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Chapter 5 - CHAPTER FIVE: FLY ME TO THE MOON

Despite the lingering threats surrounding her, Mandy

knew she had to get to the root of it. But life had other plans.

 

Sophia, determined to see Mandy fail, launched a new

attack—falsely accusing her of leaking confidential company information. The

accusation spread quickly, threatening Mandy's reputation. But Nathan, trusting

her implicitly, knew she wouldn't betray the company. He saw the setup for what

it was—someone trying to get rid of her. And he had a good idea who was behind

it.

 

But Sophia wasn't done.

 

That morning, as Mandy arrived at her office, she

tidied her desk, ready to settle in when the phone rang. Nathan.

 

She picked up.

 

"Miss Morgan, can you come to my office this

minute?" His voice was firm, leaving no room for

hesitation.

 

"I'm on my way," Mandy

replied.

 

As she ended the call and headed toward Nathan's

office, she caught sight of Sophia returning from a meeting. Their eyes met

briefly. Sophia smirked. Mandy didn't react. She wouldn't give her the

satisfaction.

 

Reaching Nathan's door, she took a steadying breath

and knocked.

 

"Come in," came his voice from

the other side.

 

Mandy pushed open the door and stepped inside,

bracing herself for whatever was coming next.

 

As Mandy stepped inside, Nathan's gaze settled on

her, studying her with an intensity she couldn't quite decipher.

 

"Mandy," he began, leaning back in his chair. "How

are you holding up?"

 

A flicker of confusion crossed her face. What does

he mean?

 

Nathan exhaled, his expression unreadable. "I know

you haven't been yourself lately. Even if you don't want to talk about it, I

can sense it. Something is wrong. Something is weighing on you." His voice held

a note of unease.

 

Mandy hesitated, then forced a small smile.

"Nathan… I'm fine. Just preoccupied with a lot of things lately."

 

She met his gaze, wanting to reassure him. "But I

promise you, it won't affect my work."

 

Nathan's jaw tightened slightly. "If it's about

Sophia's recent behavior—"

 

"No, it's fine," she cut in quickly. "You don't

need to bother."

 

His expression darkened for a moment. "I'll see to

it that she doesn't bother you anymore."

 

Mandy wanted to say something, but before she

could, Nathan shifted the conversation. "More importantly, we have a trip to

plan."

 

She frowned slightly. "A trip?"

 

"Yes," he said, his voice smooth. "We're going on a

business trip to Paris."

 

Mandy's eyes widened. "Paris?"

 

Nathan nodded, watching her reaction closely.

"Sorry to spring it on you last minute, but we leave tomorrow." He leaned

forward slightly. "I suggest you get some rest."

 

With that, he dismissed her, though his gaze

lingered, flickering with something she couldn't quite name.

Back in her office, Mandy sat down, replaying the

conversation in her mind.

 

Nathan's words.

His gaze.

The idea of traveling with him.

 

A rush of excitement filled her chest. Paris—the

city she had always dreamed of visiting. Despite everything—the threats, the

tension with Sophia—this was something she could finally look forward to.

 

For the first time in weeks, a genuine smile spread

across her lips.

 

Tomorrow, everything would change.

 

 

From working as a manager at Vienna Suites to

becoming the executive assistant to the renowned billionaire Nathan Hydes,

Mandy's journey had been nothing short of remarkable. But now, everything was

shifting—she was finally getting closer to fulfilling her dreams.

 

Who would have thought she'd be boarding a private

jet to Paris with Nathan Hydes?

 

Life had a way of unfolding in the most unexpected

ways.

 

DEPARTURE TO PARIS...

 

Mandy and Nathan stepped onto the plane, settling

into their first-class seats. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, one

she wasn't sure how to define.

 

A hostess arrived, carrying a tray with two glasses

of wine and a plate of chicken salad. At Nathan's silent nod, she set it down

on the table and left.

 

Mandy picked up her glass, taking a slow sip as she

gazed out the window. Below, Lagos was disappearing beneath a blanket of

clouds, its lights flickering like distant memories. She exhaled softly,

momentarily lost in thought.

 

Lowering the glass, she reached for her fork—only to

pause when she caught Nathan's gaze on her.

 

His eyes weren't just watching her; they were

studying her. Intense. Unreadable. Filled with something that made the space

between them feel smaller.

 

And in that moment, she realized—this wasn't just a

business trip. It was something much deeper.

 

Mandy cleared her throat, straightening in her seat

as she fought to maintain her composure. She couldn't let him see how much his

gaze affected her.

 

Nathan turned slightly, lifting a hand in a subtle

signal. His men, who had been seated nearby, quietly rose and moved further

away, giving them privacy.

 

Then he spoke.

 

"Mandy Morgan, I feel like you've been avoiding me

lately."

 

His voice was smooth, velvety, yet laced with

something sharper. His gaze never wavered, burning into her like a question she

couldn't escape.

 

Mandy's breath hitched. His words pressed against

her like a thorn, sharp and unrelenting.

 

The very thing she had been trying to avoid—him—was

now staring her in the face.

