The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Simon arrived at Nina’s apartment balancing several bags, but he managed to free one hand to gently brush her forehead. “Your fever’s gone,” he said softly.

Nina gave a faint nod, still feeling foggy and out of sorts.

Closing the door behind him, Simon’s voice carried genuine concern. “Why do you seem so out of it? Did that fever fry your brain or something?”

Nina’s expression tightened. *He never sugarcoats anything,* she thought wryly.

Simon was dressed casually in a dark blue tracksuit. His broad shoulders and narrow waist seemed enormous in her cramped little apartment, and his black cargo pants only emphasized his sturdy build.

“Come on, let’s eat,” Simon said, placing the food he’d brought on the table and then casually tossing a large bag of snacks on top.

Nina, starving after a whole day without a proper meal, grabbed her fork eagerly and started eating as if she hadn’t eaten in ages.

Simon watched her devour the food, a flicker of guilt crossing his eyes. “Sorry. I should have been taking better care of you.”

It had been a month since Simon discovered that Nina was actually his sister, but he’d never reached out before.

Claire, the girl Simon had raised since childhood, always looked down on him for not earning enough. Their conversations were almost always about money—sending her allowance or bailing her out of maxed-out credit cards.

Nina had spent twenty-two years living the high life with the wealthy Summer family. Simon had always wondered if she would be like Claire, treating her struggling brother with disdain.

When Claire accidentally let slip the truth, Simon learned that Nina had been kicked out of the Summer family.

Nina looked up, surprised by the hesitation in his apology. After a moment, she said, “Simon, don’t apologize. We just met for real; we barely know each other. Besides, you’ve got your own things to deal with.”

Simon exhaled deeply, not realizing he’d been holding his breath. At least Nina didn’t mind having him around. “Okay, let’s eat.”

They ate in silence, the atmosphere thick with awkwardness.

Afterward, Simon got to work. With practiced efficiency, he packed Nina’s messy suitcase, grabbed a rag, and began scrubbing every surface until the apartment looked spotless. By the time dinner was over, the small space felt refreshed, almost like a new home.

Nina was a little stunned by how good Simon was at cleaning. She guessed that after their parents died, Simon had raised Claire alone, juggling scholarships and part-time jobs. No wonder he had become the dependable brother at home.

When Nina finished eating, Simon quickly cleared the table and placed some gear near her bed.

Nina blinked in surprise. “What’s all this for?”

Simon’s face grew serious. “It’s an electric livestock prod—the kind people around here use to herd pigs. Trust me, it’s perfect for self-defense and totally legal.”

Nina couldn’t help but laugh. “Only you would think of something like this,” she said, grinning.

Simon had expected her to roll her eyes at the countryside gear he’d brought, but to his surprise, she accepted it without complaint.

That small moment helped dissolve some of the tension between them. They weren’t close yet, but the awkwardness began to fade.

Simon opened a bottle of milk and set it in front of her. “Nina, tell me exactly how you spotted Felix.”

Nina paused, gathering her thoughts. “Last night, I went downstairs to take out the trash and passed by this guy. Something about him felt off. He looked a lot like Felix from the wanted posters.”

“Then I remembered, a few nights ago, when I was closing the window screen, I saw someone standing downstairs staring up at me.”

Simon maintained eye contact, noticing her eyes flick briefly to the right—a classic sign she might be bending the truth. But he didn’t call her out.

Nina looked shaken, and Simon decided it didn’t matter if her story was only half true. He resolved to stay and keep her safe.

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