Ch. 321..330
Chapter 321 Visit Grandpa And Grandma
Christina had wanted to return to the study, but Nathaniel had yet to release his grip on her wrist.
Fearing that she would wake Camila up if she yelled, Christina lowered her voice to a whisper as she protested. “Let go of me!”
However, her protest was so soft that it simply reminded Nathaniel of how she used to call out to him. playfully while in his embrace.
A scorching passion filled up his heart and surged through his entire body.
“Let-“Christina was cut off when Nathaniel kissed her all of a sudden, sealing her lips completely with
his.
As she was caught off guard, Christina’s mind went blank, and she pounded against his chest with her fists. As much as Nathaniel did not want to let go of her, he forced himself to do so when he sensed that she was mad at him.
Given the way things were between them, he did not dare get on Christina’s bad side at all.
Despite her usually being a gentle and meek person, she had no issues upping and leaving whenever she
got angry
“I will have you banned from this house if you do that again!” Christina said while glaring furiously at
him
That was when Nathaniel caught a whiff of her unique, faint fragrance. He then ignored her completely as he lifted his hand and wiped his lips with his finger.
“I’ll pick you up tonight.”
Julia had been waiting excitedly at the front door of the Hadley residence the moment she heard about her grandchildren coming over.
You were never this excited, even when Nathaniel came over,” Charlie said while tidying up her somewhat messy hair
Their conversation was interrupted when a Maybach pulled up outside the front gate. Julia then ran forward and opened the car door excitedly, only to frown in disappointment when she saw that it was Nathaniel
She then slammed the door shut, made her way around the car, and opened the door on the other side. Julia felt her heart skip a beat when she saw the exquisite facial features of the two kids
Oh my goodness! They look just like Nathaniel when he was little
Julia was so excited that it took her quite a while to calm down before she could speak normally “Come here, my darlings’ Let me give you two a hug?”
Christina felt her heart melt when she carried the kids out of the car and saw the excited look in Julia’s
It felt as though she was meeting a family member whom she had parted ways with for a long time. Lucas Camila, say hello to your grandma
Camila glanced at Lucas as the two of them said in unison, “Hello, Grandma!”
“Oh, you two are so sweet! Come on, let’s head inside!” Julia said as she picked the kids up.
Although Camila was a little uncomfortable being around strangers, she kept quiet when she saw the look. in Christina’s eyes.
The housekeepers quickly gathered around the moment they entered the house.
They were all curious as to how Lucas and Camila looked.
“Come here; let me take a look at you! So, which one of you two is the elder sibling?” Charlie asked while holding Lucas in his arms.
“I am!” Lucas replied proudly.
As Camila was the quiet type, she looked like a pretty doll when she sat there without saying a word.
Just like that, the two kids had instantly become the stars of the house. The atmosphere was really harmonious as Charlie and Julia played with the kids.
After having dinner, Charlie brought the kids to his study so he could show them his antique collection.
It was the first time they had seen such rare antique items, so they were both incredibly curious. Charlie even told them interesting stories about each item as he showed them around.
Julia brought Christina out for a stroll in the courtyard.
“I’m just glad you’re back, Christina. Please don’t run away like that again.
Julia had no idea what had happened between Christina and Nathaniel back then, but she figured it was definitely serious if it drove Christina to run away from home.
“I won’t run away again, but… I might get a divorce,” Christina said as she saw no reason to keep it a secret,
While she was okay with letting Nathaniel visit the kids, she felt that they could no longer go back to the way they were.
The look on Julia’s face turned gloomy instantly. “Even if you don’t care about yourself, you should at least care about the kids. Please think about the damage you’d be doing before saying such hurtful things.”
But what about my feelings? Who would care about me?
Christina clenched her fists and tried her best to suppress her negative emotions.
“You two are way too similar in terms of your stubbornness. That can easily lead to a lot of misunderstandings.” Julia added while giving her a gentle pat on the hand.
“Mom, I-
Julia cut her off, “The fact that you are calling me ‘Mom’ shows that you acknowledge me as your mother- in-law. I, too, will only accept you as my daughter-in-law.”
Christina had a conflicted look in her eyes as a warm sensation filled up her heart.
She kept thinking about Julia’s words on the drive home that night.
Thristina was so distracted by her thoughts that she didn’t even notice when they had arrived home.
wasn’t until Nathaniel carried the kids out of the car that Christina snapped out of her train of thought. Here, let me carry Camila,” Christina said as she walked up to him and reached her hands out.
s the two of them were standing very close to each other, Nathaniel saw her thin collarbones the homent he lowered his head.
Chapter 322 Sign This
Oblivious to his gaze, Christina took Camila over from him and made her way into the house.
She then went into deep thought when she saw the kids sleeping soundly.
The kids and I have been roaming around for far too long. It’s time for us to settle down.
Nathaniel’s tall figure could be seen standing in the corridor when she stepped out of the kids’ bedroom. The white light hanging above him gave him a cool look as it highlighted his masculine features.
My goodness… He looks amazing from every angle! I bet countless women would willingly throw themselves at a perfect man like him!
With that in mind, Christina made her way over and asked with an emotionless look on her face, “Why are you still here?”
If there was one thing Nathaniel feared the most, it was her being cold toward him.
He then walked up to her and wrapped an arm around her slender waist, forcing her to make
with him.
eye
contact
Christina narrowed her eyes. “What’s the matter? Are you trying to force yourself on me again?”
Nathaniel lifted her chin with his other hand and leaned in close. Their noses were almost touching each other, and she could feel the warmth of his fingertips on her bare skin.
“You need to bring the kids over to the kindergarten tomorrow morning, so you should get some rest,” he said while staring intensely into Christina’s eyes.
The next thing she knew, Nathaniel had let go of her and went downstairs.
The golden rays of the morning sun shone through the bedroom window and filled it with a warm glow.
Christina had adopted a habit of getting up early in the morning.
She was watching the news in the study when Sebastian knocked on the door and said, “I’m here to retrieve the documents, Mrs. Hadley.”
“Okay,” Christina replied with a nod.
While searching the cabinet for the documents, Sebastian accidentally knocked some over, causing them
to scatter all over the floor.
“I’ll clean it up later,” he said with an awkward smile.
Christina didn’t give it much thought and decided to help him pick them up. She froze when her gaze fell upon the stack of plane tickets and train tickets that Nathaniel had bought while searching for her in every
city.
She couldn’t bring herself to imagine a man like Nathaniel showing up at crowded train stations.
Having found the documents he had come for, Sebastian was about to start cleaning up the mess when he noticed the tickets in Christina’s hands. “These are proof that Mr. Hadley had been searching for you. Whenever he received information on your whereabouts, he would insist on searching that area for you in person. Sometimes, he would get so impatient that he’d buy tickets at the last minute and rush there
overnight. The ones you are holding in your hands are only a part of his journey.”
At that very moment, Christina felt as though the tickets in her hands weighed a ton, and her eyes started tearing up all of a sudden. She was so shocked that she just stood there like a statue for what seemed like forever.
She didn’t even realize when Sebastian left the study.
It wasn’t until her legs began to hurt from the prolonged standing that she snapped out of her dazed state. That was when she realized her heart was starting to waver.
Nathaniel went back to Scenic Garden Manor as soon as he was done with work at the office.
“Christina, I’ve already contacted the kindergarten. We’ll bring the kids over and have a look at the place today. We’ll only proceed with the enrolment if you’re okay with it.”
Christina simply stood there in silence after hearing that.
Nathaniel panicked when he got no response from her. “What’s the matter, Christina?”
I don’t know what she’s thinking about unless she tells me!
“Christina?”
Nathaniel reached out to pat her on the shoulder, but she brushed his hand aside and said, “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”
The kindergarten that Nathaniel had chosen was the best one in the city. Its school fees alone cost up to fifty thousand per semester.
It was obvious that a lot of effort had been put into the design and renovation of the kindergarten. The sinks in the restrooms were made of marble, and professional instructors could be seen teaching their respective classes inside the art studios and dance studios.
“It’s too expensive,” Christina commented the moment she heard about the price.
“My children shall receive nothing but the best. Of course, they are the ones who will decide if we enroll them here,” Nathaniel said.
The kindergarten teacher had just returned after taking Lucas and Camila on a tour.
“Do you two like this kindergarten?” Nathaniel asked while picking them up.
“Yeah!”