 

She swallowed, forcing herself to speak. "Umm… Nath-an…" Her voice wavered slightly as

she averted her eyes, focusing on anything but him.

 

"I haven't been avoiding you,"

she lied.

 

But Nathan wasn't a man easily fooled. And as

silence stretched between them, Mandy knew—he wasn't going to let this go.

 

Hmmm…" Nathan chuckled softly,

his gaze unwavering. "Mandy… we'll see."

 

A small smile played on his lips, but his eyes held

something deeper—something unreadable that sent a shiver down her spine.

 

The tension inside the plane was suffocating. Even

when Mandy tried to focus on something—anything—her gaze would inevitably meet

Nathan's. And every time it did, she felt a surge of heat rush through her, her

body betraying the calm façade she struggled to maintain.

 

Her fingers tightened around the armrest. She prayed

for the flight to be quick, for the hours to vanish in an instant. But time

seemed to stretch painfully, each passing second thick with unspoken words and

a growing awareness of the man sitting across from her.

 

At some point, exhaustion took over. Her eyelids

grew heavy, her body succumbing to the weight of the tension.

 

Maybe if she closed her eyes, just for a little

while, she could escape Nathan's gaze—the gaze that stripped away her defenses,

leaving her bare in a way she wasn't ready to face.

 

She let herself drift, surrendering to the temporary

relief of sleep, unaware that even in her dreams, she wouldn't be free from

him.

After several long hours, the flight attendant's

voice echoed through the cabin.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now preparing for

landing. Please fasten your seat belts."

 

Mandy stirred at the announcement, her eyes

fluttering open. For a moment, she felt disoriented, the weight of exhaustion

still lingering. Then she remembered—Paris.

 

She adjusted in her seat, fastening her seat belt as

the plane began its descent. Outside the window, the city of lights stretched

beneath her, a breathtaking expanse of elegance and history.

 

Nathan glanced at her, amusement flickering in his

gaze. "Welcome to Paris."

 

His voice was smooth, but there was something in the

way he said it that sent a shiver down her spine.

 

Mandy exhaled, steadying herself. The trip had only

just begun, but something told her Paris would change everything.

Arrival at Paris…..

As the plane touched down at the terminal, Mandy

exhaled slowly. She was finally here—Paris. A city she had dreamed of visiting

for years. And now, she was stepping into it, not as a tourist, but as part of

something far more significant.

 

The realization sent a shiver through her.

 

As they stepped off the plane, a man stood waiting

for them just outside. His posture was poised, his attire crisp, exuding an

effortless elegance. Even before he spoke, Mandy could tell—he was French.

 

"Bonjour, Mr. Hydes," the man

greeted with a polite bow before turning his attention to her. His voice was

rich with the unmistakable lilt of a Parisian accent.

 

"Bonjour, Madame."

 

Mandy smiled at the way the words rolled off his

tongue, the accent charming and smooth. "Bonjour,

Monsieur…?" she started, tilting her head slightly.

 

Before the man could respond, Nathan's voice cut in,

firm yet casual.

 

"Raphaël."

 

Mandy turned to find Nathan watching her intently,

his gaze unreadable.

 

She quickly nodded, returning her attention to the

man. "Oh, pleased to meet you, Raphaël."

 

Raphaël dipped his head respectfully, then gestured

toward a sleek black car waiting just beyond the terminal doors.

 

"Shall we?"

 

Mandy stole one last glance at Nathan before

following Raphaël, the cool Parisian air wrapping around her like a whisper of

things to come.

 

Elevator Tension…..

The van came to a smooth halt in front of Le Meurice—one of the most prestigious luxury

hotels in Paris. The grandeur of the palace-like structure loomed before them,

its gilded balconies and intricate architecture exuding a timeless elegance.

 

Mandy stepped out of the car, her breath catching in

her throat. Her eyes widened as she took in the sheer magnificence of the

hotel.

 

It looked like something out of a dream. Unreal.

Almost… otherworldly.

 

She barely noticed Nathan stepping beside her, his

gaze flickering toward her with quiet amusement.

 

"Impressed?" he murmured.

 

Mandy swallowed, quickly composing herself. "No," she lied, lifting her chin slightly,

though her awe-struck expression betrayed her.

 

Nathan smirked but said nothing. Instead, he led the

way inside, where a butler in an impeccably tailored suit greeted them in a

thick French accent.

 

"Bienvenue à Le Meurice, Monsieur Hydes,

Mademoiselle."

 

After a brief exchange, they were handed their key

cards and escorted toward the elevator.

 

The moment they stepped inside, Nathan pressed the

button for their floor. The doors slid shut, enclosing them in the small,

gilded space.

 

And then—it began.

 

The tension that had simmered between them

throughout the flight, through the car ride, through every lingering glance—it was now suffocating.

 

The hum of the elevator was the only sound between

them. Mandy felt the air grow thick, pressing against her skin like an

invisible force.

 

Nathan stood close. Too close. His presence alone

seemed to shrink the space, making her hyperaware of every breath, every

movement.

 

She gripped her key card a little tighter, refusing

to look at him.

 

But she felt his gaze on her.

 

Unwavering. Intense.

