A wealthy businessman hired a poor woman to play the role of his fiancée, but when she spoke...

her. Raphael felt a bit abandoned, but he understood that love could change things. He continued to immerse himself in his work, using the time to innovate and expand his ideas.

One day, while reviewing plans for a new hotel concept, he received a text from Victor inviting him to a gala event. Initially hesitant, Raphael decided to go, thinking it might be a good opportunity to network and showcase his success. The event was filled with luxury, laughter, and the kind of people he once dreamed of being part of.

As he entered the grand ballroom, his eyes scanned the crowd and landed on a stunning woman in a dazzling gown. Her name was Elena, and she was unlike anyone he had ever met. Smart, witty, and with a passion for architecture, she quickly became the center of his attention for the night.

They talked for hours, sharing aspirations and dreams. Raphael felt a spark he'd long forgotten. After the gala, he and Victor discussed the evening, and Victor encouraged Raphael to pursue a relationship with Elena.

"I think she's perfect for you," he said, clapping Raphael on the back. With newfound motivation, Raphael began to ask Elena out, and their relationship blossomed. Unlike Asmira, Elena appreciated his passion for architecture and encouraged his ambitions.

Raphael found himself excited to share his dreams again. As their relationship deepened, he realized that true love could be a powerful fuel for personal growth. With a supportive partner by his side, Raphael launched even more innovative projects, and together they envisioned not just hotels, but entire communities designed around sustainability and bringing people together.

In time, Raphael became not only a successful businessman but also a beloved figure in the city, known for generous philanthropic efforts. He opened up avenues for young architects and entrepreneurs, enabling them to chase their dreams just as he did. Ultimately, Raphael learned that while ambition and success were vital, it was the connections and love found along the way that truly enriched his life.

He finally achieved not only the wealth and recognition he once sought but also the joy of having someone to share it with, building a future filled with love and adventure. Her, this didn't bother Raphael at all. He took such things philosophically.

"Listen, brother, we have a chance to reach a new level and make good money," Victor said, as usual, without greeting. He always got straight to the point, considering formalities a waste of precious time. How Raphael immediately engaged; for him, business had long become an exciting game in which he would never pass up the chance for a new upgrade.

"One of the major foreign businessmen, Alesandro Raso, is interested in our hotels. He wants to build something similar in his country; moreover, he is extremely intrigued by your imagination and would like to collaborate with us on a long-term basis to create a couple more unique projects. However, after studying his history, I can confidently say that if he is satisfied, he won't stop there.

So, as you understand, brother, this is a big fish. We can't miss this opportunity. " "Excellent," Raphael replied.

"Did you tell him we're in? " Victor hesitated for a moment. "That's the thing, brother.

There's a catch here," he finally said. "What? I'm sure we can solve any issue," Victor cleared his throat.

"It's very delicate," he began. "Alesandro Raso has a fiancée. " "I'm very happy for him," Raphael smiled.

"And he is very, very jealous," Victor concluded. Raphael was momentarily stunned, not expecting this twist. "What do you mean?

" he asked, as his assistant confidentially told him. Victor explained, "Alesandro Raso has a tradition: for business to go well, he periodically meets with his business partners. From what I understand, this happens almost every week.

" "Oh heavens! " Raphael groaned. "Where will I find the time?

" "Yes," Victor nodded. "And that's why Alesandro is very interested in each of us attending the business dinners he organizes—with a girlfriend, better with a fiancée, even better with a wife. " Raphael laughed.

"As for me, everything is clear. Next week I'm going to propose to Isabella," Victor confessed sincerely. "But what about you, an incorrigible bachelor?

" Rafa thought hard. "Do you have anyone in mind? " Victor asked cautiously.

"Not yet, but I will," Raphael quickly replied. Business always came first for him, and if he needed a fiancée, he would get one as soon as possible. "Excellent, then I'll tell Alesandro that you'll come with your beautiful dark-haired, blue-eyed friend," Victor was saying.

Raphael was taken aback. "Why exactly like that? " "I think such girls suit you," Victor replied with a laugh.

"Maybe he's right," thought Raphael, and remembering Myra, he sighed. "In any case, arrogant blondes definitely don't suit me. " The next morning, the first thing Raphael did was contact his assistant.

"I need you to find me a fiancée," he said without any preamble. There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. "Excuse me, Señor Alvarado?

