CHAPTER FIFTY–FIVEThe next day, Melissa went to the cafe Nathan had suggested for their meeting. As she entered, she quickly spotted him already seated, a smug smile playing on his lips. She approached and took a seat across from him, "Good day." She greeted. Nathan's eyes lingered on her, and he couldn't help but comment, "Good day." His smirk broadened, "You look beautiful, Melissa. Although, I had hoped for something a bit more revealing."Her eyebrow arched in annoyance. "You're a sick perv, Nathan. Cut to the chase. Why did you call me here?"Nathan chuckled, brushing off her comment. "Always direct, Melissa. I like that about you."He leaned back, a smug grin on his face, and casually remarked, "You know, Melissa, today was supposed to be the day you provided a husband to collect your father's inheritance."Melissa's eyes narrowed at his nonchalant attitude. "Nicholas is missing, and you're here acting so casual and relaxed about it. He's your brother!"He chuckled, swirling
Aiden stood outside Katherine's office, taking a moment to compose himself. He was about to take a risky decision he might regret or appreciate later on. Inhaling deeply, he knocked on the door, the sound echoing in the corridor.It was now or never. "Come in," Katherine's voice invited him in, and he entered, greeted by the sight of her behind the desk with a warm smile."Hi." He simply greeted. "Hello, Aiden," She replied, rising from her chair to welcome him. He nodded and moved to one of the visitor's chairs, settling in. Aiden took a deep breath as Katherine rose gracefully from behind her desk, acknowledging him with a welcoming smile. "Thank you for coming, Aiden," she expressed. Aiden, however, seemed determined to cut through the pleasantries. "Let's get straight to the point. I've thought about your marriage contract and I have decided to accept it, and get married to you," he declared. Katherine's eyebrows raised in surprise.Everything was going just according to he
Katherine found herself chuckling, "Damn Melissa, coming in without knocking," she remarked, a playful glint in her eyes. "Now she's got her heart broken. I wonder what she came here for. Anyways, it doesn't matter."With a dismissive shrug, Katherine redirected her attention to Aiden. She moved closer, a sly smile playing on her lips, and without further ado, she initiated a kiss with Aiden.He gently pushed Katherine away, creating a bit of distance between them. Katherine, caught off guard, looked at him with surprise evident in her eyes."What's the meaning of that?" she questioned.Aiden sighed and with that, he swiftly exited and pursued Melissa down the corridor. "Melissa!" He called out, "Melisa please wait up! Let me explain.""Leave me alone, Aiden," she retorted. She continued walking briskly, not wanting to engage in what seemed like an inevitable confrontation."No, Melissa, please. Let me explain," Aiden implored, catching up with her. "What could you possibly explain,
Aiden let out a sigh, his brow furrowing in frustration. "No, Katherine. Melissa isn't my ex. We were never in a relationship. I've known her for a while, but it's nothing romantic."Katherine raised a skeptical eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. "Oh, come on, Aiden. I'm not naive. The way she barged in here, the look on her face... That's not just a casual acquaintance's reaction to your impending marriage. Spill it. What's the real story between you two?"What? Why was Katherine probing him for answers like this? Was it that she knew something already? Whatever the case may be, there was no way that he would admit it. Aiden ran a hand through his hair, a hint of exasperation in his eyes. "There's no hidden story. We're friends, and that's it. Melissa was upset because she misunderstood the situation. She thought I was marrying you for some ulterior motive."Katherine brow's arched,. "Ulterior motive? What does she think this marriage is about?"Aiden chuckled, trying to downpl
Aiden entered the house and the moment he stepped in, she ran and hugged him tightly."Hi, Daddy! I missed you," she exclaimed with joy while she had her arms wrapped around him in a hugAiden smiled, attempting to mask his frustration. "Missed you too, sweetheart." Hope, sensing something was amiss, let go of him and looked up at him with curious eyes."Daddy, what's wrong? Why do you look upset?" she asked, concern furrowing her brows.Aiden sighed, conflicted about how much to share with his young daughter. He couldn't tell her about the rollercoaster of a day he just had. But he would have to tell her about the marriage. Maybe during dinner. "It's just some grown-up stuff, honey. Don't worry about it."Hope, not entirely satisfied with his answer, nodded and decided to drop the matter. She held onto her father's hand, leading him into the dining. She cheerfully announced, "Dinner's ready, Daddy! The maids said they prepared your favorites."Aiden managed a grateful smile, appre
Aiden ascended the stairs to his room and immediately headed straight to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and afterwards, he hit the shower. A soothing cascade of warm water enveloped him in the shower, washing away the tension that clung to him. It did calm down some of his agitated nerves. When he was done, he stepped out and changed into his clothes. Finally, when he was clad in sleepwear, he retreated to bed. Aiden's hand grazed the cool surface of his phone as he picked it up. The first thing he noticed was that he had a missed call from Kierra. Curiosity piqued, he swiftly navigated to his call log and dialed her number. The phone rang a few times before Kierra's warm voice resonated through the speaker."Hey, Aiden! Long time, no talk," she exclaimed. He reciprocated with a small chuckle. "Yeah, it has been a while. How have you been?""Well, fine. I've been fine. I just got off work and I'm on my way home." She replied, "How was your day?" Kierra's voice was warm over th
In the luxurious confines of her beautiful living room, Katherine found herself engrossed in the reality show airing on the television. She was also having a late-night snack — takeouts from Inside out burger. Just then, her Butler entered into the living room. With a subtle clearing of his throat, he conveyed, "Madam, Mr. Nathan Moore is here to see you."Perplexed and momentarily setting aside her food, Katherine regarded the butler with curiosity. "Nathan Moore? Here, and at this hour?" she mused aloud.What was that man doing at her house by almost eleven pm? What couldn't possibly wait till tomorrow? The butler, maintaining his composed demeanor, nodded in affirmation. "Yes, Madam. Shall I inform him to wait?""No need to make him wait. Please, ask him to come in." The Butler nodded and turned around to leave. A few minutes later, Nathan stepped into the room. He found himself under the scrutiny of Katherine's inquisitive gaze. Her eyes narrowed at him, "Nathan, what brings yo
Nathan took a sip of his drink, leaning back into his seat. "Melissa begged for an extra week," he remarked.Katherine's eyes narrowed, her skepticism evident. "An extra week? Her deadline expired yesterday. Why grant her that extension?"Why was she asking for an extra week? Was she so confident that her mysteriously missing fiance would pop back into her life within a week? Nathan, maintaining a cryptic smile, swirled the wine in his glass. "Negotiations, my dear Katherine. We came to an agreement and uh, concessions are made."That was that for that. Nathan didn't see the need to delve into the main reason he had given her a week. Neither did he want to let Katherine know about the picture. She was a nosy woman, and she would definitely want to know more about it. So, it was best not to even begin the topic with her. Katherine wasn't satisfied. "Nathan, don't play games. What's the real reason for this extension?"Of course, what did he say?He chuckled, deflecting the question w