His name was Nathaniel

73

A few weeks had passed since Nathaniel's confrontation with his father. Despite the tension, Nathaniel did what he always did—pushed forward. He focused on his work, on Adaliya, on living his life without letting Edward's disapproval linger in his mind.

His father hadn't brought up Adaliya again, but Nathaniel knew that didn't mean the issue was forgotten. Edward was calculating. If he saw Nathaniel's relationship as a real threat to the Donovan name, he would strike when it was most effective.

Nathaniel, however, refused to let that possibility ruin what he had with Adaliya.

In the time that followed, their relationship grew stronger. They spent as much time together as their schedules allowed. Whether it was stolen afternoons in the city or late-night phone calls, there was an undeniable shift between them.

But with time also came the inevitable—the public finally began to take notice.

At first, it was small things. A few photographers snapping pictures when they were out together. People whispering when they recognized Nathaniel in a restaurant. But as the weeks passed, the attention intensified.

And Adaliya started to feel it.

Nathaniel had invited her to a high-profile charity event—nothing too extravagant, just a casual gala filled with well-dressed people and endless chatter about wealth and influence. She had hesitated at first, knowing what it meant to step into his world, but Nathaniel had reassured her.

"It's just one night," he had said. "We'll go together. You don't have to impress anyone."

She wanted to believe that. But as she stepped out of the car, her hand in Nathaniel's, she realized just how different things were when the world was watching.

The moment they entered the venue, all eyes were on them. Whispers filled the air, cameras flashed, and Adaliya felt her stomach tighten. She had never been in a situation like this before. She wasn't used to the weight of so many strangers' gazes analyzing her, judging her.

Nathaniel, as usual, was unfazed. He led her through the crowd with effortless charm, his presence commanding without him even trying. He spoke to people with practiced ease, shaking hands, exchanging small talk.

Adaliya, on the other hand, felt out of place.

She tried to keep up, smiling when necessary, answering politely when spoken to, but the further they moved through the room, the more she felt the growing discomfort inside her.

And then, it got worse.

While Nathaniel was caught up in conversation with a business associate, Adaliya stepped away for a moment, trying to catch her breath. She reached for her phone, hoping for a distraction, but what she found only made things worse.

A headline flashed across her screen.

"Who is Nathaniel Donovan's new girlfriend? Social media divided over the mystery woman."

Adaliya's heart sank. With shaking hands, she scrolled further, finding article after article dissecting her.

"A nobody from nowhere. How long will this last?"

"Some say she's a breath of fresh air; others believe she's completely out of her depth."

"She doesn't exactly fit the Donovan image, does she?"

The words blurred in front of her eyes, a mixture of cruel and indifferent opinions from people who didn't even know her.

She swallowed, feeling suddenly suffocated.