" the poor girl asked. "Find me a fiancée," Raphael repeated. "This needs to be done by the weekend.

" He hesitated for a moment as if wavering, then added, "She should be a beautiful girl with long dark hair and blue eyes, and preferably poor—just a girl looking for a job who doesn't aspire to be with a famous and wealthy businessman. Additionally, she should be well-mannered, educated, and articulate. That's all.

" The assistant was silent for a while again. "But where will I find such a girl? " she finally asked.

"Use all your connections and imagination," Raphael replied and hung up. Soon, he received a message from Victor on his phone: "Alesandro Raso is expecting us for dinner at 7:00 on Saturday evening, Magnolia Restaurant on Central Avenue. How's it going with the fiancée?

" Raphael quickly typed a reply: "Excellent, the fiancée is in progress. " On Friday morning, the assistant called to inform him that she had found several suitable candidates, in her opinion. "Do you want to meet them personally to understand who you'll be dealing with, Señor Alvarado?

" she asked. Raphael decided it was necessary; he had to make a choice and, at the same time, brief the chosen girl. He told the secretary he would be in the office in an hour.

"Please invite the candidates you selected by that time. " "Okay," the assistant replied. Exactly an hour later, Raphael was taking the elevator to his office.

For some reason, his heart was pounding, but he managed to calm it down. After all, he was not expecting dates, but business interviews, even if with potential fiancées. Finally, the elevator reached the 12th floor where Raphael's office was located.

He entered the reception area, and the assistant said that the first girl, Señorita Torres, was already waiting for him. Nodding, Raphael entered his office and saw a girl with long dark hair braided into a plait. She was wearing a gray suit, a jacket under which a white blouse peeked out, and a long skirt.

Black shoes with low, stable heels completed the strict outfit. The girl looked at him, and Raphael noted that the assistant had meticulously met all his requirements. His potential fiancée had blue eyes.

He decided to make sure the girl could hold a conversation and spoke to her. "Señorita Torres, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Raphael Alvarado.

" The girl stood up, and they shook hands like true business partners. In the process, Señorita Torres blushed deeply, which, in turn, embarrassed Raphael. "Now I will briefly introduce you to the matter at hand and then ask a few questions, if you don't mind," he said quickly to hide his discomfort.

The girl nodded. They sat down in chairs opposite each other, and Raphael explained the nature of the job she would be expected to do. Hearing his words, the girl raised an eyebrow for a moment, then her face returned to a calm and inscrutable expression.

"And now, if you don't mind helping me for a decent fee, we can proceed to a short interview," the young lady nodded again. "It feels like she's mute," thought Raphael. Nevertheless, he.

. . began asking her questions about her current occupation, education, and favorite activities.

Before answering, Senorita Torres took a long time to gather her courage, but once she started, she couldn't be stopped. Listening to her torrent of speech, Raphael felt disappointed. The girl stuttered; that's why she was hesitant to say a word.

The man realized that when Senorita Torres finished, he thanked her politely and said he would call if the decision was favorable. The girl walked out, and Raphael invited the next candidate. She was a very attractive girl, but her cold manner of communication put the man off.

The third candidate was also beautiful, but too tall for him; Raphael didn't want to look ridiculous next to his bride. The fourth girl seemed too plain to him, and the fifth too naive and silly. In the end, Raphael didn't choose any of the candidates, feeling deeply frustrated for wasting so much time.

He went out to dinner at a restaurant. The man couldn't forget that he needed a bride like air and consciously glanced around for a suitable candidate. There were many attractive girls around, but Raphael didn't dare approach any of them.

He didn't want to make a fool of himself. "If the press finds out, they will laugh at me," he decided. Moreover, this whole charade would quickly reach Alesandro Raso; that would be a complete failure.

With these gloomy thoughts, Raphael finished his cold dinner and went home. The next day, he woke up early, restless. He paced back and forth, thinking about where to find an unfortunate bride.

A message notification sounded; Victor had written to Raphael again: "I hope you've settled the matter with the girl; Raso was expecting both of us. " Raphael didn't reply, deciding that if worst came to worst, he would say he was sick and simply not go to the dinner. He took a shower, got dressed, and went into the city for breakfast, leaving his car in the parking lot.

The man walked towards his favorite café, where they served very tasty French toast and croissants in the mornings. On the way, he suddenly noticed a public library, and remembering that he had no new books, decided to go inside. Of course, Raphael hadn't used libraries for a long time; all the books were ordered by his assistant, but because of all the fuss with the bride, the businessman had completely forgotten to send her a new list.

