The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 401

"If you're worried about getting along with Amber, you don't have to," Jasper said, his voice a bit strained. He needed to change the subject.

"But she's your family!" Nicole replied.

"When we get married, you'll be my most important family. You're marrying me because you love me, and I don't want you feeling like you have to compromise yourself just to please my relatives. There's no need for that. I'll handle my family."

A wave of sweetness swept through Nicole. "Will you always feel this way?"

"I can't predict who I'll be in the future," Jasper admitted. "But Nicole, if I ever have a change of heart, I want you to remember this: cut your losses. Don't give me a second chance. Just walk away and find your own happiness. I won't have you suffering for anyone, least of all me."

A small, beautiful smile tugged at the corners of Nicole's mouth. "Suddenly, I really want to kiss you."

Jasper playfully pinched her nose. "Nicole, you don't need to hesitate with things like that. Just go for it."

She covered his eyes with her hand and leaned in. As their lips met, Jasper felt a spark ignite, his heart racing with a sudden, frantic joy. He wrapped a hand around the back of her head, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss.

When they finally broke apart, Nicole licked her lips and smiled. She looked radiant, like a rose in full bloom.

"Jasper, were you eating candy? What brand was it?"

"Candy?"

She reached out, her fingers tracing his reddened lips. "Your mouth tastes so sweet."

"It's a limited edition," he teased. "There's only one like it in the world. It's reserved exclusively for you—no one else gets a taste."

Nicole flushed a deep crimson, biting her lip. "And what flavor is it, exactly?"

"It's sweet because I love you."

She laughed softly, burying her face in his shoulder. "Jasper, I should probably head home."

"Alright. I'll walk you out."

As she started to move, Jasper stood up abruptly, hoisting her up with one arm while grabbing her backpack with the other.

"Are we still going to the aquarium tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yeah, I promised Frederick and the others."

"I'll go with you."

It wasn't until they reached the elevator that Jasper finally, reluctantly, set her down. He reached out, his long fingers gently smoothing her messy hair back into place.

Back at the Shaw residence, Frederick threw himself into Nicole's arms. "Aunt Nicole, you're back!"

"I am," she smiled.

"Aunt Nicole!" Kenneth called out, running over on unsteady toddler legs.

Nicole knelt down to pull both boys into a hug. "I brought gifts for you two."

Jasper crouched down beside her, reaching out to give them a gentle pat on the head. Frederick knit his brows slightly at the gesture but didn't pull away. Both he and Kenneth kept their eyes fixed expectantly on Nicole.

She gave their chubby cheeks a playful squeeze. "Go ahead, take them."

"Thank you, Jasper," they said in unison.

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