Chapter 214: Open intimacy
Nathaniel stopped the car in front of a small, modest restaurant not very far from Zara’s office.
Zara’s curiosity piqued further. She had thought he was going to take her to a high-end restaurant, but he had brought her here out of all places. It was a place she used to frequent with Bree during lunch hours in the past.
"Why did you stop here?" she asked, a bit restless. "This is a small restaurant, too ordinary for you. We can go somewhere else."
"I heard the food here is good," Nathaniel said. "I thought I should try." He was already out of the car.
While Zara was still struggling to process what was happening, he was to her side and opened the door for her.
"Come." He offered her his hand.
Zara, still dazed, smiled a little as she took his hand and stepped out. With one hand around her waist, he took her into the restaurant.
They sat down at an empty table. The restaurant was just like Zara remembered – the same yellow lights, the worn-out wooden tables. Memories of sharing meals with Bree, their laughter and joy echoing in the back of her mind.
This time, the person across from her wasn’t Bree – It was Nathaniel. She glanced at him, expecting a trace of discomfort. But instead, he looked calm and comfortable.
A waiter came.
"Spicy lobster, garlic butter pasta, and sautéed vegetables for her," said Nathaniel. "For me, grilled chicken salad and a light soup."
"Sure, sir." He jotted down. "Your food will be served soon." He inclined his head slightly before walking away.
When he raised his eyes at her, he found her staring at him. "What? Aren’t you satisfied? Do you want something else?"
"You... you ordered lobster?" Zara asked, blinking in astonishment.
"I ordered what you like," he smirked.
Zara’s surprise deepened, her heart skipping a beat. "You know I like lobster? How?" she mumbled, confused.
She couldn’t remember recall ever telling him what she liked to eat. Had anyone told him she liked to eat lobster, the spicy one? Only one name came to her mind – Mrs. Jules.
"Did you ask Mrs. Jules?" she wondered.
Nathaniel shook his head. "I overheard her conversation with the other servants. Sadly, you always suppressed your craving for me. But not anymore. You don’t have to give up what you want—eat what makes you happy."
Warmth bloomed in Zara’s chest, spreading from her heart to her entire being. Her emotions swelled with a mix of astonishment, relief, and uncontainable joy. Tears gathered in her eyes.
After so many years of uncertainty and longing, it finally felt like her efforts to reach his heart were paying off. For the first time in a long time, hope shone brightly in her chest. If Nathaniel continued to care for her this way and make her happy, she would never sacrifice her desires.
"Now tell me, what do you enjoy the most? Any place you have been longing to visit?" Nathaniel asked.
Zara let out a soft chuckle. "What I like the most is spending time with Zane and sketching out new designs. But I do want to go see my aunt." A flicker of yearning crossed her eyes. "In the past five years, I have barely had a chance to go see her. Once the event is over, I’m thinking of spending a few days with her."
"Alright, we’ll go together," Nathaniel said without hesitation.
Zara’s mouth formed a big circle in surprise. "Really? You want to come with me?"
"Why not? It’s been ages since I took a proper break. I could use one. We’ll enjoy it—just you, me, and Zane."
The very idea of spending time with her family, away from the hustle of the city, with no work pressure, sent Zara’s heart soaring. She beamed, her heart jumping with anticipation. Deep inside, she nurtured the wish that this trip might change everything between her and Nathaniel.
Perhaps he would finally overcome his feelings for Nora and open his heart to her.
The food arrived, and they began eating.
"You remember Mr. Corby," Nathaniel started. "The joint project we started."
Zara remembered it clearly – it was about the AI system Nathaniel had been developing with Mr. Corby, who was the key investor.
"Yes, I remember," she replied. "He is an investor."
"You are right." He nodded firmly. "And the project has developed successfully. The team is overjoyed. We’ll be launching it soon."
Zara’s face lit up with pride and joy. "That’s incredible. Congratulations."
"There is a business seminar in a few days," Nathaniel said. "We are planning to launch the product on that day. And I want you to accompany me."
Zara almost jumped at her place. Her fork nearly slipped from her fingers. "You what? You want me to accompany you to a business seminar! You are not joking, are you?"
"I’m not joking. This is a big moment for me, and I want my wife beside me."
