Ch. 351..360
Chapter 351
Mila explained, “It’s because Grandma came in too often and it truly bothered me,”
“That was her way of showing her love and your reaction was actually hurting her,” Zach said.
Mila hadn’t realized it until now. She felt guilty about it.
Zach continued, “You never opened the presents that your grandma buys for you. You just put them in your cupboard.”
Mila remained silent. It wasn’t that she didn’t like it when Loretta bought her presents. She just wasn’t interested in the presents she bought.
She loved learning, reading, machines, astronomy, geography, and all kinds of things to do with knowledge. Yet, Loretta gave her clothes, stuffed animals, jewelry, luxuries, and cosmetics.
“Every time your grandma talked to you, you would lose patience after a few sentences. But you could talk to me forever without tiring. Your grandma saw this and felt hurt.
“She didn’t get a lot of education and is fond of small talk and gossip. But that’s how she sees the world. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to keep up with you.” Zach thought about Loretta’s hardships over the years and was moved.
Mila dropped her head, feeling even worse. She had never realized the pain she had caused
Loretta.
“Even so, your grandma still loves you very much. That fake Sally is completely different from you. She doesn’t bury herself in books. She doesn’t study and say things that your grandma doesn’t understand.
She pleases your grandma with her sweet tongue.
“She loves eating the snacks your grandma gives her, loves receiving the gifts your grandma buys her, loves hearing your grandma’s gossip, and even loves hanging out with your grandma. She even loves spending time with your grandma doing things you consider boring. and a waste of time.
“She’s the granddaughter your grandma has always dreamed about. Your grandma isn’t refusing to accept you. She simply can’t accept the fact that her granddaughter, who came back as an adult, still hates her as much as before,” Zach explained.
Mila lifted her head and wiped away her tears. She sniffled and choked up, “I’ve never hated. Grandma or looked down on her since I was a little girl. I–I just wasn’t sensible when I was young.”
Zach patted her hand gently and said, “Even though I can understand it, your grandma. probably can’t. Her mind isn’t that complex. She needs simple expressions and direct feelings.
Mila smiled through her tears. “Grandpa, I get it. Grandma doesn’t love the fake Sally. She just can’t accept that her beloyed granddaughter doesn’t love her.”
Zach gave a helpless smile. “Yeah. She feels that you must hate her even more now when she thinks about how she used to scold and insult you for the sake of the fake Sally. She thought she’d already lost her favorite granddaughter.”
Mila looked back at Loretta’s room and muttered, “I never blamed or resented her. She’s overthinking.”
Zach continued eating. “Wanda, it’s okay for you to resent her. That old woman is truly clueless. She doesn’t even recognize her granddaughter.”
“Nathan didn’t recognize me either,” Mila said in a bitter tone.
“That’s because he hasn’t seen you for ten years and young people believe in science. It’s different with your grandma.
“You’ve video–called her every year. How could she not recognize you after only three years. since you disappeared?”
Mila’s mood sank again. She let her head drop, lost in thoughts. Her mind was on what Nathan had told her that day in the party hall.
He had said that he would be willing to wait another five years, even if it was only for a single
contact after that.
Chapter 352
Chapter 352
Before regaining her memory, Mila had forgotten Nathan for ten years.
Yet, he had loved her selflessly for a decade and waited patiently for her. He was willing to keep waiting, even though there was no guarantee of success.
Mila’s appetite disappeared. She stood up with her phone in hand and said, “Grandpa, take your time. I have something to take care of.”
“Sure, go ahead,” Zach replied.
Mila went into her room, closed the door, and sat down on the edge of her bed. She stared at Nathan’s number on her phone. Her finger hesitated over the dial button.
She missed him terribly, even though it had only been two days since they had last spoken. She longed for the sound of his voice, to know where he was and what he was up to. Normally rational and unaffected by emotions, she found herself struggling to control her feelings. Her finger unconsciously pressed the dial button..
