Chapter 37
The sound of the doorbell startled Andrea as she sat at the kitchen table, finishing her tea. Her mom, wearing her worn but cheerful apron, peeked out of the kitchen.
“Are you expecting someone?” she asked.
“No,” Andrea replied, but her stomach flipped.
Her mom opened the door, and there he was—Nathaniel Sinclair, looking utterly out of place in their modest home but entirely at ease. His tailored coat and scarf contrasted sharply with the worn doormat under his feet.
“Good morning, Mrs. Riley,” Nathaniel said, flashing a polite smile. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Andrea’s mom blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Oh, not at all. You must be one of Andrea’s friends from school?”
Nathaniel stepped inside gracefully, his gaze scanning the small living room before landing on Andrea. “Something like that,” he said smoothly. “I was hoping to steal Andrea away for a few minutes, if that’s all right.”
Andrea stood, her cheeks flushing. “Nathaniel, what are you doing here?”
“Just thought I’d drop by,” he said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. “And to formally meet your family.”
Her mom smiled warmly, though Andrea could sense her confusion. “Well, that’s very kind of you, Nathaniel. Can I get you some tea or coffee?”
“I’m fine, thank you,” he said with a small nod. “But I was hoping to take Andrea somewhere special for the rest of the break.”
Andrea raised an eyebrow. “Where?”
“A ski resort,” Nathaniel said, stepping closer. “It’s the best way to enjoy winter. Snow, fresh air, breathtaking views.” He glanced at her mother. “Of course, only if Mrs. Riley is comfortable with it.”
Andrea’s mom hesitated, looking between the two of them. “It’s up to Andrea,” she said finally.
Andrea frowned, folding her arms. “I don’t know, Nathaniel…”
“Think about it,” he said, his voice lowering. “You’ve been working so hard. You deserve a break. Let me take care of everything.”
The sincerity in his tone, coupled with his unwavering gaze, made Andrea falter.
“Fine,” she said at last, sighing. “I’ll go.”
Nathaniel’s smile widened. “Excellent. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning.”
The ski resort was unlike anything Andrea had ever seen. Towering mountains surrounded the sprawling lodge, its grand wooden architecture glowing against the backdrop of pristine snow. Sleek luxury cars lined the driveway, and uniformed staff flitted about, carrying luggage and greeting guests.
Andrea stepped out of the car, her breath visible in the cold air. “Nathaniel, this place is… ridiculous.”
“It’s perfect,” he corrected, placing a hand on the small of her back as he guided her inside.
The lobby was even more overwhelming. A roaring fireplace dominated the space, surrounded by plush leather sofas and enormous windows that overlooked the slopes. Chandeliers made of crystal and wrought iron glittered above.
A concierge greeted them and handed Nathaniel a keycard with a slight bow.
“I’ve arranged for the best suite,” Nathaniel said as they stepped into the elevator.
Andrea gave him a look. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Nathaniel smirked. “Of course I did.”
When they reached the suite, Andrea couldn’t help but gasp. The room was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the mountains. A fireplace crackled in the corner, and a tray of chocolates and champagne sat on the glass coffee table.
“Andrea,” Nathaniel said, motioning to the walk-in closet.
Curious, she stepped inside and froze. The closet was filled with winter clothing—coats, sweaters, boots, and even accessories. All designer. All new.
“What… is this?” she asked, turning to him.
“I thought you’d need proper attire,” he said, his tone casual. “Pick whatever you like.”
Andrea’s stomach churned with a mix of gratitude and unease. “You didn’t have to do this, Nathaniel.”
“I wanted to,” he said simply.
The days passed in a blur of activity. Nathaniel took her skiing on the best slopes, patiently teaching her when she stumbled. They attended exclusive events in the evenings, mingling with the wealthy and powerful, though Andrea often felt out of place.
Private dinners were the highlight. Nathaniel’s charm was in full force, his attention always on her, making her feel like the center of the universe.
But it wasn’t all perfect.
On their third evening, as they sat by the lodge’s outdoor fire pit, Andrea noticed Nathaniel’s jaw tighten. A group of young men nearby had been glancing in her direction, whispering and laughing among themselves.
Nathaniel leaned closer, his voice low. “You’re not paying attention.”
Andrea blinked. “What?”
“You keep glancing at them,” he said, nodding toward the group. “Don’t.”
Andrea frowned. “They’re just talking. What’s the big deal?”
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened. “I don’t like it when other people look at you like that.”
Andrea bristled. “Nathaniel, you can’t control how people look at me.”
“No,” he said, his tone quiet but firm. “But I can make sure they know you’re mine.”
The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down her spine—not entirely unpleasant, but unsettling nonetheless.
Later that night, Nathaniel led Andrea on a moonlit walk through the snowy trails behind the lodge. The world was quiet except for the crunch of their boots in the snow and the faint rustle of the trees in the wind.
“Why did you bring me here?” Andrea asked softly.
Nathaniel stopped, turning to face her. “Because I wanted you to see what life can be like with me.”
Andrea’s breath fogged the air between them as she searched his gaze. “It’s… overwhelming, Nathaniel. Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong in your world.”
He stepped closer, his hands brushing her arms. “You belong with me,” he said firmly. “And Andrea…”
“What?” she whispered, her heart pounding.
His voice softened, but the intensity remained. “I don’t share. You should know that by now.”
