Arrival in Chicago. The air still felt crisp and refreshing, carrying that unmistakable scent of a city alive with possibilities. It was good to be back. This time, I wasn't going to a hotel. I was coming to Nathan's house—a mansion so vast it took my breath away. How does one person stay here all alone? I asked quietly, my eyes scanning the halls. Nathan smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I usually travel… a lot. I'm not really alone. I have friends and cousins nearby too."
"Welcome back, Mr. Nathan," the butler said politely, taking Nathan's bags upstairs. I followed silently, letting my eyes roam the room that would be mine for the stay. For a moment, I thought it must be Nathan's room—it was so large, so wide, so impossibly luxurious. "It's beautiful," I whispered, awed. "Is this really mine?" "No, this is yours," the butler said. "Mr. Nathan's room is down the corner." With a polite nod, he left, and I collapsed onto the bed. The sheets, soft, the space endless. Shelves lined with bottles of body shampoos, sprays, and lotions caught my attention. How can one person have so much…?
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Please, come in," I called. And there he was. Nathan, standing in the doorway, radiating warmth and ease. "Hope you like your room," he said, his smile lighting up the space. "I do… thank you," I replied, trying to contain the flutter in my chest.
Downstairs, he was waiting, seated at a table overflowing with food. I gestured for him to join me. "Come on in, Nathan. Have a seat. Isn't this… a lot?" "It's just for us," he said, chuckling. The sound wrapped around me, comforting and familiar. "It's alright, Elena. Just eat." And we ate. We laughed, watched movies, played games, and even made TikTok videos together. The night blurred in joy, the kind that makes cheeks ache from smiling.
Later, when I was drifting into sleep, Nathan's voice broke softly through the haze. "The first day I saw you, I wondered who you were. You were beautiful. I never knew the universe wanted to bring you close to me. I never knew I would find love… after Olivia left two years ago. Thank you for coming into my life, Elena." He kissed my forehead softly and left the room. My heart fluttered uncontrollably. I lay there, eyes wide open, realizing that I had fallen for him.
The next morning, it was time to meet his parents. As we drove, Nathan held my hand gently. "Don't worry, Elena. I've got you." At the house, Nathan greeted his father with a polite, "Good morning, Father." "Good morning, Mr. Sterling," Mr. Sterling replied. "Nice to see you again, Elena," Isabella added, smiling warmly. "Why are you here, Nathan?" his father asked sternly. "I want to be part of the company once more. I want my position back," Nathan said, determination burning in his eyes. "You've realized the nonsense you did… have you come back to your senses? Will you take back your position, Nathan?" "Yes, Father," Nathan said firmly, "but on one condition…" He helped me to my feet and asked, voice low but steady, "Elena… will you be my girlfriend?" My heart leapt. "Now? Here?" "Yes, Elena. Now." "I will be your girlfriend," I whispered, smiling. Richard's face darkened with anger. "Father, she is not your girlfriend. That was my proposal!" he said, voice sharp. "Enough of this nonsense. You almost got killed because of this girl, left your family companies… That isn't meant for you!" He stormed past Nathan and out of the house. Catherine rose as well, retreating to her room silently. Isabella reached for my hand and squeezed it. "Don't worry. They will come around," she said, smiling softly. "I'm happy for you guys too."
Nathan went upstairs to speak with his mother. Catherine stood firm. "Son… how can you let Father leave like that? I support your father on this one. She isn't the one for you. Why can't you see that?" "How can you know the one my heart wants, Mother?" Nathan asked, voice breaking as tears welled in his eyes. She placed her hand gently on his face. "Son… don't make it hard for yourself. Just be with Aria. It will help with our family business." Nathan pulled her hand from his face, silent, and left the room. Turning to me downstairs, he whispered, "Elena… let's leave." His hand found mine, and we left together, hearts heavy but intertwined. "Hey… we'll get through this," I said softly, squeezing his hand. He smiled faintly and kissed my knuckles. "Patrick, please drive us to the aquarium," Nathan said. "Yes, sir." I rested on his shoulder, letting the quiet moments of peace wash over us.
At the gate, Nathan's security joined us, keeping watch as we walked through the sparkling halls. The building was breathtaking. Back at home, Nathan said, "Make us something to eat." "Yes, sir," I replied, smiling. "Wait, Elena… what do you want to eat?" "I'll prepare for it. How about some [Chicago deep-dish pizza with truffle toppings and lobster salad]?" Nathan's eyes lit up. "All right. I'll join you then." Cooking together was surprisingly fun, the kind of laughter that melts tension. We joked, splashed water, and bonded over food, our worlds slowly intertwining.
Meanwhile, across town, Richard spoke with Mr. Devereux. "I apologize for my son's behavior. He keeps going after that girl," Richard said. "You know, Richard," Mr. Devereux replied, "your son needs to marry my daughter if you want to be partners in my company. So do everything in your power." Nathan returned to his father's company the following week. Richard said nothing. In the office, Aria appeared. "Nathan… love. How have you been? Avoiding my calls, texts… even a snack?" "Why are you here, Aria?" Nathan demanded. "What do you mean? Can't I see the man I love?" "This isn't the time. I have work to do," Nathan said firmly. As she left, she caught sight of me talking with the receptionist. Aria's gaze lingered, calculating. For so long, the receptionist watched me. "Ma'am, how may I help you?" "I'm here to see Nathan." "Do you have an appointment?" "No—but I'm his girlfriend. Just tell him I'm here." "I'm sorry, ma'am. If you don't have an appointment, you'll have to leave, or I will call security." "No need. I'll leave." As I turned, Nathan appeared. "Nathan! Nathan!" I shouted. Security stepped forward, but Nathan waved them back. "Let her go. She's my girlfriend. I will treat her with respect," he said firmly. "Yes, sir," the security replied. I blushed as we walked together to his office.
