The face that met her was arrestingly sharp-defined by razor-sharp brows, a prominent nose, and lips carved with an elegant precision.
She stared for a beat longer than was polite, until his cool voice sliced through her daze. “It’s me. Miss Roswell, please have a seat.”
“O-oh. Right.” She quickly dropped her gaze, so flustered she forgot all her practiced composure.
I thought he was supposed to be plain?
“Is something wrong? Do I not meet your expectations?” Nick’s tone was edged with impatience when she kept her head bowed. His presence felt like a physical pressure in the room.
Khloe shook her head immediately. “No. Not at all. You’re remarkably handsome. Strikingly so.”
In truth, he was the most breathtaking man she had ever la eyes on.
Trey had been considered a god on campus, his looks compared to a celebrity’s. She thought she was accustomed to handsome men.
But Nick was in an entirely different league-otherworldly as if sculpted by divine hands.
“Thank you.” He gave a slight, acknowledging nod. “And you, Miss Roswell, look exceptionally beautiful. That dress becomes you.”
“I should be the one thanking you for the gift,” she replied, managing a faint smile as she met his gaze. He didn’t seem nearly as difficult as the rumors had made him out to be.
“It was a trifle. If it pleases you, I’ll have more sent to you.”
His words were polite, even pleasant, but the profound distance in his tone was unmistakable, like a chill, impenetrable wall between them.
They exchanged only a few brief pleasantries before the meal began.
The courses arrived one after another, each one a miniature work of art-exquisitely plated, but no more than a delicate bite. The flavors were complex and refined, but for Khloe, the pace felt agonizingly slow and left her wanting more.
And through it all, Nick remained silent, eating with an unnerving stillness, his gaze occasionally flicking up to meet hers.
The air grew thick with unspoken words. Remembering Oscar’s warning about him being a perfectionist, she didn’t dare speak first.
It wasn’t until dessert was served that he finally asked, “How is it? Do you enjoy the food here?”
“Yes, it’s very good.”
She popped the entire dessert into her mouth, then immediately cringed at how simple and unrefined she must have sounded. Her ears grew warm as she hastily added, “You clearly have impeccable taste. The dishes are unique, and the flavor profiles are very sophisticated.”
Nick lowered his gaze, his expression giving nothing away
Was that too try-hard? She wasn’t a food critic. She rarely dined in places like this-her vocabulary for this was limited.
“If you don’t care for it, Miss Roswell, we can go elsewhere next time. The choice will be yours.”
“No, I really do like it,” she said, waving a hand quickly. But when his eyes remained fixed on her, sharp and analytical, she felt compelled to be more honest. “The food is wonderful, truly. It’s just… this is my first time in a place like this, and meeting you has me a bit on edge. Perhaps next time, in a more relaxed setting, the conversation might flow more easily.”
She figured she might as well say it. This was a strategic alliance, not a relationship. Her comfort was a factor.
“Alright.”
He gave a single nod, his lips pressed into a thin line, his fage as inscrutable as ever.
“I’m just not much of a talker,” he added, almost as an afterthought. “I never know what to say.”
Citraptor
“I noticed,” Khloe said, and a small, genuine chuckle escaped her.
Something in his posture seemed to loosen almost imperceptibly. He leaned back slightly in his chair, the dark fabric of his shirt stretching across his shoulders and making his powerful build even more pronounced.
“Henry informed me that you’ve agreed to the marriage.”
“Yes.” Khloe nodded.
“My family is traditional. The process from engagement to the marriage registration must follow protocol. My schedule is full in the coming days, so it cannot be rushed. You may have to wait a while. Of course, if you have any requests of your own, you may state them.”
“That’s fine. I’ll follow your lead.”
Her decisiveness seemed to please him. He gave a short, approving nod, glanced at his watch, and said, “It’s getting late. We can conclude for today-“
“Mr. Hunt.” Khloe interrupted, her gaze steady and direct. You’re likely aware of my circumstances. May I ask why you chose me for this marriage?”
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.