Her heart was racing. Her nerves were on edge and her palms began to sweat. Soon, Nathan’s soft voice came through, “Wanda, is something wrong?”
“Am I not allowed to call you if everything is okay?” Mila replied with a slight annoyance.
There was a silence on Nathan’s end. Usually, Mila only called him when she needed something. He thought that maybe this time she just wanted to talk to him.
A smile spread across Nathan’s face. “No, of course not.”
Suddenly, Mila wasn’t sure what to say next. She lay down on her bed and felt shy. Nathan
remained silent while she couldn’t find a suitable subject to talk about. They remained silent for a while.
“Have you eaten?” Nathan broke their silence.
“Yes,” Mila replied.
“Is everything all right with your grandparents?”
“Not so good with Grandma.”
“Take your time with it.”
“Yeah.”
They fell back into silence. Mila remembered that Nathan was not much of a talker. She couldn’t count on him to find topics to talk about.
“Nate, where are you?” Mila asked gently.
“Sudvilla.”
“You didn’t return to base?”
“My focus of work recently has been in Phoenicia Therals nothin
The sound of his deep, soothing voice filled Mila with a sense of satisfaction. Even a phone call could fill the void in her empty heart.
Right then, she seemed to understand why Nathan had been hoping she would call him. A phone call with no talk of work, just a simple greeting like the one now, could be a comfort to the soul.
“Wanda,” Nathan murmured.
“Yes?”
“Can we meet?”
Mila tensed up. She was staring up at the ceiling, her heart was pounding.
“My friends are coming over to Sudvilla for dinner this evening. You’ve already seen them. Will you come?”
Mila was nervous about meeting him alone, but the presence of other friends would ease the atmosphere, so she agreed, “Sure. What time?”
“5:00 pm. I’ll send Cole to pick you up.”
“Okay, I’ll be there. See you later, Nate,” Mila said with a smile.
“See you soon.” Nathan was reluctant to hang up the phone.
Mila was the first to end the call. She got up quickly from the bed, feeling like a bird about to take flight with joy. She rushed to her closet in search of some nice clothes. Her heart had already gone with Nathan.
By the time night fell, the garden of Sudvilla had already been set up with tables, food, and a barbecue grill.
Chapter 353
Chapter 353
Mila arrived at Sudvilla together with Phoebe. After Mila introduced Phoebe to the Hudson siblings, they all sat down for a chat.
Mila scanned her surroundings, in search for Nathan. Fenna noticed her and said, “Nate’s in the kitchen preparing ingredients.”
“Is he preparing the food himself?” Mila asked.
“All the cooks have been laid off. He has to do it himself until he finds suitable replacements,” Fenna answered. It seemed like she was hinting at something.
“I’ll go help him,” Mila said and got up.
Fenna rose immediately and stopped her. She said contemptuously, “You’d better not. You’re used to a life of luxury. Don’t go in there and screw things up for him.”
Phoebe’s face grew grim. Sensing a hint of hostility, she frowned at Fenna. Meanwhile, Mila smiled weakly. She stifled her displeasure and sat back down.
Just then, the sound of footsteps came closer. Mila turned around to find Nathan, who was carrying a large tray. His eyes were warm and gentle as he looked at her.
Mila’s heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed. She awkwardly greeted him, “Nate.”
Nathan smiled in response. After he had set the food down, he placed the only glass of juice before Mila and murmured, “The fresh–squeeze juice you love.”
“Thanks, Nate.” Mila was touched and grew shy.
Fenna, Cameron, and Phoebe were all staring at Nathan. They were drinking soda and beer, while Mila was enjoying a freshly squeezed juice. It was too obvious that Nathan favored Mila. Nathan wasn’t done yet. He began to grill some meat on the barbecue grill.
“Nate, order your men to grill and come sit down,” Cameron called out.
“My men work for the country, not to serve me.”
Cameron was left speechless by the response. Mila admired Nathan’s principles and way of doing things. She put her phone away and went over to Nathan. “Nate, can I help?”
