Chapter 8
Seeing no way around it, I told him everything that had happened over the past seven years.
When I finished, his face was red with anger. After a long
illed me into a hug.
lence, he wiped his eyes and
“It’s not your fault. I’m the one who trusted the wrong friend. I should’ve told you about Sophie. Then you wouldn’t have gotten hurt like this.”
I shook my head, feeling an unexpected warmth in my chest.
“I was naive. After seven years of him hiding me and never meeting you properly, I should’ve seen the signs.”
He ruffled my hair gently. “Don’t worry about it anymore. James is solid I’d stake my life
on that.”
Given Nathan’s pride, I thought my brother’s outburst would be the end of it. But the next morning, as our family was having breakfast, the housekeeper announced someone was
asking for me by name.
When I went out, I found Nathan standing there in my favorite suit he owned, holding flowers and smiling warmly.
“Olivia, I’ve been thinking. I shouldn’t have acted that
way or hurt
or hurt you.”
”
“It’s not what you think with Sophie. She’s just a friend now. If it bothers you, I won’t see. her anymore.”
I stared at Nathan, baffled. His feelings for Sophie were obvious to anyone with eyes. Now that she was back, wouldn’t letting me go be a relief? Why chase me across the country?
Seeing my silence, he pulled out a red velvet box and dropped to one knee.
“Olivia, I know I hurt you. But I swear I’ll make it right. Marry me, and from now on, you’ll be the only one in my heart.”
Marrying Without My Eight Year Boyfriend Knowing
Inside the box was a pink diamond ring. For a moment, the scene reminded me of all the times I’d dreamed of this. But thankfully, he’d never actually proposed before.
I reached out and, as hope filled his eyes, calmly closed the velvet box.
‘Nathan, I loved you because I thought you were honest and decent. I was wrong. You’re just good at pretending to be a good person.”
“You have no boundaries. You could deceive your best friend’s sister without a second
ought. Why would I trust my future to someone like you?”
As I spoke, the color drained from his face. He shook his head weakly, unable to defend
himself.
“I’m getting married,” I continued.
His head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief.
“Even though we’ve only known each other briefly, I’m already happy with him. He’s handsome, respectful, a great conversationalist, and most importantly – he has integrity.”
“So please don’t look for me again.”
“No.”
Nathan dropped the flowers and ring box, grabbing my wrists as he knelt before me, refusing to let go.
“Olivia, I know I messed up. I thought I couldn’t let go of Sophie. But when you left, I realized you were the one who mattered.”
“These past days have been hell. I couldn’t eat or sleep. I even called your brother in the middle of the night, desperate to find you. I thought I’d lose my mind when I couldn’t reach
you.”
“Please, give me another chance. After seven years together, all those intimate moments
can you really just forget?”
I laughed bitterly. “Nathan, during those seven years, ask yourself: when I was by your side, who were you thinking of? Who did you see when you looked at me?”
Chapter: B
I tried to pull away, feeling disgusted. Going through my things before leaving, I’d realized how few of my clothes, jewelry, or bags actually matched my style. Everything I’d chosen. with him was in Sophie’s taste.
I never truly looked like Sophie. I just had a slight resemblance, which he’d enhanced through his choices, molding me into her shadow.
Finally breaking free from his grip, I stumbled backward from the force. Just as I was about to fall, strong arms caught me from behind, then wrapped protectively around my
houlders.
I turned to see James’s cold expression.
“How long have you been here?” I asked, surprised.
James’s stern face softened into a slight smile as he looked at me.
“Since this guy showed up
