WARMING THE BILLIONAIRE COLD HEART

All the invited guests never ceased to congratulate Nicholas and Kimberly. Everyone seemed lost in the euphoria of this luxurious engagement party.

While all the guests were busy enjoying their meals, Nicholas, who was watching Cassandra relaxing, went straight to her and pulled her to the garden’s edge.

“Mom owes me an explanation,” Nicholas whispered.

Cassandra chuckled softly, keeping her composure. “Oh, come on, dear. Just enjoy your party for now. I promise to explain everything once everything’s over.”

Nicholas shook his head in disbelief, observing his mother’s behavior. Meanwhile, in a different location, Kimberly also looked puzzled. She chose to remain silent but kept her facial expression looking joyful. Yes, even though she was genuinely surprised and, of course, happy. However, amidst all this, she hadn’t even exchanged a word with Nicholas. The two of them mostly just stared at each other without speaking.

After the guests left one by one, Cassandra kept her promise. She invited Kimberly and Nicholas to have a serious conversation. Let’s not forget Arthur and Mario. They were there too. Did you think those old folks would just let it be? Of course not.

“So, who wants to explain all of this?” Nicholas impatiently asked. He was sitting next to Kimberly in the Alistair family room.

Cassandra smiled at everyone in the room and then spoke.

“Actually, Mama doesn’t know where to start either. In essence, the decision between Alpha Beta and Kimberly is an agreement between Mama and Mr. Arthur,” Cassandra casually explained.

“My goodness, Mom,” Nicholas exclaimed in disbelief. “So, you and Dad orchestrated our separation?” Nicholas shook his head in disbelief. “Why did you play with us like that?”

Arthur, who had been silent before, felt irritated and sneered.

“You spoiled brat. You should be grateful to your mother. If she hadn’t begged me, do you think I would have approved of your relationship with my granddaughter?”

“Grandpa!” Kimberly exclaimed. Now it was her turn to speak. “Grandpa also played a big part in our separation,” Kimberly protested.

Arthur grumbled in his position.

“Grandpa was just doing what he should have done. Who else would take care of you if not grandpa?”

“B-but I truly love Kimberly, grandpa,” Nicholas interjected, making Arthur glare sharply at him.

“I’m not officially your grandpa yet, no need to be overly familiar with me. Moreover, if it’s genuine, how could you ask someone else to spy on my granddaughter? Accusing Mario of being Kimberly’s secret lover and calling her a cheap woman. Haven’t your parents taught you manners?” Arthur’s eyes sparkled sharply. His tone carried emotion. Mario, who was sitting next to him, even patted the old man’s back gently to calm his anger.

Seeing Arthur getting emotional, Nicholas quickly spoke again.

“I apologize. This may be the umpteenth time I’ve apologized. I was indeed foolish for doubting Kimberly. I sincerely apologize again and seek your blessing for you, Mr. Arthur, to approve of my relationship with Kimberly.”

Arthur looked down on Nicholas. Although he knew Nicholas was a good man, he still wanted to give his prospective grandson-in-law a lesson first.

“What can you do to convince me to approve of your relationship?” Arthur asked.

Nicholas took a deep breath. As Kimberly and Mario had rightly said, this old man wasn’t someone who was easily convinced.

“I can’t promise many things. All I can do is continue to try and make Kimberly happy, so she has no room for sadness. Even if someday she cries, I’ll make sure those tears are tears of joy.”

Arthur scoffed. He still had doubts about the promises Nicholas made.

“If you ever hurt Kimberly, what punishment should I give you?”

Rather than being scared or offended, Nicholas smiled upon hearing Arthur’s question. He understood that the old man cherished his granddaughter greatly, which was why he had so many concerns.

“If I ever hurt Kimberly, you can take her away from me. But I assure you, that will never happen.”

Arthur smiled. For the first time, he smiled sincerely at Nicholas. Maybe it was time to let Kimberly go to the man who was sitting right in front of him. Now, there was no more doubt in his heart. He was confident that Nicholas would make Kimberly happy.

“Very well, I approve of your relationship,” Arthur mumbled. Suddenly, everyone in the family room smiled, including Nicholas and Kimberly.

“But…” Arthur continued his sentence. Everyone anxiously awaited what else the old man would say.

“… promise me that you won’t take Kimberly too far. You know, I’m all alone now. When I’m gone, you can take my granddaughter wherever you want. But for now, I’m begging you.”

Nicholas smiled with relief.

“Goodness, what was I thinking? Of course not. I won’t take Kimberly too far. Besides, I plan to return to take care of Alpha Beta.”

Hearing that, Arthur shook his head vigorously.

“No need to go to Alpha Beta. When you officially become Kimberly’s husband, I’m asking you directly to continue the Rayder family business.”