 

The elevator continued its slow ascent, but Mandy

knew—this moment between them wasn't going anywhere.

 

And neither was she.

 

The elevator doors slid open, and they both stepped

out, walking down the elegant hallway toward their rooms. The air between them

still carried the weight of the tension from the elevator, but neither spoke of

it.

 

Nathan came to a stop in front of a door, then

turned to face Mandy.

 

"And this is where we part ways—for the moment," he said, his voice calm, yet holding something beneath the surface.

 

Mandy glanced at the room opposite his. "I guess this one's mine," she replied, shifting

her gaze toward the door.

 

Nathan smiled, that knowing smirk playing on his

lips. "See you later at dinner."

 

With that, he pushed open his door and disappeared

inside.

 

Mandy hesitated for a beat before stepping into her

own room, shutting the door behind her with a quiet click.

 

Finally.

 

She was free from his gaze.

 

But only for a little while.

 

 

She was alone. But the moment she closed her door,

she realized something unsettling—she wasn't just escaping Nathan's presence.

 

She was running from everything he made her feel.

 

And in a city like Paris, where romance lingered in

every corner, she wasn't sure how long she could keep running.

 

She sighed, leaning against the door for a moment

before pushing herself forward. After freshening up with a warm shower, she

settled onto the plush hotel bed and reached for her phone. Without thinking,

she tapped on the video call icon.

 

Her father answered almost immediately. His face lit

up with a smile, though confusion flickered in his eyes as he glanced at the

background behind her.

 

"My Angel," he greeted warmly.

"Where is this place?"

 

Mandy grinned. "Dad, I'm in

Paris!" she exclaimed.

 

From the corner of the screen, her mother's voice

rang out. "What did you just say?"

 

Before Mandy could repeat herself, her mother

snatched the phone from her father's hands. "Young lady,

did you just say Paris?" Her mother's eyes widened with

excitement.

 

"Yes, Mum. Nathan and I are here for a business

trip."

 

For a moment, there was only silence.

 

Then—

 

"Are you planning on giving me grandbabies soon?"

 

Mandy groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Oh, Mum… not this again."

 

"Paris? Wow! You expect me to believe this is just

business?" her mother continued. "Can't

you see? This is his way of getting you alone, no distractions."

 

Mandy scoffed. "Mum, it's

nothing like that. Besides… I don't even know if he still has feelings for me

after I rejected him."

 

Her mother rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, shut it, young lady. It's very obvious this man is madly in love

with you. Mark my words, I wouldn't be surprised if you call us soon to say

he's finally proposed."

 

Mandy laughed. "Mum, you might

grow old waiting for that."

 

Her father, sensing his daughter's need for support,

finally stepped in. "Victoria, stop teasing our daughter.

Maybe it really is just business."

 

Mandy sighed in relief. "See?

Dad is on my side."

 

Her mother scoffed. "Both of

you, shut it. I know romance when I see it."

 

Mandy shook her head, smiling. "Well, I have to go. I'm not even fully settled in yet—I just wanted

to share the news."

 

"Alright, my love. Take care,"

her father said.

 

"And don't fight fate!" her

mother added mischievously.

 

Mandy rolled her eyes playfully before ending the

call.

 

She tossed her phone onto the bed and exhaled.

 

This was going to be a long trip.

 

The thought of telling Hazel she was in Paris—and

imagining the dramatic reaction that would follow—made Mandy laugh. But that

didn't stop her from dialing her best friend's number.

 

It rang once. Then Hazel picked up.

 

"Hey, Mama! What's up?"

Hazel's cheerful voice rang through the line.

 

Mandy chuckled, her excitement bubbling over. "I'm good…" she said, her voice betraying her

thrill.

 

Without hesitation, she switched to video call.

Hazel answered almost immediately, her brows raising in suspicion.

 

"Okay, hold up. For you to actually FaceTime me,

something's up," Hazel said, squinting at the screen.

 

She narrowed her eyes, trying to recognize the

background behind Mandy. "Wait a minute… where are you?

This doesn't look like your room at the mansion."

 

Mandy bit her lip, smiling. "Nope,

it's not." She hesitated just a beat before finally

blurting it out. "Hazel, I'm in Paris! Can you believe

it? Paris! Finally!"

 

For a second, Hazel was silent, as if trying to

process what she had just heard. Then—

 

"WHAT?" she shrieked. "No! No way! Oh my God! This is not true!"

 

Mandy burst out laughing at her friend's reaction.

 

"Wait a minute, Mandy— with

whom? Are you sure there's nothing you're not telling

me?" Hazel pressed, her curiosity fully piqued.

 

Still grinning, Mandy leaned back against the plush

hotel pillows. "Well… Nathan and I are here for a

business trip."

 

Hazel smirked knowingly. "Hmm…

yeah, right. A 'business trip'? Please, girl, this is definitely something

else. Something much deeper."

 

Mandy groaned. "Oh, come on,

Hazel. Not you too! I don't know why you and my mother keep saying the same

thing. It's just business, nothing more."

 

Hazel gasped dramatically. "Oh,

please. You two, alone, in Paris? In one of the most romantic cities in the

world? Yeah, sure, just business."

