Chapter 120 Chapter 120
He mentally reviewed his words. He hadn't said anything harsh.
So why was she crying?
Caroline sniffed, shaking her head. Her voice came out choked, small, and tremulous: “Nicholas...”
Her naturally sweet voice now carried a vulnerability that hit Nicholas like a punch. He felt an overwhelming wave of tenderness and protectiveness.
Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight embrace, nestling her head on his shoulder.
“Yes, dear,” he murmured, stroking her back. “Your husband is here. Tell me what's wrong.”
Caroline pulled away slightly to look into his eyes. Her eyelashes were wet and stuck together. “Will you... will you always treat me this well?”
Nicholas blinked, surprised by the question. But the answer came quickly and categorically: “Yes.”
“Really?” she insisted, insecurity overflowing. “Will you be good to me... forever?”
Panic grew in Caroline's chest.
She was afraid. Afraid of getting used to being treated like a queen. Afraid that one day he would become like Edward—cold, distant, treacherous.
If Nicholas had never pampered her, his departure would be just the end of a contract. But now? Now that she knew what it was like to be loved by him... losing him would be devastating.
She could already foresee the emotional ruin. It would be infinitely worse than the breakup with Edward, because Edward had never given her heaven before throwing her into hell.
“Yes,” the man repeated, his voice rock-solid.
Nicholas's lips curved into an understanding smile. He understood the root of her fear.
“Darling...” He cupped her face with both hands, looking deep into her eyes. “If a verbal promise doesn't give you security, I can offer you something more concrete. A foolproof method.”
He tilted his head, his smile widening. “This trick is more powerful than any ‘I love you’. Want to know what it is?”
Caroline blinked, curious. “What is it?”
Nicholas moved even closer. His features were deep and perfect, and when he smiled like that, with that dangerous charm, Caroline felt she could fall into the abyss of those dark eyes forever.
When he was serious, he was an untouchable god. When he smiled, he was irresistible.
“Let's draw up a contract,” he whispered, his warm breath brushing her skin. “If I change my mind, if I betray you or abandon you... I will violate the agreement. And the penalty will be simple: all assets in my name, every penny, every share of Wolf Company, will become yours.”
Caroline's eyes widened in shock.
“Darling, in my world, promises only have value when linked to economic interests,” he explained, with the coldness of a negotiator and the warmth of a lover. “The best way to control a powerful man is to hold his wallet. If I betray you, I lose everything. I'll be ruined. You'll have the power to destroy me.”
Caroline's mouth opened in a perfect “O.”
Was he... teaching her how to control him?
But... wasn't the script wrong?
Under normal circumstances, a billionaire marrying a commoner would do the opposite. He would sign draconian prenuptial agreements to protect his fortune, ensuring that she would walk away with nothing if the marriage ended. It was standard practice for actresses and models who married tycoons.
But Nicholas was doing the opposite. He was putting his own head on the chopping block and handing her the rope.
“And...” Caroline hesitated, her mind spinning. “What if it's the other way around? What if I betray you?”
Nicholas's eyes darkened instantly. The gentle smile turned into something possessive and intense.
“I won't give you that opportunity.”
He said each word slowly, like a sentence.
"Darling, I will do the impossible to treat you well. I will pamper you so much, I will fill every space in your life with such care and pleasure that you will never want to leave. You will have no eyes, no time, no interest in any other man.
He slid his hand through her hair, holding her tightly.
“In this life, Caroline... you can only be my woman. There is no plan B.”
The possessiveness in his voice made her heart race. It was scary, yes, but also incredibly exciting.
Caroline took a deep breath, trying to calm her pulse. “So... what about you?” she asked, in a burst of courage.
“Hm?”
“You said I can only be yours. But... what about you? Will you be only mine?”
Nicholas understood the implied question. He smiled, a predatory and satisfied smile.
He lifted her chin again, brushing his lips against hers before whispering the final promise:
“My love... my body, my soul, and my heart belong only to you. Forever. And not even death can change that.”
After a long, deep, devastating kiss, Caroline collapsed gently into Nicholas's arms, exhausted.
The man held her tightly, his dark eyes fixed on her lips, now red and swollen from the heat of the moment.
The scene was delicious torture for him.
The girl's delicate, perfumed body was molded to his. She looked at him with those teary, innocent eyes, unaware that her vulnerable appearance only awakened the “criminal” within him.
If only... she weren't on her period.
Otherwise, he would have no mercy.
After all, Nicholas Wolf was no saint. As much as he respected her, the desire he felt for her was a caged beast, scratching to get out. He was on the verge of madness.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm the fire in his blood, and rested his chin on top of her head.
“My dear...” His voice came out hoarse, drawn out and muffled by tension. “How many days? How long do I have to wait until your ‘visitor’ leaves?”
A delicacy was served right in front of him, but he was forbidden to taste it. The feeling was unbearable.
Caroline's heart beat wildly against his chest. Unable to calm her own breathing, she blushed violently and whispered against his shirt: “Four... or five days.”
“Five days?!” The man frowned, his tone bordering on despair.
Caroline was speechless.
Was four or five days too long? For most women, it was a whole week! He should be grateful it was less!
“Okay.” After a few seconds of internal struggle, a resigned voice sounded above her. “I'll wait. But next time... there will be no relatives, visitors, or excuses to stop me.”
Caroline chose not to respond. What could she say?
Silence reigned, but the physical tension did not subside.