“They even have a programming class here! I love it!” Lucas exclaimed with a smile.
“Would you two like to come to school here?” Nathaniel asked.
The two kids nodded in satisfaction. “Yes!”
Nathaniel then motioned for Sebastian to take care of the enrolment procedure.
“You two can start coming to school here tomorrow,” he said while carrying the kids out the front gate. You’re the best, big gray wolf?” Lucas exclaimed excitedly, only to cover his mouth when he realized he
had said something he shouldn’t.
“Shouldn’t you be calling him ‘Daddy?” Camila asked with a wink.
Nathaniel simply stared at them without saying a word. He didn’t want to pressure them into calling him “Daddy.” It wouldn’t mean anything if they didn’t acknowledge me from the bottom of their hearts.
Lucas couldn’t bring himself to call Nathaniel “Daddy” just yet.
Instead of forcing him, Nathaniel simply gave him a pat on the head and said, “Come on, let’s Christina contacted Yosef as soon as she returned to the study.
go home.”
“Christina, are you all right?” He hadn’t been able to contact her ever since they went their separate ways.
The bruise on the corner of his forehead had yet to heal completely, and his handsome face looked somewhat pale.
Christina’s eyes were filled with guilt as she said apologetically, “I’m fine, and I’m sorry about your wound. You only got injured because of me…”
Yosef had helped her a lot over the years, but she didn’t contact him after returning to her country for fear of angering Nathaniel.
“I’m fine! It felt quite satisfying to punch him a few times, so it’s all good!” Yosef replied jokingly. He was not bothered by their conflict at all.
Christina felt a lot more relieved after hearing that. “I probably won’t be able to head back anytime soon, so you guys will have to take care of things at the studio.”
Two years ago, Christina, Yosef, and a Ferropenian friend of theirs set up a studio that mainly focused on haute couture products.
As Yosef was the most popular among the three, Christina would often assist him whenever she was free..
“Don’t worry about it. You don’t have a lot of work on your hands anyway, so just think of it as going on a long vacation or something.”
“All right.”
“Christina, I can help you out anytime if you feel like leaving…”
That was the last thing Yosef said to her during that conversation of theirs. Christina hung up without giving him a reply.
Nathaniel had recently been coming home on time every day.
He would have dinner at Scenic Garden Manor and visit Christina in the study afterward.
Christina looked incredibly beautiful with the golden rays of the evening sun shining on her.
She had her head held low, which revealed the fair skin on her nape. No one would ever have guessed that she was a mother of two.
Nathaniel walked up to her and got her attention by waving a document in her face.
Chapter 323 Back To The Studio
Christina picked up the offer letter and scanned it. “Are you offering me a job as the owner of Christina’s Studios?”
You’ll be getting a higher salary than what your studio is currently paying you. You have no reason to turn it down.”
Nathaniel knew her very well. She would become restless if she were away from her work for longer than two days.
Since she wants to work, why not let her work under my nose? That way, I can keep an eye on her too.
“Christina’s Studios is mine. Since when did it become yours?” Christina scowled, feeling as though the fruits of her labor had been stolen from her.
“Well, it’s mine now. If you refuse, I’ll just hire another designer. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if they make a mess of it.” Though Nathaniel employed a tone of lazy nonchalance, his gaze remained fixedly on her face.
Christina’s expression turned sour. He’s forcing me into a corner to present me with a choice he has plotted for a long time as the only option.
Nathaniel knew how misleading her meek demeanor was; she was more stubborn than anybody he knew when it came to principles. Even the prospect of money would not tempt her otherwise.
In that case, why not have a written contract bind her by my side?
Christina did not speak. The atmosphere around there turned tense.
Nathaniel walked over and placed a fountain pen in her hand. “You are going to need a job. It’s the same wherever you work, so you might as well work for me. You get decent benefits, and the boss doesn’t ask for much.”
Before Christina realized what was happening, he was already holding her hand and signing her name with the patience of an adult teaching a child to write.
Moments later, Christina’s signature appeared, fully formed and irrevocable, on the agreement.
“From today on, you are my employee. You can start work immediately.”
Nathaniel brought Christina to Hadley Corporation. Her office was on the twenty-first floor.
“Since when did my studio move here?” Glancing about, Christina had the distinct feeling of somebody pulling one over on her.
Nathaniel opened the door and led her in. “Given Hadley Corporation’s recent acquisition of Christina’s Studios, I don’t see a reason for your office not being in this building
The layout of the twenty-first floor had been recreated to her specifications at the prior location.
When she entered, the sight of the familiar decor and the unused fabrics in the tailor room sent her into a nostalgic reverie.
“Christina!” a familiar voice sounded. It was Rayne.
Having not seen one another for four years, the pair embraced like old friends while exchanging comments on the changes they had gone through.
Nathaniel stood quietly by. He noticed the smile finally breaking over Christina’s face.
This is the first time she has smiled so genuinely since her return.
The faint morning rays illuminated her face. Her eyes, having turned to slits in her joy, shone wonderfully. Her smile struck him like a bullet through his heart, from which a dull throbbing began.
When Christina turned around after her chat, she realized Nathaniel had left.
Rayne told Christina that Nathaniel had been footing the bill for the studio and keeping her on. Over the past four years, she had been faithfully updating the social media accounts of Christina’s Studios.
The photographs they used, however, were old ones taken long ago.
“Good thing I took many pictures. Also, I have been maintaining and our online presence with the help of the archives. Now that you’re back, I don’t have to use the old pictures anymore.”
Christina sat down. What surprised her the most was that the clients who had commissioned pieces four years ago did not cancel their orders.
She tasked Rayne with contacting the clients on the waitlist, intent on completing the unfinished pieces. Soon, Rayne was put through to the first client on the list-Karen Singer.
They quickly agreed on a time to meet, but the client wanted Christina to come to her house. She even offered to pay extra.
Christina did not hesitate when she heard the offer and agreed on the spot. After ascertaining the location, they took off.
Karen lived in a luxurious residential area on the east side of the city. It was rather deserted, with greenery as far as the eye could see.
Karen welcomed them warmly when they entered her house. “Are you Ada, the designer?”
To promote Christina’s photographs, Rayne had included a card with Ada’s name on it. As the name held particular esteem in the design industry, their wealthy clientele held on to their orders.
“Yes, Mrs. Singer. What style would you like for your gown? May 1 get your measurements?”
“Could you have it done for me by the end of the month? I heard I am your first client upon being back in business. The ladies would be green with envy when I show up to a banquet in one of your dresses!” Karen chuckled, her eyes alighted with glee.
“It would be doable, but I must trouble you to decide on a design as soon as possible.” Christina produced a tape measure and got to work while Rayne took notes.
Halfway through, Rayne received a call from home, so she took a cab back.
Katen was pleasant. She obliged Christina with everything the latter wanted and helpfully described the style she was after.
Over the years, Christina had developed the ability to sketch quickly. Guided by Karen’s request, she soon
produced a draft.
Karen did a twirl of excitement. “Yes! That’s the look I’m after! I can’t wait for the finished product. When the time comes, I will show off your design, Ada.”
In her clation, Karen chattered on with Christina until the sky grew dark.
When it was time to leave, Christina tried to hail a taxi several times, but because of the remoteness of the area, none took her on.
Helpless to do much else, she decided to walk out and take a bus home.
With the map on her screen as a reference, she began her trek. As a result of the darkness, she suddenly found herself quite lost.
After a quick scan of the surroundings, Christina cursed when she realized she could no longer identify the route she had come from. Thus, she produced her phone to call for help.
After scrolling through listlessly, she finally called the police.
Christina sat under the street lamp and waited. She produced her phone to send Nathaniel a text but realized there was no signal.
Suddenly, the roar of motorcycle engines cut across the desolate night.
It was a duo of bikers who had come to an isolated mountainous stretch to race. Along the deserted stretch, they noticed the figure, slender as a willow tree. The two motorcycles screeched to a halt.
After an exchange she could not quite discern, they turned around and stopped before her.
“Are you lost, young lady? How about we give you a ride out of here?”
Christina looked up.
leave.”
Her discerning gaze flickered beneath the orange lamps. “No, thank you. You should
The man descended his bike and leered at her. “Hah, you seem to be a stubborn one, aren’t you? Interesting!”
Chapter 324 Do Not Think About Leaving Me
Christina took a step back. Her gaze darkened warily as they regarded the approaching man.
