Nathalie's presentation made a good impression on the Professor and with a very small difference in grades, she ranked first in the marketing course. Nicholas was in second place.Both concepts were considered very good, but Nathalie's was considered more friendly, because it also took into account the value of housing ownership by the lower middle class.When the professor praised Nathalie's presentation, she could feel Nicholas' sharp gaze piercing her sharply."Ah, Nathalie, shouldn't you and Nicholas be in the same group?" asked Arnold, the class president. "Why are you and him working alone?""Oh," Nathalie replied while looking at Nicholas. She deliberately raised her voice. "I don't like working with people who are too confident that their ideas will be the best, so that before they even start, they are already afraid that their ideas will be stolen."The corner of Nathalie's eye saw Nicholas' eyebrows furrow, and she smirked.Her friends were amazed at Nathalie's challenging a
Eight years ago, Harlington University participated in a clean-up drive by the beach. Many students signed up for it because it earned them extra credit.Nathalie and her friend Sandra had just finished picking up trash by the shores when Nathalie said, "I am so thirsty. This scorching heat is going to melt me if I don't get a drink right now!""I'm already soaked in sweat," Sandra said, fanning herself. "Let's go to the bar to get a drink."They had surrendered their collected trash to another school representative before going to the floating restaurant and bar. The bar was crowded by the the students and other tourists passing by around the beach.When Nathalie and Sandra made it to the bar and restaurant, she bumped into two famous, celebrity-like men in her college. Nicholas Grand and Charles Frederick.Nathalie had just learned how famous they were, especially Nicholas Grand.He is a Grand, a noble family that has been in the top ten richest families in America for the past tw
Back to the present.At Grand's Enterprises Headquarters."They've started?" Nicholas asked George."I think so," George replied with a knowing smile. "They started the meeting an hour early. Panicking."Nicholas smirked and pushed the door open quietly.All the people in the meeting room, who were busy arguing with each other, stared at Nicholas who had just arrived."Why did you just come?" asked Andy Grand, Nicholas' father. He is upset."Wasn't the meeting notice for eight? It's only eight minutes past seven," Nicholas said calmly. "I have other work to be done."Andy snorted. What his son said was true and he knew very well that Nicholas was a punctual person."This is the third project the Big Construction Firm has taken from us. All they took was the big projects.""They can offer lower prices than us because they also have metal factories, so that becomes a subsidy for development.""It isn't just the bid!" Andy said. "From what I have gathered, the Big Construction Firm offe
"I'll accompany you," Nathalie said, grabbing her bag. "I'm ready."Nicholas's brows furrowed. "What do you mean, you'll accompany me? Didn't you promise to accompany your father for a check-up today?""The time has been postponed until tomorrow," Nathalie answered lightly. "I'll visit him after you finish therapy."Nicholas shook his head, "But therapy will--""Come on, Nicholas, didn't I tell you that I'll accompany you? I don't like you making me go back on my word."Nicholas was stunned to hear Nathalie's words. Why did he become the guilty party when he just didn't want to burden Nathalie.He sighed and finally nodded. "Okay, whatever you want, Nate."Nathalie smiled. "Let's go!""Wait," Nicholas held her back, grabbing Nathalie's arm and holding her back. "I forgot to grab my cane.""Ah, wait, I'll get it. I know where you keep it," Nathalie said.She went to the living room and returned with the wooden cane that Nicholas usually used when his legs hurt. The cane was usually pla
Towards evening, after accompanying Hardy to dinner and waiting for him to go to sleep, Nicholas and Nathalie returned home.Lyle was already waiting for them in the hospital yard when they came out and quickly opened the door, taking over Nicholas' cane."Are your legs no longer sore?" Nathalie asked."No," Nicholas replied. "I took my medicine earlier, after lunch."Nathalie nodded and they were silent throughout the journey, enjoying the comfortable silence, because of each other's presence.After arriving home, Nathalie immediately sat on the living room sofa, stretching her sore legs.Madam Olla approached her. "You must be very tired. Do you want me to make you a warm drink? Chamomile tea would be delicious."Nathalie looked up and took Madam Olla's hand with a grateful look. "Yes, I would love to, Madam, you are very understanding."Madam Olla smiled and patted Nathalie's hand gently, then went to the kitchen.Nicholas entered accompanied by Lyle. He raised his eyebrows, seein
"What are you doing today?" Nicholas asked this morning at breakfast. "What time are you going to the hospital?"Nathalie looked at her watch. "I think I'll visit him this afternoon," she said. "My father said some of his friends will come to visit and he seems very happy. He probably misses the times when he was still working and the arrival of his friends will definitely cheer him up.""That's good. When they talk about the past and reminisce together, it will make them happy and the body responds well," Nicholas said. "That's why some elderly people prefer to live in a nursing home rather than being lonely at their child's house.""Because in a nursing home they will get friends of the same age who can understand each other?Nicholas nodded. "Yes. They get a different kind of happiness there, because they understand each other's stories even though they have just met there. At home, they couldn't tell their past to their busy working children who came home tired, and instead often
