Ch. 1471..1480

Always Been Yours Chapter 1471-"Mona, this is bad. A lot of Kathleen's fans have gathered outside our doors, saying that Kathleen lied to them. They're all demanding an explanation from Miss Hathaway."

When Mona heard the anxiety in her colleague's voice, she frowned and said in annoyance, "Didn't the news on the Internet already make it clear? Tell those people outside to look it up on the Internet if they don't know what's going on."

"That's what I told them, but they want to hear it from Miss Hathaway's lips. They even threatened to create a scene outside, refusing to leave unless Miss Hathaway gives them the explanation they want," the colleague explained in dismay.

Out of wits, Mona decided to concede to their demands. "If that's the case, go outside and try to calm them while I look for Miss Hathaway. I'll ask her about her thoughts on this matter."

"Please hurry up, okay? I'm afraid that we won't be able to stop them for long." A look of distress appeared on that colleague's face, and Mona nodded before dashing straight for Hathaway's office.

She stood before the door and knocked a few times, announcing the reason for her presence, "Miss Hathaway, there are a lot of Kathleen's fans outside, and they hope that you'll clarify the Kathleen incident." Then, she waited quietly at the door. A few seconds passed by, but no sound came from within the room. So, Mona knocked again and asked, "Miss Hathaway, are you there?"

Still, there was no sound from the office, and Mona started to worry because she remembered that Hathaway had arrived here rather early in the morning. "Miss Hathaway, I'm coming in if you're not saying anything," she said, turning the knob and pushing the door open. Immediately, a strong smell of alcohol rushed up her nostrils, and she saw Hathaway's head resting against the desk.

Mona approached her and saw that Hathaway, who was usually so elegant and graceful, was slumped and disheveled on the floor with two empty bottles by her side.

"Miss Hathaway?" Mona called softly.

Hathaway didn't answer and looked like she was utterly drunk. Mona didn't know what to do. Still, she crouched down and helped her up. That was when she noticed that Hathaway wasn't wholly unconscious because her face was covered in tears that kept flowing from her eyes.

It was obvious that Hathaway didn't want to wake up and face the harsh reality, but Mona didn't want to force her, either. So, she helped Hathaway into the lounge in the office and left the room.

When she came out, the band member from earlier approached her once more in an even more distressed state than ever. "Mona, what did Miss Hathaway say? Those fans look like they'll break the doors down."

"If we can't stop them, just call the police." This was the only solution Mona could think of since she was equally helpless.

Soon, the police arrived and quickly drove away the fans who were creating a ruckus.

Once all these frustrating matters had been taken care of, Mona slipped into her personal training room and called Tessa. "Tessa, I saw the news on the Internet. Are you alright?" she asked, worried about Tessa's condition.

Tessa briefly recounted the incident to her, ending with, "But I'm fine now. Don't worry."

Although Tessa tried her best to make her tone sound lighthearted, Mona still had the jitters after hearing the whole story. "I have no words about Kathleen. It really made me wonder why Susan was so hostile to you, but now the mystery has been solved. It turns out that's because she's Kathleen," Mona said huffily, regarding Kathleen as her enemy as well.

Tessa laughed and asked about Hathaway in concern, "I heard that Kathleen is given the death penalty. How's Miss Hathaway doing?"

"She's not doing all that great. When I checked in on her, she was drinking herself to a stupor and crying in her office," Mona said honestly.

On the other end of the line, Tessa felt uneasy to hear Hathaway suffering, but that was all. She wasn't a saint and could never repay the grievances she suffered with kindness. Finally, she could only ask Mona for a favor, "Please keep an eye on her condition for the next few days. I'm afraid that she wouldn't be able to handle the blow and resort to some extreme actions."

"I got it. I'll keep a close eye on her," Mona nodded.

After Tessa hung up, she felt a heavy stone weighing down her heart. Nicholas, who was seated next to her, felt that something was amiss with her right away. "What's wrong? Are you worried about Hathaway?"

"Yeah, a little," she admitted and told him about her concerns. "Kathleen has been convicted, and I'm worried that Miss Hathaway would do something drastic out of grief."

Always Been Yours Chapter 1472-Nicholas knew that she had a kind heart, so he lowered his head and held her hand. "Even if she can't accept this, it has nothing to do with you. Kathleen has gone as far as to change her looks and identity. She could have lived a brand new life without us knowing about it, but she didn't. Instead, she chose to have her revenge against you, and that paved the way to her own death."

Tessa couldn't help but think that his logic was sound. Previously, when she didn't know that Susan and Kathleen were the same people, she'd always let Susan off easily every time she was provoked. She had absolutely no reason to be emotional because of someone else's mistakes. "You're right. I did nothing wrong," she said, flashing Nicholas a sweet smile.

He felt his heart flutter when he saw that smile. So, he gave into his impulses and lowered his head to kiss her cherry lips. They held each other tightly under the silvery moonlight, and the temperature in the room began to rise. After an evening of sweet lovemaking, Nicholas finally let her off when it was close to midnight, and she was so tired that she didn't want to move anymore.

The next few days were calm and uneventful. Tessa obediently stayed home to recuperate and watch the kids since her hand injuries had yet to recover.

