Share

Chapter 0004

last update Last Updated: 2024-06-29 23:04:53

Nicola Taylor

As I wrapped up my last class, I started packing up after the assistant teacher took the students out for drop-off. A knock on my classroom door made me look up to see James, one of my fellow teachers, standing there.

“Oh, hello! What are you doing here?” I greeted him happily as he entered the room.

“Wow, Nicola, you look nice. What's the occasion?” he asked, making me blush at the compliment.

“Just felt like it,” I answered shyly, remembering how I stopped dressing up two years ago after my last and final breakup. I had dated a man for seven years, supporting him through medical school on my kindergarten teacher’s salary, only for him to leave me once he got placed.

But even though I wasn’t going to marry Cole, I did feel the urge to get back out there. For the first time in years, I felt like dressing up and looking nice, and it did pay off.

James noticed.

I wore a long black bodycon dress with my winter boots, and I had done my makeup too. I let my hair down for the first time in years, even blow-dried it. I loved the way I looked today.

It made me happy.

“Whatever you’re doing, it suits you,” James complimented me, making my cheeks heat up.

“You’re so sweet!” I replied. “So, did you need anything?” I asked, curious because he rarely visited me. We exchanged glances and smiles, but we hardly ever spoke.

James hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to grab—”

“Nicola!” My eyes widened as I saw Cole entering the room with Arabella. He looked confused as he saw what I was wearing but his eyes shamelessly traveled down my body before he met my gaze.

“Mr. Harrington, what are you doing here?” I asked, glaring at him, almost sure of what he was up to.

“I came here to pick up my daughter,” he said as Arabella jumped happily.

“Don’t you have work?” I asked, and he shrugged.

“I thought I should surprise Bella today,” he replied, his eyes finally falling on James. “Sir, would you mind excusing us? I need to talk to Ms. Taylor about something concerning my daughter.” James shot me a look that said ‘talk to you later’ before obliging.

“Ms. Taylor, will you come to lunch with us?” Bella asked happily, making my heart melt.

Stay strong, Nicola.

“No, baby. I already have plans,” I told her, and her face fell.

“Honey, go play on the playground while I convince Ms. Taylor,” Cole said, making me glare at him again.

"Thank you, Daddy. You are the best," Arabella squealed happily before rushing out.

"Okay, what is the matter with you?" I asked angrily as soon as Bella hopped out of the class.

Cole took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "You look beautiful. Is it for James? God, are you dating him?"

"You can’t just show up unannounced and disrupt my day like this, Cole. It’s not fair to me. Go away," I snapped, trying hard not to blush at the compliment, but I failed.

He took another step closer, his voice low and sincere. "I know I’ve been pushy, and I’m sorry. But I am doing this for a noble reason."

"Noble reason? She already likes you a lot more. Just continue what you are doing," I answered, ignoring how close he was right now and wishing he couldn’t hear my heart pounding.

"Are you dating him?" he asked, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch.

I swallowed hard, trying to stay strong. "Yes."

"Nope, he would have never agreed to leave you here alone with me if you were his. I know how possessive men can get. I was one of them," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

I hated to admit it, but I was curious. I wondered how his wife felt being loved by a man like him.

My resolve wavered as the tension between us became tangible. "Why are you asking questions if you already know the answer?" I murmured, more to myself than to him.

"Look at me," he ordered, making my eyes snap up to his. "How about I take you out for dinner? Just the two of us, and we can discuss how things would proceed after we get married. I will answer any questions you have. If you are not happy, I won’t ask again." His hand brushed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

I pulled back, trying to regain my composure. "Cole, I know you. You never stand by your words."

"Alright, I’ll come to your house at 7 today and I will make dinner," he said, stepping back to give me space. "I’ll see you in a few hours."

"Harrington, I am seconds away from beating you up with this duster," I told him, making him laugh as I tried not to swoon over his ridiculously attractive face.

Why does God make bad people so beautiful?

He chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "I’ll take my chances," he said with a smirk before walking out, leaving me standing there, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

As I watched him leave, I couldn't help but feel the magnetic pull he had on me.

What was I supposed to do? The way he knows he's wearing me down is unnerving.

I can't deny that I'm less opposed to his proposal than I was 12 hours ago, and the rollercoaster of emotions is overwhelming. At thirty, my ex wasted seven years of my life, leaving me cautious about any new relationship. Cole's offer feels like a tempting safety net.

If I don’t take it and end up dating a man for love, what are the chances of me ending up wasting more precious years until I turn forty without a husband?