Nathan turned and looked at her lovingly. He wanted her to just sit and wait for the food, or just be by his side and keep him company.
Later, he handed her a pair of skewers with large shrimp on them and said, “Keep an eye on these two. Turn them over every minute. They’re ready when they turn red.”
“Got it,” Mila replied with a broad smile. She concentrated on grilling the two shrimp skewers she was holding. Even though the smoke stung her eyes a little, she didn’t complain about it. Nathan leaned in and whispered, “Wanda, let me take over if the smoke bothers your eyes. “I can handle it.” Mila shook her head.
Suddenly, Fenna shoved Mila aside and stood between her and Nathan. She even took the two
skewers of shrimp from Mila’s hand. Mila backed away and gave Fenna a look of displeasure.
Fenna smirked and said, “Ms. Hoffis, you shouldn’t be doing these things. You’re too spoiled and it would be a shame if you were to get burned by the charcoal. Just sit down and wait for dinner.”
Nathan turned and gently reassured Mila, “Just have a seat. It’ll soon be ready.”
Mila felt a bitter as she watched Nathan and Fenna grill side by side. Fenna took no notice of Mila. She found something to talk about and chatted happily with Nathan.
Feeling depressed, Mila walked back to her seat and sat down.
Phoebe pushed the juice toward her and comforted her quietly, “Mila, General Morrison has always been fond of you. His heart and soul are yours as long as you wish, and nobody can take him away from you.”
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Chapter 354
After taking a sip of the sweet–sour orange juice, Mila forced a stiff smile and said, “I don’t mind.”
“Really?” Phoebe asked earnestly.
Mila couldn’t help but glance at Nathan and Fenna again. Her mood was getting worse. Actually, they seem quite compatible. They’re a good match in terms of their backgrounds and their abilities.
“Both of them are important leaders in Norvania and they have the same interests and ideals.”
Phoebe could hear the bitterness and seriousness in Mila’s words.
“Mila, you’re not going to reconsider about it?” Phoebe asked helplessly.
Mila lowered her head with a bitter smile on her face.
“What are you two talking about? Reconsider what?” Cameron chimed in curiously.
“Nothing.” Mila smiled thinly.
Phoebe took a sip of her beer and let out a heavy sigh. Cameron leaned over to Mila and beamed at her. “How am I supposed to address you now? Ms. Hoffis, Sally, or Wanda?”
“Call me Wanda. Sally Hoffis stopped existing ten years ago.”
“Why?” Cameron asked.
“Sunterland doesn’t recognize dual citizenship.”
“You are the sole heir of the Hoffis family. Why would you change your citizenship? Do you plan to settle in Sunterland?” Cameron’s curiosity grew.
Mila smiled awkwardly and slowly slurped her juice. Cameron changed the subject when he saw that Mila didn’t want to talk about it. “You and Nate seem destined for each other. You happened to marry him even after you lost your memory.”
Mila merely smiled.
“I’ve heard that he’s been fond of you since he was young. Is it true?” Cameron asked.
“Cameron, can we not talk about relationships anymore?” Mila asked helplessly.
Cameron gave an indifferent shrug. “Okay, no talks about relationships then.”
Just then, Nathan brought the grilled seafood and meat to the table. Fenna followed and they both took seats.
“Have a taste of our cooking,” Fenna said.
Phoebe dug in without hesitating. She complimented politely, “Delicious.”
Nathan picked up two large shrimp, peeled them, and placed them on Mila’s plate. “These are the ones that you have just grilled. Try them.”
“Sure,” Mila said. She gave a thumbs–up while she ate.
Nathan looked affectionately at Mila and smiled tenderly. Fenna felt a pang of melancholy when she saw that Nathan’s eyes were only on Mila.
Meanwhile, Cameron and Phoebe were enjoying themselves. They were in a relaxed mood, enjoying the cool breeze and the night view as they had their barbecue and beer.
