Heart Of Ice

pte

anced with the gentle notes of a grand piano in the background. I sat at a corner table, a glass of red wine cradled in my hand, my fingers tracing its delicate stem. I was waiting

lped me arrange my blonde hair into delicate curls that framed my face. I had managed to put on a

sit in the hospital and t

ubdued lighting cast a flattering glow on the faces of the well-dressed clientele. My gaze wandered over the menu, but my min

contemplated the best way to break up with Michael,

lic lives and appearances, thanks to me. He had made our engagement

arrival of Nicholas Moretti. I knew about him-Nicholas's father had been my father's bu

reholder in my father's company. My father always talked

. I was a bit intimidated by him growing up-he was young, dashing, and handsome, and I was a timid t

most five years. He was always

mild fear and anticipation. And then, with a magnetic pul

His tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders and chiseled features, and the play of shadows highlighted the strong

A hushed murmur rippled through the restaurant as heads turned to catch a glimpse of the man who had just made s

but I kept my head high. I wouldn't allow myself to be int

ety rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

have to lie to me like that. But I was there for a purpose, and as

. My father has always held you in high reg

med to come effortlessly to him. "Your fa

I'm afraid ever since I started my own bu

as I took a tiny

ndly of you. He was the on

icholas replied,

we've been talking. He told me a lot o

shareholder in his company. He must trust you a l

lot, even though I've stayed in the background. He wanted it that way. He wanted some

arely called me by my full name, yet here h

as more to what he was telling me. "He a

ur father told me to look out for you. I can't give you all the details now,

nd racing. "Push

me to be here for you. He's very worried about the future of the co

my father's intentions, especially since he was

father had proposed that I marry Nicholas. I had ou

d to set us up, why

ys looked out for you, Maya. He believed in our

me. And that I would nev

ly is my father's plan? He didn't tell me much, and you're not speakin

oss the table to take my hand. I pulled away

e always to protect you and the com

for the job, especially with

him what he thought of Michael, but I de

yes. "I don't have a fiancé anymor

rn flickering in his eyes. "Is ev

to talk much, but you're different from what I expected. And e

her's illness? Are you

fe has its way of sha

. And one of my father's dying wishes is that I talk t

father did tell me to look after

"This plot to push me out of the c

g about business; you don't know how to make decisions for the company. T

ght. I kn

o know or learn how to run the family business. He had probably thought the husband I would marry would

ep breath.

n front of me, he could help me. My fa

the only one

d me to contact you, righ

way for you

d he relaxed in his

's a limit to wha

y is there

, and it felt like Nicho

finall

t just in business but in life. It's clear your father

ha

urte

marry me,