After the threat incident, Hazel traveled back to
Owerri to complete jewelry design orders, while Mandy remained busy wrapping up
unfinished documents at the office.
On New Year's Eve night, Mandy and Nathan decided to
spend it in church. As the clock struck midnight, the sound of church bells
echoed through the air. Prayers were lifted, couples exchanged warm New Year
wishes, and fireworks illuminated the sky in bursts of color.
Nathan turned to Mandy, his eyes glistening with
joy.
"Welcome to another New Year," he said.
"Cheers to a New Year too, Nathan," Mandy replied,
her gaze filled with warmth.
After the service, they stepped outside, watching as
vibrant fireworks painted the night sky. Smiling, they lit a few of their own,
their laughter mingling with the crackling sounds of celebration.
When they returned home, Mandy called her parents,
exchanging heartfelt New Year wishes. Then, she reached out to Hazel, who was
miles away but just as excited to hear from her.
Some time later, exhaustion settled in, and Mandy
finally laid down to sleep, unaware that an unexpected surprise was just around
the corner.
Later that morning, Mandy woke up and headed to the
bathroom for a shower. The warm water washed away the remnants of sleep,
refreshing her for the day ahead. When she emerged, she slipped into a sky-blue
kimono gown, the soft fabric draping effortlessly over her frame.
As she stepped out of her bedroom and made her way
toward the stairs, she suddenly felt his gaze on her—intense, unwavering,
predatory. Nathan watched her like a hunter who had just found his prey.
Refusing to let him see her flustered, she steadied
herself, masking her nerves with practiced composure. If he wanted to play his
games, she would play along.
By the time she reached the dining room, a staff
member pulled out a chair for her. She sat down gracefully, a small smile
teasing her lips.
"Good morning, Nathan," she greeted, deliberately
avoiding his gaze, though she could still feel the weight of it scorching her
skin.
Nathan leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes
brimming with something unreadable—dangerous, consuming. "Good morning, Mandy…"
he murmured, his voice velvety yet laced with intent. "I hope you slept well."
"I did, thanks," she replied, though the slight
tremor in her voice betrayed her.
He noticed. Of course, he did. A slow, knowing smirk
curved his lips, as if he could read every thought running through her mind.
"Let's eat," he said smoothly, his gaze still locked
onto her, unwilling to let go.
Every time Mandy dared to glance up, she found his
sharp eyes still fixed on her, piercing through her composure like a blade. The
weight of his gaze was almost unbearable, igniting something within her she
couldn't quite name.
Deep down, she hoped she would at least survive
breakfast without completely unraveling under his scrutiny.
The silence between them stretched, thick with
unspoken tension. Then, finally, Nathan cleared his throat, his voice cutting
through the air like a command.
"Mandy, we're going out. I'll need you to get
ready," he stated firmly.
Her brows lifted slightly, curiosity flickering in
her eyes. "Going out?" It was still the holidays—she had assumed they'd be
spending the day at home, maybe even enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Nathan, as if reading her thoughts, smirked. "You'll
know soon enough," he said, his tone giving nothing away.
The way he said it sent a shiver down her spine.
Whatever he had planned, she had a feeling it was going to change everything.
After breakfast, Mandy made her way upstairs,
slipping into her heels and grabbing her handbag. She neatly adjusted her hair,
then paused in front of the mirror for one last glance. Taking a deep breath,
she straightened her posture before heading downstairs.
Nathan was already waiting for her, looking
effortlessly divine, his presence commanding the space around him. The moment
she approached, he turned to her, his gaze unreadable.
"Shall we?" he said smoothly, gesturing toward the
sleek car that had just pulled up.
Mandy nodded, sliding into the front seat beside the
driver's seat. To her surprise, Nathan took the wheel himself this time. He
opened the driver's door, settling in with practiced ease before starting the
engine.
As the car glided onto the road, Mandy found herself
watching him—how his hands gripped the wheel with precision, how effortlessly
he navigated each turn. She turned away quickly, a soft smile playing on her
lips, hoping he wouldn't catch her admiring him.
Little did she know, Nathan noticed everything.
When she dared to steal another glance, their eyes
met. Her breath hitched, and she quickly looked away, her heart hammering in
her chest.
