Nathalie flashed a gentle smile. "Mr. Mason, you're overthinking this. All good things come to an end. Whatever brief moments Mr. Nathan and I shared weren't enough to make him long for me." Mason let out a sigh of relief. "I hope that's just my imagination running wild."

He eyed Nathalie with a hint of curiosity. "Is there anything you're still wishing for? If there's something I can do to help, just say the word."

Nathalie's eyes gleamed with determination. "Thank you. I can handle my business myself."

Mason paused, recognizing her stubborn streak.

"Alright then."

After a quick chat with Ashley about Nathan's care instructions, Nathalie left the hospital without a backward glance.

Mason was satisfied with how things were shaping up. He advised Ashley, "You need to use this time while Nathan's under the weather to get close to him. He might seem like a tough nut to crack, but he's got a warm heart underneath that armor. He'll surely be moved by your efforts. You're one of the few in the city with both brains and beauty. Give it some time, and Nathan will definitely fall for you."

Ashley was brimming with confidence. "Don't worry, Mason. I'll win Nathan over."

Mason walked away with a smile.

Now, only Ashley and Nathan were in the spacious hospital room. Nathan was out like a light, probably because of the meds. Ashley sat by his bedside, resting her chin on her hand, soaking in Nathan's stunning features. She thought to herself, 'He has such a cute face. Using a bit of trickery against Nathalie was totally worth it.'

"Nathan, you're so good. Only someone like me deserves you," she whispered to herself.

"Now that she's gone, you'll see how great I am. I know you'll fall for me. I'm just as good as she is," Ashley said confidently.

But she didn't see the twist coming.

When Nathan woke up, his groggy eyes opened to see "Nathalie" leaning over his bed. Her hair was perfectly styled, the curls just fight, and she'd changed outfits. Her effort made Nathan's heart flutter.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nathalie putting in so much effort meant she cared, right?

He reached out slowly, gently stroking her hair, but the feel of the hair was all wrong.

Nathan's realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and his anger flared. "Who let you in?"

Ashley jolted awake, confused by Nathan's angry face. "Nathan, what's up?"

Nathan tried to keep his cool. "Why are you here? Where's Nathalie?"

Ashley replied, "Oh, she had something to handle and left. She asked me to take care of you."

Nathan's demeanor turned frosty. "Why would she leave without saying a word?"

That wasn't like her at all. He knew that Nathalie was always someone who kept others informed.

Ashley added, "She said she had some unfinished business."

Nathan partly believed her. With Nathalie gone, Nathan felt a wave of gloom.

Ashley noticed his mood and tried to cheer up. "Nathan, are you upset

about Nathalie leaving withoutset

word?" Content © copyrighted by .

swho

Nathan looked at her, baffled as tox why she thought he'd be angry at Nathalie. She was so wonderfut; he probably couldn't be mad at her for anything.

"I'm just worried about her."