Chapter 287

On the way back to Silvercreek, Joyce seemed listless, and nothing could lift her spirits. This almost broke Thea's heart.

Upon returning to the apartment, Joyce's demeanor shifted dramatically. "What are we just standing here for?" she exclaimed. "I'm finally free! We should have a party!"

Her smile felt forced; it was clear she wasn't truly happy.

Jamie said solemnly, "Joyce, you don't need to pretend to be happy for us. If you want to cry, I'm here for you."

Despite her mother's absence, Joyce had enjoyed a happy childhood with her father. Now, separated from the only person who had loved her, she anticipated a long period of distress.

A lump formed in her throat, but she punched Jamie's chest instead. "Shoulder for what? I haven't forgiven you yet! Why did you say you were my boyfriend? There's nothing between us!" Thea, sensing their unspoken affection, wisely removed Nicolas from the living room, aware they could overhear their conversation.

"Not yet? So, there's a chance?" Jamie's eyes were sincere. Excited, he clasped her hand.

Joyce's middle finger bore calluses from drawing. She'd once felt inferior because of them, but now, she felt Jamie's warmth comfort her wounds.

His words spoke volumes. "Joyce, I've liked you since we first met. But we haven't known each other long, and I was afraid of offending you by expressing my feelings too soon." Jamie's nervousness was evident. New to the world of romance, he was clearly unprepared for this. His shoulders trembled under Joyce's gaze. "But since visiting your family, I've decided to protect you. Your family may be incomplete, but we can build a new one. I'll give you everything." His youthful sincerity and affection were palpable. "Joyce, will you be with me?"

Joyce withdrew her hand, raising an eyebrow. "What about a month's internship?"

"A year, even," he replied instantly.

Thea and Nicolas returned to the car, the confined space filled with his scent.

"What did you say to Mr. Maddox?" Thea asked, puzzled. "Why did he suddenly change his mind? I don't think he wanted to let Joyce go." She hadn't pressed for details earlier, wanting to avoid any further news about the Maddox family.

Nicolas smiled. "Want to know?" He teased her, noting her unusually tender expression. "You'll have to give me something in return."

His fingers touched his lips—a clear signal.

Thea blushed, but her curiosity overcame her. Their lips met, exchanging warmth. Despite their intimacy, a shyness lingered.

"Can you tell me now?" Thea asked, slightly breathless.

"Not yet," he replied, shaking his head.

Thea was about to protest when he gently grasped the back of her head, his warm breath caressing her face, the scent of his cologne filling her senses.

His kiss, passionate yet gentle, was careful not to hurt her.

Only when she collapsed against the seat, sighing softly, did he release her.

Half-satisfied, he spoke, his voice husky from their intimacy, "Jamie isn't who he seems. He's from the Miller family in Sarlimar. Have you heard of them?"

The implication of his words struck her. "The Miller family? In Sarlimar? That's incredibly powerful. They only have one child in this generation" Could Jamie be that child?

A mix of shock and worry flooded her. "Now that she's fallen out with the Maddox family, if she marries into the Millers, she'll be looked down upon, even despised."

"But she has you," Nicolas said, humor in his eyes. "Remember how you defended her today? You didn't seem afraid of the Millers."

Thea was surprised by his wit. She remained silent, acknowledging that everyone had their own path. She couldn't decide for Joyce; all she could do was offer unwavering support.

This incident overshadowed the planned move.

Opening the door, Thea found Joyce nestled on the sofa, her face flushed—clearly and deeply in love.

"Thea!" Joyce exclaimed excitedly, Jamie having just left. "When I was engaged to Max, preparing for the engagement banquet, I felt utterly defeated. But I had you, and that led me to someone who truly loves me."

Mentioning Jamie always brought a radiant smile to her face.

Thea suppressed her urge to reveal the truth.

Unexpectedly, Joyce spoke first. "After Jamie's confession, he told me about his family. Now, I'm questioning my choice."

Ethan had been right about one thing: Joyce's reputation was damaged by the broken engagement. Even if she wasn't at fault, prejudice lingered.

Would the Millers accept a daughter-in-law from a far less influential family? Joyce was uncertain, a rare display of self-doubt. She sought comfort from Thea.

Thea said earnestly, "Joyce, love is simple. It's just about the two of you. If you're determined, nothing else matters. When people learned of my marriage to Nicolas, they said he was out of my league. But he chose me, and that's all that matters."

Joyce straightened, regaining some composure. "That's right. He's lucky to have me! Why should I worry about him?"

A phone call shattered her newfound confidence. "It's a Sarlimar number."