Chapter 477: "Do you really not want me anymore?"
The Jose family.
When Zaire walked in with his coat, Margaret and Steven were sitting on the living room sofa, both pairs of eyes immediately turning to look at Zaire.
"Dad, Mom, what’s so urgent that you called me back?" Zaire walked over, slumped into the sofa, looking a bit tired.
He had been very tired recently because of the issues with Isabella and Seb.
Now that Isabella and Seb were finally settled, he had to face a pile of company issues while stepping back from their matters.
Zaire was practically going crazy with busyness.
As soon as he got Margaret and Steven's call, he rushed back.
Margaret asked, "You have Richard's contact information, right?"
"Yeah, I do. What's up?"
"Tell him not to bother Nina anymore." Margaret, usually gentle, was rarely serious.
Zaire didn't take it seriously, "Mom, that's between Nina and Richard. Even if you oppose it, it won't help. Neither Nina nor Richard seems like someone who would listen to you."
"I'm not arranging things for Nina; I respect her choices. Just tell Richard that Nina has a boyfriend now and stop bothering Nina. Don't make it look like Nina is dating two men at the same time."
Zaire, seeing her seriousness, believed her a bit, "Nina has a boyfriend? Who?"
"Alvin."
"Alvin?" Zaire laughed, "He's not good enough for Nina."
Margaret glared at him, "Nonsense! I think Alvin is quite good, well-mannered, and studied abroad. Very suitable."
"Mom, you don't know how wild people can get when they study abroad."
"I trust my judgment!" Margaret was very insistent.
Zaire felt he couldn't reason with Margaret, so he shifted his focus to Steven, "Dad, what do you think?"
Steven first glanced at Margaret, then held Margaret's hand and answered, "Stop nagging. Do what your mom says. I trust Margaret's judgment."
Zaire was speechless.
"Are you going to make the call or not?" Margaret was getting anxious, "If you don't want to call, give me the number, and I'll call him myself."
Zaire had to compromise, "I'll call Richard."
With that, he headed upstairs.
Margaret stopped him, "Where are you going?"
"I'm going upstairs to call Richard."
"No, you call Richard right here."
Zaire was helpless, "Mom, don't you trust me? From childhood to now, which of your requests have I not fulfilled? Since I promised to call Richard, I will definitely convey your message."
Seeing Zaire's tired face, Margaret had to relent, "Alright then, I'll leave it to you. Don't forget!"
Zaire smiled knowingly, "Don't worry."
After returning to his room, Zaire called Richard.
He relayed Margaret's words verbatim.
Richard on the other end commented, "Nina won't fall for Alvin."
Zaire laughed, "Confidence is good, but overconfidence is bad. Richard, you'd better come back. Settle things before you leave."
"I'm too busy here, can't get away for now."
Zaire frowned, "I understand."
A man's career ambition is quite similar.
Especially for someone like Richard, who had reached a certain height, it wasn't a matter of doing or not doing as he pleased.
"Thanks for telling me this." Richard spoke, "And please, when you have time, take care of Nina for me."
"I will."
After hanging up, Richard leaned back in his large chair. He hadn't rested for two minutes when his assistant came in, "Richard, there's a problem."
Nina had been in the hospital for three days.
To cooperate with her act, Alvin came every day, sometimes staying the whole day without getting bored.
When Margaret and the others were around, he quietly looked at his phone.
When no one was around, he would chat with Nina about daily topics.
He talked a lot about interesting things that happened while he was studying abroad, but Nina mostly couldn't keep up with the conversation. Not wanting to interrupt him, she just patiently listened.
But actually, she easily forgot the topics Alvin talked about. Sometimes, even while Alvin was enthusiastically talking, she would start zoning out just sitting there.
Nina had been waiting for Richard to come.
But in these three days, Richard hadn't shown up once.
Probably knowing the hurt in Nina's heart, her family never brought up Richard in front of her.
Even Isabella stopped mentioning Richard.
Nina had been annoyed by their constant mention of Richard. She knew everything Richard did was to help Isabella and Seb.
But as her child was lost because of Richard, Nina still couldn't get over that in her heart.
Now, no one mentions Richard anymore, as if he has completely vanished from her world, which makes Nina feel uneasy.
