Chapter 146: Congratulations, Mr. Harris

Nathael couldn't shake his uneasiness. He feared a bizarre reaction from Maggie—perhaps her merciless sarcasm or mocking—if she knew his true feelings. However, he couldn't resist confessing. He constantly lost control around her.

Maggie was momentarily stunned, feeling dizzy. She looked at him, searching for sincerity. Under the bright moonlight, his handsome face appeared calm and composed, his usually sharp brows softened. He seemed gentler, more focused.

Maggie's throat tightened. "If I say no," she asked, "will you still like me?"

"Yes," Nathael replied slowly, his tone conveying care without undue concern.

Maggie smirked. "That depends on how much you like me."

Her past life had been a tragedy. Severely disfigured and blinded, she'd endured endless pain and felt utterly helpless, haunted by bitterness and darkness. While she always believed Nathael was the one, she questioned her ability to open her heart again. Those bleak years, consumed by anger and resentment, had taught her painful lessons. Even knowing Nathael wouldn't disappoint her, she found herself hesitant, subconsciously cautious, afraid of vulnerability and repeating past mistakes. But this life was different.

What about Nathael? Would he change? Would his love and protection remain unconditional, as in her past life? Maggie lowered her eyes, self-deprecatingly realizing she was overthinking.

Nathael fell silent, then whispered, "Even if you want to use my influence, I hope you'll use it for a lifetime."

Maggie's throat tightened, tears welling up. A lifetime? That was a long time.

Her eyes filled with tears. "Aren't you worried I have hidden motives? What if—"

Nathael pulled her closer, saying in a deep voice, "At least my money is a part of me."

Maggie chuckled softly, feeling his cheek against hers. Their skin touched. The cool night air couldn't diminish the warmth that surrounded her, leaving her slightly dizzy. This intimacy was rare. She lowered her gaze, unwilling to deny the greedy feeling.

"But I won't make it easy for you," Nathael said softly, his voice rough.

Maggie looked up. "Why not?"

"Because that way, you'll put more effort into me," Nathael explained slowly, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Maggie was taken aback, remembering their first encounters. She had never approached him directly; he always said no, yet always left a glimmer of hope.

Unable to resist, she faced him. Under the city lights, she saw his stunning features—sharp eyebrows, starry eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips—and the passionate intensity beneath his usually aloof demeanor. Yet, in their gaze, she felt like the center of the universe.

"So, you were pretending?" Maggie squinted, suspicious.

Nathael raised an eyebrow. "Pretending for what?"

"Nathael, have you secretly liked me all this time?" Maggie leaned closer, her lips millimeters from his.

Nathael leaned in too, but Maggie instinctively pulled back, resisting his desire. His hands on her waist prevented her escape. Trying to move away caused pain in her lower back.

She lightly pinched his lips. "Don't. My lips are numb today."

Things easily obtained are not always cherished.

"Mr. Harris, is this a confession?" Maggie blinked.

Nathael replied faintly, "Yes."

Maggie was speechless, unprepared for his easy confession.

"Do you want to try it?" Nathael asked.

Maggie was quiet for a moment, then hugged him gently, resting her cheek against his chest. "Are you sure you want to take a chance with me? I'm bad-tempered, materialistic, and cunning."

Nathael smiled faintly. "Yes, I do."

He offered no further explanation, implying his acceptance of her flaws.

Tears glistened in Maggie's eyes. "I'm not sure how to like someone, or if I can still love. But Nathael, I'll try to like you." It wouldn't be out of duty or past grievances, but genuine fondness.

Nathael rested his chin on her head, his eyes warm and affectionate. "Alright."

They hugged silently for a long time on the river bridge.

Maggie smiled up at him. "If you ever feel tired or bored, please let me know. I won't cling to you; we can part amicably."

Her eyes shimmered, her smile genuine and charming, as if discussing something unrelated to herself. Nathael felt a painful clenching in his heart. He recognized her calmness stemmed from a lack of complete love for him. But at least she was giving their relationship a try.

"Of course, I might fall for someone else, or get tired of you, and I'll be honest," Maggie added casually, her eyes sparkling. She wanted to grow old with him, but hearts were volatile. She wouldn't become his enemy; she could never hate him.

Nathael's eyes deepened. He didn't know her past, only that her bright smile held inexplicable sadness. He had so much to say—that such a day would never come, that even if she loved another, he'd never let her go—but it all boiled down to a simple, "Alright."

Maggie leaned in and kissed him delicately, a smile flashing in her eyes. "Congratulations, Mr. Harris. From today onwards, you have a smart, lovely, and beautiful girlfriend." Send Gifts.