“This meat is good,” Cameron said as he picked up a skewer of beef. Looking up, he noticed that Fenna was looking upset and that Nathan was looking tenderly at Mila. With a raise of his voice, Cameron suggested, “Let’s play a game.”
“Sure, what kind of game?” Phoebe exclaimed.
All eyes were on Cameron. He looked around and saw a tissue box on the table. He pulled out five tissues, picked up a small blade of grass from the ground, and put it in one of the tissues. Finally, he crumpled all the tissues into five balls.
‘All right, everybody grab one. Whoever gets the one with the grass will have to accept a punishment. Your choice will be Truth or Dare.”
“Sounds fun! Let’s do it,” Phoebe cheered.
Cameron scattered the five crumpled tissues on the table and each person took one.
“Who got it? Who has the tissue with the grass in it?” Cameron asked.
“Not me,” said Fenna with a smile.
Mila didn’t get it either. She leaned over and glanced curiously at the tissue in Nathan’s hand. She couldn’t help but laugh when she saw the blade of grass. “Nate, it’s in yours.”
“Truth or Dare?” Cameron asked enthusiastically.
His forehead wrinkled when he saw Nathan looking at Mila. “Why are you looking at Wanda?”
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Chapter 355
Mila blushed and turned away from Nathan.
“I’ll take the Truth,” Nathan said.
Cameron thought for a moment and asked, “What’s your ideal type of girl?”
Phoebe frowned because she didn’t see the point of the question. She shook her head and muttered, “What a wasted opportunity.”
However, Fenna was curious about Nathan’s answer. After glancing at Mila, Nathan calmly replied, “Wanda’s my ideal girl.”
Fenna’s face immediately turned sour. Cameron was dumbfounded and only realized that he had actually missed an opportunity. Everyone already knew Nathan was interested in Wanda. Mila felt a warm sensation run through her and her heart started beating fast. She sipped at her juice awkwardly.
“Forget it. Forget it. We all know that you’re in love with her. Let me ask you another question,
Cameron said shamelessly.
“Go ahead,” Nathan agreed unexpectedly.
Just as Cameron was about to speak, Fenna jumped in and asked, “If you had to choose between your love and career, what would you choose?”
Nathan’s expression became grave. Phoebe and Cameron looked at Fenna in shock and then back at Nathan. This was clearly a trap.
“What sort of question is that?” Phoebe asked.
Fenna shot Phoebe a glare. “There are no rules about what questions you can’t ask in this game.
“You!” Phoebe was so frustrated that she was speechless. She glanced at Mila and saw that she had a grim look on her face.
After taking a deep breath, Nathan downed a drink. He felt a tightness in his chest.
Cameron quickly tried to soothe the tension by saying, “Let’s change the question. Let’s-” “No change of question. This is it. Nate, if you had to choose between your career and love, which would it be?” Fenna sounded stern.
Mila’s gaze turned cold as she looked at Fenna and said firmly, “Career.”
Fenna glared at Mila. “I was asking Nate, not you.”
“That’s his answer,” Mila said determinedly.
Fenna scoffed, “How can you tell? You aren’t him.”
Mila gritted her teeth. She knew that Fenna just wanted to hear Nathan tell her personally that he would choose his career. Mila took a large sip of juice to calm the fire in her chest.
After calming herself, she continued, “He’s the general of the Norvanian military, the key and
the future of the nation’s defense and weapons. Love pales when compared to national duty. What’s there to doubt?”
With a bitter smile, Nathan asked, “Do you think so?”
Fenna was astonished. Mila and the others turned to Nathan at the same time. Nathan’s eyes darkened in sorrow. He sipped his drink absentmindedly and sighed.
When he looked at Mila, tears welled up in his eyes as he said, “Anyone can be a general in Norvania. There are many able and courageous people. Norvania lacks no heroes like Daniel but there’s only one Wanda Hoffis in this world.”
