Chapter: 871

However, his expression quickly changed.

Behind Aimee, Nikolas followed, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit.

"Zeke, are you okay?" Aimee asked, her voice flat. She was wrestling with a pang of guilt. After all, she barely knew Zeke. Their first encounter had ended disastrously in an accident.

Nikolas had thrown punches aimed at Zeke's face, resulting in his features being swathed in gauze, giving him the appearance of a mummy.

“I'm fine," Zeke managed to say, the hint of a smile trying to break through the pain of his injuries.

Aimee moved to step closer, wanting to inspect Zeke's wounds, but before her foot could hit the floor, Nikolas yanked her back.

“Aimee brought me here to apologize. We argued. She invited you to dinner to get under my skin, to make me jealous. She wasn't really interested in you."

Those words sounded odd coming from Nikolas.

Aimee got goose bumps, especially when he called her by name.

Yet Zeke took his words to heart, mustering a strained smile. "I thought she asked me out because she liked me."

"Of course not." Nikolas chuckled, arching an eyebrow. "Just look at who she's with-you'll see who she really likes."

“Nikolas!" Aimee exclaimed, pinching his arm, though he only grinned wider, clearly amused.

To anyone watching, their interaction could seem flirtatious.

Zeke felt a twinge of sadness but chose to keep the peace. His parents were close with Aimee's, and he didn't want to cause any trouble.

“Alright, you should not upset her anymore. She's a good girl."

"Absolutely!" Nikolas declared, pulling Aimee into his arms and planting a loud kiss on her cheek. “We've decided to get married."

Speechless, Aimee fought the urge to gag him.

Zeke glanced up at Aimee, his eyes searching hers for affirmation.

Aimee gave an awkward smile. Explaining was difficult.

"Don't mind him. We're still figuring each other out."

“So, he really is your boyfriend?" Zeke pressed, seeking clarity once more.

Having seen Aimee's efforts to distance herself from Nikolas the day before, he held on to a sliver of hope.

With a resigned nod, Aimee confirmed, "Yes, he is.”

Technically, Nikolas had only officially become her boyfriend an hour earlier.