This meant he was left without books for the weekend, which was like death to Raphael; he really loved to read. Moreover, due to the absence of a bride, it seemed he would have to spend tonight at home. Of course, Raphael could have gone to any bookstore and bought the necessary copies, but the sight of the library suddenly evoked long-forgotten childhood memories.

It was nostalgia that drew him to the heavy doors behind which lived thousands of stories. Raphael pulled the door open and inhaled the unique scent of books with pleasure. He once again felt like a child, standing on the threshold of new, unforgettable adventures.

Entering the hall, Raphael climbed the wide white staircase and walked into a room filled with many bookshelves. He started moving slowly along them, looking at the spines, completely forgetting about breakfast and other worries. The man was so engrossed that he didn't immediately hear a young girl in round glasses call out to him.

Realizing that the new visitor hadn't heard her, she approached closer and repeated her question, "Are you looking for something specific? " The girl asked. Raphael started and looked at her.

The girl had long dark hair, blue eyes, and a sweet smile. "Nah," Martinez read the badge on her white shirt. Raphael involuntarily looked her up and down; she was elegant and slim, wearing a short pleated skirt, funny white knee socks, and heavy army boots.

"I. . .

" the businessman began, completely forgetting why he had entered the library. "You? " the girl smiled patiently, waiting for him to continue.

"I was looking for books," Raphael said. "Oh, that's wonderful! You've come to the right place!

We have many," the girl joked sweetly. "Maybe you have specific preferences? " Raphael couldn't focus on the conversation; all his thoughts were consumed by the upcoming dinner.

"What if I asked this lovely librarian to be my date for tonight? I wonder how she will react," he thought tensely. He felt himself sweating all over.

Oh, why wasn't Victor here? Victor would immediately use his charm to win the girl over and easily take control of the situation. Raphael was different; he always found it hard to meet new people.

It turned out that even now, as a wealthy businessman, it was still difficult for him. "I love reading philosophical books," Raphael finally managed to say. "Wonderful!

" Nah smiled. "Then let me guide you to the section where Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato are eagerly waiting for you. " With these words, she walked lightly along the shelves, and Raphael barely kept up with her.

"How does she walk so fast in those heavy army boots? " he wondered. Finally, Nah led him to the shelves with hefty volumes on philosophy.

"Here you go; choose whatever you like, and I won't disturb you with that," she said and walked to her desk. Raphael couldn't help but glance at her slender figure. He pretended to be choosing a book while desperately thinking about how to make the strange proposal that was swirling in his head.

Finally, he picked the first book he saw and approached her. "Oh, cica! An excellent choice!

" Nah smiled broadly at him. "Are you already registered with us? " Raphael shook his head.

"All right then, I'll take a blank form, and I'll need your documents. " Raphael put down the book and took his driver's license out of his pocket. However, before handing it over, he looked intently at the girl; she raised her eyes in surprise, feeling his gaze.

"Do you. . .

" "Need something else? " she asked. "A special book that's not on the shelves?

" "No, it's not quite that," Raphael admitted, "or rather, it's not that at all. " He got confused and felt himself blushing. "Then what is it?

" Nah asked, slightly furrowing her brow and getting ready to listen attentively. Raphael took a deep breath. "I need your help, but it's not the usual kind.

I'd like to invite you to dinner. " The girl's eyebrows went up. "But it's not a date?

" "No," Raphael quickly added. Nah laughed. "Then what is it?

Do you want me to read you poetry? " "No, it will be a dinner with my business colleagues," the man admitted. "Everyone will be there with their girlfriends and fiancées, and I—" "Oh, that's what it is," Nah guessed, quickly finishing for Raphael.

"And you have no one? " "Exactly," he nodded with relief. Nah thought for a moment.

"And when is this dinner? " she asked. "Tonight," Raphael replied.

His heart skipped a beat; he was afraid she might be busy. But Nah smiled again. "Strangely enough, I am completely free this evening.

" Raphael felt relieved and very happy. "Great," he smiled. He inadvertently looked Nah over again.

"Just—do you have—" It was again terribly awkward for him to say it out loud, but the girl guessed everything. "An evening dress? " she asked.

Raphael exhaled and nodded. "I think I can handle that. " Nah nodded.

