The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 423

When they eventually pulled back, they rested their foreheads together, breathless smiles fixed on their faces.

"Caught your breath yet?" Nicole asked. "Because now it's my turn to kiss my fiancé."

"I'm ready whenever you are," Jasper replied.

Nicole closed her eyes, a sweet smile on her lips as she leaned in. Their hearts raced as they lost themselves in each other again, neither wanting the moment to end.

Finally breaking away, Nicole turned toward the horizon. "Jasper, I love you!" she shouted at the setting sun.

Jasper laughed and followed suit. "Nicole, I love you too! So much! I love you!"

He swept her off her feet, spinning her around in his arms as their laughter echoed across the grounds.

Jaron and Amelia watched from afar, their expressions full of genuine happiness for their friends. They managed to capture the moment on camera, but as they started to head back, Nicole spotted them.

"How long have you two been there?" Nicole asked, her cheeks flushing a shy pink.

"Just long enough to get the perfect shot," Amelia called back. She pulled them both together and waved over a photographer to make sure they got a group photo.

"Jasper, Nicole—congratulations," Jaron said. For the first time, he felt a genuine pang of envy. He truly admired what they had.

Amelia pulled Nicole into a hug. "You two had better stay this happy forever."

"Thank you," Nicole said. She reached out her hand, and the others, sharing a look, piled their hands on top of hers.

"To being happy forever," they cheered together.

Their laughter rang out, bright and clear, echoing across the quiet lawn.

*****

As the engagement party wound down, Jasper reluctantly let go of Nicole's hand. "I'm heading out now," he said.

"Okay," Nicole replied, her eyes mirroring his reluctance to say goodbye. "You've been drinking, so make sure to drink some water before you go to bed."

"You too," Jasper said. He reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately. "I'm off."

In the car, Vivian was beaming. "Don't mind me," she teased. "Keep talking as long as you like. I'll wait."

"Mom, how much longer could they possibly have to say?" Amber grumbled, clearly annoyed by what she saw as a stream of pointless pleasantries.

"You'll understand once you've actually fallen for someone," Vivian replied.

Amber went quiet.

She did have someone she liked, but she still couldn't wrap her head around this.

As they drove home, Jasper was visibly buzzing with excitement.

"Are you really that happy?" Amber finally asked, unable to help herself.

"Amber, Nicole is my entire world," Jasper said. "Of course I'm happy."

"Isn't it a bit early to be saying things like that?"

Jasper's expression darkened instantly. "If you can't be happy for us, then keep your mouth shut."

"Dad!" Amber turned to her father for support.

Break up? Not likely. She had fought too hard for her ticket into one of the four great families to let go now.

Did he really love Tiffany?

"Jaron... I feel... dizzy..." Tiffany murmured. Her eyes drifted shut, and she went limp in his arms.

Panicked, Jaron pushed his doubts aside and rushed her to the hospital.

When Tiffany finally woke, she looked at him with a fragile expression, her hand gripping his tightly. "Jaron, I'm so sorry. I've caused such a rift between you and your father."

"This isn't on you," Jaron insisted. Even without her, he and his father were constantly at each other's throats. He was used to it. "Just rest. Whatever funding the Collins family needs, I'll cover it myself."

"No, I couldn't possibly..."

"I'm the reason they're in this mess," Jaron countered. "It's my responsibility."

Tiffany's eyes welled with tears of "gratitude."

"Hey, don't cry," Jaron said softly.

"You're just so good to me," she whispered.

"You're the silly one. I'm the reason your family is on the brink of bankruptcy."

"That has nothing to do with you."

Seeing how pale she looked, Jaron felt the weight of his guilt growing. "Try to get some sleep," he said, starting to stand up.

Tiffany immediately caught his hand, her eyes brimming with fresh tears. "Are you... Are you going to break up with me?"

He froze for a moment before reaching out to pat her head. "Don't talk like that."

"Please don't leave me," she pleaded. When he didn't answer right away, the tears began to fall. "Please? Don't leave me all alone."