“The exit is very far from here. You would be nowhere near out of here even by daybreak.” The thinner of the two men suddenly stepped forward to pull Christina onto his bike.
Christina had learned to make the first offensive move in the face of danger-she kicked him in the groin.
The man fell to his knees with a howl. Her defiance drew the ire of the other biker. “How dare you attack. him, you b*tch?”
Without waiting for him to finish, Christina turned and ran. The footsteps of her pursuers sounded behind her. Though her heart clenched painfully, she did not dare slow down.
The footsteps drew closer. Just when Christina felt as if she could no longer take another step, a dazzling beam of light ahead blinded her.
The wail of the police siren reverberated across the skies. Christina’s legs gave way, and she slumped onto the ground.
The police emerged and, after ascertaining the situation, brought her and the bikers back to the precinct.
A few cops escorted the bikers into the interrogation room.
Fortunately for the police’s timely arrival, the hooligans were apprehended before they could do anything.
Christina remained on the steel chair by the wall and was only allowed to leave after completing the procedure by signing her name. She glanced at the clock. It was already ten at night.
Shaken, all she wanted was to get through the procedure as quickly as possible so she could go home.
Christina kept her gaze down at her feet. Suddenly, she was yanked out of her reverie by the stampede of impatient footsteps.
A hulking figure dashed through the door. It was Nathaniel in his pajamas. His hair was dripping, and he had a pair of fluffy slippers on his feet. His chiseled features looked encased in an icy gloom. With vessels bulging in his bloodshot eyes, he looked deranged.
Having received exceptional lessons in etiquette from a young age, Nathaniel would never leave the house in pajamas unless the situation was dire.
She could tell from his attire that he had been in a great panic.
Christina felt like a guilty child being caught red-handed by her parent. At the moment, she wanted more than anything the ability to disappear at will.
With a sheepish hunch of her shoulders, she lowered her gaze, not daring to meet his.
“You can leave with Mrs. Hadley, Mr. Hadley. I will deal with the remaining procedure.” Without another word. Sebastian led the lawyer in.
Christina did not recall Nathaniel stuffing her into the passenger seat.
He sped all the way home. Though the car was hermetically sealed, the roar of the wind whooshed past
her ears.
Only before a set of traffic lights did Nathaniel finally slow to a halt.
Christina turned to examine him. His exquisite features were taut. Every line on his face looked as if it had been carved from a blade. His rage, too, had a tangible form. It expanded within the space between them, and the air became dangerously thin.
Even the sound of their breathing in the ensuing silence was amplified.
“Are you upset?” she asked gingerly.
It was the first time she had spoken to him with such a gentle tone since her return.
However, Nathaniel remained unmoved. “Don’t you have my number?”
“I do,” Christina squeaked.
Nathaniel tightened his grip around the steering wheel. The veins on his hands bulged alarmingly. “Why didn’t you call me at once?”
After arriving back at Scenic Garden Manor from the office, he noticed that Christina had not returned, so he ate with the children.
Later, at nine, he called to ask about Christina’s whereabouts. Rayne informed him they went to see a client but did not leave together.
It was then he began to feel that something was awry. Just as he was about to look for her, Lucas and Camila ambled over, reluctant to have the housekeepers bathe them. Thus, he called Sebastian to find out where Christina was while he left to bathe the children.
Ending up soaking wet from the endeavor, Nathaniel took a shower after tucking the children in.
As soon as he emerged from the bathroom, Sebastian called to tell him that Christina was at the police station; she had gotten lost and had a run-in with some bikers.
Before Sebastian finished his sentence, he had dashed out.
Only he knew how anxious he was then. It felt the same as the time when he found out Christina was leaving-like he was falling from a building and having his heart shattering into indiscernible oblivion.
It was a pain he did not wish to endure again.
Only after seeing Christina unharmed did he regain his calm.
“I was lost, with no idea where I was. It would have been pointless to call you,” Christina mumbled.
I did nothing wrong, yet I’m getting told off. I did not know where I was. How was I supposed to let him rescue me?
Furthermore, their history had driven a wedge between them; even if she were to face it all over again, she would not have called Nathaniel.
She did not have to say it. He could see the coldness in her blank, distant expression and knew he wanted nothing more than to push him as far as possible away from her.
Though she is back, her heart is further than it had ever been before.
Nathaniel gave a self-deprecating laugh, feeling like a fool who was powerless to change how Christina was feeling.
The light turned green, but as his mood was foul, he showed no intention of starting the car. Instead, he remained fixated on wrestling with the negative emotions within him and keeping them at bay.
Unfortunately, he was never adept at managing his emotions. With them all jumbled up together, he was even more helpless to calm himself.
Christina watched him. Her gaze dimmed with a sense of foreboding.
Suddenly, an ear-piercing honk sounded.
They had stopped for too long, and the driver in the car behind them was becoming impatient.
The series of honks lit Nathaniel’s fuse. No longer concerned about not having an outlet to vent, he cursed under his breath before exiting the car.
A cold gust of wind entered the door, which had been left open. Christina shuddered. She knew all too well where Nathaniel was going.
Having just departed the police station, she was in no hurry to go back.
Christina opened her own door and hurried after him.
Nathaniel was already arguing with the driver behind them. Staring daggers at each other, the two men looked as if they were coming dangerously to blows.
Christina placed herself between them both. Despite her slight figure, she stood resolutely before
home.” Nathaniel, who was about to lunge forward. “Don’t start a fight. Let’s go
-Who gives
d*mn if you’re rich? Is this whole stretch made for you and your Maybach?” The other driver was also livid. His wife, in the passenger seat, quickly exited the car to hold her husband back, coaxing him not to get involved as she did so.
“I’m sorry. to the car.
We’ll go.” Christina wrapped her slender arms around Nathaniel’s waist and pushed him back
Nathaniel felt the tenderness around his midsection. Along with her familiar scent, it brought him back to
his senses.
“Enough, Nathaniel. We’ll talk about this at home.” Christina forced him into the driver’s seat.
Then, she returned hastily to her side. After urging him several more times, he started driving back to
Scenic Garden Manor.
Twenty minutes later, and with a stylish drift, the car slid into the
garage.
With the engine switched off, the air gradually solidified. Soon, the deafening silence grew disquieting.
The pair stared at each other without saying a word. The atmosphere grew tense.
Nathaniel adjusted his seat back until it was wide enough to fit two people.
Then, he grabbed Christina’s arm. Before she could react, her vision spun, and she found herself relocated from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat.
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Chapter 325 Let Daddy Stay
His domineering command, tinged with reluctance, rang in Christina’s ears.
Her heart skipped a beat, though she could not put a finger on the sensation.
Either as a consequence of exhaustion or from the prolonged kiss, she passed out without even realizing
1.
When she next awoke, she found herself lying in her bed.
The housekeeper knocked gently and entered with breakfast. “Are you awake, Mrs. Hadley? Mr. Hadley left after sending you home yesterday. He also made a special call this morning to instruct us to prepare breakfast for you.”
Christina massaged her temples. She rose, washed up, got dressed, then left the house.
As soon as she arrived at the office, Rayne asked if something had happened the night before.
Nathaniel had called her very late. From his tone, she deduced that Christina had not arrived home.
Christina did not tell Rayne about the fright she had the night before. Instead, she gave an evasive answer. “I want to start working on Mrs. Singer’s gown, so I won’t be taking on any new customers.”
“All right.”
Christina got to work as soon as she entered the tailor room. She drew, cut, and sewed. Though each step looked simple, all of them amounted to an extraordinarily complicated project.
Madison dropped by close to noon.
She knew that Nathaniel had moved Christina’s studio to their building. Though she found it a thorn in her eye, there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Madison sauntered into the tailor room. The sight of Christina reminded her of the slap she had endured. at Scenic Garden Manor the other day. Her check throbbed at the memory.
She entered, placed a set of car keys on the desk, and pulled a face in disdain. “Not bad for getting a nice car from Nathaniel so quickly.”
Her tone sounded as if she was the wife appraising the mistress.
Christina did not deign to look up. Her sharp eyes remained unperturbed. “What about you? What did you get?”
Madison’s expression shifted slightly. It had been four years, yet nothing came of her and Nathaniel. Even without Christina’s interference, she would still be his assistant with no prospect of being anything more.
However, she was not going to back down. “I have gotten plenty. Would you like to hear about some of them?”
