hands behind his back and recomposed himself.
Mila paused for a while before continuing, “Let’s settle this invalid. marriage when we’re free.
“Okay,” he took a deep breath and replied lightly.
“Then you’ll be married twice,” she joked.
He shot her a bitter smile. “I don’t care how many times I get married. I’m only concerned about whether or not I get to marry you again.”
She froze. Her heart was beating rapidly.
at instance, she really wanted to recall all the childhood
ories they shared together. They must’ve been romantic, blissful, happy. Otherwise, he wouldn’t feel this strongly about it.
She glanced at him shyly and tears welled up in her eyes. “Nate, I’m willing to marry you again as Wanda Hoffis,” she said in a soft and gentle voice.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Nathan’s hands trembled and his chest started heaving. His eyes reddened. He then nervously exhaled before clearing his throat to ask, “Really?”
Mila nodded with a smile. “I want a simple wedding, is that okay?”
“Of course,” Nathan replied with a slight choke. His reddened eyes welled up with tears..
He appeared conflicted for a brief moment before asking again, “Are you sure you still want to marry me? Does the current you like me? Did you have someone you wanted to marry before you lost your memories?”
She fell silent.
He tried his best to suppress the emotional turmoil inside of him and explained calmly, “It’s been ten years.
“Ever since you left Norvania, you gradually distanced yourself from me by saying you were busy with your studies, and couldn’t use your phone that often. Afterward, I lost contact with you entirely.”
“There’s no room for me in your heart,” he continued. “Do you want to wait for your memories to return before deciding to marry me?”
If you truly liked someone, you wouldn’t ghost them for ten years.
Nathan saw everything clearly. He knew that prior to losing her memories, the woman didn’t harbor any feelings for him. He didn’t want the woman he loved to make the wrong decision and have any regrets.
Mila was so moved by his words she felt like crying.
He was a great man-He had good character and values and was also an extremely righteous person.
Although he adored her, he didn’t want to forcibly get together wit her. He respected her current wishes but also showed consideratio for her opinions in the past and future.
She said with a slight choke, “I don’t want to get my memories bac anymore, Nate. I’m happy with the way things are.
“Just remembering all that’s happened in the last three years is enough. Because in these memories, I only liked you.”
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Chapter 264
only liked you.
The words felt like stimulants being injected into Nathan’s anxious heart. He felt excited and happy, but also nervous and restless. His joy was laced with a hint of worry.
In the heat of the moment, he couldn’t resist the urge and pressed a hand against the back of her head. He then lowered his head and kissed her lips. He poured all the love in his heart into the kiss.
Mila’s hand instinctively flew to his chest to put some distance between them.
Afraid she’d run away, Nathan’s free arm wrapped around her waist and he pulled her into his embrace.
Her entire body was pressed against his muscular chest. She let out a sound of surprise before she was kissed until her lips were swollen She was lightheaded and felt like she was running low on oxygen.
His breath was hot on her skin. This made her entire body limp. She leaned into his embrace and allowed him to kiss her into oblivion.
His kisses were deep, but he still had some sort of restraint.
Everytime before he went overboard, he was able to suppress his desires and release her. Then, he would turn away without a shred
hesitation and run off somewhere else to calm himself.
After their meal, the pair headed to the civil affairs office and finalized their divorce without any delay.
This time, there weren’t any hesitations or reluctance.
On the way home, Mila was in deep thought for a long time. In the
end, she still felt like seeing her grandparents in person.
She then told Nathan about her thoughts.
Nathan respected her decision, but he didn’t want her to run into Oliver at the Hoffis Manor. Hence, he had Lucas head over to the Hoffis’ to escort them to their home instead.
Back at Sudvilla, Mila placed the divorce documents on the table and prepared some light refreshments. She then sat in the living room anxiously waiting. She didn’t quite feel excited, but she was extremely
nervous.
Without her memories, she didn’t quite remember how she felt toward her grandparents. They were her sole remaining family-She didn’t want to lose them.
“This way please, Mr. Hoffis Senior, Madam Hoffis.” Lucas’ voice rang out from the door.
She sat upright at the sound and nervously looked toward the door
Nathan sat beside her, gently holding her hand while comforting her. Don’t be nervous.”
Mila pursed her lips and said resignedly, “They don’t know me anymore. Grandma previously came looking for me on behalf of he fake granddaughter. She even treated me with such a horrible. attitude. I felt so bad.”
