Nina was taken aback by this. She lifted her head once more, unable to believe it. He had never praised her like this before. What was happening today?Locking eyes with Nash, Nina asked, "Really?"Nash reached out, gently stroking her hair. "Are you lacking confidence now?"Encountering a different demeanor from him, Nina felt a bit uneasy, but she didn't want to admit it. "Of course not.""You look beautiful tonight, very fitting for you," Nash said, wrapping his arm around her waist. Nina took a few steps forward, nestling into his embrace."I hate to let you out to meet people," Nash said in a husky voice.His warm breath fell on her face, tantalizing and intriguing. Nina's cheeks flushed, and she pushed him away. "Stop goofing around. Since you said it's good-looking, then it must be good-looking."She smiled faintly.Nash's gaze softened, and he lowered his head again. "Why is it that when I say it's good-looking, it is?"Looking up, Nina saw the flicker of stars in his
"Mr. York," omeone approached with a greeting, then glanced at Nina standing next to him. "So, it's Nina. You really know how to keep your beauty under wraps. You look stunning today, I'm genuinely impressed!"The individual then extended their hand for a shake with Nina."Thanks for the kind words. It's all about the magic of makeup, though. Not quite on par with your companion," Nina responded with her usual professional demeanor, promptly reciprocating the handshake with a smile.But Nash stepped in, saying, "No need to be so formal tonight."Nina withdrew her hand once more.The person didn't seem bothered, just teasingly remarked, "Looks like Mr. York is quite protective of his little secretary."Meanwhile, nearby, another conversation was underway."Check it out, Mr. York's companion is actually his secretary. I thought it would be someone else!" Penelope's assistant smirked, deliberately making the comment. "I'd say a secretary's position is more powerful than some people
Nina smirked. It hurt, so this wasn't a dream after all. Nash was really massaging her feet. Noticing her expression, Nash thought he might have pressed too hard and instinctively asked, "Did I hurt you?"Nina shook her head. "No, you didn't." She paused, her nose slightly moist, and said, "I just didn't expect you to be like this." To her, his tenderness was surprising. Nash lifted his deep gaze, noticing her bright yet somewhat pitiful eyes, and he softly said, "I'm sorry you had to endure this."Nina shook her head and remained silent. She wasn't enduring anything. She just loved him but couldn't have him. As Nash rubbed her feet, the warmth of his touch eased Nina's discomfort. She focused on gazing at him, soaking in his tenderness while remaining clear-headed.Her eyes fell on his deep gaze, his prominent nose bridge, and then his rosy lips... At that moment, she felt overwhelmed with emotions, and finally, she couldn't resist calling out, "Nash." At the sound of her voice
"You can still call me Nina," Nina said, "You suddenly changed how you address me. I'm a bit uncomfortable, especially since we're outside and there are many people watching."Quincy didn't understand. They were clearly husband and wife, so why keep it a secret?But it was their business, and he didn't want to pry.He simply complied with Nina's request, "Okay, Nina."Nina finished eating and headed towards the auction area.Suddenly, she bumped into someone. Following her professional habit, Nina apologized first, "Sorry for bumping into you.""It's okay, Nina, thank you for that glass of lemon water."She looked up and surprisingly, it was Penelope.Nina politely greeted, "Penelope."Penelope smiled faintly and shook hands with her warmly, "Nina, you look beautiful today. No wonder Mr. York is infatuated with you."Nina immediately clarified the situation, "No, Penelope, please don't misunderstand. I'm Mr. York's secretary, just his companion. Mr. York is already married. I
The main gemstone was ten carats, with additional diamonds of over one carat each as accents. A style worthy of collection.Nina glanced back and caught Miranda's gaze, noticing the smirk and subtle challenge in her eyes. Indeed, Miranda had every reason to flaunt.After marrying into the York family, Nina couldn't recall a single occasion when Sally had bought her anything. Finally, Sally bid six million without any hesitation. The gemstone was placed in front of Miranda. With so many people watching, it gave Miranda plenty of face, making her very happy. "It's so beautiful, Sally, you have such good taste."Sally's indulgent look: "As long as you like it, everything is worth it."As Miranda held it, bystanders looked on with envy, and one person quickly remarked, "Miranda seems to be quite favored by Sally, treating her like her daughter.""Her daughter? Clearly, she's being treated like her daughter-in-law.""But didn't Nash mention he's married? How could she be her daughte
In the box lay the emerald bracelet Miranda liked.Nina walked in and spotted them all. She politely inquired, "Mr. York, what do you need from me?"Nash glanced her way and beckoned, "Come here."Nina approached.Nash retrieved the box, opened it, and, amid their watchful eyes, slid the emerald bracelet onto Nina's wrist.At that moment, Miranda's expression shifted.Sally was taken aback and exclaimed, "Nash, wasn't this meant for Miranda?"But Nash retorted, "Don't you already spoil her enough?"Sally pursed her lips, feeling unsettled.Nina was taken aback. Suddenly, her hand felt considerably heavier. This was a twenty-million-dollar emerald bracelet.Wasn't this too much for her?She'd never worn such an expensive item before and felt it wasn't right. "It's alright, it's too valuable. What if I accidentally damage it? I should take it off."She hurried to remove it.But Nash held onto her hand, saying with significance, "I got it for you. Take good care of it and don'
With those words, Nina was frozen in place, a chill creeping up from the soles of her feet, leaving her ice-cold and lifeless.What did Zoe say?Did Nash marry her for the shares his grandfather held?Nina's gaze went blank as she turned away, peering through the half-concealed crack to see the scene inside. She saw Zoe standing, her emotions a bit agitated, while Nash sat with his legs crossed on the sofa, his eyes showing no hint of emotion."Yeah," he simply replied.Nina's face turned deathly pale, shock evident in her eyes.No wonder he married her; it was all part of a deal.No wonder on their wedding night, he said there would be no intimacy between them, and he made her realize her status.She was just a pawn from the beginning.Once he got what he wanted, he could let go, hence the three-year contract.Zoe said, "I knew you wouldn't compromise easily, but is this fair to Nina? You're hurting her."Nash's eyes remained calm, and his lips barely moved. "I will compens
Nina was gasping for breath, letting the cold wind hit her, yet she remained oblivious to the chill as she was too consumed by her need to escape.She didn't know how long she'd been running. Exhausted, she finally stopped, panting heavily.With her hands on her knees, tears streamed down her face, falling to the ground without her noticing.In that moment, Nina realized her cheeks were soaked with tears, each warm droplet turning icy, stinging her skin.Why did it have to be this way?Why?Nina silently questioned herself, why did all the good things turn out to be lies?She believed that Nash's most tender and attractive demeanor was merely a facade of compensation and guilt.Finally, she grasped the meaning behind Miranda's words.Nash had married her only to exploit her.He showed no empathy and no hint of affection towards her.Nina sank to the ground, feeling her heart grow cold, her arms tightly wrapped around herself.She wished she had a shell to retreat into, wher