Chapter: 890

"Oh! So, if my dad doesn't beat my mom, that means he doesn't love her, doesn't it?" Rowan asked innocently.

Aimee pushed Nikolas away and said, "Don't teach him such nonsense!"

Jonathan, holding Nola in his arms, looked at the two of them, then wrapped an arm around Bethany. "Don't worry; Nikolas is serious about this."

“I sure hope so,"

Bethany replied, watching the natural and intimate interaction between Aimee and Nikolas. Seeing the genuine smile on Aimee's face did ease her concerns a bit.

Once in the car, the men sat in the middle, laughing and playing with the kids, while Bethany pulled Aimee to sit with her in the back.

“What about Jayson? Does he know?" Bethany asked.

Aimee shook her head. "No, he doesn't. How could I tell him?"

The thought of informing Jayson about her relationship with Nikolas, especially given his past feelings for Maddie and his friendship with Jonathan, made her shudder. She imagined her cousin's reaction and was certain he would disapprove.

“He's going to find out eventually, you know."

“We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Aimee replied, shrinking at the thought. "Nikolas and I are taking things too fast. It might end just as suddenly, who knows? There's no telling how this will play out."

She had tempered her expectations for the relationship, wanting to maintain a clear head and take things as they came.

Bethany considered this, then leaned closer to Aimee and lowered her voice. "Aimee, if you and Nikolas are serious and you can see yourselves getting married, promise me you won't let my situation affect your relationship."

She feared her problems with the Bates family might spill over into Aimee's life.

Aimee raised an eyebrow. “That depends on Nikolas’ stance. If he can't tell right from wrong, I won't stand for it. Jonathan's mother has done terrible things, even going so far as murder. If Nikolas supports or helps her in any way, I'll kick him out immediately. I refuse to be with someone who has twisted morals."

“This has nothing to do with you," Bethany said, hoping to reassure her friend.

"Bethany, you're thinking about it too much. Don't stress over it,"

Aimee advised, patting her shoulder. “Isn't it exhausting to constantly dwell on these worries? Everyone has their fate, love included. How a relationship evolves and whether or not it lasts is all a mix of chance and circumstance. If we break up, we just weren't meant to be. There's no need to regret something that wasn't meant to last. So please stop worrying."

Bethany admired Aimee's wisdom and eloquence. She had always been insightful when it came to matters of the heart.

Meanwhile, Nikolas recounted how he had been cornered in Aimee's bedroom by her parents. His cheeks didn't redden with embarrassment; instead, he seemed proud. As he finished his story, he added triumphantly, “Anyway, I've been approved by her parents, and I'm officially promoted from a fling to boyfriend status!"

"A fling?" Jonathan asked in confusion.

Nikolas scoffed, "Your woman's best friend treated me as a fling. You don't seem to care, placing your woman above your friend!"

Jonathan was at a loss for words.

Of course, Jayson soon found out. They were headed back to the city from the airport, and before they could even grab a bite to eat, Jayson called.