First Love After Marriage by Flora Nancy

Chapter 23 

Chapter 23 

“I have to look after the flower shop tomorrow, but I’ll be free after clocking out.” 

James said he wanted to give her a cool surprise, and she didn’t want to say no. After all, she wanted to get along with James and did not want things to get awkward between them, especially since they were living under the same roof. 

“Alright. Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll come and pick you up for a meal, and after we eat, I’ll take you to see the surprise I’ve promised you.” 

In James‘ eyes, even if Nadia was just his wife on paper, he would not stand for anyone mistreating her. 

He slipped on his shoes, all set to head out. 

Nadia checked the time, and it was nearly eight. She needed to hurry to the flower shop. It was International Women’s Day today, and the flower shop would surely be busy. 

“Uh, if you’re up for it, could you give me a ride?” 

James had just set foot outside when he heard Nadia’s words from behind. He paused. 

“If you’re taking a ride, then hurry up and get out the door!” 

James was not too keen on giving her a lift, but considering she had cooked him breakfast that morning, he decided to offer her a ride. 

Nadia was just testing the waters and didn’t expect that he would actually agree. 

After quickly removing her apron, she grabbed her bag and slipped on her shoes. Then, she followed closely behind James 

into the elevator. 

With a slight sense of unease, she asked, “Are you working late tonight? If not, I could buy groceries and cook.” 

To Nadia, cooking one meal or two meals seemed pretty much the same. After all, she and James were sharing the same roof, and she wished for their relationship to be as harmonious as roommates. 

“No need. I’ll eat at the office.” 

Daisy was not home, and their relationship had not progressed to the point of sharing meals and living space. 

By now, the elevator had reached the basement, and as the doors opened, James took the lead. 

A few of James’s bodyguards were waiting by the elevator on the basement level. 

After spotting Nadia out of the blue, Xavier, the young bodyguard, acted swiftly, turning and pretending to head toward the nearby parking lot. 

The other bodyguards also scattered in a panicked frenzy. 

All of a sudden, Nadia spotted a group of tall, suited men. As soon as they caught sight of James and Nadia stepping out of the elevator, they scattered like they had seen a ghost. 

Hastening her steps to keep up with James, she glanced around again. 

“Do you know those guys?” she whispered. 

“I don’t know, probably neighbors around here!” 

Since moving to Orchid Valley, James‘ bodyguards had moved in with James for his personal safety. As long as he was not with Nadia, they would be at his side, protecting him 24/7. 

Xavier, the bodyguard, hid behind a car, watching James walk up to the beat–up Chevrolet Sail and unlock it. 

It just did not seem right to Xavier. Chevrolet Sail and James did not match. No one would have imagined that James, a billionaire CEO, would drive around in a cheap clunker like that. 

Xavier had been in front of James and Nadia just a moment ago. Fortunately, he was quick–witted and did not get caught by Nadia. Otherwise, if Nadia had noticed, Xavier’s job might have been in jeopardy. 

The whole situation left Xavier a bit dumbfounded. James and Nadia were legally married, yet he acted like he was having an affair, always worried someone might find out about his marriage. 

Xavier could not help but feel some sympathy for James. 

Just when Nadia settled into James’s car, her phone began to ring. 

It was a call from Iris, who was currently in the hospital. 

Nadia picked up the call. “Nadia, why did you hire a caregiver for me? Why waste money? I can manage on my own.” Iris had just opened her eyes and found a woman in her forties by her side, helping her with personal care. She saw the woman pouring water and doing all sorts of necessary things. She had to ask to realize that this was the caregiver Nadia had 

LLAGE 

L 

Chapter 23 hired. 

After Iris learned that this caregiver charged 60 dollars a day, she was eager to send her away. But the caregiver mentioned they had already been paid, so Iris called Nadia. 

“A caregiver? I didn’t do that!” 

Nadia was also puzzled. She had thought about hiring one, but her wallet was not on board. 

Suddenly, Nadia thought of what Kadin had said yesterday. She started to suspect that Kadin had arranged this. 

“Grandma, don’t worry. I’ll swing by the hospital later.” 