"If you need to buy something, I'll cover it. " Raphael quickly said, "Here's my business card. Just send me the necessary amount in a message, and I'll transfer the money.

" Nah took the business card and glanced at it. At that moment, Raphael's phone rang, so he didn't notice how the girl's face darkened in an instant. It was Victor calling.

"Well, brother, you didn't reply to my message. Did you manage to find a bride or not? " Victor asked.

"Everything is fine," Raphael answered quietly. "I will be with you in the evening. " "Why are you whispering?

" Victor was surprised. "I'm in the library," Raphael replied, and without waiting for a response, hung up. When he returned to Nah, she had already filled out the form.

She handed it to him for his signature. At that moment, there was not a trace of a smile on her face; she seemed to be remembering something intently. "So we're meeting at the restaurant in the evening, or should I pick you up?

" Raphael asked. "Oh, that's not necessary," Nah replied. "I'll take a taxi.

Write down my number. " Raphael nodded and entered the number she dictated into his phone. Then he took the book from the table and said, "I will send you the restaurant address and dinner time in a message.

" Nina nodded reservedly in response. Raphael headed for the exit, with a strange feeling that something had changed about the girl. But what exactly?

He felt that the warmth had suddenly been replaced by coldness, and the friendly smile by strictness and even severity. But what could be the reason? Perhaps the girl just needed to get back to work.

Raphael shrugged. In any case, the task was done; he had found a suitable bride and could now go to dinner with Alesandro Raso without worries. So why fret over trifles?

If Nah didn't smile at the end, it didn't mean he did something wrong. Calming himself with this thought, Raphael decided to forget about the last unpleasant feeling and focus on the upcoming matters. He finally had breakfast, then called his personal stylist and scheduled a meeting.

At the dinner, he had to look his best. Closer to noon, he received a message from Nina. She sent him a photo of a beautiful evening dress.

It was bright red, and Raphael involuntarily imagined how good it would look on her. However, when he saw the price tag, the man cursed; the dress cost a fortune. Despite being more than wealthy, Raphael never allowed himself to throw money around recklessly.

Most often, he bought the most ordinary things, went to trivial cafes, and felt perfectly fine about it. Thanks to his poor childhood, he knew the value of money all too well. Of course, sometimes he had to buy expensive items to look respectable in the eyes of business partners, and today was one of those occasions.

So he transferred the required amount to the account Nina indicated in the message and later paid for equally expensive shoes and a handbag. "This girl decided to prepare thoroughly," the man thought. At exactly 7 in the evening, Raphael parked his car at the Magnolia Restaurant.

He got out of the car and glanced at his reflection in the bright window of a nearby store. He was wearing a light suit, a white shirt with a bow tie, and leather shoes; everything fit him perfectly. Raphael adjusted his expensive watch on his wrist and headed to the entrance.

Victor and his girlfriend, Isabella, were already waiting for him at the table. Both looked more than splendid. Isabella was wearing a green velvet dress with an open neckline, and a pearl necklace adorned her neck.

The girl had gathered her reddish-brown hair into an intricate hairstyle at the nape, so that several wavy strands fell across her face. "Hello, friends! " Raphael greeted the young man and woman.

"Hello, brother! " Victor greeted him. "You look great, but why are you alone?

" "My bride will arrive by taxi any minute," Raphael replied. "And where are Alesandro and his dear lady? " "They're delayed," Victor replied.

"There's a small traffic jam at the entrance to the city. Raso wrote that he will be here in 3 minutes. " Raphael sat at the table next to Victor, took out his phone from his pocket, and texted Nah.

"Are you on your way? " She replied, "Yes, I'll be there in 5 minutes. " "Great, I'll be waiting.

" The table. Raphael responded and put his phone away. Victor said something to Isabella and then turned to him.

“Listen, brother, in our business dealings, everything has always been clean, right? We haven't broken the law or anything like that,” he asked anxiously. “As far as I know, no.

But why are you thinking about this now? ” Raphael wondered. Victor nervously tapped his fingers on the table.

“I heard that Roso is very picky about such things. He himself is extremely honest and demands the same from his colleagues and partners. If our company has ever been involved in any dubious dealings, he will immediately refuse to cooperate.

” Raphael thought for a moment, trying to recall anything. “No, I've always tried to conduct business as properly as possible unless there's something I don't know. ” Victor nodded.

“Then I think everything will go perfectly. Of course, unless your fiancée decides to ditch you. ” He laughed, but Raphael was not in the mood for jokes.

