Chapter 164 Worth Fighting For

Chapter 164 Worth Fighting For
Nathan: POV

I watched Mia doze off against the window of my private jet as we approached New York. The afternoon sun caught in her hair, turning it into a halo of soft brown. She looked peaceful for the first time in days, the worry lines from her mother's health scare finally smoothed away.

My phone buzzed with another text from my father about the Singapore investment, but I silenced it. Those complications could wait. Right now, all that mattered was the woman sleeping beside me.

"Mia," I whispered, gently squeezing her hand as we began our descent. "We're almost there."

She stirred, blinking sleepily before her eyes focused on me. The smile that spread across her face made my chest tighten.

"I was having the best dream," she murmured, stretching.

"About what?"

"You," she admitted, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "And a hot spring."

I laughed, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "That wasn't a dream, sweetheart."

The ride from the airport to Parsons was quiet. Mia gazed out at the familiar New York skyline while I studied her profile.

"I need to head back to my place after I drop you off," I said, hating the disappointment that flickered across her face. "My father called about some crisis with our Singapore investment."

"Of course," Mia nodded, but her fingers tightened around mine. "How long will you be tied up with work?"

"I'm not sure yet. Hopefully not long." I squeezed her hand. "But I was thinking, your birthday's coming up in two weeks, isn't it?"

Her eyes widened slightly. "You remembered."

"Of course I did. We should do something special."

When we arrived at her dorm, I followed her inside, struck by how domestic this felt. Watching her move around the small space, checking her mail and setting down her purse, I felt something new settle between us.

"Your roommate not back yet?" I asked, noticing the empty second bed.

"Amy's in class," Mia explained, sitting on her bed with a sigh. "I can't believe I have to let you go already. I've gotten used to having you around all the time."

I checked my watch. The board meeting wasn't for another three hours. "I could stay a bit longer. An hour or two?"

Her face lit up. "Really? Let's go for a walk then! I want to show everyone my boyfriend."

'Boyfriend'. The word still felt strange, but not unwelcome. Yeah, that's what I was now - her boyfriend.

"I'd like that," I said, surprised by how much I meant it.

The area around Parsons buzzed with students and shoppers. Mia held my hand proudly as we walked, occasionally pointing out spots where she liked to sketch or cafes with the best pastries.

I caught people staring at us here and there - some just curious, others clearly judging. I'd dealt with enough shit in my life that a few stares didn't faze me, but I didn't want Mia getting hurt by their judgment. With our age gap and all...

"You're overthinking again," Mia said, squeezing my hand. "I can practically hear the gears turning."

I smiled down at her. "Just making sure you're okay with this. Being seen with me."

"Are you kidding? I'm proud as hell to be with you," she replied, her confidence making me grin. "Sure, you stand out among all these students, but that's because you have this confident energy - not because of your age. You have no idea how good we look together."

I couldn't help but grin at her boldness.

We stopped in front of a small boutique where a sleek blue dress hung in the window. Mia's eyes lingered on it for a moment longer than casual browsing.

"That would look beautiful on you," I observed, mentally noting the shop's name for later.

"It would be perfect," she agreed, then shrugged. "But way out of my budget." She tugged at my hand. "Come on, there's a great little taco place around the corner."

A few hours later, the small food court was packed with students. As we waited in line at the taco stand, Mia suddenly looked thoughtful, glancing at a flower shop across the way.

"You know, you've never given me flowers," she said, a teasing note in her voice.

I thought back to the carefully selected bouquet that had wilted in my apartment while I comforted Mia through her mother's health crisis.

"You're right," I said, taking her hand and leading her across to the flower shop. "Let's fix that right now."

The tiny shop was warm and fragrant, walls lined with buckets of fresh flowers. The elderly woman behind the counter smiled at us.

"I need something special," I told her, scanning the colorful blooms. My mother had taught me about flowers when I was young - one of the few gentle memories I had of her before she became consumed with social obligations.

I selected deep red roses, blue delphinium, and baby's breath. The florist watched me with approval as I made my choices without hesitation.

"You know your flowers," she remarked, wrapping the bouquet.

Mia joined us, looking surprised. "I didn't know you were a flower expert."

I paid for the bouquet and handed it to her with a smile. "There's a lot you don't know about me yet."

"Like what?"

"Like how each flower has a meaning. The roses are for how I feel about you. The delphinium means devotion. And baby's breath..."

"What does it mean?" she asked, burying her nose in the fragrant bouquet.

"Everlasting love," I said simply.

The way she looked at me right then - eyes absolutely glowing, clutching those flowers like they were precious - made all my doubts about us just disappear.

After the tacos, we wandered through a small park as the evening air grew cooler. Mia pressed closer to my side, and I found myself slowing our pace, reluctant to end this perfect day.

"My feet are killing me," Mia said, stopping to lean against a bench. "These shoes weren't made for this much walking."

I glanced down at her cute but clearly impractical flats and crouched in front of her. "Hop on. I'll carry you back."

"Really?" Her face lit up with delight.

Carefully holding her flowers, Mia climbed onto my back, her arms wrapping around my neck as I stood.

"The last time you carried me was when I sprained my ankle," she murmured. "But this feels different."

"How so?" I asked, adjusting her weight as I began walking.

She rested her cheek against my shoulder. "Then, I was just a girl you were helping. Now I'm yours. I belong here, in your arms."

Her simple honesty knocked the breath from me. "You've always belonged here," I said, my voice rough. "I just wouldn't let myself admit it."

When we reached the campus gates, I reluctantly set her down. The goodbye I'd been dreading was here.

"I'll call you tonight," I promised, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "And I'll see you as soon as I can get away from this work mess."

Mia stood on tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. "I'll be waiting."

I watched her walk into the campus, her flowers cradled in one arm as she turned back several times to wave. Only when she disappeared into her building did I allow myself to move, my phone already buzzing with messages from my father.

My steps were firm as I walked back to the waiting car. I knew what was coming - questions about my whereabouts, demands about the upcoming board meeting. For the first time, I felt completely clear about where I stood.

I had to tell my parents about her soon.

I glanced back at the campus gates once more, a smile tugging at my mouth. Whatever hell this relationship brought, I was ready for it. For her, I'd fight the whole damn world.