Chapter 3

Nina turned back in shock to see who was behind her. She stumbled by the new man who was standing dangerously close to her. He held her hand and pulled her towards him to let her balance her footing. When the man held Nina's hand, It was electrifying for him and his heart started beating crazily like it would come out anytime soon. Nina clearly heard his crazy heart beats and slowly looked at him in his eyes. He looked like a sole proprietor of good looks. Nina's heart skipped a beat and she quickly regained her posture and took her hand back. The man behind was Joshua. Joshua Helvar, the heir of Helvar Enterprises. Inej quickly hugged his legs, "Papa you came, yay!" Nina was shocked to hear Inej calling Joshua as her dad. Nina never heard from inej asking for her dad so she was shocked.

"Aww, my little girl you have been waiting for me?" he crouched down to Inej's level and hugged her protectively. "Mmm papa, I have been a good girl and listened to mumma and waited for you." Inej said, holding Joshua's cheeks in her baby hand. It was a picture perfect moment to whoever saw this dad-daughter duo affectionately talking to each other. But Nina was bombarded with questions in her brain.

From the beginning, Matthias was also a normal young man who was born with a silver spoon. He and Maria were blissfully in love since their college days together. Maria is a kind girl who is a commoner without much background. Alex was kind of against their marriage but at last he accepted Maria as his Daughter in Law. They both got married and were so happy together. A year rolled off quickly and Maria became pregnant with Inej. They both were in their cloud nine and celebrated their pregnancy along with the family. Matthias was so excited to see his baby girl and he awaited impatiently for Inej's arrival.

Maria got into labor pain and was admitted for delivery. But due to the complications in pregnancy the doctors were limited to save only one life and Maria pleaded with them to save her baby girl. Matthias, who was in a dilemma, protested and asked to save Maria. But due to Maria's final decision, Inej was born. Hearing Maria is dead, Matthias couldn't take the loss of his love and he lost his whole purpose to live. He became delusional and imagining things. His brain couldn't accept the fact that Maria was dead and started imagining that she is still in front of him. He didn't even see Inej. Even Inej's presence was not known by him and he became stagnant and stuck in the past unable to move forward.

Joshua was the one who lifted Inej first. She was so small in his sturdy hand soft like a flower petal. Tears formed in Joshua's eyes seeing the little life in his hands. Inej held Joshua's finger tightly not leaving him and that's when he decided Inej will be his responsibility. He took the fatherly responsibilities for Inej from Day One. He refused to leave Inej in anyone else's care and stayed home and took care of her as a single man for a whole year in place of his younger cousin brother before Nina's arrival. Inej's first word was 'Papa' before 'Mumma'. That's how Joshua became Inej's dad.

Joshua was also only 22 when he was taking care of Inej. He also took charge of the company that year and worked day and night thriving to stay at the top. He was working and taking care of Inej at the same time, staying home like an invincible man. Alex and Selena felt bad that his youth was withering away because of Matthias's conditions. That's why they thought of bringing a mother to Inej and were searching for a girl who can accept Inej as her own child and can look after Matthias. That's when they came in touch with Inej's aunty, Steve Harrington's younger sister Vanessa Lopez who adopted Nina after her parents death. Venessa and her Husband Martin Lopez were after the Harrington Enterprises. After Steve and Joyce's death, it naturally went to Nina and they adopted her to take control of the company. Nina's Grandparents Thomas Harrington, the founder of Harrington Enterprises and his wife Isabella Harrington were completely aware of their daughter's evil mind behind Nina's adoption but since Vanessa and Martin didn't have children they thought they would not wrong Nina.

But Vanessa, who had hatred for her maternal family showed all her hate towards Nina. From 6 years old, Nina was facing all their beating, abusive words and torture. Not long after, due to Vanessa and Martin's lack of ability they were not able to stop the Harrington Enterprise's fall. They were in need of money. Since Alex was ready to help them, they forced Nina to marry Matthias, hiding the fact about his mental illness and about Inej. Alex and Selena didn't know Nina was left out with all the truth and proceeded with the marriage despite Daniel's protest. Since Vanessa was Nina's legal guardian, Daniel and Alysa couldn't stop the marriage.

