Chapter 20
Simone Milton thought this and stopped paying attention to Donna Walpole’s reaction. She simply wanted to leave this awkward place.
“What, you want to leave just after provoking me? That’s not going to be so easy…” Donna Walpole saw that Simone Milton was about to leave and immediately spoke up to stop her.
The assistant director beside her also quickly spoke up to help Donna Walpole: “That’s right. Walpole is giving you a lesson. If you just accepted it without arguing, that would’ve been fine. But instead, you actually acted in such a rude manner. You really are too arrogant!”
After saying these words, he turned to Donna Walpole with a sycophantic smile and said, “This newcomer doesn’t know better. Please be understanding, Walpole.”
“What’s going on here?” On the other side, Alberta Arthur, who had noticed the commotion, also came over, unable to resist joining in the excitement.
After simply telling Alberta Arthur what had happened, Katie Adams pretended to sigh and said, “It’s really terrible. Simone Milton will surely suffer as a result of this. How can anyone be so disrespectful to their elders?”
Upon hearing Katie Adams say that, Alberta Arthur frowned, but ultimately said nothing in response.
For a moment, Simone Milton, who was being criticized, didn’t know what to do. Of course, she could apologize humbly, but doing so wouldn’t earn her understanding. Instead, it would make people think she was even more weak and easily manipulable.
Simone Milton knew this better than anyone, so she absolutely couldn’t back down.
“Actually, I’m not exactly someone who presses people around. As long as you’re willing to apologize to me and admit that you deliberately tried to act all important and pretend to be someone you’re not, I can still forgive you.” Donna Walpole said, seeing how upset Simone Milton was.
Everyone could see her pretending to be something she wasn’t. The mockery in her eyes was obvious, yet no one said anything about it.
Perhaps to the rest of those present, someone like Simone Milton, who lacks common sense and manners, truly deserves to be taught a lesson.
For a moment, Simone Milton felt completely alone and helpless. And in truth, that was indeed the case.
As the surrounding chatter grew louder, Simone Milton began to wonder if she had indeed done something wrong, which was why everyone was speaking about her in such a negative way.
Those who’ve experienced psychological warfare know that what’s truly terrifying isn’t when the enemy undermines your confidence, but when you yourself stop believing in yourself.
Once there’s a flaw in one’s mindset, it’s easiest to be defeated.
Unfortunately, Simone Milton was in such an environment. As the outside discussions grew louder, her firm beliefs began to waver.
“What happened? Am I late?” A voice that Simone Milton recognized suddenly appeared there.
This familiar voice… Simone Milton had heard it many times before. But he shouldn’t be here at all.
She didn’t even dare to look up, afraid that the secret hope in her heart would be shattered.
But soon, she felt someone placing their hand on her head. Those warm hands brought her a sense of warmth amidst all the mud and suffering.
Even to the point where she couldn’t help but cry.
“Didn’t I tell you to wait for me? I’m not at all comfortable with you coming here alone!” Although the owner of those big hands spoke in a cold tone, Simone Milton could hear tenderness in his voice.
She couldn’t help but look up again. She no longer doubted whether it was the environment causing this feeling. All she saw now was a man wearing a mask, whose eyes sparkled like stars.
Donna Walpole, who had been in high spirits, was shocked to see this man in a mask who appeared out of nowhere. Not only did he join their group, but he also put on a protective attitude in front of Simone Milton.
The anger in her heart burst out all at once.
“Who are you? This is our crew’s farewell party. How dare this stranger come in? I wonder what the security staff at this club are even for!” Donna Warpole frowned and demanded an explanation from the stranger.
The assistant director, who wanted to please Donna Warburton, immediately agreed eagerly, “Exactly! If someone from outside the industry can get in today, I’m afraid next time, it’ll be some paparazzo!”
“I was actually invited here by someone proper,” said the man wearing a mask, who was being questioned by Donna Walpole. He stood calmly in front of her. “Besides, if we’re being honest, you’re the one who’s unnecessary here. You’re just a guest actress. Who gives you the right to talk back to me like that?”
Here, he paused for a moment, narrowed his eyes, leaned closer to Donna Warburton, and said sarcastically, “Did you spend all that money just to win the Best Actress award, with your expressionless acting skills?”
