6. Nicholas's Worries

Kimberly tidied up her auburn brown hair from behind the office restroom mirror before heading up to the fifteenth floor where her office was located. After feeling satisfied with her appearance, she stepped into the elevator. However, before the elevator doors could close, Nicholas and Edward were seen entering as well.

As usual, Nicholas, who rarely exchanged greetings, remained silent, in contrast to Edward, who greeted Kimberly warmly.

"Your blazer looks good, definitely a well-known brand," Edward casually remarked.

Little did Kimberly know that the Scottish-blooded man now held the position of director in the planning division. Despite being labeled a playboy by many, he proved to be adept at handling his work. Moreover, for an expatriate in such a position, Edward was quite friendly, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues, even though he was relatively new at Alpha Beta.

Kimberly turned and flashed a smile at Edward. "It's just a regular brand blazer, mister. Maybe because I'm pretty, all the clothes I wear look luxurious," Kimberly replied casually.

Kimberly wasn't just talking nonsense. She was indeed beautiful, slim, tall, with auburn brown hair and slightly narrow eyes. A perfect combination that often left men staring in admiration.

Hearing Kimberly's confident response, Edward chuckled. To him, Nicholas's secretary was a unique woman, adept at socializing and a bit witty. But that was her charm. While many women outside worked hard to maintain a perfect image, Kimberly was different. She always remained true to herself.

"Yes, I admit you are a beautiful secretary. If you weren't, Nicholas wouldn't have chosen you. Isn't that right, Mr. Nicholas?" Edward asked, shifting his gaze towards Nicholas. The man in question remained silent and expressionless.

"By the way, how do you feel about being Nicholas's secretary? Are you happy here? Because if you're not, you can join me when I return to England," Edward asked Kimberly without beating around the bush.

Nicholas, who had initially remained silent, stared sharply at Edward. Realizing this, Edward let out a small laugh in response.

Kimberly smiled before finally replying, "As everyone knows, Mr. Nicholas is too stiff and as cold as ice, mister. But that's not a problem; I'll remain loyal as his secretary." She whispered playfully, winking at him. Just as the elevator doors opened, she nodded and casually walked out, leaving Edward still laughing at Kimberly's remark, which was clearly a dig at Nicholas.

"What do you think?" Edward asked once they were in Nicholas's office.

"What do you mean?" Nicholas replied, turning on his laptop at his desk.

"About your secretary, how do you feel about her? Not even a bit interested?" Edward inquired.

Still gazing at the graphics on his laptop, Nicholas replied, "I've told you, Ed, I'm not interested in office romances."

Edward laughed at Nicholas's response. "Come on, Nick. Are you really normal? If you don't want to pursue her, then I will. It's a shame to let a woman as beautiful as Kimberly slip away."

Normal? Clearly, Nicholas was a normal man. But there were some coworkers in the office who accused him of being gay because he had never shown any interest in or brought a woman along. In Indonesia, the only woman he was comfortable talking to was Alma, Kenzi's wife.

Nicholas shifted his gaze to Edward. "Were you called to Indonesia to work or to chase after women? Kenzi would be angry if she found out about your behavior like this."

Edward raised both hands. "Alright, alright, I'll get back to work. But if I may suggest, instead of struggling to find a partner, you should pay attention to your secretary. My gut feeling tells me she's a unique woman." Edward got up from his seat, leaving Nicholas still focused on his work.

Not long after, there was a knock on the door, twice. Kimberly entered, carrying some files in her hands.

"Mr. This is some docu---"

"Put them on the desk, and then please leave," Nicholas interrupted without even looking at his interlocutor.

"Alright, mister," Kimberly replied, unconsciously pursing her lips in irritation at her boss's curt attitude.

After the door closed, Nicholas took a deep breath and tried to exhale slowly. Nicholas was well aware that his secretary often paid attention to him or perhaps deliberately sought his attention. That's why he always maintained a cold or even rejecting attitude to anticipate further heartache apart from Briana, his ex-fiancée. Although he couldn't deny that there was still a lingering love in his heart.

Once again, Nicholas simply didn't want his feelings to fall for the wrong woman. He didn't want to place his emotions in a situation where the woman would betray his love again. That's why he erected such a strong barrier. Unconsciously, when the owner of hearts, God, willed it, he could easily manipulate human emotions.

Getting involved with a coworker? Absolutely not.

Nicholas then closed the laptop in front of him.

No...no...

Unconsciously, he shook his own head.

"I don't want to put myself in the same hole again. Remember, Nicholas, women are dangerous creatures. Do you see Kenzi? Sometimes she cries, sometimes she laughs, and sometimes she acts like a madwoman, all because of a woman. Do you want to be like that? Are you sure?"

The pain he felt was so severe that it dictated to him that women were creatures to be wary of. Even now, he didn't care about people's opinions of him. In his opinion, those who mocked him had no idea what it felt like to be betrayed.