 

Mandy rolled her eyes. "You're

impossible."

 

"Whatever you say. Anyway—

show me more of the place! Pleaseee!" Hazel begged, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

 

Laughing, Mandy stood up and turned the camera

around, giving Hazel a tour of the luxurious hotel suite before directing the

phone toward the breathtaking city view from the window.

 

"Whoa!!!" Hazel gasped. "Mandy, this is heaven!"

 

Mandy sighed happily. "Right?

I still can't believe it. When Nathan told me we were going on a business trip,

I assumed it'd be somewhere in the country. But then he said Paris, and I

just—" she let out a breathless laugh. "Gosh, Hazel, I wish you were here."

 

Hazel pouted. "Me too. But

don't worry, I expect a full report of every little detail. And by details, I

mean all the juicy ones about you and Mr. Mysterious."

 

Mandy groaned again. "Hazel—"

 

"Nope! No escaping it, bestie. Spill. And don't

leave out a single moment."

 

Mandy sighed, knowing there was no getting out of

this one.

 

Time seemed to slip away as Mandy and Hazel chatted,

their laughter filling the room. But before they could continue, a knock

sounded at the door.

 

Mandy's smile faded. "Hazel,

we'll talk later, okay? Someone's at the door."

 

"Alright, babe," Hazel replied

before the call ended.

 

Mandy stood up and walked toward the door, opening

it to find a young woman dressed in a crisp hotel uniform. Her words carried a

soft French accent.

 

"Mr. Hydes has requested your presence."

 

Mandy nodded. "Tell him I'll be

with him shortly. I just need to change into something nice."

 

The woman gave a polite nod before walking away.

 

A few minutes later, Mandy stepped out of her room,

now draped in a black, silky bodycon dress that hugged her curves, the fabric

glistening under the dim hotel lighting. The neckline dipped just enough to

tease a hint of her cleavage, elegant yet undeniably alluring.

 

As she descended the grand staircase into the dining

area, she felt Nathan's gaze on her before she even met his eyes.

 

And when she did—

 

His expression shifted, warmth flickering into

something deeper. Something raw. Something she couldn't quite decipher.

 

Mandy kept her composure as she approached the

table, gracefully sliding into the seat across from him. But Nathan's gaze

never wavered. It was sharp, intense, like wildfire threatening to consume her.

 

The night had only just begun.

 

"Mandy…" His voice was hushed,

almost reverent. "God, you look breathtaking."

 

A soft smile played on her lips as she noticed the

way his eyes traveled over her, as if taking in every inch, every detail.

 

"Fuck," Nathan muttered under

his breath, so low she barely caught it. He clenched his jaw, exhaling sharply,

as if trying to restrain himself. Every fiber of his being screamed to reach

for her, to touch her, but he forced himself to remain composed.

 

With a quick signal, he motioned for the waitress. A

woman dressed in traditional French attire approached their table.

 

She asked for their orders in French, and Nathan,

without breaking his gaze from Mandy, responded smoothly in the same fluent

accent.

 

"Apportez une assiette d'Escargots de Bourgogne pour

elle et une autre assiette de Coq au Vin. Et apportez une bouteille de Cabernet

Sauvignon français avec deux verres."

 

 In English

"Get a plate of Escargots de Bourgogne for her and

another plate of Coq au Vin. And bring a bottle of French Cabernet Sauvignon

with two glasses."

 

The waitress gave a slight nod before retreating.

 

Mandy shifted slightly in her seat, feeling the

tension coil between them like an unspoken promise.

 

Paris had a way of making things unravel.

 

And tonight… she wasn't sure if she was ready for

what came next.

 

Mandy was in awe of how effortlessly Nathan spoke

French, his accent so smooth and natural that he could have been mistaken for a

Parisian native.

 

I need to take French lessons,

she thought to herself, impressed.

 

A few minutes later, the waitress returned,

carefully placing their plates on the table. With a warm smile, she spoke in

French.

 

"Veuillez profiter de votre repas."

 

"Please enjoy your meal,"

Nathan translated smoothly, though Mandy had already grasped the meaning.

 

The waitress gave a slight nod before walking away,

leaving them alone once more.

 

Nathan's gaze lingered on her. "Let's eat."

 

Mandy smiled, picking up her fork and taking a bite.

As soon as the flavors hit her tongue, her eyes widened in delight.

 

"Hmmm… this is incredible,"

she murmured, savoring the dish. "How in the world did

they prepare this? It's so good!"

 

Nathan chuckled, watching her reaction with quiet

amusement. "I'm glad you like it."

 

A smirk tugged at his lips. "Maybe

we should arrange a cooking class for you."

 

Mandy's face lit up with excitement. "Really? You'd do that?"

 

Nathan scoffed playfully, leaning back in his chair.

"I'm just kidding. But…" he paused,

a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It depends."

 

The way he looked at her sent a shiver down her

spine—not from fear, but from something far more intense.

 

And in that moment, she knew.

 

This wasn't just a business trip.

 

It was something much deeper, something she hadn't

been ready to admit.

 

Her mother and Hazel had been right all along.