Christina fell silent. A layer of frost glazed over her glittering eyes.
Madison knew her words had succeeded in aggravating the other woman, so she pressed on, “You think yourself so great for bearing Nathaniel two children, do you? I have borne him a child, too.”
Christina’s eyes widened slightly. She had considered many possibilities, but Nathaniel having an illegitimate child had never been one of them.
Just like that, her wound, newly healed, was cut open again. A fresh torrent of hurt poured anew.
Madison was filled with glee at the sight of the other’s disappointment. “My kid is a little younger than yours-almost three this year. Come for the birthday party, will you?”
Christina was sickened by those words. The mistress wants the wife to attend her kid’s party? What a joke.
Madison’s expression grew even more smug. “Take as much as you can before the divorce. Don’t wait too long, or you might find yourself empty-handed.” After her speech, she smiled derisively.
Christina picked up the car keys. Her gaze was as cold as ice. “How sure are you that we will end in divorce? If Nathaniel really liked you, he would have separated from me, and in two years, the court would have granted us a divorce without me having to sign a thing. Besides, he hasn’t mentioned a divorce since I came back. It looks like you were only a plaything to him once upon a time.”
“Don’t get cocky. Which one of us getting the last laugh remains to be seen.”
Madison glared, baring her teeth, but she did not dare do anything to Christina out in the open. At last, she stormed out of there in a huff.
Christina looked down and found a bent needle in her hand. The tip had pierced her fingertip, drawing large droplets of bright red blood.
They even have a child together. What was Nathaniel’s ingratiating act about then? Does he want both of us?
Returning to Scenic Garden Manor after work, Christina was greeted by the squeals of delight from the living room as soon as she crossed the threshold.
“Are you ready? We’re taking off!”
“Slow down, Daddy! Slow down!”
With Camila on his shoulders, Nathaniel held her by the arms and jogged about the vast living room. They appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely.
Lucas was envious. “Are you done, Daddy? It’s my turn now! I want to ride the airplane!”
Daddy’s shoulders are so strong. It would be fun to sit on them. I want a ride, too!
Nathaniel took Camila for several spins, then plopped her down onto the couch. “Held on, Camila. It’s Lucas turn now.”
Before he finished his sentence, Lucas had already jumped up onto Nathaniel’s muscular back. He wrapped his little hands tightly around his father’s strong neck. “Let’s go, Daddy! Take off!”
His stubby httle legs swung excitedly as he urged, his voice shrill with delight.
“All right, we’re taking off!”
Lifting Lucas, Nathaniel began running. He was fast but stable, always ensuring the safety of the children when they played.
“Haha, how fun! Faster, Daddy! Faster!”
lapici 0ZJ LL
Christina watched the children play, and the heartwarming scene pricked her heart.
The children had never known their father, so they never knew what it was like to have one. However, things have changed; they have now established a relationship with him. If I were to force them apart at this juncture, their psychological trauma would be catastrophic,
Christina felt her heart race and sear with white-hot pain. It caused tears to well up in her eyes.
Camila dashed over when she caught sight of her mother. “You’re home, Mommy! Join us, would you?”
“That’s enough for today. You should be having your meals and baths, then doing your homework!” Christina said, beaming as she caressed her head.
The children were so obedient that they heeded her instructions at once and followed her meekly to their bedroom for their bath.
Holding on to Nathaniel’s thigh, Lucas gazed up, his cheeks ruddy. “Could you bathe me, Daddy?”
He usually had to wait while his mother bathed his sister before his turn.
“No problem. Let’s go!” Nathaniel took him by the hand and headed toward the bedroom.
Christina was seized by an impulse to stop them. She did not wish Nathaniel to be around the children, as it would be easier to leave if it ever came to that.
Gazing at the departing figures of both father and son, the words that had risen to her lips fell away, unuttered.
After their baths, the children implored Nathaniel to tell them a bedtime story.
It was late at night when it ended. Lucas tugged at Christina’s sleeve. “I want Daddy to put me to sleep. Mommy, but look at the time! Can Daddy stay tonight?”
“That’s right, Mommy. Our teacher told us that it’s dangerous to drive at night. Let Daddy stay, please?”
Chapter 325 Let Daddy Stay
His domineering command, tinged with reluctance, rang in Christina’s ears.
Her heart skipped a beat, though she could not put a finger on the sensation.
Either as a consequence of exhaustion or from the prolonged kiss, she passed out without even realizing
1.
When she next awoke, she found herself lying in her bed.
The housekeeper knocked gently and entered with breakfast. “Are you awake, Mrs. Hadley? Mr. Hadley left after sending you home yesterday. He also made a special call this morning to instruct us to prepare breakfast for you.”
Christina massaged her temples. She rose, washed up, got dressed, then left the house.
As soon as she arrived at the office, Rayne asked if something had happened the night before.
Nathaniel had called her very late. From his tone, she deduced that Christina had not arrived home.
Christina did not tell Rayne about the fright she had the night before. Instead, she gave an evasive answer. “I want to start working on Mrs. Singer’s gown, so I won’t be taking on any new customers.”
“All right.”
Christina got to work as soon as she entered the tailor room. She drew, cut, and sewed. Though each step looked simple, all of them amounted to an extraordinarily complicated project.
Madison dropped by close to noon.
She knew that Nathaniel had moved Christina’s studio to their building. Though she found it a thorn in her eye, there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Madison sauntered into the tailor room. The sight of Christina reminded her of the slap she had endured. at Scenic Garden Manor the other day. Her check throbbed at the memory.
She entered, placed a set of car keys on the desk, and pulled a face in disdain. “Not bad for getting a nice car from Nathaniel so quickly.”
Her tone sounded as if she was the wife appraising the mistress.
Christina did not deign to look up. Her sharp eyes remained unperturbed. “What about you? What did you get?”
Madison’s expression shifted slightly. It had been four years, yet nothing came of her and Nathaniel. Even without Christina’s interference, she would still be his assistant with no prospect of being anything more.
However, she was not going to back down. “I have gotten plenty. Would you like to hear about some of them?”
Christina fell silent. A layer of frost glazed over her glittering eyes.
Madison knew her words had succeeded in aggravating the other woman, so she pressed on, “You think yourself so great for bearing Nathaniel two children, do you? I have borne him a child, too.”
Christina’s eyes widened slightly. She had considered many possibilities, but Nathaniel having an illegitimate child had never been one of them.
Just like that, her wound, newly healed, was cut open again. A fresh torrent of hurt poured anew.
Madison was filled with glee at the sight of the other’s disappointment. “My kid is a little younger than yours-almost three this year. Come for the birthday party, will you?”
Christina was sickened by those words. The mistress wants the wife to attend her kid’s party? What a joke.
Madison’s expression grew even more smug. “Take as much as you can before the divorce. Don’t wait too long, or you might find yourself empty-handed.” After her speech, she smiled derisively.
Christina picked up the car keys. Her gaze was as cold as ice. “How sure are you that we will end in divorce? If Nathaniel really liked you, he would have separated from me, and in two years, the court would have granted us a divorce without me having to sign a thing. Besides, he hasn’t mentioned a divorce since I came back. It looks like you were only a plaything to him once upon a time.”
“Don’t get cocky. Which one of us getting the last laugh remains to be seen.”
Madison glared, baring her teeth, but she did not dare do anything to Christina out in the open. At last, she stormed out of there in a huff.
Christina looked down and found a bent needle in her hand. The tip had pierced her fingertip, drawing large droplets of bright red blood.
They even have a child together. What was Nathaniel’s ingratiating act about then? Does he want both of us?
Returning to Scenic Garden Manor after work, Christina was greeted by the squeals of delight from the living room as soon as she crossed the threshold.
“Are you ready? We’re taking off!”
“Slow down, Daddy! Slow down!”
With Camila on his shoulders, Nathaniel held her by the arms and jogged about the vast living room. They appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely.
Lucas was envious. “Are you done, Daddy? It’s my turn now! I want to ride the airplane!”
Daddy’s shoulders are so strong. It would be fun to sit on them. I want a ride, too!
Nathaniel took Camila for several spins, then plopped her down onto the couch. “Held on, Camila. It’s Lucas turn now.”
Before he finished his sentence, Lucas had already jumped up onto Nathaniel’s muscular back. He wrapped his little hands tightly around his father’s strong neck. “Let’s go, Daddy! Take off!”