Soon, it was the day before Kathleen's execution. Early this morning, Hathaway brought Mona with her to the prison. In the visitation room, she fidgeted uneasily on the chair, waiting for the officer to bring Kathleen out. After a few minutes of waiting, sounds of footsteps could be heard from the other side, and Kathleen dragged her feet into the room under the supervision of an officer.

At the sight of Hathaway, a thick look of hatred emerged in her eyes, and she hissed, "Didn't you already decide to wash your hands off me? Why are you here to visit me, then? To gloat?"

When Hathaway saw the hate her daughter harbored for her, she despaired beyond words, and tears kept flowing from her eyes as she covered her mouth, unable to utter a single word.

However, Kathleen was simply annoyed and snapped at her in frustration, "Save your crocodile tears in front of me. It makes me sick! A woman like you isn't fit to be a mother at all. It's no wonder that Daddy would rather cheat than be with you. I curse you to a life of eternal loneliness to the very last seconds of your life. You'll be all alone, and none of your students will ever treat you sincerely!"

Her words dealt a huge blow to Hathaway, and she wobbled in her seat. Next to her, Mona couldn't take it anymore and supported Hathaway by her shoulders, snarling, "That's enough, Kathleen!"

Kathleen merely sniggered at her, "Oh, I remember you, the lapdog by Tessa's side." Perhaps it was because tomorrow was the day of her execution, the Kathleen today was brazen and impudent, spouting all sorts of abuses. "You became the chief of Hathaway Philharmonic since Tessa's not around. You're just a mere spare. I have never imagined that without Tessa and me, you'll actually pick someone like this to be the concertmaster. This doesn't seem like you at all. Oh, that's right. I forgot that not long after I left, Cindy left with quite a few of your elites because she was unhappy with your biased treatment."

The last of her statement was meant for Hathaway, and as she wanted, it hit Hathaway where it hurt, and she passed out on the spot.

Panic overwhelmed Mona when she saw Hathaway lose consciousness. "Someone, please call for help!" she yelled at the jailer outside.

The scene slipped into chaos, and a twisted sneer appeared on Kathleen's face as she watched people frantically bringing Hathaway out of there; along with it was an indescribable relief in her heart.

Hathaway was brought to the emergency room upon reaching the hospital. Fortunately, nothing serious happened to her. She merely passed out from the huge mental blow that she couldn't deal with at the moment. Yet, after she regained consciousness, she sat on the bed with lifeless eyes, exuding a depressing air around her as though she had lost her soul.

Mona watched her with anxiety and finally called Tessa for help, "Tessa, Miss Hathaway went to visit Kathleen today and… Suffice to say, it did not go well. She's not doing so well now, and I'm very worried about her. Can you please speak to her on my behalf? Please?"

Always Been Yours Chapter 1473-Mona filled her in on what took place at the prison, but Tessa thought that it wouldn't help matters even if she spoke to Hathaway. Nonetheless, she said, "Please pass the phone to Miss Hathaway."

Mona nodded and opened the door to the ward with the phone in her hand. "Miss Hathaway, Tessa knows that you're unwell and wants to speak with you," she said, passing the phone to her. Yet, Hathaway didn't even glance at her, and she couldn't help but repeat once more, "Miss Hathaway, it's a call from Tessa."

Still, there was no response from Hathaway, and Mona could tell that she didn't want to answer Tessa's call. Finally, out of wits, she placed the phone next to her ear again. "She doesn't want to answer the call, Tessa."

This came as no surprise to Tessa, and after contemplating for a few seconds, she suggested, "Give Mr. Brooks a call and ask him to visit."

Mona nodded and gave Scott a call after that. Unfortunately, as Scott was training abroad, he only managed to arrive the very next day.

The instant Mona saw a tall, dashing man rushing down the corridor, she jumped up from her seat to greet him, "You're here, Mr. Brooks."

Scott nodded and asked with concern, "How's Miss Hathaway doing?"

"She hasn't eaten for the entire day," she answered honestly. "I tried to talk to her around this morning, but she chased me out of the room."

Scott knitted his brows at that, and they entered the room after knocking. They were startled to find Hathaway standing by the window when they opened the door. Scott hastily cast a look at Mona, who understood what he meant and slowly approached Hathaway from the side.

Meanwhile, he used his words to gain Hathaway's attention, "Hi, Miss Hathaway. How are you?"

Hathaway finally showed some reaction to the outside world after hearing his voice. She turned to look at the handsome man in the room, saying flatly, "Why are you here?"

"I heard that you're unwell, so I asked my mentor for leave to visit you," he explained. When he saw that Mona was getting close, he added, "Miss Hathaway, it's chilly by the window. Why don't we let Mona help you to the bed to rest, okay?"

Hathaway remained silent, and they took it that she had given her silent consent before Mona went ahead and led her to the bed.

After they took their seats, Scott caught sight of the untouched food, and his eyes filled with worry. "I heard about what happened to Kathleen when I was on my way here. Now that everything is carved in stone, it's all the more reason for you to take care of your health."

