MoboNovel Lite
Chapter 1
Inside the hotel room, the place was a mess.
Nina Walker woke up, her entire body sore and achy. She rubbed her temples, preparing to rise, and glanced at the tall figure lying next to her. His strikingly handsome face had sharply defined features and deep-set eyes. He remained sound asleep, showing no signs of waking.
Nina sat up, the sheets slipping off, revealing faint marks on her fair, sensual shoulders. She got out of bed, bloodstains clearly visible on the sheets.
Glancing at the time, realizing she was almost late for work, she grabbed her scattered professional attire from the floor and changed into it. Her stockings were already torn by him. She balled them up and tossed them into the trash, and then slipped on her high heels.
There was a knock at the door. Nina was already neatly dressed, back in her role as an efficient secretary, holding her purse as she headed out. Entering was a pure-looking beauty. Nina had called her. The type that Nash York liked. Nina said, “You just need to wait for Mr. York to wake up in bed, nothing needs to be said.”
She glanced back at the man sleeping on the bed, a bitter taste rising within her, yet she still left the room. Nina didn’t want Nash to find out they had slept together yesterday. They had an agreement - three years of secret marriage, then they could divorce. During this time, no love or any intimate acts should be involved…
She had been Nash’s personal secretary for seven years and his wife for three. From the day she graduated, she stayed by his side and never left. It was also that day when he warned her that their relationship could only be that of superior and subordinate, never to transcend this hierarchy.
Nina stood by the corridor window, still pondering over yesterday’s events, him holding her in bed, calling out “Mira.” Her heart clenched fiercely. Mira was his first love. He had treated her as a replacement for Mira. She understood Nash; he wouldn’t want anything with her.
This marriage, which she alone took seriously, had to come to an end. The events of last night served as the closing chapter to their three years together. As she checked her phone, a headline caught her eye: “Rising Star Singer Miranda Lewis Returns Home with Fiancé!”
Nina’s grip on the phone tightened, bitterness flooding her heart, her nose prickling with the sting of realization. Finally, she understood why he had drowned himself in alcohol the previous night and why he had cried in her arms.
Cold wind blew against her, and she gave a bitter smile, putting away her phone and retrieving a pack of cigarettes from her bag. Lighting one up, she held it between her slender index and middle fingers, the smoke swirling around her, veiling her lonely yet beautiful face in a haze. At that moment, Taylor Lawson hurried over, panting, “Nina, Mr. York’s suit has arrived, I’ll take it in now.”
Nina’s thoughts were interrupted, and she turned her head. She glanced over, “Wait.”
Taylor halted, “Is there anything else, Nina?”
“He doesn’t like blue, so change it to black. Use a striped tie, and yes, iron it again. Make sure there are no wrinkles, and don’t use a transparent bag; he doesn’t like the sound of plastic. Hang it on the hanger and send it over.” Nina was like Nash’s personal housekeeper, remembering every little habit of his without ever making a mistake in all these years.
Taylor was startled. In her three months here, just seeing Mr. York’s stern face was terrifying enough. She had nearly caused trouble again today.
Taylor hurried off to make the change, “Thank you, Nina.”
Suddenly, a low growl came from the suite, “Get out!”
Immediately followed by a woman’s terrified scream. Before long, the door opened.
Taylor, red-eyed and dejected, had been reprimanded. This time, Mr. York was particularly furious.
Her pleading eyes turned to Nina, “Nina, Mr. York said he wants you to come in.”
Nina glanced at the wide-open door, also fearing she couldn’t handle it, “You go down first.”
She extinguished her cigarette in the ashtray and strode into the suite.
At the doorway, she saw a mess inside, with everything around Nash in disarray. The table lamp shattered, and the screen cracked, the phone still vibrating.
The woman she had brought was too scared to move, standing naked, unsure of where to go, with a hint of guilt in her eyes.
Nash sat grimly on the bed, his physique well-proportioned from long-term exercise, his muscles defined, broad chest, and visible abs, with a faint hint of a ‘V’ line hidden under the sheets.
He looked tempting, but his handsome face was dark, his eyes fierce, teetering on the edge of rage.
Nina stepped forward, propping up the lamp, poured a glass of water and placed it on the bedside table, “Mr. York, there’s a meeting at 9:30, you can get up now.”
Nash’s gaze was coldly fixed on the woman.
As if he still found it unbelievable.
Sensing this, Nina said to her, “You can leave now.”
The woman breathed a sigh of relief, quickly picked up her clothes and hurried out, not daring to linger for a moment.
Everything became calm once more.
Nash shifted his gaze back to Nina’s face. Nina habitually handed him the water and placed the shirt on the bed, “Mr. York, you can change your clothes now.” Nash’s face remained stern, his displeasure evident in his eyes as he asked coldly, “Where were you last night?”
