Page 35 of Carnal Games

Yes, he still makes me laugh and teases me when I zone out on him, which doesn’t happen as often as it used to.

But both of us have changed as our responsibilities have grown.

As kids, all we wish is to be adults. Nobody tells you it’s not as fun once you become one officially.

Once his laughter dies down, his expression turns somber. “You can still back out, Iris. You don’t have to do this.”

“And leave you in the lurch? Never.”

“I’ll find another way,” he argues. “We can part ways, saying we broke up amicably, and still spend time together with our friends. Divorces are messy and complicated. Friends pick sides. People talk. I can’t bear anyone talking shit about you, not when all you’ve done is stand by me.”

“You’re making it sound like I’m getting nothing out of this.”

His jaw hardens, and his eyes narrow sternly. “I didn’t help with your tuition fees to make you feel obligated or bribe you into marriage. If that’s why you’re doing this, then I’m putting a stop to it.”

“I know that, Nathan,” I rush to say, regretting offending him. “While I’m grateful for it, I swear it had nothing to do with me saying yes to marrying you.”

“That’s eating away at me too,” he sighs softly.

“Why?”

“Because I know you, Iris. You want to fall in love. You want to have the whole nine yards and a man who worships the ground you walk on. God knows you deserve it. Any man would be lucky to have you. I hate that I’d be stealing away your chance, even if it’s for a year. When I could simply set you free.”

“Then you’ll lose your company.”

Nathan vented to me seven months ago that the board was planning a coup to remove him as the CEO because he isn’t upholding the company’s long-standing image, which is for him to be a devoted family man.

In this day and age, beliefs like this should be considered medieval.

One would think being in a committed relationship should be enough to erase their doubts. Alas! They’re not.

They also think he’s too young to be the head of the company. A position he’s been trained for his entire life. So, they’re nitpicking, finding stupid reasons to remove him as a leader.

Their plan wouldn’t have been worrisome had Nathan’s father not backed the board members. Neither of us was shocked when he heard it from the member who is on Nathan’s side.

Rakesh Singhania is a very controlling man, who’s used to being in charge with everyone following his orders. From what Nathan has shared with me, his dad is having a hard time adjusting to the change in power.

Nothing Nathan does is satisfying to him. He points out all the flaws, whether it’s Nathan’s leadership style, the strategies, or anything he does.

Since the board members consist of his old pals, they’ll vote in Rakesh’s favor.

They’re making Nathan feel like an outsider in his own company.

Nathan paces the room, rubbing the back of his neck. “I could always marry for real.”

“The result will be the same whether you marry me or someone else. A divorce.” Grabbing his elbow, I make him look at me. “You’re not stealing anything from me. My only priority right now is finishing my degree and focusing on my career. I’m young and I have my entire life to fall in love.”

And get over the man I’ve been obsessed over for three years.

Watching me intently for a heartbeat, he utters, “How the fuck did we get here, crazy Iris?”

“When you literally bulldozed into my life.”

“Because you’re such a tiny little thing that I didn’t see you.”

“I’m not that short!” I slap his bicep playfully.

“Yeah, you are.” He smirks. “Like a pixie.”