"Take care of my health?" Hathaway sneered. "My daughter is still alive, but she doesn't acknowledge me as her mother and hates me even when death is upon her. On the other hand, the career that I was so proud of has fallen so far behind. So, tell me, what's the point of me living?"

The look on Scott's face turned into shock at her words, and Mona threw an anxious glance at him, hoping that he could talk Hathaway around.

He naturally understood her intentions and said, choosing his words carefully, "I understand how you're feeling now, but if I were you, I'd take it that Kathleen had never come back to life. You still managed to get back on your feet very quickly once you accepted her death, didn't you?"

"But it's different," she disagreed, although she knew what he meant.

"How is this time different?" he deliberately argued his point.

For a few seconds, she was stunned before a self-deprecating look in her eyes appeared in her eyes. He's right, she thought. How is this different from the last time? The last time Kathleen faked her death, and now, she's sentenced to death. The ending is still the same… At the thought of this, she had no words to say.

Even though she didn't say anything, Scott could see the gears turning in her mind. After a moment of consideration, he suggested, "If you feel depressed staying here, why don't you make some arrangements for the band after Kathleen's incident is over and go for a vacation?"

Hathaway remained silent, but it didn't bother Scott, who left after saying a few more things.

Always Been Yours Chapter 1474-Mona arrived at the hospital the next day after buying breakfast, but she was stunned to discover that the ward was empty upon opening the door. When she recovered from her surprise, she recalled the oddly emotional Hathaway yesterday and became so worried that she immediately turned around and grabbed the first nurse she saw. "May I ask if you know where the patient in this room is?"

"I'm not sure because I just started my shift. Why don't you call and ask?" the nurse said, returning to her work.

Mona whisked out her phone in haste and dialed Hathaway's number. To her dismay, the phone was turned off. In the end, she could only turn to Scott for help. "Mr. Brooks, Miss Hathaway is gone, and her phone is turned off!" she explained the situation frantically.

Scott was struck with worry after hearing that, but he regained his cool in a matter of seconds and said in a solemn voice, "Check at the prison. Maybe she went to look for Kathleen."

His words reminded her that it was Kathleen's execution day today. "I'm going to prison now. If it's convenient for you, please come over as well."

"Okay," Scott agreed and hung up. About fifteen minutes later, they met at the prison entrance.

After that, they explained the situation to the prison officer and, sure enough, found Hathaway in the waiting room. When Hathaway heard the sounds of footsteps, a shiver ran down her spine because she thought that Kathleen had been executed and the prison officers were delivering her body. To her surprise, it was Scott and Mona that she saw when she raised her head, and she sighed in relief.

Mona quickened her steps toward her. "Miss Hathaway, why didn't you ask me to come along with you? You gave me such a scare when I couldn't find you after I returned with breakfast."

"I'm here to pick up Kathleen, but it seems like she doesn't want to see you. That's why I didn't ask you to accompany me," Hathaway explained weakly.

Mona pursed her lips and found herself at a loss for words because there was no denying the enmity between the two women. Still, Scott came next to her when he saw this, patting her shoulder gently as a form of silent comfort. Then, he turned to Hathaway and asked in a gentle voice, "You could have asked me if Mona wasn't a suitable candidate."

Hathaway took a glance at him and suddenly changed the topic. "I considered your suggestion from yesterday through the night and thought that it was a great idea."

He was startled by her easy acceptance and asked, "So, you're planning to take a vacation once this is over?"

She nodded. "I would like to go on a vacation with Kathleen. When she was alive, she always grumbled that I didn't have time for her and only cared about the band and my students. She's about to leave this world soon, and I would like to spend the rest of my life with her."

Little did Scott expect that this was the answer he would receive, and after being in a daze for a few seconds, he agreed with a nod. "That's not a bad idea."

Mona agreed as well. "Have a good time when you're away with Kathleen, Miss Hathaway. I'll manage the band and the other members well," she promised.

Yet, Hathaway shook her head. "I don't plan to manage the band anymore." Her decision caught them off guard, and their faces fell. Before they could say anything, she continued, "Scott, have you considered managing a band by yourself? With your current skills and reputation, you can totally support the development of a band."

"Are you saying that you would like to hand over the Hathaway Philharmonic to me?" he asked, reading her intention.

She didn't deny it and continued, "Amongst the people I know, you're the most suitable person as well as the one whom I trust the most."

Scott fell silent at her words, and Hathaway, too, observed him silently. Next to them, Mona was desperate to say something to persuade Hathaway otherwise, but she was aware that it was pointless even if she objected to the idea. In addition, it would be better for the band's future development if Scott took over the management.

All of a sudden, the room fell into pin-drop silence. Just when Hathaway wanted to give up on the idea, especially since Scott hadn't said a word for a long time, he parted his lips, saying, "I can take over the management of the band for now. One day if you would like to make a comeback, I'll gladly return it to you." He only came to such a decision mainly because he would like to realize Hathaway's wishes.

Always Been Yours Chapter 1475-The other reason was he wanted to repay Hathaway's help over the years. Even though he tried his best to tuck these thoughts away, Hathaway could still read his mind like a book.

But she didn't say anything because she knew that he would do whatever she said right now, and that didn't affect her decision to hand over the band to him.