His father watched from afar, eyes sharp. In the elevator, Nathan opened the meal I had prepared. "You didn't tell me you were coming," he said softly. "I wanted to surprise you… and tell you something. I got a job, like I normally do in New York," I said. "Do you want to be a waiter again?" he teased. "No. I want to do something I love," I replied, smiling. "All right, Elena. But you're not working here—yet. When we get married," he added with a laugh. We shared a smile, silent understanding passing between us.
Aria arrived at the Sterling mansion just as the evening lights flickered on, casting a golden glow across the estate. Catherine Sterling met her at the doorway, her smile polished but her eyes sharp. "How are you, Aria?" Catherine asked as they embraced. "I'm doing well, Mrs. Sterling," Aria replied softly. Catherine led her into the sitting room, wine already waiting. "Have you spoken to Nathan recently?" "I just got back from the company," Aria said, lifting her glass. "He said he was busy. No time to talk." Catherine exhaled, irritation flashing across her face. "You know what annoys me the most? I saw her." Aria stiffened. "Who?" "The girl. Elena." Aria's fingers tightened around the stem of her glass. "Yes… I don't even know her name." Catherine's lips curved slowly. "Then we'll have to set a plan. One that makes her leave him." Their glasses clinked softly as they sipped their wine. "There's a charity gala for the children tomorrow," Catherine said. "That's where you make your move." "And if he ignores me?" Aria asked. "Or brings her?" Catherine's voice was calm, controlled. "Don't worry. Just do as you're told." The lights dimmed as the night swallowed their quiet conspiracy.
The next day, the gala shimmered with elegance. The Sterling family was present—everyone except Richard.
Nathan stood beside Linda, the head of the charity, greeting guests with practiced ease. Then a car pulled up. Nathan turned. Aria stepped out, dressed in an outfit tailored perfectly for the occasion. The children spotted her instantly and rushed forward, laughter filling the air. She knelt, opening her arms as they collided into her embrace. Nathan watched, something unreadable crossing his face. "Thank you for coming," he said when he reached her. "No need to thank me," Aria replied gently. "Come, let's go inside."
From across the hall, Catherine watched with satisfaction. Aria took a glass in her left hand and soon found herself surrounded by children, spinning fantasy tales that held them spellbound. Nathan lingered at the doorway until the children tugged at him insistently. "Tell it together!" they begged. He smiled and joined her.
Elena arrived just as the story was unfolding. Before she could take another step, Catherine intercepted her. "We need you in the kitchen." Elena hesitated. "Can I see Nathan first?" "No," Catherine said sharply. "The children must be fed." A security guard guided Elena away. Her phone buzzed endlessly in her hand as she texted and called Nathan—no response. In the kitchen, Isabella's presence offered her a fragile comfort.
When the story ended, the children erupted in applause. "Did you enjoy it?" Aria asked. "Yes, Miss Aria!" they shouted. A small boy looked up at Nathan. "Mr. Nathan, why don't you marry Miss Aria? She's pretty." Nathan froze. Aria smiled. For a second, the world held its breath.
Later, in the hallway, Nathan spoke quietly. "I didn't know you were so good with children." Aria smiled knowingly. "You and Carlos left the States. You weren't there enough to know me." Nathan nodded, but his thoughts drifted. Elena should have arrived by now. As he reached for his phone, a voice interrupted, "Sir, it's time to eat with the kids." Aria slipped her hand into his. "Come on." Reluctantly, he pocketed his phone.
Inside the hall, Elena stood serving meals. Then she saw it—Aria resting her head against Nathan's arm. Her breath caught. Without a word, she removed her apron and walked out. Nathan followed moments later. "Elena—this isn't what you think!" "I called. I texted," she said, her voice breaking. "You didn't answer." "I didn't see them. Why were you in the kitchen?" "Because your mother sent me." "I'm tired, Nathan." She drove away. Fury consumed him. He struck his security guard in frustration. "You knew she arrived! Why didn't you tell me?" "Nathan!" Catherine called. Aria stepped forward. "Blame me. She had nothing to do with it." But Nathan was already leaving.
When he returned home, Elena was gone. Her clothes were gone. "She left thirty minutes ago," the maid said. Nathan drove straight to the airport. "The flight to New York has taken off." He collapsed into a chair, tears spilling freely as strangers stared. Security tried to escort him out. Then he looked up. Elena stood there. He ran to her, pulling her into a desperate embrace. "I thought you left." "I couldn't," she whispered. "Not you."
Later that night, Nathan faced his parents. "I'm tired of you interfering in my relationship." "Nathan, sit," Richard commanded. Aria stepped forward. "I loved you once. But I want someone who loves me back. My parents will partner with you without marriage." Nathan hugged her. "Thank you." Catherine sighed. "You're grown now. I hope you're making the right choice."
At home, Elena waited anxiously until Nathan arrived. He kissed her through the window before pulling her into his arms. "It's over," he said. "No more interference." Relief washed over her. Six months passed peaceful, full of love. Partnerships flourished. Families healed. Weddings reunited them all.
At Carlos and Clara's wedding, Elena thanked Aria. "I'm happy for you," Aria replied sincerely. Music swelled. Nathan dropped to one knee. "Will you marry me, Elena?" "Yes," she said, tears shining. "Yes." Surrounded by family, love finally won. Because you never truly know what's happening…
Between Two Hearts.