Chris' POVI had breakfast in the dining room, and so did Adeline. The woman sat beside me, eating her food noisily and occasionally glancing at my silence.I wanted to quickly finish my breakfast and return to my room, avoiding any interruptions the woman might have planned."Chris, do you want to be fed? It looks like you're having trouble cutting that steak." Adeline said, coming closer to me, who could easily cut the meat for one bite, unlike that woman's words.I ignored her, knowing she had already planned to bother me again. Usually, she would tease me in a petty way, but maybe she had a little thought to turn it into this.Still, I wanted to eat faster so I could get out of the dining room, but chewing the steak so that it was easier to swallow was a priority for me. I didn't want to digest food that wasn't appropriately consumed and then get sick. I finally tried to be patient.Adeline grabbed my hand that was still holding the dinner knife, pressing down on top of my hand ha
Chris's POV Someone knocked on my office door before walking in. He seemed to walk hurriedly before approaching my desk and bowing. I didn't look at him but strained my ears to listen to the man's report. "I'm sorry, sir. We were unable to reach an agreement with the Duncan family." Nathan said, catching the attention of me, who was working earlier. It's been a few days, and the deal we sent should have been approved soon, like our other business deals. Not only were they late, but they also gave a rejection that I did not expect at all. "Proposal?" I asked, confirming the integrity of my secretary's report that I disliked. "They've read the proposal and rejected it, sir." Nathan opened the tab and showed me the contents of the email, which was neatly written and structured. In one look, I could tell they were giving me an honest answer with an apparent reason. There was no gap in their rejection, which read subtle but firm. "We tried to convince the Duncan Family again by discu
Nicole's POV"Mommy!"I heard Richard's voice calling me and immediately hugged the boy tightly when he was in front of me.I loosened my hug and asked him. "Where have you been, Richard? I've been looking for you."I checked Richard's condition with my eyes. From head to toe to make sure my son was okay. How worried I was when he disappeared when I only averted my eyes for a moment.The boy held my face gently, looking at me with a stern look that was unlike the usual children. "Mom, don't worry. I was fine during the walk and returned to Mom's side."I looked at Richard's face, which didn't seem frightened but instead unremarkable after walking around alone. I did allow that boy to go wherever he wanted, but he left when Key wasn't with him.I closed my eyes for a moment before opening them again, controlling my feelings before saying something to my brave boy."Although you are able to act very mature, you are actually still a child, Richard. Please remember that for Mom's sake, ok
Nicole's POVInstead of the meeting we didn't get to attend, Richard and I were eating at a restaurant with a VIP room.The room was limited to customers who wanted a private area for their family or themselves, which was perfect for me, who didn't want to be known and felt much more comfortable compared to a public room."How was the upcoming stock meeting, Key?" I asked, looking at Key, sitting across from Richard while my son ate quietly.The man had just cut the meat and was about to feed it to his mouth, but stopped because of my question. He unlocked the cell phone on the table and moved the screen, looking at me as he said."We've prepared everything, Miss. This is the list of shareholders confirmed to be present at the meeting." He handed me the phone.I took it, skimming through each name on the screen, the company name, and the number of shares they held. There was one name that I didn't see even though I had searched all the way to the bottom.I frowned, handing Key's phone
Nicole's POVI had just slept with Richard in his room, keeping him company until the boy fell asleep. I stroked his hair, then smiled a little when I saw his hand resting near mine on the bed."Sleep well, my son." I rubbed his cheek gently, ensuring his breathing was regular before leaving.I walked out as I closed the door to Richard's room slowly, not wanting to disturb him. There, I saw Key, who was walking towards my son's room."Is Young Master already asleep, Miss?" Key whispered, which I immediately nodded back.I placed my index finger on my lips and gestured for us to walk the other way. Key obeyed, following my steps as lightly as possible to not wake Richard, walking towards the hallway with many paintings.The house was very spacious. There were many long hallways on every floor except for the attic, which was left empty with only a few unused items. I hadn't been there yet, but Richard, who had been going around the house from the beginning, told me.I chatted while dis
Nicole's POV A few days passed, and the long-awaited shareholder meeting finally arrived. Richard and I were ready in the car, dressed appropriately for the driver to take us. I stared out the window as the car started to move, seeing the beautiful scenery around our spacious house slowly replaced by a cityscape filled with towering buildings. "Mom, are you feeling scared or anxious today?" Richard asked, grabbing both hands folded on my thighs while looking at me intently. I could see that my son was worried about me not speaking earlier, not because of the two feelings he had just expressed, but rather a sense of impatience to attend. I shook my head with a smile, patting Richard's hand lightly to calm him down. "This is easy for you, Richard. It's okay. You know that I often watched you work." Edwin was my primary teacher throughout my life as part of the Duncan Family. He taught me a way of behaving I had never received from my previous family, especially being calm in any si