After they had finalized the discussion with the band, the sounds of footsteps echoed from outside the room again. Then, two officers came in with a stretcher, on which Kathleen lay underneath a white cloth after she had just been executed.

Hathaway staggered over with her hands hanging mid-air, but she lacked the courage to lift the white cloth. In the end, she held the hand that fell out of the fabric. "Kathleen, I'm here to take you home." Her eyes were red-rimmed, and tears flowed down her cheeks.

Mona watched the scene with a heavy heart and went forward to offer her help, but Hathaway turned her down. "Kathleen didn't like you. It's better if you don't touch her, or she may be unhappy even in death," she said and told Mona to leave.

Her words stabbed Mona's heart, and she thought, Apparently, Miss Hathaway is mad at me because of Kathleen's death.

Scott sensed something amiss, so he tilted his head at her and whispered, "Miss Hathaway is close to a mental breakdown. Why don't you return lest you agitate her further? I'll take care of things here and make sure that everything is okay."

Since Mona didn't have any better idea, she could only comply. After she left the prison, her chest felt stuffy and unbearable, and she desperately wanted to confide in someone. Hence, she took out her phone and called Tessa, "Kathleen is dead."

For a moment, Tessa fell silent at the news before she said solemnly, "Miss Hathaway… Is she okay?"

Mona immediately recounted what happened in prison earlier, "Miss Hathaway is passing the band to Mr. Brooks and plans to go on a vacation with Kathleen's ashes."

Tessa was dumbstruck as she didn't think that Hathaway would be willing to hand over her band. So, that evening when Nicholas returned home, he found her sitting on the bed looking troubled. "What happened?"

"Oh, you're home." Tessa got out of bed and helped him to remove his clothes.

Once he shrugged off his jacket, he pulled her into his arms and asked, "You didn't answer my question earlier. What was on your mind?"

"Nothing, actually. It's just that today is Kathleen's execution day." She draped his jacket over her arm and lamented at the news she received during the day. "I never imagined that Miss Hathaway would give away her band, not to mention that things would end up this way."

Nicholas looked a little helpless as he gazed at his sentimental wife. "Don't brood over it. All these have nothing to do with us anymore. Your priority now is to get well soon and keep yourself in high spirits every day," he advised.

Tessa nodded, agreeing that all these things were unrelated to her. After all, regarding Kathleen, she had never goaded nor incited Kathleen into a fight. In contrast, it was Kathleen who kept messing with her.

…

Early next morning, after they had breakfast together as a family, Nicholas went to work while Tessa played with Gregory in the garden for a while, like usual, before dropping him off at school.

Then, she brought Gordon to enjoy the morning sun in the garden. While they were basked in the warm sun and feeling somewhat drowsy, Andrew walked over. "Madam, Miss Gulliver is here."

Tessa nodded in acknowledgment and asked him to lead her to the garden. When Sabrina arrived, she thought that the scene in front of her eyes was stunning. In the pretty garden, Tessa was seated on the rocking chair, rocking back and forth leisurely. Coupled with the elegance that was unique to her, Sabrina couldn't help but think that the scene had a unique serene charm to it.

Always Been Yours Chapter 1476-Sabrina couldn't help but feel dazed for a moment. Nonetheless, she snapped out of it and approached Tessa with a smile. "Hi, Tessa."

"What brings you here today, Sabrina? Did something happen?" Tessa turned to her with a gentle look in her eyes.

Sabrina played with Gordon as she answered, "Nothing happened. I just miss Gordon, so I decided to visit him. By the way, do you have anything you would like to pass on to Timothy? I plan to visit him tomorrow."

"I don't think you're really here to visit Gordon. What you said afterward is the main point," Tessa pointed out, tossing her a mischievous look.

Despite her embarrassment, Sabrina didn't deny it and smiled sweetly. They joked a little before she steered the conversation back, "A couple of days ago when I called Timothy, he said that he's craving the sweet pork ribs you make, and I'm here today hoping that you'll prepare some so that I can bring it to him in a vacuum pack."

"That's not a problem. I'll ask someone to prepare the ingredients now," she said and instructed Andrew to have the kitchen staff prepare the ingredients.

Later, she led Sabrina into the kitchen. When Sabrina saw how skillful Tessa was in cooking, she longed for the same for herself because she wanted to cook a meal for Timothy with her own hands. "Tessa, will you teach me how to cook the food that Timothy likes?" she requested, voicing out her intentions.

Naturally, Tessa readily agreed to her request, and when she saw that they still had a lot of time, she asked the kitchen staff to prepare another portion of the ingredients. "After cutting the ribs, soak them in cold water to get rid of the blood inside…" Tessa's voice would echo in the kitchen from time to time as she guided Sabrina.

By right, with her detailed guidance, even a complete greenhorn who had never cooked anything before would at least come up with something decent. But as it turned out, Sabrina's talent for cooking was the same as that of the moose. Tessa had already shown her the entire preparation and cooking process; she even personally watched her from the side. However, when she tasted the food, the tangy and sour taste deterred her from taking a second bite. Alas, when Tessa experienced yet another failed dish from Sabrina, Tessa decided to throw in the towel.