Nina was momentarily stunned. Was he blaming her for failing to take care of him properly, enabling other women to take advantage of him, and betraying his Mira? Her eyes softened slightly, “Mr. York, you were drunk last night, it was just a moment of drunkenness. We’re all adults, you don’t have to dwell on it.”
Her subdued emotions conveyed that she would handle it for him, ensuring that no other woman would bother him.
He stared at her, the veins bulging on his forehead, “I’ll ask you one last time, where were you last night?”
Nina felt a bit nervous, “I’ve been dealing with exhausting projects lately. I fell asleep in the office.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Nash snort coldly.
His face turned cold, his lips tightly pressed together as he got up from the bed, grabbing a towel to wrap around himself.
Nina watched his retreating figure, her eyes slightly moist.
In her presence, he always concealed himself, as if being seen by her was something repulsive. Last night, when he treated her like Mira, it was completely different.
By the time she snapped out of her thoughts, Nash had already finished showering and was standing in front of the full-length mirror.
Nina walked over and, as usual, buttoned up his shirt for him. He was tall, standing at 1.88 meters, while she was only 1.68 meters tall. It was still a bit of a stretch for her to tie his tie.
He seemed still angry with himself for being unclean, for betraying Mira, refusing to bend down in his cold arrogance.
She could only tiptoe and reach up to put the tie around his neck.
As she concentrated on tying his tie, Nash’s warm breath brushed against her ear, his voice husky with tension, “Nina, that woman last night… it was you, wasn’t it?”
Chapter 2
Upon hearing the voice, Nina was so surprised that she nearly stumbled.
With her balance faltering, her body leaned towards him. Nash felt her body tilting and reached out to steady her by the waist. The scorching warmth instantly reminded her of the scene from last night when he ravaged her recklessly.
Nina composed herself, lifting her head to meet his deep gaze. His eyes were too serious, containing both questioning and doubt, as if trying to see through her with just one look. Nina’s heart raced rapidly. She dared not hold his gaze for another second, instinctively lowering her head.
When he assumed it was the woman earlier, he flew into a rage. If he were to discover it was her, her fate wouldn’t be any better. Yet, she couldn’t accept it. If Nash knew it was her, could their marriage last a little longer?
She dared not meet his eyes. “Why would you ask such a thing?” Only she knew she was hoping for it.
However, Nash chuckled lightly. “You don’t have the courage.”
Nina’s hand stiffened, and she lowered her eyelids. Nash secretly hoped it wasn’t her after all. After all, their marriage was just a contractual one. Moreover, the agreement would expire in a few days. Suddenly, Nash firmly grasped her hand. Her heart skipped a beat, and she raised her gaze to meet his, finding his gaze cold and intense, filled with strong scrutiny.
She struggled to pull her hand back, but in the next moment, Nash pressed her entire body against the floor-length mirror.
“What are you doing?”
Nina forced herself to remain composed, but her trembling voice betrayed her fear and nervousness.
“Did you really fall asleep in the office?”
Nina looked into his eyes, as black as ink. Was he suspecting her? Suddenly, she remembered their wedding night three years ago. She thought he had married her willingly, reaching out to him, but before she could touch his hand, he stood up with a cold expression on his face.
He said, “Nina, I married you only to fulfill my grandfather’s last wish. Three years later, we’ll go our separate ways. So don’t ever touch me. Otherwise, you should know what I’m capable of.”
He wouldn’t let her touch him, only to keep himself pure for his beloved. With his love for Mira, he would kill her for touching him!
Nina’s gaze dropped. “Okay.”
Suddenly, his hand landed on her slender neck, trailing downward. When he exerted force, cherry blossom-like red marks appeared on her skin, finally stopping at her third button. “Your button is done up wrong.”
Nina glanced at his wrist, noticing the misaligned button. She held her breath, pushing his hand away and quickly unfastening the button. “Sorry for the breach of etiquette. I’ll pay more attention, there won’t be a next time.”
Nash suddenly felt irritated, pushing her away and creating some distance between them. With his back to her, he adjusted his collar. “Don’t make such a basic mistake next time.”
Nina stared at the floor, feeling like her heart had been clenched. He didn’t allow her to make mistakes, but what about him?
Nash turned to look at her. “What are you still doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be preparing for the meeting?”
She kept her head down, her face obscured.
“Nash York, Miranda is back.”
Nash’s expression paused for a moment. It was the first time she had addressed him by his full name in three years.
Nina lifted her head to look at him, her tears already pushed back, speaking in a formulaic tone. “We… should get a divorce.”
At the sound of her words, the veins on Nash’s hand bulged, his face darkening. “Nina, it’s working hours now. Do what you’re supposed to do.”