This morning after breakfast, Nathalie decided to talk about the interior design company that Nicholas would start with her.Nathalie cleared her throat, catching Nicholas' attention as he was scrolling through something on his phone.Nicholas looked up, his eyebrows raised and his steely eyes staring at Nathalie. "Yes, Nate?""Umm... Sorry to interrupt. How about the company you're going to start? Nsync?"Nicholas put his phone on the table and said, "I'm still in the process of it. We need to recruit a lot of people to complete the organizational structure of the company and for you, you need to determine the direction of your design signature, to boost promotion and sales.""Oh, I have sketchbooks that contain some of the latest designs that I made. Wait a minute, I'll get them," Nathalie said before going to her bedroom and taking out the sketchbooks.She showed Nicholas her sketches and remarked, "Lately I've also been thinking that there are so many good interior designers latel
"What? Rejected again?" Charles asked angrily. He almost threw the fake flower vase on his desk, to vent his frustration."They said, the new concept we offered did not match what they imagined. They wanted something that was intimate and warm. They asked for too many details, Mr. Frederick," complained Darwin, the assistant marketing manager of Charles Star Co."Mrs. Irene Welsh also asked us to send the design from Mrs. Frederick, or she would cancel her plan to use our company," said Cyntia, Charles' secretary.Charles' heart felt like it was being pinched when Cyntia mentioned Mrs. Frederick, referring to Nathalie.Of course, that only made the dilemma felt by Charles even bigger. It turned out, the hole Nathalie left in the company was that big."Tsk! Don't call Nathalie Mrs. Frederick anymore," said Charles annoyed. "She is not my wife anymore."Cyntia covered her mouth awkwardly. She forgot that her boss had just had problems with his now ex-wife because she was having an affa
"If your father takes over the company again, he will definitely get rid of Leon!" Lilian said in panic. "Your father doesn't like me and Leon, even though Leon is also his grandson.""Calm down, Lilian," Andy said to calm his wife. "My father said he would be fair. He will give the CEO position to those who can bring profit to the company within three months. That means Leon also has the same opportunity to try harder."Lilian stared at Andy in annoyance. "That's just a subtle way to get rid of Leon from the company! Don't you realize that?"Andy's eyebrows rose. "Why do you think that? I don't see anything wrong with my father's way. He inherited the company from his ancestors, guarding, developing, and expanding it with all his mind, energy, and time. He also definitely wants his successor to be able to do what he did for the previous company."Lilian sighed. "Yes, but Leon might not--"Andy stared at Lilian sharply. "Don't tell me you doubt Leon's ability to compete with Nicholas?
"Where are you?" Charles asked, keeping his voice steady."Wh-why do you ask, of course I'm at... Err... I'm at m-mom's house," Gina replied, stuttering a bit.Why did Charles suddenly call? Up until now, Charles rarely called when he was out of the house. Usually he only sent messages, and even then only when he was about to go home."At your mom's house? Why is it so quiet? And why is your voice echoing?" Charles asked again.As soon as she called, Gina walked quickly to the women's bathroom. The man with her stood confusedly near the open studio door."I-I'm in the bathroom," Gina answered quickly."Ah, okay. Do you want me to send you lunch? What do you want?" Charles asked."N-no need," Gina said quickly. She couldn't wait. The movie must have started and Larry was getting annoyed waiting. "My mom will cook.""Okay. I'll be home a bit late today. If you want to go home, just call a taxi," Charles said, deliberately taking his time.Charles saw the man with Gina standing outside t
"Why are you so angry?" Charles asked in a flat tone, sounding more like bored."Honey, haven't you read and seen the news?" Gina said annoyed. "They threw a party that was called a spectacular wedding party and it's been more than a week and it's still being talked about!"Charles sighed. The more he went on, the more tired he felt of dealing with Gina. The woman was very demanding, demanding and difficult to control.She kept throwing tantrums when the news of Nathalie and Nicholas' wedding broke out. She started comparing their wedding preparations that were only a few weeks away and wanted to change some things because she didn't want to lose to Nathalie's party."Gina, do you want to make my mother angry and cancel our wedding altogether?" Charles said. "Talk to her and tell her what you think or ask her to change the concept of your wedding like Nathalie's."Gina was silent, feeling annoyed but she knew there was nothing she could do. Kelly was very fierce to her and she had arr