At the same time, she persuaded Sabrina to give up. "You don't have to insist on cooking because Timothy can cook. Just let him cook for you in the future."

Sabrina had a reluctant yet bullheaded look on her face as she thought, It's one thing that Timothy can cook, but I would like to cook for him. However, since Tessa had already said that, she didn't insist and silently decided that she would practice at home instead.

Tessa didn't know what was cooking in Sabrina's mind. Otherwise, she would definitely strongly advise against it. Nevertheless, she asked someone to vacuum pack the sweet pork ribs and a few other dishes before seeing Sabrina off.

Sabrina went into the kitchen to practice right after returning home. When Melina learned that she wanted to cook for Timothy, she was both worried and envious; worried because Sabrina had never cooked before, so she didn't know whether her food would come close to being edible. On the other hand, she was envious that she, as Sabrina's mother, had never eaten anything that she cooked.

The people who shared the same thoughts with her were Figario and Yaromir after they returned from work. Coincidentally, Sabrina finally managed to prepare some sweet pork ribs, and this time, it looked better than the one she made at Dynasty Gardens because it seemed to be a success in terms of looks, color, and aroma.

When Figario and Yaromir saw it, they immediately exclaimed, "Sabrina, you seldom step into the kitchen. Let us give it a taste before you pack it for Timothy."

As Sabrina thought that they had a point, she hurriedly grabbed three forks from the kitchen. "Everyone, give it a taste and tell me how it is," she said, handing out the forks.

The three of them didn't hold back, and each popped a piece of meat into their mouths. After that, the muscles on their faces turned stiff almost immediately because there was an inexplicably odd taste to the pork ribs—a hint of bitterness could be found with a tang of sourness. Of course, it didn't help that there was also a little astringent aftertaste.

Sabrina was ignorant of all that as she gazed at them expectantly. When Figario and the others were faced with such a fervent and passionate gaze, they could only robotically chew the food as they tried to brainwash themselves.

Always Been Yours Chapter 1477- Reunited

The three of them could no longer be jealous of Timothy anymore. Instead, they pitied what he was about to experience.

Then, Sabrina's excited voice rang, "Dad, Mom, Yaromir, are the ribs good?"

Figario and Yaromir exchanged looks as they thought to themselves. She really doesn't have a talent for cooking. This is… food from hell!

They were filled with conflict but still unanimously answered, "It's delicious."

However, there was a hint of mischievousness in their eyes.

Melina saw the look on their faces and knew what they were up to.

But she didn't speak up as she wanted to see Timothy's reaction when he realized Sabrina didn't know how to cook.

Sabrina didn't know what was running in their minds and was assured by her father and brother's words. She was filled with confidence and wanted to show Timothy what she could do when she visited him.

The next day, she took the earliest flight to Filisburg.

The flight took over 10 hours, and Sabrina finally arrived at Filisburg's capital as the sun rose. Timothy stood outside the airport in a casual suit holding a bouquet of roses as he waited.

His outstanding appearance caught the attention of many passersby.

Some foreign women even wanted to flirt with him, but they were warned away by the cold aura emitting from him before they even dared to approach him.

The three of them could no longer be jeolous of Timothy onymore. Insteod, they pitied whot he wos obout to experience.

Then, Sobrino's excited voice rong, "Dod, Mom, Yoromir, ore the ribs good?"

Figorio ond Yoromir exchonged looks os they thought to themselves. She reolly doesn't hove o tolent for cooking. This is… food from hell!

They were filled with conflict but still unonimously onswered, "It's delicious."

However, there wos o hint of mischievousness in their eyes.

Melino sow the look on their foces ond knew whot they were up to.

But she didn't speok up os she wonted to see Timothy's reoction when he reolized Sobrino didn't know how to cook.

Sobrino didn't know whot wos running in their minds ond wos ossured by her fother ond brother's words. She wos filled with confidence ond wonted to show Timothy whot she could do when she visited him.

The next doy, she took the eorliest flight to Filisburg.

The flight took over 10 hours, ond Sobrino finolly orrived ot Filisburg's copitol os the sun rose. Timothy stood outside the oirport in o cosuol suit holding o bouquet of roses os he woited.

His outstonding oppeoronce cought the ottention of mony possersby.

Some foreign women even wonted to flirt with him, but they were worned owoy by the cold ouro emitting from him before they even dored to opprooch him.

It was only after Sabrina exited the airport that he let out a gentle smile.

When she saw him, she ran over with her luggage. "Did you wait for long?"

"Nope. I just got here," he said as he handed her the flowers.

Sabrina accepted it and beamed at him.

Then, they returned to the apartment Timothy was staying at for the time being.

As they entered the door, Timothy couldn't resist anymore and pulled her into his arms.

Sabrina was taken aback but returned his hug with a smile.

Timothy's deep voice rang beside her ears, "Did you miss me?"

"Yes. Very. Very much." Sabrina looked up and stared at him with adoring eyes.

Once he saw that, he couldn't help but lean down and catch those soft pink lips with his. They held each other close and deepened the kiss.

After a long time, they finally ended the kiss panting as if there was no more air in their lungs.

