Chapter 61: Someone Is Pining After Your Crush
"Don't you think two of them look quite similar to him?" Mia leaned in next to Maggie, scrutinizing the men with a hint of smugness. "Stop it," Maggie firmly refused. "My heart belongs only to Nathael."
Mia retorted, "Just take a look! Why are you passing up such a great opportunity? You'll be cursed by the heavens if you disappoint these handsome men!" Maggie remained silent. These men were nothing compared to Nathael.
"Look at the third one," Mia said, taking a drag of her cigarette. "Does he resemble Nathael?"
Intrigued, Maggie carefully examined the men. Surprisingly, one of them had a nose remarkably like Nathael's—tall, straight, and paired with a slightly aloof demeanor that set him apart. She then considered the others: the first was too old; the second, while not bad-looking, was a little short and bore no resemblance to Nathael; the fourth was a completely different type; and the fifth perhaps had a similar mouth.
Maggie wasn't convinced. Even if there were occasional similarities, they were no comparison to the real thing. Nathael's features were delicate and stern, like the carefully sculpted work of a master craftsman—a unique work of art. Any single feature, placed on another face, would feel incomplete.
Most striking was Nathael's demeanor. An air of authority resided between his brows; his expression was decisive and efficient. His narrow eyes, like a vast, deep sea, were profound and restrained, making him inscrutable. After a glance, Maggie lost interest. Perhaps because these men worked in nightclubs, their demeanor—cautious and subservient, focused on earning money—was completely different from Nathael's.
Meanwhile, on the second floor, in a private booth, a group of ten or so men and women chatted. Seated in a dimly lit corner, Nathael couldn't see the stage, but he didn't care. A cigarette dangling from his lips, he leaned back lazily. In stark contrast to his usual demeanor, he exuded nonchalance and a hint of debauchery. His beautiful eyes, veiled in a pale mist, were alluring and seductive. Under the changing light and shadows, his handsome face was often obscured, giving off a cold, noble aura. His eyes, however, held a dark, troubled quality, tinged with hostility.
Maggie hadn't contacted him in a week, having rejected his invitation to meet the previous week. Thinking about this, Nathael lowered his gaze, suppressing the turmoil within. Had she grown tired? Was she unable to maintain the pretense? He still didn't understand her motives. How could she give up so easily? What a perfunctory and impatient woman!
"Nathael," a pleasant female voice rang out above the noisy music. "Our families are planning to arrange a marriage for us." Beth Bray spoke, her fingers nervously curled as she pretended indifference, her gaze fixed on Nathael.
Nathael didn't even lift his head. "Not interested," he said indifferently.
Beth chuckled lightly, her fingers relaxing. She'd expected this. "All right," she said, feigning unconcern. "You can tell them that. It'll save me the trouble of a family lecture."
Nathael showed no further interest. Beth's gaze fell on him. "What have you been busy with lately?" she asked. "I've asked you out several times, but you never came."
Nathael looked up slightly. "I'm busy," he replied flatly. His expression was cold; clearly, he wasn't in the mood for conversation. Angus Fowler, glancing at them, his gold-rimmed glasses reflecting a faint light, said gently, "You should know, Nathael has always been the hardest man to ask out."
"Bros before hoes, you know?" Jimmy joked, his devilishly handsome face—red lips, pearly-white teeth—a stark contrast to the hostility between his brows and the indifference in his stunning eyes. "It's normal for him to put women above his friends. Nathael's busy pursuing someone, so of course he won't have time for us."
Nathael ignored him, checking his phone again. Still no message from Maggie. Their last WhatsApp text was days ago.
Beth forced a smile, though it felt strained and stiff. Nathael ignored her, staring at Maggie's profile picture for a moment before making a phone call.
Meanwhile, Maggie was receiving lavish praise from the men Mia had left her with. Mia, accustomed to such parties, was unsurprised, but it was new to Maggie. Her image had always been associated with the Camerons' reputation, and she wouldn't normally participate in such activities. Nevertheless, flattery felt good, even if transactional. The straightforwardness made it uncomplicated.
Soon, Maggie was laughing at a joke, her mood considerably improved. Then, her phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, she was stunned for a moment before quickly rising and moving to a quieter corner.
"Mr. Harris?" Maggie spoke softly. She'd been busy with Cameron affairs and hadn't had time to see Nathael.
"What are you doing?" Nathael asked, his voice low and slow.
Maggie glanced at the handsome young men at her table, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm listening to music," she said calmly.
Nathael remained silent, faintly hearing the familiar, noisy music from her end. Before he could speak again, a loud argument erupted in the corridor.
Maggie quickly covered the receiver, but the sound had likely already gone through. "Um I'm not feeling well," she said hurriedly. "Let's talk later." If Nathael discovered her here, her image would be ruined.
As Nathael listened to the busy tone, his eyes darkened. He absently turned his phone, his thoughts unreadable.
Jimmy, holding a glass of wine, approached the railing, looking down at the lively stage. A woman approached him, leaning against him, calling out, "Mr. Hansen"
Jimmy glanced at her; a chill ran down her spine. He was in a good mood, however, and ignored her. He then glanced up, seeing Maggie returning to her seat. Raising an eyebrow, his beautiful eyes teasing, he looked straight ahead with an amused expression, as if anticipating a show. "Nathael," he said, "it seems someone is pining after your crush."