“So, which files do I need to read and sign?”


    Currently, Kimberly is in the CEO’s office at the RayderCorp building. Alongside Mario, she is studying various types of partnership agreements from differentpanies.


    If all goes as nned and there are no obstacles, Kimberly will officially take over control of thepany from Arthur Rayder next month. That means Mario will also return to his ownpany.


    “Let me check first.” Mario reached for the stack of files that was previously in front of Kimberly. He began reading and examining them one by one.


    Afterward, Mario nodded.


    “Everything looks good, Kimmy. It just needs to be handed over to the legal department for validation.”


    Kimberly smiled.


    “It turns out being a leader like this is easier said than done. I thought a CEO’s job was just signing papers, attending meetings, and making decisions. In reality, there are so manyplex procedures to consider.”


    Mario reached for a cup of tea that was avable on the table and sipped it slowly. After finishing, he smiled.


    “But I’m d you’re quick to learn everything. I don’t have to bother with basic lessons. You’re ready to take the reins now.”


    Kimberly blushed.


    “Ah, it’s all thanks to you. I owe you a lot,” Kimberly said sincerely.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Kimberly’s words made Mario smile again.


    “You’re too kind, no need to thank me. You’re naturally smart, Kimmy. Always have been.”


    Kimberly shook her head.


    “No, it’s all because of your hard work and patience in guiding me. No wonder grandpa is so obsessed with making you my fiancé.” Kimberly’s expression turned mncholic.


    Mario looked at Kimberly, carefully observing her face. Golden brown hair, a slender nose, thin pinkish lips, and sharp eyes. Kimberly was indeed a beautiful woman who fit the criteria of an ideal wife.


    “You have the right to refuse, Kimmy. Why force yourself if you won’t be happy in the future?”


    Kimberly took a deep breath. What Mario said was true. How could she marry a man who had been her friend and older brother figure all this time? But the problem was, would her grandfather listen to her? Thest time she refused, it led to her leaving home.


    “Do you think I have a chance to refuse?” Kimberlyughed bitterly. “I’m even afraid that if I refuse grandpa’s order, his heart condition will worsen. I’m truly trapped right now.”


    Mario was taken aback.


    “I think if you talk to grandpa about it properly, he will consider it. Grandpa cares about you a lot, Kimmy. He surely wants what’s best for you.”


    Kimberly grinned upon hearing Mario’s words. Arthur indeed wanted the best, which was why he chose Mario to guide her. Anyone would be impressed by Mario’s character. Handsome, wealthy, responsible, a family man, and always reliable.


    “But what about you? Why did you agree to grandpa’s request? Have you never had a girlfriend all this time?” Kimberly inquired. She had just realized that Mario had never mentioned having a girlfriend during their friendship. Could it be that he loved Kimberly?


    Mario sighed.


    “That’s not important to discuss, Kimmy-” Before he could finish, their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a phone. Mario quickly answered, and after a short while, he got up from his seat.


    “I need to return to my office now. I might not be able to give you a ride hometer this afternoon. But don’t worry, you can go home with the driver.”


    Kimberly nodded as she watched Mario’s departure until his figure disappeared from her view.


    ***


    Nichs had just arrived in his office after finishing lunch. Just a few steps in, there was a knock on the door. As he turned around, he saw Kenzi standing at the threshold. Without waiting to be invited in, Kenzi walked over to the sofa on the left side of the room.


    “Since when did you arrive in Indonesia? Why are you so eager toe back now?” Nichs asked, puzzled. He followed suit and took a seat.


    Kenzi took a slow breath. “Alya’s parents are sick, and she invited me to return to Indonesia. Besides, I heard you recently won the tender held by Capital Group. That’s why I came here to congratte you in person.”


    Nichs smiled. “Yes, I’m sure you heard the news from Edward. Thank you for your wishes. Ourpany seeded because we have such a solid team. They are all excellent at putting together presentation materials for Capital.”


    Kenzi also smiled. “I didn’t make a mistake in choosing you,” he praised. “Oh, by the way, how is your rtionship with Kimberly? Have you reconciled?”


    Nichs sighed and looked despondently out the window, thinking about the uncertain state of his rtionship with Kimberly, all because of Arthur Rayder.


    “I don’t know, I’m even confused about what to do. I’m sure Edward has already told you about my current problems. That guy is known for being talkative, isn’t he?” Nichs remarked.


    This time, Kenziughed. What Nichs used Edward of was indeed true. Edward had contacted Kenzi a few days ago and shared all the problems Nichs was facing.


