Chapter 4: Caught Between the Past and Him

I nearly blacked out, but forced myself to answer.

"...Hello?"

"I can’t find my watch. Is it in your bag?"

Me: "...Oh no."

I frantically searched my bag, and sure enough, there was a cold, heavy watch inside. The metal was cool and heavy in my hand, like it didn’t belong in my world.

The star-and-moon pattern sparkled—just as expensive as it looked. It felt wildly out of place nestled between my old lip balm and crumpled granola bar wrappers.

Tanya’s confusion deepened: "Aubrey, why is my brother’s watch in your bag?"

My mind was a mess. I vaguely remembered last night, holding Nathan’s hand, acting spoiled and complaining that his watch was poking my leg...

Seeing Tanya’s suspicious look, I panicked—say something, quick!

Nathan spoke up first: "Yesterday I took off my watch and left it on the bar table. I forgot to grab it. She was drunk and probably picked it up with her stuff."

Tanya suddenly understood: "Oh, I see. Bro, you’re too careless. How could you take off your watch in a place like that? If it weren’t for Aubrey, you’d have lost a fortune. Aren’t you going to thank her?"

There was a pause on the other end.

I hurriedly said: "No, no need."

Just thinking about why Nathan had taken it off made my face burn. I fiddled with the strap of my tote, hoping Tanya couldn’t see right through me.

After a moment, I thought I heard a low chuckle from the other end.

"I really should thank her. Aubrey, when are you free? I’ll come pick up the watch after work and treat you to dinner."

I was about to refuse, but Tanya immediately piped up: "Sushi! I know a fancy new place nearby. Let’s go tonight!"

Nathan agreed without hesitation.

After hanging up, I tried to protest, but Tanya pinned me down.

"Aubrey, are you silly? My brother’s loaded. If you can get something out of him, you should."

I was speechless: "...Actually, last night I already got plenty..."

I’d heard Nathan started his own business in sophomore year and did really well in tech—he’s become a rising star in just a few years.

Tanya was jealous and determined not to miss any chance to squeeze her brother.

I had no choice but to agree.

...

The downtown street was bustling with New Year crowds. Vendors were hawking hot chocolate, and couples strolled hand-in-hand past shop windows strung with fairy lights. A street performer’s saxophone echoed through the cold air.

But sitting in a lavishly decorated private room, I was restless. The sushi place was all twinkle lights and marble countertops, the kind of spot you’d post on Instagram and rack up the likes.

Until a cool, deep voice sounded—

"Sorry, last-minute meeting. I’m late."

I looked up.

Nathan wore a suit, coat draped over his arm, a black silk shirt faintly outlining his lean, toned waist.

So self-controlled, so distant.

I quickly looked down. The low lighting didn’t help; if anything, it made him look even more unattainable.

Tanya squinted at him, looked him up and down, then leaned in and sniffed exaggeratedly: "Wow, dressed like this, you weren’t just out picking up girls, were you?"

I gripped my water glass tight.

It’s fine, it’s fine, Nathan already changed clothes, it shouldn’t—

Nathan sat across from me. At her words, he raised his brows, his gaze sliding over me, then replied lazily:

"And if I was?"