 

After finishing their meal, Mandy thanked Nathan as

they made their way up the grand staircase. The air between them was thick with

unspoken words, the weight of the evening settling over them like a lingering

mist.

 

Moments later, they reached their rooms. Just as

Mandy reached for her door handle, Nathan's hand gently but firmly stopped her.

 

She stiffened. Her pulse quickened.

 

Slowly, she turned, doing her best to avoid locking

eyes with him.

 

"Mandy," his voice was low,

smooth. "You don't have to be nervous around me, you

know."

 

She felt his fingers graze her chin, tilting her

face up to meet his gaze. Those piercing eyes burned into her, searching for

something she wasn't sure she could give.

 

Mandy forced a small smile, then carefully pulled

away. "Thanks for tonight, Nathan."

 

Nathan didn't step back. Instead, he moved closer—so

close she could feel the heat radiating off him.

 

His hand lifted, fingertips barely brushing against

her cheek.

 

"Make sure to sleep well," he

murmured, his voice laced with something dangerously soft. "We have a meeting with a client tomorrow morning."

 

A mischievous smirk curled on his lips before he

finally turned and disappeared into his room.

 

Mandy exhaled, pressing a hand against her chest.

 

Sleep well?

 

After tonight, she wasn't sure that was even

possible.

 

Mandy finally stepped inside her room, her body

still tense from the lingering effect of tonight's encounter. Exhaling sharply,

she undressed and slipped into a silk nightgown before collapsing onto the bed.

Yet, sleep didn't come easily—her mind was still clouded with thoughts of

Nathan, of the way he looked at her, the way he touched her cheek so gently yet

so possessively.

 

Minutes passed. Then, as if nature took pity on her

restless state, she finally drifted off.

 

The Next Morning

 

Mandy woke to the soft sound of music floating in

from outside her window. For a moment, she lay still, absorbing the distant hum

of Paris awakening—the city she had once only dreamed of visiting was now right

outside her window.

 

Shaking off the last remnants of sleep, she made her

way to the bathroom. The warm water cascading over her skin helped ground her,

pulling her back into the present.

 

A short while later, she emerged, dressed in a

fitted emerald-green suit dress, paired with white silhouette high heels.

Grabbing her matching handbag and iPad tablet, she took one last look at

herself in the mirror before stepping out of her room.

 

Descending the grand staircase with effortless

poise, her eyes immediately landed on Nathan.

 

He sat near the lounge, exuding the same air of

power and control that made him so intimidatingly captivating. His black suit

was sharp, tailored perfectly to his aristocratic frame. But Mandy's gaze soon

flickered to the man sitting across from him—a gentleman in his mid-forties,

dressed in an elegant navy-blue suit.

 

Nathan turned just in time to meet her eyes, his

stare unreadable yet intense as ever.

 

"Good morning, Nathan," she

greeted, offering him a warm smile.

 

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Morning, Mandy. Please, have a seat." He

gestured toward the chair beside him. "Meet Mr. Guillaume

Pierre. He's been a good friend of mine since I started my company here in

Paris."

 

Mandy turned to Mr. Pierre with an easy charm,

extending her hand. "Oh, Mr. Pierre, it's a pleasure to

finally meet you. Mr. Hydes has said incredibly wonderful things about you."

 

Nathan's brows lifted slightly in surprise. Lies. He had never once mentioned Mr. Pierre to

her. But she said it so smoothly, so effortlessly, that even Mr. Pierre seemed

pleased by her words.

 

Choosing to remain composed, Nathan cleared his

throat and returned the introduction.

 

"And this is Mandy Morgan—my executive assistant

and… my close friend."

 

The subtle emphasis on close made Mandy's breath hitch slightly, but she kept her expression

neutral.

 

Mr. Pierre smiled, shaking Mandy's hand. "Nice to meet you, Miss Morgan. Nathan, I must say, you've made an

excellent choice for an executive assistant."

 

Mandy simply smiled, but as Nathan's gaze lingered

on her, she couldn't help but wonder—was she really just his assistant anymore?

 

Their conversation stretched for hours until Mr.

Pierre finally stood, adjusting the cuffs of his suit.

 

"Thank you again, Mr. Hydes. It's always a pleasure

doing business with you," he said with a satisfied nod.

 

Nathan rose as well, offering a firm handshake. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Pierre."

 

Mandy stood gracefully, extending her hand with a

polite smile. "It's been wonderful having you with us,

Mr. Pierre. We'll be sure to keep in touch."

 

Mr. Pierre accepted her handshake, his gaze briefly

shifting to Nathan. "Nathan… what a remarkable lady you

have here."

 

Nathan didn't respond, but the smirk playing at the

corners of his lips didn't go unnoticed. With that, Mr. Pierre gave a parting

nod and walked away.

 

As the waiter approached to take their next order,

Nathan leaned back in his chair, his eyes flickering with amusement.

 

"Mandy…" he began, his voice

smooth yet laced with curiosity. "How did you pull that

off?"

 

She tilted her head slightly, a knowing smile

playing on her lips. "I just know how to play my cards

well, Mr. Hydes. A little magic, that's all."

