Ch. 421..430

Chapter 421

Mila clenched her fists slowly, trying to calm the turmoil inside her before speaking. “Nate, can I have some time to think?” she asked.

“Of course, take all the time you need,” Nathan replied.

With heavy steps, Mila trudged up the stairs. Her heart sank even deeper. Returning to her room and freshening up, she carried all her worries into her dreams.

After what felt like ages, Mila felt a soft and pleasant sensation on her lips. A warm breath lightly brushed against her cheek, causing a slight tickle. She opened her sleepy eyes to see Nathan stealing a kiss from her.

She blinked. Then, out of nowhere, she grabbed Nathan’s neck with both hands, kissing him

back.

Nathan was taken aback. He tried to pull away, but Mila held him tightly and returned his kiss with fervor.

Sensing she wanted to change position, Nathan wrapped his arms around her waist and shifted to the side. Mila leaned into him, and they continued to embrace and kiss passionately.

The room began to heat up as they lost themselves in each other’s embrace.

Their kisses grew more intense. Their lips and tongues intertwined in a passionate exchange that became harder to resist.

Consumed by desire, Mila’s mind became hazy, and she couldn’t help but let out a few shy

moans.

Nathan’s heart stirred at the sounds, but he remained composed. He gently ran his hand along her back as they continued their passionate embrace.

Mila couldn’t resist slipping her hands under his shirt to touch his firm chest. Their bodies pressed closely together, and she felt a strong sensation from his lower abdomen. She was filled with a mix of fear and excitement.

Just as Mila’s emotions heightened and she felt herself teetering on the edge of losing control, Nathan quickly flipped her over and pinned Mila beneath him. He seized her wrist and pressed it onto the pillow.

Struggling for breath, he pulled away from her lips. His eyes filled with desire as he focused

on Mila’s flushed cheeks.

Mila’s breathing grew erratic as she anxiously met his gaze. Nathan gazed at her as though spellbound, but he didn’t push things any further.

“What’s wrong?” Mila asked nervously.

Nathan felt his throat tighten. He took a deep breath and whispered, “When you were drunk that night, Wanda, I didn’t do anything to you.”

Mila’s face turned even redder as she looked at him, stunned.

“You undressed yourself.”

Mila felt even more embarrassed. “Oh, that explains why I don’t remember anything and didn’t feel weird about it.”

Nathan leaned on his elbows, his fingers weaving through her silky hair. His voice was hoarse as he said, “I truly want you right now.”

Mila shyly lowered her eyes and nodded. She was allowing him to proceed..

Nathan gently kissed her forehead and asked, “Wanda, will you marry me?”

Mila was surprised by his sudden proposal.

Nathan’s gaze was intense, his sincerity unmistakable. “Only when you’re fully mine do I feel I have the right to be with you intimately. Do you understand?”

Mila sensed that Nathan was restraining himself from going further. His level of respect for her surpassed her expectations.

Feeling a weight in her heart, Mila choked out, “Nate, let’s keep our relationship simple. Whether it evolves into something deeper or not, let’s just enjoy every moment we spend together, okay?”

of

“Are you still considering going back to Sunterland?” Nathan asked in a low voice.

Mila fell silent. It wasn’t that she wanted to return. She was bound by the contract.

Nathan gently stroked her hair and said calmly, “Sunterland is a more conservative country, where many men place great importance on a woman’s first night.”

Chapter 422

Chapter 422

Mila felt a pang in her heart as she asked, “Nate, what are you saying?”

Nathan gazed into her eyes and spoke gently, “If someday you decide to leave Norvania and me to go back to your career and life in Sunterland, why would I complicate things for you and hinder your future?”

Tears threatened to fall from Mila’s eyes. Her voice was shaky as she asked, “Nate, how could that be a hindrance?”

Nathan’s eyes filled with tears. He softly caressed her cheek and said with a smile, “You’ll eventually want to settle down and start a family once you return to Sunterland.”

t you?”

Mila gazed at him with tears in her eyes. “Nate, you found out, didn’t

Nathan nodded in response. “The top leader in Sunterland contacted me to discuss the situation. They’re adamant about not letting you go.”

