Chapter 016Nicole"What the hell are you talking about?" Lawrence Monroe abruptly stood up from his chair, utterly astonished by the information he had just received. The fact that his eldest son, who had been living independently since he brought home his new spouse, could afford to give him a gift valued at one hundred thousand dollars per gram was simply beyond his understanding."You heard me loud and clear, my friend," Wilsdorf remarked with a chuckle. "I never jest when it comes to business. You really don't know me that much, huh?""It's not like that, my friend." Lawrence's focus shifted from Wilsdorf to his son, who was now approaching me. He seemed eager to make eye contact, yet Nathan's gaze remained solely fixed on me."What happened?" I whispered as he drew nearer. "What kind of stone did you give to your father? Where did you get it? I thought you were short of money. That stone is quite valuable! I can hardly believe it..."He opened his mouth, ready to answer me, but
Chapter 017Nicole"M-me, Nicole Summers?" I laughed, but it sounded so fake.''W-what are you talking about?'' I stammered as I asked, diverting my gaze from him, avoiding eye contact. ''Did you not discuss this whole arranged marriage with my family? What makes you question my identity now? I can't believe you're telling me this now. You should've discussed this in front of my family earlier."I was entirely oblivious to the thoughts that were occupying Nathan's mind. I was so sure he didn't hear dad calling Kendra. This only indicated that from the moment we got married, he had already harbored suspicions of betrayal.I heaved a heavy sigh as I shut my eyes and reclined against my seat, not wanting him to notice the growing sense of dread in my expression. My hands trembled as I hid them under my arms, crossing them on my chest."You really think I'm that fucking stupid, huh?" he chuckled, but it came off angry. "You know what I'm talking about..." His tone was laced with a menacing
Chapter 018"Fuck, fuck, fuck! Fucking Nathan Monroe!" Homer found himself in a deeply embarrassing situation at the dinner party, where he had expended millions on gifts yet was dismissed by Lawrence Monroe. His frustration was directed towards Nathan and the Summers family, leading him to disregard all of them, including Kendra.In a fit of anger, Homer raked his fingers through his hair and hurled a glass of wine against the wall, shattering it into fragments. He paced back and forth in the pool area, his chest rising and falling dramatically, a clear manifestation of his fury. "If I hadn't invited that Nathan Monroe to the party, he wouldn't have been able to show up and steal the spotlight! Fuck him!"Meanwhile, Sylvia and Victor were engaged in a serious discussion, filled with resentment. They had sold several family heirlooms to gain entry to the party, and now found themselves relying on credit cards to survive after what they had hoped would be a significant opportunity. "Wh
Chapter 019The thought of Homer still in love with Nicole caused Kendra's fists to tighten, her nails pressing into her palm. 'I'll make her pay for this!' her mind screamed. 'She's the reason why I lost my baby. It was all because of her that Homer is upset right now!'"I don’t think we can continue like this…" Homer's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, his words deepened her frown as she looked up at him. "I don’t think I can still stay with you…"She began to resent herself for failing to grasp the meaning behind his statement. What was he trying to say to her?Noticing her confusion, Homer continued, "The only reason I ever allowed myself to stay in this relationship was because of our baby, but now that our baby is gone, I don't think there's still a reason for us to be together…"For the moment, she found herself at a loss for words. She had believed he loved her. She thought he had come to care for her after she had stolen him from Nicole. That wretched woman!"I'm sorry, K
Chapter 020NicoleAfter realizing that I needed money for Andrea's medical expenses and for my daily needs, I made the decision to seek employment. I was in search of a really respectable job. Given my experience at that illegal casino, I found it hard to believe I could ever work in such an environment again.I sent out resumes to numerous companies looking for office personnel, yet none of them responded. I also attempted to apply for positions as a barista or waitress, but I have not had any success in receiving a call.My hope was dwindling. The thought of asking Nathan for assistance in applying to the company where he worked as the driver for his boss crossed my mind. Although I had heard that a driver's salary was lower than that of other firms, it was certainly preferable to having no job at all.After I was done washing the dishes I used for dinner, I ascended the stairs slowly. Nathan had just returned home, and he didn't join me for dinner.Earlier, while I was dining alon
Chapter 021NicoleI glanced down at my wristwatch, and my eyes widened when I saw that it was only five minutes before nine. I raced down the street as quickly as my legs could muster.I was already behind schedule for my job interview, and I could not afford to miss this rare opportunity. Securing a position at the Maxwell Group would be an excellent choice for my career. In fact, it was the ideal place for me. They were certainly in a position to offer a competitive salary—one that would provide for my needs and assist in covering Andrea's treatment expenses."Excuse me..." I said politely as I inadvertently bumped into several people along the way. I was trying to compensate for lost time, yet it seemed I was hindered by a few individuals who were ambling along at a leisurely pace in front of me.This was entirely Nathan’s fault! If he hadn’t offered to drive me earlier, I would have arrived on time!"Are you heading out?" Nathan asked as I rushed down the stairs this morning befo
