A bitter smile adorned Matt's face, "Nathalia, you, you and he are..."

Am I too late still? Matt wondered, defeated.

​​

Matt and Spencer were different from each other, each with their own taste, hobbies, styles. They barely shared anything in common; however, they had somehow fallen in love with the same girl.

Spencer took the chance and swiftly pecked a kiss on Nathalia's cheek. "Yes, we are back together. Woo! Aren't you happy for us?" He smiled at Matt triumphantly.

Though he might sound victorious and even showing off, he was genuinely happy. His heart was filled with joy and excitement. However, Nathalia felt uneasy.

She pinched Spencer's lips slightly and said, "Spencer Davidson, shut up." Even if you two really don't get along, you don't have to show off like that to your brother. Strange character.

Matt looked at Spencer for a good few seconds and said, "No. I'm not happy for you because I love her." It sounded so calm and natural, but it struck everyone like a sudden thunder on a sunny day.

Nathalia opened her eyes wide, "What?" She exclaimed. No. I must have heard it wrong. She thought to herself. No, why does he love me? I'm just an ordinary girl. But...he has been very, very nice to me. Too nice.

Spencer squinted and replied icily, "Ever since we were little, you've loved to take what I want. It looks like it's not an exception this time."

"Spencer, I've never..." Matt felt insulted, yet wasn't sure how to defend himself. Just then, an exciting voice broke the awkwardness.

"Nathalia! You are back! You are back! I knew you would come back. My god. I was so worried." Sophie cried out in both tears and smiles. She came running to Nathalia and gave her a squeezing hug.

Back in her cozy flat, Nathalia felt much better with her best friend around. She felt home and safe.

The two girls chatted excitedly as if they had been apart for years. Spencer was finally given permission to visit Nathalia's flat, though he soon left after answering a phone call.

Lisa Watson came straight to Nathalia's as soon as she heard the news. Seeing her safe home, Lisa hugged her and kissed her happily, "Thank God. You are back."

Nathalia made tea, and they were catching up with what had been happening around town. "Lisa, how are things in the company? Is everything going well?"

"Everything's taken care of just as you planned. It's going well. No one noticed." Lisa said confidently. Again, she had to admit that Nathalia was very smart, someone that was born to walk the walk in the business field. No wonder she was the granddaughter of the business tycoon.

"I trust you as always," Nathalia said with a grateful smile. "What about the Carter?"

Lisa frowned, and in detail, she informed Nathalia of what happened during the few days while she was away.

Frank Carter had successfully requested the sentence to be suspended so that he could keep the shares for longer. He left the hospital, promised the shareholders huge profits in the near future to regain their trust. He had also announced that Carter's Company would break into the European energy markets.

Nathalia listened, but she looked lost. It's the same as last life. It's going the same way. Is this a good sign or a bad one?

She wasn't sure what to think of it and how it made her feel.

Lisa noticed the lost look on Nathalia's face, and she asked worriedly, "Nathalia? Are you listening?"

Nathalia woke up from her thoughts, smiled at Lisa, and said, "Yes. I am listening. Thank you for letting me know." Nathalia respected Lisa very much. She respected her honesty, her adventurousness, and her as a person.

"No problem. If there's anything I can help, just let me know. Ok? We are a family." Lisa smiled and said reassuringly.

Nathalia picked up the glass of orange juice, had a sip, and turned around to see Sophie knitting her brows. "What happened, Sophie? Is everything ok?" She wondered and asked gently.

Sophie hesitated, then said uncertainly, "Nathalia, Matt, er... it seems like he really cares about you. I wonder if he likes..." Sophie was upset. It was the first time she had feelings for some guy, but he didn't seem to be interested in her. What's worse, he seemed to like her best friend instead—her best friend, whom she trusted and cared about the most.

She felt a little bit jealous, a little envious, a little upset and helpless, but there was no hate nor complaint.

She could never dislike Nathalia, who was strong and brave, nor would she hate Matt, who was an incredible person.

She understood very well that one could not decide who to love or not.

Nathalia didn't expect it was coming. She frowned and assured Sophie, "You are thinking too much. He's just a Queenland alumnus."

The frown still on her face, Sophie insisted, "What if he is in love with you?" She had noticed how much Matt cared about Nathalia. It was apparent, and it was more than just friendship.

Nathalia pouted her lips slightly and said rather casually, "Don't you ever worry. I will never fight with you for a guy."

Lisa was stunned. What are these two talking about? Sophie's in love with someone, and this guy is related to Nathalia?

Sophie didn't expect that Nathalia would be so straightforward. She blushed and said shyly, "Nathalia, I, I, I like Matt a lot, but he doesn't seem to be interested in me much. He has been so worried about you and working day and night to find you. I know he really cares about you, so if you also..." Sophie wanted to be generous and tried not to care too much, but her tone betrayed her. There was a hint of bitterness and sadness in it.

Nathalia found it frustrating to see someone that wanted to love but not dare to. She encouraged Sophie, "Even if he cares or loves me, so what? He and I aren't impossible. Don't think too much. If you like him, go to him! Love and don't be afraid. We don't know how things will end, but at least if we try and fight for what we love, then we won't regret it."

Sophie listened, felt encouraged, but at the same time, uncertain. "But what about you, then? Are you and Spencer really back together? It doesn't seem like what you would do..."

Now Nathalia went silent. It's true. It's easier said than done. Now that it's myself, I have no idea what to do.

After a while, she said, "Don't mention him, please. It gives me a headache. Anyway, you should focus on your own stuff."

"Well, I'm not as brave as you are, and I'm not as pretty as you are. I don't know what to do...Do you think you can help me? Perhaps?" The frown on Sophie's face grew heavier. It seems like Matt always keeps a distance from others, and I can never get close to him; however, Nathalia seems to be an exception.

Nathalia was surprised to hear what Sophie said, and instantly she rejected, "I'm sorry, I can't. No one can help, Sophie. Love is individual and personal. What's more, it has nothing to do with the fact that whether you are good-looking or not. That's not the point. Right, Lisa?"

Lisa was listening attentively, but she had so many questions in her head. "Who is this guy? Who are you two talking about?"

The two girls looked at each other and realized that they had forgotten that Lisa was there.

Sophie blushed and leaned into her mum's arms. "Mum, I've fallen in love with someone." She said shyly with a happy smile.

"Matt?" Lisa frowned. "Actually, I find him a bit complicated, and I don't like him very much. Compared to him, Spencer Davidson is much more innocent."

"What?"

"Innocent?" Both Nathalia and Sophie were astounded to hear such a comment.