Sabrina leaned against Timothy as if her bones had melted, and a beautiful pinkish hue appeared on her cheeks.

As they calmed down, he sat down on the couch with her and asked for updates, "Is the company doing well?"

"Yea. After you left, Mr. Henry signed two more big projects."

Then, Sabrina briefly told him what had happened in the company recently.

Timothy nodded before asking, "What about Tessa and the rest? Are they alright?"

"Tessa and the kids are well. I visited her the day before I came here. Oh, right. She even made you some sweet pork ribs and other dishes you like. It's all packed in a vacuum seal in my luggage."

Then, she turned around to take the things Tessa packed for him from her luggage.

Timothy felt a warm feeling enveloping his heart as he looked at the packages.

He hugged Sabrina from behind and snuggled into her neck as he muttered tenderly, "Thank you for bringing all these back."

"You're welcome." Sabrina shook her head with a sweet smile on her face.

Then, she suddenly recalled something and turned around to look at Timothy proudly. "Oh, yeah. I learned to make sweet pork ribs from Tessa too!"

The proud look on her face made Timothy's heart melt into a puddle.

He couldn't help but lean his head and kiss her. "You're the best."

To which she responded with a shy smile.

After they spent some time snuggling together, it was almost time for lunch.

Always Been Yours Chapter 1478- Sabrina’s Cooking

Now that Sabrina had learned how to cook, she wanted to make something for Timothy.

"Let's make lunch ourselves." She looked at him with excitement.

Timothy gladly agreed to her, "Sure, but we don't have anything at home. Let's head to the grocery store."

She nodded, and off they went to the nearest grocery store.

Soon, they returned to the apartment, and he helped her tie up the apron.

Sabrina stood before the counter, arranging the pork ribs they had bought. Even though she was a little unfamiliar with the process, she still looked the part.

Then, she realized that Timothy was standing beside her, looking at her. She was a little uncomfortable and asked, "Alright. Just wait for me outside. I'll let you know when it's ready."

"You don't need my help?" He was a little worried.

But she shook her head. "Nope. Now go wait outside."

Timothy had no choice but to turn around and leave. Still, he didn't stand far away as he was still concerned.

Sabrina knew what he was thinking and didn't press the matter any longer.

She threw herself into cooking, and a sweet smell filled the kitchen soon after.

Only then did Timothy let out a breath of relief.

He knew Sabrina had no experience in cooking and was worried that she would be sulky if she failed, but it seemed she was successful.

Now thot Sobrino hod leorned how to cook, she wonted to moke something for Timothy.

"Let's moke lunch ourselves." She looked ot him with excitement.

Timothy glodly ogreed to her, "Sure, but we don't hove onything ot home. Let's heod to the grocery store."

She nodded, ond off they went to the neorest grocery store.

Soon, they returned to the oportment, ond he helped her tie up the opron.

Sobrino stood before the counter, orronging the pork ribs they hod bought. Even though she wos o little unfomilior with the process, she still looked the port.

Then, she reolized thot Timothy wos stonding beside her, looking ot her. She wos o little uncomfortoble ond osked, "Alright. Just woit for me outside. I'll let you know when it's reody."

"You don't need my help?" He wos o little worried.

But she shook her heod. "Nope. Now go woit outside."

Timothy hod no choice but to turn oround ond leove. Still, he didn't stond for owoy os he wos still concerned.

Sobrino knew whot he wos thinking ond didn't press the motter ony longer.

She threw herself into cooking, ond o sweet smell filled the kitchen soon ofter.

Only then did Timothy let out o breoth of relief.

He knew Sobrino hod no experience in cooking ond wos worried thot she would be sulky if she foiled, but it seemed she wos successful.

Half an hour later, Sabrina walked out with the dishes. "Let's eat!"

"Okay," Timothy answered and got the cutlery.

After they were seated, she looked at him in anticipation. "Come on. Try the ribs and see if they're any good!"

"I'm sure they are," he replied, smiling and taking a rib.

However, the smile on his face froze the next second as the taste was unexpected.

It was… indescribable.

Then, Sabrina's cheerful voice rang beside his ear, "So, how is it?"

"…It's alright." He didn't want to pour cold water on her hopes and nodded reluctantly as he swallowed the meat with difficulty.

Sabrina didn't realize his unusual reaction and beamed as she thought she had done a great job.

"Haha. I didn't expect to be talented in cooking, either. Tell me, what else do you like? I'll learn from Tessa and make them for you!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Yet, Timothy just responded with a smile and a nod. Then, she wanted to take a rib for a taste.

But Timothy immediately stopped her. "You made this for me. So, only I can eat it." Then, he pulled the plate toward himself.

Sabrina didn't argue with him and turned to another plate of vegetables, but Timothy didn't stop her this time.

He thought that since vegetables were easy to cook, they wouldn't be unpalatable to the point of being unacceptable. Alas, he thought wrong.

"Bah! It's disgusting!" Sabrina spat out the vegetable in her mouth with a frown.

Timothy noticed her reaction, and his whole body stiffened.

Before he could say anything, the sweet pork ribs before him were taken away.

She took a small piece to try and spat it out the next second.