“If you want to tell them the truth, then go ahead.” Nathan was supportive of every decision she made. Even if it was risky, he didr want her to be wronged in any way any longer.
She shook her head. Telling them the truth would be equivalent to telling Oliver and Sally everything as well.
What if Oliver went crazy and killed her grandparents for the inheritance before she could regain her identity? She couldn’t take t
risk. She’d only wanted to see them in person, that’s all.
Under Lucas’ escort, Zach and Loretta walked into the living room.
Mila stood up and flashed them a smile. She then greeted politely, ” Good afternoon, Mr. Hoffis Senior, Madam Hoffis.”
Loretta cast a quick glance at her and snorted. Her attitude was cold, and her gaze was laced with a hint of anger.
Zach froze the minute he laid eyes on Mila. His eyes widened in shock.
Upon hearing her voice, he became even more confused. He stood frozen in place and felt extremely conflicted. His bright eyes gradually dulled.
Loretta noticed his demeanor and hastily offered a reminder. “Stop looking, your granddaughter is at home watching television. She’s not your granddaughter, just a very accurate replica.”
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Chapter 265
Nathan invited them into the living room and they sat on the sofa.
After the maids served the refreshments, Loretta sipped on her tea absentmindedly and said coldly, “What business do you have, asking both of us to come over this time?”
Mila felt unusually upset at the moment. She looked toward the
elderly couple in front of her-They were clearly her grandparents, but she had no memory of them at all.
They didn’t recognize her either.
She lifted her gaze and noticed that Zach’s gaze was still glued to her
face.
She felt conflicted. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hoffis senior, Madam Hoffis.”
“You don’t need to apologize to us,” Loretta scoffed. “You should apologize to my granddaughter.”
She lowered her head and felt claustrophobic. She then pursed her
dded. “Okay.”
Unse.
rly woman cast her another look of disdain and scoffed in
Are you both in good health?” Mila asked again.
“Whatever you want from us, just be straightforward about it. There’s no room for small talk in our relationship.” Loretta snapped at her.
The latter lowered her head and fiddled with the corners of her shirt. Being despised by her own grandmother was upsetting and painful, but she couldn’t tell them the truth.
Nathan slowly reached out and held her hand in his, trying to offer her
moral support.
Zach hasn’t said a word, but his gaze never left her face.
“We’ve gotten a divorce,” Mila said in a low voice.
Loretta was shocked. She looked at the woman and then turned to
look at Nathan.
“Is this true?” She asked.
Nathan didn’t reply, but anger boiled inside him. He couldn’t stand the
sight of Mila putting herself in such a lowly position in order to appease her grandparents.
However, he understood where she was coming from and also respected it. These were her closest family members after all. She’s not at fault for not wanting them to hate her.
In an instant, Loretta broke into a smile. She clapped her hands gleefully and said, “Wouldn’t it have made things easier if you did this in the first place?”
She then nudged Zach. “Say something, Zach. What’s the matter with you? Have you been stunned or something?”
snapped the man back to his senses. “You absolute fool!” ed angrily at her.
furrowed her brows quizzically. “What are you yelling at me for?” She asked with a cold expression.
“I’m doing all this for Sally. Now that Nate’s divorced her, he had us come all the way so we could put an end to this once and for all!”
Zach was shaking from anger. He glanced at Mila with reddened eyes before prying them away to look elsewhere.
Loretta didn’t care about him. She asked Nathan with a smile, “What plane now that you’ve invited us here to give us the news,
Nate?”
The man in question leaned back onto the sofa and replied lightly, ” We’re not talking about that today, Madam Hoffis.”
“Then what did you have us come over for?”
“To get rid of the misunderstanding surrounding Chubs.”
“Chubs?” Loretta asked, pointing at Mila with disdain. “Isn’t that the nickname you call my granddaughter?”
Nathan rested his forehead on his palm and rubbed his head with his fingers. He couldn’t understand why she had to ask the pair to come over. They don’t remember her and they couldn’t tell them the truth- This idea was nothing but a pain.
Loretta’s perception of her wasn’t going to change just because they were divorced.
At that moment, the air around them was tense.
Mila plastered a calm expression on her face and said gently, “Mr. Hoffis senior, Madam Hoffis, I really just wanted to meet with the both you and get rid of any misunderstandings.
u don’t blame or resent me. I-”
silly child, how could we resent you?” Zach interrupted. His eyes elled up with tears and his tone was gentle and loving. “You need to take care of yourself, okay?”
