Wife by Day, Boss by Night

Natalie gazed at the sign above the entrance, recognizing it as one of the upscale spa resorts developed by the Howard family’s hotel chain.

Brian finished his call in the room and quickly caught up with her, walking beside her just as his phone rang again.

With a furrowed brow and a hint of impatience, he answered. His other hand slid effortlessly into Natalie's, guiding her toward the dining hall.

It felt like an old habit to Natalie. Brian often held her hand as they walked together. With her shorter legs, she remembered that she had to jog to keep pace with his brisk stride.

Instinctively, she wanted to withdraw her hand, but Brian glanced back at her with a look that made her reconsider.

Their eyes met momentarily, and she settled down.

As Brian led Natalie into the dining hall, someone whistled at their side. Natalie turned to the source and recognized the man. He seemed to be one of Brian's college roommates.

“Little Natalie,” the man greeted her with a knowing smile.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

It surprised her that he had remembered her after just a few encounters. Natalie thought his name was Spence or Spencer.

“Just in time for breakfast, Mr. Howard. You are showing off your lovely fiancée, are you?” Spencer joked.

Brian stashed his phone back into his pocket, shooting Spencer a frosty glance.

“Why not?”

Natalie was too exhausted the night before, so Brian hadn't bothered with introductions.

They were about to get their marriage license. A little show and tell seemed harmless.

Spencer clutched his chest, feigning heartache. “You're killing this bachelor, man.

Brian pulled out a chair opposite Spencer and whispered to Natalie, “What do you fancy for breakfast?”

“Some oatmeal and eggs, please,” Natalie replied after a moment's thought.

“What about me?” Spencer interrupted, feeling left out.

“Can't you just order for yourself? You've been ignoring that waiter standing by for ages,” Brian shot back without missing a beat.

Then, Natalie remembered it was their annual college get-together, usually organized once a year. This time, it coincided with the centennial celebration of Heartland College.

More friends trickled in, many of whom recognized Natalie. They nodded knowingly upon seeing her beside Brian.

12:08

*Why haven't we seen her in the past few years?” someone asked.

“She was studying abroad,” Brian responded indifferently.

Natalie glanced at him. He leaned back in his chair, his expression serene, as he cleaned the cutlery for her.

It was natural that not everyone from Heartland College knew about the Howard family’s background. Without Brian saying, their ignorance was understandable.

“So, you've been waiting all these years,” the group teased. “Pining for your little lady to return. That's understandable.”

3 5 :The corners of Brian's mouth lifted into a subtle smile. He Sow O meet Natalie's gazelideety he had nes eagerly for her to change her heart, to give him a chance to make things right.

When she signaled a willingness to return, Brian was over the moon. Nothing else mattered.

: ) : 5

Brian's rare gentle smile, his eyes twinkling like stars, Momeni ati dazzled Ngtaliecshi'chitidy looked down, busying herself with her phone to reply to a message from Rosie.

: ) :Brian's hand rested by her side casually and found its way opipihe back Uirttentinally, Natalie eaned back as if seeking the comfort of his embrace.

He continued to jest with the others while softly stroking her hair. Then, leaning in, he planted a kiss on her forehead.

With her head lowered, Natalie's typing paused for a second.