WARMING THE BILLIONAIRE COLD HEART

“So, which files do I need to read and sign?”

Currently, Kimberly is in the CEO’s office at the RayderCorp building. Alongside Mario, she is studying various types of partnership agreements from different companies.

If all goes as planned and there are no obstacles, Kimberly will officially take over control of the company from Arthur Rayder next month. That means Mario will also return to his own company.

“Let me check first.” Mario reached for the stack of files that was previously in front of Kimberly. He began reading and examining them one by one.

Afterward, Mario nodded.

“Everything looks good, Kimmy. It just needs to be handed over to the legal department for validation.”

Kimberly smiled.

“It turns out being a leader like this is easier said than done. I thought a CEO’s job was just signing papers, attending meetings, and making decisions. In reality, there are so many complex procedures to consider.”

Mario reached for a cup of tea that was available on the table and sipped it slowly. After finishing, he smiled.

“But I’m glad you’re quick to learn everything. I don’t have to bother with basic lessons. You’re ready to take the reins now.”

Kimberly blushed.

“Ah, it’s all thanks to you. I owe you a lot,” Kimberly said sincerely.

Kimberly’s words made Mario smile again.

“You’re too kind, no need to thank me. You’re naturally smart, Kimmy. Always have been.”

Kimberly shook her head.

“No, it’s all because of your hard work and patience in guiding me. No wonder grandpa is so obsessed with making you my fiancé.” Kimberly’s expression turned melancholic.

Mario looked at Kimberly, carefully observing her face. Golden brown hair, a slender nose, thin pinkish lips, and sharp eyes. Kimberly was indeed a beautiful woman who fit the criteria of an ideal wife.

“You have the right to refuse, Kimmy. Why force yourself if you won’t be happy in the future?”

Kimberly took a deep breath. What Mario said was true. How could she marry a man who had been her friend and older brother figure all this time? But the problem was, would her grandfather listen to her? The last time she refused, it led to her leaving home.

“Do you think I have a chance to refuse?” Kimberly laughed bitterly. “I’m even afraid that if I refuse grandpa’s order, his heart condition will worsen. I’m truly trapped right now.”

Mario was taken aback.

“I think if you talk to grandpa about it properly, he will consider it. Grandpa cares about you a lot, Kimmy. He surely wants what’s best for you.”

Kimberly grinned upon hearing Mario’s words. Arthur indeed wanted the best, which was why he chose Mario to guide her. Anyone would be impressed by Mario’s character. Handsome, wealthy, responsible, a family man, and always reliable.

“But what about you? Why did you agree to grandpa’s request? Have you never had a girlfriend all this time?” Kimberly inquired. She had just realized that Mario had never mentioned having a girlfriend during their friendship. Could it be that he loved Kimberly?

Mario sighed.

“That’s not important to discuss, Kimmy-” Before he could finish, their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a phone. Mario quickly answered, and after a short while, he got up from his seat.

“I need to return to my office now. I might not be able to give you a ride home later this afternoon. But don’t worry, you can go home with the driver.”

Kimberly nodded as she watched Mario’s departure until his figure disappeared from her view.

***Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Nicholas had just arrived in his office after finishing lunch. Just a few steps in, there was a knock on the door. As he turned around, he saw Kenzi standing at the threshold. Without waiting to be invited in, Kenzi walked over to the sofa on the left side of the room.

“Since when did you arrive in Indonesia? Why are you so eager to come back now?” Nicholas asked, puzzled. He followed suit and took a seat.

Kenzi took a slow breath. “Alya’s parents are sick, and she invited me to return to Indonesia. Besides, I heard you recently won the tender held by Capital Group. That’s why I came here to congratulate you in person.”

Nicholas smiled. “Yes, I’m sure you heard the news from Edward. Thank you for your wishes. Our company succeeded because we have such a solid team. They are all excellent at putting together presentation materials for Capital.”

Kenzi also smiled. “I didn’t make a mistake in choosing you,” he praised. “Oh, by the way, how is your relationship with Kimberly? Have you reconciled?”

Nicholas sighed and looked despondently out the window, thinking about the uncertain state of his relationship with Kimberly, all because of Arthur Rayder.

“I don’t know, I’m even confused about what to do. I’m sure Edward has already told you about my current problems. That guy is known for being talkative, isn’t he?” Nicholas remarked.

This time, Kenzi laughed. What Nicholas accused Edward of was indeed true. Edward had contacted Kenzi a few days ago and shared all the problems Nicholas was facing.