Nathan froze and looked at him with a bewildered expression.
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Chapter 266
Nathan saw the emotion in Zach’s eyes and understood everything.
Did the wise Zach spot something amiss at first glance?
Zach promptly looked toward Nathan with a solemn expression and followed up with, “Look after her, Nate.”
Nathan nodded earnestly in response.
“Is there something wrong with you? He’s supposed to marry Sally! Who are you asking him to look after?” Loretta said in displeasure.
Zach ignored her completely. Afterward, he stood up and said, “We won’t disturb you any longer, and head back for now. Let’s catch up again in the future.”
Loretta was confused.
Nathan and Mila stood up to see them off.
efore getting into the car, Zach couldn’t help but turn around to look.
Mila once more.
The pair looked at each other with an emotional gaze that was laced with resignation.
After watching the car pull away, Nathan reached for Mila’s hand and let out a light sigh. “You shouldn’t have met them.”
Mila was regretting her decision too. She nodded sadly and said, “I didn’t expect Grandpa to recognize me.”
“Mr. Hoffis Senior is wise and perceptive. Most of the time, he chooses to trust his own eyes and instincts.”
Nathan shot her a bitter smile and continued, “But he understands
satttikke here,.60 he wouldn’t publicize the matter.for?
thit
Dd
dor
can’t let yooungaandmother know about this. With her personainality,
impossibleed keep this under wraps.
replied resinedty, SShe might be a bit simple-minded, but she he
deeply for her grannddaughter. I don’t blame her in any way.bly.”
Irned toward heraadopulled her into an embrace. He caressed ed air gently, aware of how upset she must feel.
eaned against his swaamme embrace and slowly closed her eyes es ubtle pain in her heart slowly faded away.
any
Loc
not
At
Oli
Lo
ha
e Hoffis Manor, Sally was messided on the couch, munching on on erky while watching enten aanreens shows with glee.
njoyed the comfortable life of beeing a rich family’s daughter.
WI
Z:
enly, Oliver rushed downstairs snraaifo of anger and yanked the me of beef jerky out of her hands.
“Ε
ப
en threw it away and growled. How are you still eating and hing TV? The pair of oldies went toanee Sudvida!”
Z
St
arned cale from fear. She stood up and stared at the man.
“[
få
la short while, she forced a smile on herfacce and tried to stay
s That’s alright,” she said. “Grandmamaas seen her cefore and idnt recognize her at all.”
Z
tc
hese was heaving from fury. With a finger presssed to his
gat, de paced back and forth anxiously.
restiderestimating Zach Hoffis,” he said in a jowaand angry
achin became the richest man in Norvania all on miss own. Do you
think he’s that easy to fool?”
“Don’t worry. If he ever suspects anything, just let him get a DNA test done. You have all the testing centers in the country under control anyway right?”
Looking at her arrogant and ignorant expression, Oliver wanted nothing more than to strangle her to death.
At that moment, the sound of a vehicle was heard from outside.
Oliver and Sally immediately recomposed themselves and headed out to greet them with a smile.
Loretta’s joyful voice rang after the sound of her light footsteps. “I have great news, Sally. Nate’s divorced.”
Overwhelmed with excitement, Sally rushed over and held the
woman’s hand in hers. “Really, Grandma?” she exclaimed. “That’s wonderful!”
Zach walked past Oliver with a steely expression.
“Dad.” The latter greeted politely with a nod.
Zach, donning an intimidating demeanor, responded with a brief sound of acknowledgment.
“Did the both of you…” Oliver asked timidly as he tailed behind his
father. “Meet Nate and Suzanne?”
Zach sat on the sofa. His face darkened as he watched Sally cozy up
to her grandmother.
“We did. If Sally didn’t tell me she got her face done, I’d think Suzanne was my granddaughter instead.” He replied in an unhurried manner.
Stunned by his words, Sally’s face paled, and she shot him a nervous look.
She abruptly met his horrifying gaze and looked away sheepishly She then replied with a laugh, it’s plastic surgery. She got it specifically done in order to marry Nate.”
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Chapter 267
Zach nodded and didn’t say anything further.
Standing at the side, Oliver narrowed his eyes. His fists tightened subconsciously and he clenched his teeth.
The next morning, Nathan left the house early as he had a lot to get
done.
Mila received a call from an unknown number.
“Ms. Suzanne York, I’m Zach Hoffis assistant. Mr. Hoffis would like to meet with you in private. We’d like you to make a trip to the office.
