<b>Chapter </b><b>353 </b>


    Jared had started to feel like a stranger to me, and everything in my life was getting more and more confusing, shrouded in mystery.


    O


    I had no idea where I was headed–like stumbling forward with my eyes closed. But the one thing I was sure about was focusing on my own strength and happiness, not letting love tie me down or break my heart.


    Of course, I wasn’t about to turn cold–blooded. I just needed to give my kindness a sharper edge.


    When I got back to my apartment building and stepped out of the elevator, I caught a faint whiff of roses in the air.


    The motion–activated lights flicked on, and there was Nathan, leaning against the wall with a bouquet of roses in his hands. When he saw me, there was a gentle look in his eyes.


    “You’re back?” he asked, always finding ways to surprise me.


    I walked over and took the flowers from him, holding them close. “Have you been waiting long?”


    “Nah, I just got here,” Nathan said softly.


    I opened the door, and Nathan came in behind me.


    “Is Yvonne about to start elementary school?” Nathan asked offhandedly.


    “Yeah, she’s already an elementary school student,” I replied, a little wistful. It’s kind of wild–having kids young means by the time they’re growing up. you’re still pretty young yourself.


    Nathan looked at me like he had something on his mind, but didn’t say it.


    I couldn’t read him at all. Maybe he was thinking about wanting a kid too, but since he kept quiet, I wasn’t about to ask.


    If Nathan ever asked me to have another child, I wouldn’t agree.


    Having a baby is a massive undertaking for a woman–it really takes a toll on your body. I’ve recovered pretty well from my first, but I have no desire to go through the pain of childbirth again.


    Maybe that’s selfish, but so be it.


    “Do you have any wine here? Let’s have a drink,” Nathan said with a smile.


    I pointed to the cab in the dining room. “Help yourself, there should be some red wine left.”


    Nathan popped open a bottle, poured us each a ss, and we stood out on the balcony, gazing at the city lights.


    “When is yourpany going public? I want to grab some of your shares,” I turned to him, my tone all business.


    After I found out his real name was Nathan Wace, I immediately decided to put some money into his pre–IPO shares. I just knew he was going to be one of those quiet billionaires–hispany had already pulled off a few sessful reinventions.


    “Don’t waste your money on that. I’ll just give them to you


    ”


    “I don’t know… That feels a bit off. I don’t want people thinking I‘


    ” Nathan said seriously. “I hope you’ll ept them.”


    only with


    for your money,” I said with augh.


    “I don’t care what anyone else thinks. If we’re together, I want to share everything I have with you,” Nathan said, his eyes full of stubborn determination. “Victoria, I’d be really disappointed if you said no.”


    “But…” I still feel uneasy about epting your gifts.


    “You’re passing up a chance to cash in? How are you ever going to be a future millionaire?<b>” </b>Nathan burst outughing


    I let out a smallugh. “I’m just worried that if I ept it, I’ll have to pay you back somehow, and… honestly, I don’t have anything to offer you <b>right </b>now.”


    “Saying yes to being with me is all the payback I could ever ask for,” Nathan said, taking my hand and holding it firmly. “I want to share my sess with


    you.”


    His eyes burned with a fierce warmth, shining like a gxy of stars.


    In that moment, I almost believed him–maybe he really did want to see me rich.


    “No, let me pay for those shares myself. I’ve still got money to invest,” I insisted. I wasn’t about to just take a handout from a man–I wanted to climb up on my own terms.


    “Are you really that scared of owing me a favor?” Nathan said, sounding a bit let down.


    ANA