Chapter 212: Continue Dating
Although Vera Xavier had initially intended to ease the tension between them, perhaps even to flatter him a bit, she became genuinely passionate by the end of her speech. If it weren’t for the silent sacrifices of people like them, how could anyone live and work in such peace and contentment?
Nathaniel Nathan asked her, "Is that what you really think?"
Vera Xavier nodded earnestly. The warmth in Nathaniel Nathan’s eyes deepened, and he gazed at her steadily. She had been in so much pain earlier that she’d wanted to cry. Although the tears never fell, they still shimmered in her eyes, making her bright gaze look even more limpid and captivating than usual.
"I’m very happy you think that way, Vera Xavier. My situation might be a little different from what you imagine, but you can rest assured about one thing: I will be good to you. I will be good to you for the rest of our lives."
Vera Xavier never expected a man like him to say such a thing. She felt as if a string in her heart had been plucked. Lifting her gaze to meet his, she heard him say softly, "I know you’ve always been afraid of me, and you don’t really like me. But it doesn’t matter whether you like me or not. As long as I like you, that’s enough."
Vera Xavier: "..."
’Can I take back all those touched feelings from just now? Young Master Nathan, overbearing men aren’t likable at all!’
Nathaniel Nathan added, "Actually, I think what you said on the day we registered our marriage was right. We need time to get to know each other. I find the whole idea of dating incredibly boring, but if it’s what you want, I’ll cooperate and do it with you."
Vera Xavier: "..."
’And to think I actually believed he wanted to date me that day! I was so smug, thinking I’d convinced him. I can’t believe that in his mind, dating is just some boring chore, and he’s just grudgingly cooperating with me?’
She sized him up and down. ’For some reason, I don’t quite believe him. After all, he’s proud and aloof, yet secretly passionate—the type to always say the opposite of what he feels. His original persona had completely fallen apart long ago...’
So, she cleared her throat and said, "Since you feel so put-upon, then let’s just not date..."
’Okay, I finally believe him! He really *was* telling the truth when he said he didn’t want to date. His mindset is completely different from mine. He thinks dating is a waste of time and would rather just get straight to the point!’
She cleared her throat again. "Feelings need to be nurtured," she said. "Let’s just keep dating!"
Nathaniel Nathan’s gaze swept over her. It was so direct and brazen it gave Vera Xavier the unnerving illusion of being completely naked. In a casual tone, he said, "Just let me know whenever you decide you’re done with dating."
’I’m at a total loss. His logic is just too bizarre. For any normal person, not wanting to date anymore means breaking up. But for him, it means jumping straight to... *that*!’
’What would all those couples in sweet, loving relationships—the kind that blossom naturally—make of this?’
She took a deep breath and said accommodatingly, "Alright."
Nathaniel Nathan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, sighing internally. ’She probably doesn’t even realize it herself. No matter how intimate her words may sound, her eyes always hold a measure of wariness and a trace of fear toward me.’
He consoled himself. ’At least this is a huge improvement. Before, she would turn and run the moment she saw me. She’ll be mine. Sooner or later!’