Chapter 102: Nolan's intentions

Miranda's POV

I could have had those two hooligans killed if Nolan hadn't shown up at the wrong moment. They had the audacity to try and murder me right in my own apartment, claiming no one hired them. Their words were laughable. Who else but Mara and her conniving mother could stoop so low? Of course, I had other enemies-plenty, in fact-but they were amateurs compared to those two serpents. The memory of their smug faces as they threw me down from my pedestal burned in my mind like an open wound.

But Nolan... why was he hovering around me like a persistent plague? His presence was unsettling, to say the least. After what I'd been through, love was no longer an option for me-it was a game, a tool I could wield. And if Nolan was willing to follow me like a loyal puppy, I'd use him to make Mara burn with jealousy. Let her drown in the bitterness of what she could never have.

"It's not safe to stay here tonight," Nolan said, interrupting my thoughts. His voice was low and firm, with a hint of concern that made me bristle. "Why don't I drop you off at the family mansion? At least your stepmom and sister will be there to keep you company."

I stared at him for a moment, studying his face. His eyes held genuine worry, but I wasn't fooled. I didn't want to leave the apartment-this was my sanctuary. But he was right. Those assassins might return, and this time, they wouldn't come alone.

"Fine," I muttered, feigning indifference. "Let me grab my keys."

Before I could move, he reached out and held my hand, his touch warm but unwelcome. "Don't bother," he said, his tone almost pleading. "I'll drop you off. Please."

His voice softened, and for a fleeting second, I saw vulnerability in his eyes. It was almost enough to make me reconsider. Almost. "Alright," I said, sighing dramatically. I brushed past him and went upstairs to grab my phone. When I returned, I slid into his car without a word.

The drive was silent, save for the hum of the engine. Nolan didn't push for conversation, which I appreciated. The streetlights cast fleeting shadows across his face, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw and the slight tension in his brow. Was he always this serious? I shook the thought away.

We pulled into the estate, and I couldn't help but admire the grandeur of the place. The lights twinkled like stars, and the garden was immaculate, filled with vibrant flowers. Nolan hurried out of the car and opened my door like a perfect gentleman. I stepped out gracefully, my heels clicking against the pavement.

"Thank you for the ride," I said, flashing him a polite smile. "I appreciate your help."

"It's my pleasure," he replied, his lips curling into a small smile.

"I should head inside," I added, wrapping my arms around myself. "It's cold, and I don't have a jacket."

The air was crisp, and despite the estate's beauty, I felt a chill. I glanced up and saw her-Mara. She was watching us from her bedroom window, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of the lights. Perfect. This was exactly what I wanted her to see.

"Wait," Nolan said, stopping me as I turned to leave. "Won't you at least invite me in? For a drink or something?"

I blinked at him, surprised by his boldness. Then I smiled, amused. "It's late," I said, my tone deliberately apologetic. "It would be inconvenient. Besides, I'm going straight to bed."

His face fell slightly, disappointment evident in his eyes. I didn't care. Let him sulk.

Inside, I climbed the stairs, my heels clicking loudly against the marble floor. I was halfway to my room when a figure stormed toward me. Mara.

"You shameless slut!" she hissed, her voice a venomous whisper.

Before I could react, she raised her hand to slap me. My instincts kicked in, and I caught her wrist mid-air. My grip was firm, and I pushed her back with a calculated force.

"Mara," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "This is the last time you'll raise your hand at me."

Her face twisted in fury. "You're a disgrace!" she spat. "Flirting with Nolan right in front of me! Have you no shame?"

I smirked, stepping closer. "Keep your voice down," I said coolly. "It's late, and your theatrics are exhausting."

"You seduced him, didn't you?" she accused, her voice trembling with anger.

My smirk widened. "Poor, deluded Mara," I said. "Let me remind you-I'm Nolan's fiancée. What I do with him is none of your business."

Her eyes narrowed. "Do you honestly think he agreed to this engagement because he likes you? He's only here because you're Mr. Martin's daughter. He doesn't care about you!"

I chuckled softly, crossing my arms. "And yet, here you are, seething with jealousy. If he doesn't care about me, why does it bother you so much?"

Mara's face turned red, her anger boiling over. "You're insufferable!" she yelled, lunging at me again.

This time, I was ready. I grabbed her arm, twisted it behind her back, and shoved her against the nearby table. Her cry of pain was music to my ears.

"Didn't I warn you?" I growled, leaning close to her ear. "Raise your hand at me again, and I'll break it."

"Let her go!" a shrill voice commanded. I turned to see Mara's mother, her face a mask of shock and anger. She rushed forward and pulled Mara away from me, cradling her like a wounded child.

"You're a monster, Laila!" she screamed. "How dare you attack her? What is wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me?" I repeated, laughing bitterly. "I'm simply defending myself. Your precious daughter needs to learn her place."

"She's your sister!" her mother shot back, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Sister?" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Spare me the act. The two of you are nothing but leeches, clinging to my family's wealth like parasites."

Mara whimpered, clutching her arm. "You'll regret this," she muttered, her voice weak but filled with venom.

"Oh, Mara," I said, my tone mockingly sweet. "This is just the beginning. Cross me again, and your mother won't be able to save you."

I turned on my heel and strode toward my room, leaving them behind. My heart was pounding, but I refused to let them see my fear. This was a game, and I intended to win.