 

Nathan studied her, his expression unreadable. Then,

after a moment, he smirked.

 

"Interesting… I'm quite intrigued."

 

His eyes lingered on her, as if seeing her in a new

light. And Mandy, despite her best efforts, felt the weight of his gaze settle

deep within her.

After finishing their meal, Nathan rose to his feet

and extended his hand toward Mandy. Without hesitation, she accepted, and

together they stepped out of the hotel.

 

"Where are we going?" she

asked, her curiosity evident.

 

Nathan's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead. "To get you a new outfit. We have a ball to attend tonight."

 

Mandy's steps faltered slightly. "A ball?" Her voice carried a mix of surprise

and uncertainty.

 

"Strictly business," Nathan

added, as if reading her thoughts.

 

A ball. The word echoed in her mind. She had never

been to anything remotely close to a grand event like that. The closest she had

ever come was watching extravagant ballroom scenes in vampire royal movies.

Now, she was about to step into that world—for real.

 

Would she be able to keep her emotions in check? Or

would she finally give in to the feelings she had been struggling to suppress?

 

Their stroll led them to a high-end boutique down

the road. As they stepped inside, the scent of expensive fabric and designer

perfume filled the air. A saleswoman, dressed elegantly in traditional Parisian

fashion, approached them with a warm smile.

 

"Bonsoir, monsieur, madame. Comment puis-je vous

aider ?" (Good evening, sir, madam.

How may I assist you?)

 

Nathan responded in fluent French, his tone smooth

yet commanding. "Je cherche une belle robe pour un bal ce

soir." (I'm looking for a beautiful

gown for a ball tonight.)

 

The woman's gaze shifted to Mandy, taking in her

features before nodding with a knowing smile. "Ah, oui!

Nous avons la robe parfaite pour votre femme." (Ah, yes! We have the perfect gown for your woman.)

 

Nathan chuckled, his eyes flickering with amusement.

"Pas encore… mais bientôt." (Not my woman yet… but soon.)

 

Mandy's breath hitched slightly, but she quickly

masked her reaction.

 

The saleswoman pulled out an elegant gown—an

exquisite mix of shimmering orange and white satin. She held it up with pride. "Celle-ci lui ira à merveille." (This one will fit her beautifully.)

 

Mandy stared at the dress, her heart pounding—not

just from the beauty of the gown but from the man standing beside her, making

it all feel dangerously real.

 

Nathan paid for the gown without hesitation, and

they stepped out of the boutique.

 

"Now, let's show you a little bit of Paris," he said, gently guiding Mandy's hand as they walked into the lively

streets.

 

The city buzzed with life—elegant street lamps cast

a golden glow over the cobblestone roads, and the air carried a mixture of

fresh pastries, perfume, and the faint melody of a violin played by a street

performer nearby.

 

They stopped at a bustling market, where vendors

displayed an array of beautiful treasures—exquisite jewelry, vibrant flowers,

delicate scarves, and handcrafted trinkets. Mandy's eyes sparkled as she took

in the scene.

 

Nathan picked up a small package wrapped in delicate

paper and handed it to her. "For you, milady," he said with a playful smirk.

 

Mandy unwrapped it, revealing one of Paris' finest

sweets. She took a bite, and her eyes widened with delight.

 

"Oh my God," she mumbled

through the soft, sugary treat. "This is incredible!"

 

Nathan chuckled, watching her reaction with

amusement. "Told you. Only the best for you."

 

Mandy swallowed, feeling warmth spread through her

chest—not just from the sweet, but from the man standing beside her. Paris was

everything she had ever dreamed of, but standing here with Nathan made it feel

even more surreal.

 

THE PARISIAN TEMPTATION

 

Evening descended upon Paris, draping the city in

golden hues as Mandy and Nathan arrived back at the hotel. The anticipation of

the night ahead lingered between them like an unspoken promise.

 

As they stepped into the elevator, Nathan's hand

found hers, his fingers wrapping around hers with deliberate ease. His touch

was warm, commanding yet gentle. Mandy stiffened, her pulse quickening.

 

"I hope you're prepared for tonight," he murmured, his deep voice threading through her thoughts as his

gaze lingered on her.

 

Mandy cleared her throat, attempting to mask the

effect he had on her. "Yeah, I am,"

she answered, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.

 

The tension between them thickened, an invisible

force pulling her toward him. Just when she thought she might drown in it, the

elevator doors slid open.

 

Mandy exhaled, stepping out quickly. She made her

way toward her room, eager to put some distance between them.

 

"Meet you downstairs," Nathan

called after her, his voice smooth yet unreadable.

 

She nodded without turning back, stepping into her

suite and shutting the door behind her. Leaning against it, she inhaled

sharply. How was she supposed to survive this night?

 

Her eyes landed on the gown neatly laid out on the

bed. The orange-and-white shimmer glowed under the soft light, its delicate

fabric whispering luxury and elegance. She ran her fingers over it, still

unable to believe any of this was real.

 

Get a grip, Mandy. It's just a business event.

 

She shook off her nerves and headed to the bathroom.

