Chapter 19 I'll Be Here
I shot Sabrina a smug smile and strode away behind Nicholas.
Behind us, Michael's furious cursing faded into the wind. Sabrina's heart condition was already fragile. My provocation proved too much—she collapsed on the spot.
Michael panicked and rushed her away.
"Satisfied?"
A warm voice sounded by my ear. I pulled my gaze back and rolled up the car window.
"Let's go home."
Nicholas started the engine and merged into traffic. I adjusted my seat to a comfortable angle and leaned back, exhausted.
Something occurred to me. I turned to look at Nicholas beside me. "What were you doing there anyway?"
He let out a helpless sigh. "Chef, are you trying to weasel out of our deal?"
"We agreed yesterday—you cook for me, I drive you to and from work."
Now that he mentioned it, I remembered. Right, that was a thing. Sabrina and Michael had scrambled my brain.
I quickly apologized. "Thanks for backing me up just now, Nicholas. You've saved me again."
Thinking about the hostile Michael and Sabrina, I felt a wave of delayed fear wash over me now that things had calmed down. What if Nicholas hadn't shown up? Would Michael have forced me back to the Rosewood family?
If I went back, another dark existence as a living blood bank awaited me. Did I have to give up my current job just to avoid the Rosewood family? But why should I?
Nicholas interrupted my spiraling thoughts. "So how are you going to thank me?"
"I'll get you a gift?"
As I spoke, my mind rapidly calculated my current bank balance and what kind of gift would be worthy of Nicholas.
The car came to a smooth stop at a red light. Nicholas turned and tapped my head lightly. "Catherine, is that really all you think of me? Some materialistic guy?"
I felt a bit lost. Then his next words hit even harder. "Besides, I don't need anything. What could you possibly give me?"
A wave of defeat washed over me. Right! Nicholas had grown up with the best of everything. Could my gifts even measure up?
I gave an awkward laugh and asked ingratiatingly, "So how would you like me to thank you?"
Nicholas pondered for a moment. Just then the light turned green and he started driving again.
"How about you cook a feast tonight to treat me—and yourself?"
What kind of thanks was that? That was already my job anyway. But I wasn't about to pass up this chance to get off easy.
"Deal!"
Back at the apartment, I headed straight into Nicholas's kitchen. Ingredients of every kind filled the space. A menu quickly took shape in my mind.
"Wash your hands and come eat!"
I carried the last dish to the table and called out to Nicholas, who was working on the couch.
He stood up but walked toward the entryway instead. I watched him, confused. Nicholas unwrapped a package and pulled out a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.
In both size and quality, it blew Jason's bouquet out of the water by miles.
"What's this?"
I asked, puzzled.
Nicholas walked over holding the flowers. "Catherine, these are for you."
I waved my hands quickly. "I can't accept them."
Why was he suddenly giving me flowers? Was he going to confess again?
Instinctively, I wanted to flee and avoid dealing with this.
Without giving me a choice, Nicholas grabbed my hand and pushed the flowers into my arms. "I don't know who sent you flowers today, but if it's okay with you, I'd like to be the only one sending you flowers from now on."
His tone was serious. His intense gaze locked onto mine without wavering.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I tried incoherently to push the flowers back. "Nicholas, don't do this."
Nicholas stood firm. "Catherine, do you dislike me?"
I shook my head.
"Then keep them. I'm just pursuing you, that's all. You don't need to feel any pressure."
"Pursuing me?"
Nicholas nodded seriously. "You rejected my confession. I want to pursue you. Is there anything wrong with that?"
He looked completely matter-of-fact about it. Instead, I was the one left flustered.
"Nicholas, but I..."
"You just need to enjoy how good I am to you. Just—if you ever fall for someone else, you have to tell me. Okay?"
Without thinking, I asked, "Would you give me your blessing?"
"No. I'd do better than him, and then I'd win you back."
Not a trace of doubt flickered in his eyes. The atmosphere turned intimate in an instant.
I didn't know how to respond. Living two lives, and this was the first time I'd experienced anything like this. In my past life, the men I'd interacted with most were my four brothers. And they'd all disliked me.
"Let's eat first."
Nicholas guided me toward the dining table. I still held the flowers. Their delicate fragrance drifted into my nose, seeping into my lungs.
Strange feelings quietly sprouted in my heart.
After dinner, once everything was cleaned up, I planned to head back to my own apartment to rest. Nicholas stopped me.
"Catherine, do you want revenge?"
I froze in place, unable to collect my thoughts for a long moment. Revenge?
I'd thought about it. But we used to be family. As long as they stopped interfering with my life, wouldn't that be enough?
Nicholas stepped forward and gave me a gentlemanly hug. "Catherine, don't be afraid. I'll always have your back."
My heart trembled. Nicholas's unique presence brought an unprecedented sense of security.
I clenched my fists but still couldn't make up my mind.
"Nicholas, I need to think about it more."
"That's fine. I'll be here."
After that little episode, Nicholas and I spent several peaceful days together.
I looked up. A coworker stood beside me. "Catherine, the boss wants to see you in the conference room."
"Okay, I'll head there now."
I acknowledged, saved my current file, and quickly headed to the conference room.
Was this about making me a full-time employee? If I successfully got an offer, should I even stay?
Lost in thought, I arrived at the conference room.
"Boss, you wanted to see—"
The words died on my lips. Seeing the two people sitting in the conference room, my expression immediately darkened.
What were they doing here? Didn't they have to take care of Sabrina?
"Sorry, wrong room."
I turned to leave.
Andrew shot to his feet. "Catherine!"
"I asked your supervisor to bring you here. Can we sit down and talk?"
The Rosewood Group was still DI's partner. When the Rosewood Group's CEO personally came over just wanting to say a few words to an intern, no supervisor would refuse.
Forcibly suppressing my irritation, I closed the door and sat as far away from them as possible.
Since being reborn, I hadn't had any interaction with James yet. I never expected him to show up here with Andrew.
Quite unexpected. Though my face showed them no warmth whatsoever.
"What do you want?"