After completing the discharge procedures, Isabella and Seb were already at home.
When they were talking, Nina kept staring at Isabella.
Finally, Isabella couldn't take it anymore and asked with a smile, "Nina, what's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Bella, are you hiding something from me?" Nina couldn't hold back any longer.
Isabella blinked, "No, Nina, what's wrong?"
In front of others, Nina might still be able to endure it.
But Isabella had grown up with her, sharing secrets under the same blanket many times.
At this moment, Nina couldn't hold it in anymore, "I want to know, where did Richard go?"
"He went back to Silvercrest."
"When did he go back?"
"The second day after you were admitted to the hospital."
Nina exhaled, her eyes stinging with tears.
Isabella explained, "Nina, we know you're dating Alvin now, and we don't want you to reconcile with Richard, so we haven't mentioned him."
Isabella observed Nina's expression as she spoke, "You won't forgive Richard for the rest of your life, right?"
Nina didn't respond.
At first, Nina was very angry, so angry that she could stab Richard. Now that Nina had calmed down, her feelings were complicated.
Isabella seized the opportunity, "Nina, you still love Richard, don't you? You can't let him go, can you?"
"No." Nina shook her head, "He killed my child. We can never be together."
"Nina." Isabella wanted to persuade her further, but Nina had already closed her eyes, "I'm tired and want to rest. Please leave."
Nina lay awake all night.
Early the next morning, before she got up, Alvin arrived.
When Nina came downstairs, Alvin was watering the flowers with her father.
Alvin was telling Steven about a rare flower he encountered while hiking abroad.
Alvin said the flower could bloom in seven different colors within a day, stunningly beautiful. Unfortunately, its blooming period was short. At sunset, after displaying its final color, the flower would wither with the night. By the next day, the roots would completely rot, leaving nothing behind, as if it had never existed.
Steven was fascinated, "Do you have any photos?"
Alvin shook his head, "The flower is very rare. It was my first encounter, and I planned to photograph its entire blooming process the next day, but when I returned, only the rotting roots were left."
"I see." Steven looked regretful.
Alvin hastened to add, "Don't worry. I'll look for it again when I go back. If I find it, I'll definitely take pictures for you."
Steven nodded, looking at Alvin with a bit more appreciation, "That would be great."
"It's no trouble. I've always wanted to see that seven-colored flower again."
Both turned and saw Nina.
Steven put down the watering can, "I'll go wash my hands. Nina, you keep Alvin company."
Steven was creating some alone time for them.
After Steven left, Alvin's gaze slowly fell on Nina's face. After a concerned look, he asked softly, "Did you sleep well last night?"
Nina hadsaw the dark circles under her eyes in the mirror. Without some light makeup, she wouldn't have dared to come out.
She didn't answer Alvin's question but questioned, "Is the seven-colored flower you mentioned real?"
"It's real," Alvin replied, "I know it sounds unbelievable. Even my classmates didn't believe me when I told them. It's normal for you to doubt it. If someone else had told me, I would have thought they were crazy too."
Nina shook her head, "No. I believe you."
Alvin was taken aback.
Nina continued, "When are you going back to Mosterwania?"
"I have a flight in three days." Alvin looked at her, wanting to say something but hesitating.
"Okay." Nina nodded, "I'll go with you."
Alvin was stunned again, his expression a mix of surprise and joy, and a bit of disbelief.
Nina smiled, "You've told me so much about that place these past few days. I want to see it for myself, including the seven-colored flower."
Alvin's heart pounded, his cheeks flushing slightly with excitement. His breathing quickened, but he finally managed a shy smile.
Seeing Alvin's bashful smile, Nina also smiled.
Maybe she really should go out and see the world.
She couldn't confine herself to romantic entanglements; it would ruin her.
Three days later, Nina and Alvin boarded a plane to Mosterwania.
Since Alvin had booked his ticket first and Nina bought hers later, their seats were a bit apart.
After boarding, Nina noticed that the seats around her were empty.
Alvin felt confused, "How odd, why are there so few passengers in first class today? It's empty over there too."
Nina thought, maybe they haven't boarded yet.
However, after waiting for more than ten minutes, no one else came.
Just as she started to feel something was off, the flight attendant's announcement came over the intercom.
