Surprised by his boldness, Corrine’s expression turned cold, her tone matching her chilly demeanor.
“That’s presumptuous of you! We’re hardly at a point where sharing a bed is appropriate!”
“I assumed your being in my room meant something more,” he replied, his smile growing as he noticed her flustered reaction.
“Remember, it’s just the two of us here, and I am, after all, just a man.” His mind was prone to wander in such situations.
Corrine’s anger melted away, leaving her feeling both startled and somewhat embarrassed.
“Wait, this is your room?”
Nate caught her surprised expression, a flicker of realization crossing his features. He realized he might have accidentally sabotaged a well-meaning setup by his grandmother. His grandmother had insisted on his staying here tonight for a reason. It appeared that the plot included not just Corrine but him as well. Knowing Evelyn’s wish for more family heirs, Nate realized the mistake of acting too hastily.
He looked away and said quietly, “I’ll take the room next door tonight, if that’s alright with you.”
“Let me take the next room instead.”
Corrine felt a twinge of discomfort as Nate courteously offered her his room. She turned quickly to exit the room after speaking.
Nate quickly stepped in, blocking her way with his arm. Leaning closer, his faint yet captivating scent surrounded Corrine as he pulled her into a close embrace. His deep eyes, as dark as a starless night, locked onto hers.
“Corrine, what are we, exactly?”
Their closeness allowed them to share each breath and even the rhythm of their heartbeats.
Looking up, Corrine’s eyes met his, sparking an undeniable connection that held her captive. Her heart pounded wildly. She furrowed her brow and looked away, choosing silence over words.
“Hmm?” he whispered, his gaze intensifying as it fell on her tightly drawn lips. His voice, deep and slightly hoarse, slipped into her ears.
“Corrine, won’t you answer me?”
A heat rushed to Corrine’s ears, spreading a tingling sensation.
Drawing in a steadying breath, she masked her fluster with a cool facade.
“We should allow things to unfold naturally. Haste diminishes value.”
“And?” Nate arched an eyebrow, his interest piqued as he watched her closely.
Corrine’s nerves fluttered visibly, yet she steadied her voice.
“Didn’t you once say that winning a woman’s heart calls for sincerity, humility, initiative, thoughtfulness, and unwavering commitment? Have you forgotten your own advice?”
Nate let out a soft, melodious chuckle, warm and rich like the notes of a cello.
“So, Corrine, it seems you enjoy being wooed by me.”
Corrine struggled to find the right words, her expression a blend of irritation and embarrassment
“If it pleases you, Corrine, that’s all I aim to do,” Nate said with sincerity.
Corrine started but couldn’t find the words. With a sigh of defeat, she said, “Alright, if it makes you happy.”
Nate’s face lit up with a satisfied grin upon hearing her words.
“I may have arrived too late to spend every day and night with you before, but I’m here now, and I plan to stay for life.”
“I haven’t said yes to anything yet,” Corrine replied.
“I’m aware,” Nate responded, his eyes softening as he admired the slight blush coloring her cheeks.
“Yet, I believe that eventually, you will be mine.” His statement, brimming with confident assurance, overwhelmed Corrine. She blushed deeper, gently pushing him away as she quickly said good night, then turned and left without a backward glance.
Nate remained where he was, a slight smile forming as he watched her leave hastily.
Closing the door behind her, Corrine leaned against it, her heart racing. From a young age, she had been instructed on how to express love toward others. Nate was the first to teach her that she, too, deserved to be loved. He appeared to offer her many options, yet subtly removed any chance of retreat, leaving her no choice but to decide. Around Nate, Corrine couldn’t help but feel drawn to him, a deep blend of frustration and surrender washing over her.
Massaging her temples, she lay down, staring into the night, lost in her thoughts.
Time slipped by unnoticed until she finally fell asleep.
As dawn’s light crept in, the world slowly stirred to life.
After freshening up, Corrine stepped out of her room and noticed Evelyn in the living room. She quickly approached, saying, “Good morning.”
“Corrine, morning. How was your sleep last night?” Evelyn asked with a sly smile, her gaze penetrating as if searching for clues in Corrine’s demeanor.
Corrine swept a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“I slept quite well, thank you.”
As Nate entered from outside, his eyes instinctively searched for Corrine. Her hair was casually tied back, with a few loose strands framing her face, adding to her effortless charm. The gentle curves of her face accentuated her beauty, her eyes glimmered with intrigue, and her lips caught Nate’s attention, completely captivating him.
His fleeting glance was enough to take in her quiet elegance and charm.
“Now that you’re here, why don’t we start with breakfast?” Evelyn suggested, as Nate paused in the doorway.
Jolted from his reverie, Nate tightened his grip on a small tube of green ointment he was holding and moved inside.
“Sounds good,” he replied.
Nate gestured for Corrine to sit before he himself sat down, pulling her chair out for her as she offered a thankful smile. He gently nudged her chair closer to the table as she settled in, their actions smooth and in sync.
Throughout breakfast, Corrine ate diligently but felt the weight of Nate’s steady gaze upon her. His eyes were sharp and intense, impossible to ignore
From the corner, Evelyn and Penny exchanged knowing looks, their smiles hidden yet evident.
Once breakfast ended, Nate excused himself after taking a call, and as he left, he passed the ointment to Corrine.
“What’s this for?” Corrine asked, puzzled, looking at the ointment Nate handed her.
“It’s a healing ointment,” Nate explained with a subtle smile.
“Useful for treating scratches and even reducing scars.”
Corrine laughed lightly, dismissing the concern.
“It’s merely a minor scratch.”
By now, it had likely begun to heal on its own.
Evelyn gave Nate a meaningful look.
“How’s your hand feeling now?” Evelyn asked gently, pausing to sip her coffee delicately.
Corrine, a bit embarrassed, subtly hid her hand and offered a timid smile.
“Oh, it’s really just a tiny scratch. Thank you for caring.”
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.