Chapter 21
"Nina paused for a beat , then replied evenly," Sexual harassment - does that count?" Julian let out a dry laugh, knuckles brushing against his lips as he coughed - hard. Startled, Nina blinked. His complexion seemed even paler than yesterday . She almost asked if he was okay - but she held herself back . She had already decided to let go . No point in caring now . " You don't look well, " she said flatly . " Maybe head back . You should rest .
" Julian wiped his lips and straightened . " It's work hours . I came to collect an employee who decided to leave her post . " " I work for Mr. Clark , " Nina said , frowning . " Not your company . " Julian nodded mildly . " Which puts you at risk of leaking confidential information . Until the exhibit is over , stay away from him . " Now that was rich . " So the blue diamond talk yesterday wasn't confidential ? " she muttered under her breath . She almost snapped back - but caught the look in his eyes and fell silent . What was the point ? She was heading back anyway . Nina rose to leave . But Lysander suddenly reached out and caught her wrist . She glanced at him , confused , just as he gave a lazy smile . " She's reporting to her direct superior. After all, she still works for my company . " Julian's jaw tightened . " She works for mine now . " " Oh ? " Lysander raised a brow . " And how well do you actually know her?
How can you be sure she's even coming back with you ? " Julian's eyes flicked to Nina's face . Lysander added , " You said you didn't want to see him again , right ? Fine . I'll assign someone else to handle the project . " Nina froze . She turned to meet Lysander's amused expression . Her voice dropped . " What are you doing ? " He didn't answer - just kept watching her like he was waiting . Nina inhaled sharply. She understood . This was a test . He was betting she'd choose to stay .
That her wish - the one she had forgotten - still tied her to Julian . She didn't want to let Lysander win . She didn't want to give in , But then she looked at Julian . That look in his eyes - quiet , aching , clinging - was the same one she'd seen when she was just a soul hovering beside him . When he begged her not to leave . Her chest caved in . Fine . If she was a placeholder , so be it . If she was just an assistant , so be it . She pulled her wrist free from Lysander and took a breath .
" I'll do my job . " Until the day she remembered everything - and could say goodbye for good . Chapter 22 28.95 % Back at the office , Nina expected Julian to say more . But to her surprise , he walked straight into his office and didn't come out again . Just before the end of the day , Samantha found her . " Starting tomorrow , you'll be Mr. Ford's personal assistant . That includes travel , meals , and scheduling . " Nina frowned . " That's not part of my job description.
And considering he's engaged - to you - I don't think it's appropriate . " Samantha didn't even flinch . " That was my call . " Nina blinked , confused . Samantha placed a folder on her desk . " Open it . " Nina flipped it open - and froze . It wasn't project paperwork . It was a medical file . Julian's hospital records . Multiple admissions . Each one tied to a suicide attempt . Her breath caught . " What is this supposed to mean ? " Samantha's voice was quiet but heavy .
" I won't lie - I hate that it's you . But after she died … he completely fell apart . You're the first person who's been able to get through to him . " Nina's fingertips trembled . Samantha looked at her , gaze steady , voice low . " Every time we rushed him to the ER , he'd say the same thing - ' She only comes when I'm dying
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