Chapter 146

Nicolas brought Leia to a quiet cafe.

This was Leia’s first time being alone with Nicolas. Because she had changed her opinion of him, when she faced him once again, she no longer felt the panic and disgust from before. Instead, she was as nervous and shy as a young girl in love.

She secretly stole a glance at the handsome man sitting opposite her. No matter how she looked at him, she felt that he looked amazing, something she had previously overlooked.

Nicolas was simply the cream of the crop. Just his looks alone were top-notch. Coupled with the elegance and undisciplined mannerisms he exuded, he easily charmed girls like Leia, who still had the mind of a young girl.

This person was probably her man now, Leia lamented inwardly. “If I had not said no to Nicolas back then, he’d probably be my husband by now.”

Suddenly, the waiter’s voice interrupted Leia’s imagination. “Miss, what would you like to drink?”

Hearing the voice, Leia suddenly snapped back to reality. Then, she turned to the waiter and put on a smile. “I’d like an iced Americano, thank you.”

“Alright, please wait a moment.” With that, the waiter left, and Leia fixed her eyes on Nicolas again.

Seeing that he was also looking at her as if he was thinking about something, Leia suddenly got nervous.

Her neck shrank as she asked, “Um, Nicolas, why are you looking at me like that?”

Nicolas rested his chin on his hand. His gaze was still fixed on Leia, and he was smiling slightly. With a hint of leisure and sexiness, he said, “I’m sorry. Does it make you feel uncomfortable?”

One had to admit that Nicolas was really good at using his external advantages. He knew that girls of Leia’s age liked charming men the most, which was why he chose to display his charming side now.

Leia was instantly mesmerized by his sex appeal. “N-no.” Her face was flushed red, and her mind was in a mess. She would probably be willing to die for him now.

Seeing that it was about right, Nicolas asked, “Did anything happen to Noelle these days?”

As Nicolas mentioned Noelle, Leia felt dejected. She had almost forgotten that Nicolas had brought her here purely for Noelle.

At the thought of this, Leia felt extremely regretful, and her heart ached again. ‘Nicolas was supposed to be my fiancé, but now Noelle has taken him away from me.’

Still, Leia always felt that Nicolas must have some feelings for her. Otherwise, he would not be so gentle and polite to her. Come to think of it, she believed that it was true. Back then, he had been wooing her. If Noelle hadn’t swooped in, why would he make do and choose her!

Now that I’ve realized what I want, I must snatch back what belongs to me.

Leia adjusted her state of mind and then blankly looked at Nicolas.

She said softly, “Nothing happened to Noelle these days. She’s been acting like usual. She’s always spending time with Harley and showing off her good relationship with Stanley in front of her classmates.”

Leia deliberately mentioned Harley and Stanley, who had a close relationship with Noelle, just to provoke Nicolas' worry.

“Is that so?” Nicolas’s eyes were slightly closed, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking. “What else? How has she been feeling recently?”

“Very good,” Leia began to make things up. “Now, Noelle is relying on Stanley’s connections. She’s a popular genius arranger in school, and everyone is praising her. I think she enjoys it quite a bit.”

“Relying on Stanley’s connections?” Nicolas raised his eyebrows.

Seeing that Nicolas seemed to be interested, Leia felt that there was a chance and continued to fan the flames. “That’s right.”

She blinked and continued, “Noelle is quite close to the lead singer of The Legend. Didn’t she become popular this time because of The Legend? Now, many people are saying that Stanley is the reason why Noelle could get the title of a genius arranger...”

She then went on, “Noelle doesn’t deny this. In fact, I don’t think there are many men in this world who can do this for their girlfriends. Noelle is quite lucky.”

After that, Leia acted like she had misspoken. She immediately covered her mouth and said to Nicolas, “I’m sorry, that’s not right. She’s not his girlfriend, but a female friend. It’s just that everyone is spreading rumors about Noelle’s relationship with Stanley, so I accidentally said that. Please don’t mind me, Nicolas.”

“It’s okay,” Nicolas smiled faintly and took a sip of coffee.

Since Nicolas wasn’t overreacting, Leia thought for a moment and looked like she was hesitating before she said, “Nicolas, actually, there’s something I don’t know if I should tell you…”

Nicolas looked at her and smiled. “Just go ahead. It’s not like we’re just some strangers here.”

Leia’s heart skipped a beat when she heard this.

She wondered, ‘He just said, “it’s not like we’re just some strangers here.” I’m right. Nicolas has feelings for me!’

Leia thought that she had won Nicolas’s approval, so she was obviously even more excited.

She continued, “I want to talk about Noelle’s marriage with you. Back then, when Noelle returned to the Anderson family, my dad asked her to fulfill the engagement with you. That girl had always wanted to fit into the family and please us, so she immediately agreed to that and didn’t have enough consideration.

“Actually, from my standpoint, I shouldn’t have said this, but I feel that you’re an excellent man, Nicolas, and you deserve more than that. Noelle agreed to be with you just to please my family. I’m afraid she’s just using you.

“I don’t want you to regret it in the future, so even though I know that what I’m saying will dissatisfy my family, I still have to say it. Nicolas, you wouldn’t think I’m being nosy, right?”

A bit nervous, Leia looked at Nicolas eagerly, thinking, ‘I’ve already said so much. He must be disappointed in Noelle by now, right?’

However, Nicolas still didn’t look upset about it. He was smiling, but his smile was unfathomable, and no one could tell what he was thinking.

Just as Leia felt that her plan might have failed, Nicolas suddenly looked up at her with a charming smile.

He said leisurely, “Miss Anderson, I just realized that you’re quite nice.”

“What?” Leia was stunned, not knowing if Nicolas was being serious or mocking her.

Then, Nicolas continued, “You’d put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Not many girls do that. Many people nowadays would harm others for their own interests. Compared to these people, you’re much more noble.”

Leia still wasn't sure of what Nicolas meant.

She wondered, ‘Is Nicolas complimenting me now! It sounds like a compliment. Yes, that must be the case.’

That realization made Leia happy. She immediately put on a shy smile and said, “Well, I’m flattered. Actually, I’m not that noble. It’s just that I care about you, Nicolas, and…”

Before Leia could finish her words, Nicolas suddenly changed the topic and said regretfully, “Unfortunately, you’re so considerate of others, but you aren’t getting the care you deserve in return.”

Leia was quite confused. She looked at him in a daze and asked, “Nicolas, what do you mean?!”

Nicolas’s gaze was fixed on her with a glint in his eyes.

He then winked...