Chapter 10 Nathan Is Back

• Vera's POV
• His face was just as I remembered, but now, compared to his youthful, innocent student days, his features were more defined, and his brows carried an added sense of maturity and steadiness.
• However, the gentleness I once cherished was no longer there. All that remained was indifference.
• He was listening to a report from his subordinate, nodding occasionally and giving a few simple commands. His gaze never once strayed toward me as I stood off to the side. Surrounded by the crowd, he walked straight into the editor-in-chief's office.
• My heart kept sinking.
• Nathan, why had he come back, and why now?
• Years ago, he left so decisively, without even a goodbye. Now, why did he return? Why was he here again?
• For two years, I had found some semblance of peace. But his sudden reappearance hit me like a tidal wave, completely overwhelming me.
• When we brushed past each other earlier, I wasn't sure if he, like me, recognized the other at first glance. But then, I smirked in self-mockery.
• What difference did it make if he recognized me? And what if he didn't? There was no turning back now; it was clear that he and I were destined to be on separate paths.
• Humans couldn't sense it, but I could. Nathan had awakened his wolf. If I got closer, I could feel his strong aura.
• Throughout the day, I was filled with unease, terrified that Nathan would recognize me. But as it turned out, it seemed I was just overthinking.
• Upon assuming his new position, Nathan held several meetings about personnel and the magazine's direction, making a few adjustments. During the meetings, he was focused solely on listening to reports from each managing editor, occasionally giving instructions. From start to finish, it seemed like he didn't even notice me at the end of the conference table.
• It seemed, he had already forgotten about me.
• When I thought about it, it made sense. If I had been worth remembering, he wouldn't have left without a word two years ago, nor would he have disappeared from my life entirely.
• I always remembered that time, when I was tormented and lost. Every day, I lived in fear that my mother might pass away silently. Back then, I desperately wished he could be by my side, comforting and encouraging me.
• After a long and exhausting day, I finally reached the end of my shift. I didn't want to spend another second in the office. I immediately grabbed my bag, eager to leave.
• But just then, my managing editor called out to me.
• “Wait a moment, Vera. Could you take this report to the editor-in-chief for me? And while you're at it, give him an update as well.”
• I froze instantly, turning around uneasily. “Jessica, I have an emergency at home today. Could I possibly...”
• Jessica was already in a foul mood after being overshadowed by another managing editor during the meeting. When she heard my refusal, her face instantly fell. “Vera, do you think you're a bigwig after conducting one popular interview?”
• Jessica always had a knack for cutting words, leaving me pale and speechless. All I could manage was, “Not at all, Jessica. I'm on my way now.”
• Holding the documents, I approached Nathan's office door. I took several deep breaths before I finally managed to knock.
• Knock, knock, knock.
• Just knocking on the door seemed to have drained all my energy.
• “Come in.” Nathan's familiar voice echoed from within, and I pushed the door open.
• Nathan's office might not have been as grand as Alex's, but it was finely decorated nonetheless. He was seated behind his desk, flipping through a magazine featuring an interview with Alex.
• “Chief,” I tried to keep my voice steady, “Regarding the recent interview with Morgan Group's CEO, Jessica asked me to give you a brief report.”
• Nathan didn't even lift his head, just grunted in response. I had no choice but to start the presentation.
• After finishing the report, Nathan showed no reaction, and I was starting to feel the strain. “Um...” I struggled to keep the tremble out of my voice. “Chief, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now.”
• After I said that, I quickly turned around, intending to leave.
• Just as my hand was about to grasp the doorknob, a sudden force seized my hand.
• Nathan's gaze fell on the ring on my fourth finger. “Are you married?”
• I didn't have the courage to meet his gaze, so I turned my face away and gave a slight nod. But from the corner of my eye, I saw Nathan staring intently at my ring, a swirl of emotions in his eyes.
• Suddenly, a mocking smirk appeared on his lips.
• “Vera, after all this time, the man you've been so picky about can only afford such an ordinary diamond ring?” His eyes showed clear disdain. “But then again, a woman who would sell herself for money can be easily deceived with just a small expense.”
• It felt like I'd been struck by lightning, my face turning deathly pale.
• “Y-You're aware of what happened two years ago?” My lips quivered as I barely managed to speak.
• “Heh.” Nathan's grip tightened on my wrist, his voice colder than ever. “Yes, I am. In fact, I've known for two years. Vera, I really should thank you. It's because I found out the woman I loved and cherished for three years was such a filthy creature that I finally decided to study abroad.”
• The last bit of color drained from my face.
• For two years... More than once, I wondered why Nathan suddenly decided to study abroad just when I was at my most vulnerable and needed him the most.
• Now, I finally understood.
• It was all because of that incident.
• Nevertheless, I found it odd. Two years ago, Nathan had already left the country before that incident happened. Could it be, he already knew before everything blew out of proportion?
• But how could that be possible...
• Still, now wasn't the time to delve into these matters. My wrist throbbed with pain as I struggled to clarify. “Nathan, the incident two years ago was just a misunderstanding. Actually, I—”