Despite not yearning for children, I do long for a partner. The prospect of dinner at my place with Cole tonight is nerve-wracking, and I'm starting to feel dangerously swayed towards accepting his marriage proposal.
Comments (2)
goodnovel comment avatar
Sara Or
He sends so many jolts of electricity through her, is she electrocuted already?...
goodnovel comment avatar
Aissata Diallo
I see wer this is going baby...
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0005

    Nicola Taylor I slipped into the white ballerina dress for the fifth time, questioning if it was too much. Simple yet undeniably sexy, it revealed just enough cleavage and thigh to captivate a man's attention. Despite my attempts to deny it, I knew deep down I was dressing to impress Cole. I could

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29
  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0006

    Nicola Taylor It had been a month since I last saw Cole. I was grateful he respected my wishes and didn’t keep pushing because, deep down, I knew I would have eventually said yes. Arabella had been wonderfully behaved but unusually quiet. Despite my attempts to engage her with games and conversati

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29
  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0007

    Nicola Taylor “How drunk are you?” Cole asks as I try to find a comfortable spot in his lap. “I have a very low tolerance for alcohol. So, I didn’t really drink a lot, but I am drunk,” I confess, playing with his tie before resting my feet up to get more comfortable. Cole’s eyes linger over my leg

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29
  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0008

    Nicola Taylor I grunted silently, praying for the almighty to end my suffering as the students' loud chattering echoed in my throbbing head. What was I thinking getting drunk on a work night? The hangover was so bad it felt like someone was hammering a nail into my brain. “Oh, hello, I thought thi

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29
  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0009

    Oh, great, just what I needed. A flirty billionaire and a hangover. What could possibly go wrong? After hanging up the phone, I took a deep breath and made my way to the school entrance to pick up Arabella. She was waiting patiently, her backpack slung over her shoulder, and her eyes lit up when sh

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29
  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0010

    My hands rested on his big, muscular biceps as I felt his hands groping my ass without warning, pulling me into him. He bit down on my neck, making me whimper as his pleasurable assaults continued, his hands shamelessly exploring my body. “Cole…” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29
  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0011

    Nicola Taylor I snuggled into my bed, pressing the pillow against my ears to drown out the incessant ringing of the alarm. I was exhausted, mentally and physically drained from constantly thinking about Cole and the confusing mix of emotions our recent encounters had stirred up. How did I go from h

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29
  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0012

    Nicola Taylor I hummed softly as the hot water cascaded over my tired muscles, the steam enveloping me in a soothing embrace. The sweet scent of my strawberry body wash filled the air as I lathered it onto my skin, followed by the familiar fragrance of my strawberry shampoo. Yes, I was obsessed w

    Last Updated : 2024-06-29

Latest chapter

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0254

    The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and pain that had my toes curling. He didn’t move at first, letting me adjust to his size, but the heat in the room was stifling, his dominance palpable.When he finally pulled back, the slow, deliberate movement sent a jolt of pleasure through my co

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0253

    Nicola TaylorThe clock struck midnight, and the house was eerily silent except for the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. I was curled up in bed, staring at the glowing screen of my phone, waiting for a message—any sign from Cole. He still wasn’t home, likely buried in his office, consum

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0252

    Five Years LaterNicola Taylor"Relax, Nicola. This is normal. You need to calm down," Isabella said, casually munching on fries in front of us. Her relaxed demeanour did little to soothe the growing unease in my chest. I pushed my plate aside, unable to muster an appetite."I just thought Cole and

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0251

    "Are you excited for Aaron's party?” I asked, brushing through her locks as she watched me through the mirror.She nodded, swinging her legs happily. “Yes! But I have to take care of everyone. Because Aaron’s just a baby, and I’m the big sister,” she said, very seriously.An hour later, we were fina

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0250

    Nicola Taylor“No, no, Cole, let go of me now!” I groaned, half-heartedly trying to wriggle out from under him. His weight was pressed against me, his warm, muscled arms keeping me pinned to the bed. Despite my protests, I couldn't stop a smile from sneaking onto my face.“Baby, sleep. It’s fine,” h

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0249

    He blinked, looking a bit taken aback. “Of course. What did you have in mind? Movie marathon or something?”I forced a small smile, working to keep the nerves out of my voice. “No…like a date.”His brow quirked with interest, but he nodded, loosening his tie and hanging it on the back of a chair. “A

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0248

    Nicola TaylorThe past few months had been tough, but I’d finally turned a corner. The nausea was gone, and I was starting to glow. People said I looked radiant, my hair had this newfound shine, and my skin had that pregnancy flush everyone raved about. But beneath it all, I was struggling. The wors

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0247

    When I returned to the room, she was still curled up, her eyes closed but her breathing uneven. I knew she was only half-asleep, fighting the nausea that had been plaguing her all evening.“Tea’s here,” I murmured softly, sitting beside her and holding the warm cup close to her face, letting her inh

  • In Love With My Bully    Chapter 0246

    Cole HarringtonAs I held Nicola's hair back, feeling the warmth of her trembling shoulders as she cried and heaved in turns, my heart ached for her. She leaned into my chest as if she couldn’t keep herself up anymore, her face flushed and exhausted. I’d never seen her look so vulnerable, and it only made me want to shield her more.“Nicola, just tell me when you’re done, okay?” I murmured, trying to soothe her as best as I could. "I'll carry you to bed, and you can rest a little or sleep for a few hours.”Her face twisted in a mix of frustration and exhaustion. "I’m covered in puke, Cole… this is so gross,” she choked out, tears spilling over as she buried her face in her hands.I smoothed her hair and smiled, trying to keep her calm. “Hey, hey… do you want to shower first? I can run a nice hot bath for you.” She looked up at me, a fragile, helpless nod, her eyes puffy and red. It was like looking at a child who'd been through too much.I kept a hand on her back as I stood and turned

DMCA.com Protection Status