Chapter 41 - Her Smile

He took a deep breath and averted her eyes. He looked outside and sighed again before answering.

"The first time father asked me to go to your shop and convince your family to sell your property, I was against it. I have no interest in getting the properties in that area by force. But my father told me that he wouldn't give me the company if I won't do a simple task he asked. He knew if he used the company, I won't be able to decline. Cross Realty was built by my mother. It was the only thing that reminded me of her so I have no choice." He started.

Nina was just listening to Andrew. She didn't know anything about her fiance and she was glad he was starting to open up to her.

"When I first came to your shop, I saw you serving the customers. You were smiling and I know that was genuine happiness. I started having an interest in you so I hired someone to investigate you. I know it wasn't a decent move but I really wanted to know you. That's when I found out that you were an errand girl for the rich kids and you were sometimes bullied by them. My interest grew when every time I visited your shop, you would still serve your customers, including me with a smile on your face."

Then he looked at her. She saw sincere love and devotion in his eyes.

"You could say that was when I started falling in love with you. I just didn't realize it early but Nina I am head over heels in love with you. I always asked if you are happy because I wanted to make sure that you are genuinely happy with me. I want to preserve your smile. So please if there's anything that bothers you, tell me. Don't tell it to someone else. Don't lie to me again, don't give me a fake smile because your genuine smile was already carved in my heart."

Tears started falling from her eyes. She stood up and rushed towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck while sitting on his lap.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lie to you. I don't want you to worry about me. I don't want to be a burden. But I felt anxious and degraded. Those girls treated me like trash. I was mad but I don't want to fight back, thinking that I might ruin your name." She cried.

He held her tight and she felt him tense. He was mad seeing her cry like that.

"Then ruin me. You are the only one who can do that. If you want to fight them, do it. Don't let them trample on you for the sake of my name. I am here to protect you, to support you, not the other way around. I fell in love with you because you are a strong woman. You are different from them. Show them who you are and what you are capable of. And please promise me, no more secrets." He said.

She nodded and clinged to him tighter. He caressed her back while hugging her by the waist.

"You are a handful, do you know that? Even if you lie to me I would know about what happened to you. I was just waiting for you to tell me. But I was hurt when you didn't and told that counselor instead." He said with annoyance in his voice.

"He saw what happened. I went there to return his hand towel. He asked me about it so I told him. I'm sorry. I promise I won't lie to you again." She answered.

She looked at him, touched his face and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. He smiled and slammed her lips with his.

"I love you." Nina whispered in between their kisses.

"I forgive you." Andrew responded.

She was still on his lap while he gave her small kisses on her neck and shoulders.

"Baby, I will be gone for a month. Dad asked me to take care of the expansion of Cross Realty in France." He suddenly said.

Nina was surprised. She looked at him with a worried face.

"One month? When will you leave?" She asked.

"The day after our engagement. I will text and call you everyday. I wanted you to come with me but you have exams and you're a graduating student. I don't want you to miss your classes." He answered.

She wrapped her arms tightly to his neck and buried her face to his neck. She was like a kid, clinging to a parent.

"I will miss you. Promise me you will call me everyday, okay?" She said in a gentle voice.

"I promise. So wait for me. I will buy gifts and souvenirs for you. Then we'll go on a quick vacation after." He said.

She looked at her, happy and excited to hear that he would take her on a trip.

"I'll wait for you and look forward to that." She exclaimed.

The ferris wheel started moving and when it stopped to the ground, Nina pulled Andrew outside and dragged him to a candy corner. She bought some candies and sweets while he watched her smiling.

Andrew never thought that he would fall in love with a simple girl. He grew up in a rich family who never worried about money. He could get whatever he wanted including women. Not just because he was rich but because he was good looking. He thought everything was so simple until he met Nina.

He learned that life wasn't just about parties and hanging out with friends. He didn't realize that walking while holding hands with someone you love would bring so much joy into his heart. Seeing her smile made him the happiest man alive. His heart beats for her and he felt like he wouldn't be able to live without her.

After their date, they went home and made love of course. The engagement will be in two days and Andrew will leave the next day.

Little did they know that fate prepared something that will test their love and trust for each other.