“Then why did you propose to me?”

Nathan gently wiped the tears from her cheeks and asked with a wry smile, “Would marry me if there were no hurdles?”

you

Through her tears, Mila nodded. “Yes, I would. I’d marry you. I’d follow you to live on the frontier.”

Nathan lay beside her and pulled her into his arms. He closed his eyes and buried his face. into her shoulder. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

“Nate.”

Nathan held her tightly but kept a slight distance between their lower bodies. “Let me just hold you

as w

sleep.”

“I truly want to be intimate with you. You don’t have to hold back,” Mila said bravely.

“I don’t want to,” Nathan replied firmly.

Mila was puzzled. His reaction to her was intense–she could hear his heart pounding and feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Don’t all men want to be intimate with the women they love?”

Nathan stayed quiet. He softly moved her head away to create a distance between them. He

wouldn’t even hug her anymore.

To him, loving someone wasn’t about trying to control them. Instead, it was about demonstrating respect, care, and a desire for their future happiness. 1

Aware that they didn’t have a future together, Nathan didn’t want to ruin her first night just for a passing moment of desire and risk complicating her future relationships.

He gently brushed her hair and tucked her in with a blanket. “Don’t stress too much. Just get some sleep.”

“Nate

“Come with me tomorrow morning to see Grandma,” Nathan said, cutting her off. “After that, you can help me pick out a birthday present for my mom.”

Mila’s eyes glistened with tears as she looked at him and responded with a hum.

That night, neither of them slept well. They each had their blanket and were lost in their own thoughts. Just like when they were married, they treated each other respectfully and maintained their boundaries.

Mila understood that Nathan was looking out for her, and she considered that perhaps the greatest expression of love was exercising restraint.

The following day, Mila accompanied Nathan to visit Vera at Shovale. Her Alzheimer’s had advanced to the stage where she had lost all self–awareness. She couldn’t recognize anyone, experienced incontinence, and needed constant care from caregivers.

After visiting Vera, they went to a jewelry store and chose a special piece of jewelry as a birthday present.

On Florence’s birthday, the Morrisons opted for a modest family gathering rather than a lavish feast.

When Mila arrived at the Morrison Residence with her gift, she was warmly welcomed by almost everyone. The only one who seemed to have reservations was Layl

It was common knowledge among the family that Mila was none other than Wanda Hoffis- Nathan’s childhood sweetheart and first love.

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Chapter 423

Lindsey had noticeably changed her behavior. She was now overly respectful toward Mila and trying to flatter her.

It dawned on Mila that Layla’s hostility toward her wasn’t just because of her previous social status but also because of her relationship with Nathan.

The large dining table was filled with delicious food and wine. Everyone from the Morrison family, except Daniel, sat around the table to enjoy the meal.

“Wanda, I realize I may have been ignorant and unintentionally hurtful to you in the past. I hope you can forgive me,” Lindsey said, trying to make amends with Mila.

“Lindsey, I didn’t take any offense to it,” Mila replied with a faint smile.

Layla raised her glass and took a sip before scornfully taunting, “Today, all the Morrisons gathered to celebrate Florence’s birthday. But what about you, Ms. Hoffis? What brings you here?”

Mila shot Layla a stern look. As Layla appeared ready to provoke Mila, the atmosphere grew tense around the table.

“As far as I’m aware, your previous marriage to Nathan was null and void,” Layla continued. “You’re neither his wife nor his girlfriend. You’re the only outsider here. I’m curious what gives you the nerve to show up.“.

Feeling embarrassed, Duke discreetly kicked Layla under the table.

Unabashedly, Layla snapped back, “Why are you kicking me?”

Duke immediately recoiled and hung his head in embarrassment.

Florence and Gary shared a hesitant glance. They were reluctant to upset Layla, leaving them unsure about how to proceed.

Meanwhile, Taylor, Wendy, Tobias, and Cheryl merely acted as spectators, not wanting to intervene. It appeared that no one was inclined to come to Mila’s defense.