He was looking at a couple slowly approaching their table. He had only seen the man in photographs before, and it was Alesandro Raso, a well-known businessman and their potential business partner. He was a tall middle-aged man in his 50s; his smooth bald head shone under the lights, and his stylish checkered suit fit him perfectly.

Roso carried himself with great confidence. Following him was a rather tall young woman with blonde hair and big eyes with long lashes. A blue silk sheath dress accentuated her slim figure, and silver jewelry matched her light gray eyes beautifully.

Raphael stared at Raso's companion, not believing what he saw. He undoubtedly knew her very well. Alesandro's companion was Asyra, the same woman who had once broken Raphael's heart at university.

Now he understood why Roso was so jealous of his partner; this woman had always been flighty. When the couple approached the table, the men stood up to greet Alesandro. Asyra gave Raphael a languid look and extended her hand for a kiss.

He shook it somewhat mockingly, unsure if Asyra had recognized him as she put on an indifferent expression. In any case, everything between us is long in the past, Raphael thought. “Glad to see you all in this beautiful place,” Alesandro Raso said good-naturedly.

“My respects, Victor, Isabella, Raphael. Oh, Raphael, why are you alone? Where is your fiancée?

Victor said you would come to dinner with a lovely blue-eyed angel. ” Raphael blushed, realizing that seeing Asyra had made him so nervous that he completely forgot about Nah. Collecting his thoughts, he was about to open his mouth and say that his partner would be there any minute when suddenly he heard a soft voice.

“The blue-eyed angel has already arrived. ” Everyone, including Raphael, looked up. Nah was standing at the table.

She wore a modest dark blue dress and simple black shoes; her hair was neatly tied in a bun at the nape of her neck, and she wore long shiny earrings. Despite the obvious simplicity of her outfit, she looked very good. However, Raphael expected a completely different effect.

“Why didn't she come in the gorgeous red dress I bought? ” he thought. Nevertheless, he stood up and put his arm around Nah.

She exuded a coldness, but Raphael had no time to think about it. He seated Nah next to him and smiled at everyone present. “This is Nah, my fiancée,” he said.

The girl smiled with dignity. “Oh, she is indeed lovely,” Alesandro commented. “I'm not used to luxury,” Nina replied.

“Commendable, commendable,” Roso responded. Raphael smiled awkwardly. He didn't understand why Nah acted this way, but he knew that the only thing he could do was join the game, the rules of which no one had explained to him.

Victor was watching him intently, and Raphael noticed that he also didn't understand anything and was therefore worried. Alvarado tried to reassure him with a look, but he wasn't sure if it worked. The waiter approached, and everyone started ordering.

Asyra ordered shrimp and champagne. Roso supported her, and Victor and Isabella also placed their orders. “What will you have?

” Nah asked Raphael. “I think I'll go with plain rice,” the girl replied seriously. “Plain rice?

” laughed Alesandro. “Raphael, are you not letting your friend eat properly? ” Raphael blushed, feeling embarrassed.

“No, I would never—” He caught Asyra's mocking glance and got completely flustered. “Oh, he has nothing to do with it,” Nah said with regal calm. “I just watch my figure and try not to eat much after 6.

” Alesandro laughed good-naturedly, as if he had heard a funny joke. “I like this girl,” he said. Victor joined Roso in laughter, and the others started to smile too.

“She’s still a child,” Asyra said patronizingly, and Raphael felt irritation. Nah said nothing. The waiter brought hors d'oeuvres and light snacks.

A business conversation started at the table, which the women listened to but did not participate in. When the men had discussed work matters, Asyra turned to Nah. “So when do you and Raphael plan to get married?

” she asked. Nah shook her head. “We haven't set a wedding date yet,” she said.

“Oh, but why not? We're not in a hurry,” Raphael quickly answered for Nah. “Yes, you've always been quite slow,” noted Asyra, and suddenly winked at Raphael.

Alesandro looked at his friend in surprise. “How do you know that? ” he asked, looking at Asyra suspiciously.

“My sister went to university with him,” the girl lied. This unsettled Raphael. Asyra hadn't changed a bit, he thought, but said nothing out loud.

The conversation smoothly shifted to other topics. Now Victor and Isabella were in the spotlight. After some time, the waiter started bringing the ordered dishes.

