Chapter 126 - 126: A compensation?

Words : 1153 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Nathaniel guided Zara deeper into the shop, completely unaware that someone was watching them from a distance. It was the first time he had ever taken her shopping himself. For Zara, the moment felt almost dreamlike. In the five years they had been married, they had never done something as simple as this together. Sure, she had received handbags worth a fortune, designer dresses, and dazzling pieces of jewelry that could make any woman jealous. But they had always been sent to her in elegant boxes, delivered by his secretary or assistant, never handed over by him in person. But today… he was walking right beside her. She tried to keep her pace steady and her expression composed, but inside, her feelings were in a quiet storm—warmth, disbelief, and a strange ache she couldn't quite name. She didn't know if this meant anything to him or if it was just a whim, but to her, simply stepping into a store with him like this felt far more intimate than any extravagant gift he had ever bought. Catching his side profile in the glass of a display case, she wondered if he had the faintest idea how much this meant to her. Nathaniel stopped in front of a glittering display of diamond necklaces. "What about these? See if there is anything you like." Zara's gaze lingered on him more than the jewels. She didn't want anything—just being here with him was enough. "I don't need anything… I already have more than enough." "Don't be shy," he teased. "I'm not just anyone. I'm your husband." "Oh?" She arched a brow at him, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "So you are eager to throw your money at me. Is this supposed to be some kind of compensation?" Compensation? Nathaniel's hand stilled for a moment, the word echoing in his head. Zara wasn't wrong. He had missed every chance to spend time with her. In all their years together, he had never taken her out like this, never walked beside her in a store, never stopped to learn what she liked. He had not chosen all those gifts he had given to her. They had been picked by his secretary, packaged perfectly, and sent to her. He had never even bothered to check what they were. Back then, he had told himself she didn't mind, that she wasn't the sort of woman who cared about the sentiment behind a gift. But now, he realized he had been wrong. It hit him that in five years of marriage, he had never once looked her in the eye, given her something in person, and said, 'I picked this for you.' He wanted to change that now. Maybe it was a kind of compensation, in a way—but not just through expensive trinkets. He wanted to connect with her emotionally, get to know her, and spend real time with her. "You can think whatever you want," he said flatly. "Now stop wasting time and look at the necklaces." "I—" Zara began, but he cut her off. "Just take a look. If you don't like any of these, we'll go somewhere else." She could tell he wouldn't let it go. With a defeated sigh, she turned her attention to the glittering display. The one that caught her eye wasn't the biggest or most extravagant in the display. It was a slender platinum chain, holding a flawless, oval-cut diamond, large enough to command attention but not so oversized. Its brilliance reflected in Zara's eyes as she leaned closer to the glass. Nathaniel's eyes weren't really on the diamonds. They were on her. "Do you like it?" he asked quietly. Zara's gaze flicked to him, then back to the necklace. "It looks expensive," she said, hiding her desire. "I don't need it. Let's just go. Zane is probably tired and hungry." She turned to leave, but his hand caught her arm, stopping her mid-step. "If you like it, we'll take it," he said, already signaling to a sales associate. "Show us that one." The woman in a crisp black suit stepped forward, retrieving the necklace. "An exceptional piece," she said, smiling at Zara. "It's perfect for you, ma'am." Zara gave a half-smile, still unsure if she wanted it, or maybe she was thinking what excuse she would make to escape. Nathaniel stepped closer from behind and murmured, "Try it on." "It's not necessary," she said. "I mean it." "Don't think too much," he insisted. "Take it while I'm in the mood to spend generously on you. Who knows? I might change my mind, and then you'll miss your chance." Zara tilted her head slightly and glanced at him over her shoulder, a spark of mischief lighting her expression. "If you are that generous, why stop at one necklace? I want the whole store. Can you buy it for me?" Nathaniel froze for half a second, caught off guard. Then, slowly, his lips curved in a mixture of surprise and admiration. She boldly demanded what she wanted. It was the first time she had ever asked him for something. How could he not fulfil her demand? He stepped aside and pulled out his phone, fingers moving quickly on the screen as he texted someone. While Nathaniel was busy on the phone, the sales associate asked, "Would you like to try it on, ma'am?" Zara hesitated for a moment and then gave a small nod. The woman approached with the necklace, putting it around her neck. The cool touch of the platinum chain brushing over Zara's skin as it settled against her collarbone. When the clasp was secured, Zara lifted her eyes to the mirror. The diamond rested neatly in the hollow of her throat. It was beautiful. She couldn't stop herself from reaching up and brushing her fingers on the diamond. Nathaniel, who had been busy with his phone, finally looked up. Their eyes met in the mirror, and for some reason, her heart gave an unsteady thump. He slipped his phone into his pocket and stepped up behind her, close enough for his presence to wrap around her. His gaze didn't leave her reflection. "It suits you," he murmured. "Beautiful. Bold." Then, leaning just a fraction closer, he added, "Unique." It didn't feel like he was talking about the necklace at all. Zara had the feeling that he was praising her, and that thought alone sent a ripple through her chest. Her toes curled inside her shoes, and she struggled to keep her expression calm. Across the store, Riya stood rigid. Her insides burned with resentment as she watched Zara and Nathaniel in such quiet intimacy. 'Shameless,' she seethed inwardly. 'Flirting with him in public like this?'

Chapter 126 - 126: A compensation?

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