Chapter 022NicoleA fleeting wave of dizziness washed over me, and my palms were slick with perspiration, and I swallowed hard upon noticing four individuals seated behind a long table just as I stepped inside."Good morning..." I greeted them with a respectful bow, and the three of them gazed at me intently, while the fourth, who was positioned at the far end, barely acknowledged me—his head lowered, eyes fixed on the documents before him. I couldn't get a clear view of him, yet he seemed familiar, or maybe I was only imagining it.I diverted my gaze from that person and forced a smile onto my face. "Please take a seat, Miss..." The middle-aged man in a grey suit gestured for me to sit on the chair positioned in front of them.I complied politely, striving to manage my anxiety. There was a brief moment of silence before the first interviewer broke it. "What's your name?""I'm Nicole Summers..." I replied softly, struggling to recognize my own voice. I hoped they could hear me and th
Chapter 023Nicole"Nathan!" I called out to him, but he had already gotten in the car. "Nathan!"My eyes widened as the vehicle began to pull away. I contemplated pursuing it, but then I felt my phone vibrate in my bag. Diverting my attention from Nathan, I hesitantly answered the call as I watched the car disappear from my sight. "Hello…?""Is this Miss Nicole Summers?" the woman from the other end asked."Yes, what can I do for you?""Well, I am reaching out on behalf of Wellington Group. I am pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed our screening process, and we would like to invite you for an interview today," the woman at the other end of the line informed me.Oh, another interview? Great!Even though I was still grappling with disappointment from my previous interview, and my body was slightly trembling, I think I had to attend this one."Thank you for informing me. I will head there shortly," I responded before ending the call. With a sigh, I shoved my phone bac
Chapter 029NicoleI stood calmly in front of the doors, a nervous smile fixed on my face as I waited for the elevator to reach the tenth floor, where I had previously been interviewed. The guy who helped me earlier was standing on my right, a middle-aged man in between us. I turned to look at him, and I noticed that he was busy typing on his phone.The elevator dinged, and the doors opened on the ninth floor. The handsome guy stepped out, not even glancing at my side. I opened my mouth to thank him again, but the doors slid closed after three more people got out.Upon reaching the tenth floor, I exited and immediately spotted Cara at her desk. "Good morning, Miss Cara," I greeted her, and when she looked up, I noticed her eyes sparkled, a clear sign that she remembered me. "I'm Nicole Summers, the newly hired employee. It's my first day today.""Oh, hello, Miss Summers," she greeted, her smile radiating more warmth than when we first met. "I'm really pleased that the HR department re
Chapter 028Nicole"N-Nathan, what are you doing?" I tried to move away from him again, but his hold tightened on my chin."I said, stay still...'' he murmured, and I felt as though my heart almost stopped when his gaze darted on my lips, and I absentmindedly licked the bottom with my tongue, and I saw how his Adam's apple bobbed up and down.I flickered my eyes, and I met his gaze, captivated by the depth of his striking blue eyes. It was incomprehensible to me how a man of such remarkable appearance could be subjected to ridicule and scorn by those who were only interested in the amount he was hiding in his pocket. And how could someone like him be rejected by his own father?"Have you..." he paused, moved away, and cleared his throat before he went on. "Have you secured a job?" he asked, letting out a breath.I nodded, diverting my gaze from his in an effort to steady my racing heart."Well, the Maxwell Group contacted me again earlier, and they informed me that I actually passed t
Chapter 027Nicole"Please, you two, stop! I don't even know what you're talking about," I said, trying to stay calm. "We both know I'm innocent of the accusations you are making. So, please..."As I stepped away from them, I wiped the corner of my mouth with my thumb."Don't pretend that you know nothing, Nicole!" Sylvia growled as she attempted to grab my arm again, but I quickly yanked it away, sending her a deathly glare, but the look she was sending me was more intense. "You stole Homer from her! He left Kendra, and she lost her baby because of it! This is all your fault!"What?I tilted my head to look at Kendra, who was still sobbing loudly next to her. I glanced down at her belly with narrowed eyes. So, it was indeed true that she was pregnant.But what exactly happened? What caused her miscarriage?What was the reason Homer left her?It couldn't be me. I haven't seen him since that dinner party at Monroe's residence."What now? Cat got your tongue?" Sylvia scoffed. "You can't
