Charlotte's POV

I looked at Nathan in surprise as he walked out of the elevator. I felt so happy to see him again.

"Hi. I am sorry to bother you. Hope I didn't wake you up." He said apologetically as he noticed my nightie and robe.

"No, don't worry." I gave him a warm smile. "Would you like something to drink?" I asked softly.

"Whiskey, please." He mumbled and walked towards the couch barely. He was tipsy.

"I think it will be better if you drink some coffee. You are drunk." I commented, approaching him, and stroked his hair gently while he was leaning his elbows on his thighs.

"No, I don't want coffee." He pouted, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me towards him, and leaned his head against my stomach.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion and worry, stroking his hair gently. "What happened, Nathan? You don't look like yourself. Did they threaten you again?"

"May I stay here tonight?" Nathan asked hopefully, still leaning his head against my stomach, hugging me tightly.

"Sure."

He lifted his head up and gave me his charming smile. "Thank you, Lottie."

"I will bring a cup of coffee for you." I informed as I pulled back.

When I wanted to go to the kitchen, he grabbed my wrist, stopping me, and pulled me towards him. I lost my balance and fell down into his lap.

"Stay with me." Nathan mumbled, wrapping his arms around me, burying his head into the hollow of my neck, and breathed in my scent.

"Nathan, what is bothering you?" I asked, concerned, caressing his hair tenderly.

"I don't want to talk about it, please." He murmured, still burying his head into the hollow of my neck.

I sighed without insisting. "If you don't want to drink coffee, then you should rest." I commented softly.

Nathan pulled back slightly and nodded. "But don't leave." He looked at me with puppy eyes.

I nodded, smiling tenderly without managing to stop myself from worrying. There must be something serious to make him get drunk this much. Moreover, he came to stay the night in my penthouse after breaking up with me. He wouldn't ask me to let him stay here if something bad happened.

"Come on." I said softly as I stood up and extended my hand towards him.

When Nathan wanted to stand up, he stumbled and fell down to the couch. He chuckled, lying on the couch.

I smiled, shaking my head, and suggested warmly. "Let me help you."

I wrapped his arm around my shoulder and helped him to stand up, wrapping my arm around his waist. He leaned against me while I led him towards my bedroom.

When I wanted to lie him down, he lost his balance and fell down onto the bed, dragging me with him. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing me against his body as our eyes met.

"Nathan..." I mumbled nervously under his lustful gaze.

Nathan moved his gaze from my eyes to my lips as he rested his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me towards him, and brushed his lips against mine. I responded to his kiss, placing my hands on his shoulders.

After a few minutes later, he pulled back, out of breath, and trailed his finger on my cheek tenderly. Then he closed his eyes.

"Nathan?" I caressed his cheek. I sighed as I understood he fell asleep.

I stood up carefully, trying not to wake him up, and took off his shoes. Then I sat down on the bed beside him and unbuttoned his shirt. Once I took off his shirt, I unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. After that, I pulled the cover over his body and sat down on the bed beside him and stroked his hair gently, lost in my thoughts.

I heaved a loud sigh as I stood up and approached the other side of the bed. I took off my robe and lay down beside Nathan on the bed. I placed my hand under my head and started watching Nathan while he was sleeping peacefully.

I smiled, yawning, and sat down on the bed as I saw Nathan putting on his pants.

"Good morning." I beamed at him and ruffled my hair sleepily.

"Morning." Nathan mumbled uncomfortably. He nibbled his lower lip and ran his hand through his hair. "Umm... Did something happen last night?" He asked uneasily.

I breathed deeply and shook my head. "No."

"But... I remember kissing you." He commented, confused and rubbed his temple.

"Yes, you kissed me. Then you fell asleep." I informed and ruffled my hair.

He breathed deeply in relief. "I am sorry, Lottie. Neither should I have done it after our last conversation nor should I have stayed the night here." Nathan declared apologetically.

I pursed my lips together, averting my gaze, and sighed as sadness filled my heart. Then I cleared my throat and looked at him, forcing a smile.

"I will make you breakfast." I said nonchalantly, trying to hide my disappointment, and stood up.

When I wanted to take my robe, Nathan grabbed my wrist, stopping me.

"No need. It will be better if I leave. I don't want to bother you anymore." He stated firmly and gave me an apologetic look.

"Don't worry. You don't bother me at all. I will make breakfast." I said softly and gave him a bright smile, pulling my hand away. "Meanwhile, it will be better if you take a shower. Sorry, but you smell awful like you drank a barrel of whiskey." I added, amused and winked at him playful. He chuckled and nodded.

As soon as I finished setting the table for two, Nathan walked in, running his hand through his wet hair.

"Sit down. Breakfast is ready." I gave him a warm smile and went to bring the crepes I cooked.

"Thank you. It looks delicious." Nathan commented, giving me a grateful smile as I sat down on the chair beside him.

"You are welcome." I smiled and we started having breakfast.

I wiped my lips with the napkin and looked at Nathan. He was picking at his food, lost in his thoughts.

"What happened? What made you get drunk last night?" I asked, concerned and took a sip from my apple juice.

He sighed, playing with his food, and mumbled sadly. "I don't want to talk about it."

I heaved a sigh and ruffled my hair, pursing my lips together. From his attitude, I was sure he wouldn't tell me anything today; insisting was meaningless.

"Fine, but when you are ready to talk, I will listen to you gladly." I said softly, resting my hand on top of his hand.

He gave me a sad smile and placed a piece of crepe into his mouth.

Seeing him sad made my heart sink. I felt helpless because I couldn't help him.

I smiled devilishly as an idea came to my mind. If I couldn't help him with his problems, then I would try to cheer him up. I grabbed the jam pot and smeared my finger with the jam. Then I brushed my fingers on Nathan's nose playfully.

"Hey!" He pulled back instantly and wiped his nose with the napkin, giving me a dirty look while trying to hold himself from laughing.

I grinned cheerfully and stuck my tongue out at him playfully, making him burst out laughing.

"Thank you." Nathan said, giving me a grateful look.

"For what? For the jam?" I asked mischievously.

He smiled brightly and looked at me affectionately. "For everything, and sorry for the trouble I gave you last night. I don't know why, but every time something happens, you come to my mind. It is only you who is always beside me without asking too many questions and understands me when I don't want to talk." He stated honestly, looking into my eyes.

"I will always be beside you when you need me, Nathan. I am here for you." I said softly, feeling happy by his confession, and rested my hand on top of his hand. He nodded and squeezed my hand.

***

When I was about to leave the conference room after the meeting, Alexis asked curiously, stopping me. "You look happy. What happened? The last few days you haven't been fine."

I grinned happily as I sat down on the chair and informed him about Nathan's visit.

I narrowed my eyebrows as Alexis burst out laughing.

"Why are you laughing at?" I asked angrily, giving him a dirty look.

"You are so naive." He replied softly.

I frowned, ruffling my hair. "What the hell are you talking about? I am not naive."

"He just uses you. If a man just comes to you when he feels bad or wants you to entertain him, then he doesn't love you." He stated arrogantly, emphasizing the word entertain, and winked at me.

I looked at him, biting my lower lip while thinking. Was he right? Did Nathan just come to me because I made him feel better, or he wanted to see me?