The announcement indicated that the cabin doors were about to close and the plane was preparing for takeoff.
Alvin also found it strange but felt fortunate. He stopped a passing flight attendant and sincerely requested, "Excuse me, my seat is in the last row. I see there aren't many passengers in first class. Can I switch seats to sit with my friend?"
After patiently listening to his request, the flight attendant shook her head, "Sir, you'll need to ask Mr. Mille about that."
"Mr. Mille?" Alvin followed the flight attendant's gaze and saw a tall, imposing figure approaching.
It was none other than Richard.
Richard walked over, his cold gaze sweeping across Alvin's face, "You're in the way."
Richard's presence was so overwhelming that, despite Alvin's reluctance, his feet instinctively stepped aside.
By the time Alvin realized it, Richard had already taken his seat.
Alvin looked at Nina with concern, worried she might be bullied, and finally mustered the courage to speak, "Mr. Mille, can I switch seats with you?"
Richard didn't even lift his head but turned to Nina and asked, "Do you want to sit with him?"
Seeing him here had already left Nina stunned. His question left her at a loss for words.
"Mr. Mille, Nina is dating me now. If you are a gentleman, please don't disturb us anymore. Moreover, a true gentleman would understand the importance of letting others be happy. I believe someone like Mr. Mille wouldn't stoop to argue with ordinary people like us." Alvin knew how to use words skillfully.
Given Richard's current status, he indeed shouldn't stoop to such actions.
But Richard chuckled and finally looked at Alvin, "Didn't Nina tell you? I've never been a gentleman. And I hate letting others be happy."
The flight attendant approached Alvin, "The plane is about to take off. Please return to your seat."
"Take off?" Alvin looked around, noticing there were no other passengers.
The entire first-class cabin had only the three of them.
He asked the flight attendant, "Where are the other passengers?"
The flight attendant explained with a smile, "Mr. Mille has booked the entire first-class cabin for this flight."
Alvin knew Richard did this on purpose.
Alvin had no choice but to say to Nina, "If you need anything, just call me. I'll come over quickly."
Finally, Alvin gave Richard a wary look before turning to leave.
There was some turbulence during the flight.
Nina leaned back in her seat, her hands resting on the armrests.
To avoid eye contact with Richard, she turned to look out the window.
Suddenly, she felt a tight grip on her hand. A warm palm covered hers, enveloping her entire hand.
Before Nina could react, he had already tightly grasped her hand.
The force was domineering and unreasonable, making it impossible for Nina to break free.
Nina had no choice but to turn to Richard, only to meet Richard's deeply emotional and sorrowful eyes.
"Do you really not want me anymore?" Richard whispered.
His tone was so soft that it was almost unreasonable. Nina felt as if something had struck her chest, bringing a dull ache.
"Richard, let go."
"I won't." Richard continued to look at her with pitiful eyes, completely different from the cold and aloof demeanor he had shown Alvin earlier. It was as if he could be a powerful figure in front of anyone else, but in front of her, he was just Richard, an ordinary man.
"I'm afraid if I let go, you'll really go to hold that gigolo's hands."
"His name is Alvin, not gigolo."
"I see him as a gigolo."
By now, the plane had stabilized above the clouds. Richard's grip on her hand loosened slightly but still didn't let go, "Nowadays, young people all want to take shortcuts or rely on women. Nina, you can't possibly like someone like that, right?"
"Who says I don't?" Nina instinctively retorted, after realizing his words were all wrong, she corrected, "Alvin is not a gigolo. He's Nathaniel's son. If anything, it's not clear who is relying on whom."
"If you want to rely on someone, you can come to me. You can rely on me anytime, anywhere." Richard spoke softly.
Nina calmly voiced, "Richard, stop talking nonsense. We've broken up. I admit my previous attitude was a bit extreme. I've calmed down and re-evaluated our relationship. Call me pretentious or weak, but you should know how important that child was to me. The child is gone, and so is our past."
Mentioning the child, Richard was silent for a few seconds.
"I have nothing to say about the child. Hate me or blame me, I will never let go of your hand. I said, for the rest of your life, you can only belong to me."
Nina smiled helplessly, "Why are you so stubborn?"
Richard replied, "Since you know I'm stubborn, you should know what I'll do. Stay away from that gigolo, or I can't guarantee I won't send him to meet his maker."