With those words, Donna Warburton’s entire facade was completely exposed. It was as if she were being scolded right in the face: Donna Warburton is nothing but a woman who used underhanded tactics to get the title of “Best Actress”.
“You… do you even know who I am? How dare you speak to me like that!” Upon hearing these words, Donna Walpole’s eyes widened in fury. She wanted to tear that person to shreds with her own hands.
“Then do you even know who I am? How dare you speak such nonsense about my girlfriend?” Without another word, the man pulled Simone Milton, who was standing there in a daze, into his arms. The look on his face said everything.
Albert Arthur, who had been watching the play with Katie Adams, could no longer sit still. He immediately jumped up and said anxiously, “Uncle, what are you talking about? I’ll never acknowledge her as anything!”
Hearing this, Nick Arthur gave him a cold look and said indifferently, “Who I want as a girlfriend is none of your business, Alberta. Besides, even if you did find such a person for me, I wouldn’t blame you for that, would I?”
Such light-hearted words left Alberta Arthur, who had intended to speak further, completely speechless. At that moment, Katie Adams, who was watching the scene from the side, turned pale green in the face.
And Alberta Arthur’s simple phrase, “Uncle,” instantly made all the famous people present realize who this person with a mask was.
Nick Arthur, that terrible man, the president of Arthur Group!
“You…” Donna Walpole couldn’t help but take a few steps back on the spot. She was completely panicked. She never expected that she had actually kicked into solid metal.
Her usual arrogance had made her lose her composure. She should have realized Nick Arthur’s true identity right away. But now, she had completely offended him.
And it’s all Simone Milton’s fault. If Simone Milton had told them in advance that her boyfriend was Nick Arthur, she wouldn’t have acted in such an aggressive manner.
Thinking about it this way, he couldn’t help but feel jealous of Simone Milton. After all, she’d managed to land a suitor like Nick Arthur—a real catch.
Although Nick Arthur is supposedly extremely ugly according to online rumors, compared to his vast wealth and influential connections, what’s the big deal about his appearance?
Donna Walpole grew angrier and angrier, but she couldn’t show it. All she could do was force a smile. “I’m sorry, Sir Arthur… I was just joking. Please don’t take it to heart!”
“Just kidding? I really have to see this for myself today. You slander my girlfriend like that, even trying to stir up trouble, and you think it’s just a joke?” Nick Arthur snorted in disgust after hearing Donna Walpole say that.
Actually, he arrived at the party celebrating the end of filming quite early, and had even discussed things with the director in advance.
The reason I didn’t say anything in advance was simply to carry out my own idea: to surprise Simone Milton.
But who knew that instead of surprises, there were plenty of scares.
Most importantly, as Nick Arthur watched Simone Milton, who was surrounded by everyone and completely helpless, his heart felt as though it were being tightly grasped by someone.
“This…” Donna Walpole was completely panicked. She didn’t even dare to meet Nick Arthur’s oppressive gaze. “Mr. Arthur, I was just joking with her. If you don’t believe me, ask her yourself…”
As she said this, she looked at Simone Milton with a pleading expression, hoping that Simone Milton would intercede on her behalf.
“Simone Milton, please be fair. Am I joking with you? I was just curious who your boyfriend is, that’s all. I made a joke, didn’t I?” Donna Walpole stared at Simone Milton eagerly. If it weren’t for Nick Arthur being present, she would have rushed over to her.
“Is that so, Simone?” Hearing this, Nick Arthur turned his head and asked Simone Milton, who was beside him.
Simone Milton, however, chose to turn her head away from Donna Walpole. The situation now was completely reversed from before.
Donna Walpole, who used to be so arrogant, now can only grovel before her, begging her to show mercy.
If she wants to present herself as a kind person, then this is undoubtedly a great opportunity. As long as she speaks up and forgives Donna Walpole, everyone will be happy.
But to be honest, Simone Milton doesn’t consider herself to be a generous person. If Nick Arthur hadn’t stepped in to help her today, her fate would have been far worse than Donna Walpole’s is now.
Putting herself in her place, she simply isn’t capable of doing it.
