Nathan's expression crumbled instantly. As he released Suzanne's arm in sorrow, he silently retreated a few steps with eyes downcast.Suzanne was confused about the sudden shift in his demeanor, but she couldn't have cared less. Her heart had already shattered when Nathan sent that disappointing message. She no longer desired to remain his wife, especially knowing he intended to marry Sally immediately following Vera's passing."No need to worry about upsetting Grandma, Nathan. Her illness has taken away her memory of me. Let's not delay any further and proceed with the divorce," Suzanne murmured, suppressing the pain throbbing in her chest.With a heavy heart, Nathan questioned softly, "Is that what you truly want?""It is," Suzanne affirmed, her heart heavy with sorrow as tears welled in her eyes.For three years, She had harbored deep affection and admiration for Nathan. Whenever he visited Vera, she would watch them interact from afar while losing in her own reverie. She
In despair, Suzanne pleaded, her voice trembling, "I beg you, Nathan. Please, don't let my last admiration for you crumble into disillusionment. I can't take this anymore. I—"Before she could complete her sentence, Nathan seized her arm and pulled her into a tight embrace. Nestling in his arms, Suzanne tensed up at the sudden intimacy as her heart raced with anxiety.As he held her delicate frame, Nathan breathed in the scent of her hair, feeling a sense of solace wash over his pain. At that moment, he wished he could keep her close forever.Drawing near, Nathan whispered into Suzanne's ear, "You said you married me out of love, and I admit I long to build a life with you. I assure you, I only spoke the truth. "While I once had feelings for Sally, that's all in the past. I may not understand women well, but I wish you could tell me plainly if Sally's presence upsets you. I can't bear to hear talk of divorce."The mere mention of divorce stabbed at his heart, a deeper agony than
Suzanne finally regained her composure as she met Nathan's earnest gaze. His touch brought a soothing warmth to her cheeks."Were we pitted against each other?" she asked sheepishly.When Nathan affirmed with a nod, Suzanne attempted to pursue further. Yet, she found herself stumbling over her words.With a deep sigh, Nathan stated sternly, "Next time you're upset, don't jump straight to divorce. Talk to me about it, alright?"Suzanne stared at him with tearful eyes and nodded obediently. Seeing that, Nathan felt a wave of relief wash over him as his fingers hesitatingly trailed down her delicate face.An uneasy silence then settled between them. Suzanne fidgeted, her gaze shifting nervously until it settled on Nathan's shoulder."Is your wound alright?" she asked with concern, oblivious to Nathan's intense stare fixed on her rosy lips.When Nathan hummed in response, Suzanne breathed a sigh of relief at his reassurance. "Let's head back then," she suggested, her embarrassmen
Layla arrogantly jabbed a finger in Suzanne's direction, her voice dripping with disdain. "Don't let your fame as a painter get to your head. You don't hold a candle to Sally! "She's the only worthy match for the general of the Norvanian military. You? You're nothing!"Rendered speechless, Suzanne clenched her fists tightly. She wasn't experienced in arguing with someone so unreasonable.In that tense moment, Nathan entered the scene. His cold gaze cast an icy chill over the room.Everyone was visibly unsettled by his arrival. Even Layla, whose arrogance faltered in the face of his presence. Yet, she remained convinced of her assertion—that Nathan's heart belonged to Sally, and he would shield her from any harm.Contrary to her expectations, Nathan strode toward Suzanne and enveloped her in his embrace. Stiffening at his touch, Suzanne cautiously looked up at him. "Listen, Layla. Whether you accept it or not, Suzanne will be my one and only wife," Nathan declared firmly.Layla
"We can hold hands and head upstairs together," Suzanne shyly suggested. Her intention was to piss Sally off by appearing intimately close to Nathan."You want us to hold hands?" Nathan questioned, arching an eyebrow.Realizing he might not be on board, Suzanne awkwardly explained, "I just want Sally to see that she doesn't stand a chance and hopefully back off."To her surprise, Nathan suddenly leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Simply holding hands won't be enough."Caught off guard, Suzanne was stunned when Nathan pressed his lips softly against hers. The onlookers were astounded, inwardly questioning if that was the same serious and aloof Nathan they knew.Before anyone could collect their thoughts, Nathan lifted Suzanne off her feet. Startled, Suzanne instinctively encircled her arms around his neck and nestled her head against his chest. Although Suzanne had initiated the idea of appearing intimate to provoke Sally, she couldn't quell her fluttering heart at Nathan's une
With his arms gently resting on her sides, Nathan stared down at Suzanne intensely and swallowed hard. His breathing grew heavy with anticipation, stirring an ambiguous tension in the air."Could you please let me up?" Suzanne urged, her voice trembled with urgency."Oh, Suzy…" Nathan's deep, baritone voice caressed her ears, dripping with desire.At the sound of his intimate address, Suzanne felt her heart practically explode. Even her veins pulsed with uncontrollable excitement. At that moment, she had sensed his intentions. Before Suzanne could utter anything, Nathan pressed against her and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. A soft moan escaped Suzanne, and Nathan seized the opportunity to deepen the kiss.The kiss was so intense that Suzanne struggled to maintain her composure. She slowly succumbed to the overwhelming bliss, instinctively wrapping her arms around Nathan's neck. Nathan gently tilted her head, running his fingers through her hair as he deepened the kiss.
Nervously, Suzanne halted Nathan's hand and fumbled with the buttons on her shirt. "I don't think we should go on."Confusion filled Nathan's expression as he gazed at Suzanne. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she couldn't meet his eyes. The air was tense with uncertainty.Suzanne considered it—a regular guy might not be into someone who had dealt with a sexually transmitted infection three times.She weighed the possibilities: he either loved her intensely or was convinced she was free from any diseases. Considering the slim chance of the former, she leaned toward the latter.In a gentle tone, Suzanne asked, "Nathan, is there something you're keeping from me?"Nathan's eyes wavered, but he insisted, "No."With his capabilities and the careful oversight of his two most trusted assistants, Nathan was confident in the accuracy of the DNA results.Suzanne released a gentle sigh, her mood sinking as she averted her gaze. "I don't want to continue."A chill settled in Nath
Suzanne slammed the door shut and yelled, "Don't look for me today! I need my space!"Nathan lingered outside while pursing his lips. Seeing Suzanne upset gave him a strange feeling—part sweetness, part helplessness.Suzanne leaned on the door while sorting through her thoughts. She loved Nathan but had doubts. She wanted to depend on him, but couldn't find the words to tell him.After thinking it over, Suzanne gave in and opened the door, only to find Nathan had already left. She searched around but couldn't find him. Disheartened, she sighed and went back to her room.As time passed, Nathan didn't make any effort to find her. He skipped meals and didn't return home at night. Suzanne waited for him in his study, but eventually, she fell asleep, only to wake up and discover Nathan was still nowhere to be found.Late at night, Suzanne pouted in bed while hugging her pillow in frustration. Thoughts of Nathan's whereabouts occupied her mind but she held back from texting him. She