Corrine’s perfect eyebrow arched elegantly, a glacial smile gracing her features, enhancing her ethereal beauty.
“Do what you must.”
The Ashtons held no power over her anymore. She had nothing left to fear. If they chose confrontation, she would ensure they learned their place.
Back in her room, Rita’s revelation continued to haunt her.
“Don’t think I’m ignorant of why you…”
“Vanished back then. Bruce shared everything!” The hollowness of promises echoed through her mind.
What cut deeper was the knowledge that the man she had given her heart to had never truly believed in her innocence. Had Bruce forgotten the true circumstances of her kidnapping? How could he expose her deepest trauma so carelessly, without a shred of compassion?
Memories of that night in the alley overwhelmed her, sending violent tremors through her body. Her heart felt like an open wound exposed to bitter winds, the cold seeping into every fiber of her being.
A knock at the door jarred her from the painful reverie. Nate’s figure filled the doorframe, his unexpected presence dispelling her initial alarm. She hadn’t anticipated seeing him again so soon, especially in these moments of vulnerability.
“Did you… need something?” Corrine managed to ask.
Nate advanced into the room with measured grace, his impeccable suit a testament to refined taste. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, creating a golden aura around his commanding presence. The illumination emphasized his aristocratic bearing, as if he existed in a realm separate from ordinary mortals. His gaze fixed on Corrine’s face, noting the telltale glisten of unshed tears. The slightest furrow appeared between his brows.
“We should exchange contact information.” Nate pulled out his phone with practiced ease, navigating to his WhatsApp profile before extending it toward Corrine.
“Let me know whenever you’re free to visit my grandmother.”
A charming smile graced Corrine’s lips as she studied his earnest expression.
“Since I gave your grandmother my word, I intend to keep it.”
“I knew you would keep your promise,” Nate responded warmly.
“Your willingness to spend time with her, make her happy, and show such kindness means everything. The least I can do is serve as your humble chauffeur in my appreciation.”
His words, laden with genuine gratitude, stirred something in Corrine’s heart. The unwavering trust in his voice touched her deeply.
After brief contemplation, she retrieved her phone and connected with Nate on WhatsApp.
“Would you mind sharing your phone number as well?” Nate ventured.
“Just in case WhatsApp messages are delayed.”
Corrine found herself momentarily speechless. Though she sensed ulterior motives behind his request, Nate’s composed demeanor made it difficult to suspect any ill intent.
Releasing a quiet sigh, she shared her number.
Nate immediately dialed, waiting for her phone to ring before ending the call.
“That’s my number, Miss Holland. Please save it.”
Under his attentive gaze, Corrine complied.
“Anything else, Mr. Hopkins?”
Though his intentions remained unclear, her instincts urged caution.
Nate, perceptive as ever, noticed her deliberate distance
“Haven’t you already discerned my intentions?” His dark eyes held steady, gleaming with hidden depths.
“My grandmother taught me that pursuing a woman requires complete sincerity, humility, initiative, consideration, and unwavering commitment. You’ll see my other qualities in the future, but surely you’ve already noticed my initiative, haven’t you?”
Corrine’s eyebrow twitched involuntarily. His candid confession left her struggling for words.
“Mr. Hopkins, why this sudden declaration?” Corrine’s gaze darted away as she attempted to feign ignorance.
The prospect of dealing with Nate or embarking on a new relationship felt overwhelming. After all, they had only just met.
“You must see how my grandmother adores you,” Nate pressed, his intense gaze carrying unspoken meaning.
“More importantly, I admire you deeply, Miss Holland.”
His directness eliminated any possibility of pretense.
Their eyes met unexpectedly, causing Corrine’s heart to flutter. A strange sensation stung her eyes, forcing her to look away.
“I must be frank, Mr. Hopkins. Your decision seems premature. We barely know each other, and I’m not ready for a relationship.”
Though unfamiliar with Nate’s character, she understood how male pride often bristled at rejection.
“What constitutes knowing someone well?” Nate questioned, his penetrating gaze never wavering. His dark eyes held a predatory gleam, as if she were prey he refused to release.
Corrine found herself speechless, memories washing over her. She had spent three years by Bruce’s side, pouring her heart into supporting him through every challenge. She had helped rescue Ashton Group from near bankruptcy, watching with pride as he ascended to become one of Lyhaton’s most coveted young elites.
She had believed, with every fiber of her being, that no one understood him better than she did. Yet all of that devotion had earned her nothing but swift betrayal.
“External appearances often mislead us,” Nate’s rich voice flowed through the silence.
“What meets the eye rarely tells the whole story, but intuition-that inner knowing-often guides us true. That’s why I trust mine.”
A soft laugh escaped Corrine’s lips.
“I appreciate the wisdom of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes, but shouldn’t we begin with the fundamentals? Understanding someone’s daily habits, their preferences, the small things that make them who they are?”
Nate’s expression softened into a gentle smile that held both compromise and resignation.
“We each see the world through our own lens. I don’t expect you to share my perspective. I simply want you to understand that pursuing you is my choice alone. You needn’t feel burdened by it.”
Corrine released a weary sigh.
“Mr. Hopkins, I’m sorry, but I’m not open to romantic possibilities right now.”
“Miss Holland, let me emphasize two points,” Nate responded.
“First, pursuing you is my decision. Second, my intentions are pure, and I don’t expect immediate enthusiasm from you. There’s no need for apologies or feeling encumbered by my choice.”
Before Corrine could protest further, he turned and strode away, his tall frame moving with quiet confidence.
Corrine watched his retreating figure, caught between amusement and frustration. Had Nate proclaimed love at first sight or leveraged his past kindness, she could have rejected him decisively. Instead, his disarming honesty and transparency left her strangely vulnerable.
After all, she was only human-how could she remain completely unmoved? Later, as hunger gnawed at her, Karina appeared bearing Corrine’s favorite cupcakes.
“Sweetie, have something to eat.”
After setting down the treats, Karina settled onto the sofa, her gaze falling on a men’s suit jacket nearby. Her lips curled with disgust, contempt blazing in her eyes.
“You claimed you were leaving everything behind. Why cling to his old clothes? Are you considering returning to him?”
“That’s not Bruce’s,” Corrine murmured, glancing at the jacket Karina held with such disdain. Thoughts of her perplexing new acquaintance drew a soft sigh from her lips.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.