“Layla, she’s not an outsider. She’s Wanda Hoffis,” Lindsey interjected.

Layla crossed her arms, projecting an air of pride and coldness. “So what? She’s still not one of us. We agreed this was a family gathering, shouldn’t it be just for family?”

Nathan appeared unhappy, glaring coldly at Layla. He snapped, “Just because our marriage

isn’t recognized legally doesn’t change that she’s still my wife. If you have any issues, talk to me instead of involving Wanda.”

Lindsey snorted before muttering, “She’s only upset because you didn’t marry her back then.

Layla’s expression suddenly shifted.

Duke’s face twisted with anger, and he slammed his hand on the table. “Aunt Lindsey, mind your words. Speak out of line again and you’ll regret it.”

Lindsey smirked. “Oh my, I’m trembling. Why don’t you ask your wife why she’s so bitter? And why does she always go after the women around Nate?”

Duke’s and Layla’s expressions soured, and they fell silent.

Trying to lighten the mood, Florence forced a smile and interjected, “Let’s not argue. It’s my birthday after all, and it’s nice for us to share a meal without any tension.”

Lindsey pointed at Layla and said, “Well, she keeps stirring things up. Since Wanda arrived, Layla’s been picking on her. I reckon she’s still hung up on Nate, so she’s jealous of Wanda.

Layla was furious and embarrassed. She stood up and yelled, “Nonsense!”

Duke became silent. He shook with anger as if Layla had betrayed him.

Mila felt guilty for causing the argument. She went to Florence, gave her the birthday gift, and said goodbye.

were

Florence and Gary very upset by what was happening.

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Chapter 424

Mila smiled gently as she delicately shifted Nathan’s hand away she didn’t want to create

any issues for Florence. “Nate, stay with your mom to celebrate her birthday. I’m not part of your family. I’ll leave since Layla doesn’t want to see me.”

Nathan’s face twisted with anger. He was about to speak, but Mila interrupted him. Her tone became more serious. “Can you just listen to me this once?”

After bidding everyone farewell with a nod, Mila left.

Everyone knew about Layla’s temperament. Despite thinking Layla was being unreasonable, nobody stopped Mila from leaving or stood up to Layla.

Mila walked out of the Morrison residence carrying her bag. As the sky grew darker, the last rays of the sunset painted a cozy atmosphere. A warm breeze brought the fragrance of flowers from the garden.

She walked toward the gate, feeling weighed down by sadness. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she never really belonged there.

Suddenly, Mila heard a steady rhythm of footsteps approaching from behind. When she turned around, Nathan was already beside her, holding her hand tightly. She felt a surge of surprise. Nathan’s touch was comforting and warm.

Mila was deeply moved by his gesture.

Tears began to well up in her eyes. “Nate, why did you come after me?”

With a gentle smile, Nathan said, “Let’s go home. I’ll cook something delicious for you.”

“But today is Florence’s birthday. Shouldn’t you be spending time with her?” Mila asked anxiously.

Nathan continued walking while holding her hand. “I already did. I’ve even given her a gift. Besides, birthdays come every year. Skipping just this one won’t matter much.”

“But it might make Florence sad.”

“No, she’ll be okay.”

Mila smiled and didn’t push the matter further. Nathan walked with her as twilight enveloped them. Though they seemed composed on the surface, inside, their emotions were swirling. They had left earlier than planned, so Cole’s car hadn’t arrived to pick them up yet.

It was the first time Nathan had openly held Mila’s hand. They strolled down the quiet, wide street like a couple. The roadside was lined with beautiful sycamore trees, making the scene even more enchanting as darkness fell. The pathway gradually lit up with streetlights.

Mila kept her gaze on the ground, glancing at the square tiles as they walked. Nathan’s hand held hers warmly and comfortably.

“Wanda,” Nathan whispered.

Mila looked up at him. “Yes?”

Nathan kept his gaze on the road ahead, his voice heavy with weariness. “Can you stay? Please?”

Mila quietly studied his profile.

“I can ensure your safety as long as you remain here in Norvania,” Nathan said earnestly.” You can continue your passion for work and research, even in armament engineering. Whatever path you choose, I’ll stand by you wholeheartedly.”

