Chapter 553 Nicole, My Love for You Never Faded
Nicole remained silent throughout the drive.
Theron focused on the road ahead, one hand quietly finding hers and holding it gently. Nicole turned to look at him. "Theron?"
Still watching the traffic, Theron sighed softly. "Nicole, you're going home, not to the gallows."
Nicole glanced at the RV ahead of them and murmured, "Feels about the same."
A charming smile played at the corners of Theron's mouth. "If anyone should be nervous, it should be me. Don't worry—I'm here with you."
The traffic light ahead turned red, and they came to a stop. Nicole leaned gently against his shoulder, her voice soft and vulnerable. "That's exactly why I'm nervous. If I were still single, I wouldn't have anything to fear."
Theron smoothed her hair with tender strokes, like someone petting a beloved cat. His voice was warm and rich, carrying the tone of both lover and protector. "Mrs. Voss, it might be too late for regrets now. Last night in bed, you certainly weren't complaining."
Nicole's cheeks flushed crimson. "Theron!"
His voice carried a teasing note as he whispered near her ear. "Not nervous anymore? Can Mrs. Voss let me drive now?"
Nicole quickly straightened up, stealing another glance at him despite herself. Theron's profile wasn't harsh—there was something gentle about his features. But she knew how different he looked without his glasses, and the thought alone made her pulse quicken.
"Thinking about last night?" he asked without taking his eyes off the road. "I prefer the word 'savoring.'"
Theron's voice was like a spring breeze as he glanced at her with obvious satisfaction. Nicole found herself speechless.
Half an hour later, both luxury vehicles pulled into the Windsor Mansion driveway. Instantly, lights blazed throughout the estate.
Oliver parked and immediately began issuing orders to the household staff. "Prepare dinner—make it a celebration. And bring out my finest wine." He even had Claire wheeled out from her bedroom.
Behind them, Theron walked to the trunk and opened it, revealing an entire car's worth of carefully selected gifts. Nicole watched in surprise and delight. "Theron, when did you prepare all this?"
His gaze was deep and meaningful as he looked at her. "Last night."
But last night they had been... Nicole's face reddened again.
Theron gently touched her nose and handed her two lighter bags. "Carry these, Nicole. We're officially meeting your parents now."
His solemnity made it seem as though they weren't already married—this was his way of showing respect.
Nicole felt grateful that fate had brought her Theron rather than anyone else. He was both powerful and understanding, and falling for him seemed the most natural thing in the world. The way she looked at him now carried a wife's dependence, and Theron treasured that feeling.
The mansion's grand foyer featured soaring ceilings and opulent décor. Elliot and Diana hadn't returned home yet.
Claire sat in her wheelchair, adjusting her reading glasses to study Theron carefully. He was undeniably handsome, with an aura of wealth and refinement that spoke of old money.
Before Oliver and Sarah could speak, Claire had already sized up Theron's entire background. Finally, she peered at him through her glasses and muttered to herself, "How did two teachers manage to raise a capitalist? Must be a genetic mutation."
She worried privately—could such an exceptional man truly be reliable?
Oliver and Sarah shared similar concerns. The Sharp family came from scholarly tradition, and they feared Theron's parents might not accept Nicole. But with so many people present, it wasn't the right time to discuss such matters.
After lengthy pleasantries, Oliver remained stubbornly silent. Then footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Jacob appeared in casual home attire, standing halfway down the grand staircase. The crystal chandelier above cast shadows across his sharp features, making his expression appear even more severe. He gazed down at Nicole and Theron with cold detachment.
She had brought Theron home.
Nicole looked up and unexpectedly met his eyes, her lips trembling slightly. The atmosphere turned glacial.
Suddenly, Theron gently took Nicole's hand, steadying her nerves, and rose to address Jacob politely. "Mr. Windsor, we meet again."
Jacob's gaze shifted to him—rivals facing each other, tension crackling in the air.
After a long moment, Jacob spoke coolly. "No need for such formality at home, or Nicole will think I'm a poor host."
He descended the stairs and took a seat across from Nicole.
Oliver, no fool when it came to reading the situation, looked at Jacob coldly. "Drop the arrogant act at home. Theron is your brother-in-law now—don't do anything you'll regret."
Jacob's smile never reached his eyes. "I'd sooner protect him."
