He Gave His Secretary Two Hours Every Day Until Our Wedding. So I Left Chapter 05

He Gave His Secretary Two Hours Every Day Until Our Wedding. So I Left Chapter 05

When Owen arrived, Nathaniel was assisting Lydia with her physical therapy.

He’d invested heavily in the resort. He was a principal shareholder.

For Lydia, he’d reserved the top VIP floor. His private suite. Entirely for her.

At that moment, a therapist was demonstrating the correct massage technique for Lydia’s legs.

Nearly every night, Lydia’s legs cramped. When the therapist was absent, Nathaniel eased her pain himself.

He was practiced at it. Still, he watched the therapist intently each time, hoping to learn something new to

comfort Lydia.

Lydia leaned against the headboard, her face flushed from the springs, rosy and bright.

She beckoned him.

“Nathaniel, test the pressure. You’re always too gentle. Use this chance to learn properly.”

Nathaniel nodded.

He removed his expensive watch. Unbuttoned his collar. Took the therapist’s place.

“Yes, like that. Mmm. That’s good.”

Seeing this, the therapist slipped quietly from the room.

He nearly collided with Owen, who’d come searching.

Owen shoved the door open, shattering the charged quiet.

Lydia started, blushing furiously, and pulled the blanket over her bare legs.

“Nathaniel, why aren’t you answering? Elena called off the engagement!”

Nathaniel paused while drawing on Lydia’s sock.

He looked up. No panic. No urgency. Only mild confusion.

“Didn’t I smooth things over with her last night?”

“Why is she upset again?”

Owen looked away and tugged his arm. “Come back and see for yourself. It’s all over town. Wait longer, and it’ll be too late.”

Nathaniel stood, his tone sharpening. “What do you mean? Explain.”

Before Owen could answer, Lydia brushed Nathaniel’s pinky with hers.

Tears gathered on her lashes.

“Is it because of me?”

“Miss Whittemore was surely still distressed last night. I shouldn’t have come. This leg may never heal.”

Nathaniel had always been most sensitive about her leg. Couldn’t bear the thought of lasting damage. Even

from Lydia’s own lips.

His voice dropped.

“Don’t speak nonsense. You’ll recover. We’ve worked toward this for years. There’s always hope.”

Lydia’s eyes shimmered.

“But Miss Whittemore…”

Nathaniel turned to Owen, still gripping his arm, and dismissed him. “Go back. Lydia’s therapy can’t wait. We must complete the full two days. I’ll find Elena when I return.”

Owen hesitated.

“What of the wedding? You’ve already announced the cancellation.”

Nathaniel was silent a moment, uncertain if he was convincing Owen or himself.

“Her parents ended it. Elena still wants to marry me.”

Owen left.

As he went, he glanced back at the man massaging Lydia’s legs once more and murmured, “Nathaniel… I regret introducing Elena to you.”