Zara’s heart slammed against her ribcage. It was something big she had never expected.
Nathaniel had always avoided her, taking to business parties or seminars, keeping her away from the public. This wasn’t just about business; it was an acknowledgment of her place in his life. She felt as though she might burst with joy.
After their meal, they stepped out of the restaurant. Zara’s spirits were high, her joy practically bouncing with every step she took.
"I feel like having some ice cream," she said with a playful grin. "Come on, I’ll take you to a place I know." Tugging at his hand, she added, "It’s close by—we can just walk."
Her bright energy was contagious, and Nathaniel found himself smiling without even realizing it. He allowed her to lead him, his gaze fixed on her the whole way. The glow on her face, the sparkle in her eyes, the easy cheer in her steps—everything about her drew him in. He was so wrapped up in watching her that he didn’t even notice when they arrived at the little ice cream shop at the curb.
"I want the pistachio ice cream," Zara announced eagerly. "And please pack a box of chocolate ice cream too."
It was only at that point that Nathaniel looked around. "Chocolate ice cream?"
Zara nodded enthusiastically. "For Zane. And what about you? Which flavor do you want?"
"The same as yours."
She grinned. "Pistachio for him as well."
The shopkeeper was a kind-looking woman. She nodded cordially and busied herself with their order.
Nathaniel smiled, his heart filling with warmth. Zara had not given birth to Zane, but she was his mother in every aspect – always thinking of him, always tending to his needs, even now choosing his favorite ice cream.
The more he watched her, the more spellbound he became. The only regret was – he hadn’t noticed this sooner. It made his determination even stronger. He vowed to spend the rest of his life making up for the years she had endured without his love, never allowing her to feel neglected again.
The shopkeeper gave Zara the carrying bag containing a box of chocolate ice cream. "This is your chocolate ice cream, Madam." Then she handed her two cones of pistachio ice cream.
"Thank you." Zara’s smile was radiant as she turned to Nathaniel and offered him one cone. "This is for you."
Nathaniel took it.
Together they came out of the shop, tasting their ice creams. The sweetness spread across Zara’s tongue, and she let out a soft moan. Nathaniel forgot about his own ice cream and kept looking at her. His gaze landed on her lips, catching on the faint smear of cream at the corner.
A dark pull stirred within him. He held her arm and stopped her.
"What happened?" she asked, turning to him, incredulous at the sudden pull.
Nathaniel’s eyes remained locked on her lips. He held her chin and lifted her face a little.
Zara’s pulse quickened as she met his piercing gaze. "What are you..."
Before she could even finish her sentence, he lowered his head and kissed her softly, licking the cream from the corners of her lips.
Zara stilled, her face burning. They weren’t young couples sneaking kisses in corners of the road, yet here he was, kissing her boldly out in the open.
"Nathaniel," she whispered, pulling back. "We are on the road."
She couldn’t meet his eyes and walked away briskly, a smile blooming on her face. She could still feel the ghost of his lips against hers. But she quickly ate her ice cream as if trying to ignore that feeling and the flutter that filled her stomach. Yet, she couldn’t stop the blush spreading all over her face.
Nathaniel ran a hand through his hair, smirking, as he followed her. "Zara, wait for me."
Riya was just passing by when she saw them kissing. She stopped the car and looked at Nathaniel, following Zara. "What are they doing?" she muttered with disbelief. Not even in her wildest dream had she thought that he would kiss Zara on the road, not caring about the people around.
A bitter fire of resentment burned inside her chest, jealousy clawing at her throat. The sight of Zara so comfortably with Nathaniel was unbearable. That man had once wanted nothing to do with her, yet somehow, Zara had managed to trap him and make him fall for her.
It was not just him. Shay and Liam, too, were smitten with her. Because of her, Shay had terminated the contract. And Liam – that man had gone one step ahead. He had agreed to marry her, but wasn’t willing to love her.
"Zara, Zara, Zara," she muttered fiercely. "You bewitched everyone." Her fingers rolled around the steering wheel. "You caused me such a big loss. You made me face humiliation, and yet you were having fun here. Wait for another blow. This time, you won’t be able to save anything."
She changed the gear and sped off.