While Simone Milton doesn’t try to act nice, Katie Adams wants to play the good guy and smooth things over.
“Well, Miss Milton, the jokes have gone far enough. Let’s make up, shall we? After all, it’s not nice to let this situation get out of hand, is it?” Katie Adams said, offering a understanding smile. “Walpole didn’t mean to do it. Please be magnanimous and forgive her.”
Sure enough, after she said those words, Donna Walpole couldn’t help but send a grateful look at Katie Adams, and agreed with her repeatedly.
“Yes, what happened between us is nothing serious. Why make such a big deal out of it?” said Donna Walpole.
“Do you really think this is just a trivial matter?” Simone Milton stared at the people before her with a hostile expression. Whether it was Donna Walpole or Katie Adams, she found them both utterly repulsive.
“Isn’t it a trivial matter? You’re so magnanimous as to overlook petty faults. Please don’t bother to argue with me!” Donna Walpole said, with an utterly shameless face.
Meanwhile, Nick Arthur seemed to notice Simone Milton’s anger. He immediately took Simone Milton’s hand and said, “Don’t worry. Just do whatever you think is right.”
With Nick Arthur’s words to back her up, Simone Milton’s anxiety finally dissipated. With a cold snort, she said, “To be fair, if my boyfriend hadn’t come to my aid this time, if he weren’t someone of such high status and influence, would you have let me go so easily?”
“That’s a bit much to say. Who doesn’t know that Arthur is young and talented…” Donna Walpole laughed.
In her heart, she couldn’t help but curse Simone Milton for bullying others with her power. She even thought maliciously that Simone Milton deserved to be unlucky for choosing Nick Arthur as her boyfriend—a man who was both ugly and lame.
In her mind, Simone Milton was even considered the kind of woman who would do anything for power.
There are many others who think the same way as her. They don’t believe that Simone Milton and Nick Arthur are a couple.
Some people even muttered: “If it’s about maintaining a relationship with someone, then that’s just what it is. Why make it sound so refined and sophisticated?”
“Heh… Senior, there’s no need to speak in such a forced manner. I know exactly what you want to say. But let me make it clear: I’m not the kind of person who’s willing to be magnanimous!” Simone Milton said, her expression remaining unchanged, as she spoke each word carefully.
“In that case, I also declare that the Arthur Group will no longer cooperate with you. Good luck to you.” After hearing Simone Milton’s words, Nick Arthur replied indifferently.
Such a statement instantly turned Donna Walpole’s face pale.
If that were the case, and Nick Arthur hadn’t taken over the former Arthur Group, Donna Warburton wouldn’t have been worried. But now, she has no choice but to be concerned.
The reason is simple: ever since Nick Arthur took over the Arthur Group, he’ve expanded its scale significantly. Today, the Arthur Group operates in various industries.
Among them are also the most influential entertainment companies in the industry.
Once Nick Arthur said those words, at least the entertainment companies under the Arthur Group would never consider Donna Warpole again.
This would cause Donna Warburton to instantly lose many top-tier resources and opportunities.
“Lord Arthur, I apologize for my careless mistake just now. But as the saying goes, it’s better to forgive others when possible. What will you do…” Donna Walpole was unwilling to give up and spoke again.
“One must also be merciful. After all, the other party is a human being, not something else, right?” Nick Arthur looked at Donna Walpole calmly, his eyes filled with obvious mockery.
It’s over. There’s no way out of this situation at all.
At this point, Donna Walpole couldn’t care less about anyone else around her. She simply started cursing Simone Milton loudly. At least, she had to make Simone Milton lose face, so that she could vent her anger:
“Pah, Simone Milton, that’s really a clever trick of yours! Using someone else to do your dirty work. You’re clearly trying to provoke me on purpose, so that your backer will step in for you! How can you even tolerate such an ugly and crippled man? It’s absolutely disgusting!”
To say that Donna Walpole was completely irrational at this moment would be an understatement. Otherwise, she would never have chosen such a time to continue offending people.
After all, besides Nick Arthur, there was another member of the Arthur family present as well.
