FIRST KISS
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Now, Nicholas, Kimberly, and Cassandra were at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. The upscale steakhouse from Manhattan, New York, USA, had opened its newest branch in Jakarta. This high-class steak restaurant served dry-aged beef, giving its steaks a unique and classy flavor compared to others.
Unlike Kimberly, who preferred Chinese food, steak was Nicholas and Cassandra’s favorite meal. Back in England, they used to schedule a weekly steak dinner together.
After nearly twenty minutes of waiting, the eagerly awaited food was finally served perfectly on the table. Cassandra seemed impatient and immediately reached for the appetizer, the Beverly Hills Chopped Salad. It consisted of small pieces of carrots, peas, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, mint leaves, lettuce, red onions, and feta cheese.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Meanwhile, Nicholas quickly grabbed a plate with a tenderloin fillet accompanied by mashed potatoes. He appeared serious as he cut the meat on his plate into small pieces. After all the pieces were cut, Nicholas exchanged his plate with Kimberly’s.
“Eat quickly; it’s not good if it gets cold.”
Both Kimberly and Cassandra were surprised by Nicholas’s sudden sweetness. Even while eating, without hesitation, Nicholas reached for a napkin and gently wiped the sauce from the corner of Kimberly’s lips.
God.
Can I jump for joy right now?
I hope this isn’t just an act in front of his mother.
Unconsciously, Kimberly chuckled softly in her reverie.
If this is just an act, I will try to make it a reality.
Maybe soon I will truly become Mrs. Alistair.
“So, are you two really a couple?” Cassandra suddenly asked, causing Kimberly to choke.
Nicholas remained silent for a moment, his expression still calm. “So, Mama doubts our relationship, Kimberly and me?”
Cassandra nodded. “Just a feeling.”
Nicholas smiled. “If Mama wants to know, Kimberly and I even live together.”
Nicholas’s statement instantly left Kimberly stunned. How could he say that to his mother? Kimberly was worried that Cassandra wouldn’t approve of them living together. It might mean that Kimberly would have to leave Nicholas’s apartment.
Cassandra shifted her gaze to Kimberly. “Is that true, Kimberly?”
Kimberly replied hesitantly, “Y-yes, Ma. I do live in Nicholas’s apartment. But Kimberly can explain if-”
“No need for an explanation; Mama is relieved to hear that.”
What? Kimberly’s face registered surprise. She wasn’t hearing things, right? So, Cassandra didn’t mind if they lived together.
“Alright, Mama trusts you. Mama was just worried that you might be using Kimberly to deceive Mama.”
That’s exactly what happened, ma’am.
Even your son threatened me.
“After we finish eating, I’ll take Mama and Kimberly home, and then I’ll have to return to the office. Edward needs me.”
Kimberly looked at the man beside her. “If you need help, I can go back to the office.”
Nicholas shook his head.
“No need. You have to accompany Mama. After work, we’ll both take her back to the hotel.”
Kimberly nodded, complying with Nicholas’s request. Then they continued their meal.
***
Upon arriving at the apartment, Nicholas didn’t immediately head back to the office. Instead, he followed Cassandra and Kimberly inside. He needed to ensure Kimberly wouldn’t make any mistakes or say anything inappropriate when she was alone with his mother.
While inside, he searched for an opportunity when his mother wasn’t with Kimberly. Finding Kimberly busy in the pantry making drinks, Nicholas quickly joined her without being noticed by Cassandra.
“Kimmy…” Nicholas whispered as he approached Kimberly.
She just turned around and raised one eyebrow.
“Be careful when you’re alone with Mama. Don’t let anything slip. Mama is very skilled at digging up someone’s secrets,” Nicholas said.
Kimberly took a slow breath. “So, what should I do?” Kimberly looked anxious now.
“Just go with the flow, but I beg you to be cautious when answering Mama’s questions.”
As they were engrossed in their hushed conversation, Nicholas faintly heard the sound of someone approaching. The footsteps grew clearer and closer. Whatever was on Nicholas’s mind at that moment, he suddenly pushed Kimberly into one corner of the pantry.
“Nick, what are you doing?” Kimberly asked, confused.
“Let’s do everything properly,” Nicholas whispered.
Before Kimberly could respond, without a word, Nicholas immediately kissed her softly and gently, surprising Kimberly. She didn’t even know what to do in that moment. Feeling that her kiss wasn’t being reciprocated, Nicholas deliberately nibbled Kimberly’s lower lip gently and then kissed her lips slowly, creating a strange sensation within Kimberly. Reluctantly, Kimberly eventually responded to the kiss, following the rhythm that Nicholas set.
“Oh my, you two!” Cassandra exclaimed in shock when she saw the intimate scene between her son and Kimberly.
Nicholas broke the kiss and adjusted his breathing. It was clear from Kimberly’s flushed cheeks that she must be feeling embarrassed right now due to his actions.
“Just ignore Mama,” Nicholas said casually as he left the pantry, leaving Cassandra and Kimberly behind.
Cassandra grumbled. “You could even do it in the bedroom, Nick,” she now followed Nicholas, who was getting ready to leave.
“This is my house, Ma. I’m free to do anything, anywhere,” Nicholas replied, still with a relaxed expression. Meanwhile, in another corner, there was a woman struggling to control her racing heartbeat.
Cassandra shook her head, observing her son’s behavior. “That’s why Mama asked you to marry Kimberly quickly.”
“Ssstt…” Nicholas hissed. “We’ll discuss it later. I have to get back to the office. Take care of my girlfriend, Ma. Please don’t influence her. I know very well what Mama’s like. If Kimberly changes her mind and turns away from me, I’ll blame Mama!” Nicholas threatened and then walked away.