With that, he turned and strode away.
Nina watched his retreating figure, feeling her breath caught in her chest. He had tacitly agreed, hadn’t he?S
Feeling a warmth on the back of her hand, she looked down to see a single tear drop. She had cried after all.
But he was right. She was still his secretary, and she still had work to do. The documents for the meeting were at home; she needed to go back and retrieve them. And while she was there, she would also pick up the divorce agreement she had prepared three years ago.
Back in the York Corporation’s CEO office, Nash leaned back in his leather chair, his brows furrowed in a frown.
A knock on the door sounded, and his assistant, Quincy Perez, entered.
“Mr. York, it’s confirmed. Nina did indeed sleep in the office last night.”
At these words, Nash’s frown deepened.
“Furthermore, Miss Lewis was also at the hotel where you were last night. She inquired about your room number at the front desk.”
Meanwhile, Nina returned to the York mansion. As soon as she stepped through the gate, the sharp and sarcastic voice of Sally York reached her ears. “You’re not doing your work. What are you doing back here? The York family doesn’t support idlers, especially useless hens like you.”
Nina had long been accustomed to her mother-in-law’s cold mockery. However, the decision to have children wasn’t hers alone.
But perhaps it was for the best. She wouldn’t have to worry about being scolded by Sally for not bearing children with Nash. Nor would she have to drink those dubious medicine from quack doctors to conceive.
She replied politely, “I’ve come back to get the documents Mr. York needs for the meeting.”
“You should have prepared such important documents from the start. Coming back just to get them, are you trying to slack off? Don’t forget, you owe the York family two million! You will never be able to repay that even if you work for a lifetime! And yet you dare to be lazy!”
Nina lowered her eyes, feeling an immense pain in her heart. How could she forget that it was Nash’s grandfather who had helped her father repay the two million debt, leading to the proposal for Nash to marry her?
So when she mentioned divorce to Nash earlier, he showed no emotion. He only reminded her to focus on her job. In his eyes, now that the marriage was over, it was time to repay the debt owed to the York family.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll pay off this debt. I’ll grab the documents and head over. They’re waiting to use them.”
As she spoke, she began to walk towards Nash’s study.
“I haven’t dismissed you yet, and you’re already leaving. Do you even know what respect is? I have something to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“Have you been to the hospital for a check-up this month? Have you noticed any movement in your stomach?”
“Nash and I are busy with work. My mind isn’t on this matter. I’ll try harder when I have time in the future.”
Sally’s face changed suddenly, and she directly scolded, “I’ve heard this countless times. If you can’t do it, find someone who can. Divorce Nash immediately!”
Nina’s face turned pale. Although she had known since their wedding night that this day would come, she still wanted to clarify some things.
“Is this what he wants?”
“What else could it be?” Sally retorted.
Nina’s face immediately drained of color.
“Sally, your favorite chicken soup is ready. Have a taste.” At that moment, a woman emerged from the kitchen, breaking the silence.
Upon hearing the voice, Nina froze in the foyer, her blood running cold.
Chapter 3
She looked up to see Miranda wearing an apron, holding a ladle.
Upon seeing Nina, her smile faltered for a moment, and then warmly greeted, “Are you Sally’s guest? I just made some extra soup. Come in and have a seat.”
Her demeanor was composed, entirely that of the lady of the house. It was as if Nina was the guest from afar.
Indeed, before long, she would become an outsider.
Nina frowned, feeling deeply repelled. When she married Nash, Miranda even sent a congratulatory letter. It was impossible for her not to know Nina was Nash’s wife.
Seeing her standing motionless at the door, Miranda quickly came over and took her hand, “A guest is a guest, don’t be shy, come in.”
As she approached, a faint jasmine scent filled the air, the exact same fragrance of the perfume Nash gave her on her birthday last year. She felt her throat aching, and her breathing became heavy, as if there were a thousand pounds on her feet, making it difficult to move.
Sally noticed Nina standing there motionless, with her brows furrowed in displeasure. “Nina, why are you just standing there? We have guests at home. Can’t you even pour a cup of tea?”
Nina glanced at her, aware she shouldn’t argue, but still inquired, “Mom, why is she coming to our house?”
Sally responded, “Miranda is back in the country, so naturally, she wants to come see me. What, you don’t want her to come to our house? Besides, I’ve already asked for Nash’s opinion, and he didn’t say anything. What’s the fuss about?”
“I didn’t mean that.” Nina lowered her head.
“So it’s Nina! When Nash got married, he didn’t show me your picture, so I didn’t recognize you for a moment. Please don’t be angry.”
Nina looked at her bright smile. How could Nash let his favorite woman see his wedding photos with another woman?
Sally’s scolding voice rang out again. “Why aren’t you going to pour a cup of tea for Mira?” Nina nodded and fetched the hot tea from the side.
