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131

"Let's go home!" Nicholas urged as soon as Bryan had disappeared from view.

"Are you okay?"

Instead of joining Nicholas's invitation, Alesya chose to stay. Hugging Nicholas tightly, leaning against his chest, listening to the increasingly rapid heartbeat of Nicholas when Bryan mentioned Viska's name.

"Don't worry about me. Actually, you're the one I'm most afraid of right now."

"I'm okay, Nik. Because my life was destined to be like this. While you?"

"How do you know about me and Viska?"

“I-I…”

"Sorry, Mrs. Alesya. Can you come in for a moment? The doctor wants to talk!”

Alesya and Nicholas turned their heads together. They both raised their eyebrows, surprised that the nurse suddenly called out to them. Even though all matters have been completed.

"Maybe Bryan hasn't paid for the inspection yet." Nicholas interrupted. Inviting Alesya to come in.

He smiled faintly. It would be sad if Bryan left without paying for Alesya's examination. Even though it was the man who invited him, Alesya was also the one who paid. Alesya was also not given any form of support, but Bryan even had the heart to ask her to pay.

What will Alesya pay with? Seriously!

"How much is the total, Doc?" Nicholas took out his wallet from his trouser pocket. Ready to pay the bill which is not much, but for Alesya it is of course very large considering that the girl doesn't have a penny left.

"Ten million."

“Eh?” Nicholas and Alesya looked at each other. “T-ten million? You are sure? That's all, you know, Doc. Put your finger in to check, right?”

Nicholas didn't believe it. And it seems like he doesn't want songs to come to that hospital, even though it is the last hospital in the world.

"No." The doctor removed the glasses that were perched on his nose. "The inspection was not much and has been paid in full."

"Then what is the ten million for?"

Nicholas drove in silence for a while, processing everything Alesya had just told him about the doctor and the money they had paid to cover up the lie. He couldn't help but feel relieved that Alesya was safe, even if it cost them a considerable sum.

When Alesya hesitated and finally spoke up about Viska's call, Nicholas couldn't ignore the topic any longer. He had a complicated history with Viska, and her reappearance in his life stirred up old memories and emotions.

"Did you answer her call?" Nicholas asked as he filled his phone with battery and turned on some pop music to break the tension.

Alesya shook her head. "Bryan answered it."

"Ah, I see. Let's just leave it at that," Nicholas replied, his gaze focused on the road ahead.

Viska's return was unsettling for Nicholas, reopening old wounds. He recalled how Viska had blocked his number after she claimed to be pregnant, blaming him for her heartbreak when he entered a relationship with another man. Nicholas had accepted that narrative without clarification. He had allowed Viska and everyone around him to label him as such, as he didn't want to confront the truth.

"However, Nik," Alesya said, shifting in her seat to face Nicholas. "Bryan said she still loves you and wants to meet you. He mentioned she could come to your campus or a restaurant."

Nicholas sighed and looked at Alesya. "Let's not dwell on that. I don't care what she wants or how she feels. To me, it's no longer important because loving a woman will only bring me heartache. So it's better this way, isn't it?"

"But..." Alesya began, her concern evident in her eyes.

"Enough, Al. Let's not talk about Viska anymore. I don't want to go back to the past. For me, when Viska decided to leave, everything was over. There's no way back for her. If I may request, please don't bring this up again because I don't like it."

Alesya nodded, understanding Nicholas's stance. She hoped they could move forward without any disturbances and that she wouldn't be separated from Nicholas. She was determined that if necessary, Nicholas would be her husband. As for Bryan, Shabila could have him all to herself.

Tyo, Nicholas's assistant, was clearly agitated when Nicholas returned. He immediately bombarded Nicholas with questions and complaints about a mysterious guest who had been waiting in his office. Alesya watched the exchange, not realizing that the guest in question was Viska.

Nicholas seemed preoccupied and frustrated, and he wanted to avoid confronting Viska. He took Alesya by the waist and guided her to the kitchen, brushing off Tyo's concerns.

"Can you understand?" Nicholas's voice rose slightly as he spoke to Alesya, trying to make her stay in the kitchen.

Feeling uncomfortable about the situation and not wanting to add more stress to Nicholas's day, Alesya sat quietly in the kitchen, watching him work. She couldn't help but notice that something was bothering him, causing him to react strongly when Viska was mentioned.

As the lunchtime rush at the office gradually subsided, Nicholas prepared a plate of spaghetti with seafood and oyster sauce for Alesya. He brought it to the employee break room and informed the staff that they could use his office for their lunch break.

Alesya obediently followed Nicholas, even if it meant going along with anything he said. She trusted him and knew that he wouldn't lead her into any harm.

Nicholas carefully fed Alesya, breaking crab shells and offering her bites. Alesya cooperated without hesitation, opening her mouth as he fed her, even though he never said a word during the meal.

Soon, Alesya had finished her lunch, and Nicholas collected her empty plate. He intended to wash it, but he hesitated as he noticed Viska in the kitchen. Standing at the kitchen entrance, he scanned the area to make sure it was clear of any employees who might have disturbed his peace.

"Damn it!" Nicholas muttered under his breath as he made eye contact with Viska. His frustration was evident, and he quickly returned to the kitchen.

"Al, please don't be angry," Nicholas pleaded suddenly, placing the dirty plate on the table.

Alesya was puzzled. "Angry about what?" She genuinely didn't understand what was going on or what Nicholas wanted from her in this situation.

"Viska is here, and I don't want to see her," Nicholas explained, his tone filled with annoyance and discomfort.

Alesya, still unaware of the identity of the guest and Nicholas's history with her, simply nodded, willing to comply with whatever Nicholas needed. She just wanted to be supportive and not cause any more stress for him.

Alesya understood the situation better now, knowing that Viska was the unwelcome guest Tyo had mentioned earlier. She remained behind Nicholas as he confronted Viska in the kitchen. Alesya had questions, but she kept quiet, letting Nicholas handle the situation.

Viska was persistent in wanting to talk to Nicholas, despite his clear reluctance. She disregarded the warnings of the employees and attempted to reach out to Alesya. However, Nicholas prevented her from doing so, positioning himself between them.

Alesya's presence seemed to surprise Viska, who asked who she was. Nicholas sternly defended Alesya, asserting that she was his girlfriend.

Nicholas's outburst was shocking, especially to Alesya, who had never seen this side of him. His anger was palpable as he shouted at Viska and demanded that she leave.

Viska, despite the pain caused by Nicholas's grip on her wrist, refused to leave and begged for a chance to explain herself. She claimed she had come to apologize and clarify things.

Nicholas's anger escalated, and he forcibly dragged Viska toward the exit, his intent clear: he wanted her gone.

However, Alesya stepped in between them, lowering Nicholas's hand and hugging him tightly to calm his raging emotions. Her soothing touch and words informed Viska that Nicholas had moved on from her and that his life now revolved around Alesya.

Viska was left shocked and speechless, realizing that Alesya had taken her place in Nicholas's life. She couldn't believe that Nicholas, who once found solace in her embrace during his moments of anger, was now comforted by another woman. It was a painful realization for her.

Despite the tumultuous encounter, Alesya's presence had a profound effect on Nicholas, causing his anger to subside. He breathed deeply, embracing Alesya's comforting presence, grateful that she was there for him in this difficult moment.

The confrontation ended with Viska silently exiting the room, her heart heavy with regret and jealousy. Alesya had successfully protected her relationship with Nicholas and shown Viska that her time in his life had come to an end.