His stubby httle legs swung excitedly as he urged, his voice shrill with delight.
“All right, we’re taking off!”
Lifting Lucas, Nathaniel began running. He was fast but stable, always ensuring the safety of the children when they played.
“Haha, how fun! Faster, Daddy! Faster!”
lapici 0ZJ LL
Christina watched the children play, and the heartwarming scene pricked her heart.
The children had never known their father, so they never knew what it was like to have one. However, things have changed; they have now established a relationship with him. If I were to force them apart at this juncture, their psychological trauma would be catastrophic,
Christina felt her heart race and sear with white-hot pain. It caused tears to well up in her eyes.
Camila dashed over when she caught sight of her mother. “You’re home, Mommy! Join us, would you?”
“That’s enough for today. You should be having your meals and baths, then doing your homework!” Christina said, beaming as she caressed her head.
The children were so obedient that they heeded her instructions at once and followed her meekly to their bedroom for their bath.
Holding on to Nathaniel’s thigh, Lucas gazed up, his cheeks ruddy. “Could you bathe me, Daddy?”
He usually had to wait while his mother bathed his sister before his turn.
“No problem. Let’s go!” Nathaniel took him by the hand and headed toward the bedroom.
Christina was seized by an impulse to stop them. She did not wish Nathaniel to be around the children, as it would be easier to leave if it ever came to that.
Gazing at the departing figures of both father and son, the words that had risen to her lips fell away, unuttered.
After their baths, the children implored Nathaniel to tell them a bedtime story.
It was late at night when it ended. Lucas tugged at Christina’s sleeve. “I want Daddy to put me to sleep. Mommy, but look at the time! Can Daddy stay tonight?”
“That’s right, Mommy. Our teacher told us that it’s dangerous to drive at night. Let Daddy stay, please?”
Chapter 326 Helpful Kids
The kids called Nathaniel their daddy. That means they have finally acknowledged him. Christina hesitated.
Right then, Camila pleaded in a cute tone, “Mommy, let Daddy sleep here tonight, okay? Otherwise, we’ll be worried about him…”
Christina couldn’t resist the kids’ cute voices and their teary eyes.
Hence, she held up a finger and uttered warily, “Fine. However, he can only sleep in the guest room.”
Nathaniel then grabbed her finger and responded, “Anything you say.”
At that moment, his eyes were filled with intense emotions. If the kids weren’t there, he would’ve made a move on Christina on the spot.
“In that case, you’ll be responsible for putting the kids to bed.” Christina didn’t want to be in the same room as him. “Sleep early, Camila, Lucas!”
“Yes, Mommy!” the kids agreed obediently.
Nathaniel was impressed by her ability to coax the kids. The little ones behave themselves well in front of
Christina.
As soon as Christina left the room, Camila and Lucas turned toward Nathaniel at once. “Daddy, you promised to bring us horseback riding during the weekend if we could convince Mommy. You must keep your word!”
The kids were very interested in horseback riding.
Nathaniel carried the kids to the bed and replied in a gentle tone, “Why would I lie to you? In fact, I’ve already made a call to reserve the venue. We’ll go there with your mommy this weekend, okay?”
Camila and Lucas gave each other a high-five and cheered, “You’re the best, Daddy!”
“All right. It’s time to sleep. I’ll read you guys a story.” Under the dim lights, Nathaniel sat by the bed, held a storybook in his hands, and read them a story in a coaxing tone.
While looking at Nathaniel’s handsome face from the side, the kids felt utterly blissful.
After she was done taking a shower, Christina put on a classic Victoria’s Secret pink nightgown with a silk belt in the middle, and her long hair fell like a waterfall down her back.
She then read her emails while sitting cross-legged on the couch. A while later, she felt tired, so she lay on the couch and cleared her mind with her eyes shut.
Just then, the room door was pushed open, and Nathaniel came through the door.
Christina didn’t know Nathaniel was standing right in front of her until he carried her up in his arms. Upon hearing his strong and loud heartbeat, she opened her eyes abruptly.
She saw his handsome face right away. His chin was slightly raised, and he was exhaling minty breaths.
“What are you doing?” Taken aback, Christina almost jumped in alarm.
Nathaniel maintained a calm and subdued expression. I’m just doing what I’ve always done. I would gently
carry
her to bed every time she fell asleep on the couch. However, she never looked at me this way.
“I’m carrying you to bed,” he replied.
Christina blushed immediately. While kicking her legs aggressively in mid-air, she protested, “Let me go! I don’t want you to carry me!”
Nathaniel ignored her and carried her to the side of the bed.
“Let me go!” Christina struggled even harder to free herself.
No one knew if Nathaniel had lost his balance or had naughty intentions, but they both ended up onto the bed.
“Why are you lying in my bed? Go away! Go away!” Christina kicked Nathaniel repeatedly.
falling
Nathaniel was kicked in the shoulder, abdomen, and chest. Her feet are so small, but she’s so aggressive with her kicks!
She then landed her final kick on his head and gritted her teeth. “Get out of my bed.”
Nathaniel couldn’t bear to get angry when he saw Christina puffing up her cheeks angrily.
If someone else were to kick his head, he would’ve broken the person’s legs.
However, Nathaniel remained unfazed, and he traced his gaze along her legs.
Christina saw the weird look he had in his eyes and realized she was wearing a nightgown. She then quickly retracted her legs and wrapped herself up with the blanket. “Pervert!” she fumed.
In response, Nathaniel rubbed his forehead and muttered, “How could you say that after you kicked me? I’m in pain…”
He pretended to be in pain and rubbed the spots that were reddened as a result of her kicks.
With her head poked out of the blanket, Christina uttered with her watery eyes, “Get out! You’re sleeping in the guest room.”
“My chest hurts… I can’t move.” Nathaniel lay down on the bed with his brows furrowed and lips pursed. He looked like he was in a lot of pain.
Ha! He’s playing tricks on me… Christina wrapped the only blanket in the room around herself and rolled. over to the other side of the bed. With that, she created the most distance she could between herself and the man.
Nathaniel was happy to learn that she wasn’t chasing him out of the room anymore. I don’t mind not having a blanket. In fact, I would even sleep on the floor.
Time ticked off, and the room became silent.
“Are
you asleep, Christina?” Nathaniel voiced but heard nothing in response. “Christina?”
Still, Nathaniel didn’t get a response.
Hence, Nathaniel inched toward her and carefully wrapped his arm around her waist.
He found comfort as soon as he felt her tender body. As he inched closer, he eventually rested his face on her head. When he caught a whiff of her pleasant smell, he couldn’t help pulling her into his embrace.
The following day, the morning sunlight flooded the room through the glass window, and the curtains. swayed in the wind.
Christina had a pleasant sleep as she felt as though she was sleeping in a room with a fireplace.
Upon hearing the alarm ringing, she opened her eyes and wanted to stretch her back. That was when she realized that she was in Nathaniel’s embrace.
At that moment, Nathaniel’s dashing face was inches from hers, and she could feel the warmth of his breath on her face. We’re so close to each other that it’s as if we’re one!
“Let me go, Nathaniel.” Christina pushed him and tried to free herself.
With his eyes shut, Nathaniel gritted his teeth lightly before replying, “Don’t move. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a long while.”
Little did Christina know that Nathaniel had been thinking about her before he went to bed every night. Hence, he could only sleep soundly whenever he was dog-tired.
Needless to say, he wasn’t a fan of those tormenting days.
Christina was having none of it, though. She tried pushing his arm away and biting it, but her efforts were
futile.
“If you move again, I’m going to kiss you,” he warned.
Hearing that, Christina had no choice but to stay still and let him hug her.
After some time, Christina fell asleep once again.
When she woke up, Nathaniel was no longer there.
Therefore, she got out of bed, got changed, and went to her office.
The moment she entered her office, she saw a familiar silhouette she had missed dearly.
Chapter 327 Reunion
“Christina!” Coco took off her sunglasses to reveal her exquisite facial features. Evidently, she became more beautiful than she was four years prior.
Coco had made a name for herself over the past few years and had become so popular that most people 1.
could recognize her on the streets.
“What are you doing here. Coco?” Christina yelled in surprise and hugged Coco.
Back then, Coco left in a rush and didn’t say goodbye to her friends. After they stopped contacting each. other all of a sudden, Christina thought Coco had forgotten about her.
“I’ve been keeping tabs on your studio! When I learned that you were back, I came back as soon as I could!” Coco giggled.
