Before getting out of the car, Kimberly once again checked and adjusted her makeup. Nichs, sitting next to her, could only shake his head at the woman’s behavior.


    “Are you ready?” Nichs asked to confirm.


    Kimberly nodded. “Yes, let’s get out.”


    Nichs got out of the car first and then opened the door for Kimberly. Momentster, he reached for Kimberly’s hand and held it tightly as they entered the restaurant.


    “Do everything as naturally as possible, Kimmy,” Nichs whispered as they approached one of the tables already upied by Cassandra and Robert Alistair.


    “Hello, Mom and Dad. Sorry for making you wait; the traffic was quite heavy,” Nichs greeted, and then he and Kimberly took their seats.


    Cassandra smiled. “No problem, we just arrived ten minutes ago.”This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Then they engaged in a lengthy conversation, discussing family matters, business developments, and even Kimberly was not exempt from their discussion.


    “So, Nick, when are you two getting engaged and getting married?” Cassandra suddenly asked. It seemed Cassandra had not forgotten the previously postponed topic.


    Nichs picked up his ss of drink and sipped it slowly. After feeling satisfied, he ced the ss back on the table. Then, with a calm expression, he answered his mother’s question. “Why rush, Ma? Kimberly and I are both enjoying the peak of our careers.”


    This time, Robert Alistair stared sharply at Nichs. “How long are you going to make Papa and Mama wait? Are you both serious about this rtionship, aren’t you?” Robert asked with an intimidating gaze.


    Robert and Cassandra were well aware of their son’s love journey, how Nichs had been disappointed and hurt by Briana, his former fiancée. They didn’t want their eldest son to continue to suffer. That’s why Cassandra always pushed Nichs to get married soon.


    “I promise, I will officially propose to Kimberly as soon as possible,” Nichs assured confidently.


    “At the beginning of the month, you and Kimberly are going to London,” Cassandra suddenly announced.


    Nichs raised both eyebrows. “To London? The two of us? For what, Ma?” Nichs asked, puzzled.


    “You both will get engaged in London. Mama will invite our entire extended family,” Cassandra replied.


    “But, Ma-”


    “No objections, Nick,” Cassandra interrupted before Nichs could finish his sentence.


    Kimberly looked at Nichs, trying to find answers to her anxiety. She was trying to win Nichs’s heart, but getting engaged this quickly wasn’t the right choice in her opinion. She was afraid Nichs’s parents would find out they were just pretending.


    Nichs, realizing that Kimberly was confused, signaled her to remain calm and act as usual. One wrong move, and his parents could uncover the entire n they were ying.


    “But how can Nichs and Kimberly go to London, Ma? Who will lead thepany when I’m not around?”


    Cassandra shrugged. “Don’t worry; Mama will contact Kenzi to request permission for both of you to take a few days off for the engagement.”


    “Ma, but this is too soon,” Nichs protested.


    “Choose between engagement or immediate marriage,” Cassandra replied. Meanwhile, Robert Alistair just smiled, watching his dominant wife. Nichs couldn’t even argue further.


    Nichs took a deep breath. “Alright, I give in. Whatever Mama wants is fine. But Kimberly and I can only take a three-day leave, no more.”


    “Deal!” Cassandra affirmed.


    Kimberly and Nichs could only sit there, feeling defeated, as Cassandra persistently pushed to unite them. Nichs briefly regretted attending the dinner event tonight. He had thought that his parents only wanted to invite them for a farewell meal before returning to their home country. However, it turned out that this dinner event was nothing more than a trap for him. Now, look at him, unable to resist. He wondered what more he could do to thwart Cassandra’s n of holding an engagement party early next month.


    Throughout the ride back to their apartment, Kimberly and Nichs were lost in their own thoughts. Not a word was spoken between them until they finally reached their destination.


    “Kimmy…”


    Kimberly shifted her gaze. “Hmmm.”


    “Do you still want to help me?” Nichs asked hesitantly before they got out of the car.


    Kimberly sighed deeply. She was equally frustrated at the moment. “What else can I do? There’s no other option, is there?”


    Nichs smiled upon hearing Kimberly’s answer. He had initially been uncertain, afraid that Kimberly might refuse to help him as she had done before. If that were to happen, he didn’t know where else to find a woman suitable for their coboration.


    Nichs once again closely examined Kimberly’s face, studying it intently without blinking. While being scrutinized, Kimberly felt ufortable due to her actions.


    “What are you doing, Nick?” she asked.


    Nichs raised an eyebrow. “I’m observing your face. After some thought, you really are beautiful.”


    Kimberly huffed after hearing Nichs’s confession. “You speak as if I’ve been an ugly duckling all this time. If I’m not beautiful, howe so many men in the office idolize me?”


    Nichs chuckled at Kimberly’s words. “Okay, I admit it now. You are beautiful. No wonder Edward always tries to flirt with you. But don’t expect him to get close to you. I’ll never allow it, especially if you truly be my fiancée.”


    Kimberly was once again taken aback by Nichs’s statement. Unconsciously, she now found herself enjoying the beauty of Nichs’s hazel eyes.


    She thought Nichs must be joking. Twice, Kimberly had been made to blush with unusual statements he had made.


    Quickly, Kimberly attempted to normalize her facial expression, which she believed had turned red due to embarrassment.


    “Looks like I’m starting to be enchanted by the blush on your face,” Nichs continued.


    Kimberly rolled her eyes. “How do you even know my face turned red? The car’s interior lights are off, so it’s impossible to see what color is on my face.”


    Nichs leaned closer, making Kimberly slightly uneasy. Even his breath felt warm against her face.


    “Who said I didn’t see it?” Nichs said, raising one of his eyebrows.


    “You’re exaggerating, Nick. You hmmpphhh-before Kimberly could finish her sentence, Nichs suddenly silenced her with a kiss, gentle and tender. It continued teasingly until Kimberly unconsciously responded, savoring every sensation that arose.


    For quite some time, Nichs and Kimberly were lost in their y. Eventually, Nichs slowly released their lip lock. He rested his forehead against Kimberly’s, trying to control their racing breaths.


    “Even the shade of your lips is clear to me,” Nichs whispered, causing Kimberly’s face to turn red once again.


    “Y-you’re unbelievable!” Kimberly stammered.


    Then, she pulled her face away and quickly exited the car in embarrassment.


    “Kimberly, where are you going?” Nichs called after her.


    “You embarrassed me, Nick!” Kimberly replied without looking back. She continued walking into their apartment unit, while Nichs could onlyugh. His hand couldn’t stop brushing against his own lips.


    “Your lips are sweet, Kimmy,” Nichs mumbled, and after that, heughed at himself again.