Nathan couldn't stop thinking about her—the woman who had risked everything to save him and his driver. The echoes of her calm voice and determined eyes haunted his thoughts. For the first time in a long while, Nathan Reed, the billionaire magnate, was intrigued beyond the walls of his wealth and power.
Determined to learn more, Nathan turned to his ever-reliable secretary, Thomas. That evening, as the hospital quieted, Nathan instructed Thomas to uncover everything there was to know about Elena. "I want every detail, from the day she was born until now," he said with a firmness that left no room for questions. Thomas nodded with understanding and left immediately to carry out his boss's request.
The next morning, Nathan was resting in his hospital bed when a knock sounded at the door. Thomas entered, greeted him properly, and handed him a detailed report. But before diving into the details, Thomas couldn't help but comment on the absence of Nathan's family.
"Sir, I've been here for days, and not even your mother or brother has visited. Don't you think—"
Nathan's expression darkened immediately. His sharp gaze silenced Thomas before he could finish. "Don't mention that again," Nathan said, his tone icy.
Realizing he'd touched a nerve, Thomas quickly switched gears, cracking a few light-hearted jokes to ease the tension. Nathan finally smiled, and the room was filled with their shared laughter.
Once the mood was lighter, Thomas cleared his throat and began sharing his findings. "Her name is Elena Smith. She lost her parents in a tragic accident when she was just ten. She was raised by her aunt but started living alone at twenty, supporting herself with a job at a small café. She went to UCLA, thanks to her aunt's husband, who funded her education. Her dreams? To become a successful model and businesswoman."
Thomas paused dramatically, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "And sir, she's single. A real gem, if you ask me."
Nathan narrowed his eyes at him but couldn't help chuckling. "Really, Thomas?" he said, grabbing a pillow and tossing it at his secretary. Thomas laughed as he dodged the makeshift projectile.
The next day, Nathan was discharged from the hospital. He went straight home, seeking the comfort of his sprawling mansion. Despite the luxurious surroundings, his thoughts remained elsewhere. After settling in, his phone buzzed with a call from his younger brother, Kelvin, who was studying in Australia.
"Hey, Nathan!" Kelvin's cheerful voice came through.
"Kelvin," Nathan replied, a rare softness in his tone. "How's everything over there?"
They talked for nearly an hour about Kelvin's studies, life in Australia, and memories of growing up together. It was a warm, refreshing moment of connection. But as soon as the call ended, Nathan's mind wandered back to Elena.
Her face, her bravery, and her story were stuck in his mind like an unsolved puzzle. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, and whispered to himself, "Are you back?" The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions.
Without hesitation, Nathan called Thomas. "Tomorrow, I'll attend the board meeting. After that, we're visiting Elena's café," he said firmly.
"Noted, sir," Thomas replied, knowing better than to question his boss's resolve.
Nathan ended the call and summoned one of his maids for a cup of tea. As he sat by the window, watching the city lights, his heart thudded with a mixture of anticipation and something he couldn't quite name. He knew one thing for certain: his life, as rigid and calculated as it had always been, was on the brink of a profound change.
And the woman who had saved him was at the center of it all.
The next morning Nathan Reed woke up with an unusual feeling of lightness, a smile tugging at his lips. The face that had occupied his dreams all night lingered in his mind—Elena's face. Her bravery, her kindness, and her beauty had etched themselves into his thoughts, refusing to let go. Even in sleep, it was as if her presence comforted him, chasing away the weight of his usual loneliness.
As he got ready for the day, his household staff couldn't help but notice the change. They whispered and chuckled among themselves, marveling at how their usually stern employer seemed... happy. For once, he wasn't issuing curt orders or walking around with a furrowed brow. The air in the mansion felt lighter, and even the maids who gossiped about Nathan couldn't hide their smiles.
"He didn't snap at anyone this morning," one of them whispered.
"Do you think he's in love?" another speculated with a grin.
Nathan paid no mind to their quiet chatter. He was lost in his own thoughts, filled with anticipation for the day ahead.
At the office, his entrance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The female employees couldn't help but steal glances at him, captivated by the rare warmth in his demeanor. Nathan's usual stoic expression had been replaced by a charming smile that brightened the room.
"Is that really Mr. Reed?" one whispered.
"He's smiling! Do you think something happened?" another asked, barely concealing her awe.
The male staff, on the other hand, were baffled. Nathan's sudden mood shift left them exchanging puzzled looks. He was known for his strict professionalism, and yet today, he seemed... approachable.
Nathan headed straight to the boardroom for the scheduled meeting. His focus during the discussion was sharp as ever, but his calm and pleasant demeanor didn't go unnoticed by the board members. They exchanged curious glances, silently wondering what had brought about this remarkable change in their usually reserved CEO.
Meanwhile, Thomas, Nathan's loyal and efficient secretary, was already several steps ahead. Remembering his boss's instructions from the previous night, he had made all the arrangements to visit Elena's café. After the meeting, Nathan wasted no time. He grabbed his coat and gestured for Thomas to follow him.
Their departure caused a ripple of surprise among the staff. Nathan never left the office unless it was absolutely necessary, and even then, it was with a stoic determination. Today, however, there was a certain excitement in his stride, a sense of purpose that was hard to ignore.
"Is something wrong with him?" Sharon, one of the office's most talkative employees, whispered to Jessie, her equally curious colleague.
"Maybe he's gone crazy," Jessie replied, her eyes wide with mock concern.
"Or maybe he's finally met someone!" Sharon speculated with a mischievous grin.
The two women giggled, but their curiosity only grew as they watched Nathan and Thomas leave.
Nathan ignored the stares and whispers, his mind already set on what lay ahead. As the car pulled away from the office, he found himself tapping his fingers against his knee, a rare display of impatience.
For the first time in a long while, Nathan Reed was chasing something that wasn't a business deal or a corporate success. He was chasing a feeling—a spark of something new, something genuine—and he knew exactly where to find it.