Nathan’s confession left Mila stunned. She had thought that Nathan, like herself, would naturally choose his career. Phoebe and Cameron were touched by Nathan’s words.
Fenna’s face flushed as she angrily asked, “Nate, do you even know what you’re saying?”
Nathan stayed calm as he said, “I want both my career and love. But if I must pick one, I pick Wanda.‘
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Chapter 356
Fenna trembled with rage. She clenched her fists and said, “I meant your love, not Wanda.”
“Wanda is my love,” Nathan replied casually.
A mix of emotions washed over Mila, who lowered her head and fiddled with her fingers. She felt touched and heartbroken at the same time.
Fenna scoffed, “Are you still that Nathan you used to be?”
Nathan picked up his glass and clinked it with Fenna’s. It was a gesture of apology for letting her down. After taking a sip of her drink, Fenna said, “Even if you love her, she may not love you back.”
“So, there’s nothing to talk about,” Nathan said in a bitter tone.
Mila’s discomfort grew. She stood and whispered, “I’m going to the bathroom.”
Nathan looked fondly at Mila’s figure as she walked away.
Cameron laughed. “Well, this isn’t a punishment game. It turned out to be your confession game. Your tactics for flirting are getting more intense. You even dare to tell such lies.”
Nathan looked at Cameron and said gravely, “My dream since I was a kid was to become a doctor.”
All three were stunned by the abruptness of his words. Nathan took a deep breath. He looked up at the dark sky and took sip after sip of his drink.
“Daniel dreamed of being a soldier who would glorify the land. He used to say that with a higher position would come more power and responsibility. That way he could do more useful things for the land and its people. His ideals were always high and noble,” said Nathan.
“Your dreams and those of Daniel are both noble. Why did you become the person that Daniel idealized instead of a doctor?” Fenna asked.
Nathan lowered his head and said, “Wanda has always admired Daniel since she was a child. Daniel is probably her idol.”
Phoebe was taken aback. She couldn’t believe Nathan would say such a thing. She had never imagined that Nathan, always confident, had strived since childhood to become the person Wanda liked.
Fenna turned her head and silently wiped away her tears. She finally realized that no matter how hard she tried, she wouldn’t be able to win against Wanda.
Cameron sighed softly and raised his glass to Nathan and said, “Here you go, Nate. A toast to you.”
After Nathan filled his glass, he raised it for a clink with Cameron’s glass.
“You get better and better when you like someone excellent. Half of what you’ve accomplished today is because of Wanda. Here’s to your devotion and Wanda’s excellence. Let’s drink to that, “Cameron said.
“Cheers. To her thriving career,” Nathan said.
Cameron paused. “To whose career?”
“To Wanda’s great career,” Nathan said with a bitter smile and downed his drink in one gulp.
After Cameron finished his drink and put down his glass, he asked, “She’s not even willing to inherit the Hoffis family fortune and has plans to settle back in Sunterland. What kind of career can she have?”
Nathan replenished Cameron’s drink. “We shouldn’t discuss that. Let’s talk about something else.”
Phoebe, who was munching on some grilled meat, looked at Nathan in shock. She wondered if Nathan had found out about Mila’s identity. She asked with a nervous look, “General Morrison, are you drunk or something?”
Nathan ignored her. He continued drinking with Cameron, exchanging words here and there.
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Chapter 357
Phoebe could see that Nathan was depressed. He was drowning his sorrows with alcohol. Fenna left the table in a somber mood and headed for the villa.
Meanwhile, Mila came out from inside and found Fenna at the doorstep. Fenna stopped her and said, “Let’s talk.”
Mila calmly waited for her to speak. Fenna collected herself before saying, “I love Nathan.”
“I know,” Mila replied. She felt a stab in her heart. Even though she had known it for a while, it still hurt.
Fenna stared at Mila. Mila wasn’t breathtakingly beautiful, but she had a lovely appearance, graceful figure, gentle personality, and sweet voice.