Mila understood that she would be protected as long as she remained in Norvania. Even if she broke contracts, confronted accusations of treason, or found herself as an international fugitive, Sunterland wouldn’t be able to harm her.

But she didn’t want to carry the weight of such guilt. The research institute had supported her for countless years and engaged her in numerous vital projects. She didn’t want to betray their trust for the sake of love.

“I’m sorry, Nate,” Mila said sorrowfully. “I want to stay too, and I’ve done everything I can, but the research institute won’t release me. No matter what compromises or compensation I offer, they

eluse to let me go.”

“So, you have to go?” Nathan’s grip on her hand tightened, mirroring his tense emotions.

Mila sensed the intensity of his grasp. She lowered her head and gazed at her shoes as they continued walking together.

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Chapter 425

Nathan and Mila hadn’t planned on using the car. They preferred to keep holding hands and walk instead. Mila hummed in response.

“When?” Nathan asked.

Mila felt a sharp pain in her heart. Still, she answered casually, “Sunterland has arranged for someone to retrieve me. The day that person arrives is the day I depart.”

Nathan gazed at the darkening sky as he felt a weight settle in his chest. He was so distraught that breathing became difficult.

“My parents are still alive. So, I hope you can continue helping me search for them,” Mila added.

“I will,” Nathan promised.

“I’ll also get the authorities in Sunterland to help locate my parents.”

Nathan’s steps slowed.

“Nate, could you keep an eye on my grandparents once in a while after I go? They’re getting older, and they live by themselves…”

Mila’s voice trembled as she added, “I’m really busy. Plus, they don’t know about my job, so they would find it hard to understand why I can’t be in touch with them. I won’t be able to visit them in Norvania, and I–I feel guilty about it.”

Nathan came to a sudden halt. He couldn’t bring himself to meet her gaze, fearing he might break down before her. He forced a façade of composure and said, “When you left Norvania ten years ago,

you had already made the decision never to return.

“That’s why you cut ties with everyone here. It was only because of Oliver that you came back.” Nathan glanced at the distant lights, his eyes glistening with tears as he asked bitterly, “How long will you be gone again? Five years, ten years, or fifty?”

Mila’s heart broke as she realized that even though they had no future together, Nathan might still wait for her. An overwhelming sadness washed over her.

She took a deep breath, her voice catching as she said, “Nite, please don’t wait for me. If you meet a wonderful woman, go for it. Enjoy a beautiful romanice, tie the knot, and build a family with her.”

Nathan gazed at the sky as he sensed his tears threatened to fall. His throat tightened as if it was burning. He was overwhelmed by sadness, and he struggled to contain them.

With a husky voice, he asked, “And you? Will you find someone similar and start a family? Will you have children with him?”

d and

“I’m not sure,” Mila said as she wiped her tears. She didn’t know what the future held couldn’t give him a definite answer.

Nathan couldn’t find words. He simply hugged Mila tightly. She held onto him just as firmly. Her tears flowed down her cheeks onto his chest.

Nathan couldn’t fathom the depth of Mila’s sorrow. Was it because she couldn’t bear to part with Zach and Loretta? Or maybe it was her inability to serve Norvania or the anguish of being unable to rescue

her parents. These reasons alone were sufficient to evoke such profound tears.

She was frequently brought to tears, yet she remained his beloved. However, she was destined to only be a brief part of his life.

Nathan gently caressed her head and whispered, “Mila, when the time comes for you to leave, please don’t tell me and just leave quietly, alright?”

Mila continued to shed tears with her eyes shut tight. She asked tearfully, “But why?”

“I can’t go through that pain again–breaking down at the airport like I did a decade ago. I’m scared I might lose my mind and want to hide you away so no one could find you.” Nathan’s voice trembled.

Mila nestled deeper into Nathan’s embrace and clung tightly to him. She wept and wept, silently yearning to stay in his arms indefinitely.

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Chapter 426

The night was beautiful, and mist drifted through the streets, but Mila and Nathan were too heartbroken to face each other directly.

