Chapter 10
Nolan’s POV
The smell of books filled my nostrils, but I wasn’t thinking about it. I sat behind my desk with my head bent over a pile of documents. My eyes scanned through the pages, following the lead of my pen. I wasn’t seeing words, all I could see were endless lines of inks which somehow were supposed to be important.
The soft creak of the door opening drew my attention, draggingne out of my thoughts. I didn’t have to look up to see who it was, because I already knew,
“Still working?” Her voice echoed through from where she stood I lifted my head up for a moment to look at her, before turning my head back to the file in front of me.
“Yeah, I muttered in a low whisper. The scent of her perfume has reached where I was and it momentarily edged away the smell of books.
With the sound of her light steps echoing through the room, she began walking towards me, clicking against the floorboards rhythmically.
She stopped in front of my desk, pulled out the chair, and sat down in front of me. I continued what I was doing, checking for errors and correcting them. It wasn’t something that I was supposed to be doing, but I needed something to take my mind off of the world for a little while.
And after what felt like an eternity, I heard her let out a soft sigh and pulled her chair forward. I had almost even en
that she was still here.
“Are you trying to make me feel less of myself?” She asked suddenly, her voice low and accusing. I lifted my head up to look at her and before I could process her words, she yanked the file out of my hand.
“What are you talking about?.. what’s this?” I asked in confusion, smiling lightly at how crazy she sounded.
She placed the file gently on the side of the table and then leaned into her chair.
“You’re married to the most beautiful woman in the world, Nolan. She began. “Do you know that every time I go out, people whisper about how lucky you are.. and how perfect I am for you?…. But here I am, sitting in front of you and it‘ different from why people think it is… You’re treating me like I’m just here for show.”
“Ohh, I muttered under my breath, then rolled my eyes and sighed, while forcing a smile.
“Why are you here my queen?” I asked sarcastically, If she said that she was the most beautiful, then she probably was a queen and I had to respond that way.
We stared at each other for a moment and as if on cue, we both burst out laughing at the same time.
I stopped before she did, already exhausted for laughing so much even though it was just for a few seconds. The look on my face became serious again and I dropped the pen that I was holding.
“Seriously, what do you want?.” I asked her, wondering why she chose to interrupt pay study time.
“I just wanted to check on you.” She said softly, throwing her eyes round the room.
“You’ve been here all night, and it’s freezing in her bedroom. You promised it won’t take long
leaned against my chair and let out another deep breath. “I’m not ready yet….I need to finish going over these files and then I’ll come join you.”
She frowned and grabbed the file again, picking it up and holding it close to her chest.
14:07 Mon, Dec 9 I G
Chapter 10
“This isn’t your job, Nolan Don’t you think I’ll figure that out? if you need to get any and get something off your mind, something you don’t want to tell me, there are other ways I could help you with that.” She said, giving me the eyes.
I smiled, knowing exactly what she meant.
“Maybe later tonight,” I said to her, reaching out to take the files from her, but she wouldn’t let me
“Come on, Zoe.” I pleaded without much interest. I just wanted her gone and I knew I couldn’t do that without patronizing
her first.
“You know my father called, she said suddenly, changing the topic in an instant.
I withdrew my hand and leaned further into the chair. “What about it?”
“Nothing much, he just wanted to know how I’m doing and he also asked about you.”
“What did you tell him?” I asked
“That you’re such a bore, and that you’re also very good in bed, and that’s one of the reasons why I tolerate you so much”
I chuckled softly and nodded, amused at how she was willing to say anything to cheer me up.
“You didn’t say all that now, did you?”
She threw her head back and acted like she was trying to remember. “You know what? I can’t remember. But I might if you come to bed?”
I let out a small chuckle and wiggled my finger at her.
“Real smart, Zoe. Real smart,”
She took a deep breath of defeat and then placed the file back on the table. “You’re just too stubborn.” She said before standing up.
“I won’t be long. I promise,” I said to her as she turned around to leave the room. She waved her hand and continued walking.
“Whatever.” She said, heading towards the door, but just then she stopped in her tracks and turned around.
“He also said something, my father.” She said, walking towards me again. Her eyes were shining with excitement as she got to where I was and stopped.
“He’d love it if you attended the upcoming ball, you know, the one for the royal families.”
“Oh.” I muttered softly, “About that.”
“No, don’t start. We haven’t been to any of the last three celebrations… I’d like to attend, and you know Lean’t go without you
“You can go with your father.” I cut in harder than I intended. She stood up straight and let out a small sigh.
“You’re just weird sometimes.” She said to me with a visible frow on her face.
“I didn’t mean for it to sound like that. My point is, I don’t see the use In attending things like that and if you’re so eager to go, I’m sure your father wouldn’t mind taking you
She nodded slowly and I could see that she was clearly hurt and without uttering any words, she turned around and left, slamming the door behind her.
