Chapter 150 The Price of Protection

Chapter 150 The Price of Protection
Nathan：POV

I stared at Mia standing on the stairs, her eyes brimming with hurt and accusation. Nash paced anxiously between us, sensing the tension that had suddenly filled the apartment. The question she'd thrown at me hung in the air, sharp and painful.

"Am I that embarrassing to you?"

My chest tightened. I'd fucked up. In my attempt to shield her from Celeste's venom, I'd made her feel like my dirty little secret. I reached out instinctively, but she took a step back, rejecting my touch.

"Mia, it's not what you think," I said, struggling to find the right words. "It was never about you being embarrassing. It was about protecting you from Celeste."

Her eyes narrowed. "Protecting me? I'm not a child who needs to be hidden away, Nathan. I thought after last night... after everything..." Her voice cracked slightly.

I took a deep breath. "You're right. I should have respected your decision instead of making it for you. But you need to understand who Celeste really is."

I moved toward the living room, giving her space while inviting her to join me.

After a moment's hesitation, she descended the stairs, keeping a careful distance between us. Nash followed, jumping onto the couch and watching us with those intelligent eyes.

"The night we broke up, Celeste made threats," I explained, carefully choosing my words. "She specifically mentioned she would 'get revenge' on anyone I was involved with. Especially you."

I didn't tell Mia Celeste's exact words: "If I find out you have any ideas about that so-called 'niece' of yours, I won't let either of you get away with it." Some things were better left unsaid.

"I wasn't embarrassed about our relationship, Mia. I was trying to spare you from facing her cruelty when you're already dealing with so much."

Mia's expression remained cold. "So what? You decided I'm too fragile to handle an angry ex-girlfriend? What am I to you, Nathan? Some delicate flower that needs to be sheltered from the big bad world?"

She stepped closer, her voice gaining strength. "My mother might only have months left to live. I need a partner who stands beside me, not someone who hides me away like a shameful secret."

The sight of unshed tears in her eyes broke my heart. She was fighting so hard to stay strong.

"Celeste isn't just any ex-girlfriend," I said quietly. "She's an executive at Larson Media Group. She controls three major fashion magazines and two popular entertainment news sites."

I moved to the window, watching the street below to make sure Celeste had truly left. "She once destroyed a competing designer's career with a few strategic negative articles and some 'insider information.' She could easily dig up your school records, publish twisted stories, even affect your future design career."

I turned back to her, my expression grave. "Worse, she could make the media focus on your mother's illness, turning your most private pain into public gossip."

Mia's eyes widened slightly.

"I just wanted to spare you that kind of malicious attack when you're already carrying so much," I continued, my voice softening. "But I was wrong to decide what was best for you."

I took a chance and moved closer to her. "My feelings for you make me irrational, Mia. I'm terrified of losing you."

Nash jumped down from the couch and approached Mia, rubbing against her leg. A peacemaker.

"I know our relationship will be difficult for many people to understand," I admitted. "I was trying to protect you from unnecessary judgment. But I was wrong." I met her eyes directly. "I'm never embarrassed by you, Mia. If I could, I'd announce my feelings for you to the whole world."

Her expression began to soften, though she maintained her distance. "Do you really mean that, or are you just saying what I want to hear?"

I stepped forward, slowly taking her hand in mine. "I swear, Mia. You're not my secret—you're my pride."

Nash suddenly leaped onto the sofa armrest, letting out a soft meow, breaking the tension between us.

Mia's lips twitched. "Looks like Nash is on your side."

"He's smart. He knows we belong together," I said softly, stroking Nash's fur. "Just like I do."

Nash jumped to Mia's shoulder, nuzzling her cheek, then leaped to mine, as if building a bridge between us.

"This is the first time he's been this affectionate with you in front of me," Mia noted, her eyes finally warming.

"From now on, I won't make decisions that make you feel disrespected," I promised. "Ever again."

Mia finally allowed me to pull her close. I held her carefully as Nash curled contentedly between us.

After a moment, I gently steered the conversation to more pressing matters. "About your mother—I've contacted Dr. Ramirez at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I mentioned I wanted him to review her case, but I think it would be better if we take her for an examination."

"How did you get in touch with someone so renowned?" Mia asked, surprised.

"Business connections," I replied simply. "Dr. Ramirez has agreed to reassess your mother's case. He might have different treatment options and prognosis."

Hope flickered in Mia's eyes. "Thank you, Nathan. Whatever the outcome, your effort means everything to me."

She hugged me tightly. "Even if the results are the same, knowing we tried everything will matter."

We sat on the couch together, Nash jumping into Mia's lap. We began planning the logistics of taking Jennifer to Boston.

"I can arrange a private jet to make the journey comfortable for her," I offered. "We'll minimize any discomfort."

Mia stroked Nash's fur, her voice quiet. "Why are you doing so much for us?"

I took her hand. "Because you matter to me, Mia. Your happiness and Jennifer's are my happiness too."

We decided to visit Jennifer together tomorrow to explain our plan and our relationship.

As we sat there, Mia's head on my shoulder and Nash purring in her lap, things felt calm for the first time all day. But when I looked out the window, I couldn't shake the feeling that we weren't out of the woods yet. Celeste's threat was still hanging over us like a damn storm cloud.

I had to figure out how to keep Mia safe without treating her like she was made of glass. Because to be honest - after today's disaster, I couldn't afford to screw this up again.