Chapter 164: Elijah’s offer
Ava blinked, her feet instinctively shuffling back as Nicholas’s words sank in. Even in the dim glow of dusk, she could see the raw intensity of emotion flickering in his eyes.
She had fallen in love with Dylan in the past, but that love had left her scarred. She wouldn’t dare to love someone again.
"I know you are not ready for it," he said quickly, sensing her hesitation. ’But I don’t have much time.’ He wanted to add this, but he paused, swallowing the words. "I am just asking you to pretend to be my girlfriend."
"I can’t," she denied straight away. "Nicholas, I admire you – you are a good friend. Please don’t do this. I don’t want to lose a friend." She breathed out, regaining her composure. "Let’s just forget this conversation ever happened. We’ll continue working as partners, and we’ll stay friends. That’s what matters."
Nicholas stood silent for a moment, her words slicing through him like a cold wind. He knew he had crossed a line, and now he feared he might have jeopardized the only connection he had left with her. Forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, he nodded.
"I get it. I’m sorry for putting you in this position. I didn’t mean to scare you. But..." He paused, his voice softening. "My feelings for you won’t change. I’ll wait for you till the last breath of my life."
Ava turned her gaze away, unable to meet his eyes. "It’s getting late. I should go."
Nicholas nodded. "Let me walk you out," he offered and led her out of the resort.
As she drove away, Nicholas stood under the fading sky, his chest tight with a mixture of regret and longing. Alex approached him cautiously and murmured something into Nicholas’s ear.