    “You’re torn between Kimberly and Alpha Beta, aren’t you?”


    “Of course, Ken. Do you think it’s easy to make a decision?”


    Kenzi nodded, feeling empathetic towards his friend’s dilemma. “If you choose Alpha Beta, it means you’ll have to mentally prepare yourself to see Kimberly with someone else. But if you choose Kimberly, you’ll have to let go of Capital.”


    Nichs grumbled in frustration, feeling like everything was going wrongtely. “Can I be greedy and choose both? I really don’t want to lose Alpha Beta, let alone Kimberly.”


    “I understand, Nick, with your feelings. But you also have to remember that if we unterally cancel the partnership agreement, Alpha Beta will have to pay a 10% penalty of the total investment value.”


    Nichs closed his eyes briefly. He truly didn’t expect things to get thisplicated now.


    “What if I choose to save Alpha Beta? Are you willing to lose a woman who means so much to you again?”


    “Oh my God, Ken. I feel like I’m going crazy right now,” Nichs sighed in frustration.


    Kenzi patted Nichs’s shoulder several times, trying to offer support and ease his frustration. “Ask your heart, Nick. In this world, the heart never lies. I’m sure you can make a good choice. Even though I own Alpha Beta, I can’t force you to choose thepany.”


    Nichs remained silent, choosing silence over responding to Kenzi’s words.


    “Well, I have to go now. Alya has asked to be picked up soon. I hope your problems are resolved quickly.”


    As soon as Kenzi left the room, Nichs’s phone rang, signaling an important call that required his immediate attention.


    —


    Kimberly had just finished organizing her desk, putting away stacks of documents. After neatly arranging all the papers into folders, she nced at her watch, which showed that it was already six in the evening. She walked over to the coat stand not far from the sofa to retrieve her ck zer. After putting it on, she grabbed her work bag and headed out of the room toward the lobby.


    Downstairs, there was a car waiting specifically to pick her up and take her home. Due to Marco having some unexpected business, she had to go home by herself today.


    During the journey home, Kimberly was engrossed in her phone, browsing through social media or shopping on a well-known online marketce. After a while, she realized that the car she was in was not heading towards her usual route home but to an unfamiliar ce.


    “Sir, where are we going?” Kimberly asked, slightly panicked, as the car entered the basement of an apartment building and soon came to a stop.


    “Please exit the vehicle.”


    Hearing that voice, Kimberly became more aware of who was with her now.


    “Oh my God, Nichs!” Kimberly eximed.


    The man turned and smiled. “Yes, honey. It’s me.”


    Nichs then got out of the car and opened the door for Kimberly, inviting her to get out.


    “What do you want by bringing me here?” Kimberly asked, confused, after stepping out of the car.


    Instead of answering, Nichs immediately scooped up Kimberly’s body without a word and swiftly carried her to his apartment unit. At first, Kimberly resisted and even protested. But since Nichs paid no attention to her protests, Kimberly eventually resigned herself to being carried, and they reached and entered his apartment unit.


    “Nick, why did you bring me here?” Kimberly asked again when Nichs seated her on the sofa.


    “Do I need a reason to bring you here? If I do, just consider that I missed you, Kimmy. That’s why I daringly brought you here.”


    Hearing these words, Kimberly fell silent. What more could she do? In truth, she missed him too. But if they were to rekindle their rtionship as it was before, she was afraid of experiencing the heartache she had felt previously.


    “Kimberly, I really miss you,” Nichs said with a husky voice. This time, Nichs didn’t want to hide his true feelings anymore.


    Kimberly blinked several times, observing the man beside her who was looking at her sadly.


    I miss you too, Nick.


    Do you know that I think of you almost every night?


    Kimberly took a deep breath and chose to keep these words to herself.


    Seeing Kimberly remaining silent, Nichs pulled her into his embrace. He held her close and kissed the top of her head repeatedly. Somehow, without warning, Nichs brushed his lips against Kimberly’s, tasting and kissing her with tenderness and affection. He had never been this gentle before. Meanwhile, Kimberly could only close her eyes, savoring every sensual touch Nichs gave her. It was a lie if she said she didn’t miss his touch.


    So, in the next moment, their kiss deepened, and their bodies that were initially apart were now pressed closely together without any gap. No one knew when Kimberly shifted her position to sit on Nichs’sp.


    Their kiss continued as if it were a form of revenge for the longing they had held back for so long. Until not long after, Nichs pulled his face away, ending the kiss between them.


    “I love you, Kimberly,”