A warm shower did little to cool her heated thoughts, but once she emerged, she

focused on getting ready. She applied a touch of makeup—just enough to

highlight her features—then stepped into the gown. It hugged her body

perfectly, accentuating her curves while maintaining an air of sophistication.

A pair of delicate heels completed the look.

 

Mandy took one last look in the mirror. She barely

recognized the woman staring back at her.

 

A knock at the door made her jump slightly.

 

She inhaled deeply before opening it.

 

Nathan stood there, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo,

his presence utterly commanding. The sight of him nearly knocked the breath

from her lungs.

 

His eyes roamed over her, darkening slightly as they

returned to meet hers.

 

"Mandy…" His voice was low,

almost reverent. "You look…" He

trailed off, his expression unreadable. "Exquisite."

 

Mandy swallowed, fighting to keep her composure. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself, Mr. Hydes."

 

Nathan smirked, extending his arm. "Shall we?"

 

She hesitated for only a second before slipping her

hand into his.

 

The moment their fingers intertwined, Mandy

knew—this night would be anything but ordinary.

 

THE ROLLS-ROYCE ARRIVAL

 

A short while later, as Mandy descended the grand

staircase, her breath hitched at the sight awaiting her. A sleek, black Rolls-Royce Phantom had pulled up at the hotel

entrance, its polished surface gleaming under the Parisian streetlights. A

distinguished-looking chauffeur, dressed impeccably in a Parisian uniform,

stood by the driver's seat.

 

Mandy's eyes widened. How many

cars does Nathan even have? she thought, still in awe of

his extravagant lifestyle.

 

Before she could dwell on it further, Nathan's voice

pulled her back.

 

"Shall we?" he asked, extending a hand toward her.

 

She nodded, slipping her fingers into his. His touch

was warm, grounding yet electrifying. As soon as they settled inside, the car

glided smoothly through the illuminated streets of Paris.

 

Moments later, the Rolls-Royce came to a halt in front of a breathtaking, exquisite

mansion.

 

Mandy craned her neck, her gaze tracing the

intricate architectural details of the towering structure. It was unlike

anything she had ever seen. It was more than grand—it was

a world of its own.

 

Nathan, noticing her awe-struck expression, let out

a low chuckle before stepping out of the car. He rounded to her side, opening

the door for her.

 

"Welcome to De Léons Building," he announced with a knowing smile.

 

Mandy hesitated for a brief moment before placing

her hand in his once more. As they ascended the grand staircase leading to the

entrance, she took a deep breath.

 

This was it. The moment she had unknowingly been

preparing for.

 

Tonight, everything would change.

 

A NIGHT AMONG ARISTOCRATS

 

As they stepped inside De

Léons Building, Mandy's breath hitched at the sight

before her.

 

The grand hall was bathed in golden light, its

towering chandeliers illuminating the sea of elegantly

dressed aristocrats. Prominent figures in luxury Parisian couture moved gracefully through

the space, their conversations laced with power and influence. The air smelled

of fine wine and expensive cologne.

 

Mandy instinctively tightened her grip on Nathan's

arm.

 

He felt it.

 

Turning to her, his voice dropped to a reassuring

murmur. "You don't have to be nervous, Mandy. Just do what you do best… I'm

with you."

 

She nodded but couldn't shake the flutter of unease

in her chest.

 

Just then, a tall,

distinguished man in an expensive gray suit approached

them. His sharp features and commanding presence made it clear he was no

ordinary guest. Though his accent had a Parisian lilt, there was something

about him that hinted at a different origin.

 

"Well, well… look whom we have here." His voice

carried a confident ease. "Nathan Hydes."

 

Nathan's lips curled into a smirk.

 

"Leonard Philip."

 

Leonard studied Nathan for a moment before letting

out a knowing chuckle. "You look more like your father, you know. May his soul rest in peace."

 

Nathan's smirk softened slightly. "Yeah, well… I

guess blood never lies." He extended a hand. "Good to see you again, Leonard.

It's been years."

 

Leonard clasped his hand firmly but soon shifted his

gaze toward Mandy, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

 

"And this stunning young lady beside you…" He let

the words linger, his expression unreadable. "Sophia's

replacement, I presume?"

 

Mandy's stomach twisted.

 

Sophia's replacement.

 

The words clung to the air like a bitter aftertaste.

 

Nathan's expression hardened.

 

"No," he corrected, his tone firm. "This is Mandy Morgan. My executive assistant and… my

close friend."

 

Leonard's lips curved into an amused smirk. "Ah… not a replacement, then. But,"—he studied

Nathan—"she does seem to hold a special place, doesn't she?"

 

Nathan said nothing.

 

Instead, he turned to Mandy. "Mandy, meet Leonard Philip, one of the finest wine experts

in Paris."

 

Mandy quickly composed herself, offering a polite

smile. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Philip. You have a stunning estate—this place is absolutely breathtaking."

 

Leonard's gaze flickered with intrigue. "Hmm… Interesting." He chuckled. "Sharp mind. I like

that."

 

With a casual nod, he excused himself, disappearing

into the crowd.

 

As soon as he was out of earshot, Nathan turned to

Mandy, his eyes brimming with amusement.

