Burning Passion

CHAPTER 358: TO HIDE NINA

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Nina escorted Harry to their car to bid goodbye to her future Father-in-law, Jerome. 

She said, "Have a safe trip, Papa Jerome. I'm hoping that Mama Mely is feeling well to take a long trip." 

"Thank you, Nina. Well, I might ask her doctor to travel with us back to Zen City," Jerome replied with a worried look on his face, then continued. "And Nelson suggests we better ask your Aunt Annie to come as well." 

"Oh, that's a brilliant plan!" Nina thinks it was the best. It also worries her a lot, at the same time, pitied the woman of how much stressed Steven gives to his mother.

"Yes. The more people, the better that your Mama Mely could talk to and someone consoles her." 

"It would be a relief for us too, Papa Jerome. Mama Dona is worried about her as well." Nina thought, 'If only Steven understands everyone's situation, most especially his mother.' 

Staring at Nina and Harry standing side by side, a flashback of the past when these two are still a kid. All along, it was Harry who Nina liked and not Steven. But that son of his would not understand a thing. Is he thinking that Harry oversteps him? 

It was just surprising to him because all these years, the twin never shows that one envied the other but helping each other.

He never perceives that a day would come that both fall in love with the same girl and no one is giving up. 

"Nina, I wanted to tell you you're Mama Mely and me, you are our dream daughter-in-law," Jerome stated that blushed Nina. 

If Nelson wishes for a son, he and Mely wish for a daughter. However, Mely should avoid giving birth again after Harry and Steven, or it puts her life in danger. 

Nina waved at the leaving car. She went back inside the villa after the vehicle disappeared.

In the living room, she caught her parents teasing each other. 

It made her happy how her parents had a beautiful relationship that differs from her grandparents. 

The couple showed affection to each other, while she grew up witnessing how formal the old couple was to each other. 

But now, both are open, and whatever their wrong assumptions in their marriage have ended but a new beginning. 

She was happy for her grandparents, especially her parents, who are apparent to their love for each other. 

When she and Harry officially married and had children, she would also make sure that their children knew how much they love each other and how much they care for their marriage. 

Because her dream marriage is like the ones she witnessed from her parent's bond... 

Nelson showered not only a luxury life to his wife and daughter. But also his love and attention.

She guesses that there is a misunderstanding her parents went through, but because her father is good at coaxing, her mother would easily forgive him, and the two would become intimate again. 

She thinks it was cute. And it couldn't avoid for her to dream for the future that she and Harry won't have big fights and misunderstandings. 

In her understanding as of now, building a family, some things could not avoid it. As long as Harry would be there by her side, she believes everything will be fine between them. 

Looking for a long time already, she joins her parents. She then asked with a teasing voice, "Mama... Why does papa is like about to cry?"

A huge smile tore across her face, Dona replied to her daughter, "Look at your father, honey." 

"Honey, don't embarrass me to our daughter!" 

"I'm just telling the truth! Besides, you cannot avoid that our daughter would fall in love." Dona lectured her husband, she whispered to him. "Don't dare to change your mind! You already gave your approval and blessed our daughter's marriage." 

"But honey, I just realized that I am not ready yet." 

Listening to her parents, it stunned Nina, looking at her father whining like a little child, while her mother was only giggling like a teenager.

"Nina, look at your father. I think he'll cry during your wedding day!" 

"Honey?" Nelson blushed. 

~~~ 

Meanwhile, Harry didn't leave his eyes to his father after they entered the car. 

Right after the vehicle moves and Nina is out of their sight, his father's smile disappears and is replaced with a sullen look. 

He seems in deep thinking that made him restless on the car seat. He guessed that something serious had happened.

They headed back to the mansion to get his passport and all documents he needed to bring with him back to China. 

When they almost reach the mansion, Harry couldn't bear anymore not to ask his father. 

"Pa, what is it? Why are you about to dig a pit? Is Dean Collins didn't grant Steven any exemption?" He wondered. If the meeting went well, his father won't behave like this. But if there are issues, then bad news for Steven and their father would worry about his twin brother is normal.

On one hand, Jerome indeed was worried. No. He is uneasy that he could not tell Nelson about the crisis they are about to face because he was trying to figure out what is best to do. 

He was thinking not to pursue Steven to finish his course this year. However, if Steven misses this year and fails the last year of his course, Steven might attend college in Zen City and throw a tantrum and cause a headache for his mother. 

It will be only two months. All they need is to bear Steven's persistence to getaway. And maybe once Steven would know that he will have to attend the graduation, he will calm down and won't escape but wait for the day he can go back to New Jersey. 

And the day that Steven comes to New Jersey, it's best for Nina to leave the state. It is what he came up with.

"Harry, listen to me. Dean Collins agreed for giving Steven extra paperwork. However, he has to join the final exam to pass and graduate." 

What? Does Steven have to come back to New Jersey? He freaked out. "You're joking, Pa... Right?" And his shock made him speechless.

"Harry... By then, prepare yourself." Jerome put meaning to his words. He knows Harry is smart to figure out what he means about it.

"But you can't let Steven and Nina meet again!" 

Jerome stressed, "That's why I have to make plans with Nelson. For now, I have to bring your mother back to China to see Steven's situation." 

"What happens?" Even though he hates Steven, he is still his brother, and he believes they must work to consider their mother's condition. 

"He attempted to escape. Gladly, the He bodyguards are around. They were also watching Steven." 

"Good, then." 

Jerome glances at Harry. After what happens between him and Steven. Harry is less concerned about his twin brother but cold in his voice like they were only talking about a random stranger. 

Not long after, they arrive at the mansion.

Jerome hurls a long breath before he steps out of the car. He looked at Harry and said, "Honestly, I don't want your brothers to become like this. I honestly anticipated you and Nina to get married when both of you are at the right age. I never thought that Steven would also be interested in Nina. And things got messed up. But after what had happened, I'm hoping that a day would come that things will go back to what they were supposed to be." 

"You know what, Pa? You are talking to the wrong person. It was Steven you should talk to." He said, opening the car door and getting out. 

"I know that. I just wanted you to express what I also feel. Because I'm not only looking after you and your mother and your brothers. It also includes the clan." 

'Isn't what you dream?' Harry mumbled to his head. Hearing his father telling him this, he felt ridiculous. He would like to laugh, but he remains motionless and listens further. 

"At least, I know you won't give me a headache and problems, unlike your brothers. And I am quite relieved now that Nelson agreed on your marriage with Nina to be soon." 

He already guessed this is what his father would say to him. Harry hid his annoyance. He replied, "Pa, Steven should not take any step closer at Nina." 

"I know. That is why I was thinking, Nina, should leave the state the day Steven arrives." 

Harry ponders. His father is right. They must have to hide Nina, even though he wants her to be there the day of his graduation. But he won't allow Steven to have a chance to do something, and he could get near to Nina. 

"Okay, Pa. I will talk to Papa Nelson about it and make plans," he concurred. It's best.

"I need to talk to your mother too for her to be aware of what would happen." 

That day, Jerome left for Hawaii. And the next day, he works on all needed documents, including Mely's physician, to grant leave and travel papers.. They finish it in one day, and by night; they fly back to Zen City.