?


    However, things might change once Damon regained his footing.


    Hearing Caroline''s unspoken caution, N lowered her gaze and said earnestly, "I know you''re saying this for my own good, but Damon is worth it.


    "He spent five years alone without knowing if I was even alive, and he never let another woman into his life. I trust him. Even if I lose this bet, I won''t regret it."


    "Alright," Caroline relented. "As long as you''ve thought it through. I''ll support you no matter what. But if you stay in Saintornia, it''ll be hard for us to see each other again."


    Caroline had decided to remain in Capitarnia while still studying there. Over the years, she had saved enough to buy a ce for herself. Even before N''s return, Caroline was already searching for a property.


    "That''s okay. As long as we keep each other in our hearts, no distance is too far. Besides, our little family of three might move to Capitarnia someday. We''ll have chances to meet," N replied.


    Caroline chuckled. "Alright. I need to get back to theb soon. Let''s talk againter."


    "Okay. Take care," N said.


    After the call ended, N turned to Lydia. "You don''t need to worry about me. Even if I go upstairs, I won''t be able to sleep. I need to stay here and get through this with him. You should go rest."


    Seeing the determination in N''s eyes, Lydia sighed. She knew there was no changing her mind. Though kind-hearted, N was as stubborn as Damon when it came to her decisions.


    "Alright. If you need anything, just call me," Lydia said.


    "Got it. Go get some rest," N urged.


    After Lydia left, silence enveloped the living room.


    N nced toward the study, her worry etched into her features, but she resolved to give Damon more time.


    The sudden copse of hispany


    was a devastating blow, but she


    ne


    believed in him. He would bounce


    back


    ger than ever once he


    came to terms with it.  S


    Damon spent the entire night in the study.


    N stayed up in the living room, keeping vigil until she finally fell asleep at dawn.


    Around 7:00 a.m. the next day, the study door opened.


    After a sleepless night, Damon''s eyes were bloodshot. His shirt was wrinkled, his stubble unkempt, and he looked utterly worn down.


    As he stepped into the living room and saw N asleep on the couch, he paused. He walked over and stood by the couch, gazing down at her.


    Even in sleep, her brows were furrowed, and dark circles shadowed her eyes. Clearly, she''d had a rough night as well.


    After a moment, Damon bent down and gently picked her up.


    As he turned toward the stairs, Lydia''s voice called softly from behind him, "Mr. Sumner..."


    Damon turned and whispered, "Keep your voice down. Don''t wake her."


    It was only then that Lydia noticed N in his arms. She swallowed the words she''d been about to say and


    nodded, heading quietly by and


    to the kitchen.


    Damon carried N to the bedroom, tucked her in, and quietly left the room.


    When he returned downstairs, Lydia approached him. "Mr. Sumner, Ms. Kinsey stayed up all night in the


    living room, worried about you


    tried toget her to rest, but she wouldn''t listen. She''s very concerned about you."