His name was Nathaniel

85

Nathaniel inhaled deeply, adjusting his grip on the golf club as he prepared for his next swing. The crisp morning air carried the scent of freshly cut grass, and the only sounds around him were the rustling of trees and the occasional murmur of conversation from nearby golfers.

His grandfather stood a few feet away, watching him with an approving gleam in his eyes.

"I have to say, Nathaniel," he mused, leaning casually on his own club, "I never thought I'd see the day when you would make such an impact outside of business negotiations."

Nathaniel smirked, lining up his shot. "That supposed to be a compliment?"

His grandfather chuckled. "It is. Your little love story seems to have done wonders for Donovan Enterprises."

Nathaniel swung, the ball soaring through the air before landing cleanly on the fairway. He turned to his grandfather with a raised brow. "How so?"

The older man stepped forward, setting up his own shot. "Public interest has never been higher. Investors, clients—hell, even our competitors—are watching closely. Your relationship has humanized the company's image. People like seeing the man behind the empire, and they especially like seeing a woman who doesn't just fold under pressure."

Nathaniel's expression softened slightly. "She's incredible."

His grandfather smirked. "She certainly is. And smart, too. That video of hers? Brilliant move. She didn't just defend herself—she made people invested in her story. In your story." He swung his club, sending the ball smoothly across the course.

Nathaniel crossed his arms. "So, what are you saying?"

His grandfather turned to him, eyes twinkling. "It's time to make it official."

Nathaniel frowned. "We already are."

"Not to the public," his grandfather countered. "Right now, it's all speculation, gossip, and social media chatter. You need to own the narrative. Make your first official public appearance as a couple—together. No hiding, no secrecy."

Nathaniel hesitated. It wasn't that he didn't want to, but he knew how overwhelming it could be for Adaliya. "I don't want to throw her into something she isn't ready for."

His grandfather waved a hand dismissively. "Boy, she's already in it. And judging by how well she handled herself, I'd say she's more ready than you think." He smirked. "Besides, I've already got the perfect event lined up."

Nathaniel gave him a wary look. "Of course you do."

"A charity gala. High profile, elegant, and very public." He tapped his golf club against the ground. "You bring her, you make a statement, and you set the tone for how the world sees your relationship. Right now, people are curious, excited even. If you wait too long, you risk letting the media control the story instead."

Nathaniel exhaled, thinking it over. His grandfather had a point.

And maybe... it was time.

⸻

When Nathaniel informed Adaliya about the event, she had hesitated at first. But after some convincing—and a promise that he wouldn't leave her side—she agreed.

Now, standing at the entrance of the grand ballroom, she felt the weight of dozens of eyes on her.

Nathaniel, ever composed, placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her inside with effortless confidence. He was used to this—the flashing cameras, the murmurs, the whispered judgments.

Adaliya, however, was not.

But to her surprise, the murmurs weren't filled with as much skepticism as she expected.

"That's her?"

"She's stunning."

"Honestly? I respect her for standing her ground."

"They actually look good together."

It was a far cry from the cruel comments she had once seen online.

As they made their way deeper into the venue, Nathaniel leaned down to whisper, "You're doing great."

She exhaled softly, gripping his arm a little tighter. "I feel like everyone is watching."

"They are." He smirked. "But they're impressed."

She gave him a skeptical look. "How do you know?"

"Because if they weren't, they wouldn't be trying to get our attention right now."

Sure enough, within minutes, they were approached by investors, CEOs, and socialites—all eager to speak to both of them.

For the first time, Adaliya wasn't just Nathaniel Donovan's girlfriend.

She was a presence.

A part of his world.

And despite her initial nerves, she was handling it.

Later in the evening, as the event continued, Nathaniel pulled her aside to a quieter corner of the ballroom.

"You're incredible, you know that?" he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Adaliya smiled, leaning into his touch. "I'm surviving."

Nathaniel chuckled. "You're thriving."

She met his gaze, her expression softer. "Maybe I am."

For the first time since their relationship became public, she felt something unexpected.

Not fear.

Not doubt.

But acceptance.

And maybe she was ready for this after all.

⸻