“You’re torn between Kimberly and Alpha Beta, aren’t you?”

“Of course, Ken. Do you think it’s easy to make a decision?”

Kenzi nodded, feeling empathetic towards his friend’s dilemma. “If you choose Alpha Beta, it means you’ll have to mentally prepare yourself to see Kimberly with someone else. But if you choose Kimberly, you’ll have to let go of Capital.”

Nicholas grumbled in frustration, feeling like everything was going wrong lately. “Can I be greedy and choose both? I really don’t want to lose Alpha Beta, let alone Kimberly.”

“I understand, Nick, with your feelings. But you also have to remember that if we unilaterally cancel the partnership agreement, Alpha Beta will have to pay a 10% penalty of the total investment value.”

Nicholas closed his eyes briefly. He truly didn’t expect things to get this complicated now.

“What if I choose to save Alpha Beta? Are you willing to lose a woman who means so much to you again?”

“Oh my God, Ken. I feel like I’m going crazy right now,” Nicholas sighed in frustration.

Kenzi patted Nicholas’s shoulder several times, trying to offer support and ease his frustration. “Ask your heart, Nick. In this world, the heart never lies. I’m sure you can make a good choice. Even though I own Alpha Beta, I can’t force you to choose the company.”

Nicholas remained silent, choosing silence over responding to Kenzi’s words.

“Well, I have to go now. Alya has asked to be picked up soon. I hope your problems are resolved quickly.”

As soon as Kenzi left the room, Nicholas’s phone rang, signaling an important call that required his immediate attention.

—

Kimberly had just finished organizing her desk, putting away stacks of documents. After neatly arranging all the papers into folders, she glanced at her watch, which showed that it was already six in the evening. She walked over to the coat stand not far from the sofa to retrieve her black blazer. After putting it on, she grabbed her work bag and headed out of the room toward the lobby.

Downstairs, there was a car waiting specifically to pick her up and take her home. Due to Marco having some unexpected business, she had to go home by herself today.

During the journey home, Kimberly was engrossed in her phone, browsing through social media or shopping on a well-known online marketplace. After a while, she realized that the car she was in was not heading towards her usual route home but to an unfamiliar place.

“Sir, where are we going?” Kimberly asked, slightly panicked, as the car entered the basement of an apartment building and soon came to a stop.

“Please exit the vehicle.”

Hearing that voice, Kimberly became more aware of who was with her now.

“Oh my God, Nicholas!” Kimberly exclaimed.

The man turned and smiled. “Yes, honey. It’s me.”

Nicholas then got out of the car and opened the door for Kimberly, inviting her to get out.

“What do you want by bringing me here?” Kimberly asked, confused, after stepping out of the car.

Instead of answering, Nicholas immediately scooped up Kimberly’s body without a word and swiftly carried her to his apartment unit. At first, Kimberly resisted and even protested. But since Nicholas paid no attention to her protests, Kimberly eventually resigned herself to being carried, and they reached and entered his apartment unit.

“Nick, why did you bring me here?” Kimberly asked again when Nicholas seated her on the sofa.

“Do I need a reason to bring you here? If I do, just consider that I missed you, Kimmy. That’s why I daringly brought you here.”

Hearing these words, Kimberly fell silent. What more could she do? In truth, she missed him too. But if they were to rekindle their relationship as it was before, she was afraid of experiencing the heartache she had felt previously.

“Kimberly, I really miss you,” Nicholas said with a husky voice. This time, Nicholas didn’t want to hide his true feelings anymore.

Kimberly blinked several times, observing the man beside her who was looking at her sadly.

I miss you too, Nick.

Do you know that I think of you almost every night?

Kimberly took a deep breath and chose to keep these words to herself.

Seeing Kimberly remaining silent, Nicholas pulled her into his embrace. He held her close and kissed the top of her head repeatedly. Somehow, without warning, Nicholas brushed his lips against Kimberly’s, tasting and kissing her with tenderness and affection. He had never been this gentle before. Meanwhile, Kimberly could only close her eyes, savoring every sensual touch Nicholas gave her. It was a lie if she said she didn’t miss his touch.

So, in the next moment, their kiss deepened, and their bodies that were initially apart were now pressed closely together without any gap. No one knew when Kimberly shifted her position to sit on Nicholas’s lap.

Their kiss continued as if it were a form of revenge for the longing they had held back for so long. Until not long after, Nicholas pulled his face away, ending the kiss between them.

“I love you, Kimberly,”