Chapter 153 Sincerity and Commitment

Chapter 153 Sincerity and Commitment
Nathan: POV

I stood on Jennifer's balcony, watching the Los Angeles skyline gradually disappear under the blanket of night. Her piercing gaze fixed directly on me, that straightforward question hanging between us. I took a deep breath, facing her scrutiny head-on.

"I've thought about this a lot, Jennifer. My feelings for Mia are serious," I met her gaze, my voice steady. "I know our age difference and our relationship history might make people question things, but what I feel for her is real, not some fleeting impulse."

Jennifer leaned against the balcony railing, her face slightly pale from illness, but her eyes remained sharp. "Nathan, Mia is my only daughter. I don't want her to be just another diversion in your life."

"She absolutely isn't," I responded immediately.

"I know my daughter," she continued, her voice tinged with fatigue but determination. "She's stubborn as hell. Once she falls for someone, she becomes blind to everything else. She'll sacrifice everything for love, including her own dreams and safety."

I nodded, feeling the weight of Jennifer's concern in her words.

"And," she frowned, "you're a Sinclair heir, managing a multi-billion-dollar venture fund that's been featured in Fortune and CNBC. Mia is just a design student."

Her voice grew more serious. "Your last breakup with the Larson Group CEO's daughter made headlines in the New York Post and Hollywood Reporter. Imagine what the media would say if they discovered you're now with a young design student. How they'd speculate about when your relationship began." She looked directly into my eyes. "That kind of exposure would destroy Mia's student life and potentially her future career. You need to take this relationship seriously and consider all the possible consequences."

"I've considered these issues," I answered earnestly. "I'll use the Sinclair Group's media connections and legal resources to protect her from any harm that might come from our relationship. If the media tries to interfere with our lives, I have the means to handle it."

Jennifer gave a slight nod, then asked the question I'd been expecting but still dreaded: "Does your family know about your relationship? Especially your father, Cassius?"

I answered honestly, "We've just made things official, so I haven't had the chance to tell them yet. But I will, soon." I paused, then added, "I won't let Mia feel any discomfort around my family, even if that means I have to stand against their expectations."

Jennifer gazed at the distant city lights, letting out a tired sigh. "I just want her to be happy, Nathan." Her voice suddenly became fragile. "In my condition now... I just need to know she'll have someone looking out for her, someone who'll stand by her side no matter what."

She didn't continue, turning instead toward the kitchen. In that moment, I saw not just a concerned mother, but a woman facing the limits of her own time.

I followed her into the kitchen, where Mia was preparing vegetables.

"Let me take over," I offered. "You two should rest a bit while I prepare dinner."

To my surprise, Jennifer didn't object. "Alright then, I could use some rest," she said, turning toward the living room.

Mia chose to stay and help. As soon as Jennifer was out of earshot, she leaned close and whispered, "What did she say to you? It looked serious."

I smiled, handing her a knife. "She told me to take good care of you."

Mia's face lit up with joy. "I knew she would agree! She just needed to make sure you were serious," she said confidently, beginning to chop vegetables.

We each worked at different burners, Mia stir-frying vegetables while I prepared the main dish. Suddenly, a yelp caught my attention—flames had erupted from Mia's pan, oil catching fire and creating a small blaze.

I immediately dropped what I was doing and rushed to her side, pulling her away in one swift motion. "Careful!" I quickly turned off the heat, grabbed the lid and covered the flames, simultaneously using a wet towel to wrap around the handle and move the pan away. The entire process took less than ten seconds, the fire quickly contained.

This kind of calm response to emergency situations was part of my agent training, though I'd never revealed that to Mia.

"Are you okay?" I checked her arms, making sure she hadn't been burned.

Mia looked a bit shaken but quickly forced a smile. "The kitchen disaster queen strikes again. Thanks for the save, hero."

“Next time, make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before you add the vegetables.” I instructed softly, unable to resist kissing her forehead. "But don't worry, I'm here now."

During dinner, Jennifer tasted the beef bourguignon I'd made, appreciation flashing in her eyes. "Your cooking skills are indeed impressive, Nathan." She turned to Mia. "Though you do okay sometimes too, sweetheart, I hope you won't be cooking often in the future."

"I'd be happy to be our household's head chef," I smiled, noticing how Mia's eyes sparkled at my casual use of "our household."

During the meal, I explained the details of our Boston trip, including how we'd travel by private jet to ensure Jennifer's comfort; how Dr. Ramirez had arranged comprehensive examinations and was prepared to discuss potential experimental treatment options; and our accommodation arrangements in Boston, ensuring proximity to the hospital while maintaining privacy and comfort.

After listening, Jennifer contemplated for a moment. "I'm not sure if all this is worth it. If it's just prolonging the suffering..."

"Mom, please don't talk like that," Mia quickly interrupted.

I gently touched Jennifer's hand. "Even if the chances are small, it's worth trying. Dr. Ramirez has breakthrough research in pancreatic cancer, and his experimental treatments have shown encouraging results in some cases."

Jennifer looked at us, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Well, I suppose we should know all our options." She nodded at me. "Thank you for arranging this, Nathan."

"You seem to have thought of everything," Jennifer commented, her voice carrying a subtle note of approval.

After dinner, when Jennifer led us to our rooms, she unexpectedly directed us to the same guest room. "You can stay here," she said calmly.

"Mom, you're being this open-minded?" Mia asked in surprise, a blush spreading across her face.

Jennifer smiled tiredly. "If I don't do this, I'm afraid you'll just sneak into his room in the middle of the night." Her tone carried understanding of her daughter and a touch of resignation. "I'd rather know where you are than worry all night."

Later, Mia curled up next to me, sitting on the edge of the bed scrolling through her phone.

I watched her profile, feeling a powerful surge of protectiveness.

Suddenly, her expression grew complex.

"Camellia texted asking how I've been lately," she said softly, looking up at me with conflicted emotions in her eyes. "I don't know what to tell her... On one hand, I found you and I'm incredibly happy; but on the other hand, my mom's condition..." Her voice choked.

I gently wrapped my arm around her shoulders, letting her lean against my chest. "Tell her the truth," I suggested. "Sometimes life is just like that—happiness and sadness intertwined."

Mia nodded, beginning to type her response, while I fell into deep thought.

Watching her slender fingers tap across the screen, my mind drifted to the challenges ahead. Telling my father Cassius about Mia would be a storm. I could imagine his cold stare and harsh words: "You abandoned the alliance with the Larson Group, yet you're with a young girl who's practically related to you?"

At the same time, I needed to consider how to protect Mia from media harassment. If Celeste decided to retaliate, she had the power to launch a media attack against Mia. And then there was Jennifer's health—if the Boston trip didn't bring hopeful results, how would Mia cope? Would I be able to provide enough support?

But looking at Mia now, nestled against me, I knew it was all worth it. No matter how many challenges lay ahead, I wouldn't let her face them alone.

Tonight, after this small victory of Jennifer accepting our relationship, I was determined to face whatever storm might come.