There was a lot of food, and it smelled more than delicious. A modest plate of rice was placed in front of Nah, and she began to eat it slowly. "Couldn't hide his affection as he watched her.

Raphael saw that his friend had won the favor of their potential partner; could he say the same about himself? Raphael didn't know. Sometimes, it seemed to him that Russell looked at him with suspicion.

The reason was, of course, Asyra, who kept giving Raphael ambiguous looks. Nina noticed this too but chose to remain silent. Finally, the conversation turned to the future joint project.

Victor and Raphael took turns telling Raso about their working methods, their ideas, and the innovations they planned to introduce. "This all sounds wonderful," remarked Allesandro, "and I like both of you. I'm almost ready to sign a contract with you.

" Raphael and Victor exchanged victorious glances. "However, my reputation is of utmost importance to me. I will never get involved with a company if I find out it has been involved in anything dirty.

Can you guarantee me that my honor will remain intact and my dignity untainted if I start working with you? " Victor hastily swallowed his food and nodded. "Of course, we guarantee you that.

" Allesandro turned his gaze to Raphael. "Yes, we have never allowed ourselves to act dishonestly towards anyone," he confirmed, echoing what little angels remarked. This, Myra.

Allesandro was about to say something, but at that moment, Nah rose from her seat. "What's wrong, dear? " Raphael asked, alarmed.

Nah looked at him coldly and hostilely. "Are you sure you told Mr Russell the truth? " she asked rather harshly.

Raphael was confused. "What are you talking about? " he asked.

The table fell very quiet. "I'm talking about the fact that you haven't always been honest with everyone you've dealt with," Nah said clearly. Raphael looked at her, not believing what was happening.

"Who did I deceive? " he barely managed to say. "My father," the girl replied.

"A few years ago, your company decided to implement a new project and found a suitable location in the city center, but there was one small obstacle in your way: a little house where my family lived. And you decided to simply demolish it. " A deadly silence hung over the table.

Allesandro Raso stared intently at Raphael. "Is this true, Mr Alvarado? " he asked sternly.

Raphael turned pale, and sweat appeared on his forehead. "I don't know anything about this," he muttered. "That's a lie!

" exclaimed Nah. "You are the head of the company; you must know everything that happens in it! " "But I seriously know nothing!

I always personally checked the place where construction was planned! " "You’re lying! " Nah shouted, tears welled up in her eyes, and grabbing her purse, she ran away from the table.

Raphael wanted to catch up with her, but Victor managed to hold him by the sleeve. "Wait, brother," he said. Raphael stopped, looking at Victor.

"I don't know anything about any demolished house," he repeated, looking his friend in the eye. "But I do," admitted Victor, lowering his gaze. "What?

" Raphael couldn't believe his ears. "It happened four years ago. We were planning to build a hotel in the center.

You took a short leave then because your mother was ill. I handled everything. Yes, there really was one small house.

I offered to buy it, but the owner refused, so I bribed the police, and they forced the family to leave the house, giving them three days to pack. This man wanted to go to court, but our lawyers convinced him that it was useless to fight a giant company. We transferred a substantial amount to the owner's account to cover the costs of acquiring a new home, and after a while, I completely forgot about this incident.

" Raphael looked at Victor with wide, horrified eyes. "You really did all this behind my back? How could you, Victor?

I trusted you completely! " Without raising his head, Victor replied, "Forgive me, Ref. I didn't think it was that serious.

" Allesandro Raso began clapping theatrically. "Exquisite! What a dramatic scene: two business partners unmasking themselves!

" Saying this, he stood up and helped Asyra to her feet. "Dear gentlemen, I thank you for a wonderful dinner," he said, "and I ask to be excused. We must take our leave.

" With these words, Allesandro and his companion left with dignity. No one thought to stop them; everything was obvious. "Well, I'll be damned," was all Victor could say, and Isabella sympathetically patted his hand.

"Victor, this is absolutely not funny," Raphael said sternly. "I'm not sure I'm ready to continue working with you. " With that, he got up and also headed for the exit.

As Raphael was getting into his car, he felt someone's gaze on him. Looking up, he saw a smile of Asyra watching him through the window of a car leaving the parking lot. In response, Raphael just shook his head.

He took out his phone and sent Nah a message: "I'm sorry, but I really didn't know about your house. Victor just told me about his dishonest act. " The reply came almost immediately: "I don't believe you," Nah responded.

