Chapter 23
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
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