Chapter 11
He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm as he continued the lie The blood donor has been properly taken care of. Her family has received compensation, and the matter is over.”
Nolan still didn’t turn around, merely responding with a soft “Hmm,” as though indifferent to the answer.
“Is there anything else you need, sir?” the assistant asked cautiously.
After a moment of silence, Nolan finally waved his hand dismissively. “No, that’s all.”
The assistant left the study with profound relief.
As he closed the door, he couldn’t help glancing back at Nolan. That tall figure remained by the window, seemingly isolated from the world–solitary and cold.
Inside the study, Nolan slowly raised his hand and extracted an aged ring box from the depths of his
drawer.
The velvet covering had faded, its edges worn, but the ring inside still gleamed brilliantly.
It was the engagement ring he had prepared for Aurelia years ago.
He opened the box, and the diamond caught the sunlight, scattering weak rays. Nolan’s fingertip traced the ring gently, involuntarily releasing memories he had long since locked away.
At fifteen, during high school–their period of unspoken attraction.
Aurelia always sat in front of him, her ponytail swaying gently with each movement during class.
He often found himself staring at her back, lost in thought until she would suddenly turn around and
flash him a mischievous smile.
“Nolan, I can’t figure out this problem. Help me?” She would push her textbook toward him, eyes
twinkling with playfulness.
He would glance at the question, finding it to be elementary.
Raising an eyebrow, he’d tease her “You can’t solve something this simple? Were you daydreaming again during class?”
Aurelia would stick out her tongue, laughing with a hint of guilt. “You caught me!”
He would shake his head in resignation and pick up his pen to help her solve the question.
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Eternal Pledge, Where Mountains Touc
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Chapter 11
As fingers accidentally brushed against the back of her hand, making both of them freeze momentarily.
Aurelia’s face would standy flush as she lowered her head, pretending to pay close attention, though he
weled the tips of Aver cars had turned crimson
What she failed to notice was how his own heartbeat accelerated wildly, pounding in his chest
It was then he realized he could never love anyone but her in this lifetime.
At twenty, beneath the moonlight, he had confessed his feelings with a flushed face.
They were still in college then. Aurelia wore a white sundress, standing under a cherry blossom tree, smiling like a blooming flower.
Looking up at the swirling petals, her eyes full of hope, she had asked, “Nolan, do you think we’ll always be this happy?”
He had ruffled her hair affectionately. “Of course we will We’ll stay together.”
Aurelia’s smile had brightened as she rose on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Then promise me we’ll have our wedding in Tibet. Marrying in the sacred place beneath Celestial Mountain means lovers will remain together through all their lifetimes.”
He had nodded with a smile. “Alright, whatever you wish.”
At twenty-two, they had lived in together.They ate together, watched movies together, planted flowers together. During countless nights, they entwined their bodies, expressing their love.
He remembered one evening when Aurelia sat on the sofa, flipping through a bridal magazine.
“Nolan, what do you think of this wedding dress?” She pointed to a white gown, her eyes filled with
anticipation.
He had joined her, pulling her into his arms. “If you like it, then it’s perfect.”
Leaning against his shoulder, her voice carried dreams of the future “Our wedding must be in Tibet, letting all the mountain spirits witness our love. Then we’ll have two children–a boy and a girl. Th will look like you, and the girl like me. How was that?”
He had kissed her forehead tenderly. “Perfect. Whatever you want.”
Her smile had grown more radiant as she wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering in his ear, “Nolan, I love you.”
His heart had trembled as he held her tighter, responding softly, “Love you too, Aurelia.”
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Chapter 11
These memories washed over Nolan like a tide, making his fingertips tremble
He remembered their first time holding hands, their first kiss, their first promises of forever
He remembered how she had once depended on him, loved him so completely. But very why had she betrayed him? Why had she killed his mother? Why had she destroyed everything they had?
A flash of pain crossed Nolan’s eyes as he snapped the ring box shut and hurled it violently into the trash.
He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, attempting to calm the turmoil within. He knew he couldn’t continue dwelling in the past.
Aurelia was gone. Perhaps, as his assistant had said, she had left North Kingston for another country.
And he, too, should let her go completely.
For her, he should feel nothing but hatred.
“Three months…” Nolan whispered to himself. “Give me three more months, and I will forget you entirely,”
