“I understand.


    Once this project concludes, I n to take an extended vacation to spend quality time with you and our children.


    ”


    Since their marriage, Mitchel rarely traveled unless necessary.


    Their children were still young, and despite having ample support from nannies, Annis, and Luciana, he never feltpletely at ease about leaving them.


    Moreover, mothers in the postpartum period could be susceptible to psychological challenges, prompting Mitchel to reduce his workload to remain by Raegan’s side as much as possible.


    However, this project held critical importance for thepany’s expansion into the international market.


    Nations overseas had consistently employed diverse technologies to restrict Ambrosia,pelling Mitchel to support his homnd’s endeavors by diligently pursuing expanded foreign markets, thereby bolstering his nation’s influence.


    His aspiration was for his nation’s energy sector to be indispensable to othernds.


    As a result, he had bestowed significant importance upon this project and embarked on numerous journeys overseas.


    However, these trips were fleeting, sometimes only 12 hours on foreign soil before returning, driven by his longing for his children and concern for Raegan’s well-being back home.


    Truly, it was a pivotal period, and after concluding the call, Mitchel capitalized on every avable moment to prolong the discussion until it was time to depart for the airport.


    While the project held significance, Raegan’s emotional welfare held equal importance to him.


    On their wedding day, he had vowed never to abandon her to confront fear and sorrow alone…


    Jarrod abruptly sprang to his feet to leave, scarcely grazing his meal.


    Vicki, brimming with dissatisfaction, believed she caught a mention of Nicole’s name during Jarrod’s earlier phone conversation with Mitchel, escting her mild unease into profound anxiety.


    “Jarrod!” Vicki rose suddenly, clutching his arm.


    Jarrod remained motionless, regarding her as though awaiting her words.


    Their bond had progressively distanced.


    Despite their engagement, they resembled colleagues from disparate departments who exchanged mere nods upon meeting.


    A woman’s intuition could be nuanced, and Vicki sensed that Jarrod appeared to be evading her.


    He was either away on business trips or toiling through the night, scarcely finding any time to share with her.


    Even their dinner tonight had urred only because Vicki mentioned her visit to his family shrine, prompting Jarrod to reluctantly agree to join her for supper.


    Yet, he hadn’t even tasted the soup she hadbored over for hours.


    Vicki’s lips quivered as she stated, “I’ve spent six hours simmering this soup, and you haven’t even taken a sip.N?velDrama.Org content.


    ”


    Vicki yearned to inquire if Jarrod was nning to meet Nicole, but she refrained from voicing this question.


    Uttering too much could be bothersome, and as she maintained her silence anything rted to Nicole, she felt she retained her position as Jarrod’s fiancée, still eligible to be his spouse.


    If matters were to be unsettled, it wouldn’t bode well for her.


    Jarrod’s response was devoid of emotion.


    “I have an urgent matter to attend to.


    I’ll have it next time.


    ”


    He pulled his arm away, his demeanor slightly impatient with Vicki’s grasp.


    Vicki wisely released him, maintaining a smile as she remarked, “Then tend to what you must.


    Remember to eat, and I’ll prepare soup for you once more.


    ”


    Dayton nced at her, her countenance seemingly exuding joy, and furrowed his brow slightly but remained silent.


    Seemingly oblivious to Jarrod’s difort, Vicki affectionately retrieved his coat and dr@ped it over his shoulders.


    Observing him make his way to the door, Vicki called out once more, “Jarrod…”


    Jarrod halted, casting a lingering nce back at Vicki.