Chapter 75 Get Lost
As Christina moved to the kitchen, she could feel the warmth of Nathaniel’s kiss lingering on her forehead. The simple gesture sent a wave of emotions through her, but she quickly pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand. She wasn’t sure what it was about Nathaniel’s presence that made everything feel so complicated, but for now, she chose to cook and escape the heaviness of the moment.
In the kitchen, she gathered ingredients and began preparing a light meal for them both. As the aroma of food filled the air, she found herself lost in thought again, the words of Julia echoing in her mind. Should we really stay like this? Christina asked herself silently. It wasn’t just Julia’s blatant criticism that troubled her, but also the unsettling feeling that came with being in a relationship where the foundation wasn’t fully accepted by Nathaniel’s family.
She was so wrapped in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Nathaniel approach until he spoke.
“You look deep in thought,” he said softly, standing in the doorway, watching her.
Christina turned her head, startled for a moment, and then gave him a small smile. “Just thinking about things.”
Nathaniel walked into the kitchen and stood beside her, his presence calming yet heavy with unspoken understanding. “About what happened today?” he asked, his voice gentle but laced with a firmness that made it clear he wasn’t backing down from his support.
Christina paused, setting down the wooden spoon she had been stirring with. She hadn’t expected him to ask, but his concern was clear in his eyes. The weight of everything she’d experienced at the Hadley residence—the insults, the pressure—seemed to hit her all at once. She tried to brush it off, but it was hard. How could I ever fit into a world where I’m constantly judged?
“Yeah,” she answered quietly. “It’s just… hard, you know? Being constantly compared to others. Not being accepted for who I am.”
Nathaniel reached over and gently touched her arm, his fingers warm against her skin. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, as though apologizing for everything she had to endure, even though it wasn’t his fault. “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Not to my family, and especially not to me.”
Christina’s heart skipped a beat. His words were comforting, yet there was a part of her that still felt uncertain. Would his family ever accept her? Would their relationship ever truly be easy?
She looked up at him, her voice soft but resolute. “I don’t want to hold you back. If this is too much, we can… figure things out.”
Nathaniel shook his head firmly. “Don’t say that.” He took her hand in his, his grip steady. “If anyone is holding anyone back, it’s them. Not you. Not us.”
She gazed into his eyes, searching for any hint of doubt, but found none. Slowly, the tension in her chest began to ease. Perhaps, just perhaps, things could work out. Maybe there was still a chance for her to find her place, not only in Nathaniel’s life but also in his world.
“Let’s eat,” she finally said, giving him a small but genuine smile. “And then we’ll talk more, okay?”
Nathaniel nodded, a soft smile playing at his lips as he leaned in, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m with you, Christina. Always.”
The weight of her worries didn’t vanish, but for the moment, it felt lighter. As they sat down to eat, the simple act of sharing a meal together—just the two of them—felt like the beginning of something more, something they could build despite the obstacles in their way.