Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 86

Elena turned and walked off without a word.

Nathan tried to follow, but the man still had a grip on his shirt. After a string of apologies, he was finally let go.

By the time he caught up, he grabbed Elena's arm. "Hey."

She tried to pull away but couldn't.

"Guess you really don't trust me," she said coldly. "Then why chase after me? Disappointed you didn't catch me with someone else?"

"That's not it."

"Then explain what that was. I told you I wasn't feeling well."

"I was worried about you."

Nathan pulled her into his arms, softening his tone. "That's on me. I didn't think it through. Don't be mad anymore, okay?"

Elena quietly let out a breath.

She glanced past him.

Alexander walked out of the room she had just been in. Before leaving, he looked straight at her, his gaze deep and unreadable.

Only after he was gone did Elena step back out of Nathan's arms. "Enough. I'm not arguing here. It's embarrassing. Let's go."

They left together.

Victor and Victoria had already gone ahead. Since Elena came with Nathan, she had to leave with him.

Nathan drove. Elena noticed the route.

"This isn't the way back to the Hart house."

Nathan smiled slightly. "It's late. How about we stay out tonight?"

One sentence. She understood everything. Staying out was just an excuse. He wanted her pregnant.

The deadline was coming up, and he was getting impatient.

"I'm not going."

Nathan assumed she was still upset. "I already apologized. And about Camille, I promise I won't see her privately again. Grandpa and my parents really want a grandchild. You've always been understanding. Don't let them down, okay?"

There it was again. Using family pressure.

If this had been before, she might have given in.

Now it just made her sick.

Still, she couldn't refuse outright.

Nathan would get suspicious.

Elena lifted a brow, her tone easing just slightly. "If you want me to let go of the past, that's not impossible. But I have one condition."

"Name it."

He reached over and brushed her hair gently.

"Then... can we do it in four days?"

Elena looked up, eyes bright with hope.

"Isn't that too rushed?"

"It's fine. I just want the gesture."

She smiled faintly.

Just imagining it, both families gathered, a grand wedding, and then... The bride gone.

Nathan's expression softened even more. "Okay. Whatever you want."

"But just so we're clear," Elena added, giving him a small, playful look, "no staying together before the wedding. Take me back to the Hart house. Otherwise I won't trust you to keep your word."

Elena shot Nathan a playful glare, the kind that felt more teasing than angry.

Nathan's mind drifted for a moment, distracted by her expression, but it only took a few seconds before he gave in and agreed.

He drove her back to the Hart house, and just as Elena stepped out of the car, Camille happened to be walking in from outside.

She caught the exact moment Nathan leaned over, way too close, and unbuckled Elena's seatbelt for her.

Camille's nails dug hard into her palm.