Chapter 533 Love's Deep Ache (2)
After the fireworks ended, Diana skipped downstairs and slipped quietly into the second-floor study.
Oliver was inside, leaning back in his leather chair reviewing monthly financial reports. Hearing the door open, he recognized his youngest daughter's footsteps without looking up. "Is Nicole alright?" he asked mildly.
Diana clasped her hands behind her back and padded over to wrap her arms around her father's neck in an affectionate embrace. But her mind was still reeling from the shocking scene she'd witnessed upstairs—Jacob and Nicole kissing. Though Nicole was adopted, the implications were still staggering. Studying her father's expression, Diana was certain her parents remained oblivious, though Elliot surely knew.
Young as she was, Diana possessed a cunning mind. She tested the waters carefully. "Jacob seemed to upset Nicole somehow. When I walked in, they weren't even speaking to each other! I think it had something to do with Amelia tonight."
The hint couldn't have been more obvious, yet Oliver missed it entirely. He frowned with concern. "They had a fight? They're always together. Jacob really should learn to be more considerate of Nicole with that temper of his."
Diana ventured further. "They've made up now, though."
Oliver nodded approvingly. "Good."
Diana barely suppressed an eye roll. She didn't dare push any harder, afraid of making Nicole's position in the family untenable. She wasn't sure how far Jacob would go for Nicole—whether he'd sacrifice everything, whether he'd be willing to disappoint their parents.
But she wanted to advocate for Nicole somehow. Tightening her arms around Oliver's neck, she said sweetly, "Jacob is so domineering anyway. Maybe it's better if he never marries! I don't think any girl could handle him."
Oliver was always susceptible to his daughter's charm. He chuckled while flipping through his reports. "Never marry? Never have children?"
"Elliot is different. He got caught by girls peeking at him in the school showers, and he scared them off by waving his fists around. But then they wrote him love letters anyway! Elliot's quite popular!"
Oliver grimaced with distaste. "He's all brawn and no brains. Even less marriageable."
Neither of his sons seemed promising. Oliver's mood soured as he decided to visit Claire.
Claire's bedroom occupied the largest south-facing room on the first floor. Oliver knocked before entering to find her applying medicinal patches to her arthritic legs. Without looking up, she continued her ministrations while scolding, "Jacob and Nicole rarely visit, and instead of spending time with the children, you come bothering me. Don't expect me to make you a midnight snack."
Oliver took over the patches. Something was weighing on his mind. "Jacob went on a blind date today. He didn't seem interested, but his mother and I could tell that Amelia was quite taken with him."
As the patch adhered to her skin, Claire massaged her aching leg thoughtfully. After a long pause, she spoke slowly. "With the looks those young people have, they'll have their pick of partners for life. I've rarely seen such attractive young adults."
Such words were music to a father's ears. Oliver beamed.
Later that night, he returned to find Sarah emerging from their en-suite bathroom. She settled at her vanity and asked naturally, "How did Claire find the new patches? If they're working well, I'll get more from the hospital."
Oliver closed the door gently and moved to stand behind his wife, his hands resting on her delicate shoulders. "They're helping. She's not in pain at night anymore."
"That's wonderful." Sarah squeezed essence onto her palm and began her skincare routine while chatting with her husband. "Jacob's marriage is on the agenda, but Nicole isn't getting any younger either. Sofia mentioned tonight that her nephew met Nicole once and was quite interested. He's also in the arts, from a very well-established family. It sounds like an excellent match."
Oliver released his wife and settled onto the bed, hands behind his head as he considered this. "Talk to her tomorrow morning. Nicole is so reserved—her future happiness will require your careful attention."
Sarah nodded, finishing her routine before looking toward her husband on the bed. Oliver extended his hand to her, and she moved to nestle against him, their embrace carrying an intimate tenderness.
Oliver's voice was low and contemplative. "Sarah, the children have grown up so quickly. Jacob and Nicole are of marriageable age, and Elliot and Diana will be off to university soon."
He gazed down at his wife. Meeting Sarah had been the greatest fortune of his life, yet he found himself greedily wishing for fifty more years—to see all their children married with families of their own, then to travel the world with Sarah, exploring every corner of the earth together.
The night was serene, two silhouettes intertwined in peaceful intimacy.
Morning arrived with the family gathering for breakfast. Though they employed household staff, Sarah preferred tending to her children personally. As she poured Nicole's milk, she casually mentioned Sofia's nephew and suggested Nicole might consider meeting him.
Nicole froze. A blind date?
Before she could respond, Jacob intervened with studied indifference. "Nicole is still young. What's the rush? Besides, we know nothing about this person—there's no need for a meeting."
His tone was deliberately casual, but Oliver exploded. "Jacob, just because you refuse to marry doesn't mean you should drag your siblings down with you! At this rate, we'll have a house full of spinsters and bachelors."
The sharp clink of Jacob setting down his utensils cut through the tension as he fixed his father with a steady gaze.
Nicole found her voice, though it trembled slightly. "I've committed to five paintings for an exhibition next season. I won't have time for dating."
Jacob's expression softened marginally, but Oliver's frown deepened. Something felt distinctly off.
Sarah, ever protective of Nicole, squeezed her hand with a gentle smile. "Focusing on your career is admirable! In fact, I've been thinking of turning the gallery management over to you. Besides, Jacob will be returning to headquarters after the New Year—you could both go back to Evergreen City together."
Nicole's entire body went rigid. Returning to headquarters? Jacob had never mentioned this.
She stared at him in disbelief, feeling as though she'd been plunged into an ice bath.
Jacob held her gaze for several seconds before responding with cool detachment. "I'll be returning after the New Year, but Nicole will remain in Vesper City. Her collaboration with the gallery there is flourishing—there's no reason to abandon her established career."
Nicole's lips trembled almost imperceptibly. He didn't want her to come back.
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