Trading My Ex for His Uncle

Watching Mason dash away, Nyla couldn't help but smile. But that smile quickly faded as she thought about their imminent separation.

"Nyla, why are you staring after Buddy like that?" Damon's voice snapped her back to reality.

She turned to him, quickly masking her sadness. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how fast time flies. Buddy's already five years old."

Damon slid an arm around her waist. "It might feel fast to you, but not to me. When I think about the five years we lost, I can't help but feel regret. If we'd been together all that time, the three of us would've been so happy."

The mention of those lost years made Nyla sigh.

If only she had trusted Damon more back then, they wouldn't have missed out on so much time together.

And now, just as they had reunited, they were about to be separated again.

"I'm sorry, Damon..." she murmured.

Seeing the guilt in her eyes, Damon pulled her into his arms, his voice soft.

"There's nothing to apologize for. For me, as long as I'm with you and Buddy, it's never too late."

"Mm," Nyla hummed in response.

Leaning against Damon, she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

How was she supposed to tell him she was leaving?

She knew he'd be angry and wouldn't agree to it. But to protect Prospectus Technology, to protect him and Mason, she had no choice.

If she agreed to go to Meristate, Prospectus Technology could thrive. Perhaps, one day, it could even surpass the Nixons, giving them a chance to reunite.

If Prospectus Technology fell and she and Mason were forcibly taken, they'd lose any hope of being together again.

After staying in Damon's embrace for a while, Nyla composed herself and pulled away.

She wiped at the corners of her eyes and smiled. "I just got a little emotional thinking about the time we lost."

Though Damon could tell there was more to her words, he didn't press her. "Let's head inside," he suggested.

...

After dinner, Mason retreated to his room, eager to work on his list.

Nyla stayed in the living room, planning to watch TV while waiting for him, but Damon had other plans.

"Nyla, come to the study for a minute," he asked.noveldrama

She followed him into the room, puzzled. "What's wrong, Damon? Do you need something?"

Damon turned to face her, his expression serious. "It's not about me. It's about you. Something's been bothering you since this afternoon. What's going on?

Nyla bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. "Nothing's wrong."

"It's

Damut your mother, isn't it?"

asked Spencer

her day and learned she'd meet

Emerald in the afternoon.

Since her mood had changed after that meeting, it had to be related.

"It's nothing. Don't overthink it. I'm just tired," Nyla denied.

Damon stared at her silently, disbelief clear in his eyes.

Under his gaze, Nyla's resolve began to crumble.

After a

pause, she finally

o promise not to get moget

Okay, I'll tell you. But you e

or

stop me-"

Swe

Damon interrupted her, his voice low and firm, "You're planning to go to Meristate, aren't you?"

Nyla clenched the fabric of her shirt. After a long moment, she nodded. "Yes." The words had barely left her mouth when Damon grabbed her shoulders. "What about me? You're leaving with Buddy-what am I supposed to do?" he demanded.

Looking up at his reddened eyes, Nyla trembled, unsure how to respond.