When they returned home to Sudvilla, Nathan stayed up all night in his study, claiming he had work to attend to. The following morning, he departed Sudvilla early, citing urgent

matters at the military base.

He didn’t take Mila with him.

Their farewell was simple and peaceful. They both knew that this parting meant they would never cross paths again. Instead of a sorrowful and hesitant goodbye, they opted for a casual parting as if it held no significance.

Nathan would be heading back to the military base for his duties, while Mila would return to Sunterland to resume her research. 1

After packing up her last few belongings in Sudvilla, Mila cast a reluctant glance around the room. The towering bookcase and every cozy decoration in the house held a special place in her heart.

Nathan eagerly set about renovating the house when the fake Sally returned. He was probably yearning to marry the woman he had loved for years.

Mila struggled to comprehend what had caused Nathan to love her deeply for over a decade. He accepted everything about her calmly and even let her go resolutely.

The mare tha of Nathan brought tears streaming down her face. She realized that she wasn’t deserving of such profound love after all. Mila wiped her tears and left Sudvilla with her bags in hand. 1

Phoebe was waiting outside. When Mila appeared, Phoebe swiftly took the bags from her. Mila’s swollen eyes stirred sympathy in Phoebe, prompting her to say, “Mila, your eyes look so puffy. Have you been crying all night?”

Mila covered her sore eyes and took a deep breath. After composing herself, she replied, I’m okay.”

“You’re leaving in a few days. Why did General Morrison suddenly return to the military base? Doesn’t he want to say goodbye to you?” Phoebe asked.

“He wanted me to leave quietly,” Mila replied. Tears streamed down her face as she added with a trembling voice, “He feared that he wouldn’t be able to resist the urge to stop me

from leaving.”

Phoebe felt a deep empathy for Mila. She held her and gently patted her back to offer comfort, saying, “Mila, please don’t cry. General Morrison genuinely loves you. He simply wants you to be yourself without any burdens.”

Thinking back on those times, Mila came to understand that even though Nathan was struggling internally, he never crossed the line and took her virginity. It left her feeling a deep sadness in her heart. Nathan loved her very much, and she had no regrets.

After Phoebe helped Mila into the car, they slowly drove away from Sudvilla. Mila realized she might never see Nathan again. She reluctantly leaned out the car window to catch a last glimpse of Nathan’s home.

Sudvilla faded from sight as the car drove off. Her heart broke when the car turned onto a different road.

The chilly wind added to her discomfort.

She took out her phone and softly recited Nathan’s phone number repeatedly. Even though she already knew it by heart, she still felt the urge to memorize it again. Once she got back to Sunterland, she wouldn’t be able to reach out to him anymore, either by phone calls or messages.

One day, when she left the research institute, she believed she would have another opportunity to contact him. Whether it was in five years, ten years, or even after retiring in her old age, she held onto the hope of reconnecting with him.

Mila’s hands trembled as she gripped her phone. Tears streamed down her face

uncontrollably. She bit her lip to hold back her sobs. Then, she closed her eyes and slumped back into her seat. Her body shook with each stifled cry.

Her heart felt as if it had been torn apart, and the pain was nearly unbearable. She had never realized that saying goodbye to someone she loved could be agonizing.

At that moment, she started to understand Nathan’s feelings when he said goodbye to her a decade ago. He must have felt a pain much deeper than what she was feeling now to break down in tears at the airport.

+

Chapter 427

Chapter 427

Nathan couldn’t muster the courage to see Mila leave. Perhaps he might not feel so sad if he

didn’t watch her go.

Phoebe, who was driving, felt unsure of what to do when she saw Mila crying.

After arriving at Hoffis Manor, Mila walked into the living room with heavy steps. She noticed Zach and Loretta sitting on the couch. They were happy to see her but became upset when they saw her puffy eyes.

“Did Nate mistreat you?” Zach asked angrily.

Loretta was heartbroken. She couldn’t hide her frustration as she questioned, “What’s wrong with Nate? Why did he make you cry? Where is he? I’ll make sure he pays for this.”

th Nate.”

