In the original novel, Nicole’s birthday was written lightly. Because Ryder did not let Marie come, Marina was not clear about what would happen.
The safest way was to find a seat and sit quietly, lowering her presence.
However, Marina had forgotten that this was a family gathering. She was particularly conspicuous for the Langdon family where there were a few men in number.
However, Ryder adored his daughter so much. Although it was a small birthday party, there were lots of decorations and a huge birthday cake.
Although the original novel did not write this paragraph in detail, there was a detailed description of Nicole’s birthday later. The heroine attended the birthday party. She not only won Nicole’s love but also got recognition from the Langdon family.
In the description of the birthday, it could be seen that the Langdon family liked Nicole very much. The family would gather together every year on Nicole’s birthday and bring all kinds of gifts to the little girl.
Because Nicole was shy with strangers and could not speak, only the family members attended the birthday party. Marie, as Nicole’s mother, had never attended it according to the novel.
Marie went out shopping or traveled all over the world. Anyway, she didn’t appear every birthday. Thus when the heroine appeared, she immediately filled the hole in Nicole’s heart.
Marina covered her lips with her left hand and frowned. This was her habitual action when she encountered problems. She thought that Ryder was Marie’s husband, but Nicole was her child.
Ryder had no relationship with her. But she must care about her child. Moreover, when Ryder and the heroine got married in the future, they would have their own child. She was worried about her child in the future.
Nicole was so pitiful without the love of her parents. No, she must have Nicole with her.
Ryder saw Marina sitting on the sofa with a bitter and deep hatred. Then there was an expression of fierce determination on her face. Ryder flashed his eyes and walked over.
“What are you thinking about?”
“What?” Marina was frightened by Ryder who suddenly appeared behind her. She rolled her eyes and shook her head with a smile. “Nothing. I’m thinking about the gift to Nicole.”
Ryder’s long, narrow eyes stared at the woman in front of him. He knew that she was lying, but he did not blow her cover. He only looked at her for a long time before he slowly said, “Really?”
“Yes.” Marina nodded her head vigorously to convince Ryder.
Ryder asked, “Have you thought of it?”
Marina was stunned for a moment. She immediately came to her mind and nodded. She smiled and narrowed her eyes. “It’s a secret.”
The woman in front of him was dressed in a wine-red half-dress, which made her skin more delicate. In addition, she had light dimples on her face, which made her look cute.
Ryder didn’t know why he liked her lovingly pathetic look in front of him.
“Why is this woman here?”
The sharp voice behind him made Ryder, who had a deep look in his eyes, felt a little cold. He turned around and nodded, “Bailey.”
Marina looked at the domineering woman. She was about forty years old, dressed like a lady. Her skin was loose and her face wore thick white make-up.
Although Marina didn’t like the expression in her eyes, she just frowned and thought for a while. She didn’t call Bailey.
She remembered that Marie had a domineering character. No one would feel strange if she didn’t say hello.
“Uneducated women.” Bailey, Ryder’s elder brother’s wife, her eyes were full of contempt and dislike. She sneered at Ryder by ridiculing Marina.
Bailey felt uncomfortable every time she saw Ryder. He suddenly appeared in their family and had a cold and stubborn character. His ability was strong and finally controlled the whole family, making her efforts in vain.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. In the past few years, Ryder’s behavior had been even more unreadable. Although he looked gentle and mild, he was very sinister indeed.
Occasionally, when she met his gloomy eyes, her heart trembled. But she couldn’t restrain her anger.
She couldn’t scold Ryder, but she at least could scold his shameless wife.
In the past, when Master Duncan was partial to her, Bailey only mocked a few words. Later on, Master Duncan no longer cared, and Ryder disliked Marie even more. So she spoke more unscrupulously.
Although she vented her anger, she often raged by this woman’s retort. She would feel uncomfortable if she didn’t quarrel with Marie every time they met.
Bailey said, “Go back to your broken house.”
Ryder stood in front of Marina and looked at Bailey with a displeased expression. “Bailey, she is Nicole’s mother after all. She is also my wife. If you don’t like her, we can go back to our house to celebrate ourselves.”
“You…” Bailey pointed at Ryder, who refused to back down, and was too angry to speak.
“Mom, what are you doing?” Claudia had got Nicole dressed. She quickly stopped her mother and looked at Marina apologetically. “Marina, I am sorry. My mother…”
“Don’t apologize to this woman!”
“You are bad.” Nicole released Claudia’s hand and pushed Bailey away with all her might.
She had heard it. She didn’t like Bailey anymore as she bullied her mother.
Claudia said, “Mom, today is Nicole’s birthday. Don’t be like this.”
“I’m not wrong. This woman is so vicious. She abused Nicole and I can’t let her be here.” Every time she was humiliated by her daughter, Bailey wished she had never given birth to such a disappointing girl.
It was fine if she was on the side of others. But she shouldn’t make her mother look unreasonable.
“What are you doing?” Gage, who had just come in, quickly yanked his wife who was shouting. He looked at his younger brother with a humble attitude and swallowed anxiously. “Don’t take offense at Bailey! She has a sharp tongue but a tender heart.”
Ryder lifted Nicole and looked expressionlessly at the Gage’s family.
Gage’s forehead was sweating. He quickly took the gift from his son and said fawningly, “Bailey likes Nicole very much. She asked me to go all the way to customize this gift.”
Nicole turned her head and lay on her father’s shoulder angrily. Ryder patted her daughter on the back with one hand. His eyes stayed on the gift, and his mouth curled up. He simply smiled and looked at Marina behind him.
Receiving the sign of Ryder, Marina took the gift with uncertainty and nodded to express gratitude.
“You are so generous,” Ryder’s voice was clear and cold. Although they were relatives, he felt a strong sense of alienation.
“Marina is my wife. I hope Bailey could bear with her.” Although he said this to Bailey, Ryder looked at Mike, who had been staring at Marina.
It was only when Mike lowered his head that Ryder retracted his gaze in disdain.
Hearing his warning, Bailey, who wanted to flare up, was held down by her husband and daughter. When she met Ryder’s pitiless eyes, she calmed down with fear.
Ryder, who carried his daughter away, did not hear the footsteps behind him. He turned around and looked at Marina who was in a daze. He raised his eyebrows. “Let’s go.”
“Ah, okay.” Holding the gift, Marina followed him.