WARMING THE BILLIONAIRE COLD HEART

Nicholas fell silent as he gazed at a series of photos of Kimberly on his phone. These were the pictures he had taken secretly during their recent trip to London. He had captured quite a few moments, from her smiling to pouting and even laughing freely. The woman looked beautiful in every pose she struck.

Delving into each image stored on his phone, Nicholas unconsciously smiled. He had to admit that she had brought significant changes to his life, injecting color and freshness when his heart was barren due to the deep wounds Claire had inflicted before.

Nicholas closed his eyes for quite a while, trying to recall the memory of when they first met. Well, it all started with that accidental encounter when Kimberly inadvertently bumped into him, causing both of them to tumble to the floor. Then, his memory shifted to the first time Kimberly had hugged him. She had been frightened when trapped in the archive building during a power outage.

Perhaps out of all those memories, what stood out the most was the memory of stealing Kimberly’s first kiss. Ah, it seemed that there were more than just that, considering the many sweet memories Nicholas had shared with the brown-haired woman.

“You are the most special to me, even though you’re not my type. But I can’t deny that you’ve stolen my heart, Kimmy.”

As Nicholas was lost in thought, the door to his office was knocked several times. What he remembered when his awareness returned was Kimberly. Could it be her knocking on the door? To make sure who was outside, he quickly responded and instructed them to come in.

However, his hopes were dashed. It was actually Keyra who had been knocking on his office door all this time. She entered gracefully, carrying some folders to be handed over.

“Here are some financial reports that Mr. Nicholas requested. You can check and sign them right away,” Keyra handed over the folders she had brought to Nicholas.

“Oh, and there’s also a resignation letter that Kimberly asked me to pass on to you,” she added.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Nicholas’s forehead furrowed. He had to come to terms with the fact that Kimberly had indeed left him. So, what should he do now?

Seeing his boss sitting in silence, not accepting the folders she had given him, Keyra spoke up softly, “Sir…”

Nicholas was taken aback, then reached for what Keyra had handed him. “Thank you, I’ll check it later.”

Without saying much, Keyra chose to quickly leave. However, as she was about to turn around, Nicholas called out to her.

“Key…”

Keyra turned back and responded, “Yes, Mr. Do you need something?”

Nicholas remained silent for a moment, then sighed before answering, “Do you know where Kimberly lives now?”

Keyra smiled knowingly. “I used to know her address when she lived in the dormitory. But since she moved somewhere else, I haven’t been to her new place.”

In truth, Keyra had known all along that since Kimberly left her dorm, she had been living with Nicholas. After her departure yesterday, Kimberly hadn’t mentioned where she was going. It was possible she had returned to her large family home. But Keyra chose to keep quiet. She believed her friend needed privacy now.

After hearing Keyra’s response, Nicholas took a deep breath. It seemed he would have to find out Kimberly’s whereabouts on his own.

“Thank you then.”

Not long after Keyra left, the person Nicholas least wanted to encounter approached him. Without being invited, the man sat down right in front of Nicholas.

“Where’s Kimberly? I don’t see her at her desk. Is my suspicion correct?” Edward asked with an investigative gaze.

“Kimberly resigned,” Nicholas replied disinterestedly.

The next moment, laughter rang out loudly from Edward’s mouth. He even wore a mocking expression towards Nicholas.

“I guess you must be regretting it now,” laughter still lingered on Edward’s lips.

Nicholas sighed in exasperation. “Ed, I’m not in the mood for your antics. My mind is a mess right now.”

“Oh, come on, Nicholas Junior Alistair. What’s so hard about admitting it? That’s why, if a seasoned professional like me offers advice, please listen.”

“Overbearing as always!” Nicholas grumbled. “I beg you, Ed. It would be best if you left my presence,” Nicholas requested, then.

Edward continued to smile.

“I’m sorry, I can’t comply with your request, Young Master. I came here to pick you up for a meeting outside the office.”

Nicholas grumbled in frustration and then chose to stand up. Moments later, without a word, he left the room, leaving Edward sitting there in silence.

***

Mario and Kimberly were currently in a car on their way from home to the hospital. After Kimberly’s condition improved yesterday, she decided to return to her home. A home she had abandoned for years since her turbulent relationship with Arthur a few years ago.

This afternoon, the doctor had scheduled Arthur’s return. That’s why Kimberly and Mario rushed to pick him up. Along the way to the hospital, they discussed many things. There was no longer any awkwardness, anger, or hostility between them. They talked like old friends who had just reunited.

“So, up to this moment, Nicholas still doesn’t know who you really are?” Mario asked while driving.

Kimberly shook her head.

“Not at all. But even if he eventually learns about my family background, it doesn’t matter now,” Kimberly replied casually.

“And he doesn’t know about your current health condition either?”

Kimberly shook her head again.

“Not just him, almost everyone doesn’t know about my condition now.”

Mario nodded in understanding.

“I thought you loved him so much, Kimmy. I heard you even got engaged in England, right?” Mario bombarded her with questions once again.

This time, Kimberly took a deep breath. Hearing Nicholas’s name somehow made her heart ache. What he did in his office yesterday had left a painful throb in Kimberly’s heart.

“We better not talk about Nicholas,” Kimberly’s gaze turned melancholy, a change that Mario noticed. He reached for Kimberly’s fingers with his free left hand and gently squeezed them.

“I’m sorry, Kimmy. I promise I won’t bring up that guy again.”

They then chose to remain silent until they reached the hospital.

In his room, Arthur looked healthier. The elderly man sat on the sofa, reading a magazine that had been provided for him. Soon, Kimberly and Mario entered and greeted him.

“Grandpa…” Kimberly greeted, then rushed into Arthur’s embrace. The middle-aged man stood up and welcomed his granddaughter’s hug, a granddaughter he had missed so much.

“I’m sorry, Kimmy, Grandpa.” Kimberly then let go of the hug.

“Never mind. What’s important now is that you’re back and promise not to leave Grandpa again.”

Kimberly nodded.

“Kimmy promises not to leave Grandpa again,” she said earnestly. Her adventures outside had been enough for her. Besides, there was no other place for her to take shelter.

Mario, who had been observing, smiled. It had been a long time since he had seen a scene like this. He was genuinely happy and hoped this happiness wouldn’t fade away too quickly.

However, at the same time, Mario remembered Kimberly’s illness. He was unsure how to tell Arthur, considering the old man’s health was not yet stable. But on the other hand, Kimberly needed immediate treatment and care for her illness to be addressed promptly.

Mario took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He pondered when the right time would be to inform Arthur about Kimberly’s condition. Certainly not now.