Mila took their hands and said tearfully, “No, this has nothing to do with Nate.”

Tears welled up in Loretta’s eyes as she gently touched Mila’s cheeks. “Why were you crying so much, then? Did you not sleep well last night?”

Mila guided them to sit on the couch before dropping to her knees. Zach and Loretta were both flustered. They tried to help Mila up, but she resisted and said, “Grandma, Grandpa, please listen. I need to tell you something.”

“Speak your mind. Why are you on your knees? Get up,” Loretta urged.

Mila stayed on her knees, feeling guilty as she said, “Grandma, Grandpa, I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to be with you as much in the future to take care of you.”

Loretta’s face paled with anxiety upon hearing this. Trembling, she took hold of Mila’s hand and asked, “What do you mean?”

Zach’s expression grew somber as he gazed at Mila. He seemed to grasp the implication of her words.

Mila lowered her head and whispered, “I’m heading back to Sunterland to pick up my old job again. I won’t be able to keep in touch during my ten–month tenure there. I’ll only be able to reach out around Christmas time, for about a month before and after.”

Loretta’s vision blurred with tears. She held back her frustration and asked, “Mila, why do you want to return to Sunterland? It’s not like we aren’t coping financially. I don’t understand what’s lacking in Norvania. Our family has a significant legacy here for you to carry on. Why opt for such a confining job?”

Mila couldn’t reveal any further. All she could do was apologize. “I’m sorry, Grandma. I’m so sorry, it’s my fault.”

“Listen to me. Just stay in Norvania. Your grandpa and I are getting old, and we could die anytime. Stay here to inherit the family business and let your grandpa handle your job in Sunterland,” Loretta spoke firmly.

Mila wiped away her tears and shook her head as she said, “Grandma, I’m sorry, but I have to go back! Some things can’t be fixed with money.”

Zach seemed to grasp Mila’s dilemma. He asked, “When are you leaving?”

“What? You old geezer! Can’t you figure out a way to make your granddaughter stay?”

Loretta bellowed.

“She has her own life! Why should we impose our will on her?” Zach roared.

Loretta cried out in frustration. She buried her face into the back of the couch as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Mila was consumed by guilt, and tears began trickling down her cheeks.

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Chapter 428

Despite her sadness, Loretta chose to compromise out of her love for Mila. She helped Mila to her feet and wiped away her tears.

and said, “Even Loretta was heartbroken, yet she looked affectionately into Mila’s eyes and said, though it’s difficult for me to say goodbye, I won’t try to stop you since you’ve decided to leave. All I want is for you to be happy.”

Mila experienced an overwhelming pain that made her difficult to breathe. She felt a mixture of emotions–touched yet burdened by guilt. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her body trembled. She hugged Loretta tightly and tearfully murmured, “Thank you, Grandma.”

Zach let out a helpless sigh. After quietly brushing tears from his eyes, he rose to his feet and gently patted Mila’s back. His distress was too great for him to utter even a single word.

Mila was raised in a loving family whose support empowered her to pursue her dreams. without any doubt. As her departure drew near, she spent a significant amount of time each day with Zach and Loretta. Additionally, she made regular visits to the Morrison residence to see Daniel.

Once Mila wrapped up everything in Norvania, she said goodbye to Sienna and Daniel. Even though Mila had resolved all her responsibilities, she couldn’t shake off a sense of emptiness. She knew it stemmed from her feelings for Nathan.

Nathan hadn’t reached out to her at all during these days. It was almost as if he had. forgotten about her entirely.

Time flew by, and a week later, on an evening much like any other, Mila met Simon Cooper. He had been her senior at Sunterland since their school days, and they were still working together now.

Simon had a captivating and refined appearance. He was dressed in a suit, sporting black- framed glasses that added to his air of sophistication. He was dispatched by the Sunterland Research Institute to fetch Mila.

She felt a twinge of sadness when she spotted him but resigned herself to the situation. She greeted him calmly, “Simon, it’s been a while.”

Simon adjusted his glasses before speaking, his voice soft but tinged with excitement, “I thought you had vanished for three years. I’m relieved to see that you’re safe and sound.”