“Mr. Hoffis Senior wants to see me?” she asked in surprise.
“Yes, we’ll send a car over to pick you up.”
For safety reasons, she declined their offer to pick her up. “Where is the address? I’ll head over myself,” she said.
“Alright, we’ll send you the location.”
After receiving the address, she packed her things and promptly left. with two bodyguards in tow.
The car drove along the wide freeway.
Mila gave it a considerable amount of thought-Zach must had something important to talk about if he invited her to his office.
The bodyguard in the driver’s seat turned around and asked, “Should we inform Mr. Morrison that you’re meeting up with Mr. Hoffis Senior alone, Mrs. Morrison?”
“Alright. I feel like we should let him know too.” She then pulled out
*25 BONUS
her phone and prepared to dial his number.
At that moment, the bodyguard who was driving spoke out nervously.
“Two vehicles have been tailing us since we left, Mrs. Morrison. They don’t seem friendly.”
She turned around anxiously and looked toward the back. The two cars drew closer and closer. It looked as though they wanted to hit them with their own vehicle.
“Sit tight, Mrs. Morrison!” the bodyguard yelled before stomping on the accelerator.
Mila fell forward, her phone fell to the floor, and her head was
spinning painfully. The car was flying down the freeway before she could regain her senses.
It was only then that she realized how much danger she was in.
Having two guards with her was no match for the mysterious force that wanted to do her harm.
One of the men hurriedly fished out his phone to call Nathan.
were driving down the freeway at extremely high speed. Every sing second was extremely nerve- wracking and dangerous.
Mr. Morrison…” The phone call had just picked up.
He couldn’t finish his sentence before he exclaimed nervously,”
Careful!”
An oil tanker crashed toward them from the opposite direction.
Mila only felt a huge impact. She couldn’t see a thing and her body. was aggressively thrashed around by gravity. An unbearable pain gradually spread across her body.
She could vaguely make out the sound of an explosion as she was
half-conscious.
There was a deafening bang followed by a bright light from the fire. She gradually slipped into unconsciousness from the pain.
“Wake up, Wanda.” Mila slowly opened her eyes and was met with the beautiful and refined face of a woman.
She smiled gently at her. “I want to sleep for a while more, Mom.”
“Just let her sleep in-It’s okay to be a bit late for work.” The man’s voice was warm and soothing.
She sat up and scratched her head. She then looked at the well- mannered man and said blissfully, “Dad treats me the best.”
“Do you only get 50 days off this time?” he asked.
She nodded with a pout. “Yeah, the project can’t do without me.”
“What exactly is the project you’re working on?”
“That’s a secret.” Mila smiled.
“You can’t even tell mom and dad?”
“Nope.”
The man caressed her head and said lovingly, “Go ahead and wash up, we’ll send you to the airport.”
Half an hour later, Mila walked out of the door with her arms linked with the older woman’s. She was just about to enter the car when Oliver walked over. “I’d like to send Wanda off, too.”
She looked at him and said, “That’s alright, Uncle. You’re a busy man.
Oliver opened the door to the driver’s seat and forced his way inside.” I’ll send you all to the airport.”
Mila and her parents were conversing pleasantly throughout the
journey. The car deviated from the foute to the airport without them.
knowing.
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Chapter 268
The road ahead grew narrower as they drove on.
Mila glanced at her surroundings nervously. “Have you taken a wrong turn, Uncle?” she asked quizzically.
“That’s right.” His tone was sinister.
“Where… are… we?” She felt like her body was gradually growing
weaker. She turned to look at her parents, only to find them already unconscious. She didn’t even know when they passed out.
“Dad… Mom… wake up…
“Uncle… you…”
The car came to a stop.
Oliver got out of the vehicle. Then, he opened the door and pulled her
out.
She felt limp. Unable to do anything to resist, she let him carry her away. She mustered up all her strength to turn and look back in the
direction of the car.
A couple of men dressed in black appeared out of nowhere. They dragged her unconscious parents out of the vehicle and carried them into the remote parts of the forest.
“Dad… Mom…” Mila could feel her eyelids getting heavier. After she closed her eyes and tried her best to reopen them, she was met with blinding rays of light.
They were spotlights from a surgery table. There was a persistent ringing in her ear.
What sounded like Oliver’s voice was heard as well. “Be a good girl,
Wanda. You’ll soon forget about everything.”
She shut her eyes again.
This time, her entire body hurt. It felt like a thousand needles were being pricked into her brain.