Everyone at the funeral was looking at the dad-daughter duo, When Vanessa saw Nina and tried to approach her. Joshua saw Nina trembling and stood in between them as an invincible wall. Before Vanessa speaks, "Mrs. Lopez, I was here first. So would you mind waiting until I express my condolences to Nina? I hope I am not bothering you." He strikes first and turns towards Nina. "Let's go Nina, I would like to have some of your time." He said to Nina leading her to a secluded place in the garden with Inej in his arms. "Papa, where are we going? Are we going to the amusement park?" Inej asked excitedly. Joshua chuckled. "Mhmm, so my little girl wants to go to the amusement park?" he tickled Inej and she was giggling. Nina was looking at them, how Joshua is talking to Inej freely like they were always like this.

"Ok baby girl, I will talk to mumma first and then we will go to the park with mumma. You have to sit here quietly and wait. Ok?" Said Joshua making Inej sit on the tea table before them. "Ok papa." Inej smiled happily and Joshua ruffled her hair affectionately. Joshua looked at an almost frozen Nina and chuckled. "You are too shocked Nina. Sit down. You don't have to worry. I will not kidnap you or misbehave with you. I just want to have a heart to heart chat with you." Nina blinked looking at Joshua and nodded her head slowly. Joshua was looking at Nina who was so adorable with endearment. Nina averted her gaze in shyness.

"Ok my shy queen, what's next? Had any plans?" Joshua asked Nina. "Huh.. Plans? what plans?" Nina looked at Joshua and asked in a small voice. "Plans.. now that you are single again what's next? You are not old enough to stay single for the rest of your life right?" Joshua asked gently. Nina flinched. "I have no plans, Inej is my daughter and I won't leave her." Nina said slowly. "No one is going to separate you from Inej Nina. Trust me. I won't allow anyone to come anywhere near you and Inej. You will be Inej's mumma for the rest of your life." Joshua reassured her gently.

Nina looked at Joshua confused. "Nina I know you have so many questions running in your head. I just want your permission to continue as Inej's papa. I know this is not the right time. But trust me Marriage talks always happen at a funeral. I want your hand in marriage. Will you marry me and stay by my side for your entire life?" Joshua gently asked without making her nervous. Nina was quiet looking down. "Nina I won't rush it. I want a proper marriage. I will pursue you until you fall for me and then I will propose to you and then marry you. I can wait as long as you accept me. If you find any other man in the meantime and fall in love with him, then you can marry him. I won't force you to stay by my side." Said Joshua, a ray of sadness visible in his eyes. Nina was shocked and looked at him. "Yes, my lady it hurts to say that but trust me your wish is more than important for me." Joshua explained. Nina's heart skipped a beat and tears rolled down hearing Joshua. Nina saw the genuine care and worry in his eyes.

"Oh no my brave girl, don't cry. You have already done a very good job holding up. You have survived all the challenges in life without any support. You are the bravest one here and I am proud of you." Joshua said soothing Nina. Hearing that Nina's held up tears and pent up sadness broke out. Joshua waited patiently for Nina to empty all her emotions. Inej was worried seeing her mumma cry. Joshua patted her head gently and pacified her. "Why? Why are you being so good to me? I haven't seen you before. This is the first time I am meeting you." Nina asked. "Hmm.. If you let me pursue you, then I might tell you why I am treating you so well." Joshua shrugged casually smirking. Nina stayed silent. "Don't stay silent butterfly. Let's go on dates and know about each other. After a few dates you can decide whether to let me pursue you or not." Said Joshua.

Nina blushed hard hearing him calling her 'butterfly'. "Then can I assume your silence as 'Yes' butterfly?" Joshua asked, smiling confidently. "Day after tomorrow, you are going to come with me to your home. Dad said he will not leave you here, not even for a second after tomorrow." Said Joshua. "My** home?" Nina questioned. "Yes yours, you will stay with us and we will be your family." Joshua said casually.

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