Nicholas was taken aback by Arthur’s statement.

“Kimberly’s husband?” He looked surprised.

Seeing this, Arthur narrowed his eyes.

“Why? Don’t you want to marry Kimberly?”

“It’s not that, it’s just that I didn’t expect the response you gave, Mr. Arthur.”

“If you want to know, your parents and I have already planned your wedding,” Arthur replied smugly.

Nicholas was left stunned again. First, there was the sudden engagement, and now everyone was talking about marriage. Were they out of their minds?

“Marriage?”

Arthur nodded.

“Yes, your wedding will take place in Indonesia. One week from now.”

“WHAT!” Nicholas and Kimberly both exclaimed in disbelief.

“Goodness, what kind of plan did you all prepare behind our backs? Look, the two of us are like clueless children not knowing what to do now,” Kimberly said this time.

Once again, it was Arthur who responded. After sipping his warm tea, he replied.

“Enough of the surprises. You both wanted this, didn’t you? To unite? That’s why we’re bringing you together in a more sacred bond.” Arthur got up from his seat, followed by Mario. “Now, get ready. Tomorrow morning, we’re heading back to Indonesia to prepare for everything. Besides, you should both be happy. You’re ungrateful, that’s what you are.” After finishing that sentence, Arthur walked away, followed by Cassandra and her husband.

***

Nicholas took Kimberly’s wrist and led her to the bedroom. There, he asked Kimberly to sit in a balcony chair facing the distant view of the London Tower.

For quite some time, they sat in silence, seemingly awkward because of their previous separation. After a while, Nicholas took the initiative to start a conversation.

“You look beautiful today.” This was the first meaningless compliment that came out of Nicholas’s mouth. He truly was a clueless man, as Edward had once said.

Kimberly nodded gently.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Thank you. I’ve always been beautiful from the beginning,” she replied playfully, making Nicholas smile.

“I missed you. Missed you so much,” Nicholas said honestly.

“If you missed me, why didn’t you contact me? If you love me, why didn’t you fight for me?”

Nicholas smiled. Kimberly must have been upset about the decision he had made. It was the same for everyone. They must have been irritated by Nicholas’s seeming lack of effort. But behind it all, he had a strong reason that he couldn’t break.

“I’m sure you’ve heard for yourself the reasons that forced me to leave,” Nicholas whispered softly.

Kimberly shook her head.

“Consider me unaware and wanting to hear it directly from you.”

Nicholas reached for Kimberly’s wrist and held it tightly.

“I love you, Kimberly. And I’ll never tire of saying it. I’m sorry if my decision caused you pain. I was just trying to be realistic. I thought that if I didn’t choose you, you would be fine. You’d still have plenty of material wealth and a peaceful sleep. It’s a different story when I chose you, thousands of people’s fate was at stake because of my love story. I couldn’t be that selfish.”

Kimberly looked at Nicholas in amazement. Hearing the man’s confession directly from his mouth made Kimberly even more convinced of her choice. That Nicholas was the right man to be her partner. Not only did he protect Kimberly, but he also cared about the fate of many.

“I believe in you. Whatever comes out of your mouth.”

Hearing that sentence, Nicholas smiled along.

“I can go crazy if I really lose you,” Nicholas whispered.

Kimberly raised her face, gazing into Nicholas’s brown eyes.

“Do you think I’m not going crazy thinking about you being engaged to another woman? I even planned to kidnap you or ruin the party your parents arranged. Fortunately, Mario always reminded me not to do anything crazy.”

Nicholas laughed upon hearing Kimberly’s story. He then gently stroked her cheek and kissed her softly. They shared a deep and passionate kiss. It lasted for a while until someone’s sudden arrival interrupted them.

“Oh my, Nicholas, Kimberly!” someone exclaimed, forcing them to release their previously locked lips.

With a glare of anger, Nicholas responded.

“Damn it!” Nicholas cursed loudly. “Why do you always disturb me, Edward Martin?”

Rather than feeling remorseful, the man burst into laughter.

“It’s your fault for not locking the door. I’ve knocked and called your name more than five times. You didn’t respond at all, Nick. That’s what made me curious and come in. Turns out you two were busy being lovey-dovey in here.”

Kimberly, feeling embarrassed, could only lower her head and bury her face in Nicholas’s chest.

“Besides, hold on for a bit. Soon, you two will be husband and wife. Do as you please when it’s official,” Edward smirked again.

Still seething with anger, Nicholas asked again, “Why did you come looking for me all the way to the room?”

“You both are requested to come downstairs immediately. It seems there will be a serious discussion about your wedding.”

Nicholas released his embrace and stood up, gently taking Kimberly’s wrist. He simply led her away, ignoring Edward’s presence in the room.

That Nicholas, the damn fool!