Besides being beautiful and talented, she was the granddaughter of the richest family. Fenna believed that no one would be able to resist someone like Mila.
Besides, Nathan had been in love with her since childhood. Their feelings had been deeply. rooted for more than a decade and were irreplaceable. Fenna knew that she couldn’t compare with Mila in any way.
“Do you
love Nate?” Fenna asked.
Mila was silent, her gaze on Fenna.
“Will you return to Sunterland someday?” Fenna asked.
Mila replied with a hum.
Fenna smiled relievedly. “To me, Daniel is no match for Nate. He can’t be compared to Nate at all. Maybe it’s true that love is blind.”
Mila was confused. She didn’t understand why Fenna brought up Daniel and compared him to
Nathan.
“You have the man that you love, the country that you want to go back to, your career, and your life. You don’t belong here and you don’t belong with Nathan. Please stop giving Nathan hope and don’t make him sink further,” Fenna pleaded.
Mila was heartbroken. Her eyes filled with tears as she clenched her fists.
Fenna slowly walked toward her and spoke firmly, “No matter how much he is in love with you, as long as you are gone, I am confident that I can help him forget you. Whether it takes one year or ten, or even a lifetime, I am ready to set him free.”
At first, Mila didn’t understand why Nathan, who loved her, needed to be freed by another woman. Later, she came to realize that Nathan had loved her for so many years without her
response.
They were once legally married, but Mila had not married him as Wanda.
Mila blinked her teary eyes and asked tremblingly, “Ms. Hudson, between your career and Nathan, which would you choose?”
Fenna didn’t hesitate for a second. “I choose Nathan.”
Mila smiled. She turned away from Fenna and sobbed uncontrollably. She secretly wiped away her tears, feeling like her heart was ripped open painfully. She knew Fenna loved Nathan more than she did.
There were those in this world who risked everything for love, and there were those who dedicated themselves to science and sacrificed everything without counting the cost. They all fought for what they believed in and they were incomparable.
It took a while for Mila to calm down. She wiped away her tears and turned to Fenna. “My blessings are upon you both.”
Fenna’s face began to light up. “Thank you.”
“Love him well,” Mila whispered in pain.
“I will. When are you leaving?” Fenna asked eagerly.
Mila walked past her as she replied, “I want to spend another month with my grandparents.”
Fenna turned around excitedly as she watched Mila’s figure and shouted, “I hope you keep your promise. You must leave Norvania after a month.”
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Chapter 358
Mila and Fenna returned to their seats one after another. Cameron had already prepared those rolled– up tissues for the next round of the game. He announced, “Let’s continue.”
Mila di ank the remauce, put the empty glass down, and said, “I just remembered I have
something to get done. I’ll be on my way now. You guys have a good time.”
Phoebe looked at Mila blankly and then stood up. Mila nodded at everyone before leaving but suddenly Nathan caught her wrist. Mila stood still in place.
They both froze, with her standing and him sitting. He refused to let go of her hand.
All eyes were drawn to Nathan’s hand. His eyes were shadowed as he held onto her hand. Mila’s heart trembled with pain as she felt the warmth of his palm.
“Nate, there’s something I have to do. My grandma’s looking for me.” Mila found an excuse. She pushed his hand away but she couldn’t get Nathan to loosen his grip.
The pain in Nathan’s heart was amplified a hundred fold after the drink. It surged like a tempestuous wave in the very depths of his soul. There were thousands of words he wanted to say to her but he couldn’t say any of them.
The only thing he could do was stare at the empty glass on the table.
He felt an agonizing torment as he slowly loosened his grip on Mila’s wrist. The pain was so intense that it felt like he was swallowing blades with every breath he took. Eventually, he let his arm fall.
Mila forced a smile and said, “Phoebe and I will go first. Goodbye.”
She headed for the gate without looking back. In a breeze, she passed the streetlights one by one. Her tears glistened in her eyes as she passed the lights.