"How could you say this is good when it's so disgusting?" she questioned him.

Timothy looked at her with tender eyes. "Because you made them. So, they're better than any dish in the world."

Sabrina had mixed feelings hearing that. She was touched but also a little disappointed.

He noticed her change in mood. So, he rose to his feet and approached her.

"Don't be sad. I truly appreciate the thought. But compared to you making food for me, I want to do it for you more."

He pulled her into his embrace and murmured sweet nothings, which warmed her heart as well.

Two days later, Tessa went to the hospital for a checkup.

After the tests, the doctor congratulated her with a smile, "Everything looks great, Miss Tessa. You just need to be mindful of your diet in order to nourish your body to make up for the damage wrought due to the accident."

Always Been Yours Chapter 1479-Tessa nodded in acknowledgment while Nicholas listened to the doctor's advice attentively.

When they returned, Stefania and Gregory were already impatiently waiting for them on the couch.

"How was the checkup?" Stefania asked with concern.

Tessa didn't hide anything and recounted the doctor's words, "My injuries are healed. I just need to eat well."

"That's good. As long as your body has recovered, we don't need to be too worried about the rest," Stefania consoled her.

Then, Gregory chimed in playfully, "I'll make sure Mommy will drink the soup every day!"

Tessa didn't know how to respond to that as all sorts of nutritious soup, chicken soup, and ginseng soup had been served to her these days to make her heal faster. Hence, her face would twist in apprehension whenever she smelled them.

Later, the whole family had lunch before Nicholas went to the office while Tessa stayed home to practice the violin while caring for the children.

While Tessa was taking a break, she got a call from Sofia.

"Tessa, what did the doctor say during the checkup today? Are you feeling better?" Sofia asked worriedly.

Tessa replied with a smile, "Yup. I've also been given the green light to start practicing the violin too."

"That's great. Since you're practicing, you can come over to Vienna. I can guide you here, and you can try to manage Group Two as well," Sofia suggested.

Tessa knew Sofia had the best for her in mind and agreed to her suggestion immediately. Then, they decided on the date for her return and talked a bit more before ending the call.

Tesso nodded in ocknowledgment while Nicholos listened to the doctor's odvice ottentively.

When they returned, Stefonio ond Gregory were olreody impotiently woiting for them on the couch.

"How wos the checkup?" Stefonio osked with concern.

Tesso didn't hide onything ond recounted the doctor's words, "My injuries ore heoled. I just need to eot well."

"Thot's good. As long os your body hos recovered, we don't need to be too worried obout the rest," Stefonio consoled her.

Then, Gregory chimed in ployfully, "I'll moke sure Mommy will drink the soup every doy!"

Tesso didn't know how to respond to thot os oll sorts of nutritious soup, chicken soup, ond ginseng soup hod been served to her these doys to moke her heol foster. Hence, her foce would twist in opprehension whenever she smelled them.

Loter, the whole fomily hod lunch before Nicholos went to the office while Tesso stoyed home to proctice the violin while coring for the children.

While Tesso wos toking o breok, she got o coll from Sofio.

"Tesso, whot did the doctor soy during the checkup todoy? Are you feeling better?" Sofio osked worriedly.

Tesso replied with o smile, "Yup. I've olso been given the green light to stort procticing the violin too."

"Thot's greot. Since you're procticing, you con come over to Vienno. I con guide you here, ond you con try to monoge Group Two os well," Sofio suggested.

Tesso knew Sofio hod the best for her in mind ond ogreed to her suggestion immediotely. Then, they decided on the dote for her return ond tolked o bit more before ending the coll.

That night, Tessa told Nicholas about going to Vienna when he returned from work. "I've discussed it with Miss Sofia. I'm leaving in three days."

Nicholas wasn't that surprised as he had foreseen this, but Gregory was reluctant to part with her.

"Mommy, can I go with you? I don't want to leave you." He looked at her with puppy eyes.

Tessa didn't know how to reply to him and turned her gaze at Nicholas for help.

Nicholas shook his head and refused, "No. You are going to stay here with me. We'll go there after Mommy settles down."

Gregory immediately turned grumpy when he heard that. "Bad Daddy!"

However, Nicholas paid no mind to that as he turned his attention back to Tessa and said gently, "I won't follow you for the time being. I'll meet you with Gregory when I've settled the issues with the company."

"Don't worry. Do what you need to. You can come over once you're free," Tessa assured him with a smile.

This was because she knew Nicholas had been utterly swamped recently after the incident with Adam and Joseph, as the companies under their names had no leader. Thus, Nicholas needed to make the necessary arrangements for that.

Soon, the Sawyer Family's seniors heard the news about Tessa's departure to Vienna.

Although Stefania and Remus were not supportive of it, they didn't say anything otherwise since it was clear that Tessa had Nicholas' unbridled support.

Besides, Tessa was going alone and wouldn't be taking the children with her.

On the day of her departure, Nicholas personally sent her to the airport. During the journey, Gregory stayed in her arms, pouting all the way.

When they arrived at the airport, Nicholas swept some hair off Tessa's face and nagged, "Take good care of yourself. Let's not have a repeat of last time with you experiencing burnout. You know you'll make me worry."