Raphael had no choice but to go home. He couldn't sleep for a long time and only calmed down when he firmly decided to go to the library the next day to talk to Nah. He woke up very early.

He immediately got up, brushed his teeth, took a shower, and got dressed. There was still plenty of time before the library opened, so Raphael decided to take a walk. He strolled down the street, got a coffee, and drank it anxiously, barely tasting it.

Half an hour before the library opened, he was already standing at the entrance. Finally, he saw Nah. She was walking down the street, lost in her thoughts.

She was wearing a short green skirt, a white polo shirt, and the same army boots. Her hair was down, adorned with a green bow clip. Nah didn't notice Raphael at first, so he had to intercept her to get her attention.

" "Him. " The girl was very surprised. "What do you want?

I thought we said everything to each other yesterday. " Raphael tried to take her hand, but Nah pulled away. "I just wanted to apologize again.

I'm telling the truth; I knew nothing about your house. " Ina looked at him intently, not saying a word. "It doesn't matter anymore," she finally said, trying to walk past Raphael, but he didn't let her pass.

"Wait a minute! I want to make amends. " "You already did that yesterday.

The money you transferred for the dress, shoes, and bag—I gave to my parents. " Raphael nodded. Now he understood why Nah came in her regular clothes.

"But I don't want you to hold a grudge against me! " Raphael exclaimed desperately. He himself didn't know why it was so important to him.

The deal with Alesandro Raso had fallen through, so he no longer needed a bride. However, something inside resisted the thought of letting Nah go forever. "I'm not holding a grudge," the girl replied dryly.

"Then prove it! " Raphael smiled. "Let me take you to dinner.

" "Another one? " Nah responded skeptically. Raphael finally managed to take her hand.

"Yes, but this time we'll be alone, and it will be a date," he said firmly and resolutely. Nina's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"But why would a wealthy businessman invite an ordinary girl on a date? " Raphael leaned close to Nina's ear. "Maybe because he simply likes her.

" Nah smiled at these words. "All right, I'll give you another chance," she said and skillfully slipped away, disappearing behind the heavy library door. Raphael went home.

After changing, he went to the office, where he reserved a table at a restaurant and ordered roses to be delivered directly to the library. Then there was a knock at the door. "Come in!

" Raphael shouted. Victor entered the office, still visibly embarrassed. "Raphael, I'm sorry for what I did behind your back.

Now I understand that I cast a shadow over our entire company. " "Good that you understand. Otherwise, I thought something was wrong with your brain," Raphael grumbled.

"I swear I'll never do that again," Victor said. "Please forgive me. " "I'll think about it," his business partner replied.

He was still angry at his friend. After Victor left, Raphael received a message from an unknown number. "You've become quite something!

I'd love to see you," the man read. At the bottom, he saw the signature as Myra. So, she wanted to see him.

At any other moment, Raphael would have felt triumphant, but remembering Nina's gentle blue eyes, he took his phone and typed a reply: "I think Alesandro wouldn't be pleased. " After sending the message, he blocked Myra's number and focused on his work. At exactly 6:00, he closed his laptop and went home to change and get ready.

At 7:00, he was at the library door when Nah appeared. He didn't recognize her at first; she wore a long golden dress and high heels, and her hair was beautifully curled and pinned up. "When did she have time for that?

" Raphael wondered. "You look amazing," he said out loud. "Thanks for the roses," the girl replied.

Nah took Raphael by the arm, and they walked to his car. He took her to a small restaurant with books on the shelves, and they had a wonderful quiet evening at a cozy table. The young people talked about various things, reminiscing about childhood, sharing their hobbies, and discussing favorite stories.

It turned out they had a lot in common. By the end of the evening, Raphael was completely enchanted by Nah, and the girl finally believed that the man had nothing to do with the matter concerning her home. The young couple began seeing each other almost every day, and after some time, they realized they couldn't live without each other.

They fell in love, and soon Raphael proposed to Nah. A few months later, they got married and went on their honeymoon. Since both loved books, they decided to travel to different countries where famous writers had lived and visit the places they once frequented.

The trip was successful and brought the young couple even closer. Now they knew almost everything about each other and loved each other with all their virtues and flaws. After returning from their honeymoon, Nah immediately moved into her husband's apartment, and in the evenings, they would sit together on the couch and read books.

It was a quiet time filled with love and happiness. Dear viewers, if you enjoyed the story, please support the video by liking it and leaving a comment. Thank you very much!