Chapter 397: Have You Fallen for Someone Else?

Maggie’s face flushed crimson, and the steamy air misted her eyes, blurring her vision.

“Let go of me,” she said, forcing herself to remain calm despite her rising anxiety. “Then you can leave.”

She slightly turned away, avoiding his gaze, her heart pounding erratically.

Nathael’s dark eyes fixed on her; his thin lips parted slightly as he said coldly, “Nana, my patience is limited.”

Maggie’s eyelashes trembled. Her throat tightened, leaving her speechless for a long moment. She knew he was warning her. He wasn't known for his patience, and though he’d repeatedly backed down, a man of his status, accustomed to adulation, wouldn’t tolerate her cold demeanor for long.

Lowering her eyes, she said coldly, “I understand. You go first.”

Nathael stared at her for a few seconds, then slowly released her and left the bathroom, changing into a different set of clothes.

As soon as he left, Maggie felt her strength drain away. Leaning against the cold wall, she gasped for air. She didn't understand how things with Nathael had reached this point, but she was acutely aware of her own inability to be harsh. The less harsh she was, the more likely she was to compromise. She couldn’t bear to see him disappointed or hurt, so much so that she dared not look at him.

The water resumed, likely spurred by her fear that he might return. Maggie showered quickly, leaving the bathroom in less than ten minutes.

Nathael was sitting on the couch in the bedroom, his hair half-dry, his handsome face less gentle than before, more intensely stern, making the room feel tense and somber.

Maggie, drying her hair, averted her gaze, intending to spend some time in the living room.

But the next instant, his deep, appealing voice came from behind her: “Come here.”

Maggie paused, remembering his madness and ruthlessness from the night before. Her heart trembled, her breath uneven. She stood still, hesitant to leave the bedroom.

Perhaps tired of waiting, or simply in a bad mood, Nathael looked up, his gaze falling on her silhouette. His voice was ice-cold: “I don’t want to say it a second time.” Maggie’s heart thudded heavily.

She knew he was likely disappointed, or perhaps even hated her.

Chapter 397: Have You Fallen for Someone Else? (continued)

And all this was because she had pushed him away.

Maggie lowered her eyes to compose herself, then slowly turned and walked toward the man sitting on the couch, taking a seat beside him. “Is there something you need?”

She couldn’t bear to be at odds with him any longer, but after suggesting they break up, she didn’t know how to interact with him.

Nathael let out a self-deprecating laugh, his beautiful phoenix eyes tinged red at the corners, his clear eyes filled with faint bloodshot lines. Since when had they needed a reason just to talk?

“Ms. Adam,” Nathael spoke somberly, his gaze shadowed, his expression chillingly mocking. “Your distance breaks my heart.” Maggie felt a pang of guilt, but faced with his mockery, she remained silent.

Nathael pulled her onto the couch and flipped her underneath him, his voice hoarse. “Is breaking up really necessary?”

Maggie’s eyelashes trembled as she looked up at the handsome face so close to hers. “Yes,” she said slowly.

Nathael scoffed, his eyes growing more sinister. “Am I of no further use to Ms. Adam, then?”

His words felt like a knife twisting in her heart. It felt as though a giant hand was gripping her heart, kneading it relentlessly. The pain was sharp, seeking release but finding none.

Eventually, she could only restrain herself, managing a weak smile while her heart felt torn to shreds. But Maggie knew, what right did she have to be upset? Nathael was probably in more pain and more disappointed than she was.

In that moment, Maggie almost confessed the truth. But the words wouldn't come. Just mentioning breaking up had already brought him to this state. If he knew she was going to die, how would he cope? Would he follow her into death, as in her past life? It might be better to let him hate her, keep the secret for a few more years, and when he finally learned of her death, he would only think she got what she deserved.

Maggie lowered her eyes, feigning indifference. "The Camerons are no longer a threat, and I'm the heiress to Adam Group. Mr. Harris may still be valuable, but I don't want to spend my life appeasing anyone or watching someone's face anymore."

Chapter 397: Have You Fallen for Someone Else? (continued)

“Nathael, don’t be like this. Don’t make me turn my fondness for you into hatred. Let’s… part on good terms.”

Nathael’s eyes reddened, veins standing out on his forehead from his effort to restrain himself. “You better not regret what you said today.” His words were squeezed through clenched teeth, the dark gloom in his eyes nearly bringing Maggie to tears.

She curved her lips in a careless smile. “Who knows? I might regret it, since men like Mr. Harris are rare. But as the saying goes, ‘Out with the old, in with the new,’ right? Mr. Balslev…” Maggie feigned a slip of the tongue, mentioning the name and stopping abruptly.

Nathael narrowed his eyes, his look menacing. “Have you fallen for someone else?”

Maggie simply said, “What’s the point of saying that? Sooner or later, I’ll like someone else and fall in love with someone new. But don’t worry, Mr. Harris, I’m not one for long-term affection. Who knows, the next one, or the one after, might not even compare to you.”

Before Maggie could finish, Nathael fiercely kissed her, his lips moving as if every word she spoke was a stab to his heart.

Maggie whimpered, her breath mingling with his distinct scent of cold cedar, intertwining in the dim light, dangerous and profound. Their overlapping figures reflected on the couch in the clear light of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Nathael was clearly in a worse mood than the day before. The casually mentioned name “Balslev” had enraged him. His kisses were forceful and intense, like a torrential downpour.

Maggie’s breathing was erratic, acutely aware of the warmth of his fingertips. Her entire body was tense, shrinking and uneasy. She didn’t plan to ask him to stop because she knew he wouldn’t let go. Besides, Maggie didn’t want to admit that the deepest, most hidden part of her heart did enjoy the pleasure she found with him.

Maggie knew that after this parting, no one would rush back to be with her on a rainy day, nor would anyone hold her in their arms on a cold winter’s day again. There would be no one to watch boring movies with her, nor anyone to lie close to her on deep, cold nights…