When Alberta Arthur heard Donna Walpole say those things, he immediately became displeased. Frowning, he rushed out and said:
“Who gave you the right to talk nonsense? Donna Warburton, even if you’ve won an award as best actress, you shouldn’t be so arrogant. No matter how worthless my uncle might be, he certainly won’t tolerate your rude remarks!”
When he said this, he even carefully turned around to see if Nick Arthur had been affected by his words.
Nicole Arthur, however, remained surprisingly calm. After hearing Donna Walpole say that, she even chuckled.
“It seems you really care whether I’m ugly or not. But I’m sorry to disappoint you—I’m not ugly at all!” Nick Arthur said, taking a deep breath.
It seemed as though he had made a significant decision. Slowly, he took off his mask.
“What?” Donna Walpole was about to tell Nick Arthur to stop joking when she saw the man who was supposedly extremely ugly take off his mask.
Then she was completely stunned. Who could tell her who this man was—so handsome, even more handsome than Alberta Arthur?
Wasn’t it said that Arthur, the current president, was an ugly old man who was both ugly and lame? Where is this guy’s ugliness and lameness compared to what the rumors claimed?
Not only that, Donna Warburton, who had been publicly embarrassed by Nick Arthur’s actions, couldn’t believe it. Even the other people present couldn’t believe their own eyes.
Even if it weren’t Nick Arthur, with a mask on his face, Alberta Arthur wouldn’t have recognized that this man was her uncle.
“Uncle, you… you actually took off your mask?” Alberta Arthur couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t imagine that one day, he would actually see his uncle without a mask on.
Although this time, Nick Arthur acted in such a surprising manner for Simone Milton, to be honest, Alberta Arthur was still quite shocked.
“If I don’t take off my mask, how can those people see that I’m not as terrible as she claims?” Nick Arthur sneered, casting a casual glance at Donna Warburton.
Donna Walpole’s cheeks were now flushed with embarrassment. She never expected to make such a huge mistake. It was too late for her to apologize now.
Having calmed down, she realized that the situation was now completely irreversible. She felt utterly defeated.
“It seems, Miss Walpole, that you do have some self-awareness after all… In that case, you’re not welcome here. I suppose you can leave on your own, right?” Nick Arthur’s casual remark instantly made Donna Walpole too afraid to make any further moves.
How dare she even show up here now? She’s just an eyesore. As she apologized, she walked away from the banquet hall, fearing that if she stayed another few seconds, Nick Arthur would call the security to throw her out.
Originally, she wanted to completely embarrass Simone Milton at this wrap-party.
But now it seems that it’s not Simone Milton who’s embarrassed, but her.
After dealing with Donna Warburton, Nick Arthur’s expression didn’t improve much. He gave everyone present a cold glance, as if to warn them.
Only then did he slowly put the mask back on his face.
“Alright, Simone, no one’s here to bother us anymore. Let’s go somewhere else and take a rest.” Nick Arthur, who had already put on his mask, took Simone Milton’s hand and led her to a quieter place.
Originally, the male and female celebrities gathered there, upon seeing that the two main characters of the incident had left, simply dispersed as if nothing had happened.
As for the shock they felt, it was impossible to put into words. The rumor that President Arthur, who was said to have an ugly face, was actually good-looking couldn’t have been spread without any confirmation from Arthur Group itself. They simply wouldn’t dare to say anything without official confirmation.
Nick Arthur took Simone Milton to a quiet spot—a small balcony on the far right side of the entire banquet area. It was not only peaceful, but there were also small sofas where people could rest.
“Thank you so much…” Simone Milton said shyly. “Mr. Arthur, I never expected you to come to my aid. I’m truly grateful!”
“It’s okay. I did it voluntarily. Besides, I really dislike that person’s arrogant behavior,” Nick Arthur said nonchalantly.
Hearing this, Simone Milton nodded. She wanted to say something else, but when she saw Nick Arthur’s calm eyes, the words she wanted to say suddenly became unexpressible.
“I…”
"You..."
Both of them spoke at the same time, then stopped simultaneously. They looked at each other, and a silent silence filled the space between them. Yet, the air around them began to become charged with tension.
Just as the two of them spoke in unison, as if wanting to say something, an unwelcome guest interrupted their awkward moment.
