Nathan gave a faint smile. “I was actually nning to ask you outter,”


    “I’m heading to Shaville for work tomorrow,” Victoria said, taking slow sips from her coffee


    cup.


    “How long will you be away?” Nathan asked softly.


    “Jared said they need a new hotel over there, and he wants me to take charge of the


    project,” I exined, ncing up at him.


    Nathan looked stunned for a moment.


    “I didn’t expect him to make this decision either, but honestly, I’m looking forward to


    working there.” I shared my thoughts.


    Nathan lowered his gaze, thought for a bit, and smiled frustratedly. “Did Mr. Hob find


    out something?”


    “You think he did this on purpose?” I raised an eyebrow and smirked.


    “What else could it be?” Nathan shot me a frustrated look. “Why else would he suddenly


    send you to Shaville? He has plenty of capable people at thepany. Why you?”


    Alright, I suspect Jared did this on purpose as well.


    “I’m sorry, but right now I want to focus on my career.” My expression was resolute, even slightly cold.


    Nathan gave me a soft look and chuckled, “Do you think I’d stop you from going to


    ‘Shaville?”


    I was taken aback.


    But Nathan spoke in a low voice, “I’m not going to stop you. I know you want to make something of yourself, and I’ll support you. But just be honest with me. Is there still a chance you and Jared might get back together?”


    Our gazes locked, and Nathan’s eyes grew more intense. “Will you go back to him?”


    I shook my head. “No.”


    08:40 Fri, 22 Aug 17 7.


    * 66%


    Nathan’s breathing became slightly heavier. He suddenly stood up, ced his hands on either side of my chair, and leaned down to kiss me.


    I was forced to lean back. He thought I wasn’t cooperating enough and pinched my chin. with one finger. His kiss was bold and assertive.


    My mind went nk, buzzing with confusion.


    Tonight, Nathan felt different from usual.


    When the kiss ended, we were still close, both breathing heavily. I stared at him, dazed.


    But Nathan just locked his eyes on me, his voice husky. “Victoria, let’s get together.”


    “Huh?” I was totally caught off guard.


    “I want to be there for you. I want to be with you. Back when you were married, I didn’t dare


    approach you. I could only stay by your side as a friend.


    “But now you’re single, and I want to pursue you,” Nathan said, his voice low and earnest.


    It was all happening so fast.


    I just got divorced, and now Nathan was confessing his feelings.


    I wasn’t ready for another rtionship yet.


    “Nathan, I’m sorry. I think I need some time.” I snapped back to reality. Nathan was great. His appearance was my type, but I didn’t want to rush into something so quickly.


    Nathan’s eyes grew darker, but he didn’t lose his cool. He sat back down, his voice soft. “Alright, I’ll wait for you.”


    “Oh…” I expected him to be angry, but he was surprisingly understanding.


    The air still hummed with awkward warmth. That intense kiss had left both our hearts


    racing.


    Thankfully, the food arrived then, and helped to cool down the intensity a bit.


    “When are you leaving tomorrow?” Nathan asked, eating slowly as he looked at me.


    08


    “4 PM,” I replied.


    “Can Ie to thepany to see you off?” Nathan asked gently.


    I smiled faintly. “Sure, if you’re avable.”


    I knew that for someone in Nathan’s position, time was valuable. The fact that he was willing to make time for me showed that I was indeed important to him.


    Jared was also busy. Before I came back to life, he was often away for ten days or half a


    month.


    But somehow, after I changed, Jared seemed to have more free time. He started showing


    up around me often.


    After dinner, Nathan pinned me against the backseat and kissed me for a while. It almost went too far, but he reined himself in, and we headed home separately.


    The next day, I packed my things, dropped by the hotel to handle some work, and then


    drove to thepany headquarters.


    Jared was standing in the lobby, talking to someone.


    I was about to put my suitcase in the trunk when Jared suddenly reached over. “Let me get


    that.”


    I froze as he lifted my suitcase. Just then, a Maybach pulled up on the roadside nearby.


    It stood out. I turned to look, and Nathan got out of the back seat.


    Jared, still holding my suitcase, looked back. Nathan came over and greeted me, “Sorry, am <pte?”