Me: "Darling, what are you doing here? Did you come to pick me up?"
When he saw me, his usually handsome face immediately darkened. He was visibly furious. I knew I was putting him in an embarrassing position in front of his employees, but I didn't have time to think about that. Perry and Courtney were right there, and I refused to be humiliated in front of them. So I used Nathan to save face.
Nathan: "You? What are you doing here?"
His voice was low, but I could clearly feel the anger in his tone.
Me: "Please… just do me this one favor. After all, I gave you my virginity, the least you could do is play along."
I had no idea how Nathan would react. Would he reject me? Go along with it? I had no clue. His dark eyes were furious, unreadable. I couldn't guess what he was thinking, but instinctively, I could feel the dangerous aura radiating from him.
Just when I thought he would push me away, he suddenly wrapped an arm around my waist and looked into my eyes with a soft smile.
Nathan: "Are you okay, baby? I hope I didn't hurt you too much last night…"
His voice was so gentle. I couldn't help melting under his gaze, especially when a man as stunning as him looked at me so tenderly.
Me: "I… yes, I'm fine. Much better now…"
I replied with a shy smile, unable to hold his gaze.
Nathan: "I'll be gentler next time. I won't hurt you again. I promise."
He reached out, swept a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and looked at me lovingly.
Without meaning to, his words made me panic, and I suddenly started blushing. And then… what did he just say? "Next time"? There would be no next time! I had given him my virginity and he had the nerve to handle me roughly all night, and now he was talking about a next time? Pfft… I secretly cursed Nathan in my heart, but I had to pretend to be happy in front of Perry and Courtney.
Perry's expression changed instantly: his eyes darkened with anger as he stared at me. Courtney looked completely shocked as she stared at us pressed against each other.
Courtney: "What… he's your man?"
One look was enough to see that Nathan surpassed Perry in every way. Looks, presence, prestige… Even without knowing his identity, Courtney must have sensed it too.
Me: "Of course he's my man. Do you regret choosing Perry now?"
I looked at Courtney with a mocking smile.
Perry: "Mr. Spence…" Perry straightened up and walked toward Nathan, suddenly looking very respectful.
Nathan: "Perry, can you explain why there's so much noise here? What's going on?" Nathan asked coldly after giving him a brief look.
Perry glanced at me, clearly embarrassed by Nathan's question. He didn't know how to answer. I was in Nathan's arms, and I wondered how Perry felt at that moment. But I felt absolutely triumphant.
Perry: "It… it's nothing, just a personal issue. But… what brings you here today?" he asked quickly, trying to change the subject.
Nathan: "I came to accompany this beautiful lady while she chooses whatever she wants. Since you're here, maybe you could give her some advice? What do you think, baby?" he asked, staring straight into my eyes.
Me: "Uh… no, it's fine. Liliana is here, and I know the center very well."
Courtney: "Perry, you know this man? Is he really Irene's boyfriend?"
Courtney had always been arrogant. She must have been upset after seeing Perry tremble in front of Nathan. Nathan wasn't just more handsome—he clearly had a higher status than Perry. Seeing me with a man better than Perry must have deeply frustrated her.
Perry: "Courtney! Shut up!"
Courtney: "Why should I shut up? I'm telling the truth! I'm sure Irene still loves you. She's just hurt because you left her, so she found some guy just to pretend!"
Perry: "Courtney, that's enough!" he shouted, finally stopping her.
Perry knew very well that Nathan wasn't the kind of man anyone could use to pretend or manipulate—there was no way this was a game.
Courtney: "You… you yelled at me? Perry, you don't love me anymore?" Her expression turned vicious in an instant. Tears filled her eyes as if she had been wronged.
I snickered at Courtney's pitiful act. She always had to pretend to be the victim. Maybe that was how she seduced Perry—men liked delicate, gentle women. But I was the complete opposite.
Nathan: "Perry, you should seriously reconsider your taste in women." Nathan let go of my waist and stepped closer to Perry. His tone was mocking as he looked at Courtney. I didn't expect the usually reserved Nathan to spice up my little game. When he spoke, I could clearly see the embarrassment on Perry's face. Watching him look so defeated made me feel triumphant.
Perry: "Mr. Spence, I have something to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
Perry was a reserved man. Courtney's behavior must have embarrassed him, so he quickly dragged her away.
Liliana: "See? Even a random guy off the street would be ten times better than Perry!" Liliana said, adding fuel to the fire.
I could no longer pretend, and I struggled to maintain my smile once they left. I hesitated for a moment, then walked toward Nathan and said:
Me: "Thank you… for what just happened."
Nathan glanced at Liliana standing next to him. Then he turned to me and spoke coldly.