Mila responded with a wry smile.

“You should know why I’m here,” Simon said.

“Yeah.”

“We’re catching the flight tomorrow afternoon,” Simon added.

“Tomorrow afternoon?” Mila was overwhelmed by reluctance.

Never before had she longed to see Nathan as much as she did in that moment. After tomorrow, she wouldn’t be able to see him again. Just the thought of Nathan made her heart ache so intensely that it was difficult for her to breathe.

“Alright, I’ll go back to my room and pack now. Simon, you can take a rest in the “Mila pretended to be calm.

guest room.

After she had the maid escort Simon to the guest room, she returned to her own room. Standing on the balcony with her phone, she gazed up at the starless sky. The warm wind made her feel stifled.

Hoffis Manor shone brightly in the night. The lamp posts lining the garden path emitted a cozy yellow glow, which added to the dreamlike ambiance.

Meanwhile, Mila constantly found herself unlocking her phone. She was torn about whether to call Nathan. Tomorrow would signal the start of at least five years without any means to reach out to him. She couldn’t shake the feeling that everything would have changed by then. Mila’s sadness deepened as she dwelled on it. Nathan’s voice, his face, his figure–all vividly flickered in her mind. It dawned on her that the pain of separating in life outweighed even the sorrow of parting in death. Her heart ached, and tears began to well up in her eyes.

Unable to resist any longer, she pressed the dial button on his number. The sound of his phone connecting echoed from the other end of the line.

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Chapter 429

Mila’s heart raced as she waited for the call to go through. She was so nervous that her stomach felt queasy. Her breathing grew erratic.

Finally, the phone connected.

“Hello,” Nathan said. His voice was captivating but noticeably lacking its usual energy. It

was as if he had lost his spirit.

Mila was flooded with pent–up emotions the moment she heard his voice. She struggled to hold back tears while covering her mouth. Despite her efforts, tears streamed down her face. and pooled in her palm.

She wanted to talk, but her throat felt like it was on fire. She couldn’t utter a word. She was afraid that she would burst into tears if she moved her hand away from her mouth.

She wasn’t the type to take risks for love. Instead, she was usually level–headed and focused on her career. She never thought she could feel so fragile.

Η

Nathan patiently waited for Wanda to respond on the other end of the phone. Yet, there was only silence even though he had waited for what felt like an eternity. He asked softly, Wanda, are you there? Can you talk to me?”

Mila struggled to keep her emotions in check. She clamped her hand tightly over her mouth. Her entire body trembled as she tried to suppress the overwhelming flood of feelings that threatened to consume her. Tears streamed down her face to the ground.

Nathan smiled bitterly and made a light–hearted comment. “You’re still able to call, so you must still be in Norvania. Want to do a video call? I’d love to see your face.”

Mila felt an intense wave of sadness wash over her. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she sank to the ground, curling up into a ball and clutching her knees tightly. Fearful that Nathan might end the call, she took a deep breath, sniffled, and tearfully said, “Nate, this will be the last time I’m calling you.”

Nathan’s voice quivered slightly, but he put on a façade of nonchalance as he replied, “Well, it’s always good to mark an end. Maybe I’ll catch you on TV sometime down the road. And who knows? Maybe you’ll come up with even better weapons and win that Genesis Award who knows? Maybe you’ll come someday.”

Mila shook her head and said, “They mean nothing.”

“They’re your dreams.” Nathan corrected her.

Mila couldn’t help but cry. She scolded, “Nate, can’t you stop being so nice to me? Can’t you be a little selfish? You’re breaking my heart.”

Nathan forced a smile. “Being selfish would only make things worse for you. Do you truly want me to be selfish?”

“I do,” Mila replied. But then, she felt conflicted and shook her head. “Yet, I don’t. I’m not

sure.”

“Don’t think too hard about it. Trust your instincts. You’re not responsible for me, so don’t stress over me. I’m tougher than you realize, and I’ve been in love with you all along, even if you haven’t felt the same. So, don’t worry too much.” Nathan’s voice grew calmer.