The two had a catch-up session there and then.
Coco only remembered an important matter she wanted to tell Christina about after they had finished two pots of tea.
“Recently, my studio wanted me to take a collection of retro photos wearing clothes from the eighties. The major brands will provide the outfits, but I need a professional to guide me on how to match and wear them. Therefore, I told them I wanted you to be my stylist because I knew you’d make me look fabulous. I came to look for you specifically, and I’ll only need two days of your time. You won’t reject me, right? Coco asked coyly while grabbing Christina’s hand.
Christina was amused. With her status in the entertainment industry, Coco can afford any of the best stylists in the industry. Yet, she came to look for me specifically. How can I possibly turn her down?
With that in mind, Christina replied, “Sure! Please inform my assistant beforehand, and I’ll definitely show up.
“You’re the best!” Coco hugged her. “Obviously, I’ll pay you handsomely. See you!”
Christina sent Coco out and went to the tailor room. I need to finish Mrs. Singer’s gown quickly. Since I’ve already told her she would have the gown ready by the end of the month, I ought to keep my word.
Christina had her schedule fixed, and she planned to stay in the entire second half of the month. If she were to go out, she would have to make time for it.
That afternoon, she called and instructed Raymond to fetch the kids. After that, she told the kids she was working overtime.
“Mommy, you can work overtime, but you must promise to bring us out during the weekend” Lucas didn’t reveal the activity planned for the weekend because Nathaniel told them to keep it a secret to avoid Christina bailing out
“No matter where we want to go, you must come along!” Camila chimed in.
“Sure. I’ll bring you to wherever you want, Christina promised. Well, bringing the kids out every weekend is already a norm
Upon getting Christina’s assurance, the kids promised to have lunch and take their nap in the afternoon. With that, Christina hung up the phone and continued working.
By the time sunset arrived, the lights in the room lit up, and most employees had left the office.
Christina was left sitting in the tailor room alone and embroidering a piece of chiffon material.
Embroidery was a unique skill possessed by designers, but not all designers could embroider well. In other words, one had to rely on personal skills to produce a splendid product of embroidery.
Embroidery pieces were usually the hardest to come by among all the high-end clothing in the market.
Right then, Madison deliberately passed by Christina’s office with a confidential document. She wanted to hide the document in the office and get someone to bust Christina the next day.
However, she didn’t expect Christina to still be working at that hour.
Madison quickly hid somewhere and devised a better way to trick Christina.
Madison then took the elevator back to her office, kept the document aside, and went to the security department.
Five security guards were working at that time. When they saw her coming in, the leader of the security guards approached her and asked. “Is there something I can do for you, Ms. Taggart?”
Generally speaking, administration workers were rarely required to visit the security department unless something urgent arose.
“Please check the elevators because when I was in the elevator carlier today, I noticed something was amiss,” Madison answered.
The leader frowned slightly and said, “If we were to check the elevators, we would need to cut off the power supply to the elevators. Unfortunately, we planned to upgrade our surveillance system tonight. Hence, we might need to cut off the power supply to the entire building.”
“What’s the problem with that? After all, everyone had already gone home. Shouldn’t you guys solve the problem before Mr. Hadley arrives tomorrow?” Madison questioned.
“In that case, please leave the building. We’ll upgrade the security system, inspect the elevators, and rectify the issues regarding our power supply,” the leader replied.
Madison was thrilled when she thought about how Christina would be trapped in the office the entire night.
Before she left, she added, “By the way, please crank up the air-conditioning after you guys inspect the elevators. The pungent smell of paint has been overwhelming after they repainted the corridors on every floor. Let’s use the air-conditioning to get rid of the smell.”
“Sure.”
Since the power supply to the air-conditioning was separated from the power supply to the entire building, the security guards could definitely do as they were told.
A meaningful smile appeared on Madison’s face as she made her way out of the security department. Eager to leave the building, she went to the garage as quickly as she could.
Shortly after she started driving, she received a call from Nathaniel.
“Bring me the contract between Xenos Corporation and us,” Nathaniel instructed.
Madison didn’t want to return to the office, so she coughed lightly and asked, “Do you need it in a hurry, Mr. Hadley? May I bring it to you tomorrow instead? I think I’ve fallen sick, and I’ve only gotten into
bed…”
“Rest well, then.” Nathaniel didn’t press further.
“Thank you, Mr. Hadley.”
Meanwhile, all the lights in the office were switched off at once, and the entire place was in complete darkness. Christina gasped and pricked her own finger with the needle. What just happened?
Christina then turned on the flashlight on her phone and checked if she had made a mistake with her embroidery the moment the lights went out. Fortunately for her, she was skillful enough to avoid that from happening.
She then put aside the embroidery she had already completed by one-third and exited the tailor room. before vigilantly locking the door behind her.
Is this a power outage? Why wasn’t I informed? Christina left the office and wanted to take the elevator to go downstairs. However, she found out that the elevators were all out of service.
Suddenly, the air-conditioning was cranked up to the highest fan setting, and she felt like she was standing in the middle of a winter storm.
A deep line appeared between Christina’s brows as she tried making her way toward the back stairwell.
To her dismay, nothing seemed to be going her way that night because she found that the door to the back, stairwell was locked from the other side. I’m stuck here…
Left without a choice, Christina went back to her studio. The central air conditioning system continued to blow gusts of chilly wind in her face, and she ended up sneezing a couple of times. I don’t know if the company is undergoing some maintenance operation, but I can’t possibly sit here and let the air- conditioning make me sick. I might catch a cold soon!
With that in mind, Christina turned on the phone. Luckily, my phone still works. I need to call someone for help. Who should I call, though?
Upon seeing her call log, she hesitated for a while before calling someone.
The call got through fairly quickly.
“Christina” the person on the other end of the call called out.
Chapter 328 Protected By Him
“Nathaniel, I have a problem,” whispered Christina. She sounded desperate.
A flash of delight flitted across Nathaniel’s eyes. “What happened?”
He then added. “No matter what it is, I will resolve it for you.”
Christina had a feeling that Nathaniel would strip naked and run around the streets if she asked that of him right now.
“I’m being trapped in the office, and the elevator has stopped. The stairwell door has been locked, and the aircon keeps getting colder.”
She breathed in deeply and felt that the air was colder than before.
Nathaniel looked angry. “Wait for me. I’m heading there right away.”
“All right.”
After hanging up the phone, Christina felt a lot better.
After all, she was at the office, and her life was not in danger. All she had to do was wait for Nathaniel to
arrive.
Madison said she was not feeling well. As for Sebastian, he had already gone home to deal with his work. Nathaniel wanted to look through some documents, and that was why he had to rush to the office.
He did not expect to receive a call for help from Christina while he was on the way.
Nathaniel sped up, and very soon, he arrived at the office.
He phoned the security and asked them what was going on.
The head of security was surprised to see all the important members of the company showing up that day.
He gave Nathaniel his report but did not mention anything about Madison.
Nathaniel instructed coldly. “Resume all operations and shut off the air-conditioning.”
“Uh… It’s not possible because the system is currently undergoing an upgrade. We’ll have to wait for three hours before we can resume operations.” The head of security did not know what to do.
“Mr. Hadley, if there’s anything, I can do it on your behalf.”
Nathaniel was furious. “No need. When the upgrade is done, resume operations. Turn off the air- conditioning immediately.”
“Yes, Mr. Hadley.”
Since the elevator was not working. Nathaniel decided to climb up the stairs to the twenty-first floor.
Someone had definitely locked the back stairwell from the other side. Luckily, it was not a deadlock. After turning the knob, Nathaniel was able to open the door.
He opened the office door and found a skinny figure curling up on the couch.
Nathaniel rushed up and covered her slender shoulders with his jacket. “Christina, are you all right?”
She caught the familiar sandalwood scent of his as the jacket covered her shoulders.
Christina shuddered and looked up at Nathaniel’s sweaty yet handsome face. He was breathing heavily because of the exertion. The buttons on his shirt were opened, and his muscular chest was visible.
Although he appeared pretty wretched, Christina felt sorry for him, knowing that he had suffered because
of her.
“I’m all right. Just feeling a little cold. That’s all.” Despite what she said, she coughed for a while.
Even though the air-conditioning had been turned off, the air was still as cold as snow frost.
“Come. Let me take you home.” Nathaniel tried to pull her up from the couch.
