Nathan read the message, a dark cloud passing over his face, and promptly deleted it. Frustrated, he slammed his laptop shut, a rare crack in his usually composed demeanor. In his agitation, he found himself tugging at his hair, a gesture of stress he'd never succumbed to before.noveldrama
Restless, he paced the room, his eyes flickering towards the door as if drawn by an invisible thread. His longing for Nathalie was undeniable, and before he knew it, he was back in her room.
This time, he pulled a chair up to her bedside, sitting silently and taking in the sight of her peaceful face. His eyes were filled with a tender affection and a longing that spoke volumes about his feelings for her. Unable to resist, he gently took her hand, pressing it to his cheek, feeling the warmth seep into him. Time lost its meaning, and he drifted into a deep sleep without realizing it.
The next morning, Nathalie awoke to find Nathan still there, her hand under his cheek. He hadn't even changed out of his clothes, a testament to the hurried nature of his visit, yet he hadn't forgotten her.
A pang of guilt hit Nathalie as she thought of all the times she'd doubted him. Carefully, she withdrew her hand and softly caressed his cheek.
"I'm sorry, Nathan. I shouldn't have doubted you," she thought, her heart heavy with regret.
Nathan seemed to sense her presence, his eyes fluttering open, a smile spreading across his face like the first bloom of spring.
"Hey, you're awake?" he said, firmly holding her hand, planting a gentle kiss on its back.
"Nathan, come get some proper sleep," Nathalie replied softly.
Nathan's face lit up with joy. He gracefully slipped off his jacket and jumped into the bed, pulling the covers over himself in one swift motion.
Looking at Nathalie with happiness, he murmured, "Stay with me for a while?"
He snuggled closer, seeking comfort and warmth.
Nathalie gently stroked his cheek. "Let's get some rest. I'm here."
Nathan nestled into her, his face buried in her shoulder.
"Why didn't you wait for me last night?" he suddenly asked, a note of sadness in his voice.
Nathalie was caught off guard, sensing the melancholy in his tone.
"Sorry, Nathan. Nina was really upset last night. After calming her down, my mind was all over the place,
and I ended up forgetting about you. I'm truly sorry," Nathalie confessed, remorseful.
Nathan sighed softly, "I guess I'm not your top priority."
Nathalie's heart gave a little ache at his words.
"Nathan, you mean the world to me. You really do."
Nathan seemed to take her words to heart, "As long as I have a place in your heart, I'm happy."
Content, he drifted into a peaceful slumber, his gentle snores filling the room.
Nathalie's eyes fell on his phone, peeking out from his pocket. She wondered if it held answers to her lingering doubts, but she chose not to overstep her boundaries.
She decided to trust Nathan.
Meanwhile, Regan was on edge, anxiously tracking the Stewart family's business performance. Ever since Ashley reached out to the
McCoy family for help, things ne
only gone downhill for them
had
Regan was desperate. He called an emergency shareholders' meeting that night, inviting his son, daughter-in-law, and even his granddaughter Ashley to attend, breaking with tradition.
At the meeting, Regan earnestly asked the shareholders to find a way to slow down or reverse the grim state of Stewart Enterprises. The shareholders were at a loss, shaking their heads and sighing, save for Ashley, who remained optimistic.
"I've already spoken to the eldest McCoy son for assistance. I'm confident that their support plan will be unveiled soon. With the McCoy family backing us, Maple Company will think twice before causing trouble."