Chapter 227
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Their eyes met for only a brief moment, yet Khloe instantly understood what he meant.
Nick said, his tone uncommonly gentle, “The kindness the Keller family-and Michelle in particular-once showed me is something I have always kept in my heart. If there ever comes a day when I can repay it, I will not be stingy.”
–
Then his tone shifted, firm and precise. “However, that repayment should not-and will not be built on my personal relationship with Michelle. I don’t wish to create unnecessary misunderstandings or further entanglements.’
Nick’s principled words left Michelle’s mother and uncle with nothing more to say, as if they had just been pressing the issue without reason.
“Michelle, if there’s anything you want to say, you can say it here. Khloe is my wife. There is nothing I can’t say in front of her. If you find that inconvenient-”
As his words fell, Nick turned slightly and gestured to Lenny behind him. “Lenny can handle any of your needs on my behalf.”
Nick’s cold decisiveness felt like a public humiliation to Michelle. Tears pooled in her eyes, and her entire body trembled uncontrollably.
She had risked her life, yet she couldn’t even earn a few private words with him?
Forcing back her tears, Michelle tugged the corner of her mouth into a bitter smile. “Nick, you don’t have to guard against me like I’m some kind of thief. I just wanted to tell you…
She paused, then continued, “What’s past is past. From today on, we’re just ordinary friends. I don’t want you to treat me differently every time we meet, as if I were some kind of danger.” (1
Seeing her daughter in pain, Michelle’s mother felt her own heart twist. Her uncle’s face darkened; his lips pressed tightly together as he turned away.
Nick’s stance was clear. He showed no intention of clinging to old ties. No matter how dissatisfied they felt, they didn’t dare say more, afraid it would only make things worse.
“You’re overthinking it,” Nick said in a low voice. His gaze swept over the pain on Michelle’s face, and there was indeed a trace of reluctance.
Seeing this, Khloe gently continued for him. “Michelle, there’s no need to worry. Nick is a man of principle and gratitude-he knows where boundaries lie. He won’t treat you differently because of the past. As for your follow -up treatment, I’ll arrange the best medical care and take full responsibility. Please focus on recovering and get well as soon as possible.”
Her tone was warm and composed, instantly easing the awkward tension in the room.
After speaking, she lifted her gaze to Nick, her eyes clear and calm. “Let’s go. We shouldn’t disturb Michelle’s
rest.”
Nick clasped her hand in return, nodded briefly to the two elders, and left without another glance at Michelle, walking straight out with Khloe.
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Chapter 227
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Seeing him truly leave like that, Michelle moved in agitation, only for a sharp pain to shoot through her wrist. Tears immediately streamed down her face.
“My baby girl…” her mother hurried to her side, holding her protectively. “You should give up now, shouldn’t you? Nick… he’s made up his mind to cut things off with you.”
Michelle’s uncle couldn’t bear to see her torment herself any longer and spoke harshly, “It’s not worth it! Look at how he treats Khloe-they’re husband and wife, of one mind and one heart. Men change their hearts that fast. Don’t be foolish anymore!”
“No… Nick is different. I know he is.” Michelle was in so much pain she could barely breathe, yet she still forced out those words.
Only she knew-Nick wasn’t a cold, heartless man. On the contrary, he was the gentlest man she had ever known. 1
On the drive back, Nick was clearly subdued. He held Khloe tightly against him but said very little.
Khloe wanted to speak, but hesitated, afraid of touching an old wound.
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