Christina frowned because the blood in her body was about to freeze, and she could barely move. She felt like an ice sculpture.
“My legs are numb. I can’t walk,” she whispered ever so softly,
There was no hesitation on Nathaniel’s part. “I’ll carry you.”
He turned around with his back facing Christina before saying resolutely, “Get on my back.”
“Aren’t you tired? Why don’t you rest for a while?” He has just climbed up twenty-one floors. Now, he wants to carry me down. Does he think that he is a robot?
Christina stared at the sweat-soaked shirt of his and did not move an inch.
Seeing that she did not climb on his back. Nathaniel turned around and teased her, “Why? Are you feeling sorry for me?”
“You think too much. I’m just worried that you aren’t strong enough. It may be dangerous if you carry me and walk down the stairs.”
Christina then looked away.
A smile appeared on Nathaniel’s face, and he sat down next to her on the couch. They were so close to one another that they could almost feel each other’s warmth.
“The security says that it will take another three hours before things can resume back to normal. After a short rest, I will carry you down.”
Christina was thinking that her legs would be able to move in a short while. By then, she would not require his help to carry her down.
The two of them sat there in silence. Gradually, the cold air dissipated, and the atmosphere in the room began to ease up.
The room was dark as there was no light.
Christina found it better that way. At least they would not have to look at one another. It would have been embarrassing.
Unfortunately, it was also quite scary in the darkness.
juddenly, lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a loud boom. It looked as if the lightning was about
o cut the office into two.
Christina was looking out the window at that time, and she got a fright.
‘Ah!” she screamed before taking cover under the most reliable place instinctively. Her hands were covering her ears, and she was trembling.
Nathaniel pulled her into his arms and comforted her gently, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
His words calmed Christina down immediately.
Every time she got scared, Nathaniel would hold her in his arms and calm her down in that manner.
As time passed, all she could hear was the sound of the raindrops and Nathaniel’s heartbeats.
With his arms around her, Nathaniel muttered, “You are still afraid of lightning and thunder. Every time, you will bury yourself in my arms. There were a few times when you banged so hard against my chest that it hurt, but I dared not tell you for fear that you would not hide in my arms again…”
Christina bit her lip and said nothing even though she heard what he said.
All of a sudden, the lights came on.
She looked up in relief and noticed how close his gorgeous face was to hers. Her eyelashes flitted. In fact, their faces were so close that they were about to touch,
Christina’s heart skipped a beat as she instinctively moved backward. However, Nathaniel did not give her a chance. He grabbed the back of her head and sealed her lips with his.
His kisses assaulted her senses like a storm.
This time around, Christina could not hear any raindrops or Nathaniel’s heartbeats. All she could hear was her own heartbeats that were getting quicker by the second.
It was after some time before Nathaniel released her. The two of them glanced at each other while they were catching their breaths.
“Let’s go.”
He stood up and pulled Christina out of the office.
Christina refused to let him carry her. In the end, they held each other’s hands as the together.
Nathaniel’s palms were sweating, but he refused to let go of her hand.
walked down!
Looking at his back, Christina found her determination wavering. She did not seem to hate him as much, and she certainly did not care about the things that happened in the past…
However, the thought of Madison annoyed her still.
After getting in the car, Nathaniel put on the seatbelt for her before getting into the driver’s seat.
Christina thought that he would send her back to Scenic Garden Manor, so she closed her eyes for a while.
By the time she woke up, the car had stopped in front of a luxury condominium and not Scenic Garden Manor.
Chapter 329 Slept Together
“Where are we?” Christina asked suspiciously.
“It’s raining so heavily. I don’t want to risk driving in this weather. We’ll stay in the condominium tonight!
Nathaniel got out of the driver’s seat and walked over to open the passenger-side door with an umbrella to shield Christina from the rain.
She recalled that Madison lived in a condominium. Did he bring me back to their home?
Christina was immediately filled with disgust at that thought. She did not want to be near Madison. “I won’t go in. If you refuse to drive. I’ll drive myself home.”
“Don’t be difficult. There was an announcement on the radio just now that a thunderstorm was coming. It’s very dangerous to be driving now. If you get in an accident, how am I going to explain it to the two kids?”
Nathaniel held out the umbrella to Christina. His own body was entirely drenched in the rain.
Christina got out of the car reluctantly, promising herself that as soon as the rain eased, she would leave immediately.
Upon entering the condominium, Christina realized that the unit was enormous, and the interior was clean, spotless even. Most interestingly, there was no trace of a woman living in that space.
“You live alone here?” Christina asked, doubt creeping into her voice.
“Well, you refuse to let me step foot in Scenic Garden Manor. What else can I do but live here alone.” Nathaniel slipped the umbrella into the stand by the door. The rain was relentless, and his clothes were
completely soaked through. Droplets of water dripped from his body to the floor, creating a small puddle.
“Make yourself comfortable. I’m going to take a shower and get myself changed out of these wet clothes.”
Christina’s clothes had not escaped the rain either. Although Nathaniel had tried his best to shield her with the umbrella, only her hair had remained dry.
Nathaniel noticed that she looked no better than himself. He worried that she would catch a cold sitting in her damp clothes. “I don’t have any spare women’s clothing for you, unfortunately. You’ll have to make do with my baggy workout clothes.”
He disappeared into the bedroom and returned with a white tracksuit set. “Take a shower and change into these dry clothes. I don’t want you to fall sick.”
Christina stared at the tracksuit in distaste. She really did not want to spend the night in his condominium, let alone put on his clothes.
Seeing her reluctance, Nathaniel said in a rather threatening tone. “Do you need me to help you with
Christina turned deep red and glared at him.
“Okay, why not? Let’s go, then Nathantel grabbed her arm and steered her toward the bathroom in the
guest room
Christina yanked her arm free Her heart was hammering in her chest. “I don’t need your help. I can do it
myself.”
She snatched the tracksuit from him angrily and stalked into the guest bedroom, slamming the door shut and deliberately turning the lock loudly.
Nathaniel stared at the closed door with a helpless smile.
He locked the front door before going into the bathroom. After a beat, he decided to bring his car keys into the bathroom with him. Now, I can shower in peace.
After a hot shower, Christina put on Nathaniel’s tracksuit. Although the set was too big for her, it was otherwise comfortable.
Then, she dried her long hair with a hairdryer. The hot air made her feel dehydrated.
She wandered into the kitchen for a glass of water only to realize that it was completely devoid of furnishing. There was no cutlery to be seen, let alone a kettle for her to boil water.
It seems that he has never eaten a meal in this house.
Christina had no choice but to head over to the bar for a drink. She searched for non-alcoholic options. among the various bottles of liquor and finally found a bottle labeled Anglandurn fruit juice.
She twisted the cap open and took a deep sniff of the strong, fruity aroma. Satisfied, she poured herself a full glass.
She was so thirsty that she immediately downed the entire drink in one gulp.
The juice tasted delicious. Christina poured herself another one but sipped this one slowly to savor it.
Nathaniel emerged from his shower and immediately searched the room for Christina. He breathed a sigh of relief when he caught sight of her slender figure on the bar stool.
The tracksuit was loose on her small frame and kept slipping off her shoulders, revealing tantalizing glimpses of her milky white skin. Her long dark hair hung casually down to her waist, and she seemed to be lounging in relaxation.
“Why did you open this bottle?” Nathaniel asked when he saw the bottle that she was drinking.
Her cheeks were flushed. She blinked up at him, her vision unfocused. She seemed to be already intoxicated.
Christina propped her chin in her hand, parted her pretty lips slowly, and drawled, “Why are you being so petty? It’s just a bottle of juice. I’ll pay you back for it.”
“It’s not about the money.” It’s about the high alcoholic content of this bottle of fruit liquor!
Nathaniel was worried that she would wake up with a horrible hangover the next morning.
“Stop drinking. It’s the weekend tomorrow, and you promised that you’d take the kids out.”
Nathaniel pulled the bottle from her grasp.
Christina began to see double visions as her consciousness slipped away.
Suddenly, she felt light-headed, as if she were lying on a cloud in the sky. She stretched out her hands and
ran them through Nathaniel’s jet-black hair. Then, she caressed his cheeks and ran her fingers along his jawline.
“Darling… Christina called out in a soft voice. She sounded almost coquettish.
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened. He stared at Christina with hope and joy. “What did you call me?”
She called me “darling.” Does this mean that she has forgiven me?
