Chapter 165

His move was so flirtatious, it made my heart skip a beat. All my life, in every lifetime, I’d never even considered another man besides Jared.

But now, standing in front of me was Nathan, tall, good-looking, and with that quirky boy-next-door vibe. He definitely looked like perfect prey.

Nathan’s gesture was clearly instinctive, and he froze, his handsome face flushing with embarrassment. He quickly withdrew his hand, gently dabbing his fingers with a napkin as he explained, “Sorry, was I being too forward?”

Seeing him all flustered and shy, he looked so adorably innocent. I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. Thanks.”

Nathan chuckled awkwardly, “I always thought I was pretty gutsy, but when I’m with you, it’s like all my courage just disappears. Isn’t that strange?”

Resting my chin in my hand, I watched him, surmising, “It’s totally normal to feel a little self-conscious around someone you like.”

His eyes went wide for a moment at what I said. I just gave him a quiet smile, watching him in silence.

His long, narrow eyes dropped, and I noticed for the first time how thick and long his lashes were. No wonder his eyes were so captivating, even behind those glasses. Damn, this guy could seduce anyone with just those eyes.

“Since you know how I feel, can you give me some kind of response?” Nathan asked, staring at the table, mustering up the courage. “Stop looking at me like I’m just some puppy you’re teasing.”

I raised an eyebrow. Looks like this prey wasn’t dumb at all. He knew I was just toying with him.

“Once I’m divorced, I’ll put you on top,” I said with a careless, wicked smile, like a total player.

Nathan locked his gaze on me for a long moment before letting out a soft sigh. “Jared really shattered your heart, didn’t he?”

My joke died in my throat. I wondered why he had to get all serious on me.

When I didn’t answer, Nathan suddenly reached out, his warm, steady hand covering mine. His rolled-up white shirt showed off his strong forearm, veins standing out in a way that was unexpectedly hot, making my breath hitch.

“Then hurry up and divorce him, okay? If it’s about money, I can help you earn some after you’re free,” Nathan said, his voice dropping lower as he looked deep into my eyes. “Don’t worry about being broke. I’ll work even harder for you.”

Before I could even pull my hand back, Nathan didn’t just cover it. He caught my fingers and curled them up in his palm, holding on tight. “My feelings for you are a mess, but honestly, you’re the reason I’ve made it this far.”

“Huh?” I blurted out, totally stunned. No one had ever put me on a pedestal like that before–called me their faith.

“Don’t put all that on me. You’re the one who’s had it tough all these years,” I said softly, trying to comfort him, my voice gentle.

“No,” Nathan said, his eyes turning red as he shook his head. “Back then, when my dad’s factory went bankrupt and he jumped off the building. My mom remarried and moved to Nashville. It was just me and my grandma left.”

“I really thought I wouldn’t make it. I planned to leave this world after my grandma was gone. But then there was you, Victoria. You were the one who kept me going. Just the thought of you and that glimpse of your shadow gave me strength.”

“You helped me without asking for anything in return. Those 250 thousand dollars? Five years ago, who would give that kind of money to a stranger? That kindness was priceless. I’ve always told myself, one day, I’ll pay you back.”

Listening to Nathan say all this, my heart twisted painfully. I couldn’t imagine how he managed to survive after losing his family. It was honestly gut-wrenching.

“Hey, don’t cry. Things will get better, okay? Actually, they’re already better, aren’t they?” I said softly, trying to comfort him as I watched this grown man bury his face on the table, sobbing.