Nicole's POVI saw the shocked looks of everyone listening to my words. Some of them were also whispering to each other, talking about my identity, which was too amazing for them to accept right away.One of them cleared his throat very loudly, giving me a sharp look that did not believe me. "Madam, you'd better not say nonsense in front of us.""We are important people who have long known every member of the Duncan Family as well as their subordinates, but no one with your name is listed."I remained silent, knowing that the man's words were just another form of denial they were showing me.Seeing them still giving me a glare but also whispering to each other already told me that they did not recognize the Duncan Family name that I bore.Although I knew that Edwin hid our family information well, I also couldn't blame their ignorance for not recognizing who I was.The security system the old man used was so good that it couldn't be easily penetrated by anyone unauthorized."Even if y
Nicole's POV"Scared? I'm not scared at all, Miss Nicole." Mr Brown smiled casually to cover the nervousness that had been visible but then cleared his throat and returned to his serious demeanour.The man's gaze looked sharp and still condescending to me, belittling my obvious superiority over him. But he still tried to be defiant, relying on hia age, which was much older than me and close to Edwin."It is Miss Nicole who is being disgraceful by discussing something like this in an important meeting, especially to me, who holds the success of our business in such high regard. You are tarnishing my good name as one of the current shareholders."Two or three people whispered, seemingly shaken by Mr. Brown's seemingly confident words. As one of the oldest, I knew some shareholders considered him a role model.They didn't know the rot that the old man was hiding, as well as some of the other shareholders involved. As such, I did not hold back from showing the evidence our company gathere
Chris' POVI felt that my relationship with Nicole was fine, even better than a few weeks ago, even though she sometimes tried to ignore my presence around her.She was becoming more talkative with me about some mundane things that I didn't know would happen so soon. She didn't kick me out anymore, even if I went over her limit, which would usually make her upset and follow her emotions.I still remember when she acted shy when receiving my cheek kiss and her anger at the charity event when I kissed her on the lips. My reactions to those two things were quite different. One was closer to negative because I was in a hurry, while the other was closer to positive, even though they were close in time.Perhaps my thoughts on our current situation were correct.She probably doesn't hate me as much as she used to, and I can also do things that I could never do even if I wanted to. For now, I won't do anything more than the usual touching of a young couple, but even that already makes me happ
Chris' POVI returned Nicole's widened gaze, feeling a little pleased and proud of myself. "I know, you must be admiring me, right, Nicole?""Are you showing yourself off?" She snorted, changing her previously unseen gaze to what it was now, slightly sharp. "Why would I admire you sitting down?"I noticed the woman who looked a little sullen. I still don't know the reason, but she seemed to be annoyed that I accidentally made her emotional with my out-of-context words.Anyway, I was happy with her attention and unconsciously said whatever came to my mind.I cleared my throat softly, returning the conversation. "If you try, you can do it too, Nicole. Cooperation with Mr. Divo." The woman was still looking sulky. "You might be able to get this deal done first.""I can't." The woman's father suddenly spoke up, looking serious. "If Nicole does that, it will be dangerous for her."The woman seemed to turn her attention to her father, frowning as she asked. "What makes it dangerous for me,
Nicole's POVI knew what he meant when he dropped me off after our accidental lunch. My gaze was drawn to the scene in front of me, inside my house, which should have consisted of my father, Richard, Key, and the servants, but this time it was different.The man and my two and only family were in the living room. My son looked relaxed while my father chatted smoothly with the man. The three seemed familiar, even to the point of not noticing my presence, and had already been welcomed by the servants in our house.Perhaps I stared too long. My father turned to me, as did the other two. They had quite similar happy expressions, which made me frown."Nicole, you just arrived?" My father asked by way of greeting. "I thought you'd be home a little later because of the work you've been piling up. Key told me."I ignored my father's words, paying more attention to the calm-looking man mingling among them. He noticed my gaze and smiled politely, but I could feel slightly annoyed by his natural