Nathan smirked, his voice laced with amusement.
"Mandy… if you keep looking at me like that, I might just do something about
it."
His words, spoken so casually yet dripping with
intent, sent a shiver down her spine. Her mind whirled, yet she said nothing.
After a while, Nathan pulled up in front of a
shopping mall. Mandy's eyes widened in surprise.
He turned to her, his expression unreadable yet
determined. "Mandy, we're getting you some new outfits," he stated, as if he
had already anticipated her reaction.
Before she could protest, he guided her inside.
As they stepped into the grand shopping space, a
saleswoman approached them, her professional smile warm and welcoming.
"Good day, sir and ma'am. Compliments of the season!
How may we assist you?"
Nathan barely hesitated, his sharp gaze scanning the
store. "Good day. Where are your latest designs?"
His tone was firm, decisive—he wasn't here to
browse. He was here to buy.
"Alright, sir," the saleswoman replied, quickly
turning to bring out a selection of luxury designer clothes.
"Include bags and shoes too," Nathan added, his
voice deep and commanding.
The saleswoman nodded, immediately sorting through
high-end bags and elegant shoes, carefully selecting options that complemented
the outfits.
Mandy, observing the exchange, suddenly noticed
Nathan's gaze drop to her feet, sizing them up with quiet precision. A few
moments later, he spoke.
"I need shoes in size 37."
Mandy's brows shot up in surprise. How did he know
her shoe size? Just like that? She hadn't even mentioned it before. Nathan was
truly a man full of surprises.
As the selection process continued, Nathan
personally chose the outfits he preferred—ones he believed would suit her best.
His choices were bold yet refined, sophisticated yet effortlessly elegant. Once
satisfied, he made the payment without hesitation.
The saleswoman neatly packaged everything into
designer shopping bags and handed them to Mandy. Her eyes lit up with joy, her
heart swelling with an unexpected warmth. Without thinking, she turned to
Nathan and wrapped her arms around him in a grateful hug.
Nathan stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by
the sudden gesture. The saleswoman smiled knowingly, amused by Mandy's
reaction.
A few seconds passed before Mandy suddenly realized
what she had done. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she quickly pulled away, her
hands fidgeting.
"Nathan… I-I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice
laced with shyness.
Nathan, ever composed, simply smirked, his eyes
glinting with something unreadable.
"Let's go," he said smoothly, as if unaffected. But
Mandy had seen the way his posture shifted—the way he had momentarily frozen
under her touch.
She may have surprised him this time.
As they drove home, Mandy kept her gaze fixed
outside the window, the city lights flickering past. Her mind was still reeling
from what had happened at the mall. She was embarrassed—no, beyond
embarrassed—about the impulsive hug she had given Nathan. Letting her guard
down, even for a second, was dangerous. She couldn't afford to drown in his
intoxicating presence.
Clearing her throat, she finally spoke. "Nathan…
thanks for the outfits. They're incredibly beautiful." Her voice was soft,
hesitant, as she risked a glance at him.
Nathan smiled, his expression unreadable. "You're
welcome."
The moment they arrived at the mansion, Mandy
thanked him again before hurrying upstairs to her room, eager to escape the
intensity between them.
As soon as she shut the door behind her, she grabbed
her phone and quickly dialed Hazel. She could barely contain her excitement—she
had to share this moment with her best friend.
After a few rings, Hazel finally picked up,
immediately sensing Mandy's giddy energy.
"Mandy… what's with all the excitement? What happened?
Did you win the lottery?" Hazel teased.
"Urrrgh! No! But…" Mandy trailed off, savoring the
moment.
"But…?" Hazel pressed impatiently. "Oh, come on!
Just spill it out already!"
Mandy grinned. "You're gonna scream when I tell you.
Nathan got me new outfits—not just outfits, Hazel, designer clothes! And shoes!
And bags! The whole package!" She practically squealed.
There was a moment of stunned silence before Hazel,
ever the drama queen, exploded.
"What? Oh my God! What did you just say? A whole new
wardrobe?!" Hazel shrieked.
Laughing, Mandy quickly switched to a video call,
flipping her camera to show the neatly arranged luxury items on her bed.
