Semua Bab Don't fall for your fake husband: Bab 51 - Bab 60

-NINA- “I can’t believe you are finally back!” Harper told me as she released me from her strong embrace. For a small woman, she can be quite vigorous. I had barely stepped over the threshold when she pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing the air out of my lungs. Her parents bought her the condo as a graduation present. It is a one-bedroom apartment, but has a lot of natural light, making it airy and welcoming. Harper is an interior designer and used her skills to improve the atmosphere. There are predominantly neutral tones like white, soft beige, with accents of black and natural wood. She used small pieces of furniture with clean lines, complemented with cushions and plants. I love her place. It's simple and very cozy. "I still don't understand why you didn't let me pick you up at the airport," she pouted. "You know why." I reasoned with her a lot of times. It didn't make any sense to spend that much time in traffic when her job kept her so busy. But Harper is very stub

-CHRIS- "WHERE IS HE?" someone shouted from outside the conference room. After that meeting, I'll need to talk to someone about acoustics, as I specifically requested that this room be soundproofed. "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" The people outside could not know who the other person was, but I knew that voice very well. And before the commotion got any bigger, I decided to intervene. "Gentlemen, we unfortunately have to cut this meeting short. Please excuse me, as something came up. My assistant Ben will reach out to you to reschedule." I addressed the table, and they proceeded to leave the room. The last person had barely crossed the door frame when he barged in, two security guys from our company on his heels. "Hello uncle." I greeted him from my seat at the head of the mahogany table, refusing to stand up in his presence. "To what do I owe this surprise visit?" "Mr. Hayworth, do you know this man?" Owen Wilson, my head of security, asked me. He's a big guy, an ex-Marine

PRESENT DAY _____________ -NINA- "We're doing things differently on this project," Mark was explaining to me as our team arrived at the client's large conference room. "For private clients, there isn't usually this kind of competition, but this company is trying to establish itself in the US for the first time. Three architectural firms were chosen to develop a pilot project that will be expanded around the country as a second step." I was nervously fiddling with one of the buttons of my navy V-neck midi dress. After assisting Mark on this project for the past few weeks, he invited me to be part of the small team that would present the proposal. It was a huge opportunity for my career to be publicly acknowledged in Mark Atwood's team. Back in the office, I was sure Lilian was grinding her teeth because of that. "All those three firms are attending the meeting today?" I asked him. "Yes. We'll be the second to present. I'm not worried though. The sustainability aspect was

-NINA-"Tesoro, ero in pensiero!" My mother's loud voice came through the cell phone speaker."Mamma! There's nothing to be worried about," I sighed heavily, looking at her delicate features. My mom has fair skin, delicate bone structure and chestnut hair. Even in her late fifties, she is still a beautiful woman, with the grace of a movie star from the fifties.I inherited part of her refined features, but I look more like my father, with my dark brown hair and slightly darker skin. However, my eyes aren't brown like his, but a dark shade of green."But we haven't spoken for nearly a week!" With the look of shock on her face, you'd have thought I'd disappeared for a whole year."That is not true. We've been texting every day. I just couldn't call you sooner because of the time difference." Italy is 6 hours ahead of New York, making it difficult to find time for a proper telephone call."It's not the same when I can't see your face. I was feeling uneasy about you living in New York. It

PRESENT DAY______________-NINA-"You should join me for a yoga class in the park sometime," said Sienna as soon as I arrived in front of her building. It's a warm Sunday morning, and we've arranged to run together. She is my only friend to keep me company at this type of event, since Michelle avoids doing sports like the plague, and Harper is constantly busy. Even sleeping on her living room couch, I’ve barely seen her lately. Her schedule is very busy, with a lot of meetings happening during the weekends.Since coming back from Italy, it's the first time I'll be spending time alone with Sienna, and I've been looking forward to it."I´ll pass. Yoga is just too slow for me. " I need something to boost my blood flow." I always feel more alive after a good run. It helps me organize my thoughts. Back in high school, I was on the track team. Even if my time was not great, the coach kept me on the team just because of my commitment."Sometimes, people achieve that through meditation," she