Right Person, Wrong Time

Chapter 1023 Rita's Birthday

Since Nicole had gradually recovered, she could be discharged in two days.

Nicole missed Hayden and wanted to visit him, but the wound on her face had begun to scab over, so he would notice it immediately when he saw her. Seeing how dispirited Nicole was, Colton suggested she wear a mask.

"Can that stop Hayden from finding out?" She touched her face while asking as she didn't think her son would be that easily fooled.

"Just find a simple excuse. I'm sure Hayden wouldn't doubt your words," Colton assured her confidently.

His son already knew about Nicole getting hurt. Them visiting him now was just par for the course, so Hayden wouldn't deliberately expose them.

Though she felt hesitant, she had been lying in bed and hadn't seen her son in a long while, and she was worried about him even though she knew he was cured.

In the end, she gave in and asked Colton to bring her a mask that covered most of her face. Then, she went to visit her son.

When Hayden saw Nicole coming in, his eyes lit up and curved into crescents. He giggled and threw himself into her arms while whining, "Mom, you haven't come to see me in a long time. I almost thought you forgot about me."

Nicole felt her heart tightening, and she quickly pulled him into her embrace while assuring him, "No way would I forget about you. I was just a little busy. Anyway, aren't I here now?"

Hayden looked at her with his big eyes that were filled with grievance. "Hmph! At least you care enough to come and visit me."

A trace of resignation flashed across Nicole's eyes as she reached over and pulled her son back into her embrace. Then, she gently caressed and comforted him.

When Hayden looked up, he saw the mask on Nicole's face and frowned, asking, "Mom, why are you wearing a mask?"

"I..." Nicole was about to explain, but Hayden gave her a reason.

"Mom, are you going to a masquerade ball or something? You look quite good in this." Hayden pretended not to know and commented.

After he said that, Nicole could only respond with a "Yes."

The two chatted for a long while before Nicole reluctantly left.

Colton followed her out. When they came out of the room, they saw Siobhan standing outside.

The moment Nicole saw Siobhan, she froze and decisively looked away. Then, she pulled Colton away like she had not noticed Siobhan.

Seeing that Nicole was about to walk away, Siobhan immediately called out to her. "Nicole."

Nicole stopped for a moment and then continued to take a step forward.

Siobhan noticed that and pleaded, "Nicole, I know you must hate me, but I had no other choice..."

While listening to Siobhan's hesitant explanation, Nicole sneered and turned around calmly. She then fixed her gaze on Siobhan's face. "Madam Gould, I have no right to blame you. That is your decision, and I have no right to change anything."

When Siobhan saw Nicole's estranged but determined look, she felt her chest filling up with sadness because she had pushed her daughter away...

"Nicole, the week after next would be my mother's seventieth birthday. She hopes you can come and celebrate it with her. Will you be free?" Noticing that Nicole was about to leave, Siobhan quickly asked. Turning back around, Nicole recalled that Rita had always been nice to her back at the Gould Residence. Also, Rita showed her unconditional love and support.

Although Nicole wanted nothing to do with the Goulds and the Wrenns, she couldn't reject Rita.

With a solemn expression, Nicole's eyes seemed calm as she nodded. "I will attend Old Mrs. Gould's birthday. Thank you for the invitation, Madam Gould."

When Siobhan heard Nicole's estranged tone, she opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but before she could do so, Nicole cut her off.

"Please don't misunderstand, Madam Gould. I'm only attending the birthday because Old Mrs. Gould was nice to me."