Chapter 301

"How could Duncan not want me? Thea, you're lying," Emmalie cried, falling to the ground. Her tears soaked the letter. Duncan had not only severed ties with her but had also voluntarily confessed to his crime: the collapse of the western suburb mine, a crime he committed with Emmalie. He was prepared to accept full legal responsibility and pay all compensation.

Thea stepped forward, coldly observing Emmalie's distress. "Impossible? Emmalie, it seems you've forgotten your lies."

Duncan's unwavering protection of, and inexplicable feelings for, Emmalie stemmed from his belief that she had cared for him during a high fever. Thea presented irrefutable evidence: the registration form clearly showed it was she, not Emmalie, who had been there. It had been a flimsy lie, but Duncan had only believed what he wanted to believe.

Recalling Duncan's tearful repentance that day—the six-foot-tall man squatting before her—Thea felt only ridicule. She would never forgive him or the entire Rowland family; they had stolen her youth and didn't deserve her forgiveness.

"Emmalie," Thea said, "spend the rest of your life in prison repenting. That's what you deserve."

Taking Nicolas's hand, Thea turned away. Emmalie remained in darkness, but Thea faced a bright future.

Nicolas, perceptive as ever, noticed Thea's unhappiness despite Emmalie's just retribution. "Emmalie got what she deserved. Everything's out in the open. No one can say anything bad about you anymore. Why are you still unhappy?"

Thea forced a smile. "I'm thinking about Mrs. Rowland. I defended my innocence countless times, but they refused to believe me, pinning all the blame on me. Now I can finally prove my innocence, but she's not here to see it." She didn't really care about the Rowland family's apology.

Max had called incessantly over the past few days, but Thea hadn't answered. She only regretted never seeing Ivy's reaction to the truth.

"Thea, do you want to visit her grave?" Nicolas asked.

"No," Thea said firmly. "I have things to do. There are still matters to resolve at Sparkle Rocks. The Rowland family doesn't deserve my time." She refused to waste any more time on them.

"Only Sparkle Rocks?" Nicolas raised an eyebrow, discontent evident in his eyes.

Thea smiled, kissing his lips. "Let's take a trip after Sparkle Rocks is settled. I want to go back to where we first met." The kiss was brief, but Nicolas craved more. He deepened the kiss, holding the back of her head.

He was content as long as he was with Thea. Duncan's confession made settling the Sparkle Rocks matter significantly easier. Thea fulfilled her promise, paying all compensation beyond what Duncan had already agreed to bear. She wanted peace of mind. Though Sparkle Rocks would suffer a short-term setback, its reputation would be restored.

Ollie called to discuss a new contract, interrupting Thea as Nicolas pressed her against the glass door overlooking the sea—where they first met, not on the expansive coastline, but at the seaview villa Nicolas had purchased after Thea rescued him. He had visited it annually, alone, ever since that glimpse of Thea sparked something in his heart. This year, she was finally by his side.

The phone continued ringing as they moved from the door to the railing. Thea was overwhelmed. Nicolas, mischievous, saw Ollie's name. "Why don't you answer it?"

"You're crazy," Thea began, but Nicolas's kiss silenced her. She was certain he was teasing her. Lost in the kiss, she unconsciously accepted the call.

"Ms. Rowland?" Ollie's voice was familiar.

Recovering her composure, Thea replied, "Mr. Windrow? What is it?" She fought to control herself amidst Nicolas's attentions.

"My brother pressured me to cancel our collaboration, but I never wanted to. Now the pressure is gone, should we reconsider? Market price this time."

Thea's eyes hardened, but Nicolas prevented her from ending the call, his actions bordering on playful punishment. She managed a steady breath. "Mr. Windrow, Sparkle Rocks's orders are booked for years. Please seek other collaborations." She hung up.

"It seems Ollie hasn't given up," Nicolas observed.

"We're just business partners," Thea replied. Nicolas was unconvinced.

Nicolas, eventually, thoroughly captivated Thea. Even the simplest task was strenuous. They stayed in the city for six months. Though Thea initially disliked it, Nicolas's presence had replaced sorrow with joy, and she felt increasingly dependent on him.

On their return flight, Thea presented her gift. "Nicolas, congratulations." She slipped something into his hand, beaming. "You're going to be a father."

Nicolas was stunned. His efforts hadn't been in vain. After her previous miscarriage, the doctor had warned of difficulties, but Thea refused to be denied motherhood. She could choose not to have children, but not to have the right to choose.

"Thea, thank you," he murmured, burying his face in her neck. He felt her warmth. "Do you want a boy or a girl?"

"As long as the child is like you," he said, "compared to the child, you're my most precious gift." He kissed her forehead, a tender, loving kiss devoid of lust, yet filled with shared joy.

The End.