Chapter 38

Nina’s POV

As I stood there, my eyes widened in disbelief while Mark held me close to his side. The warmth of his arm wrapped around my waist felt strangely comforting, even though I was still reeling from the shock. How could this be happening? Mark Santiago—the man standing beside me, my husband—was actually *the* Mark Santiago, CEO of Santiago Group, the wealthiest man in New York? I tried to wrap my head around it, but my mind spun.

“Are you serious right now?” I managed to murmur, barely able to keep my voice steady. My heart was racing, and I stared at him, searching his face for any sign that he might be pulling some kind of elaborate prank.

He gave me that familiar, slightly smug smile, but this time, there was a warmth in his gaze that made me feel unexpectedly safe. “Yes, Nina,” he said, his voice calm and unwavering. “I didn’t lie to you.”

Greg, who had been standing nearby looking tense, now turned to face Mark, visibly swallowing as if try