“Uncle Nick, I demand an explanation!” Alberta Arthur rushed over and demanded an answer from Nick Arthur, furious.
With Alberta Arthur’s arrival, Simone Milton was instantly pulled away from her previous eccentric state of mind.
Simone Milton coughed a few times, then said, somewhat guiltily, “Since you have something to say, I’ll just step aside for now…”
“No need. I happen to also have something I want to ask you. So you don’t have to leave.” Alberta Arthur immediately spoke up to stop Simone Milton from leaving.
Simona Milton, who was forced to stay behind, returned to her original position. But to be honest, she felt quite embarrassed.
No matter how you look at it, this conversation between uncle and nephew isn’t something she should get involved in! What exactly is Alberta Arthur’s motive?
“Say whatever you want to say. Maybe I can help clarify things for you, since I’m in a good mood today.” Nick Arthur calmly crossed his legs and asked Alberta Arthur.
His calm demeanor actually irritated Alberta Arthur. Alberta Arthur stared at Nick Arthur with slightly red eyes.
“Uncle, do you even know what you’re doing? How am I supposed to explain this to my parents?” Alberta Arthur was visibly distressed.
“I don’t think I’m able to put my brother and sister-in-law at ease right now. So, Alberta, your reasoning doesn’t hold water at all! I’m fine now!” Nick Arthur spoke in a firm but gentle tone.
“But this isn’t the reason why you got involved with this woman, or why you even took off your mask for her!” Alberta Arthur glared at Nick Arthur angrily.
Nick Arthur laughed at this. “I think she’s fine, so I’m dating her. What’s the problem with that? Do I have to get your permission for everything I do?”
Such words only made Alberta Arthur more certain that it must be this woman who had done something to manipulate the situation.
That’s why his wise and valiant uncle has ended up like this, with a confused mind.
“Was it you who did something to my uncle? Have you forgotten all my warnings to you? I told you not to get near my uncle. It seems like you didn’t take any of it seriously at all!” Alberta Arthur demanded angrily of Simone Milton.
Simone Milton had an innocent expression on her face. She had no idea why the conversation had suddenly turned to her. Alberta Arthur’s words were truly devastating, leaving Simone in a very difficult situation.
“It has nothing to do with Simone Milton. It’s my own decision. I’m a mature adult who knows how to make judgments. As for you, Alberta… I think your judgment isn’t yet mature enough. You need to think things through before getting involved with Katie Adams!” said Nick Arthur.
He believed that his words, based on factual considerations, were highly valuable as a reference.
Unfortunately, in Alberta Arthur’s ears, it sounded like Nick Arthur had been corrupted and had wicked thoughts about Katie Adams, which is why he spoke of her in those terms.
Just make him feel even more angry, and make it even harder for him to accept Simone Milton.
“Uncle, you can’t take your anger out on Katie Adams just because I’m telling the truth. We all know that Katie Adams is a good girl!” Alberta Arthur said angrily.
Hearing this, Nick Arthur couldn’t help but sneer. He said:
“That’s what you think of her as a ‘good girl’, right? But according to your logic, I don’t think she’s a good girl at all. So, you can’t be with Katie Adams! This is just someone older showing you care. You can’t refuse!”
When Nick Arthur said these words, his face was filled with disdain and mockery. It was clear he wanted to use Alberta Arthur’s own words against her.
For a moment, Alberta Arthur, unable to think of any counterarguments, said angrily, “Uncle, those are not the same thing at all! These two matters cannot be compared at all!”
“What’s the difference? It’s all about wanting to interfere in each other’s lives and having girlfriends, isn’t that it? The difference is that I’m not being spiteful. I truly believe that Katie Adams isn’t right for you.” Nick Arthur said, squinting his eyes.
“It’s your problem now! Uncle, I just can’t believe you haven’t investigated this woman at all! If you had, you’d know how outrageous she really is. How can you still be comfortable being with her?” Alberta Arthur asked, puzzled.
He simply couldn’t understand Nick Arthur’s behavior. After all, Nick must have known very well what kind of vicious person Simone Milton really was.
With Nick Arthur’s usual straightforward and uncompromising nature, he should be the last person to accept someone like her. Yet, surprisingly, Nick Arthur and Simone Milton ended up becoming a couple.
