"Who dares to post it?!" Chris immediately stood up, ready to tear down every poster of his wife plastered across the streets, making it clear that it was not up for public display. Last time, when the Capital posted an advertisement featuring Nina with a plunging V-neckline that nearly revealed more than intended, Chris had flown overnight from Alvonia, tearing the poster down himself and sternly warning the organizers. He had stopped just short of physical violence.
"Look how domineering Chris is," Juanita said with a roll of her eyes, teasing him about protecting his wife so fiercely.
At that moment, Nina tugged at Chris, "I won't do posters, just text promotions."
"That's more like it," Chris finally relaxed a bit, commanding, "Only text promotions are allowed."
Juanita shrugged and chuckled, "Alright, your wife, your rules."
Joyce watched the couple bicker with a warm smile. She knew that Chris and Nina had already registered their marriage in Alvonia and that it wouldn't be long before Nina graduated and moved permanently to be with Chris.
"Alright, ease up and have some water," Karl pulled Juanita close and handed her a drink, overhearing her spirited conversation.
"You haven't fully recovered yet, don't exhaust yourself," he cautioned her.
"I'm fine now. It was just a minor issue, stop bringing it up," Juanita replied, a bit annoyed.
"Preterm birth is no minor issue. If I had been any later, you might not have survived," Karl frowned deeply.
"Enough, you've mentioned this hundreds of times. Everyone knows. Can we drop it, please?" Juanita's smile faded, realizing this topic might haunt her forever because of Karl.
"I'm begging you, let's not bring it up again after today," she pleaded, looking genuinely distressed.
"Fine, I'll stop. But you need to be more careful in the future," Karl said sternly.
"Sure," Juanita grimaced.
Joyce observed them, her smile brightening. After a period apart, their affection for each other had only grown stronger.
"It's rare that Vicki and Felix aren't here," Karl noted, scanning the surroundings.
"Yes, Vicki usually loves these gatherings. Recently, her pregnancy has made it difficult for her to travel, and Mr. Saunders likely doesn't approve of her flying," Joyce explained, then suddenly stopped herself from revealing too much about Vicki's complaints regarding her restrictions.
"What else did he restrict?" Juanita asked curiously.
Joyce shook her head, "Too many complaints to remember."
Juanita teased Karl, "Wow, Mr. Saunders is even more controlling than you."
Karl didn't respond but suddenly asked, "Mr. Warner, have you seen Christian after that incident?"
Luther nodded slightly. Christian had disappeared into the crowd, never to be seen again.
"Felix and Vicki had a grand wedding, and Christian didn't attend. He only sent a wedding gift," Luther said, suggesting it was time to move on. "No news is good news. Let him be."
Karl agreed.
The conversation shifted as Kane approached with the children.
"Mummy!" Anderson came running over, followed by Iris and a little girl named Fair.
Nina, curious, asked, "Who is this?"
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