WARMING THE BILLIONAIRE COLD HEART

Before getting out of the car, Kimberly once again checked and adjusted her makeup. Nicholas, sitting next to her, could only shake his head at the woman’s behavior.

“Are you ready?” Nicholas asked to confirm.

Kimberly nodded. “Yes, let’s get out.”

Nicholas got out of the car first and then opened the door for Kimberly. Moments later, he reached for Kimberly’s hand and held it tightly as they entered the restaurant.

“Do everything as naturally as possible, Kimmy,” Nicholas whispered as they approached one of the tables already occupied by Cassandra and Robert Alistair.

“Hello, Mom and Dad. Sorry for making you wait; the traffic was quite heavy,” Nicholas greeted, and then he and Kimberly took their seats.

Cassandra smiled. “No problem, we just arrived ten minutes ago.”

Then they engaged in a lengthy conversation, discussing family matters, business developments, and even Kimberly was not exempt from their discussion.

“So, Nick, when are you two getting engaged and getting married?” Cassandra suddenly asked. It seemed Cassandra had not forgotten the previously postponed topic.

Nicholas picked up his glass of drink and sipped it slowly. After feeling satisfied, he placed the glass back on the table. Then, with a calm expression, he answered his mother’s question. “Why rush, Ma? Kimberly and I are both enjoying the peak of our careers.”

This time, Robert Alistair stared sharply at Nicholas. “How long are you going to make Papa and Mama wait? Are you both serious about this relationship, aren’t you?” Robert asked with an intimidating gaze.

Robert and Cassandra were well aware of their son’s love journey, how Nicholas had been disappointed and hurt by Briana, his former fiancée. They didn’t want their eldest son to continue to suffer. That’s why Cassandra always pushed Nicholas to get married soon.

“I promise, I will officially propose to Kimberly as soon as possible,” Nicholas assured confidently.

“At the beginning of the month, you and Kimberly are going to London,” Cassandra suddenly announced.

Nicholas raised both eyebrows. “To London? The two of us? For what, Ma?” Nicholas asked, puzzled.

“You both will get engaged in London. Mama will invite our entire extended family,” Cassandra replied.

“But, Ma-”

“No objections, Nick,” Cassandra interrupted before Nicholas could finish his sentence.

Kimberly looked at Nicholas, trying to find answers to her anxiety. She was trying to win Nicholas’s heart, but getting engaged this quickly wasn’t the right choice in her opinion. She was afraid Nicholas’s parents would find out they were just pretending.

Nicholas, realizing that Kimberly was confused, signaled her to remain calm and act as usual. One wrong move, and his parents could uncover the entire plan they were playing.

“But how can Nicholas and Kimberly go to London, Ma? Who will lead the company when I’m not around?”

Cassandra shrugged. “Don’t worry; Mama will contact Kenzi to request permission for both of you to take a few days off for the engagement.”

“Ma, but this is too soon,” Nicholas protested.

“Choose between engagement or immediate marriage,” Cassandra replied. Meanwhile, Robert Alistair just smiled, watching his dominant wife. Nicholas couldn’t even argue further.

Nicholas took a deep breath. “Alright, I give in. Whatever Mama wants is fine. But Kimberly and I can only take a three-day leave, no more.”

“Deal!” Cassandra affirmed.

Kimberly and Nicholas could only sit there, feeling defeated, as Cassandra persistently pushed to unite them. Nicholas briefly regretted attending the dinner event tonight. He had thought that his parents only wanted to invite them for a farewell meal before returning to their home country. However, it turned out that this dinner event was nothing more than a trap for him. Now, look at him, unable to resist. He wondered what more he could do to thwart Cassandra’s plan of holding an engagement party early next month.

Throughout the ride back to their apartment, Kimberly and Nicholas were lost in their own thoughts. Not a word was spoken between them until they finally reached their destination.

“Kimmy…”

Kimberly shifted her gaze. “Hmmm.”

“Do you still want to help me?” Nicholas asked hesitantly before they got out of the car.

Kimberly sighed deeply. She was equally frustrated at the moment. “What else can I do? There’s no other option, is there?”

Nicholas smiled upon hearing Kimberly’s answer. He had initially been uncertain, afraid that Kimberly might refuse to help him as she had done before. If that were to happen, he didn’t know where else to find a woman suitable for their collaboration.

Nicholas once again closely examined Kimberly’s face, studying it intently without blinking. While being scrutinized, Kimberly felt uncomfortable due to her actions.

“What are you doing, Nick?” she asked.

Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “I’m observing your face. After some thought, you really are beautiful.”

Kimberly huffed after hearing Nicholas’s confession. “You speak as if I’ve been an ugly duckling all this time. If I’m not beautiful, how come so many men in the office idolize me?”

Nicholas chuckled at Kimberly’s words. “Okay, I admit it now. You are beautiful. No wonder Edward always tries to flirt with you. But don’t expect him to get close to you. I’ll never allow it, especially if you truly become my fiancée.”

Kimberly was once again taken aback by Nicholas’s statement. Unconsciously, she now found herself enjoying the beauty of Nicholas’s hazel eyes.

She thought Nicholas must be joking. Twice, Kimberly had been made to blush with unusual statements he had made.

Quickly, Kimberly attempted to normalize her facial expression, which she believed had turned red due to embarrassment.

“Looks like I’m starting to be enchanted by the blush on your face,” Nicholas continued.

Kimberly rolled her eyes. “How do you even know my face turned red? The car’s interior lights are off, so it’s impossible to see what color is on my face.”

Nicholas leaned closer, making Kimberly slightly uneasy. Even his breath felt warm against her face.

“Who said I didn’t see it?” Nicholas said, raising one of his eyebrows.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“You’re exaggerating, Nick. You hmmpphhh-before Kimberly could finish her sentence, Nicholas suddenly silenced her with a kiss, gentle and tender. It continued teasingly until Kimberly unconsciously responded, savoring every sensation that arose.

For quite some time, Nicholas and Kimberly were lost in their play. Eventually, Nicholas slowly released their lip lock. He rested his forehead against Kimberly’s, trying to control their racing breaths.

“Even the shade of your lips is clear to me,” Nicholas whispered, causing Kimberly’s face to turn red once again.

“Y-you’re unbelievable!” Kimberly stammered.

Then, she pulled her face away and quickly exited the car in embarrassment.

“Kimberly, where are you going?” Nicholas called after her.

“You embarrassed me, Nick!” Kimberly replied without looking back. She continued walking into their apartment unit, while Nicholas could only laugh. His hand couldn’t stop brushing against his own lips.

“Your lips are sweet, Kimmy,” Nicholas mumbled, and after that, he laughed at himself again.