A Divorce He Regrets (Alissa Nexus) novel Chapter 67

67 /224

RAINA

I was tired of it. Of him. Of Alex’s constant hovering, always showing up where I least expected, or wanted, him to be. It felt like every time I turned a corner, there he was, lurking like a shadow. He was everywhere, and the worst part was… it was starting to get to me. Not in a good way.

By the time I got to my office, my head was spinning with frustration. Before I could even drop my bag onto the chair, Nathan was there. His hand reached out gently, brushing against mine, his touch steady and deliberate. His eyes, soft and full of understanding, searched mine as he said, “Calm down, Raina.”

The warmth of his voice melted some of the tension in my chest. He didn’t crowd me, didn’t push, just waited. I didn’t realize what I was doing until I wrapped my arms around him in a hug. My face pressed against his shoulder, and I mumbled, “Thank you. For some strange reason, you’re always there when I need someone.”

Nathan pulled back slightly, his hands resting on my shoulders as he smiled at me. “If you really want to thank me,” he said, his voice teasing yet serious, “then go out with me. On a proper date.”

My breath hitched, and I blinked at him, startled. He chuckled softly, his smile never faltering. “This is me showing my intentions, Raina. I like you. I want to pursue you, date you… if you’ll let me.”

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. My heart skipped a beat, the words sinking in. Pursue me? Date me? It had been so long since anyone had said something like that to me, and meant it.

Slowly, I nodded. It was time. Time to move forward, time to take a step out of the shadows of my past. If nothing else, maybe this would send a clear message to Alex: I didn’t need him.

Nathan’s eyes lit up at my response, and for a brief moment, it felt like the weight on my chest lifted. But, of course, that peace didn’t last.

The office door slammed open, and Dominic stormed in, his expression thunderous. “Raina,” he barked, his tone sharp and furious, “we’ve got a problem.”

I frowned, stepping back from Nathan. “What’s going on?”

“That psycho found a way to get a job in my department,” he seethed, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

“Who?” I asked, though deep down, I already had a sinking feeling I knew the answer.

“Vanessa,” he spat, his voice dripping with disgust.

Of course. Alex’s meddlesome sister. My hands balled into fists as anger surged through me. First Alex, now Vanessa? Faith didn’t deserve this nonsense, and neither did Dominic. I wasn’t about to let her destroy another marriage—not after what she’d already done to mine.

Without hesitation, I marched out of my office, my blood boiling. Nathan followed a step behind, his presence steady but quiet.