“You need to be alright, Chubs. You hear me? Hang in there…” It was
Nathan’s voice.
A loud bang promptly followed-It sounded like the doors of the operation room were being closed shut.
She could vaguely make out a nurse’s voice. “Family members need to wait here. Don’t worry, we’ll do our best to save her.”
The peculiar sound of footsteps, breathing, and equipment noises were all overlapping in her ear.
Pain. Hurt. Agony.
It was as though she was being separated from the flesh of her body -The pain felt raw.
Mila slept for what felt like eons.
Someone was persistently calling for her by her ear. It was Nathan’s
voice.
She wanted to open her eyes to look at him, but she didn’t have an ounce of energy in her body. She couldn’t even open her eyes.
She didn’t know how much time had passed before she gradually opened her eyes.
It was a warm morning. The sunlight from the balcony was glaring. It took a while before she got used to the light.
Her body felt so heavy. She cranked her neck gently and spotted Nathan who was asleep on the lounge chair.
BONUS
His cheeks were covered in stubbles. He looked worn out and exhausted-It was heartbreaking to see.
Mila watched him wordlessly as time passed by. She’d dreamt about the past while she was unconscious. Now that she was awake, the memories from her dream were becoming clearer to her.
“Nate.” She couldn’t help but call out to him. However, her voice was low and light, and didn’t have an ounce of energy.
A split moment later, Nathan jerked, as though he had a nightmare, and abruptly woke up. He looked toward the bed and met Mila’s gaze.
At that moment, he thought that he was dreaming. He rushed over with both excitement and nervousness and swiftly pressed the call
button on the bed.
His eyes were bloodshot. He held her hand in his and choked in a deep voice, “You’re awake Chubs. You’re finally awake…”
She shot him a shallow smile and gently retracted her hand. Her expression looked calm. “You look so worn out, Nate.”
Nathan stilled as though someone struck a pressure point on his body. With teary eyes, he stared at her silently and unmoving.
Her gaze felt foreign and familiar at the same time. She called him Nate? Is Wanda Hoffis back?
He ignored the painful lump in his throat and slowly said, “You’ve been unconscious for seven days straight.”
Mila shot him a bitter smile and replied gently, “I think I was unconscious for three and a half years.”
Nathan startled. His hands were propped on the bed and his head hung very low. His broad shoulders felt very heavy.
Then, tears fell onto the bed sheet.
Chapter 269
Chapter 269
The doctor and nurses swarmed into the room and rushed toward Mila’s bed. Nathan was squeezed out as they hurriedly performed check-ups on her.
They checked her eyes, her blood pressure, and her
electrocardiogram. They also tested her motor reflexes and asked about various symptoms.
Mila answered all their questions seriously, letting them know where she felt unwell.
After a series of checks, she realized that Nathan was no longer in the room. She glanced around as the doctors left the room, leaving the nurses behind to take care of her.
The voices of Nathan and the doctor rang out from the door. “The patient appears to be doing better. Her bodily functions are quite good too.
“Although there was blunt trauma to the head, she seems to be thinking clearly. There shouldn’t be any complications post-recovery.”
“She seems to have regained her memories, is this normal?” Nathan
asked.
The doctor looked glad.
“It’s possible that the external impact shifted some of the nerves, thus repairing the man-made damage that was previously present. It’s a good thing she regained her memories, let’s continue observing her for a bit.”
“Alright, thank you,” Nathan responded.
After the doctor left, Nathan sat on the chair by the wall and gradually
shut his eyes. He collected his thoughts while he leaned against the backrest.
Naturally, he was happy that Mila was awake. He was inexplicably overjoyed.
However, after she’d gotten her memories back, would she still be the same woman who said she liked him and wanted to marry him?
After a while, the last nurse in the room left. Only then did he slowly stand up and walk back into the room.
He shut the door behind him and looked toward Mila who was on the bed.
Mila was sitting upright on the bed, leaning against a huge pillow.
There was a light flush of color on her face. Her eyes were clear and bright as they looked calmly into his.
Her gaze was gentle yet distant. They were no longer timid or insecure and now looked more confident and calm.
Nathan’s heartbeat quickened, and anxiety started brewing within him. He walked over slowly and pulled a chair over to sit in front of
her.
Her eyes and lips curved up into a light smile. She stared wordlessly at him.
He cleared his throat and asked in a low voice, “Are you feeling unwell anywhere at all?”
“I’m alright, just a bit exhausted,” she replied unhurriedly.
