Chapter 14
The woman was the editor-in-chief of a certain magazine: "I've only heard about your boyfriend, but never seen him. It's quite intriguing."
Miranda casually adjusted her hair and said tactfully, "I don't like him appearing in public, so I never let him accompany me to events. But when we get married one day, I'll be sure to invite you." "Keeping it mysterious, huh? Well, then I'll look forward to it."
The editor-in-chief turned to see Nina nearby, nodding politely to her. "Nina, nice to see you again."
Nina also recognized her; they had met before when she wanted to interview Nash. It was through this connection that she succeeded to interview him.
She responded lightly, "Hi, Cally."
"Do you two know each other?" Cally looked at both of them.
Miranda said, "We do, but we're not particularly close."
She deliberately distanced herself from Nina.
Nina followed her lead, saying, "When Miranda returned to the country, theUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
headlines about her fiancé were so big that Cally got curious. I was curious too, thinking he came back from abroad. But it seems not."
Cally was puzzled and asked, "Isn't it?"
"Oh, that was just media speculation," Miranda said calmly.
She had intentionally orchestrated that report to test Nash, to see if he would care about her having a fiancé. But she heard that night Nash drank quite a bit, indicating he still cared about her. "My boyfriend has always been in the country, waiting for me for many years. Our relationship is stable, so I would never have an affair with others," she said, looking directly at Nina, clearly directing her words to her. It was also telling her that regardless of whether they got married or not, Miranda's feelings for Nash remained unchanged from beginning to end.
Nina felt uneasy in her heart, but she was Nash's rightful wife. It was not Miranda's place to pick a fight.
"After all these years of affection, why aren't you getting married? What exactly are you waiting for?" Nina looked directly at Miranda. "The media is powerful, and Miranda is popular. Shouldn't there be some clues? Has Miranda done a good job of keeping things secret? I often read gossip news, and the last time a female celebrity was in a situation like this, it seemed she fell for a married man."
As they chatted, people passing by recognized Miranda. When her words. came out, they would inadvertently glance at Miranda, subjecting her to strange looks.
The editor-in-chief was also waiting for an explanation. Seeing Miranda remain
silent, she hesitated. "Miranda, that's not possible, is it?"
The Miranda she knew was very dignified, and they all knew that. They had never considered such a thing. But as a public figure, hearing about the existence of a fiancé without ever mentioning it was indeed more than a little strange.
The words "a married man" were like a thorn in Miranda's heart, hitting her inner defenses. She clenched her fists tightly. "How is that possible? Don't talk nonsense."
She didn't want to become a laughingstock at the event.
Nina looked at her dress again and said, A two hundred-thousand-dollar dress, it's really extravagant. I wonder if something so coincidental could happen."
As soon as the words fell, Cally also asked, "What coincidental thing?"
Nina looked at Miranda, her smile seemingly innocent but her words like a
dagger piercing her heart. "Yesterday, I don't know who said it, but some CEO cheated and spent two hundred thousand dollars on his credit card for his mistress. In the end, his wife found out, and it caused a huge scene."
Miranda's face turned pale, looking terrible.
Nina knew very well that no matter how deep Miranda's feelings were for Nash, as long as her marriage remained intact, Miranda would forever have to stay hidden. 1
She was a public figure and wouldn't risk her future. She wouldn't want others to know that she loved someone else's husband. Even if she and Nash were secretly married, Miranda would fear that she might slip up and make things too ugly.
Seeing her looking very aggrieved and not saying anything, Nina changed the subject again, "Of course, Miranda, I'm not implying anything about you. It just seems too coincidental. I believe you
wouldn't covet someone else's husband."
Cally was also a clever person and didn't want the situation to become too tense. She continued, "I also know Miranda well; she wouldn't be interested in someone else's husband."
Miranda was almost crushing her fists, her eyes slightly red, but she could only force a smile, "You guys really know how to joke."
Nina felt a bit hungry and went to find something to eat. Most people were outside looking at the exhibition, so there. weren't many people inside.
Miranda was still not convinced. Her
pride didn't want to lose face in front of Nina, so she followed and spoke more forcefully, "Nina!"
Nina ignored her.
"What do you mean?" Miranda's eyes were red. "Just now, were you hoping for my downfall?"
Nina took a sip of her drink. "If I had such thoughts, do you think you could still stand in front of me?"
Miranda retorted, "You're the third party here. Nash and I have been in love for many years. It's because of you that we're separated. If it weren't for you, I would be the one marrying him. Nash has always loved me, and he's been waiting for me to come back. Now that I'm here, you two can get a divorce!"
Her words struck Nina's heart. Was her marriage to Nash just for three years, waiting for Miranda to return?
Nina turned to look at Miranda, her tone much colder now, "Miranda, do you find what you're saying ridiculous? I'm legally married to Nash. I'm his wife. What's your status? Do you want people to know you're seducing someone else's husband?"
Tears silently slid down Miranda's cheek. She calmly wiped them away and smiled, "But who outside knows you're Nash's wife? Don't think I don't know. You married him for two million. You did it for the money! Nash doesn't want people to know he's married. He wants to
protect my reputation, to prevent any damage to my honor in the future. Your marriage was obtained by any means necessary!"
Nina pursed her lips, the thorn piercing her heart even more fiercely. So that was it. The secret marriage was for Miranda's reputation. And she obediently followed all the rules.
Seeing Nina's expression change, Miranda continued, “Nina, with your background, your marriage is also for money. How could anyone from the York family respect you? You've never been valued. If you need money, I can give it to you. How much do you want for you to obediently leave Nash?"
Nina replied, "You spend Nash's money on your dresses. How much can you give me?"
Miranda chuckled, "These are gifts from him. I'm afraid he's never given you such beautiful dresses."
Nina took a deep breath, fearing she might end up in a sorry state. She tried to leave, but Miranda grabbed her arm, Where are you going? Istruck a chord, didn't I? Nash has never carefully selected dresses for you, has he?"
Her manicured nails almost digging into Nina's flesh, Nina furrowed her brow, her tone icy, "Let go!"
Miranda intensified her attack, "Nina, face reality. You've never been loved.
You're just a decoration with an empty reputation. Why do you humiliate yourself like this, clinging to a man who doesn't belong to you?"
Smack!