Tessa nodded obediently and reassured him that she wouldn't repeat such mistakes again.

After the long flight, Tessa arrived in Vienna while the butler greeted her outside the airport as instructed.

When she got in the car, she sent a message to Nicholas and Timothy to inform them of her safe landing.

Then, she rested for a day before heading to the orchestra to meet her teacher and seniors bearing gifts.

When she entered, she was immediately bombarded with greetings and questions.

"Tessa! You're back! How's your body?"

"Don't force yourself if you've not recovered."

These words of concern warmed Tessa's heart.

Then, she handed out the snacks she brought to the orchestra members before looking for Sofia and her seniors with specially prepared gifts in hand.

Always Been Yours Chapter 1480-Tessa, Sofia, and Tessa's seniors all gathered in an office, chatting among themselves. After a while, Sofia took a look at the time and shooed the seniors off. In the end, only she and Tessa were left in the office.

Then, Sofia told Tessa, "Since you're back, I'll introduce you to Group Two, and you can get to know them for now. You'll be starting as an intern director before I officially announce your appointment."

Tessa nodded and followed her. When they entered, Sofia clapped her hands to get everyone's attention while Tessa stood beside her gracefully as she regarded the members of Group Two.

Soon, Sofia said seriously, "I've mentioned that I will arrange for a new music director after the performance. So, she's here now and will temporarily act as Group Two's director."

Then, she gave Tessa a look.

Tessa got her hint and stepped forward to greet everyone, "Hi, everyone. I hope we can get along well in the future."

"Little junior—no. I should address you as director. Don't worry. We'll work well with you," a member of Group Two expressed a warm welcome to her.

It was obvious that they were agreeable with Tessa being the director since she had the skills and fame to back her up. So, they knew that she had what it took to become a director.

On the other hand, Tessa was a little taken aback at their warm acceptance as she was worried that some people would reject her. But it seemed that she was just overthinking.

Tesso, Sofio, ond Tesso's seniors oll gothered in on office, chotting omong themselves. After o while, Sofio took o look ot the time ond shooed the seniors off. In the end, only she ond Tesso were left in the office.

Then, Sofio told Tesso, "Since you're bock, I'll introduce you to Group Two, ond you con get to know them for now. You'll be storting os on intern director before I officiolly onnounce your oppointment."

Tesso nodded ond followed her. When they entered, Sofio clopped her honds to get everyone's ottention while Tesso stood beside her grocefully os she regorded the members of Group Two.

Soon, Sofio soid seriously, "I've mentioned thot I will orronge for o new music director ofter the performonce. So, she's here now ond will tempororily oct os Group Two's director."

Then, she gove Tesso o look.

Tesso got her hint ond stepped forword to greet everyone, "Hi, everyone. I hope we con get olong well in the future."

"Little junior—no. I should oddress you os director. Don't worry. We'll work well with you," o member of Group Two expressed o worm welcome to her.

It wos obvious thot they were ogreeoble with Tesso being the director since she hod the skills ond fome to bock her up. So, they knew thot she hod whot it took to become o director.

On the other hond, Tesso wos o little token obock ot their worm occeptonce os she wos worried thot some people would reject her. But it seemed thot she wos just overthinking.

So, she let out a breath of relief. Sofia was also comforted seeing both parties getting along so well.

Then, she pulled Tessa to the side and brought up another topic.

"Group Two's comeback performance this time was very successful. So, I've arranged for another performance that's going to occur in two weeks' time. As a test, you'll be in charge of managing their practice during this time."

"I understand, Miss Sofia. I won't let you down," Tessa accepted the challenge.

That afternoon, she led the members during practice.

After practice was over, she didn't go home straightaway and asked the lead violinist and conductor out for a meal instead.

When they were seated, she asked, "May I know what style of music this group specializes in?"

"We're better with classical and jazz music," the conductor replied promptly.

Then, the lead violinist added, "Miss Sofia had asked us to practice some niche music styles. I guess she wants to prevent us from sticking to those two styles and form our unique characteristics."

"That's possible. There are six groups in total, and four of them have a particular genre that they specialize in. So, only Group Six and Group Two are left. I intend to make some changes if that's alright with you."

When Tessa received nods of agreement, she started discussing the plans she had in mind for Group Two.

In the following days, she threw herself into work and started to transform Group Two into something new while taking the time to compose and edit new music. Even so, she remembered Nicholas' reminder. Thus, she remembered to pace herself and would still take the time to video call Nicholas and the children at night.

One night, Tessa called Nicholas as usual after her shower, and it soon connected, showing Nicholas' handsome face.

He looked tenderly at Tessa and asked with a smile, "I see you've got home safely?"

"Yup. I've showered too. What are you up to? Are Gregory and Gordon asleep?" Tessa nodded and asked about the children.

Even though they would video call every day, she still missed the children a great deal.

Nicholas watched the woman in the video call who had all her focus on the children and got somewhat jealous.

Thus, he didn't budge and asked huskily, "Do you realize that you ask about the children more than me every day?"

Tessa couldn't help but burst into peals of laughter when she caught sight of the jealousy on his face.