Nina watched him carefully. “You look troubled. Is something wrong? Is Hannah upset because you’re taking care of me?”
“Not at all.”
“I heard you arguing with her on the phone last night. Nathan, don’t let me come between you two.”
Nina looked down. “Maybe you should go. I’ll be fine. Once I’m better in a few days, I’ll resign from the company.”
She’d always been like this.
Thoughtful, considerate.
Nathan felt inexplicably annoyed with Hannah.
Maybe women raised in privilege just liked being jealous and inconsiderate.
He ruffled Nina’s hair, speaking softly: “What are you thinking? Let her throw her tantrum. She has a temper but means well. I’IE
smooth things over later.”
“Nathan…”
Nina looked up at him, hesitating, “Does Hannah often get mad like this?”
“Actually, no.”
Nathan answered honestly. “This breakup talk is probably because I haven’t been attentive enough lately.”
Nina sighed. “I shouldn’t say this, but you shouldn’t spoil her so much.”
“Relationships are about mutual understanding.
“You’re already so busy with work. If she can’t support you, she shouldn’t cause trouble at such a crucial time.
“I wish….
2/4
+15 BONUS
Nina blushed. “I had said yes when you confessed back then. If I were your girlfriend, I’d be the most obedient and considerate girlfriend in the world!”
Nathan grew lost in thought.
During these two months since Nina came to Brookshire, he’d had similar thoughts.
But he knew
These could only be secret musings.
He could have wandering thoughts
But his girlfriend – or wife – could only be Hannah.
Hannah couldn’t leave him.
And he couldn’t leave Hannah either.
For both personal and business reasons.
The company’s long–term partners were all secured by Hannah during their startup days, won over at business dinners where she drank herself sick.
They only trusted her.
Even if she resigned, as long as she remained his “wife“, those relationships would hold.
Seeing his silence, Nina bit her lip and asked softly: “Nathan? What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing”
Nathan snapped back. “Just wondering how to make up with Hannah.”
Nina’s nails dug into her palms!
But she maintained a sweet expression. “That depends on you. I read that relationships are about power dynamics.
“If you want her to always have the upper hand and control you, then go apologize and make amends.
“But if you want to be in charge at home, maybe you should ignore her for a while.
“After all, you’re about to be a public company CEO. People will laugh if they hear you’re henpe
“If Hannah can’t even give you that respect, then…”
She trailed off timidly
Nathan frowned. “Then what?”
henpecked.
As if gathering courage to defend him, Nina huffed. “Then she doesn’t deserve your love!”
+15 BONUS
She added in a whisper, “Your mother wouldn’t want to see you treated this way either.”
Nathan found himself agreeing.
But knowing Hannah’s personality, he worried: “Hannah’s with me because I treat her well. If I ignore her, won’t she really break up with me?”
“Impossible
Nina said firmly. “If she truly loves you, she won’t leave you.”
She must love him.
Nathan felt reassured thinking about this.
He’d ignore her for now
If that didn’t work, he could always make up later.
After all, Hannah was always easy to please.