And they’ve been kept in the dark about this whole situation.
“I have a feeling in my heart that she’s a great person,” said Nick Arthur, looking at Simone Milton with affectionate eyes. “To be honest with you, I not only want to be her boyfriend, but I also want to marry her!”
Such a explosive piece of news, spoken by Nick Arthur, instantly shocked the two people present.
Since just now, Simone Milton, who had been playing the role of a bystander, never expected Nick Arthur to pull such a stunt. It was completely beyond her expectations.
Originally, the fact that Nick Arthur pretended to be her boyfriend was already a very fortunate thing for her.
With this development, she really couldn’t understand what was going on, and she simply didn’t dare say anything anymore.
And Alberta Arthur, upon hearing this news, completely lost it.
“Uncle Eric! If you’re doing this just to annoy me, then there’s no need at all. I admit you won. Please, stop playing these tricks, okay?” Alberta Arthur looked at Nick Arthur seriously.
In any case, he couldn’t accept that Nick Arthur had decided his own marriage in such a reckless manner.
Compared to Nick Arthur, who seemed sincere and wanted to marry Simone Milton, Alberta Arthur preferred to believe that this was just another of Nick Arthur’s pranks.
Anyway, in his mind, Simone Milton and Nick Arthur were completely mismatched.
Of course, when he heard this news, Alberta Arthur felt extreme resistance inside him. He couldn’t explain where this resistance came from.
Whenever he thought about such scenes, it made him feel depressed.
Faced with Alberta Arthur’s furious outburst, Nick Arthur remained completely calm throughout. He said, “Whatever you think, but if you ever interfere with me like this again, I promise I’ll carry out what I said today without hesitation.”
“Uncle Er…” Alberta Arthur wanted to say something else.
But the next second, he heard Nick Arthur say, “Now, I’d like to be alone with my girlfriend. Please leave. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Such a cold and indifferent attitude broke Alberta Arthur’s heart and filled him with despair. He didn’t want to leave at all.
How could he possibly bear to see his own innocent and virtuous uncle being defiled by a wicked woman like Simone Milton? With those two together, his uncle was surely going to suffer.
“Don’t make me say it a second time, Alberta. You should know better by now!” Nick Arthur said lightly, glancing at Alberta Arthur, who seemed distracted, as he issued his warning.
With that, no matter how many ulterior motives Alberta Arthur might have in mind, she had no choice but to put them aside for now and leave the place in defeat.
Only after all those unimportant people were gone did Nick Arthur feel much more relieved.
As he always did, he leaned his head on Simone Milton’s shoulder, closing his eyes gently. “I know you have a question. Go ahead, ask me.”
Simone Milton looked at Nick Arthur, whose eyes were now closed, seemingly enjoying himself. She sighed and said, “Mr. Arthur, what on earth are you thinking? I always feel like you’re a mystery—a person who’s impossible to figure out.”
“Isn’t that great? That way, you’ll always be interested in me…” Nick Arthur said lazily.
“But… Mr. Arthur, are you joking? Please never make such jokes again…” Simone Milton hesitated for a moment before gently confirming with Nick Arthur.
To be honest, when Nick Arthur said those things, Simone Milton was not only completely shocked, but also felt a sensation she had never experienced before.
She knew that she had to get a negative answer from Nick Arthur. Otherwise, she would feel uneasy in the future and might even start to have unrealistic hopes about Nick Arthur.
This is far too unfavorable for her. She still remembers clearly how her story ended in the original version. She doesn’t want to end up in such a miserable situation herself.
“Why do you think I’m joking?” Hearing Simone Milton say that, Nick Arthur became displeased. He sat up again and looked at Simone Milton with a serious expression.
“Why do you think I’m joking? Do you believe that everything I said is a lie? But I’m telling you, I really do intend to marry you.” Nick Arthur spoke in a calm voice.
But such a statement from him is simply hard to believe.
Simone Milton couldn’t believe that Nick Arthur suddenly developed feelings for her and insisted on having her as his partner.
