"Do you think I don't want to meet someone? I just haven't found the right person," Gary said somewhat resignedly. He had long regarded Nicole as just a friend."Why don't we just try the dates our families set up?" Ryder suggested, calm and collected. He figured since finding someone on his own wasn't working, maybe arranged dates could help. In their circles, it seemed like good matches were meant to be."Arranged dates don't sound great. You hardly know the person. Are we really okay with deciding to spend our lives together like that?" Preston wasn't too keen on the idea."Emery's doing pretty well with it, you know," Ryder said confidently. "I trust our families. They wouldn't set us up with someone terrible. They've probably made sure we'd be a good match."Gary thought it over. "You might be right. Our families aren't just trying to make deals; they want us to be happy."As Gary and Ryder seemed more into the idea, Preston was still unsure. "You guys are serious?""Why not
Nicole laughed off the debate between Lulu and June, saying, "Both are lovely. I'm happy with either."Both sets of jewelry were beautiful, and she felt that either would do."Exactly. Nicole will shine in anything," Cindy said, picking a set. "Let's go with this one."Lulu gave June a victorious look. "Told you this was the one."Cindy then suggested, "Why not wear this for the ceremony and switch for the reception? That way, we use both.""Great idea," June agreed, smiling at Cindy's suggestion.Nicole smiled. "Sounds perfect."With everyone agreeing, the stylist went ahead with preparing Nicole.Lulu watched Nicole, amazed by how calm she seemed. "Aren't you a bit nervous?" she asked. Lulu remembered her own wedding jitters.Nicole bit her lip, a hint of nerves showing. "I'm more excited than anything," she admitted.She had been looking forward to this day, ready to face the future with Jared with hope and joy."Just finished," the stylist announced, stepping back to adm
"Let's go, it's time to head down. The ceremony will start soon."The group laughed and talked as they left the bridal suite. Jared and his friends, Spencer and Preston, were also guided out by everyone.Now, only the family of four remained in the bridal suite, getting ready for their big entrance."Mommy, it's almost time. Let's get ready," Nolan said, pulling on Nicole's hand.Nicole gently patted Nolan and Lana's cheeks, whispering, "Okay."As she made to stand, Jared extended his hand toward her. Lifting her gaze, she caught Jared in a moment of elegance, his charm unmistakable. A smile bloomed on her face as she placed her hand in his.With a gentle tug, Jared drew her up, his touch tender against her palm.In a swift move, he pulled Nicole into his arms, his other hand circling her waist to pull her close.As Jared looked at Nicole, admiration shimmered in his eyes. "You look truly beautiful today," he remarked."Daddy, Mommy is beautiful every day," Lana chimed in, til
On a rainy day in September, drizzle moisturized a mountain town and washed clean the stone streets with a refreshing earthy smell in the air. An eighteen-year-old girl was on her way to the principal’s office at the only high school in the town center. She dressed austerely, but it did not hide the fact that she was beautiful. However, her emotionless eyes made her look sullen and unapproachable. “Mr. Barrett, here comes Nicole.” Class teacher, Ms. Mills, led the way for Nicole. Nicole Wallace looked at her with some surprise, wondering why Ms. Mills was suddenly so nice to her. Ms. Mills was someone who placed great importance on family background in the selection of class committee members. “Let her in.” The principal was equally excited; even his voice was a little trembling. Nicole slowly chuckled as soon as she stepped into the principal’s office. It turned out to be because of him. On the VIP sofa in the principal’s office sat a tall man, dressed in an expensive
Regina was not in the same league as Nicole, both in looks and studies. She even did not expect that her family background, which she had always been proud of, was completely eclipsed by Nicole’s, and this made her feel jealous to the extreme. “Get in the car, Nicole.” In full view of everyone, Sean helped Nicole open the car door like a gentleman as he looked at her with gentle eyes. “He is so charming. If only I could have such a charming and rich brother.” “Yeah, I’m really envious of her.” Regina listened to the discussion with the jealousy and hatred in her surging like a stormy sea. So, she deliberately shouted, “What is there to be proud of? She is just a bumpkin. She thinks she can be a social elite overnight?” Nicole was about to get into the car and paused when she heard that. Now, even Sean’s eyes had darkened. “What the hell are you talking about, Regina?” Ms. Mills looked displeased. Mr. Barrett recognized this daughter of a board member, but he still could n
Bloodline was something amazing. Even though Gloria had not seen Nicole for many years, she could recognize the girl in front of her to be Nicole, her biological daughter, at first glance. Nicole also had this special feeling. So, when Gloria rushed over and hugged her, she did not resist. “Oh, Nicole, I have finally found you.” Gloria choked up. “It was my fault for not protecting you well enough. I was to blame for your abduction.” So, her abduction was real. Nicole used to wonder why her family abandoned her. Was it because she was a daughter? Now knowing that her loved ones cared about her, Nicole’s heart softened, and the look on her face was not as stony as when they first met. “Mom, let sis sit down first. We have come all the way home, and she should be tired by now.” Sean reminded Gloria thoughtfully. “Right, right. I am just too happy.” Gloria agreed but did not let go of her grip. She sat Nicole down. Seeing the entire family surrounding Nicole, a hint of jealo
Norah gritted her teeth quietly as her resentment of Nicole grew even more. Sean was really busy. He headed back to his office right afterward. Gloria dragged Nicole into a room that faced east on the second floor. The corner of Nicole’s mouth twitched when she saw everything inside the room was rose pink, very girly. “We don’t know what you like, but thinking that you are also a girl, we asked Norah for advice, and she chose many things here for you.” Gloria’s eyes were filled with tenderness when talking about Norah. “Ahem.” Daniel was afraid that Nicole would think too much and quickly signaled to Gloria. Gloria came to her senses and became cautious when she spoke. “Do you like it?” Nicole had never been picky about these things. Just that things were a little over the top for her, but she still accepted their kindness. “Thank you.” Gloria was relieved that her daughter still liked it, so she followed up and continued. “Those gifts on the table are from your other br
After all, there was a vast difference between the quality of education in small towns and San Joto. Mr. Riddle Sr. frowned upon hearing that. Gloria had a point. What good teachers could a school in a small town have? Mr. Riddle Sr. took a deep breath, put down his teacup, and looked at Daniel with a serious face. “Arrange a school for Nicole as soon as possible. The children of the Riddle family should not be left behind.” Nicole raised an eyebrow slightly as she could tell that Mr. Riddle Sr. was bold in his decision and quick in action, which was a trait she liked. It was just that things like grades were… Just then, Daniel had already made a guarantee. “I know, Dad. I will arrange it.” Mr. Riddle Sr. nodded and looked at Nicole again. “I know the quality of education in small towns is not ideal, but all my grandchildren are in the top five of the grades in every exam. You can’t let me down, you know?” Seeing that Mr. Riddle Sr. cared so much about results, Nicole had