The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 436

Vincent nodded grimly. "I know how much this hurts, but we should be grateful we found out before the wedding."

"Jasper didn't know about this," Nicole insisted.

"Whether he knew or not doesn't change what happened. Nicole, it's over between you two. There is no path forward."

Her heart twisted. She had never imagined their relationship could end like this—so abruptly, so coldly.

"Time heals everything, Nicole," Vincent said softly. "If you don't want to stay in Azure Peak City, I'll send you abroad to study."

"Dad... is there really no chance for us? Not even a little one?"

"None."

Vincent was barely containing his rage for her sake. After everything the Moores had done, there was no world in which he would let his daughter marry into that family. "If you stay with him now, Nicole, the Moores will only look down on us even more."

Nicole stayed silent. She couldn't bring herself to say the words, to accept the end. They had known each other for eighteen years; from kindergarten all the way to Azure Peak University, they had been inseparable. Now, without any warning, she was being forced to let go.

"Did our family lose a lot because of this?" she asked quietly.

"Don't worry about that," Bruce said, reaching out to pat her head gently. "Sylvie and I will handle the business side of things."

Nicole felt a wave of guilt wash over her alongside the pain. If it weren't for her, the Shaws wouldn't be in this position.

"I'll start the paperwork for your studies abroad," Bruce continued. "Once you're over there, you'll meet new people. You'll forget about what happened here."

Seeing the exhaustion etched into their faces, Nicole felt a pang of sympathy.

"Dad, Bruce, Sylvie... you all should get some rest. I—" she paused, forcing a small, fragile smile. "I'm just a little tired. I think I'll go upstairs."

As she turned away, Vincent called after her. "And about studying abroad?"

"I'd like some time to think about it," Nicole replied without looking back.

"Alright. Get some sleep."

The moment Nicole reached her room, she pressed her hand over her mouth to stifle a sob, the tears flowing freely now.

The phone buzzed. It was Jasper.

Nicole hesitated for a few seconds before hitting decline.

It immediately started ringing again. Jasper was spiraling, his anxiety mounting with every unanswered second. Finally, she picked up.

"Nicole? Are you okay?" His voice was frantic.

Nicole opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come.

"I'm not giving up on you," Jasper pleaded, his breath hitching as if his heart had stopped. "Please don't give up on us either. I am so sorry for everything your family has lost. I swear I'll pay it back tenfold, a hundredfold. Just give me time. Please, Nicole, don't walk away from us. Don't leave me."

The raw desperation in his voice made her heart ache.

"Jasper..."

"Don't cry," he whispered. "I'm right here."

"I'm just so hurt," she sobbed. "How did everything fall apart like this?"

He knew this was on him—it was his family's fault.

Nicole, you're the only one for me. You're the only woman I'll ever call my wife.

Nicole woke up with her eyes slightly swollen. After pressing a cold towel to her face for a few minutes, she slowly made her way downstairs.

"Nicole, come here! I made all your favorites for breakfast," Sylvie called out with a bright smile and a wave.

Nicole hurried over and pulled her into a hug. "Sylvie, you're the best." It was a rare treat; as a dedicated workaholic, the last time Sylvie had actually stepped into the kitchen to cook was three years ago.

"No complaining if it tastes terrible," Sylvie joked.

"How could it taste bad when it tastes like home?" Nicole replied.

"Just eat up!"

Nicole sat down with Frederick and Kenneth. The two little ones stared at her, their eyes wide with shock.

"Nicole, who hit you?" Kenneth's face flushed with young rage as he balled his tiny hands into fists.

"Just tell us who did it, Nicole," Frederick added, setting his fork down. His pale face was tight with worry. "I'll handle it."

"No one bullied me, I promise!" Nicole insisted.

"Then why were you crying?" Kenneth asked, clearly unconvinced. He knew a crying face when he saw one.

"I just had a nightmare," Nicole explained.

Kenneth scratched the back of his head, a shy grin replacing his scowl. "Oh. That's a tough one. I can't exactly get into your dreams to help you."