M’s smile curved softly. “There’s nothing urgent. I simply wished to share more moments with you


    while I’m still here in Phoenicia, and while you’re still nearby.”


    Nathan’s question was sincere. “To develop feelings with me?”


    A soft smile danced on M’s lips as she nodded in affirmation.


    “And even after you’ve developed feelings for me, you still intend to leave?” Nathan probed.


    M responded with simplicity, “Yes.”


    Nathan’s gaze clouded as he passed by M, muttering to himself, “You’re creating problems. for


    yourself.”


    Following him into the living room, M pressed further, “Why would you say


    that?”


    As Nathan settled into a seat, he picked up an orange from the coffee table and began to peel it. “If you


    must leave, why bother seeking trouble when there are none?”


    M hesitated to delve deeper into the topic. Leaning closer to him, she asked softly, “Nate, what was


    Fenna here to discuss with you just now?”


    Nathan handed her the peeled orange.


    M blinked in surprise, a smile gradually spreading across her face as she looked at the orange in her


    hand.


    Nathan exined calmly, “To send some documents and discuss work.”


    “What kind of work?” M asked curiously while munching on the fruit and savoring its sweetness and


    unique aroma.


    Nathan frowned at her, remaining silent.


    “Is it confidential?” M probed, sensing his hesitation.


    Nathan’s demeanor turned serious. “Anything about my work should remain confidential from you.”


    M paused, her expression darkening. It felt like a setback, leaving her feeling somewhat helpless.


    She nibbled on the orange slowly, its vorcking, and her heart weighed down.


    Fenna’s words reverberated in her mind. Fenna could be Nathan’s lifelong friend, colleague, or even


    soulmate.


    Meanwhile, M’s uncertain status made even a simple inquiry about Nathan’s work feel like she was


    prying into ssified information.


    As Nathan observed M’s sudden downturned expression, his gaze intensified and his heart sank.


    Together, in silence, they found sce, as if time itself paused in perfect harmony.


    M snapped out of her despondent reverie, only to find Nathan staring at her lips.


    BONUS


    She reached up to touch the corner of her mouth, finding nothing there, then nced down at the


    orange in her hand.


    Realizing his intent, she offered the orange to Nathan. “Would you like some, Nate?”


    Nathan shook his head, his voice soft and gentle. “No, thank you.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    “It’s very sweet, give it a try.”


    You have it,” Nathan declined again, shifting his gaze away as he reached for his phone in his pocket.


    Before he could unlock the screen, M surprised him by kneeling on the sofa, gently cradling his face


    in her hands, and leaning in to kiss him.


    Nathan froze at her sudden boldness.


    With a thud, his phone slipped from his grasp and hit the floor.


    Though inexperienced, M’s kiss was daring, parting his lips and filling his mouth with the lingering


    sweetness of the orange. Soft yet tantalizing, it stirred his senses.


    Nathan tried to push her away, but his body lost to his desire. His hands hovered over her


    shoulders, torn between pushing her away and pulling her closer.


    Closing his eyes, Nathan’s hand moved from M’s shoulder to tenderly cradle the back of her head,


    deepening the kiss, their tongues intertwining.


    It felt like an eternity since theirst kiss, the longing nearly consumed him.


    M had intended to offer him a taste of the orange, but she hadn’t anticipated his passionate


    response, drawing her into an even deeper embrace.


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