Chapter 463
Nathan turned around and noticed Nathalie heading upstairs without a word. As he stood there puzzled, the doorbell chimed.
Nathan made his way to the door and opened it to see Ashley standing there, a hint of panic flickering in her eyes. She glanced back nervously at Nathalie’s retreating figure.
With a bright smile, Ashley said, “Nathan, aren’t you going to invite me in?”
Reluctantly, Nathan stepped aside, opening the door wider.
“What brings you here?” he asked.
“Can’t I drop by without a reason?” Ashley teased, her tone light.
She was more striking than she had been two years ago, her confidence practically radiating.
As she strolled over to the couch, she noticed two men sprawled out asleep and frowned slightly.
“What happened to these two? Why are they this drunk?”
“If they’re that out of it, why aren’t they in their rooms? Lying around on the couch like this, what kind of impression does that give?”
This touched a sore spot with Nathan.
While Nathan was often critical of his own brothers, he never tolerated outsiders doing the same.
His expression turned stern as he replied, “This is their home, Ashley. They can relax however they like.”
Ashley looked taken aback.
“But they’re just servants.”
Nathan fixed her with a sharp gaze: “They’re not servants. Ashley, as an outsider, you shouldn’t meddle in my family affairs.”
Ashley’s eyes widened in surprise: “But I’m your fiancée, an arrangement between our families.”
“Ashley…” Nathan’s voice was filled with frustration, “I’ve worked hard to break free from my family’s expectations, all so I could choose my own partner.”
Tears glistened in Ashley’s eyes: “Nathan, I know you’re against arranged marriages. But you have to believe me, I genuinely love you. Marrying you isn’t just about forming an alliance with the Rowland family…”
m sorry. I don’t love you.”
Ashley was taken aback: “But you don’t have anyone else. Why not give us a chance? Spend some time together, maybe you’ll fall for me? Nathan, I’m quite popular, you know, lots of guys at school like me.”
“I already have someone I care about,” Nathan declared.
Ashley shook her head, refusing to believe it: “That can’t be true.”
Nathan’s gaze was unyielding: “I’m not lying.”
Ashley pressed on, “Who is she?”
Nathan was proud of his love and wanted everyone to know about him and Nathalie. “I love Nathalie.”
Upon hearing it was Nathalie, Ashley let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.
Against Nathalie, she felt confident she could win.
“Nathan, she’s not right for you. She’s older, has been married, had a miscarriage. Her background and talents don’t match yours Nathan’s voice turned cold: “In my eyes, she’s better than those born with a silver spoon, using their parents‘ connections to get ahead.” Ashley felt the sting of his words, and her voice wavered: “I know you think no one compares to her, But Nathan, if you choose her, you’ll regret it.”
“Do you really want to follow the path of tragic love stories?”
Before she could continue, Nathan shouted angrily, “Ashley!”
“You’re not welcome here. Don’t come back.”
Ashley, overwhelmed with hurt, covered her face and left crying.
From the upstairs landing, Nathalie closed her eyes in
Then, she turned and walked away, her heart heavy.