Mila wiped her tears. She recalled his vow to wait five years for her and wondered if he would still keep it.

“Nate, I-” Mila began, then halted: Suddenly, she realized the selfishness of asking him to wait another five years.

The thought of the situation she might put Nathan in if she couldn’t return after five years weighed heavily on her. It would undoubtedly shatter his heart. Five years later, he’d be in his 30s and possibly with children old enough for kindergarten.

“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked.

Feeling a pang of pain, Mila held her chest and whispered, “Nate, take care of yourself and remember to love yourself.”

“You too.”

“Yeah, I will.”

Nathan couldn’t bring himself to ask when she would leave or if she would return to Norvania. Just hearing her voice through the phone again was enough to make him feel

content.

Chapter 430

Chapter 430

Nathan wasn’t sure why Mila was crying–maybe she didn’t want to leave, or perhaps she just felt guilty. All he knew was that hearing her voice made him feel okay.

Even though Nathan and Mila were never officially together, the intense pain he felt in his chest–was unbearable. It was as if his heart was being torn apart, and he wished he could just end the pain by dying. He wanted to tell her so many things, but he knew he wouldn’t get the chance anymore.

“I have to go take care of something, so I’ll hang up now,” Nathan said calmly.

He wanted to hang up before his emotions got the better of him. He was afraid that if he didn’t hang up soon, he might end up buying a plane ticket on impulse, and fly to Mila to make her stay with him.

After hanging up, Nathan tossed his phone onto the desk. He sank into his chair, feeling, completely powerless, as if his spirit had abandoned him. He leaned his head back and shut his eyes.

To withstand the torment, he clenched his fists so tightly that they quivered, and veins stood out on his skin. The pain was so strong that tears trickled down from the corners of his eyes.

These days, merely dreaming of Mila brought him anguish. He was far from resilient when it came to matters of the heart. Slowly, tears began flowing uncontrollably. They followed the contours of his face, streaming down until they reached the sides of his ears.

Suddenly, there came a knock on the office door. Nathan turned his chair to face away from the door. He took a deep breath and quietly wiped the tears from his eyes.

Cole walked in, looking nervous. “General Morrison, the Intelligence Agency has informed us that the traitor and Oliver have sneaked into the country by boat. They’ve landed and disappeared without a trace.”

“You mean Lucas?” Nathan asked calmly.

“Yes, Lucas, the traitor,” Cole replied grimly. “He’ll do anything for money, even betraying you. I’ll shoot him dead if I catch him.”

Realizing that Mila must be their main reason for risking entry into Norvania, Nathan swiftly pulled out his phone and dialed Phoebe’s number.

Phoebe answered the phone quickly. She politely asked, “General Morrison, is everything

Mila couldn’t help but cry. She scolded, “Nate, can’t you stop being so nice to me? Can’t be a little selfish? You’re breaking my heart.”

you

Nathan forced a smile. “Being selfish would only make things worse for you. Do you truly want me to be selfish?”

“I do,” Mila replied. But then, she felt conflicted and shook her head. “Yet, I don’t. I’m not

sure.”

“Don’t think too hard about it. Trust your instincts. You’re not responsible for me, so don’t stress over me. I’m tougher than you realize, and I’ve been in love with you all along, even if you haven’t felt the same. So, don’t worry too much.” Nathan’s voice grew calmer.

Mila wiped her tears. She recalled his vow to wait five years for her and wondered if he would still keep it.

“Nate, I—” Mila began, then halted. Suddenly, she realized the selfishness of asking him to wait another five

years.

The thought of the situation she might put Nathan in if she couldn’t return after five years weighed heavily on her. It would undoubtedly shatter his heart. Five years later, he’d be in his 30s and possibly with children old enough for kindergarten.

“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked.

– Feeling a pang of pain, Mila held her chest and whispered, “Nate, take care of yourself and

remember to love yourself.”

“You too.”

“Yeah, I will.”

Nathan couldn’t bring himself to ask when she would leave or if she would return to Norvania. Just hearing her voice through the phone again was enough to make him feel