Semua Bab Marriage of Convenience and nothing more: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Jason led me into the house, his hand resting lightly on my lower back. I tried not to stiffen under his touch, but my heart was already racing. The place was massive—polished floors, gold chandeliers, and expensive artwork hanging on the walls. It screamed wealth and power, making me feel like an outsider."Relax," Jason murmured close to my ear, his voice low and smooth. "Just follow my lead."Easier said than done.We stepped into the dining room, and I instantly felt the weight of their stares. His mother, a striking woman with cold, piercing eyes, sat at the head of the table. She barely masked her disapproval as her gaze swept over me. Jason’s father, broad-shouldered with a commanding presence, observed me with quiet calculation.Jason pulled out a chair for me, his fingers brushing against mine as I sat down. I tried not to react, but the warmth of his touch lingered."Mother, Father," Jason said, his voice calm but firm. "Meet my wife, Nelly."I forced a polite smile. The wor

JASON’S POVAm I being too hard on her? On myself?I leaned back in my office chair, staring at the ceiling like it held the answers. My mind was a mess—no structure, no calm. Just thoughts spinning, tugging me in a dozen directions.What did Nelly say that day again? Something about my mom warning her. I didn’t even let her finish before brushing her off.God. I should’ve listened.She looked hurt. No, more than hurt—disappointed. I hate that I caused that.And yet, every time I feel something real between us, every time I get too close, my mind drags me back to the past like chains around my neck.I can’t risk it again. That’s why I gave her those damn rules. I had to set boundaries. Protect both of us.But maybe I went too far.Snap! Snap!"Hey, Kobo for your thoughts, man?" Dave waved his fingers in front of my face before crashing into the chair opposite me.I gave him a side-eye. "Must you snap like that?""You were zoning out like a ghost," he grinned. "I thought you'd left thi

Nelly’s POV“Gregg… Gregg… Gregg…”That damn alarm again. I groaned, reaching blindly for the clock on the nightstand and smacking it silent."Why did I even forget to turn it off? Or maybe I should just throw the damn thing away," I muttered, dragging myself out of the cozy bed. I hadn’t needed an alarm since moving in here. No more running to the restaurant. No more brothel. Just this quiet house, this new life that still felt too shiny to touch.I freshened up, fixed the bed, and took a slow walk around the room—my room.It was beautiful. Creamy walls. Huge windows that poured in sunlight like a blessing. A bed big enough for four Emilys. A bookshelf full of books Jason probably hadn’t touched. A vanity that looked like it belonged to a Hollywood starlet.Everything screamed money, class, and comfort.And for a second, I just stood there… soaking it in."This can't be my life," I whispered.But it was.I pulled my thoughts together and made my way to the kitchen. Maybe I’d cook br

Nelly’s POVThe faint clatter of pans woke me.At first, I thought it was a dream—one of those soft, fleeting ones you don’t want to end. But the scent of something buttery and warm floated down the hallway, and I realized it was real.I rubbed my eyes, wrapped my robe tighter, and padded out of the room.The apartment was quiet, hushed like the early moments before a city fully wakes up. Sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting gold stripes across the walls. I followed the smell toward the kitchen, heart thudding—half from curiosity, half from last night’s still-lingering emotions.Jason was there.Shirtless. Barefoot. Frying eggs.I stopped at the entrance, my fingers gripping the edge of the doorway. He hadn’t noticed me yet.His back was to me, muscles shifting with every movement, and his hair was tousled—like he’d run his hands through it a thousand times overnight. There was a tiredness in the slope of his shoulders, but his movements were careful, almost... thoughtful.He

Nelly’s POVI don’t know why my stomach won’t stop churning.The mansion stood tall and intimidating under the evening sky, its perfectly trimmed hedges and glowing windows a reminder that I didn’t belong here. Not really. Not in their world of luxury, old money, and sharp tongues hidden behind polite smiles.Jason parked the car, killing the engine in silence. For a moment, neither of us moved. The tension had followed us from the apartment, clinging to the air like perfume.He finally looked at me. “You okay?”I forced a smile. “I’m fine.”That was a lie.I wasn’t fine.Not with the knot twisting in my chest, or the pit in my stomach that told me tonight wasn’t just a dinner—it was a test.He reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek for a beat longer than necessary.“We go in together,” he said firmly.I nodded. “Together.”We walked up to the front door, my heels clicking softly on the marble steps. When it opened, I was met wi