After this conversation, Richard closed his eyes for a rest.
Once the plane stabilized, Alvin came to check on Nina once, but with Richard there, he only said a few words before leaving.
After that, Alvin didn't appear again.
Even when the plane landed, Nina didn't see Alvin.
Her hand had been held by Richard the entire flight, making her arm feel like it was being gnawed by ants, an uncomfortable sensation whenever she moved.
When Nina stood up, she realized the cabin was empty, and even Alvin was gone.
After getting off the plane, Nina still didn't see Alvin.
Feeling worried, Nina took out her phone to call Alvin, only to find his phone was off.
Remembering Richard's earlier words, Nina's heart sank, and she quickly asked him, "What did you do to Alvin?"
Richard glanced at her nonchalantly and replied just as nonchalantly, "I threw him off halfway. If he's lucky, he should still be in the Atlantic Ocean."
This kind of talk might scare children, but Nina knew that while Richard could be ruthless, he wouldn't go as far as throwing Alvin off the plane.
However, one thing was certain: Alvin's sudden disappearance was Richard's doing.
For the next three days, Richard stayed with Nina at a hotel.
The hotel was on an island with picturesque scenery.
At first, Nina was worried Richard might force her into something.
Richard was very proper this time.
NBut it turned out not only did Richard not touch her, but he was also very polite to her every day.
He didn't seem busy either, leisurely staying at the hotel with her, eating three meals a day on time, and receiving no more than three calls a day.
The idle time was particularly healing for the heart and made one forget about time.
Thus, Nina and Richard unknowingly stayed at the hotel for three days.
Until one afternoon, Alvin suddenly appeared in front of her.
Nina had just returned from the restaurant when Alvin suddenly emerged from behind the curtains, startling her.
Before Nina could react, Alvin strode forward to hug her.
"It's so good to see you." Alvin seemed a bit emotional. After a brief hug, he grabbed her arm, "Come with me."
Nina took a few steps with him before hearing a knock on the door behind her.
Richard's voice followed from outside, "Nina, are you ready?"
With pupils contracted, Alvin pulled Nina to run out.
Nina was on the first floor, with the balcony leading directly to the beach.
When Richard entered, he saw the two of them jumping over the balcony railing.
Richard rushed over but couldn't even grab a piece of Nina's clothing, punching the railing in frustration, "Nina, come back!"
But Nina didn't look back and followed Alvin.
Richard was left standing alone on the balcony, his face dark and stormy.
A subordinate, hearing the commotion, came in and, seeing Richard unharmed, quietly sighed in relief. Noticing the two figures running away, he seemed to understand, "I'll take some men to chase them."
He was about to climb over the railing but was stopped by Richard.
"No need."
Nina and Alvin set off to find the seven-colored flower.
As they left, Nina made a promise to herself.
If she really saw the seven-colored flower, she would reconcile with Richard.
Nina looked up at the sky, "Richard, let's leave it to fate."
On the seventh day of their mountain trek, Richard encountered an assassination attempt.
As night fell, Alvin set up two tents, and they took out their remaining food, sitting under the starry sky to eat.
"This is our last bit of food," Alvin said, "This trip doesn't seem to be going well."
They had been searching for seven days in a sparsely populated area, encountering many rare plants along the way.
But they still hadn't found the seven-colored flower Alvin had mentioned.
They had only brought ten days' worth of food, and according to their plan, today was the last day. Tomorrow, they should start heading back.
Alvin was reluctant but had to ask Nina's opinion, "Tomorrow, should we keep going forward or head back?"
Nina took a bite of her bread and decided, "I want to go forward for one more day."
Alvin smiled, "That's what I was thinking too. Let's search for one more day tomorrow!"
"Okay."
After eating, After taking a few photos of the starry sky, Nina then crawled into her tent to lie down.
The past few days of trekking had left her no time to think about those messy things, and the clutter in her mind seemed to be gradually clearing, making her feel lighter.
These past few nights had been the best sleep she'd had since separating from Richard.
However, tonight she couldn't sleep.
When she finally did fall asleep, she dreamed of Richard.
In the dream, Richard was dressed in black, appearing before her.
Suddenly, someone appeared behind him, raising a knife and stabbing it into his back.
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