Back at the table in the garden, Cameron turned to Nathan, who looked like a lost soul. Nathan’s eyes were unfocused as he stared at the empty glass Mila had drunk from. He looked utterly defeated and his reddened eyes were visible even in the dim, yellowish light.
“Why are you still sitting here? Go after her!” Cameron urged.
Nathan ignored him with a sigh and poured himself a beer.
“What’s wrong with you? You should go after her if you love her. You’re outstanding. Is there any woman you can’t win over? I don’t think any woman is beyond your reach!” Cameron said with frustration.
Fenna nudged Cameron in displeasure. “Cam, stop being silly. What’s the point in going after her? Not all women are worth it. Also, she doesn’t belong here and will leave sooner or later.”
Nathan continued to drink silently. Cameron slammed the table and said imperiously, “Then find a way to make her stay!”
“She doesn’t love Nate!” Fenna shouted in anger.
“Feelings can be nurtured over time. He has loved her for so many years. He has put :
much
into her. Shouldn’t he-
“Who says you always get paid for what you give?”
Cameron was at a loss for words.
“Besides, Wanda has been selfish from the start. Nate was her childhood sweetheart. He treated her well and gave her so much.
“And what did she do in return? She completely forgot about Nate after she went abroad. She unfriended him and cut off all contact with him.
“If it weren’t for her amnesia, she probably wouldn’t have given him a second glance for the rest of her life! Why should Nate hang on to such a woman?” Fenna said scornfully.
Cameron thought Fenna’s words made sense. He looked at Nathan and saw that he had already finished two bottles.
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Chapter 359
Nathan drank and listened to Fenna’s words like salt rubbing on his wounds. He was so numb with pain that he didn’t want to say a single word.
“Nate, listen to Fenna. Let it go,” Cameron sighed.
Fenna stood up, grabbed the bottle of alcohol from Nathan’s hand, and stated, “Stop drinking.
Nathan smiled bitterly and slowly closed his bloodshot eyes. He leaned back in his chair and lowered his head. He didn’t want anyone to see his desperate grief.
Cameron took a sip from his drink and sighed, “Poor guy. You had us over here for dinner just for her sake. You thought that having more people around would make her feel more comfortable. But she just had a glass of juice, took a bite of food, and left.”
Fenna sat down next to Nathan and held his hand tenderly as she comforted, “Nate, you deserve better than this.”
“Yeah, Fenna’s right,” Cameron agreed.
“I’m not worthy of her,” Nathan muttered quietly after a moment.
Cameron was dumbfounded.
Fenna was so angry and heartbroken that tears were streaming down her face. “That’s not true! Wanda doesn’t deserve you. She doesn’t know how to appreciate you.
“Nate, she never loved you! S “Nate, she never loved you! She married you after she lost her memory because she was in a bad position and needed someone to rely on.
“After she regained her memory, she remembered that she had the means of support,
someone she loved, and an ideal life. You have never been in her eyes, not even for a little while!”
“Fenna, please stop talking about her like that,” Nathan said with a trembling voice.
“Am I wrong about it?” Fenna replied in displeasure.
Nathan staggered to his feet. Fenna quickly grabbed his hand but he slowly pushed her hand away and said, “I have a headache. I’ll rest in my room. You guys carry on.”
“Let me help you.”
Nathan pushed her away again and said frostily, “No, thanks.”
He was drunk as he stumbled in the direction of the villa, Fenna stepped forward to help but he pushed her off.
After some pushing and shoving, Fenna stopped approaching Nathan and stayed where she was. She watched his lonely figure and shed tears in silence..
Later, she went back to her seat in a rage and downed mouthfuls of alcohol.
“Fenna, you don’t understand men,” Cameron consoled her.
“Men are dumb. They all have this idea that the best woman is the one they can’t have!” Fenna gritted her teeth.
Cameron gave a wry smile. “Could that be because the best woman happens to be the one he can’t have but loves the most?”
“It doesn’t matter. They’re still dumb!” The more Fenna thought about it, the more pissed she got.