Hazel gasped dramatically. "Mandy, this is screaming luxury! Okay, I'll admit it—I'm
jealous. Like, insanely jealous." She paused for a second before adding,
"Nathan is madly in love with you!
Honestly, I can't wait until he finally proposes. Ugh, I feel like I'm going to
get old waiting for it."
Mandy burst into laughter. "Oh, Hazel, you're such a
drama queen, you know that?" Then, her tone softened as a hint of concern crept
in. "And… he hasn't actually told me he loves me. Besides, his ex-girlfriend is
still hovering around him like a bee to honey."
Hazel groaned, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please, Mandy.
It's so obvious—even the heavens know that Nathan is crazy about you! And trust me, his ex? She doesn't stand a chance."
Mandy wanted to believe that. She really did. But
something deep inside told her that things were far from simple.
A SURPRISE ENCOUNTER
A month had passed, and Mandy remained deeply
engrossed in work—meetings upon meetings, endless documents to review. The
pressure was relentless, and by the afternoon, she finally decided to take a
short break from the mounting stress. Just as she leaned back in her chair, her
telephone rang.
She picked up. Nathan's voice, smooth as always,
drifted through the receiver.
"Mandy, can you come over to my office?"
His tone was gentle, yet there was always an
underlying authority in his words.
"Alright, I'm on my way," she replied, hanging up.
Taking a deep breath, she straightened her skirt,
adjusted her blouse, and smoothed her hair before making her way toward
Nathan's office. When she reached his door, she knocked.
"Mandy, come in," his voice called from inside.
Stepping in, her heart pounded slightly at the way
he looked at her—his gaze intense, unwavering. She cleared her throat, trying
to steady herself.
"Nathan, you requested to see me?" she asked, her
voice betraying a slight nervousness.
"How's work today?" he asked, his eyes still locked
onto her.
"Work's fine…" she responded, deliberately avoiding
his gaze.
"Well, I need you to prepare," Nathan continued. "We
have an auction to attend tomorrow." His voice was calm, but his eyes subtly
studied her, waiting for a reaction.
"Tomorrow?" Mandy repeated, her nerves spiking. She
wasn't afraid of auctions anymore, but the suddenness of the plan unsettled
her.
Nathan smirked. "I'll have someone deliver your
outfit to your office shortly. Actually…" He glanced at his wristwatch. "He
should be here any moment now."
Mandy stared at him, baffled by how meticulously he
had planned everything—down to the outfit she would wear.
"Also, I've arranged for a driver to take you to one
of the best salons in town after work. You'll need to get your hair done
properly," he added, his piercing gaze never leaving hers.
Mandy swallowed, nodding. "Alright."
"I think that's all," he concluded.
Taking that as her cue to leave, she turned and
walked out, shutting the door gently behind her. As she returned to her office,
she sank onto the sofa, allowing herself a moment of quiet. But that moment was
short-lived. A knock came on her door.
"Come in," she called.
The door pushed open, and Marcel, Nathan's driver,
stepped inside, holding a large, elegantly wrapped box.
"Good day, Miss Morgan," he greeted politely. "Mr.
Hydes requested that I deliver this package to you."
Mandy blinked in surprise before taking the package.
"Oh? Thank you, Marcel."
Marcel hesitated for a moment before adding, "Miss
Morgan, I was also instructed to take you to a salon after work today."
Mandy exhaled, shaking her head with a small smile.
Of course, Nathan had thought of everything.
"Well, give me a few minutes to wrap up," she said,
turning back to her laptop.
A short while later, she finished her work, closed
her laptop, and grabbed her bag. With the package in hand, she followed Marcel
out of her office, wondering what the evening—and the auction—would bring.
After a while, Marcel halted in front of an opulent
luxury salon. As Mandy stepped out, her eyes widened in awe. The towering glass
doors, the sleek marble floors, and the soft scent of expensive hair products
in the air all screamed sophistication.
This was the kind of place where aristocrats and
socialites indulged in high-end beauty treatments—where the elite transformed
their looks effortlessly. And now, there she was, standing in front of it,
about to have her hair styled for an exclusive auction.
Within a year, her life had changed in ways she
never could have imagined.
She took a steadying breath and stepped inside.