 

"How did you—?"

 

"How did I figure out this was his house?" she

finished for him, suppressing a triumphant smile.

 

Nathan nodded.

 

Mandy tilted her head playfully. "Very simple. When you introduced the building as

De Léons, and then called him Leonard, I just… connected the dots." She

shrugged, a hint of pride flickering in her eyes.

 

Nathan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

 

"Mandy, you're quite something

else."

Leonard Philip stepped onto the grand stage, raising

his glass in a graceful yet commanding motion. The crystal gleamed under the golden chandeliers, the soft clinking

drawing the attention of every guest in the hall—including Nathan and Mandy.

 

A hush fell over the crowd as he began to speak.

 

"Good evening, everyone." His deep, confident voice echoed through the grand hall. "It is an honor to welcome you all to this momentous

occasion—the unveiling of my finest creation."

 

A murmur of interest rippled through the audience.

 

Leonard's lips curled into a smirk as he swirled the

dark liquid in his glass. "This particular wine is more than just another

bottle on the shelf. It is a masterpiece. A culmination of years of expertise, patience, and an unyielding pursuit of perfection."

 

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room.

 

"It was not an easy process," he continued, his

voice taking on a more personal tone. "There were moments of doubt, obstacles

that seemed insurmountable… but as with all things worth having, true craftsmanship takes time."

 

A proud gleam flickered in his eyes as he lifted his

glass higher.

 

"And tonight," he declared, "I finally present to

you my **most cherished creation—**a wine that embodies the very soul of Paris. L'Étreinte d'Amour…meaning, "The

Embrace of Love".

The crowd erupted into applause, glasses raised in

eager anticipation.

 

Mandy watched as Nathan observed Leonard closely,

his expression unreadable.

 

Something about Leonard's words felt… deeper than just wine.

 

But before she could dwell on it, the waiters moved

through the crowd, pouring glasses of the exclusive wine for the guests.

 

Nathan turned to her, offering a glass. His smirk

was subtle but knowing.

 

"Shall we?" he asked.

 

Mandy took the glass, her fingers grazing his for a

fleeting moment.

 

The night had only just begun.

After hours of discussions with clients and

investors, a gentle melody filled the room. It was a song that carried a

mixture of love and something deeper—something unspoken.

 

Nathan turned to Mandy with a slow, knowing smile,

his eyes holding an intensity she couldn't quite decipher.

 

"May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice rich

with meaning.

 

Mandy's eyes widened in shock. "But Nathan… people

are watching!" she whispered.

 

"Let them watch." His response was effortless,

confident.

 

She hesitated for a moment, but as soon as her

fingers brushed against his palm, a strange warmth spread through her. Without

another word, Nathan guided her toward the center of the ballroom. The moment

they stepped onto the dance floor, all eyes turned to them.

 

With each graceful movement, Nathan held her gaze,

his dark eyes burning into hers. It felt as if time had slowed, as if they were

the only two people in the room. His hands found her waist, steady yet

possessive, while hers rested lightly on his shoulder.

 

As they moved in sync with the music, Mandy spiraled

under his lead, only for Nathan to pull her closer, molding her against him.

The air between them grew thick with tension, the kind that made her pulse race

and her breath falter.

 

Then, in a low, husky voice, Nathan spoke, his lips

barely an inch from her ear.

 

"Mandy… I don't think I can keep this up any longer.

You're driving me insane."

 

Her breath hitched. A shiver ran down her spine as

she tried to steady herself.

 

"Nathan…" she started, but her voice was lost in the

moment.

 

His grip on her waist tightened slightly, his

fingers tracing slow, deliberate patterns against the fabric of her gown. "Tell

me, Mandy," he murmured. "Are you really going to keep pretending you don't

feel it too?"

 

Mandy swallowed hard. The warmth of his breath

against her skin sent waves of heat through her, leaving her torn between

resistance and surrender.

 

Their movements slowed, the music fading into the

background, until the only thing that mattered was the space—no, the lack of

space—between them.

 

Nathan lowered his forehead to hers, his voice rough

with emotion. "Tell me to stop," he challenged.

 

Mandy parted her lips, but no words came out.

 

Because deep down, she didn't want him to stop.

Before Mandy could utter a single word, Nathan's

lips claimed hers.

 

Soft. Warm. Unrelenting.

 

It wasn't rushed or desperate—it was slow,

deliberate, and filled with something far more intense than she had ever known.

Unlike Jayson's, this kiss wasn't about control or possession. It held depth,

sensation, and something dangerously close to devotion.

 

A collective gasp echoed through the ballroom,

followed by cheers and applause. The murmurs of the crowd buzzed around them,

some whispering in awe, others hurriedly capturing the moment on their

phones—videos, pictures, posts that would soon spread like wildfire.

 

But Mandy couldn't focus on any of that.

 

Because when Nathan finally pulled away, his eyes

bore into hers with an emotion she couldn't name. Something raw. Something

undeniable.

 

Her breath came in short, uneven gasps. The world

around her blurred, but Nathan remained clear—so clear it terrified her.

 

Little did she know, this night would change the

course of her life forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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