I searched all around downstairs, but Nathan still hadn’t come back.

He must have had a mountain of work piling up these past few days and ended up going to the office to work through the night.

Thinking that his injury–something that was really my fault–had slowed him down at work, I couldn’t help but feel guilty all over again.

I sent him a quick message, but he didn’t reply. I figured he must have crashed at the office.

With nothing else to do, I started tidying up his place. I even spruced up the garden and gave the trees a quick trim to make everything look nice.

Finally, I got dressed and headed out to buy groceries. It was the first day of the new year.

The streets were practically deserted–everyone was still sleeping in, and all the migrant workers had gone back home for the holiday.

I picked up some groceries and a bouquet of flowers before heading back to the villa.

When I got back, I saw the Maybach parked in the yard, and Goldie waiting by the gate.

Nathan hurried over to open the door, a trace of panic in his eyes. “I thought you’d left.”

I grinned. “I’m here to look after you. Where else would I go?”

His face instantly brightened. “Come on in. It’s freezing out, so stop wandering around.”

Once inside, I found a vase for the lilies I’d bought and arranged them in the living room. Nathan came over, took a moment to admire the flowers, then gave me an appreciative once–over and grinned. “Honestly, you put these flowers to shame.”

I burst out laughing at his playful compliment.

I made lunch myself.

I might’ve been a little out of practice, but all that cooking experience from my previous life paid off–the dishes actually turned out pretty good.

Nathan was sitting in the living room, working on his phone, but he kept looking up to watch me every so often.

I realized that love–or the lack of it–really shows itself in the small details.

Back when I used to cook for Jared, he’d either be in the living room or upstairs, and no matter how many times I called him for dinner, he’d only come down after I’d nagged him over and over.

Maybe love fades with time, but right now, Nathan’s feelings for me were burning bright.

“Victoria, getting to eat your cooking again feels amazing,” Nathan murmured, a little moved.

I finished cleaning up the kitchen and walked out. “I’ve had your cooking before too, Nathan. You’re honestly the perfect boyfriend material.”

Nathan blushed a little at the compliment, letting out a soft sigh. “Then you’d better not take me for granted.”

I chuckled and served him a bowl of minestrone soup. “Just eat. Don’t overthink it.”

Just then, my phone rang.

It was Jared calling–he asked if we could have dinner together tonight and wanted Nathan to come too.

I passed Jared’s invitation on to Nathan.

Nathan scowled. “Honestly, I just want to stay home with you.”

“Jared said he wants to show his gratitude for what you did for Yvonne,” I told him.

“Then why not have Mr. Holcomb bring Yvonne over for dinner?” Nathan suggested.

I passed the message along to Jared. He sounded a bit at a loss for words, but in the end, he agreed to come.

To get ready for dinner, Nathan and I drove to the supermarket together.

While we were shopping, a warm–hearted lady came over to Nathan and said, “Your wife is so beautiful! Is she a movie star or something?”

Nathan paused and looked at me.

I looked up at him too.

“No, she’s not a celebrity,” Nathan replied.

“There are plenty of beautiful women in Hachester, I’ve seen a lot of them, but none as gorgeous as your wife. You’re a lucky guy,” the lady said, just making small talk while we shopped for groceries.

Nathan smiled. “Thanks.”

As we left the produce section, Nathan suddenly reached out and pinched my chin.

I had no choice but to look up at him as he looked me over from side to side. “Not bad, you really are pretty,” he teased.

I knew he was messing with me, so I slapped his hand away. “Quit it, don’t mess with my face.”

Nathan burst out laughing. “Victoria, Mr. Holcomb must be eating his heart out. After all that effort to marry you back then, now he wants you back, but he doesn’t stand a chance.”

I just gave a dry laugh.

Nathan wouldn’t let it go. “Victoria, if Mr. Holcomb had been waiting for you all this time, would you ever consider him?”

“Maybe in the next life,” I replied–just four words.

Just then, Yvonne’s voice rang out from behind me. “Mom, what a coincidence! We ran into each other!”

I turned around and saw Jared standing there, looking totally stiff and awkward.

Nathan took a couple of steps back, looking sheepish.

I glanced between Nathan and Jared, thinking, ‘When did Nathan start acting all innocent and scheming, like some green tea guy?‘