For a Moment

"Hello..."

"How is Auntie? Did our plan work?"

Cassandra smiled faintly. "I can't tell if this is a success or a failure. But I've forced them to come to London next week."

There was laughter from the other side. "I can imagine how dizzy Nicholas is right now."

Cassandra smiled. "Auntie doesn't care if she gets dizzy or whatever. All Auntie is thinking about is turning the game they designed into a jackpot. Auntie will make them both like each other."

"I will always support Auntie. If you need anything, Auntie doesn't hesitate to ask for my help." offered the man.

Cassandra cleared her throat softly. "But have you investigated Kimberly's background? Auntie doesn't have a problem with her social status. I just wanted to make sure she comes from a good family."

"Auntie, take it easy. I've been investigating for a long time who she is, her background, from which family to the smallest thing. To convince Auntie, I will send the report file via e-mail. Auntie can read it," said the man long wide.

Cassandra smiled as she turned on the laptop, not far from her standing position. "Okay, send it right away. Auntie will check it out right now," Cassandra ordered.

"With pleasure, Auntie."

Before actually ending the call, Cassandra spoke again. "Jacob, thank you very much for your help. Hopefully, what we are planning will work out."

"I hope so too. Whatever it is, I'll always help Auntie."

After ending the call, Cassandra quickly checked the file Jacob had sent her. He carefully read one by one the information written there. A smile rose on Cassandra's lips.

"So, Kimberly is Arthur Sanjaya's grandson."

***

Kimberly gently massaged her temples, which felt dizzy from thinking about what Nicholas' parents had said last night. How could he go to London next week and get engaged? It was clear they were playing. She things are getting worse now.

"Kimmy, what are you thinking about?" Keyra, who had been watching Kimberly's behaviour, finally courageously asked.

Kimberly took a deep breath before answering Keyra's question.

"Nicholas and I look like we're getting engaged next week."

"What?!" shouted Keyra and Alex at the same time.

Kimberly nodded slowly. "You know, it's even better because Nicholas' parents asked us to get married right away."

Keyra looked at Kimberly in disbelief. "Gosh, I thought you two were just having a farewell dinner."

Kimberly shook her head. "That night, Nicholas and I had dinner with his parents. At first, things went smoothly until Aunt Cassandra forced us both to get engaged."

"Wait a minute, so what's the problem? Don't you want to be Alistair's mistress?" asked Alex to make sure.

Kimberly sighed softly. "Yes, that's my goal. But the problem is, I'm afraid that Nicholas' family will ask for my family information. What should I answer?" Kimberly looks furious. She don't know how many times she took a deep breath to reduce the anxiety she was feeling.

"If you're lazy to tell who you are, why don't you use the excuse that you're an orphan? After all, that's true. Just tell them you live alone." Now it's Keyra's turn to give advice.

Kimberly was silent for a moment considering Keyra's suggestion. "Your suggestion makes sense. But can they believe it? I'm afraid they're investigating my background, Key."

"Even if Nicholas's parents investigate, you don't have to be afraid, Kimmy. You're not the son of a mobster or a criminal, are you?"

Kimberly nodded. "But still, I'm nervous. At first, it was all a charade. It's really got so complicated."

Seeing her, Kimberly's friend was confused. Instead of giving support, Alex sounded sneer. "Which one? Fiance to Mr Nicholas or Marco?"

Kimberly let out a shaky breath. "I'd rather choose Mr Edward."

***

At night in the Apartment unit, Kimberly ventured to meet Nicholas, who was busy in his room. He was determined to discuss further the issue of their engagement which will be held next week. Of course, this needs to be clarified. Engagement and marriage are not things to be played with.

So, mustering up all the courage, he knocked on Nicholas' study door.

"Can I come in?" Kimberly asked after knocking on the door.

Nicholas turned his gaze to Kimberly. "Come in, and I'm not that busy."

Then Kimberly entered and immediately sat down on one of the sofas in the room. For a moment, he was hypnotized by the minimalist design of the workspace that Nicholas was occupying.

The combination of silver and brown colours makes this room look so elegant in his eyes.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" Nicholas' question snapped Kimberly out of her thoughts.

"About the engagement. Are we going to London next week?"

Nicholas closed the file he had previously read. His gaze was now focused on the woman sitting in front of him. There was a clear look of worry on the woman's face.

"Looks like we have to go to London," Nicholas replied.

Kimberly sighed softly. "God, did it turn out like this? This was beyond our agreement at the start. If I knew it would be this fun, I swear I wouldn't agree to your ridiculous request, Nick!"

"If you refuse, you'll know the consequences for Kimberly Aurora," Nicholas replied.

Kimberly snorted in annoyance at what Nicholas said. "I'd rather be unemployed, but my life is calm. Then now have to lie to parents."

Nicholas glared at Kimberly. "So you're sorry?"

Kimberly nodded firmly. "Of course I'm sorry. Now, what do we do? Get engaged? Then get married?" said Kimberly.

Nicholas rose from his seat, then shifted his position to sit side by side with Kimberly. "Oh My God! You don't want to marry me?"

"You are crazy!" Kimberly said quickly.

Nicholas narrowed his eyes at Kimberly. "What? crazy? Don't you want to be my wife? Don't think I didn't know you liked me all along."

Kimberly smiled wryly at Nicholas. "Gosh, you're so confident, Nicholas Alistair. How did you conclude that I like you?"

Nicholas sneered. "From your frequent gestures, it can be concluded that you like me."

"Okay, if I like you, I can't marry a man who doesn't love me. Moreover, make marriage a charade let alone a game."

"Then teach me how to love you," Nicholas said suddenly.

Kimberly gasped. "Huh? What? I heard, right?"

Nicholas shook his head.

"You want to marry a man who loves you, right? Therefore, teach me how to love you."

Instead of being moved or happy, Kimberly laughed at what Nicholas said. Then the woman turned her palm to touch Nicholas's forehead. "You're not sick, are you?"

Nicholas brushed Kimberly's hand off his Forehead. "You think I'm kidding?"

Kimberly shook her head. "Sorry I didn't believe you. I think enough of your jokes for today. Keep up the good work, and I'll be out now."

Having just stood up from his seat, Nicholas pulled Kimberly's wrist again so that she accidentally sat on his lap. When he was about to get up, Nicholas again held Kimberly's body to stay still on his lap. "I mean what I say, Kimberly," Nicholas whispered right in her ear.

Kimberly turned to face Nicholas. "You are crazy!" she growled. Instead of answering, Nicholas pulled Kimberly's face and kissed her briefly, then whispered again.

"You want to know? It doesn't seem easy for me to fall in love with you."

Before Kimberly had time to reply to Nicholas' words, the man brought his face closer and immediately kissed Kimberly's lips gently. Sipping it up and down made Kimberly roll her eyes again. Kimberly tried her best to break their lips together but failed. Nicholas deepened the kiss. He seemed to want to make Kimberly lulled by what he did.

Slowly but surely, Kimberly finally drifted away and returned the kiss Nicholas gave. Until they both gasped for breath, the kiss could not help but stop by itself. Kimberly looked down in shame. That wasn't the first time she had kissed Nicholas. But still, he always felt nervous. Do not ask the state of his heart at this time. Maybe the beat is out of tune. Not wanting to linger in an awkward situation, Kimberly tried to get up, but Nicholas held her back again. The man swiftly grabbed the woman's body, sitting on his lap and hugged her tightly.

"Don't go anywhere. I want to hug you this time, please."

Kimberly just silently obeyed what Nicholas ordered her.