8.89 ( 0 ) mesa Chapter 3 A few years ago , Nathan came home looking like hed seen a ghost . I knew something was wrong the moment he walked through our apartment door . He sat on our Italian leather sofa for what felt like hours before he finally spoke . Hed run into the family of the drunk driver who killed his parents . The accident happened when Nathan was at Harvard . His parents were stopped at a red light on the Mass Pike when a drunk driver plowed into them at full speed . All three died instantly . Claire Morrison was that drivers daughter . Nathan had discovered this three months after his HR team hired her as his executive assistant . Id never seen him so shaken his hands trembling , eyes bloodshot . Emma , I cant … every time I see her , all I can think about is that night . Sometimes I just want to … His voice cracked . This was Nathan Pierce the man who could make or break companies without blinking completely undone . I pulled him close , running my fingers through his hair . Hey , its okay . You dont have to handle this alone . You can have HR transfer her , give her a great recommendation . That was the first time Id ever seen the ruthless CEO of Pierce & Associates break down like a lost child , holding onto me like I was his anchor to reality . When I carefully broached the subject a few weeks later , he seemed back to his usual composed self . I had her moved to Operations on a different floor . Why keep her at all ? Are you sure youre okay with this ? His expression was surprisingly peaceful . You were right I cant let the past control me The Dorfect Husbands Secret 10.5 % hapter 3 forever . Maybe this is my chance to grow beyond it . Im fine , really . After that , during my occasional office visits , Claire vanished from sight . Nathan never mentioned her again . I thought hed finally found his peace with it . Until today , when she walked into his corner office . I thought Melissa was your assistant now ? Claire gave that nervous smile shed perfected . Shes on maternity leave . A few of us from Operations are rotating coverage . That must be quite the adjustment , I said diplomatically . Claire Morrison wasnt exactly Manhattan executive material . Small boned , almost delicate , with plain features and off the rack clothes . She had this permanent deer in headlights look like someone who spent their life trying not to be noticed . She dipped her head slightly . Pierce , I should get back to the front desk . As she turned , I caught sight of something on her neck several distinctive red marks . Unmistakably hickeys . Nathan returned from his board meeting looking every inch the power player in his bespoke Tom Ford suit . He leaned against the doorframe of his office , just watching me with that smile that still made my heart skip . Finally decided to grace Pierce & Associates with your presence ? I walked over and slipped into his arms . Maybe I should visit more often . Your entire staff lights up when Im here . He tweaked my nose playfully . They better not light up too much . I chose my next words carefully . Claire brought me coffee earlier . He stilled for a moment before managing a quiet Mm . 12.3 % X Shes filling in as your assistant . Nathan , you dont have to explain I know youve worked through this . I looked up at him . Mom always said you had incredible resilience . Look at you now running this empire , handling everything so perfectly . She knew exactly what youd become . His dark eyes held mine for a long moment before he bent to brush his lips against my forehead . Emma , he murmured against my skin , thats all because of you . Title: Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation In CrushReel's ongoing romance novel, "Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation," a young woman finds herself without a home after a heart-wrenching breakup with her boyfriend of four years. Following state policy, she is unexpectedly matched with a billionaire spouse, forever altering the course of her life. Amidst themes of love, resilience, and newfound wealth, readers are drawn into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. As the protagonist navigates her new reality alongside her billionaire partner, the complexities of their relationship unfold against the backdrop of opulent mansions and hidden secrets waiting to be revealed. What sets this modern romance apart is its unique blend of sweet romance and the intriguing dynamics between contract lovers in a contemporary setting. Fans of CEO romances will find themselves captivated by the unfolding tale that promises unexpected twists and heartfelt moments. Dive into this enchanting story, available to read at CrushReel, and discover a world where love knows no bounds.