Chapter 026NicoleI sighed as I exited the Woolworth Group building. I had just completed an interview with them, but I wasn't sure if they were interested in having me join their company. I did my best to answer all the questions, but they informed me to wait for their call to know the result.I had interviews with several companies earlier, but none offered a salary that aligned with my needs. It wasn't about being picky; I just needed a higher income right now to cover the costs of Andrea's treatment. I had withdrawn all my savings and now need to begin saving again.I used to think I could take any job, but I've come to realize that it was not that simple. A modest paycheck would barely cover my food expenses, let alone my other bills. I also have to consider bus fare, toiletries, and, of course, Andrea's needs.If only I had landed a position at Maxwell Group, I wouldn't be facing this predicament.With another deep sigh, I continued my walk to the bus stop. I planned to visit A
Chapter 025NathanMy thoughts were consumed by the image of Nicole pressed against the bathroom wall, her legs lifted and wrapped around my waist. I imagined holding her close as she softly moaned in my ear, reminiscent of that unforgettable night we shared. I longed to kiss the beautiful skin of her neck, savoring every moment.Fuck it!Why couldn't I control these thoughts? My mind relentlessly fixated on the desires I had for her and the things I wanted to do to her again.A cold shower was what I needed right now, so I turned the shower on, but warm water came out, which cascaded over my hair, my face, and my entire body, hitting me with a force that was almost overwhelming, invigorating my muscles.Yet, my thoughts still lingered on my wife.The mere idea of her ignited a rush of desire within me. As the water streamed down my bare skin, I felt an undeniable arousal.I pressed my forehead against the wall, allowing the water to trickle down my back. Memories of my wife and her e
Chapter 024NicoleI felt a smile spread across my face as I envisioned Nathan in my dream. We were at the beach, and he was playfully chasing after me while I tried to evade him. I paused, preparing for him to catch me, raising my hands high as I turned to face him. However, my expression shifted to one of shock when I noticed he was carrying another woman—the one in red from the dinner party.I gasped and opened my eyes, my brows furrowing as I recalled Nathan with that woman in my dream. Why the hell did that man appear in my dream?I yawned and stretched my arms while gently sitting up, only to realize that this was not my bed. My eyes widened in disbelief as I scanned the expansive room around me.Wait, expansive room?My mind began to piece together about what happened yesterday. I had been utterly exhausted after returning home from my interview and had fallen asleep on the couch without even having a meal.But what happened after that?Suddenly, his voice echoed in my mind, so
Chapter 023Nicole"Nathan!" I called out to him, but he had already gotten in the car. "Nathan!"My eyes widened as the vehicle began to pull away. I contemplated pursuing it, but then I felt my phone vibrate in my bag. Diverting my attention from Nathan, I hesitantly answered the call as I watched the car disappear from my sight. "Hello…?""Is this Miss Nicole Summers?" the woman from the other end asked."Yes, what can I do for you?""Well, I am reaching out on behalf of Wellington Group. I am pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed our screening process, and we would like to invite you for an interview today," the woman at the other end of the line informed me.Oh, another interview? Great!Even though I was still grappling with disappointment from my previous interview, and my body was slightly trembling, I think I had to attend this one."Thank you for informing me. I will head there shortly," I responded before ending the call. With a sigh, I shoved my phone bac
Chapter 022NicoleA fleeting wave of dizziness washed over me, and my palms were slick with perspiration, and I swallowed hard upon noticing four individuals seated behind a long table just as I stepped inside."Good morning..." I greeted them with a respectful bow, and the three of them gazed at me intently, while the fourth, who was positioned at the far end, barely acknowledged me—his head lowered, eyes fixed on the documents before him. I couldn't get a clear view of him, yet he seemed familiar, or maybe I was only imagining it.I diverted my gaze from that person and forced a smile onto my face. "Please take a seat, Miss..." The middle-aged man in a grey suit gestured for me to sit on the chair positioned in front of them.I complied politely, striving to manage my anxiety. There was a brief moment of silence before the first interviewer broke it. "What's your name?""I'm Nicole Summers..." I replied softly, struggling to recognize my own voice. I hoped they could hear me and th
Chapter 021NicoleI glanced down at my wristwatch, and my eyes widened when I saw that it was only five minutes before nine. I raced down the street as quickly as my legs could muster.I was already behind schedule for my job interview, and I could not afford to miss this rare opportunity. Securing a position at the Maxwell Group would be an excellent choice for my career. In fact, it was the ideal place for me. They were certainly in a position to offer a competitive salary—one that would provide for my needs and assist in covering Andrea's treatment expenses."Excuse me..." I said politely as I inadvertently bumped into several people along the way. I was trying to compensate for lost time, yet it seemed I was hindered by a few individuals who were ambling along at a leisurely pace in front of me.This was entirely Nathan’s fault! If he hadn’t offered to drive me earlier, I would have arrived on time!"Are you heading out?" Nathan asked as I rushed down the stairs this morning befo