Immediately, a hairstylist approached her with a warm but professional smile.
"Good day, ma'am. How may I help you?" the woman
asked, her tone courteous yet confident.
"Good day to you," Mandy replied, returning the
polite smile. "I need to get my hair done for an auction."
The hairstylist's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Ah,
I have the perfect hairstyle in mind for you."
Mandy chuckled lightly. "Alright, then. Do your
magic."
The woman gestured for her to follow, and as Mandy
settled into the plush chair, she couldn't help but wonder what the night ahead
had in store for her.
After what felt like hours, the hairstylist finally
stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face.
"All done," she announced.
Mandy stood up and turned toward the mirror. Her
breath hitched. The woman staring back at her looked… different. Sophisticated.
Elegant. The kind of woman who belonged in high society. The soft waves of her
hair framed her face perfectly, enhancing her delicate features.
For a moment, she just stood there, taking it all
in.
"Thank you," she finally said, reaching for her
purse to pay.
But before she could pull out any cash, the
hairstylist gently stopped her. "No need, ma'am. Mr. Hydes has already taken
care of it."
Mandy blinked in surprise. Of course, Nathan had.
She took a deep breath, composing herself. "Oh…
well, thank you."
As she stepped out of the salon and walked toward
the waiting car, Marcel's eyes widened in admiration.
"Ma'am, you look stunning," he said, his voice laced
with genuine awe.
Mandy smiled, a touch of warmth spreading through
her chest. "Thank you, Marcel."
She slid into the car, and soon, they were heading
back to the mansion.
A QUIET NIGHT IN
By the time they arrived home, the sun had long
since set. The mansion was quiet, and Nathan was nowhere to be seen. She had
half-expected to run into him, but the living room was empty.
With a small exhale, she made her way upstairs.
Not long after, Ella knocked on her door, bringing
in her dinner. "Your hair looks absolutely beautiful, Miss Mandy," she
complimented, placing the tray on the table.
Mandy smiled. "Thank you, Ella."
Once the housekeeper left, Mandy dropped her bag and
headed into the bathroom for a warm shower. The warm water relaxed her tense
muscles, washing away the exhaustion of the day.
When she stepped out, she wrapped herself in a soft
pink robe and sat on her bed, her plate of food waiting for her. She ate
quietly, savoring the meal, her mind drifting to the events of the day.
Once she was done, she nudged the tray to the side
and grabbed her phone, scrolling absentmindedly through her messages.
Somewhere between responding to Hazel's texts and
checking emails, drowsiness settled over her.
Soon, her eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted off
into a peaceful sleep—completely unaware of what awaited her tomorrow.
The morning sun streamed through Mandy's windows,
casting a golden glow across her room. She stretched lazily before slipping out
of bed and heading into the bathroom to freshen up.
After her shower, she reached for her phone and
noticed a message from Nathan.
Nathan: Be
ready by 7 PM. The auction starts at 8.
Her heart skipped a beat. Tonight was the big night.
She exhaled deeply, setting her phone aside. No
matter how much she had grown accustomed to the high society life, events like
this still made her nervous. Shaking off the nerves, she decided to distract
herself with work until it was time to prepare.
As the evening approached, Mandy finally began
getting ready. She unboxed the outfit Nathan had chosen for her—a stunning
black evening gown, sleek and elegant, hugging her curves in all the right
places. The fabric shimmered under the light, exuding an aura of power and
confidence.
By the time she was fully dressed, with her hair
styled and makeup flawlessly applied, she barely recognized herself. She looked
like she belonged in the world of wealth and influence.
Just as she slipped on her heels, a knock sounded at
the door.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened, and Nathan stepped inside, pausing
as his eyes slowly swept over her. His expression remained unreadable at first,
but the way his gaze darkened and lingered spoke volumes.
"You look breathtaking," he finally said, his voice
slightly deeper than usual.
Mandy swallowed hard, feeling her cheeks warm.
"Thank you," she replied softly.
Nathan stepped closer, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
She nodded, looping her arm through his, and
together, they descended the grand staircase. The air between them was thick
with unspoken words, tension crackling like static electricity.
