Chapter 25
“Nick” Noelle’s eyes lit up the moment she saw him.
Without hesitation, she spread her arms wide and dashed toward him, throwing herself into his arms like a gust of wind. Right there, in front of everyone, she buried her head into his chest, rubbing her fluffy hair against him with unabashed joy. Finally, she looked up, her face glowing with delight. “Nick, you actually came!”
Nicolas, his hands naturally wrapping around Noelle’s petite frame, raised an elegant brow. His sharp, handsome features softened with amusement as his lips curved into a faint smile. “Didn’t I tell you! I’il see you at the mall.”
Noelle beamed, her head snuggling against him once more, as if to soak up every bit of his presence
“You you’re from the Sawyer family…” Kimberly stammered, blinking in surprise as recognition dawned.
At the sound of her voice, Nicolas turned toward Kimberly.
With the air of a perfect gentleman, he inclined his head slightly, a courteous smile gracing his lips. “Good afternoon. Apologies for showing up unannounced. I didn’t bring a gift, but how about this? I’ll cover all your expenses here today”
Kimberly’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Oh no, no, that won’t do. We don’t need you to pay for us.”
Her protest was cut short as she recalled the manager’s earlier words about the necklace being free. Suspicion flickered across her face. “Wait, the manager mentioned the necklace wouldn’t cost us anything and then you show up, saying you’ll cover Noelle’s expenses?”
Nicolas nodded, his expression composed. “Yes, ma’am. Noelle told me last night you’d be shopping here today. So, I made arrangements with the stores beforehand. In fact, the first store you visited has already refunded the full amount to your card”
Kimberly hastily checked her phone, and sure enough, a refund notification popped up
“This… this isn’t right,” Kimberly protested, shaking her head. “We don’t need you to pay for what we buy
“Kimberly,” Nicolas said with a warm smile, “Noelle is my fiancée. Isn’t it only natural for me to spend money on her and her family? You don’t need to feel awkward about it”
“Exactly Noelle chimed in, nodding enthusiastically. She turned to her mother with an impish grin. “Mom, Nick already said so–just let him
handle it.
Kimberly was left speechless,
This
child hasn’t even married into his family yet, and she’s already acting like she owns the place.
Leia’s gaze remained locked on Nicolas, her expression unreadable.
She had seen him at a few social events before. Like many others, she had once been captivated by his stunning looks, but his reputation for being surrounded by countless women had ultimately driven her away.
“What’s the use of a handsome man? Leia thought bitterly. A playboy like him only leaves heartbreak in his wake. A real man should be loyal
But today, Nicolas seemed… different. His demeanor screamed “model husband, a far cry from the infamous heartbreaker she thought she knew,
“Excuse me, Mr. Sawyer,” the jewelry store manager interjected, smiling obsequiously. “Shall we wrap up this necklace?”
Nicolas glanced down at the girl clinging to him like a koala. His deep, velvety voice softened with unmistakable affection as he asked, “Elly, do you like this necklace?”
“I love it.” Noelle replied instantly, her voice bright and unfiltered, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Alright, Nicolas said, turning back to the
manager, “Wrap it up.”
“Yes, sir, right away? The manager practically leapt into action-
“No, wait! This necklace is out of the question, Kimberly interjected, her tone firm.
Her disapproval deepened as she noticed Noelle still glued to Nicolas. “Noelle, get over here. This is no way to behave in public!”
“What’s the big deal? Noelle countered, still clutching Nicolas’s sleeve. “Nick’s my fiance. Isn’t it normal to be close to him!”
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9:26 AM
Chapter 25
Kimberly opened her mouth to retort but faltered. She has a point. They’re engaged… but still!”
Leia stepped forward, her voice laced with righteous authority. “Yes, being affectionate with your fiancé is fine, but this is a public space. You need to maintain decorum. Remember, you’re an Anderson, a noble lady–not some nightclub floozy”
Nicolas’s gaze turned icy, his sharp eyes cutting toward Leia.
Leia felt the weight of his scrutiny and instinctively glanced at him, only to be met with a cold, commanding presence that sent a shiver down her spine. Is he angry? But what did I say that was wrong!”
“Noelle, come here,” Kimberly repeated.
Reluctantly, Noelle let go of Nicolas, but not before he ruffled her hair with a warm, indulgent smile. “Go ahead,” he said softly.
“Are
you coming with us?” she asked.
“Yes,” Nicolas replied with a nod.
Her face lit up again as she skipped over to her mother’s side.
Kimberly, watching their tender exchange, couldn’t help but wonder, When did their relationship become so close?”
“Mr. Sawyer, about the necklace. Kimberly tried to interject again, but Nicolas cut her off with an easy smile.
“Kimberly, it’s just a small gift. Last time I met Noelle, I didn’t bring anything suitable. Consider this a belated token of my regard. It’s nothing extravagant
“But it’s 11 million dollars!” Kimberly argued..
“Money is secondary. What matters is the sentiment, Nicolas said simply. “Besides, Noelle loves it, doesn’t she?”
“Yes, I do!” Noelle piped up cheerfully.
Kimberly sighed, utterly defeated
Nicolas continued, “Kimberly, I’m more than happy to spend on Noelle. You should be thrilled! Are you really hoping your daughter ends up with at miser who won’t even spend on his own wife?”
“How could that be
“Exactly”
Kimberly, never one for a sharp debate, was easily overwhelmed by the smooth–talking Nicolas. Her laid–back nature couldn’t keep up with his silver tongue. Within moments, she surrendered and allowed Nicolas to buy Noelle the 11–million–dollar pink diamond necklace.
With Nicolas by her side, Noelle was unstoppable.
Earlier, with Kimberly and Leia watching, she had been more restrained in her choices, but now, she simply picked out whatever caught her eye. She didn’t even have to speak; just a glance, and Nicolas would signal to the staff to wrap it up.
As the day went on, despite Nicolas claiming he was covering everything, Leia, ever so poised and refined, dared not add to the pile. She could only watch in silence as Noelle indulged herself, Nicolas by her side, gentlemanly and doting, paying for everything with ease. Leia ground her silver teeth so hard she almost shattered them in frustration.