Lilian was restless.She waited for Merryl, but the woman was nowhere to be seen, even though the party was almost over.Approaching midnight, large fireworks were set off from the middle of the sea.George paid three fishing boats that would sail to set off the fireworks on their way.The beautiful fireworks glowed against the backdrop of the star-filled night sky, making all the guests exclaim in awe and applaud after the fireworks lit up in the sky.Nicholas kissed Nathalie as he watched the fireworks."Finally, my dream has come true. I have you in my life, my dream," Nicholas whispered in Nathalie's ear. "With a bonus," he continued while rubbing Nathalie's stomach.Nathalie smiled and pressed herself into Nicholas' arms. She felt so happy, she couldn't speak. She kissed Nicholas's chin."You really gave me my dream wedding," Nathlie said in a hoarse voice because of the feeling of happiness that was choking her throat."I'm glad everything went smoothly," Nicholas said. "There's
"We are gathered here today, to witness two souls become one in the sacred bond of matrimony. Nicholas Alexander Grand and Nathalie Darren Adams, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Nicholas, you may kiss your wife."Reverend Leslie Boun's words caused the beach sky to fill with cheers and applause, as Nicholas gently pulled Nathalie by the waist and kissed her lips.It was a warm, passionate, and loving kiss. Nathalie wrapped her arms around Nicholas' neck and smiled into the kiss."I love you so much, Mrs. Nathalie Grand," Nicholas whispered."I love you too, Mr. Nicholas Grand," Nathalie replied.Nicholas wiped the corners of Nathalie's wet eyes and led her down from the podium to approach the guests who were ready to offer their congratulations and prayers.The wedding was very lively and attended by many important people, covered by many journalists from various media. The sunny weather combined with the sound of the ocean in the background, the food flow
"This is going to be the most amazing wedding of the century," Lyle murmured as he watched workers stacking chairs from containers onto the beach."Of course," said Madam Olla, standing next to Lyle. "Our young master deserves it. He's been waiting for Ms. Nathalie for over seven years."George arranged for everyone important to arrive the day before the wedding and placed them in semi-permanent tents that had been built on either side of the main house on the island.The main house was large, with an open concept facing the sea, but it was perched on a hill. There were six large rooms and two smaller rooms, with five bathrooms and a swimming pool behind the house.George placed grandfather Jerome, Hardy, and the couple Andy and Lilian, in three of the main rooms. Leon would be coming on the day and Nicholas thought it would be better.Lyle, Madam Olla, and the other staff from the Grand Mansion were placed in semi-permanent tents and they considered it a fun vacation.The twins Emie
"Are you going to keep ignoring me like this?"Gina slammed her bag on the floor angrily and glared at Charles.They had just returned from the Maldives and Gina was tired after sitting on the plane for so long, plus she couldn't stand Charles' attitude.Since that night, when Charles told her that Nathalie was pregnant, Charles had been ignoring her. Talking as needed, touching as needed, sometimes even no touch at all, even just a kiss on the forehead."Okay, if you think of me as just a fun prostitute in bed, at least give me more money!" Gina said sarcastically. "With my face and body, even though I'm pregnant, I'm sure I can get ten times more money than what you give me! Many men have a fetish for pregnant women.""Don't talk carelessly," Charles said in a softer tone. He reached out to grab Gina's shoulder and intended to hug her, but Gina pulled away."You think you're the only one who can treat me like a worthless object?" Gina said sarcastically. "I can do it too! Don't wor
"Are you sure it's Nicholas's child?" Lilian quipped."Why? Do you believe your son's words that Nicholas is sterile?" Nathalie asked in a mocking tone. "You even mocked me for my divorce by my ex-husband because I was considered sterile, right? In reality, none of us are sterile.""But--"Nathalie smiled. "Don't worry, it's very modern now and Nicholas has a good and complete hospital. You can see the DNA test results tomorrow morning if you want."Lilian snorted in annoyance. "You want to marry Nicholas because of his money, right? You know that as a Grand, Nicholas has a lot of inheritance.""Oh? Was that also your motive for being Andy's lover in the past? If I'm not mistaken, you were his secretary, right? I thought a secretary seducing her rich boss, getting pregnant, and asking to be married only existed in cheesy novels and cheap soap operas, but it turned out to be the truth," Nathalie said in a low tone."Are you insulting me?" Lilian asked in annoyance."No, I'm just asking
"Nathalie, are you back?" Hardy asked happily. "I missed you.""I missed you too, Dad. I just got back this morning. My work finished early and Nicholas also had some things to take care of here, so we decided to just go home," Nathalie said. "By the way, Dad, Lyle will pick you up tonight, for dinner with Grandpa Jerome. ""Oh, okay. I'll come," Hardy said happily. "I'm glad you're back and you sound healthy and in good spirits."The grand mansion was ready. Nicholas invited Andy, Lilian, and Leon to dinner. He planned to announce his early wedding plans.Lilian was upset because Nicholas' dinner invitation meant she had to cancel her dinner plans with her club friends."Why can't I not come," Lilian said. "This is a sudden invitation, while my plans with my friends have been made for a long time.""This is Dad's order," Andy said flatly. "If you have a good reason to give to my father when he asks why you're not here, go ahead."Of course Lilian didn't dare to disobey her scary fath