Win Back the Heiress 186

Chapter 186 Ian Knows 

Nancy’s heart skipped a beat. 

If love had a physical manifestation, it had to be the way Gideon was looking at her right now. 

She did have feelings for him, but she never imagined he would love her so deeply in return. 

It left her with a pang of guilt. She was the one who had fallen for him first, yet somehow, it felt like his love for her had already surpassed hers. 

“Do you like them? Should I buy them for you?” Gideon asked softly. 

“Yes.” She nodded. 

They left the store soon after, casually chatting, when he suddenly asked, “Darling, what’s wrong?” 

She blinked when she saw the concern in his eyes. 

He asked again, “Are you unhappy?” 

“You actually noticed that?” She prided herself on hiding her emotions, but somehow, they were always on full display to him. 

“Of course. Do you feel like telling me the reason?” he asked gently. His tenderness made her nose sting a little. 

After a pause, she finally said quietly, “I feel like you’re too good to me.” 

He seemed to be nervous after hearing her answer. “Darling, don’t you like that?” 

“Of course, I like it. I just feel like… I don’t treat you as well as you treat me.” Her voice was soft, her chest tight with a sadness she couldn’t even explain. 

Suddenly, he pulled her into his arms. His warmth and steady breath wrapped around her. 

Her eyes widened, and a sharp ache welled up in her chest. She shut her eyes as she said, ” Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if I even deserve the way you treat me.” 

Her turbulent childhood had taught her that she had to work hard just to be accepted. Otherwise, she’d be abandoned. It was her adoptive parents’ love that eventually gave her confidence and 

composure. 

For years, she worked tirelessly in the Moore household so as not to disappoint them, earning praise and admiration from others. It eventually reached a point where she nearly forgot the insecurity and sense of inferiority she kept buried deep inside. 

“Of course, you deserve it. In this world, no one deserves it more than you.” His low, tender voice soothed her unease like a feather brushing her heart. 

 

“Darling, did you forget how outstanding you are? So many people admire you. If I don’t treat you well, what if someone else steals you away? I’m the one who should feel insecure, not you.” 

She clung to him, not saying a word. 

He continued, “You’re incredible. Think about it. Is there anyone around you who is better than you? 

“You’re the most remarkable woman I’ve ever met, and the kindest, too. And honestly, even if you weren’t, I’d probably still love you. Because love doesn’t come with a reason.” 

“Really?” She pulled back at this moment and looked at him with teary eyes. “Even if I wasn’t exceptional at all, you’d still love me?” 

“Of course.” He cupped her face in his hands. “As long as it’s you, that’s all that matters to me.” 

As long as it was her, it was enough. 

Nancy had never thought someone could love her so steadfastly, no matter how imperfect she was. It felt like the old wounds in her heart were finally beginning to heal. 

“Alright. Then, I’ll love you the same way, too.” She nodded earnestly. 

Her clumsy sincerity drew a smile from him, soft with affection and heavy with heartache. He gently brushed her cheek. “Don’t ever feel pressure because of how I treat you. Your happiness is what makes me happy.” 

“Okay.” Her eyes blurred, and a single tear slid down her face. She tried to lower her head and wipe it away, but he tilted her chin up and pressed his warm lips to the corner of her eye. 

Her body trembled. 

“Alright, darling. Let’s keep shopping,” he said gently. 

She happily hummed in response. 

They wandered for a while longer. Nancy even picked out some new clothes for him. He immediately put away his tailored suit and changed into what she’d bought. 

Surprisingly, the casual look suited him perfectly, making him appear a few years younger without losing a trace of that refined, aristocratic air he carried. 

She smiled as she straightened his collar. “It really does look good on you.” 

“I think so, too. My darling’s taste is perfect,” he teased with a smile. 

She was about to reply when her phone rang. Pulling it out, she said, “It’s my dad.” 

She stepped aside to answer the call. “Hi, Dad.” 

“Nancy.” Ian’s tone was serious. 

 

“Dad, what’s wrong? Did something happen?” 

He let out a long sigh. “Nancy, tell me the truth. Are you seeing Gideon?”