Burning Passion

CHAPTER 256: MISTAKEN

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Steven drove Nina and Jessica home since he rented a car and Greg just went straight home. Before Nina entered the house, Steven grabbed her arm to stay for a little while. 

Nina lowered her gaze, staring at Steven's right hand intertwined to her left palm. For Steven, it's already a common thing to do. But she was still in confusion if she wanted to continue this relationship. Or she will be straightforward with Steven.

At the moment, she was exhausted and desired a warm bed to lie down. Her head is also throbbing, suppressing her to think clearly. 

But one thing she knew. Her heart remains beating for Harry, the reason she is hesitant to continue any form of relationship Steven thinks they have now. 

"Nina… I'll visit you tomorrow. I'll come over around lunch. So you can sleep in and take more rest until then." 

It takes a few moments before Nina nodded. She was pondering if it is a chance to clarify a misunderstanding. Heaving a silent sigh, Nina looked up and met Steven's gaze as she replied, "Okay." 

She forced a smile across her tired face as she continued. "Well then, I'm going inside. Thanks for sending us home." 

Tore a wide smile, Steven's eyes flickered upon correcting Nina. "You are my girlfriend. Of course, it's my responsibility to make sure you are safe." 

Feel guilt, Nina gasps in silence. Steven truly thinks this relationship is official. Honestly, the weight in her chest got heavier. Now the more she is having a hard time how to explain to the guy why they have to break up sooner.

Hiding her real emotion, Nina smiled timidly. "Okay..." The only word formed in her mouth.

She was about to turn around and push the door open when Steven pulled her hand again. 

"What is it?" Nina asked Steven. She grew irritated that this guy won't leave yet. She was tired, and she wants to sleep now. 

"Mistletoe." 

"Huh?" The confusion was written on her face. She doesn't understand why Steven pointed at the mistletoe on the door panel. 

Tearing a playful smile, Steven whispered to her what mistletoe meant back in the United States. And before she could react, Steven already brushed his lips against hers. Surprised, Nina remains froze on her toes on the doorsteps. However, Steven's kiss is demanding, seeking a response. 

Nina opened her mouth for a moment and gave Steven a quick response. She then pulled her head away from him and said, "I'm really tired, Steven. I want to sleep now." 

Even though Nina didn't respond the way she did back in the palace, Steven is satisfied. He considered that Nina was still under the trauma when she was forcibly taken. And his actual purpose of kissing her is to comfort her and convey that he was always there for her. 

"Good night, Steven." Nina put some force to take back her hand. It was cold outside, and she began shuddering. So she wanted to get inside.

"Okay. It's late and cold. Keep yourself warm. Good night!" Steven placed a quick kiss on Nina's cheek before he descended to the stone staircase and sat in front of the steering wheel. 

Nina did not wait to watch the car disappear, but she quickly entered the door and ran toward her room. Inside, she let her tears rush down her face. Realizing that she was still wearing the sheer gown Steven won from the Auction. Nina quickly undressed and folded it nicely. She needs to give it to Steven. Even he said that it was his gift to her, but she could not accept it. 

Nina hurls a sigh from the bottom of her chest. She need not waste her tears crying tonight but take a rest, and tomorrow, she will talk to Steven. 

Meanwhile, outside is a shadow of a man, who patiently waits for Nina to come back home.

The moment his plane landed in London, he followed the crowd toward the exit door. His eyes caught the news on TV about the ongoing Charity Ball somewhere in England. It showed a quick glimpse of the guests who walked on the red carpet, and one of those is Nina. 

In fact, the news highlighted Nina as her dress is the last item for the Auction. Harry's eyes glowed upon seeing Nina on the TV. For him, she was too beautiful in her dress. And if he was in that event. He'll definitely bid all he has to win over. 

Harry took a taxi and told the driver of the street he wanted to go. Since Nina and Jessica were still at the party, Harry went to a coffee shop. When the store was closing, he left and gradually walked toward Nina's neighborhood and searched for a place he could sit by while waiting. 

But the scene he witnessed slowly cut his heart into pieces. He tightly closed his eyes for maybe several minutes. In fact, he presses his eyelids because tears are trailing down from her eyes. 

He was too late… 

Harry is staring blankly at the ceiling of this airport. After what he saw, he went back to the airport and arranged a flight schedule that morning. But since peak season, he got only an evening flight. 

There is no reason for him to stay. Besides, he won't fly here if he hasn't received Korin's letter the next day Steven left for England. 

In Korin's letter, his cousin is cursing him for being an idiot and stupid. Korin even calls him an ass. It surprised him. So he wondered how that girl learned to cuss. 

According to Korin's letter, Nina was crying because she thought they were now in a relationship, but he only ignored her in these passing months. 

With this, it occurred to him those words Steven said to him. That once you kiss the girl, she will assume she already is your girlfriend. Thinking over it; he wants to ask Nina, personally. But before that, he has to make a choice. And that is to become Steven's rival. 

However, the scene he witnessed telling him that there's no room for him but the third wheeler. He is indeed an idiot and stupid. 

A bitter smile playing on his lips every time he recalled how Steven and Nina intimately talked on doorsteps and then shared a kiss. 

And because he is a fool. He has no right to get jealous. 

He mumbled to himself upon remembering the kisses he shared with Nina on that beautiful night of his life. Now it was only memories… 

"Goodbye, Nina…"