The CEO's Bride

The sun spilled through the windows, bathing Nicholas's apartment in a warm, golden light. He'd just finished adjusting the knot on his tie, the dark fabric a striking contrast to the crisp white shirt he wore underneath his suit jacket.

Today was a day like any other, yet somehow, it felt different. It felt like the universe was shifting, slowly aligning itself to make room for something new.

He double-checked his pocket for his phone, then, with a final glance in the mirror, headed out the door. His destination today was not the hospital, but the little coffee shop just down the street.

As Nicholas stepped out of the building and onto the bustling city sidewalk, the air was filled with the scents of fresh-brewed coffee and the promise of a new day. He began to make his way towards the coffee shop, his thoughts consumed.

Minutes later, Nicholas pushed through the door of the cozy coffee shop, the bell above it jingling cheerfully. He glanced around, scanning the tables for Miranda.

Finally, he spotted her, sitting in the back corner. She looked beautiful,her long brown hair falling over her shoulders. But there was something different in her eyes, something that made Nicholas pause. It was like a mixture of relief, sadness, and uncertainty all rolled into one.

"Miranda," he said, stepping forward, his voice gentle.

Nicholas slid into the chair across from her, a slight smile on his face.

"I've thought about it, and I'm ready to accept your offer," she said, her tone crisp and matter-of-fact.

"I'll date you in exchange for paying for my sister's surgery."

Nicholas felt an unexpected sense of relief wash over him. He'd been nervous about how Miranda would react, but her willingness to enter into this arrangement was a positive sign.

"I can pay for the surgery right away," he told her, his voice still tinged with a hint of surprise. "If this is really what you want, I'm happy to do it."

Miranda nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Nicholas."

Nicholas raised a hand, forestalling her before she could finish. "Please, Miranda, just call me Nicholas. Mr. Nicholas is way too formal, don't you think?"

Miranda blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. "Of course, Nicholas. I apologize."

She smiled shyly, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before darting away.

Nicholas felt a warm flush of pleasure at the smile, his earlier uncertainty replaced by a sense of excitement.

Nicholas reached into his pocket, retrieving a checkbook and pen. He quickly filled out the cheque the pen scratching softly against the paper. When he was finished, he handed it to Miranda.

She took the cheque, her eyes scanning the amount. Her jaw dropped. "Nicholas, this is... This is way more than the amount I was supposed to deposit." Her voice was a mixture of shock and uncertainty.

"I know," Nicholas said, a small smile playing on his lips.

"I just want to make sure you can cover all of your sister's medical expenses," Nicholas explained. "And, well, let's just say that this is my way of sweetening the deal a little bit."

Miranda's eyes widened. "This is... too much. I mean, you don't even know me."

"But I want to get to know you," Nicholas said, his voice low and sincere.

Nicholas reached into his wallet and withdrew a few bills. He placed them on the table in front of Miranda, his smile widening. "This is for you and your sister. Get yourselves something to eat, okay? We can talk more about this later."

Miranda's gaze softened, her hand gripping the check tightly. "You're... an amazing man, Nicholas. Thank you,"

Miranda nodded, her hand trembling slightly as she slipped the bills into her purse. "Thank you, Nicholas. I... I don't know how to thank you."

Nicholas shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just come by my office later today."

Miranda smiled, a mixture of gratitude and relief flooding through her. "I will," she said.

Nicholas rose from the table, his suit jacket falling smoothly into place."Just focus on your sister, okay? She's what's important right now."

Miranda nodded, a hint of tears glistening in her eyes. "I will. Thank you, Nicholas. Thank you so much."

Nicholas nodded in understanding. "Oh right, I almost forgot about that," he said with a chuckle.

"Yes, my office address is on the complementary card I gave you. Just come by whenever you're ready."

Miranda nodded, clutching the check and the bills tightly. "I'll be there," she promised. "I'll see you later today."

Nicholas nodded, then turned to leave. But before he walked away, he stopped and looked back at Miranda.

"And Miranda," he said, his voice low and sincere. "Thank you for trusting me with this.

With a final, lingering look, Nicholas turned and headed out of the coffee shop, the bell ringing softly as he pushed through the door. Miranda watched him go, a smile curling her lips.

He'd surprised her, she thought. When he'd approached her at the hospital, she'd assumed he was just some random guy but he'd turned out to be different. Kind. Generous.

She had a feeling that this was the start of something new, something different. And she wasn't quite sure what to make of it yet.

******

Nicholas tapped a few buttons on his phone, his tone calm and professional. "Ava, could you come into my office for a moment?"

Seconds later, Ava stepped through the doorway, a file folder tucked under her arm. "You called, Mr. Nicholas?" she said, her voice efficient and polite.

Nicholas leaned forward, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, Ava. I need you to arrange for a spa day for my girlfriend. She'll be coming by the office later."

Ava froze, her eyes going wide.

"Girlfriend?!" Ava exclaimed, dropping the file folder to the ground with a thud. "Mr. Nicholas, you don't have a girlfriend! Or at least, you didn't yesterday. Have I missed something?"

Nicholas laughed, a warm, genuine sound that filled the room. "A lot can happen in 24 hours, Ava," he said, his smile broadening. "And yes, you're right. I didn't have a girlfriend yesterday. But I do now."

Ava's jaw tensed, her teeth grinding together as a wave of jealousy coursed through her. Who was this "girlfriend"? What was she like? And why had Nicholas fallen for her so quickly?

She couldn't help but feel a stab of anger, too. She'd worked with Nicholas for years, always hoping that maybe one day he'd notice her as something more than just an assistant. But now, it seemed like that dream was slipping through her fingers.

"Ava, are you okay?" Nicholas asked, his tone filled with concern.

Ava straightened, her expression clearing as she fought back the waves of jealousy and anger. "Yes, Mr. Nicholas. I'm fine. Just a little surprised, that's all." She bent down and picked up the fallen file folder, brushing it off and placing it on his desk.

"I'll arrange for the spa day immediately. Anything else I can do for you?" she asked, her voice even and professional.

Nicholas nodded, his gaze still fixed on Ava. "Thank you, Ava. You're a lifesaver," he said, his smile warm and genuine. "And, if you don't mind me asking, do you have any suggestions for a good place? I want to make sure she has the best experience possible."

Ava's lips twitched, a mixture of annoyance and pride battling within her. She knew all the best places in town, but why was he asking her? He was the one with the new girlfriend, after all.