Nicole's POVI paused to look at the man's face, especially his smile, which made me feel like I was about to lose focus. I didn't let that go on for too long and pushed the bouquet of flowers at him, waking him up to something.His eyes widened slightly. He put a little distance between us, letting me stand evenly, though his hands were still on my waist, and said casually. "Oh yes, I wanted to give you this bouquet of flowers."I gazed at the bouquet of flowers she handed to me. The arrangement was pretty, consisting of only three flowers, but the colors of the flowers were well integrated and complemented each other. The skill of the bouquet arranger could be recognized. I could also smell the fragrance of the bouquet he gave me.At this point, my focus completely disappeared, especially as I tried to deal with the predicament right in front of me.It's been too long since I've experienced this, and it felt so different when I was with Matthew. After all, this man in front of me di
Nicole's POVI exhaled after they left, then turned my gaze to her. "Why are you talking like that? Do you wish for me to be your lover?""A lover is not a wish-"I cut him off. "Don't you know any shame? I've rejected you many times, but you keep acting like that."We stared at each other. I didn't know what she planned to do to take this path again. I felt quite relieved when he only focused on my son, familiarizing himself so that their relationship became much better than before.But that day, as well as her behavior today, was like a repeat of what he had done a few months ago, even worse with him latest act that I didn't expect her to do.He had gone so far that I could have sued him had Richard not liked him like he was. I clenched my fists, looking at the man's gaze, which seemed to soften but still spoke insolently."I am indeed shameless. No matter how much time passes, I will still want you, Nicole. Having you as my life companion has become my way of life." He said, making
Nicole's POVI didn't know we could end up like this. I was having lunch with Chris, just the two of us, without Richard, who would usually mediate between us and familiarize himself with each of us to fill the silence.A while ago, he called me while I was still in the office and working. He only spoke briefly, as if telling me, without waiting for my reply."Mom, let's have lunch together. I'll send you the restaurant's address; don't be late." My son hung up immediately.I stared at my phone for a while but immediately prepared to leave after receiving the message that the address was already from him. I sent a reply message to inquire about his whereabouts. Still, he has yet to read or reply immediately, as usual.I left it at that, feeling that Richard must also be on his way to the restaurant we were heading to for lunch.Within moments, I arrived at the restaurant, which was quite crowded. There were a few office workers and students who were also having lunch, but among them a
Nicole's POVWe had already returned to our seats, while the man had moved away and chosen another place to follow the charity event that was still going on.Madam Selena leaned towards me, whispering. "What exactly happened between you?" she asked curiously.I turned around and looked at her in surprise."When we came up to you, I could see that the atmosphere between you wasn't very good." She added when she saw the expression on my face and watched it for a few moments, pointing at my finger which I had unknowingly placed on my own lips.Her gaze returned to me, seeming to have some suspicion despite still wanting to ask me first. "Since earlier, I also saw you touching your own lips."I lowered my hand, grasped it tightly with my other hand, and tried to smile. Although I knew that the smile I was giving right now wasn't helping at all, I was also still thinking of things to say to her.Madam Selena is very sensitive to something that shouldn't make her interfere. Still, in the en
Nicole's POVI froze, frozen by what Chris had suddenly done to me.The sensation of his lips on mine woke me up, making me wonder what could make him do something like this when the relationship between us hadn't even returned to what it was a few years ago.My hands tried to push him away, but he held me so tightly it wasn't easy to let go of me, especially when his lips were still pressed against mine, and he crushed them in a way that made me tremble.I don't know if I'm holding back my anger or just wanting to follow him.I've been through this many times when it comes to him. He was too stubborn, while I was like a ship at sea that could only go with the flow of the waves that were taking me away or even forcing me to stay in the same place for some time.I gave up, letting him do his thing with my mouth clamped shut.After that, the man finally moved away from me until I could give him a sharp look. He didn't seem to be fully focused after his solo play, his gaze still fixed on
Nicole's POVI went with Richard to a charity event. People seemed to know that the child I was carrying was my son. They tried to get closer to introduce themselves or just say hello to my son, who could return the greetings of everyone who approached him well.He easily showed his charm as a child, but could also control the people from crossing the line, which would cause us to get tired faster to serve them all.We finally walked back to find a seat, enjoying the event that hadn't started yet but had already managed to gather many important people. Madam Selena was among the people who had found a seat. I walked with my son to her."Madam Selena," I called out to her, causing her to turn her head and widen her eyes when she met mine."Miss Nicole!" She greeted in a rather loud and excited voice. "It's so good to see you here."I nodded. "Madam Selena has been here long?""Not yet. I just arrived a few minutes ago, Miss Nicole." She shifted to give her and Richard room to sit. "Com