As they stepped outside, a sleek black Rolls-Royce
awaited them. Nathan guided her toward the car, his hand resting lightly on the
small of her back.
Tonight was bound to be unforgettable.
But little did Mandy know, an unexpected surprise
awaited her at the auction.
An Unforgettable Encounter
The auction hall was nothing short of
breathtaking—grand chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow
over the elegantly dressed attendees. The air buzzed with quiet conversations
and the occasional clinking of champagne glasses.
Mandy walked beside Nathan, her shiny red silk gown
hugging her figure perfectly, every detail of her look meticulously planned by
him. The confidence in his stride, the way he carried himself, made it clear—he
belonged here. And, by extension, so did she.
But nothing could have prepared her for what
happened next.
Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes landed
on a familiar figure across the room. A man in a sharp navy suit, standing
tall, engaged in conversation with a group of executives. The moment she
recognized him, the world around her seemed to blur.
Jayson Anderson.
Mandy's heart pounded violently against her chest.
What was he doing here?
Before she could process, Jayson's gaze shifted—and
locked onto hers. His expression faltered, his sharp golden brown eyes widening
slightly. Then, just as quickly, a slow smirk formed on his lips, as if he had
been expecting this moment.
Nathan, ever perceptive, didn't miss her reaction.
His eyes followed her line of sight, and when they landed on Jayson, his
expression darkened.
"Who is he?" Nathan's voice was low, controlled—but
laced with something dangerous.
Mandy swallowed, forcing herself to breathe. "Jayson
Anderson."
Nathan's jaw tightened. "You know him?"
She hesitated, but there was no point in hiding the
truth. "Yes. From my past."
Nathan didn't say anything, but his entire posture
shifted—his grip on her waist tightened slightly, possessive, protective.
Across the room, Jayson excused himself from the
group he was speaking with and made his way toward them.
Mandy's stomach twisted. She wasn't ready for this.
As Jayson stopped in front of them, his smirk
deepened. "Mandy Morgan," he said smoothly, his voice filled with intrigue.
"It's been a while."
Nathan's hand subtly pulled Mandy closer. His
presence was commanding, his eyes cold as steel as he sized Jayson up.
Jayson, however, remained unfazed. If anything, he
seemed amused by Nathan's territorial stance.
"Quite the surprise seeing you here," Jayson
continued, his gaze flickering between Mandy and Nathan. "Though, I must admit,
I'm not entirely shocked."
Mandy inhaled sharply. She knew that tone—Jayson was
playing a game, testing the waters.
Nathan, who had remained silent long enough, finally
spoke. His voice was dangerously calm.
"And you are?"
Jayson turned his full attention to him, offering a
charming but calculated smile. "Jayson Anderson. An old acquaintance of
Mandy's."
Nathan's eyes darkened. "Acquaintance?" he repeated,
his tone laced with suspicion.
Jayson chuckled. "Oh, I'm being modest." His eyes
returned to Mandy, and for the first time that night, genuine emotion flickered
through them. "We go way back."
Mandy clenched her fists at her sides. She could
already feel the tension thickening between the two men, and it was only a
matter of time before it turned into something more.
She had expected a high-stakes evening—but not like
this.
Mandy's pulse quickened as she stood between the two
men, their silent standoff crackling with unspoken words. Nathan's grip on her
waist was firm, his body angled protectively toward her, while Jayson remained
unfazed, his confident smirk never wavering.
The tension was suffocating.
Nathan's voice was deceptively calm, but Mandy could
hear the restrained steel beneath it. "Funny. Mandy's never mentioned you."
Jayson let out a low chuckle. "Oh? That's
surprising." He turned his gaze back to Mandy, his blue eyes searching hers. "I
thought we had history worth remembering."
Mandy inhaled sharply. Jayson knew exactly what he
was doing—taunting, testing, pushing boundaries.
Nathan's grip tightened, his possessiveness now
unmistakable. "It seems some things are better left in the past."
Jayson arched a brow, feigning amusement. "Perhaps.
But I must say, Mandy, you look… radiant." His voice dropped an octave, laced
with something deeper. "Success suits you."
