Nathalie Sterling – POV
"Emma! Emma!" I shouted through the house.
From the hallway, she answered, "Yes, Miss Nathalie?"
I smiled as she appeared in front of me. "Emma, my guests will arrive soon. Is everything ready?"
She nodded confidently. "Yes, everything is ready."
"Perfect," I replied. "Everything needs to be perfect."
Then I paused. "Is my sister home?"
"No, Miss Nathalie. But she'll be here soon."
I nodded just as the doorbell rang.
It must be him.
Alaric Veynor.
My lovely, handsome ex.
To be honest, the only reason I agreed to this cheap publicity deal was because of him. I don't even remember the exact name of that small company… Foody? Foodie? Whatever. I just know it recently became part of Tasty Company.
And the truth?
I only care about seeing Alaric again.
I turned to Emma. "Please open the door."
She walked to the entrance and opened it slowly. "Welcome to Nathalie Sterling's house. She is waiting for you in the—"
I rushed forward before she could finish.
And then I saw him.
Alaric.
His blue eyes locked with mine instantly, deep and intense. My heart felt wavy, unstable. Even after all these years… I still have feelings for him.
But I forced myself to stay composed and looked at the people standing beside him.
Two other handsome men.
A cute brunette.
And a gorgeous ginger woman who looked at me in a strange way.
That must be the CEO of Foody.
I smiled politely. "Hi, I'm Nathalie."
The brunette stepped forward warmly. "Hi! I'm Bethany, but you can call me Betha." She pointed to the ginger woman. "This is Coccette, the CEO of Foody. And those are Alex and Ray… and I guess you already know Alaric."
Alaric smiled softly. "Hey, Nath. Long time no see."
I smiled back. "Yes… it has been a long time, Alaric. Please, come in."
---
We all sat in my living room — a rich, elegant space with ivory walls, gold details, a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a massive framed portrait of me above the marble fireplace. Everything screamed luxury.
Emma brought drinks and snacks for the guests.
Alaric took a cup of coffee. "So, Nath, you're really okay with doing publicity for Coccette's company?"
He looked at Coccette with puppy eyes.
Why is he looking at her like that?
I ignored the strange feeling in my chest. "Yes, I agreed. But what kind of publicity will it be?"
"I mean," I continued, "I know it's pizza-related, but what's your idea?"
Alaric answered, "On the beach."
I laughed loudly. "Alaric, you just want to see me in a bikini again, don't you?"
I turned slightly and noticed Coccette's face turning pale.
Jealous?
Betha quickly intervened. "Wow, Alaric. The beach? No, we want something simple yet elegant."
Alex added, "Yes, maybe in my restaurant. A couple eating pizza. Simple and pretty."
Coccette suddenly asked, "But who will play her boyfriend?"
Without hesitation, I said, "Well… Alaric."
Alaric smiled.
Coccette's face turned even paler.
Betha cleared her throat. "Unfortunately, it can't be Alaric or Ray… for some reasons."
She looked at Alex.
Alex pointed at himself. "Me?"
Betha nodded. "No other choice."
I raised an eyebrow. "So I'll play his girlfriend in his own restaurant while he makes pizza?"
"Exactly," Betha confirmed.
I was about to respond when a familiar voice echoed from the entrance.
"Sis, I'm back!"
A blonde woman with soft brown eyes walked in.
Emily Irkinz.
My sister.
Well… half-sister. Same mother, different fathers. No one knows I even have a sibling.
I glanced at my guests — and two of them looked especially shocked.
Betha.
And Coccette.
Coccette suddenly stood up. "Emily?!"
Emily looked at them, equally stunned — then she slowly smiled.
"Well… I guess it's destiny, girls."
She smiled widely.
I blinked.
Wait.
Emily knows them?
Author Note :
Hey! A vote or a comment would really motivate me to continue. Thank you so much for reading 💖