His hands rubbed on his thighs subconsciously. He lowered his head and drew a deep breath. He then looked up again as though he was mustering up courage. “Are your memories back?” he asked.
She pursed her lips and nodded.
“Do you have anything to say to me?” He was so nervous his chest.
ached.
Mila stared at him with a resigned gaze. After an extended period of time, she still didn’t say a word.
Nathan shot her a bitter smile and calmed himself. “That’s alright. You just woke up so your body must still be weak. Get some rest, I’ll have someone send over some food that’s easy to stomach in a bit.”
Her voice was weak and laced with guilt. “I’m sorry, Nate.”
Nathan’s fist slowly tightened. That was the last thing he wanted to hear from her. Anything was better than an apology.
No matter when an apology could only mean one thing-She was about to do something that made her feel sorry for him.
She lowered her head and continued, “To be honest, I really didn’t
as
know that you’ve liked me since we were little. I only treated your the boy next door, that’s why I didn’t contact you for ten years. That was my opinion.”
With a bitter smile on his face, he stayed quiet.
He’d guessed earlier on and mentally prepared himself for this answer. However, he didn’t expect it to still hurt him when she actually said it.
He leaned back against the backrest of the chair. His hands were on his thighs. His face was grim, and his voice was solemn yet gentle as
he asked, “Do you still remember everything that has happened in the last three years?”
Mila nodded.
Chapter 270
Chapter 270
Nathan worriedly questioned, “Does your word still hold?”
Mila cast a guilty glance at him. She didn’t reply.
The short silence felt like an eternity for Nathan. His weathered and weary face was filled with loneliness, and his deep eyes were bloodshot.
He was too hurt to listen to her answer. It’d be better if she didn’t answer because that would keep his hope intact.
After a while, she gently replied, “No.”
He forced a smile. Tears blurred his vision as he fought to remain
calm.
She felt sorry at the sight of his misty eyes and exhausted appearance, but there was nothing much she could do. She
suggested, “Nathan, you look very tired. Why don’t you go home to rest?”
He cleared his throat and asked in a low voice, “Are you in a hurry to drive me away right after you woke up?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
He rose. “I know. Have a good rest.” With that, he coolly exited the
room.
Mila stared at his broad figure. She sensed more disappointment
than exhaustion in him.
After Nathan left, two female nurses entered. A few bodyguards stood by the entrance.
Upon seeing Mila, one of the nurses sighed, “Thank goodness you’re
hed, “Thank goodness you’re
awake, Madam. Mr. Morrison is wearing out soon if you don’t.”
Mila asked nervously, “What’s wrong with him?”
“He has been staying by your bedside for days. He didn’t look away from you apart from the times he went to the restroom. He ate and slept horribly, and he lost some pounds because of that. He looks exhausted.”
Mila grabbed her blanket tightly as she teared up. It seemed that he had stayed firmly by her side for seven days and seven nights.
Now that she had regained consciousness, he could probably have a good night’s sleep at home.
After gathering herself, she asked, “Madam, can you lend me your phone?”
The nurse immediately handed her a phone. She keyed in a phone number, relying on her strong memory. Soon, someone picked up.
Mila began calmly, “Phoebe, it’s me.
Phoebe grew agitated upon hearing Mila’s voice. “Mila, how did your know my number? Have you regained your memories?”
Mila gently replied, “Yes.”
“Good gracious, that’s great news! Mila has finally returned.”
Mila said, “Phoebe, I need you.”
Phoebe responded excitedly, “Mila, I’m at your service.”
“I can’t travel back with you at the moment. Don’t notify the higher- ups of my condition for the time being.”
Phoebe agreed, “Okay. Understood.”
“I’m at the hospital. I’ll send you the address soon. Come over right now with the pen gun I gave you before.”
Phoebe replied, “Sure, Mila.”
After the call, Mila returned the phone to the nurse and politely thanked the latter.
In the following days, Phoebe took care of Mila 24/7 at the hospital. The nurses didn’t have to do much at all.
Meanwhile, Nathan did not show up for three days after leaving the hospital. Perhaps he was busy clearing the work that had piled up during his absence, or he wanted to put an end to the relationship after being disappointed by Mila’s answer.
On the fourth day, Mila was ready to be discharged. Phoebe packed Mila’s stuff early in the morning and settled the paperwork.
Then, she inquired, “Mila, where do you stay now? I’ll move in with you so I can protect you and take better care of you.”