Before they came to that conclusion by themselves, the lives of Nicole, Kerr and Jay were already intertwined.
"I know, and, for you, I'll be extra careful from now on. Hmm... Kerr, do you think that my meeting with your mother today means that the Gu family knows about me? They are not going to accept me, right?"
Nicole had already learned the answer to that question the day before. She just didn't want to face it at the time, but now she had no other choice.
"That's their business. It has nothing to do with you and me. I want you, and I believe you want me, too, right?"
Kerr said gravely as he straightened his shirt.
"It's easier said than done. But I don't want you to get mad at your family because of me. Perhaps, one day they'll come to understand."
Nicole believed that every parent always wanted the best for their children, so she hoped that once the Gu family realized the sincerity of her heart, they would finally accept her.
Kerr didn't contradict Nicole. Although he thought she was being naive, he actually appreciated her innocence and didn't want her to change.
After all, she might be happier that way.
A few hours away from the party, Kerr decided to go back to the work he had left in the company. Before, however, he sent Nicole and Jay to the hotel where the celebration party would take place so that they could get some rest.
"Mr, Gu, everything is ready for the celebration party. We also haven't got any news from the Gu family's old house. Usually, your father won't attend this sort of event. So you can rest assured,"
Jared reported to Kerr.
"Tonight, everyone will know that Nicole is going to be my wife and the future co-owner of the Gu Group."
Nicole might not care about owning anything, but Kerr knew that openly announcing their relationship would grant her the utmost respect.
By the nightfall, Nicole changed into a long dark purple dress that Kerr had got for her. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she realized that she seemed quite regal.
Jay also looked handsome, wearing a miniature tuxedo and a little children's bow tie matching the color of Nicole's dress. Excited, the child couldn't stop posing in front of the mirror.
"Mommy, do you think I look handsome?"
Jay rested his hands on his waist, waiting for Nicole to compliment him.
"My baby is the most handsome of all. Let me see you."
Nicole crouched and opened her arms to Jay, gently looking at him.
Before Jay could get to his mother,
there was a knock on the door.
"Come in, please."
Instantly, the door was pushed open, and Harley walked in with a white suit on. Even though he cleaned up very well himself, his eyes became mesmerized by the sight of the other two people in the room.
"Jay, will you stay with Uncle Harley tonight?"
Hearing Harley's words, Jay turned to Nicole.
"Then who will protect Mommy?"
"Of course, your Uncle Kerr will do it. He's got a surprise for you today. But for that to happen, you'll have to leave your mommy's side for a while, ok?"
Following the host's gaze, Nicole turned around to the entrance.
Wearing a tuxedo in the same shade of purple as Nicole's dress, Kerr walked slowly into the room. His handsome face illuminated by the spotlight held no sort of emotion, but each present guest could unquestionably sense the power he emanated.
Within every step, his eyes softened, already fixed on the woman standing in the center of the party. Nicole kept staring blankly at him as he neared her and the music went on.
When he was finally in front of her, Kerr reached out his left hand and bent over slightly, inviting Nicole to accept it.
"Kerr..."
She looked around nervously, uncomfortable with being the center of everyone's attention. However, before she could say another word, Kerr had already taken her hand into his.
Stepping forward, Kerr took his right hand to Nicole's waist and led her straight to the dance floor. Accompanied by a melodious tune, they were about to initiate the first dance.
"Don't be nervous. Just follow my steps."
With a gentle smile on the corner of his lips, he looked at her as if she was the most precious jewel he could ever hold.
"Why did you show up in front of me like this?"
Before Kerr's arrival, she had been a little apprehensive. But once she saw him standing in front of her, all her worries faded away like magic.
She knew that Kerr wouldn't leave her behind, so she followed his steps and trusted him to lead her to the most beautiful dance of her life.
"I want everyone to know that you're my heart from now on."
He held firmly to Nicole's waist, pulling her closer to him as he whispered in her ear.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Reunion After Seven Years