Chapter 1713:

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Having been in relationships herself, Naomi understood that feeling of anxiety all too well.

“How about this? I’ll send my brother a message every now and then to update him on our location—keep his mind at ease,” Naomi said.

Mia waved a dismissive hand, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “No need! Sometimes, you’ve got to keep a man on his toes! If I make your brother worry just a little, he’ll think about me even more.”

Naomi chuckled, shaking her head. “You really know how to keep him in line.”

She gave Mia a thumbs-up. “Alright, I’m all set. Shall we go?”

“Let’s go!”

As Mia skipped ahead like an excited child, Naomi could only smile with resignation.

To think… this was the woman who had tamed her brother. Who would’ve thought it? If anyone had told her years ago that Rowland—the serious, meticulous, and composed man he was—would fall hopelessly for someone as lively and mischievous as Mia, she would have laughed. Back when Mia was studying abroad, she had assumed her brother would end up with someone quiet, reserved, maybe even a bit elegant.

Life was full of surprises. Like how she never expected to meet Dooley—the man who had left such an indelible mark on her life. And even more, she never expected their story to end in divorce.

Naomi kept her hands steady on the wheel as they cruised down the highway.

At first, Mia hummed along to the music playing softly in the background, seemingly content. But soon enough, her curiosity got the best of her. “Nola, can I ask you something?”

Naomi glanced at her with a smirk. “Since when do you need permission? Just ask.”

But before Mia could get a word out, Naomi added pointedly, “If this is about my ex-husband, don’t bother.”

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Her life was back on track now. Peaceful. And she had no intention of letting Dooley disrupt that—not even in conversation.

Ideally… they’d never have to cross paths again.

Mia blinked at her reaction. “Why?” she blurted before she could stop herself.

Naomi sighed, shifting gears. “Because the past is the past, Mia. I’m not interested in revisiting it.”

“You’re right.” Mia pouted but leaned in conspiratorially, undeterred. “Fine, fine. No Dooley talk. But tell me—any new developments in your love life?” She tapped her chin theatrically. “Hmm… what about that guy in your studio—Killian Cohen? I mean, come on, it’s so obvious. That boy looks at you like you’re the only masterpiece in the room.”

Naomi nearly swerved. “Killian?” She shot Mia an incredulous look before shaking her head. “Be serious. He’s just a kid.” The thought had never even crossed her mind.

“Why not?” Mia pressed, eyes shining with conviction. “Nola, you’re gorgeous, independent, and you run your own successful studio. You’re practically a dream! If I were a guy, I’d be chasing after you too!”

Naomi let out a soft chuckle. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She said it lightly, but she didn’t take the words to heart.

Since the divorce, she had carefully distanced herself from anything that resembled romance. After all… back when she was young, single, and unburdened, she had chased love with everything she had. And where had that led her?

Heartbreak. Regret. A painful lesson learned too late. Now, she couldn’t bring herself to offer anyone her real heart—not anymore.

Love felt like an illusion, something fleeting, something unreliable.

Her world had changed. Her son, her studio, her family—these were the only things that filled her life now. The only things she could trust. And she had no intention of adding anything—or anyone—else.

Mia hesitated before asking, “But… can you really go your whole life without ever having a boyfriend again?”

Naomi’s answer was immediate. “Of course I can.”

But Mia, always one to poke at things left unsaid, bit her lip before whispering, “Were you really hurt that badly by him? Or… do you still have feelings for Dooley?”

“How could that even be possible?” Naomi said, her voice breezy—almost too breezy. “Dooley’s already moved on. He has a girlfriend now.”

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