+25


    Mason nodded. “<b>Yes</b>, I missed you.”


    Oliver’s smile widened, his gaze softening even more. “I missed you too, and I brought you a gift.”


    As he spoke, he pulled out a set of books from behind him, almost as if performing a magic trick.


    “Last time I saw you, you were reading this series at home, so I bought the original edition while I was abroad. Do you like it?” he asked.


    Mason’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, Uncle Oliver!”


    He eagerly took the books and flipped through them, his usually calm expression finally revealing the youthful excitement of a child his age.


    N smiled wryly at Oliver. “You didn’t have to go through all that trouble. That must have been expensive. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Since moving to Capitarnia five years ago, it hadn’t taken long for Oliver to find her.


    Over the years, he had helped her immensely–allowing her to focus on her work while keeping Mason’s


    existence hidden.


    Like Caroline, N owed Oliver so much.


    It wasn’t that she hadn’t noticed Oliver’s feelings–she knew.


    And she couldn’t keep epting his kindness without reflecting on it. Maybe now was the time to consider whether she should give him–and herself–a chance.


    Oliver looked at N, his voice soft. “As long as Buddy is happy, it’s worth it.”


    The affection in his eyes made N avert her gaze. She said quietly, “We should go, or we’ll bete for the


    reservation.”


    “Okay. Get in the car first. I’ll buckle Buddy in,” Oliver replied.


    Nodding, N opened the car door, only to spot a small teal box on the passenger seat. She couldn’t help but look back at Oliver with a smile.


    “I get a gift too?” she asked.


    Oliver had just finished buckling Mason’s seatbelt. He nced over and replied, “Yes. See if you like it.”


    N picked up the box and opened it. A deep, radiant green glow immediately caught her eye. It was as if the purest essence of nature had been meticulously crafted into these stunning emerald earrings.


    The design was simple yet elegant, with each emerald perfectly cut to showcase its inner brilliance. They resembled morning dew resting on fresh leaves–vibrant, fresh, and full of life.


    “So? Do you like them?” Oliver asked.


    Yes, they’re beautiful, I love them.” N took the earrings out and reced the pearl studs she was wearing. “How do they look?”


    12


    The streetlight beside the car bathed her in a warm glow. Standing there, smiling, she looked serene and graceful, her eyes twinkling like stars. She was so beautiful that it took Oliver’s breath away.


    Even the sparkling emerald earrings paled inparison to her radiant smile.


    All Oliver could hear was the pounding of his own heart, each beat louder than thest, as if it were about to leap out of his chest.


    He quickly looked away, worried that his gaze might be too intense, but he couldn’t resist stealing another nce at her. “They look perfect on you<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    “Then I’ll wear them tonight,” N said.


    It wasn’t until they arrived at the restaurant that Oliver’s emotions finally settled down.


    As they got out of the car, Oliver and N each held one of Mason’s hands, walking together like a family


    of three.


    Not far from them, a ck Maybach pulled up. The back door opened, and Damon stepped out, followed by Erin.


    Erin smiled as she clung to Damon’s arm, walking alongside him. “Damon, how long will you be staying in Capitarnia this time? I have ns to meet a friend here. Can I go back to Saintornia with you afterward?”


    Damon looked straight ahead and hummed indifferently.