Mandy swallowed hard, refusing to let him see how
much his presence rattled her. "Thank you, Jayson," she said carefully, keeping
her tone neutral. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Jayson smiled knowingly. "Well, life has a way of
bringing people back together at the most unexpected moments, doesn't it?" His
gaze flickered to Nathan, as if enjoying the effect his words had.
Nathan's expression darkened further. His entire
demeanor exuded authority, yet Mandy could sense the storm brewing beneath the
surface.
A staff member suddenly approached, oblivious to the
tension in the air. "Mr. Hydes, the auction is about to begin," he informed
Nathan.
Nathan gave a curt nod before turning back to
Jayson, his voice cold and unwavering. "If you'll excuse us."
Jayson chuckled softly. "Of course. Enjoy the
evening." But just as they turned to leave, he leaned slightly toward Mandy,
his voice dropping to a whisper. "We'll talk soon."
Nathan's entire body stiffened.
Mandy didn't respond. Instead, she allowed Nathan to
guide her away, her heart pounding against her ribs.
As they walked through the lavish hall, Nathan
remained silent, his jaw clenched. It was only when they reached their private
seating area that he finally spoke.
"What is he to you, Mandy?" His voice was
dangerously quiet.
She hesitated. She knew Nathan wouldn't let this go.
Taking a steady breath, she met his gaze. "Jayson
was someone I once trusted."
Nathan's eyes searched hers, his possessiveness
flaring. "And now?"
Mandy exhaled. "Now… he's just a part of my past."
Nathan didn't look convinced. "He doesn't see it
that way."
Mandy knew he was right. Jayson hadn't just
reappeared by chance—he had a reason.
And she had a sinking feeling that this was only the
beginning.
Emotional Turmoil
Mandy felt her pulse quicken as Jayson leaned in
slightly, his voice lower, almost intimate.
"Do you remember, Mandy?" he asked, his eyes
searching hers. "The nights we spent at Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja? The
late-night talks on the balcony, the way you'd curl up next to me after a long
day?" His lips curved into a knowing smirk. "The way you shivered under my
touch?"
Mandy inhaled sharply, a flood of memories rushing
back—the warmth of his embrace, the way he made her feel like she was the only
woman in the world. She had once believed Jayson was her forever.
He took another step closer. "And the pool," he
continued. "How terrified you were to step in. And how I held you, guided you,
until you finally learned to swim." His voice softened. "You trusted me, Mandy.
You felt safe with me."
Her throat tightened. She had buried these memories
deep, but now they surfaced, raw and unfiltered. For a split second, she was
back in Abuja, weightless in the water, Jayson's hands steadying her, his
laughter blending with hers as she clung to him.
But then—Nathan.
Mandy blinked rapidly, shaking herself free from the
past. This was a different life. She was different.
She stepped back. "Jayson, stop," she said firmly.
His smirk faltered. "Why are you fighting this?"
Before she could answer, a voice cut through the
tension like a blade.
"Mandy."
Her breath caught.
Nathan.
He stood a few feet away, his dark gaze burning into
Jayson with quiet, seething fury. His entire presence screamed possession,
dominance. A man who would not tolerate interference.
Jayson, ever the provocateur, smirked. "Nathan," he
greeted coolly. "We were just catching up."
Nathan's jaw clenched. His eyes flicked to Mandy,
searching her face. And in that moment, she knew—he had felt it. Her hesitation. Her inner conflict.
Without breaking eye contact with Jayson, Nathan
extended his hand toward Mandy. A silent command.
Mandy hesitated, emotions warring inside her.
Jayson saw it, too. "You don't have to go with him,"
he murmured. "You're still your own person, Mandy."
Nathan's patience snapped.
In one swift move, he closed the space between them,
his voice cold, lethal. "You're testing my limits, Anderson."
Jayson chuckled. "What's wrong, Hydes? Afraid she
might realize she was happier with me?"
Nathan's eyes darkened dangerously. "She is with me."
Mandy felt the tension crackle between them, two
powerful forces colliding. But before this could escalate further, she took a
deep breath and placed her hand in Nathan's.
Nathan's grip tightened—warm, possessive, and
unwavering.
Without another word, he led her away.
But as they walked back into the auction hall, Mandy
couldn't shake the turmoil inside her.
Because for the first time in a long time… she
wasn't sure what her heart truly wanted.