“Mr. Arthur, your joke is going too far… I might actually take it seriously. So, please stop making such jokes at my expense!” Simone Milton smiled bitterly, then spoke firmly to Nick Arthur.
Simona Milton’s determined gaze made Nick Arthur’s heart beat abnormally.
Instinctively, he covered his heart and looked at Simone Milton in confusion. “Have I offended you? Actually, there’s a reason for my actions… I truly believe you’d make a good wife for me. Even a contractual marriage would be acceptable to me.”
“Why me? Mr. Arthur, with your qualifications, you could easily find someone better than me!” Simone Milton lowered her gaze.
Simone Milton did her best to prevent Nick Arthur from seeing the emotions in her eyes.
Her hands were clenched tightly, yet she spoke in a calm voice: “Besides, what’s the point of a contractual marriage anyway, Mr. Arthur? You’re so wealthy and powerful that you certainly don’t need such a thing!”
“No, you don’t understand the details,” Nick Arthur said, sighing. “The situation here is more complicated than you think. I wouldn’t make such an unreasonable request of you unless it were necessary.”
Such words left Simone Milton completely confused. She looked at Nick Arthur, unable to understand: “Then why? Mr. Arthur, could you please explain?”
Of course, she knew that Nick Arthur wasn’t that kind of person—someone who made unreasonable demands. At the same time, she really wanted to understand what kind of circumstances were behind his behavior.
“You should know something about my situation, right?” Nick Arthur didn’t mention his own troubles first. Instead, he asked Simone Milton that question.
“I don’t really know much about him…” Simone Milton said, feeling a bit uneasy. She thought her answer might not please Nick Arthur.
Fortunately, Nick Arthur wasn’t bothered by such trivial matters and continued speaking:
“My health has never been very good. So, my family treats me as if I were a fragile person who needs to be carefully protected. They take extremely thorough precautions to ensure my safety.”
“That’s great! It proves that Mr. Arthur’s family really cares about you!” said Simone Milton.
Upon hearing this, Nick Arthur sighed and spoke with apparent distress, “It’s true, as you say. I’m grateful to be part of such a family. But not long ago, my family pressured me to get married.”
“Huh?” Simone Milton could hardly believe her ears. This was a plot element that never appeared in the original story. Could it be that this world was filling in the gaps on its own?
“But Mr. Arthur, your family acts this way because they hope that someone will take care of you! It’s out of good intentions,” said Simone Milton.
“I certainly know it’s well-intentioned, but I can’t accept it…” Nick Arthur sighed deeply. “If I can’t bring my future wife back with me this week, I’m afraid they’ll arrange for me to marry a girl I’ve never met before.”
Hearing these words, Simone Milton was completely stunned. What kind of strange arrangement was this? This isn’t even the Qing Dynasty anymore. How could such blind and arranged marriages still be practiced today?
She didn’t doubt that Nick Arthur might have lied on purpose to deceive her.
Just kidding. Apart from her excellent acting skills and honest character, there doesn’t seem to be anything really special about her.
Why would someone like Nick Arthur, a big shot like that, go through all the trouble of lying to her?
Thinking of this, Simone Milton couldn’t help but feel deep sympathy for Nick Arthur. She said, “So, Mr. Arthur, you thought of using me as an excuse to get out of the situation? But it doesn’t seem like much of an effort on your part at all!”
Yes, compared to Nick Arthur, who has never been involved in any scandals, it seems like she has the upper hand in this marriage.
“But I don’t know any other women either. I really hope that I can have someone who I truly understand by my side. You’d be perfect for that role. So, I’d like to ask you to pretend to be my wife.” Nick Arthur said, his gaze intense.
Simone Milton hesitated. After all, such an opportunity wasn’t something that came around often. Nick Arthur was a real diamond bachelor. Being with Nick Arthur would be like taking a giant leap forward in her life.
“So, are you willing?” Nick Arthur, seeing that Simone Milton had fallen silent, immediately pressed her for an answer.
What he said wasn’t a lie. His family had indeed expressed the hope that he would find someone who could understand and care for him properly.
Although it wasn’t said outright, it was essentially a form of forcing a marriage. After all, to be honest, Nick Arthur was already quite old.
Moreover, when forced into marriage, Nick A
