Chapter 123: BOOK 2: CHAPTER 13

—Nathaniel—

How do I forget a girl who just walked back into my life?

Months ago, she'd taken the money and left me reeling with my first heartbreak.

And as if that wasn’t enough, I crossed an ocean in a bid to forget everything—only to run into her again.

That night, I’d spilled water and waited for a cleaning staff, never knowing she would be the one to walk through that door.

A cold shock shot through me.

As if that wasn't enough, she gasped... eyes wide as she hurried over.

She lowered her tools and stretched a hand at me. “Hi. It's so nice to see you again.”

Add great acting skills to her CV. Because Amira stood before me, smiling as though she didn't remember breaking me months ago.

Or was she trying to rub it on my face?

Damn it!

I glanced at her hands and more than anything, I wanted to kiss them and pull her into my arms— but then I remembered how quickly she walked away last time.

Steve gasped. “Do you two know each other?”

“No,” I replied, my voice overshadowing hers. “I don't know her.”

But I couldn't get my eyes off her. I watched her clean up the place and leave. That night, sleep eluded me. I tossed around my bed until I snatched my phone from the nightstand.

“You saw her?” Damian gasped.

I raked my fingers through my hair.

“Yes, Damian. She's a janitor here. I-I don't know what to do—”

“Fire her.”

I froze. “What?”

“Let her suffer what she put you through. That way you wouldn't have to see her every day.”

I loved the idea.

The next day, I was touring the facility with Steve and some senior staff when I saw her working with her colleagues.

I willed myself not to look at her. But once she was out of sight, I turned to Steve.

“Has my office been cleaned today?”

He nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Let Amira clean it again,” I said, and headed out with the memories of her still etched in my head.

That afternoon, I walked into my office to the sight of her holding my picture frame.

“What the hell are you doing?” I snapped.

She startled— and would’ve hit the hard floor if I hadn’t caught her.

Then came the sharp crack of the photo frame hitting the ground.

Right there was a golden opportunity to dismiss her.

But when I retired behind my desk, even as her superior threatened her, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Why was I reliving that fall— how soft her body had felt, her scent?

I looked up from the computer as she ran out of the room.

“I'm so sorry sir,” her superior pleaded. “I promise this will never repeat itself again.”

Steve joined her. “We'll prepare her termination letter immediately.”

“There'll be no need for that,” I said, leaning into my chair. “I'm promoting her as my PA.”

They exchanged shocked glances.

“S-sir?” Steve called.

“She doesn't have the qualifications,” the woman chipped.

They were right. I was just going through her CV. Amira didn't have a degree, which was the minimum qualification for the job.

Yet I didn't hesitate.

I couldn't let her go. At the same time, watching her clean gave me anxiety.

“My decision is final,” I said. “Draft her promotion and deliver it to her before the end of business today.”

I waited until they were gone, then picked up my phone.

“Are you kidding me?” Damian blurted. “You had a chance to fire her, and instead you promoted her?”

“I—I couldn't do it.”

“Are you still in love with her, Nate?”

“No,” I said aloud, more to myself than to him. “I’m not. I’m just… trying to be sympathetic.”

Damian sighed. “Careful, Nate. Build a wall around your heart.”

I tried to do just that, but when I walked in to some staff taunting her, I lost it.

“Draft their termination letters,” I instructed, and took her away.

Had Damian seen this—he would've fainted.

After he recovered, would've fainted again when I took her shopping.

But I enjoyed every minute as she stepped out of the changing room in different outfits. Even found myself laughing.

So much for building a wall around my heart!

“We’re here, sir,” my chauffeur announced as we pulled into Allwell’s driveway this morning. But I was caught up in Amira’s beauty as she waited for me in the lobby.

My phone vibrated with a text.

The head of my security: Sir, we’ve just delivered the boxes to your office.

Last night, I'd chatted with D.C's best fashion designer and ordered the best evening dress for her. A sight that would’ve left Damian questioning my sanity.

But I wasn't foolish.

I knew what I was doing.

This was strictly work and nothing more.

“Sir?” she called.

I was standing before the floor-to-ceiling window of my office, gazing at the city below as she walked in.

Her fragrance wrapped around me.

I turned around and handed her the two boxes, eager for tonight.

With the office settled for day, I slipped into the lead car of my convoy and headed back home.

“Omg, Nate! You look hot in that tuxedo,” Eloise purred, grinning at the screen.

Damian chuckled. “Any outfit he touches turns gold.”

We were on a video call, and I was ready for the banquet.

I smiled. “Thanks, guys. Heard from our parents?”

A fourth profile joined the call. My parents.

“Hello, Nate,” Mom waved.

“How was the meeting with the board?” Father asked.

I nodded. “Very well.”

“Did anyone give you a hard time?” Mother probed.

“Not at all,” I replied with a sigh. “I have to go now—running late for the banquet.”

“Have fun,” Eloise chipped in before I ended the call.

I drew a deep breath and strode out. Cameras flashed from the press barricade as I stepped away from my convoy.

“Over here, Mr. Rivera... One shot please,” a photographer begged.

I adjusted my cuffs and struck a pose worthy of a magazine cover before proceeding to the terrace.

Just as I was exchanging pleasantries with the other guests, her car eased into the driveway.