Chapter: 1026

"It has nothing to do with my mom. Don't blame her." Nikolas's voice was raspy. "I won't marry Siena, and I. I won't trouble Aimee again. Jonathan's new project is abroad. I'll leave Odonset."

Nikolas had made his decision. He realized, just as his father had said, that he could only blame himself.

He had to face the consequences alone.

Fortunately, Nikolas hadn't made a mistake he couldn't undo yet. He hadn't officially recorded his marriage with Aimee, which meant she was still free from the complications of a second marriage.

“Well, we're not at a complete standstill just yet, are we? Nikolas, I'll head over to the Bates' house and speak with them again. Aimee is such a gentle soul; she might change her mind and agree to marry you. And the child was born two years ago, and you were kept in the dark about that."

Gilda's heart ached for her son.

If Nikolas were leaving for a career abroad under different circumstances, she'd be excited for him. But these were not those times.

“Let him go!" Kai declared firmly. “Stop worrying about him."

"But Nikolas is just.."

"Mom, don't worry about me. I brought this on myself. It's my fault.”

Just as Gilda was about to reply, her phone rang sharply.

She looked down, her eyes widening in surprise. “It's Aimee! Aimee's calling me!"

Nikolas spun around, his interest clearly piqued. Gilda hastily answered the call, her hands slightly trembling.

On the other end, Aimee's voice sounded tired and rough.

“Gilda, I'm really sorry. But I need to tell you that I've broken up with Nikolas."

“Aimee, please do us a favor. Can you come back to see Nikolas? He's hurt himself badly. The room is covered in blood. I'm afraid he can't handle the breakup!"

Aimee was silent for a moment.

"He just said he plans to leave Odonset with the company's new project. Without you, he doesn't want to stay at home anymore!" Tears filled Gilda's eyes as she spoke. "Please reconsider, okay? Don't make a rash decision. Think about it!"

Frowning, Nikolas reached for the phone. "Mom! Don't pressure her!"

"I'll think about it. Thank you for everything," Aimee said, quickly hanging up the phone.

Kai abruptly stood from the sofa. "First, give me Siena's phone number. I need to confirm if her child belongs to our Bennett family."

“Oh, right! Nikolas, did you get a paternity test done?" Gilda suddenly brightened, grasping Nikolas’ arm tightly. “Let's go get a DNA test. Maybe..."

“I haven't done the test, but she's likely my daughter."

He remembered his time with Siena; she was nineteen and inexperienced.