Chapter 473
Nathan was determined to set things straight with Nathalie, wanting nothing but clarity in their relationship and steering clear of any messy ties with other women.
With a promise ring gleaming on his finger, Nathan announced, “I’m engaged. What happened with Ashley was just a
misunderstanding; we’re just casual acquaintances.”
The Stewart family’s entourage looked like they’d just swallowed a lemon.
Theo shot Nathan a knowing look, trying to lighten the mood, “Nathan, are you using that ring as a ploy to dodge an arranged marriage, pulling one over on us?”
“Alright, alright, we get it. You’re not into the whole arranged marriage thing. Let’s just drop it, okay?”
Regan, noticing Nathan’s determination to distance himself from Ashley, looked resigned and silently agreed to call off the engagement.
Feeling wronged, Ashley burst into tears and dashed off, her face buried in her hands.
Theo nudged Nathan, “Hey, you stirred up this mess. Aren’t you gonna go talk to Ashley?”
With a heavy heart, Nathan walked away.
Regan, feeling utterly embarrassed, unleashed his frustration on Mason. “You owe me an explanation. Pulling something like this with my daughter, the Rowland family has really crossed a line.”
Mason, guilt–ridden, pleaded, “Regan, please, hear me out.”
“I really thought Nathan and your daughter would be a good match. But Nathan is so wrapped up in his business, he barely notices anything else. I figured if Ashley made the first move, with her charm and smarts, Nathan would eventually come around.”
Regan, having lost face today, said with displeasure, “Let’s call off this marriage and never bring it up again.”
With the arranged marriage falling apart, the Rowland family lost a potential ally.
Neither the Rowlands nor the Stewarts were in high spirits.
In the Stewart family’s garden, Ashley was sitting on the ground, crying her heart out.
Nathan walked over and stood quietly beside her.
What do you even like about me?” he asked gently.
Through her tears, Ashley replied, “I like how good–looking you are, your maturity beyond your years, your uncanny intelligence…”
Nathan let out a sigh, “Looks fade, Ashley, like a flower that blooms at night. Once they’re gone, will I still hold your gaze? As for being mature, sure, it might seem cool now, but what if it gets tiresome? When you like someone, you see all their good sides; when you don’t, all you see are their flaws…”
“That’s not true!” Ashley shook her head. “No matter how you change, I’ll still care for you.”
Nathan replied, “The future’s uncertain, isn’t it?”
Ashley countered, “Since we can’t predict the future, why turn me down? Maybe we could grow old together.”
Nathan sighed again.
He reached out, helping Ashley to her feet, “I want to show you something.” He led her straight to an orphanage.
The children there looked gloomy, skin and bones, their eyes hauntingly empty.
Ashley instinctively took a step back.
“Nathan, why bring me here?”
Nathan explained, “I want to adopt a child. Would you be willing to help me raise her?”
Ashley’s face showed resistance.
“I can give her plenty of money.”
Nathan continued, “It’s not just about money. She needs love, like a parent would give–brushing her hair, bathing her, tucking her in at
night. Are you ready to do that?”