Christina’s checks flushed crimson red. They looked like ripe cherries against her milky-white skin. Nathaniel had to resist the urge to take a bite.
“Darling, you look like my darling Lucas…” Christina whispered absentmindedly.
Nathaniel’s face darkened. She mistook me for her son!
Christina was oblivious to Nathaniel’s annoyance with her mistake. She wrapped her arms around his neck and reached up toward him. “Come on… Give me a kiss!”
Nathaniel reluctantly allowed her to press her lips to his cheek.
He thought that was the end of it, but he accidentally brushed against her lips as he was setting her down. on the bed.
He could taste the sweet aroma of the fruit liquor on her breath. It set his blood on fire with desire.
However, he had always considered her feelings, and he knew that she was unwilling to be intimate with him. So, he did not dare to make a move,
It was Christina who threw herself at him.
The electric blinds lowered themselves, throwing the room into darkness, and Nathaniel gave himself over completely to Christina’s embrace.
The next morning. Christina was awakened by the pain in her back.
Her head was throbbing in pain. She gasped. Her entire body felt sore. It seemed a miracle that she was
even alive.
Nathaniel was lying beside her. He was sleeping soundly with an expression of utter peace on his face. Scratch marks ran down his back.
The memory of last night was fuzzy, but even so, Christina could guess what had happened between
them
That’s crazy!
She had been thinking about divorcing Nathaniel recently. But now, we actually…
Christina slapped her own forehead in frustration. Had I gone crazy? Why did I do such a thing?
She did not how she was going to face Nathaniel that day
She slipped out of bed and quietly put on her clothes Then she grabbed the car keys Irom the bedside Cable and quickly fled the condominium
Chapter 330 Daddy Is Amazing
When Christina returned to the Scenic Garden Manor, the two kids had already woken up.
“Mommy, you promised to keep us company today. Don’t lie to us!”
Camila pouted. “Mommy never lies to us. Don’t worry, Lucas!”
Christina was so exhausted that all she wanted to do was to lie down and have a good sleep. However, when she saw the look of anticipation in the children’s eyes, she could not bear to refuse them.
“Where do you want to go to play?”
Lucas walked up to Christina and spun around. “Mommy, what outfit do you think I’m wearing?”
Camila walked over too. “Mommy, look at me too! I’m wearing the same thing as Lucas. It’s a set!”
When Christina took a closer look, she saw that the two kids were indeed wearing the same outfit. Alongside a white shirt with a black vest thrown over it, they also wore black tapered pants and black boots, looking like a little prince and princess.
“I know! A riding outfit!”
Camila leaped in happiness. “You’re so smart, Mommy! We’re going to ride horses today!”
“But the stable needs to be reserved beforehand if we want to enter it. I didn’t make any reservations,” revealed Christina in a troubled tone.
Lucas snapped his fingers. “Daddy has already reserved it beforehand. Go and change quickly!”
“Huh?” Christina let the two kids drag her upstairs to change.
The last person she wanted to see right now was Nathaniel. After she changed her clothes, she wanted to leave with the kids first.
However, as soon as she got downstairs, she saw Nathaniel’s car parked in front of the door.
“Daddy, we are ready! We can set off now!” declared Camila proudly as she raised her head.
Nathaniel bent down and pulled the incomparably adorable girl into his arms. “Good job! Let’s get into
the car.”
He let the children enter the car one after the other before turning his gaze to Christina, who had changed. into a riding suit. Her long hair was all tied up, revealing her delicate and lovely face.
Christina intentionally avoided his gaze. Just when she was heading toward the passenger seat, someone grabbed her arm.
“Are you avoiding me?” Nathaniel’s clear voice sounded beside her car.
Pretending to be calm, Christina met his gaze. “No, there’s not enough space in the back. How about you sit in the front?”
Nathaniel did not respond. He stuffed her into the back seat and then got in himself.
It was quite a bit of a squeeze with the four of them sitting in the back seat, especially with Nathaniel’s tall
build. It became hard to breathe beside him.
Nathaniel could smell the fragrance of Christina’s hair when he lowered his head. It smelled like his shampoo at home. However, when mixed with Christina’s scent, the aroma was much better than usual.
The ride was bumpy when the car turned around the corners. Christina instinctively protected Lucas and Camila with her hand while Nathaniel’s hand was wrapped around her waist.
“Be careful!”
Lucas and Camila were so busy looking at the scenery outside that they responded without turning around, “Don’t worry, Mommy. We’re fine.”
Christina tried to push Nathaniel’s hand away, but he was so strong that she was no match for him. Left with no choice, she could only let him hug her throughout the ride.
Soon, they arrived at the stable, which Nathaniel had already reserved. He used to have a hobby of horse riding and owned several good horses.
The trainer led two horses out as instructed. However, as Lucas and Camila were too young, they could not ride such big horses.
“I will take you for a short ride first before arranging for you to ride the ponies, okay?” Nathaniel suggested.
“Yay! Let’s play together, Daddy!” Camila happily tugged Nathaniel’s clothes.
Nathaniel mounted the horse first. The trainer lifted Camila and Lucas one by one. After adjusting their positions, they were ready to set off.
Although Christina did not have much experience riding horses, Nathaniel had taught her a little bit. before. Hence, she could still handle a simple trot.
She mounted the horse.
“Let’s go.” Nathaniel gently squeezed the horse’s flank, prompting it to start moving.
Christina followed behind slowly at the speed of a leisurely walk. The wind blew against her face, causing her loose hair to flutter in the air.
The golden sunlight shone on her face, refracting against her delicate and smooth skin. It was as if she was one with the light.
People often said that nature had a magical power that could heal one’s heart. That was quite true, for Christina’s gloomy mood was dispersed by the wind.
After getting used to the slight bumps while sitting on the horseback, Camila and Lucas asked Nathaniel to speed up.
Nathaniel accelerated within a safe range, causing the horse to start trotting lightly. Finding it particularly exciting, the two kids giggled with joy as the wind blew against them.
“Wow! This is so fun!”
“Daddy’s amazing!”
After the three left, Christina was left behind. Her horse walked forward slowly.
Behind her, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached. Christina, who was not familiar with riding. instinctively tried to avoid it.
However, the person behind her seemed to be intentionally rushing toward her. The rider zooming past deliberately slapped the back of her horse.
Startled, the horse neighed and bolted forward, suddenly going out of control.
Terrified, Christina gripped the reins with her thin hands, afraid of being thrown off by the horse.
She thought that as long as she held on for a while more, the horse would provocation.
stop
without any
further
Every second that Christina spent on the horseback felt like being on a cliff’s edge. There was a constant sense of imminent danger as if she might fall and break all her bones should she let her guard down.
After a moment, cold sweat began to form on her forehead. Still, the horse showed no signs of slowing down. It was as if the ground beneath it was scorching its hooves, preventing it from stopping in its tracks.
Suddenly, the horse flicked its tail, flinging Christina off its back.
Christina closed her eyes tightly. Instinctively protecting her head with her hands, she prayed that the impact would not be too severe when she crashed onto the ground.
However, the expected pain did not come. Nathaniel caught her, his strong body serving as a cushion from the hard ground. Apart from feeling the impact on her body, Christina did not sustain any significant injuries.
On the other hand, since Nathaniel had cushioned her fall, his back scraped against the rocks and started bleeding.
Upon hearing that something dangerous had happened, the staff at the stable immediately rushed over and sedated the unruly horse with a tranquilizer.
The trainer suggested that it might have been agitated as it had not been ridden for a long time and was throwing a tantrum.
However, Christina knew very well that it was not the case. Someone had deliberately frightened the horse…
Although she only caught a glimpse of the person’s figure, the silhouette resembled @meone from her
memory.
“I’m fine. Don’t tell the kids. I’ll go change first,” said Christina to Nathaniel briefly before hurrying away.
Nathaniel was still sitting on the ground, his back stinging in pain. A gloomy expression crossed his cold
fare.
She didn’t show any concern even though I got injured. How can she just leave like that?
Christina entered the changing room and heard the sound of a door closing.
Christina could tell from the silhouette that it was a woman. Since the person was wearing a casual riding outfit, she had to change out of her clothes before leaving Otherwise, Christina would recognize her
based on the patterns on her clothes.
When Christina approached the closed door, she heard the rustling of clothes, indicating that someone was changing inside
As the door opened, the two of them locked eyes,