Chapter 424
Mila smiled gently as she delicately shifted Nathan’s hand away she didn’t want to create Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org
any issues for Florence. “Nate, stay with your mom to celebrate her birthday. I’m not part of your family. I’ll leave since Layla doesn’t want to see me.”
Nathan’s face twisted with anger. He was about to speak, but Mila interrupted him. Her tone became more serious. “Can you just listen to me this once?”
After bidding everyone farewell with a nod, Mila left.
Everyone knew about Layla’s temperament. Despite thinking Layla was being unreasonable, nobody stopped Mila from leaving or stood up to Layla.
Mila walked out of the Morrison residence carrying her bag. As the sky grew darker, the last rays of the sunset painted a cozy atmosphere. A warm breeze brought the fragrance of flowers from the garden.
She walked toward the gate, feeling weighed down by sadness. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she never really belonged there.
Suddenly, Mila heard a steady rhythm of footsteps approaching from behind. When she turned around, Nathan was already beside her, holding her hand tightly. She felt a surge of surprise. Nathan’s touch was comforting and warm.
Mila was deeply moved by his gesture.
Tears began to well up in her eyes. “Nate, why did you come after me?”
With a gentle smile, Nathan said, “Let’s go home. I’ll cook something delicious for you.”
“But today is Florence’s birthday. Shouldn’t you be spending time with her?” Mila asked anxiously.
Nathan continued walking while holding her hand. “I already did. I’ve even given her a gift. Besides, birthdays come every year. Skipping just this one won’t matter much.”
“But it might make Florence sad.”
“No, she’ll be okay.”
Mila smiled and didn’t push the matter further. Nathan walked with her as twilight enveloped them. Though they seemed composed on the surface, inside, their emotions were swirling. They had left earlier than planned, so Cole’s car hadn’t arrived to pick them up yet.
+15 BONUS
It was the first time Nathan had openly held Mila’s hand. They strolled down the quiet, wide street like a couple. The roadside was lined with beautiful sycamore trees, making the scene even more enchanting as darkness fell. The pathway gradually lit up with streetlights.
Mila kept her gaze on the ground, glancing at the square tiles as they walked. Nathan’s hand held hers warmly and comfortably.
“Wanda,” Nathan whispered.
Mila looked up at him. “Yes?”
Nathan kept his gaze on the road ahead, his voice heavy with weariness. “Can you stay? Please?”
Mila quietly studied his profile.
“I can ensure your safety as long as you remain here in Norvania,” Nathan said earnestly.” You can continue your passion for work and research, even in armament engineering. Whatever path you choose, I’ll stand by you wholeheartedly.”
Mila understood that she would be protected as long as she remained in Norvania. Even if she broke contracts, confronted accusations of treason, or found herself as an international fugitive, Sunterland wouldn’t be able to harm her.
But she didn’t want to carry the weight of such guilt. The research institute had supported her for countless years and engaged her in numerous vital projects. She didn’t want to betray their trust for the sake of love.
“I’m sorry, Nate,” Mila said sorrowfully. “I want to stay too, and I’ve done everything I can, but the research institute won’t release me. No matter what compromises or compensation I offer, they
eluse to let me go.”
“So, you have to go?” Nathan’s grip on her hand tightened, mirroring his tense emotions.
Mila sensed the intensity of his grasp. She lowered her head and gazed at her shoes as they continued walking together.