M smiled gently as she delicately shifted Nathan’s hand away she didn’t want to create


    any issues for Florence. “Nate, stay with your mom to celebrate her birthday. I’m not part of your family.


    I’ll leave since La doesn’t want to see me.”


    Nathan’s face twisted with anger. He was about to speak, but M interrupted him. Her tone became


    more serious. “Can you just listen to me this once?”


    After bidding everyone farewell with a nod, M left.


    Everyone knew about La’s temperament. Despite thinking La was being unreasonable, nobody


    stopped M from leaving or stood up to La.


    M walked out of the Morrison residence carrying her bag. As the sky grew darker, thest rays of the


    sunset painted a cozy atmosphere. A warm breeze brought the fragrance of flowers from the garden.


    She walked toward the gate, feeling weighed down by sadness. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she


    never really belonged there.


    Suddenly, M heard a steady rhythm of footsteps approaching from behind. When she turned around,


    Nathan was already beside her, holding her hand tightly. She felt a surge of surprise. Nathan’s touch


    wasforting and warm.


    M was deeply moved by his gesture.


    Tears began to well up in her eyes. “Nate, why did youe after me?”


    With a gentle smile, Nathan said, “Let’s go home. I’ll cook something delicious for you.”Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    “But today is Florence’s birthday. Shouldn’t you be spending time with her?” M asked anxiously.


    Nathan continued walking while holding her hand. “I already did. I’ve even given her a gift. Besides,


    birthdayse every year. Skipping just this one won’t matter much.”


    “But it might make Florence sad.”


    “No, she’ll be okay.”


    M smiled and didn’t push the matter further. Nathan walked with her as twilight enveloped them.


    Though they seemedposed on the surface, inside, their emotions were swirling. They had left


    earlier than nned, so Cole’s car hadn’t arrived to pick them up yet.


    It was the first time Nathan had openly held M’s hand. They strolled down the quiet, wide street like a


    couple. The roadside was lined with beautiful sycamore trees, making the scene even more enchanting


    as darkness fell. The pathway gradually lit up with streetlights.


    M kept her gaze on the ground, ncing at the square tiles as they walked. Nathan’s hand held hers


    warmly andfortably.


    “Wanda,” Nathan whispered.


    M looked up at him. “Yes?”


    Nathan kept his gaze on the road ahead, his voice heavy with weariness. “Can you stay? Please?”


    M quietly studied his profile.


    “I can ensure your safety as long as you remain here in Norvania,” Nathan said earnestly.” You can


    continue your passion for work and research, even in armament engineering. Whatever path you


    choose, I’ll stand by you wholeheartedly.”


    M understood that she would be protected as long as she remained in Norvania. Even if she broke


    contracts, confronted usations of treason, or found herself as an international fugitive, Suntend


    wouldn’t be able to harm her.


    But she didn’t want to carry the weight of such guilt. The research institute had supported her for


    countless years and engaged her in numerous vital projects. She didn’t want to betray their trust for the


    sake of love.


    “I’m sorry, Nate,” M said sorrowfully. “I want to stay too, and I’ve done everything I can, but the


    research institute won’t release me. No matter whatpromises orpensation I offer, they


    eluse to let me go.”


    “So, you have to go?” Nathan’s grip on her hand tightened, mirroring his tense emotions.


    M sensed the intensity of his grasp. She lowered her head and gazed at her shoes as they continued


    walking together.