At this moment, Miranda was already sitting on the sofa chatting and laughing with Sally. Sally was even helping her put on an apron, smiling kindly, a side of her Nina had never seen before. Suppressing her discomfort, Nina poured a cup of tea for Miranda. Miranda reached out with her hand. Nina, knowing the tea was hot and not wanting her to get burned, tried to stop her, but Miranda accidentally knocked over the tea cup, spilling all the hot tea on Nina’s hand…
Nina drew in a sharp breath, only to hear a sharp scream from Miranda, “Ah-!”
Sally, hearing the sound, nervously turned around and asked, “What happened?”
Tears welled up in Miranda’s eyes as she said, “It’s nothing, Sally. She didn’t do it on purpose.” Seeing her fingers scalded and swollen, Sally’s expression turned cold. She turned to look at Nina and slapped her directly across the face.
With a loud smack, Nina was stunned. She couldn’t believe Sally would act so impulsively and hit her.
“What were you thinking? Do you know these hands of Mira are for playing the piano? If they’re damaged, can your family afford the compensation?” Sally’s tone was sharp.
Nina’s face burned with pain, but deep down, she felt like she had been doused with cold water, and felt thoroughly cold. She turned her head towards them. “She did it herself. What does it have to do with me?”
Sally glared at her furiously. “You dare to argue with me? Someone, lock her up!” With that, two helpers came over and dragged Nina away.
Nina’s face turned pale instantly. She knew what they were going to do. She struggled in place. “Let go of me! Let go of me!” But her strength was too small. She was thrown into a dark room. At that moment o being thrown in, she couldn’t see anything. She reached out and patted the locked door, then collapsed to the ground weakly.
She felt as if she had suddenly lost all her strength, trembling all over, hands clutching her head, suffering in the darkness. In the living room, Nina’s phone continued to ring.
Sally was treating Miranda’s wound when she heard the sound of the phone. Seeing the words “Nash” on the caller ID, she promptly answered, “Hi, Nash.”
On the other end of the line, Nash sounded surprised. “Mom?”
“It’s me,” Sally replied.
Nash paused for a moment, his expression slightly subdued. “Where’s Nina?”
“She’s at home, doing fine.”
Without much thought, Nash continued, “Have her bring me some documents, they’re in the drawer of the study.”
Miranda’s attention had been captured by the call. Seeing Sally hanging up the phone, Miranda leaned over. She was quite eager. “Sally, was that Nash on the phone?”
“Yes,” Sally confirmed. “He was asking Nina to bring the documents. It’s all because of this, leveraging her position as Nash’s secretary, that she became his wife.”
She looked at Miranda, took her hand, and smiled slightly. ““Nash likes you so much. If only you hadn’t gone abroad back then. If you were the one he married, it wouldn’t have been Nina. If you were the one married into the York family, you guys would have children long ago. Where would there be a useless hen like her?”
“It would be better for you to deliver the documents to Nash.”
“Is that okay?” Miranda asked uncertainly.
“Of course, it’s fine. Nash hasn’t seen you in so many years, he’ll definitely be very happy,” Sally assured. “I also hope you can give me a grandson!”
Miranda blushed with embarrassment. “Sally, please don’t say that. I’ll go deliver the documents first.”
Her words filled Miranda with anticipation.
Nina’s marriage to Nash was arranged by Nash’s grandfather. After so many years without children, theirs was a loveless marriage. Perhaps Nash had been yearning for Miranda all these years, waiting for her return to the country.
She put on sunglasses and a mask, afraid of being recognized, and got into her car to leave.
She wanted to give him a surprise and ensure that everyone at the company keep it a secret.
Nash was in his office, checking the time. The meeting was about to start, but Nina hadn’t arrived yet.
Suddenly, there was some movement at the door.
Nash frowned and swiveled his chair around, still not lifting his head. He spoke coldly, “Do you have any idea what time it is?”
There was no response from the other person.
Finding it strange, Nash lifted his gaze and saw Miranda standing at the door.
“Nash,” Miranda said, a bit nervous but mostly excited. The face she had longed for day and night was right in front of her, making her feel like she was in a dream.
Nash hesitated for a moment, then quickly averted his gaze. “What are you doing here?”
Miranda smiled. “I went to visit Sally today.”
Nash’s brow furrowed deeper, his tone becoming colder. “Who allowed you to go to my home?”
Her smile faltered at his words, feeling a slight pang in her heart, as if she shouldn’t have been there. She tried to control her emotions, lowering her gaze. “I just came back, of course, I had to see Sally as soon as possible. I’m here to bring you something.”
She cautiously took out some documents from her bag. Nash glanced at them. The documents that should have been in Nina’s hands were now in hers.