Oliver snorted. "What bullshit."
Fortunately, the staff announced dinner was ready.
The Windsor Mansion's seating arrangements were traditional—Jacob and Nicole still sat facing each other as always, but tonight Theron joined them at the table.
The entire meal passed in uncomfortable tension. Throughout dinner, Oliver discussed wedding plans with Theron, who had removed his jacket and rolled his crisp white sleeves to his elbows. One arm rested casually across the back of Nicole's chair as he responded with practiced ease.
"Marriage is a serious matter—I won't shortchange Nicole. We may live abroad initially, but my parents are still in the country, and I plan to bring Nicole back to settle down eventually. Of course, I'll purchase property in Evergreen City so Nicole won't have to live with my parents."
Theron also mentioned his wedding gifts: an entire street of prime commercial properties in Celestia's busiest district, plus an 88-story commercial tower, jewelry, and twenty billion dollars in cash. It was an impressive display of commitment.
Oliver and Sarah were thoroughly satisfied. While the Windsor family could certainly provide for Nicole, Theron's willingness to offer so much proved his genuine feelings. Sometimes love could indeed be measured in material terms.
Oliver's expression finally softened. He personally served Theron a piece of steak, speaking warmly, "Theron, discuss this with your parents. We should all meet for dinner soon to set the wedding date."
Theron accepted the gesture graciously, cutting into his steak without missing a beat.
Across the table, Jacob wiped his mouth and stood abruptly. "I'm finished." His tone was ice-cold.
Oliver watched him leave and coughed awkwardly. "He broke up with his girlfriend—he's not in the best mood."
Theron smiled mildly. "I understand completely, Dad."
The word 'Dad' left Oliver with mixed emotions. Privately, he'd hoped Jacob and Nicole might reconcile, but now that Nicole was married to Theron, he couldn't destroy a marriage for Jacob's happiness. Besides, he could see that Theron genuinely loved Nicole, and she wasn't indifferent to him either.
It was a good match.
Oliver sighed resignedly. "Nicole needs to talk with her mother later. Theron, why don't you join me for drinks? I'll have the driver take you both home afterward."
Theron nodded. "I'd be honored."
As Nicole headed upstairs, Theron watched her retreating figure with obvious affection.
Oliver reflected once more—love truly wasn't about who came first.
In the master bedroom on the second floor, Sarah placed a prepared folder before Nicole, who shifted nervously. "Mom?"
Sarah gently stroked her daughter's hair with infinite tenderness. "This ledger lists everything your father and I have saved as your wedding gift. Besides twenty percent of Windsor Group shares, there are other stocks and properties. I've also prepared jewelry for you. Theron moves in wealthy circles where appearances matter. You're young, but at important events, you need to dress the part. Sometimes a wife's jewelry reflects her husband's success—business people notice these things."
"Mom..." Nicole was moved but hesitant to accept such generosity.
Sarah patted her shoulder and personally retrieved the jewelry from the safe—twelve complete sets, each worth fifty million dollars.
Sarah caressed the precious items, her voice tinged with melancholy. "I started collecting these four years ago. I didn't tell you children because I wasn't sure you were right for each other—you were so young then. I thought your separation was temporary, just a phase, not a permanent goodbye."
Her heart still ached from those memories.
Nicole embraced Sarah like she had as a child, and Sarah finally broke down, tears in her eyes. "I've blamed myself all these years. I keep thinking that if I'd helped you two get married then, you wouldn't have stayed away so long, and you and Jacob wouldn't have these regrets."
The past rushed back like a tide, and Nicole's heart ached too—it had been six years of her youth, six years of deep feeling.
She shook her head gently, her voice soft. "Jacob and I were never truly compatible. Even if we hadn't broken up then, we would have had problems after marriage. This way is better."
Sarah finally found peace. "I think Theron is wonderful."
After their long conversation, Nicole left the jewelry behind temporarily, taking only the Windsor Group stock transfer documents.
Lost in thought as she descended the stairs, she didn't notice the figure waiting at the landing until a strong hand gripped her wrist painfully tight.
She looked up to find Jacob's eyes filled with anguish, his pride crumbling as he spoke in a broken whisper. "I can change. I can change until you're satisfied. Nicole, don't leave—I love you."
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