Cameron’s face grew dimmer. “What sort of twisted logic is that? If it’s dumb to love someone who’s out of reach, then what about you? You cling to him so desperately even though you know Wanda is irreplaceable in his heart. Aren’t you-”
Cameron didn’t dare to say the word “dumb” out of fear of hurting Fenna’s feelings.
“How can you say such a thing? Am I not your sister?” Fenna’s eyes turned red in rage,
“Fenna, listen to me. Nate doesn’t love you at all. It will not lead to happiness if you force him to be with you,” Cameron advised gently.
“How do you know? We haven’t even tried.”
“Love is about selflessness, not possession. Nate is well aware of this. He’s a respected Norvanian general. Do you think he couldn’t have Wanda if he wanted to?
“He could easily use his powers to force Wanda into marrying him, but he loves her too much. He can’t stand the sight of her suffering and being unhappy,” Cameron explained.
Fenna stood up, sounding cold as she said, “I’m no nobler than him. All I know is that I have to fight for my happiness.
With that, she walked away.
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Chapter 360
“Fenna-“Cameron called out but Fenna walked away without looking back. Cameron was left to eat alone. He couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.
Mila returned to Hoffis Manor with a small box in her hand.
At the sight of Mila, Loretta hurriedly put down her utensils and retreated to her room.
Mila had already spotted Loretta eating at the dining table. She quickly ran over and blocked Loretta’s path.
Loretta acted aloof to hide her embarrassment. She turned away and held her head high as if to indicate she wouldn’t apologize. She seemed like a child who knew her mistake but refused to acknowledge it.
“Grandma, why are you always avoiding me?” Mila asked with a smile.
Loretta turned away without a word. Mila walked up to Loretta, who turned her back again. Mila faced her again and handed her the box. “I bought you the pastries you love.”
“I don’t deserve it,” Loretta said arrogantly.
“I’m your granddaughter. Why would you say that you don’t deserve me buying you pastries?
Mila’s heart ached.
With tears in her eyes, Loretta sneered, “Don’t play nice with me. I know what’s on your mind.
“What’s on my mind?” Mila’s gaze was on Loretta.
Loretta averted her eyes in distress and said, “Yes, I’m stupid and blind. I couldn’t even recognize my granddaughter. I was so arrogant and rude that I insulted you. I even swore at you. I ”
She became more and more upset as she spoke. Her indignation turned to guilt and self–blame. Choking back tears, she continued, “I lack manners and knowledge. I’m a nuisance to others, but it’s just who I am, and I can’t change. If you hate me, go ahead. I don’t care.”
Mila was deeply saddened. It was obvious that Loretta was angry, but she couldn’t stop blaming herself. Mila questioned with a smile, “Who told you that you were a nuisance?”
Loretta clenched her teeth to hold back tears.
“You’re the sweetest grandma in the whole world,” Mila said. Tears streamed down her face but she continued to smile. “How could I ever hate you?”
Loretta crossed her arms and turned away. Her tears were pouring down like rain, and her chin was shaking as she forced herself to hold back the tears.
“Grandma, please don’t be mad at me anymore. I’m sorry,” Mila said sweetly.
“I have no right to be mad at you.” Loretta choked back tears of resentment.
Mila was heartbroken at the sight of Loretta’s aloofness. She had been away from home for more than ten years to study and work.
She had called her grandparents occasionally on video calls, but most of the time she only chatted with Zach.
Loretta always kept the conversation going by asking about her life and recent events, but Mila often ended with a sentence or two. Loretta loved Mila, but all she got in return was being ignored.
Consequently, Loretta always had an inkling that Mila didn’t want to talk to her and even found her irritating.
After handing the box of pastries to Phoebe, Mila reached out to hug Loretta. She pressed her cheek against Loretta’s shoulder.
Loretta was pleasantly surprised by Mila’s unexpected show of affection, and her body trembled a little.
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