Chapter 38
Andrea sat at a small table near the window, sipping a warm cup of cocoa and enjoying the view of the snowy slopes outside. She was chatting with another guest, a cheerful young man named Oliver who had introduced himself moments earlier. He was funny, his easy laughter blending seamlessly with the lively atmosphere.
“So, you’re here for the first time?” Oliver asked, leaning forward slightly.
Andrea nodded, smiling. “Yeah. My… friend brought me here. It’s definitely not my usual kind of place.”
“Well, you seem to fit right in,” Oliver said with a grin. “I mean, look at you—you’re practically glowing in this setting.”
Andrea laughed, her cheeks flushing. “I wouldn’t say that, but thanks.”
As Oliver chuckled, Andrea noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. She glanced over and froze. Nathaniel was standing near the entrance, his dark eyes locked on her.
Even from across the room, his expression sent a chill through her. His posture was rigid, his lips pressed into a thin line as he watched her and Oliver.
Andrea’s heart sank. She knew that look.
Minutes later, Nathaniel approached the table, his presence casting a shadow over the lighthearted conversation.
“Andrea,” he said smoothly, though his tone carried an unmistakable edge.
Andrea looked up, trying to keep her voice calm. “Nathaniel.”
Oliver glanced between them, clearly sensing the tension. “Hey, is this your—”
“This is Nathaniel,” Andrea interrupted quickly. “Thanks for the chat, Oliver. I’ll see you around.”
Oliver hesitated, then nodded politely. “Yeah, sure. Nice meeting you.”
Nathaniel watched him walk away before turning to Andrea. “What was that?”
“What was what?” Andrea asked, her tone sharper than she intended.
“You and him,” Nathaniel said, his jaw tightening.
Andrea sighed, setting her cup down. “It was a harmless conversation. You don’t need to make it a thing.”
Nathaniel leaned closer, his voice dropping. “It’s not about him. It’s about you, Andrea. You don’t realize the effect you have on people.”
Andrea frowned. “Nathaniel, he was just being friendly. Why does it matter?”
“Because you’re mine,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “And I don’t like watching other people try to take what’s mine.”
The possessiveness in his words made Andrea’s chest tighten. “Nathaniel, you can’t just—”
“I’m sorry,” he said abruptly, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean to sound like that. It’s just…” He paused, his shoulders slumping slightly.
Andrea’s anger softened as she noticed the vulnerability in his expression. “Just what?”
Nathaniel hesitated, then exhaled deeply. “I’m afraid of losing you.”
Andrea blinked, taken aback by the rawness in his tone. “Nathaniel…”
“I’ve never felt like this before,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “You’re different, Andrea. And that scares me.”
Andrea didn’t know what to say. Part of her was moved by his honesty, but another part felt uneasy. The intensity of his feelings was both flattering and overwhelming.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said softly.
Nathaniel’s gaze searched hers, as if looking for reassurance. “You mean that?”
Andrea nodded. “I mean it. But you have to trust me, Nathaniel. You can’t let jealousy ruin everything.”
He nodded slowly, though the tension in his shoulders didn’t completely ease.
That evening, Andrea stood in front of the mirror in her suite, staring at her reflection.
The gown Nathaniel had chosen for her was stunning—a deep emerald green that hugged her figure and shimmered faintly under the light. Her hair was pinned up elegantly, and the simple diamond necklace Nathaniel had gifted her sparkled at her collarbone.
She barely recognized herself.
A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts. “Andrea, it’s time,” Nathaniel’s voice called.
Andrea took a deep breath before opening the door.
Nathaniel’s breath hitched as he took her in, his dark eyes sweeping over her with open admiration. “You look… incredible,” he said, his voice softer than usual.
Andrea felt her cheeks warm. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
He smirked, adjusting the cuff of his tailored suit. “Shall we?”
The private gala was held in a grand hall with vaulted ceilings and glittering chandeliers. Guests in designer gowns and sharp suits mingled, their conversations punctuated by laughter and the clink of champagne glasses.
Nathaniel kept Andrea close by his side, introducing her to people she couldn’t imagine crossing paths with in her old life. His charm was effortless, his confidence commanding, and Andrea found herself captivated by how easily he navigated the crowd.
But as the evening wore on, Andrea couldn’t shake the feeling of his possessive gaze following her every move. Whenever someone complimented her or tried to engage her in conversation, Nathaniel’s hand would subtly tighten on her arm, a silent reminder of his claim.
“You’re the center of attention tonight,” he murmured at one point, his lips brushing her ear.
Andrea glanced at him, her heart skipping a beat. “I don’t know if I like that.”
Nathaniel smirked. “I do.”
Later, as the gala wound down, Nathaniel led Andrea out onto a quiet balcony overlooking the snowy slopes. The moonlight bathed the scene in silver, and for a moment, the world felt still.
Nathaniel turned to her, his hands resting gently on her waist. “You stole the show tonight,” he said, his voice low.
The possessiveness in his tone sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn’t tell if it was from fear or something else entirely.
“I know,” she whispered.
Nathaniel’s thumb brushed against her cheek, his touch both tender and commanding. “Good,” he said softly, leaning in, claiming her lips.
