Chapter 019

19.

Nathan pulled her hand down from his neck, his expression sullen. Bianca stared at him, confused.

“Nathan,” she called and he hummed. “I asked you a question. Didn't you hear me, or you're pretending not to hear me?”

“Bianca I-”

“When are you going to propose to me?” she asked for the second time.

Nathan didn't want to go into any commitment with her now. What he wanted now was to focus on the company and bring it out of the mud, but he can't tell her that, else she might withdraw the contract from them. He released a long breath. He decided to look for a way to pacify her without giving himself out.

And with that, he wrapped his hand around her waist and smiled. “It wouldn't be cool if I told you when I'm going to propose to you, would it? It's something special and should be a surprise.”

Bianca gave him a look of suspicion. “But it would be cool for me to know. I want to prepare for that day. Don't you know it's a very important day for ladies? We value it-”

“Bianca,” he placed his hand on her shoulders. “I need to build the company back up before proposing to you and meeting your father. I don't want him to look down on me.”

Bianca shook her head. “My father is aware of the feelings I have for you. And I am sure he will give us his blessings.”

“No, Bianca. I don't want to meet him when my company is on the verge of collapse. I should be presentable at least, and I hope you will be patient with me. I will make sure I work hard, bring this company out of the shackles it's in and propose to you by myself.” he tried to persuade her, but Bianca, being the spoiled brat that she was, refused to listen.

“No, Nathan. You can propose to me, and we will build the company together. We can run the company as husband and wife.”

“Bianca-”

“Nathan, don't 'Bianca' me. I want an answer. You've been delaying me for so long, and I'm starting to think you're not serious about us. You just want to use bringing the company back as an excuse, don't you?”

“No, that's not it, Bianca. You have to listen to me.”

“No, you listen to me!” she snapped. “Don't you dare try to play with me. Do you have any idea what I went through for you? I chased your wife out of the house, not knowing that she was the Heiress to the Salvador Group of companies, and now I don't know whether she will forget about it and come back for revenge. After that, I brought myself down and pleaded with my father to give you this contract. Now you're telling me you want to bring the company back to life before doing the needful? And you think I'm an idiot or what?”

“Calm down please.”

“Don't tell me to calm down!” she snapped at him.

Nathan sighed, feeling trapped. He didn't want to lie to her, but he couldn't tell her the truth either. “Bianca, please understand. I need to focus on my company right now. I promise you, I'll make it up to you. Just trust me, okay?”

She took a deep breath. “Nathan, you know how much I love you. I don't want to lose you, but you're making me feel like you want to throw me away.” her eyes became teary and Nathan pulled her close.

“You don't need to worry about anything. I will make sure you have the best life. I'm doing all these for your sake. I know you have your own money and will become the CEO of your father's company soon, but I don't want you doing all the work, and so I have to do this… for us. Trust me, please.”

Bianca's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. “Okay, Nathan. I trust you. But don't take too long, or I'll start thinking you're a scam.”

Nathan forced a smile, feeling relieved. He knew he had to find a way to pacify her, or risk losing the investment and her trust. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “I promise, Bianca. I'll make it worth your while. Just give me time.”

As they hugged, Nathan couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. He knew he was playing with her emotions, but he didn't know what else to do. He needed the investment to save his company, and he couldn't risk losing it.

****

THE SALVADOR'S MANSION

Samantha was in her father's study, going through some books. Mr. Ray had gone to take care of some things and had asked her to make a report about her first day and drop it in his study.

Samantha had dropped the report and gotten distracted with some of the books he had. She nodded her head, impressed, as she went through some of them. She couldn't believe her father wrote most of those books. No wonder he was a very successful businessman.

She saw another book that was written by her father and Aiden's father, and it seemed to draw her interest. The title of the book was “The Art of Business: A Guide to Success”

Samantha's eyes widened as she opened the book and began to read. She was fascinated by the strategies and techniques outlined in the book, and she couldn't believe that her father and Aiden's father had written it together.

She didn't drop the book on the shelf and decided to read more of its contents. She might not have met Aiden's father in person, but she loved the way he thinks.

As she was about to step out, she came face to face with her father. His eyes went to the book in her hand, and he let out a chuckle.

“Were you snooping around my stuff?” he asked, and she shook her head.

“No, dad. I was just going through some books and saw this. I loved what it entailed and wanted to borrow it. I was planning to inform you about it. I didn't know you'd be back so soon.” she rubbed the back of her head nervously.

Mr. Ray smiled. “Walk with me.” he turned, and she followed as he led her to a particular room in the house.