Chapter 17
The young, unpolished face before her was a perfect match for a man at the pinnacle of power. Decisive and fierce as a demon, his features were strikingly handsome, as if sculpted by a master’s hand.
There he was, sprawled at the edge of the bridge, drenched in blood. His eyes were strikingly beautiful yet rebelliously defiant, like a lone wolf abandoned, searching desperately for a glimmer of hope.
Nellie’s eyes misted over as she crouched down beside him. “Will you come with me?” she asked, her voice gentle.
He glanced at her, his clothes in tatters, dirt clinging to every inch, but nothing could hide the innate grace and nobility he carried.
He turned his head with a hint of pride. “What’s your name?”
Nellie hesitated for a split second. “Nathalie,” she replied, keeping her real name close to her chest.
His eyes flickered with shadows. Unexpectedly, the man grabbed her hand, a spark of excitement in his voice that seemed beyond his years. I like it.
Tm Nathan. I like how part of my name is in yours too,” he declared, introducing himself.
Nellie chuckled. “What a coincidence.”
“That means we’re meant to be,” Nathan remarked with a sly grin.
could be your big sister. How’s that?” Nellie’s warm smile made Nathan hesitate.
“Big sister?” He scrutinized her, skepticism in his eyes. “You’re so small and skinny. You look younger than me.”
“How old are you?” Nellie inquired.
I’ll be 23 this year.”
Nellie couldn’t help but laugh at his cheeky fib. “Do you want to come home with me?” she asked.
Nathan gave a nod.
Nellie hoisted Nathan onto her back. Despite being underfed, he was quite tall and not exactly light. For frail Nellie, carrying him was like lugging a mountain, and it wasn’t long before she was huffing and puffing.
“You should put me down,” he suggested.
But Nellie was stubborn. “No, I’m not leaving you behind.”
Nathan was taken aback. “You’ve saved me. I’ll make sure to be good to you for the rest of my life.”
Nellie paused. He would be admired by thousands one day, and trusting him with her feelings felt uncertain.
“I helped you out of kindness, not to get anything back. Just take good care of yourself, and that’ll be enough for me,” Nellie assured him.
With considerable effort, Nellie carried Nathan to her small rented place, laying him gently on the bed. She dashed out to get bandages, iodine, and other essentials, gradually transforming the empty space into a cozy home. The change brought a smile to her face.
She returned to Nathan and tended to his wounds with care. As she removed his shirt, the sight of his injuries was so shocking it nearly brought her to tears. “You’re just a kid. How could anyone harm you so badly?”
Nathan was undeterred by his situation. He replied defiantly, “They wanted me dead. Too bad for them, I survived. They’ll regret not finishing me off when they had the chance.”
He was stunningly good–looking, carrying the aura of a natural–born leader. Those dark, brooding eyes added a chilling edge to his appearance, enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine.
Nellie mused silently. He might look innocent, but there was an undeniable darkness within him. After reaching out to save him, she couldn’t tell if she was inviting trouble or fortune.
“Surviving something like this means you’re destined for something greater,” Nellie said with a hopeful smile.
