Chapter 24
Nina paused, then suddenly remembered what Lysander had said the second time they met.
She mimicked his flat tone, crossing her arms as she said coolly, “Do you even deserve me?”
There was a beat of silence on the other end of the line. His voice dropped, cold as ice. “Was that a joke?”
“You started it,” she replied. “If marrying a foul–mouthed, stone–faced man like you is my only option, I’d rather marry a pig.”
Lysander let out a sharp laugh. “You think I actually want to marry you?”
Then–click. He hung up without another word.
Nina slipped her phone into her pocket and returned to the office. As she reached her desk, her eyes landed on a plane ticket to Eastbridge.
She picked it up and turned to the assistant nearby. “Hey, do you know whose this is?”
The assistant glanced over. “Ms. Brooks left it for you. Mr. Ford’s going on a business trip tomorrow–you’re going with him.”
Nina looked toward Samantha’s back. Three years ago in Aspenridge, she’d looked so fragile, like the wind could knock her over. Now, she stood tall, composed, commanding.
Nina lowered her gaze to the ticket. Such a light piece of paper–and yet it felt impossibly heavy in her hands.
Julian had only taken one person on this trip.
She did her job, remained professional. Aside from work matters, they barely spoke on the flight.
At baggage claim, Nina reached for Julian’s suitcase out of courtesy, just as he did the same. Their hands brushed.
The chill of his skin sank straight into her bones.
She froze, quickly withdrawing. “Guess you can carry it yourself then.”
Julian’s gaze drifted to the space behind her. “Didn’t pack anything?”
“Not really,” she said, indifferent. “I’ll buy what I need and toss it after. No big deal.”
She didn’t even know how long she had left in this body. No point leaving anything behind. Especially not with Lysander footing the bill.
julian flexed his wrist and let out a soft laugh. “Very casual of you.”
Was it her imagination, or did his smile feel… off? Icy, almost.
Before she could respond, Julian released his grip on the suitcase. “Carry it.”
She blinked. “Didn’t you just say you didn’t need help?”
“That was then. This is now,” he replied, eyes steady.
Nina stared at him for a beat–then almost laughed. God, he really was leaning into this CEO persona.
That evening in Eastbridge, they arrived at the restaurant and met the client Julian had flown out to see.
To her shock, it was TY–her favorite designer.
Nina’s eyes widened as TY extended a hand toward her.
She wiped her palm quickly and shook it, a little breathless. “I’ve admired your work for years.”
TY paused, smiled. “Now it makes sense. No wonder Mr. Ford insisted on seeing me in person after all my rejections. He wasn’t here for himself–he was here for you.”
Nina blinked, turning slowly toward Julian.
And caught the trace of a smile in his eyes before he could hide it.
Chapter 24
Her heart skipped.
She’d only ever mentioned TY once. Years ago. In college.
She never imagined he’d remember.
For a mere “stand–in,” he sure was committed.
Nina forced a polite smile. “Thank you, Mr. Ford.”
Julian’s lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something–but in the end, he said nothing at all.
TY raised her glass. “Well, if this isn’t fate, I don’t know what is. Let’s drink to it.”
Nina turned her head–and saw TY’s glass already pressed near her lips.
She hesitated. Her stomach had always reacted poorly to alcohol. The last time she drank while sick, it had been agony.
She opened her mouth to refuse. But before she could speak, a hand reached over and took the glass from TY.
Julian stepped between them. “She doesn’t handle alcohol well. I’ll drink for her.”
Nina went still.
Since her rebirth, she hadn’t told a single soul about her intolerance.
But somehow, he still remembered.
