Chapter 273: Have You Decided?

"Enough!" Ronald scolded angrily. "Do you honestly believe Nathael would spare you a second glance with such foolish behavior? How can you volunteer yourself as a mere plaything? How could I have a daughter as shameless as you?"

Tears filled Sierra's eyes. "You're being unjust! If Maggie is so compassionate, why isn't she your daughter? I pity you!"

Ronald, furious, raised his hand to slap her, but Olivia quickly intervened.

"That's enough," Olivia said. "Considering Sierra's ordeal today, it's reasonable to assume her thoughts are unclear. If we don't empathize with her, we risk pushing her to her breaking point." Olivia's words partially calmed Ronald. He didn't want to push her too far, despite his anger.

Feeling disappointed and disillusioned, Ronald left.

Olivia then spent considerable time talking with Sierra, discussing their family circumstances and weighing the pros and cons. Despite Sierra's silence, she absorbed much of the information.

Maggie, almost ready, decided to check Twitter. A message from Nathael popped up: "Where are you? I'll go to you."

Surprised, Maggie read the message. Before she could reply, Nathael called. Stepping out of the dressing room, she found a quiet corner to answer. "Hello?" she greeted softly.

Nathael didn't ask about her lack of response; instead, he asked, "Where are you?"

"In the backstage dressing room, with others nearby," Maggie replied softly. It had been a while since she'd heard his voice; it sounded unfamiliar.

Yet, a newfound peace settled over her. After more than ten days of despair, the turmoil in her heart had subsided, replaced by tranquility. She realized she could calmly accept the reality of her impending death. There was a brief silence before Nathael gave her an address. "I'll be waiting for you here," he said, opening a nearby door.

Glancing at the time, Maggie replied softly, "I'll be there in half an hour, at most."

"Okay."

After his response, Maggie sighed, ended the call, and headed toward the room he'd mentioned.

Several minutes later, she stood before a door. Cautiously pushing it slightly open, she revealed a pitch-black room, seemingly empty.

Hesitating, she leaned forward, only to be abruptly yanked inside by her wrist.

Startled, Maggie jumped, nearly screaming.

Nathael grasped her wrist, shutting the door, and gently pushed her against it, leaning in for a kiss.

Maggie's racing heart gradually calmed as she eagerly returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. The kiss was fervent and unbridled, like a long-awaited storm.

Their lips and teeth intertwined passionately. Nathael's strong hand held her waist firmly, as if to fuse them together, releasing their pent-up desire.

Quickly, his fingers ascended, gently tugging down the zipper on the back of her dress. The coarse texture of his fingertips against her delicate skin caused her to shiver uncontrollably; a faint mist formed on her eyelashes. Thankfully, he didn't proceed further.

His passionate kisses rained down on her lips, neck, and collarbone, trailing downward as if to imprint every inch of her skin. Maggie's thoughts dissolved into nothingness; a tingling sensation rippled from her lips, making it hard to breathe, her body weakening.

"Um"

After what seemed like forever, Maggie struggled to push him away, her face flushed, leaning against the door, drained of strength. Nathael slowly released her, his gaze lingering on her radiant face.

Maggie's breath was unsteady. She whispered softly, "You rejected me when I offered myself to you, so what is this now?"

Unable to resist, Nathael played with her fingers and said hoarsely, "Have you been upset about that this whole time?"

Maggie pursed her red lips, remaining silent. She wasn't entirely upset, but there was a hint of it. She craved peace amidst the chaos and was embarrassed by her previous rejection. However, she would never admit it.

"If I hadn't come today, when were you planning to talk to me?" Nathael's gaze bore into her, his words carrying an unusual mix of humility and intimidation. His demeanor was imposing, stern, and cold, as if he were interrogating her.

Maggie couldn't meet his gaze. She hadn't considered it, but she intended to reach out to him before his birthday—three days after the competition ended; she always visited him then. Perhaps subconsciously, he knew she would seek him out.

"Go on," Nathael's weighty tone indicated his displeasure.

Maggie glanced up at him, observing his serious expression, tight jawline, dark pupils, and sharp, enigmatic gaze. If not for the flush on his lips, one wouldn't have guessed what they had just done. Clearly, he was displeased.

Maggie's eyes swept over his face. "Are you upset?"

Nathael chuckled bitterly. "Shouldn't I be? My girlfriend visits other men clandestinely, remains guarded around me, and flirts with others."

Maggie countered, "I didn't flirt with anyone! When did that happen?"

Nathael sneered, "Am I spoiling you too much, Maggie? How dare you hang up on me at will and ignore my messages."

Maggie looked down, fiddling with a button on his shirt. She muttered softly, "I didn't ask you to spoil me."

Nathael's temple throbbed, his eyes ablaze. "Say that again!"

Maggie yielded. She stood on tiptoe, gently circling his neck with her arms, whispering in his ear, "I miss you."

Nathael felt as if he'd hit a soft pillow; his anger dissolved, evaporating into thin air.

"Are you still mad at me?" Maggie's inquiry was vulnerable, her moist eyes challenging his resolve.

Nathael remained stoic, his lips pressed together tightly, his gaze icy and unyielding.

Pouting her crimson lips, Maggie expressed her slight dissatisfaction. "Why did you only come to see me now? I thought you might have come earlier."

Nathael hesitated before responding slowly, "I was dealing with some issues, and I also thought perhaps you didn't want to see me."

If in the past Nathael had yearned for what he couldn't have, now he grappled with uncertainty. He feared intruding on her space yet dreaded her breaking things off. Each day without her felt like an eternity.

Maggie didn't press further. Instead, she planted a gentle kiss on his cheek and murmured, "Don't be angry. I was mortified after you rejected me. Can't I sulk for a while?"

Nathael cupped her chin; his gaze was intense and restrained, concealing a profound longing. His lips parted slightly as he spoke softly, "Have you decided?"