Elena. Nadia’s sister, had to take care of Ray. She had even gotten an IV yesterday, and now it was International Women’s Day. The shop would surely be bustling, and she could not take time off. Hiring a caregiver might work. Nadia would give the money to Kadin later. 

No matter how frugal one was, some expenses were necessary. 

About 15 minutes later, James pulled up in a Chevrolet Sail at the flower shop’s entrance and parked the car. 

Nadia opened the passenger door, ready to step out, but suddenly something crossed her mind, and she turned to look at James. 

“Mr. Howe, thank you for today.” 

James nodded expressionlessly, and Nadia got out of the car and headed straight to her flower shop. 

James watched her get out of the car, her white casual outfit and wavy ponytail giving off youthful vibes. 

He was somewhat taken aback, feeling like the youth and vitality were drifting farther away from him. He started to feel that he was getting old. 

He shook his head, maneuvered the old Chevrolet Sail, and left Nadia’s flower shop. 

As soon as he turned the corner, he parked the car on the roadside, and Xavier, the young bodyguard, opened the door of 

the Chevrolet Sail. 

James got out of the car and got into a multi–million–dollar luxury car parked in front. 

Several Rolls–Royces followed behind, forming a convoy that headed in the direction of the Howe Group. 

Inside the flower shop, Clare had arrived early. Fresh roses and vibrant red carnations were already in the store. 

On International Women’s Day, these two kinds of flowers had the best sales and the most orders. 

As soon as the door opened, a steady stream of customers entered the shop. 

A few customers went for just a single flower, while others picked up a whole bunch. There were even those who opted for nine or eleven stems. Different quantities of flowers often held different meanings, so everyone had their unique choices. 

Nadia was busy the whole morning, and it was finally approaching noon when things settled down a bit. 

Nadia held a broom, ready to clean up the shop, when she noticed Clare approaching with a cup of coffee. Clare’s expression was serious as she handed it over. 

“Nadia, spill the beans. Who was that handsome guy you arrived with this morning?” Clare’s eyes held a hint of sternness. She had seen it all. 

Clare sat down on a stool in front of the cash register, taking on the air of a stern investigator. Nadia took the offered coffee, sipped it, and swept the remaining area before returning to the counter. 

Playing dumb, she responded, “You must have seen things. What handsome guy?” 

Nadia did not want Clare to worry about her. 

“Don’t play dumb. I saw it with my own eyes this morning. You got out of that guy’s car. Isn’t your man, Jim, going to get jealous?” 

At that moment, Nadia realized that Clare did not know she and Jim had broken up. 

“Oh my, don’t pry so much. I can’t explain everything right now.” 

“I’ve been telling you, Jim isn’t the best husband material. For all these years, you’ve been supporting him financially. Even after he has graduated with a master’s, you’re still taking care of him. As a grown man, he has no shame! I think you should just break up with him. The handsome guy who dropped you off this morning, even though I only saw him briefly, looked much more attractive than Jim.” 

As someone caught up in the situation, Clare felt that Nadia was not seeing things clearly. But Clare had an outsider’s perspective, and it was clear as day to her that Jim was a slacker and not worthy of Nadia. 

*Clare, I’ve already broken up with Jim.” 

Chapter 23 

Tired of keeping her friend in the dark, Nadia decided to come clean. She could not bear seeing Clare worry about her. 

With that said, she took a big sip of the coffee, hoping its flavor would drown out the pain that Jim had caused her. Upon hearing this, Clare stood up from her stool, clapping her hands in excitement. 

“Nadia. I’m so happy for you! Jim was a total jerk. You should’ve broken up with him ages ago. Let’s go grab a drink tonight. and celebrate.” 

With that, Clare hugged Nadia and twirled her around. She was ecstatic that Nadia had finally broken free. 

“I’m married! The guy you saw this morning is 

my husband.” 

Since she had decided to tell Clare, she might as well share everything. After all, aside from Elena and Iris, Clare was the person closest to her. 

Clare’s jaw dropped in astonishment. “You little rascal! You get married and only tell me now? Are you even treating me like a good friend? And what does your husband do? Where does he work? What’s his salary? How did you guys meet?” 

Clare fired off a barrage of questions, leaving Nadia somewhat dazed. 

“Goodness gracious! Is Clare conducting a full–blown investigation?” thought Nadia. 

Send Gift