Chapter 9%
Nick suddenly remembered–night after Gianna died, he’d been so consumed by grief that he completely neglected Jayden. During a thunderstorm not long after the funeral, Jayden had gotten so terrified he came down with a fever that lasted for nearly a month. Nick had called every top doctor he could find, but nothing helped l
It wasn’t until the third day after he married Aria and she moved into the house that Jayden finally started to get better.
From that point on, Nick had handed Jayden over to Aria completely–and she had handled it all so well. With her around, Nick had never once heard Jayden complain of discomfort or injury
Now, thinking back, he realized he had no idea how Aria managed whenever Jayden had one of his episodes and lashed out in all their years of marriage, she had never once complained to him.
Then again, she didn’t need to. Even if she never said a word, the signs were always there. Every time they were intimate, he’d shut off the lights so he didn’t have to see her face–but he couldn’t avoid feeling the scars on her skin. Some felt old, some still fresh. Whenever he got too rough, she’d cry out in pain.)
But he’d never asked, never cared enough to find out how she got
L Now it hit him–most of those injuries were probably from Jayden. A flash of quilt flickered in Nick’s eyes. After making sure Jayden had calmed down and wouldn’t relapse, he turned and left the room.
Valentina quickly followed him, calling out, “Mr. Ambrose, are you heading to bed? I’m getting tired too, but there’s no room for me in the house and LT
Nick stopped walking and glanced at her
“Didn’t I tell you to take care of Jayden? Sleep in his room, i have someone prepare a quest room for you tomorrow. And have breakfast ready before six. leave for the office of six sharp.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked off.8
Valentina stood there, fuming but helpless. She bit her tongue and forced herself to swallow her frustration
Aria was gone now. And out of all the women around Nick, she looked the most like his late beloved. Time was on her side–she was confident she’d win his heart eventually
The next moming, Valentina got up early and made Nick a lavish breakfast. The table was covered with colorful, mouth–watering dishes. But instead of being impressed, Nick frowned. He looked up at her, clearly unimpressed.
“You didn’t know I’m vegetarian?“X
After Gianna’s death, Nick had gone full vegetarian, hoping to accumulate good karma for her soul. It had been five years and everyone in lus social circle knew. There was no way Valentina didn’t.
Of course Valentina knew. She did it on purpose. She wanted to stand out–be different from all the others.
Smiling sweetly, she sat down next to him and held up a piece of braised pork.!!
“A strict vegetarian diet can cause nutrient deficiencies. You need a balanced intake to stay healthy. Just one bite, okay? I stayed up all night making this for you!
Nick’s face darkened. He slapped the plece of meat out of her hand and growled coldly. “Get out of my sight.
“Valentina, the only reason I tolerate you being around is because of your face. Don’t push your luck.”
He was done. With his appetite gone, he stood and walked away
Valentina stomped her foot in frustration 1
Still, she wasn’t about to give up. She refused to believe she couldn’t win Nick over with the face he used to love most.
Nick had been at the office all day. He hadn’t taken a break since clock in. It wasn’t until his stomach growled that he realized–he hadn’t eaten a single thing. Massaging his temple, feeling slightly lightheaded, he tumed to his assistant and asked, “Where’s Aria? Why hasn’t she come with my lunch yet?*%
