Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Nathan stood up when she went outside, he wasn't smiling, he looked a little bored. She was walking towards him, while Anna was walking behind her. She knew Anna was observing her actions. "Let's go?" She sounded nice and sweetly while smiling at him. Nathan frowned, she was wondering why Nathan always frowned, maybe it's just one of his mannerisms, but it didn't make him less gorgeous.

"Ahhmm, Miss Yana, the contractor from the firm came here, he was asking when they will start the construction of our new branch?" Ana seems to wait her decision, but she couldn't decide yet, because she is lack of funds. She has savings in the bank, but it wasn't enough. She was silent for a while, weighing the current situation. If she will make a loan in the bank, it may take a one one week process.

"I will just call you about it Ann," she told her. "I need to go to the bank first to get some loan for the construction. I have some money but it might not be enough."

She tried to smile, as if saying to her friend that it's okay, and she will make a way out. For her, it's just a simple problem. As she gets older, she learned not to ask for any help from other people. She believes that she can always find a way.

Her father taught her to be independent at an early age. She believes that everything needs determination and perseverance, before you are able to acquire it. She used to carry a grudge with her own, she never bothered anyone about her problems before. Though, she never felt any failings in life, since her dad provides everything for her.

"Does it mean that when they call again, I will tell them to just wait?" It was Anna, her voice saddened. Their staff were also excited that they will soon open another branch. It also means that they can offer more jobs for others. "Yes, tell them that I will just call them, if we are ready because dad is still missing and I can't decide yet."

"Okay, but they told me that there are other projects that are lined up, maybe they will start with it first." It was Anna, she knew they didn't want to postpone the construction of the new restaurant. "If that's the case we will find another construction firm," she answered.

"No, Anna, tell them to start as soon as possible, I'll take care of everything," Nathan intervened. She faced him and tilted her head. She can't accept any help from him, it will only mean another credit from him and she and her father would be forever indebted to him.

"Don't bother with it, I am still waiting for dad." She answered while trying to avoid his gaze. Nathan's eyes were asking questions, she knew that her excuses were lame.

"Why do you need to wait for John? Isn't it better that when he comes home, the restaurant is halfway finished? Or maybe, it will open soon. I guess he will be surprised by that time."

Nathan put his hands inside his pocket, his eyes were trying to convince her to agree with his suggestion.

"I can't take it, I can't pay you," she told him. "Look, babe, you need help and I am offering a hand, why can't you accept it?" Nathan's tone was hard and yet he was sounded as if he was hurt for not accepting his offer.

"Because it means that I will be indebted to you again, and I can't find a way out. I felt like I am forever stuck with you." She was gritting her teeth, but her voice was low and controlled.

"Was it a curse of being stuck with me?" It was Nathan, he was frowning with a glint in his eyes. She fought back his gaze, she tried to think of any possible excuse not to accept his offer.

Anna was just watching the two who was fighting. She was really amused with what she witnessed. She was happy that her employer and friend at the same time found somebody whom she can lean on.

She witnessed her friendship with Hank, but Hank didn't make her friend's blood boil like what Nathan Wolfe is doing with her. Hank always nodded to Rhianna's request, and he never say no to her. Somehow, she silently wished that Nathan wouldn't change his mind for offering marriage to Rhianna.

She would be really grateful if Rhianna would build a family of her own, which she knew that she longed for. She loves fairy tales, and Rhianna was waiting for her prince for a long time. She was even a believer of a happily ever after, just like her parent's love story. She was silently watching them while smiling.

"I will just borrow it from Hank, I'm sure he will lend me easily-" but Nathan cut her off.

"Don't you dare, babe, or I'll break that young man's neck." Nathan's face became red, anger was visible in his eyes. "Why do you need to ask for other people's help? I am willing to help you, but you keep on refusing my offer." Nathan took a heavy sigh, he was controlling his anger.

"He's not just some other people, he is my best friend for Pete's sake!" She was trying to lower her voice. She felt embarrassed when she realized where they are. Some of their customers were looking at them. She took Nathan's hand and guided him to the kitchen. She pushed the door, the kitchen staff were busy inside.

"Look, I don't want to accept any help from you, because people might think that I was just using you." She was biting her tongue after saying those words.

"Said who? Nobody will know about it. Besides, I don't give a d*mn about people will say! This is my money!" Nathan's voice was cold, yet it sounds dangerous. He looked like he could break any men's neck once opposing him.

She took a deep breath, she closed her eyes for a while, by Nathan's look it is impossible for him to change his mind. He will definitely keep on insisting what he wants, it's his character.

She faced him, raised her both arms. "Fine, I'll accept your financial help this time, but I promise that I will pay you." She saw that Nathan's face enlightened, but he remained silent. "You can start paying me tonight if you like, just satisfy me all night long." He was grinning naughtily at her, she blushed for what he said. She felt like her face was burning, Nathan noticed it for sure because he's now laughing soundly.

"Before I forget, I would like to make some rules about our setup once we get married." She told him boldly, lifting up her chin.

"Seriously babe? Is it really you who needed to make some rules about our setup?" Nathan was chuckling, his face was full of amusement.

"Alright, I agree, make your rules and I'll make mine. What do you think?" Nathan was raising his left eyebrow, his face was so serious, she couldn't tell if he was just kidding.