Nicholas' POVThe line abruptly went dead as soon as she recognized my voice."Urghhh!" I screamed in anger. I had to figure out who the person was that she had run off with. Who had taken my place in her life? The mere thought of her being with another man tore my heart apart.After all we had experienced together, was this how she chose to repay me? By running off with someone else and completely severing ties with me?"I told you I sensed there was more to it, and now she's spilled the beans. You cheated on her, Nicholas!" Mrs. Dickson exclaimed, her voice filled with distress."That's not how it went down! It was all a setup, and I explained everything to her!" I retorted with frustration."Set up? Oh, please, do enlighten me," she remarked sarcastically. I had my doubts about whether it was worth trying to explain the whole situation to her, as it seemed clear she wouldn't be inclined to believe me. However, I decided to give it a shot."I was framed by my ex-girlfriend," I began
Nicholas' POVHe narrowed his eyes to get a better look at the person I was referring to, his forehead furrowing as he stood upright upon recognizing the individual."That's Fernando, one of your employees," he responded sternly."I'm aware he's one of my employees. You're clearly the one who hired him. What I'm inquiring about is some background information on him and his job description," I retorted, irritation evident in my voice.I hired him as the gardener a month ago. He was in desperate need of a job when I first met him. After hearing his story, I brought him home and offered him a position as our gardener.""Where is he now?" I inquired."He came last week, seeking permission to travel home because he received information about his ailing father," he raised his eyebrows, "I granted him permission.""I see. Precisely, which day of last week was this?" I tilted my head to scrutinize his face as he spoke.He gazed at the ceiling, trying to recollect, "Wednesday! He came on Wedne
Nicholas' POVI stared at the image for an extended period, my mind consumed by thoughts. Doubting my own eyes, I called upon Abraham to inspect the image, fearing that perhaps my vision was playing tricks on me.Abraham approached, leaning forward to scrutinize the picture. Upon identifying the person depicted, his eyes widened, and he looked back at me."Do you recognize this person?" I inquired, gazing at him intently."He's very familiar; in fact, he's the same man captured in this CCTV camera footage. That's Fernando," he declared, shifting his attention back and forth between the photograph and the figure in the recording.Initially, I had my suspicions, but I desperately hoped they were unfounded. I genuinely wished it was all a falsehood. How could Laura prefer a mere gardener over me? How could she engage in an affair with my employee right under my nose?In frustration, I erupted, shoving everything off the desk where I had been watching the incriminating video. Objects cras
Laura's POVIt had been two months since I left Nicholas and eloped with Fernando. While there was no doubt that Fernando loved me, I couldn't help but grow suspicious of his recent behavior. He started leaving early in the morning and returning late at night.One particular evening, it was already 10pm and there was still no sign of him, I couldn't shake off my suspicions that there was something more his coming home late, so I decided to wait up for him. Instead of remaining in my room, I quietly sneaked into his. I desperately hoped my fears were unfounded, but I needed to know the truth.When he returned that night, he switched on the light in his room. The sight that greeted me left me gasping in shock. His immaculate white shirt was stained with blood, and my heart sank.I questioned him about the bloodstains on his clothes, and he smiled and claimed he had been in a fight where he injured the other person, and the blood was from that individual. He insisted it was an act of sel
Laura's POVI slumped forward and made my way to the door, hesitating momentarily before gently opening it."You're back?" I uttered through the pain."What's the matter, my love?" he inquired, holding me and attempting to straighten me up, but I couldn't comply. Instead, I collapsed to the floor, still clutching my stomach."I don't know what's going on. I've had an upset stomach since morning," I sobbed. I had to make this performance convincing. I couldn't let him suspect any foul play of any kind. He had to believe me, and it would require an impressive act to make that happen.I was grateful that I had shed tears because he always searched for evidence. There was no way he could look into my eyes and not believe that I was deadly serious and in genuine pain."Darling, I'm so sorry. Let me take you to the hospital!" he exclaimed. But no, I didn't want things to escalate that far – no hospitals, I have my reasons."No, sweetheart, I don't need to go to the hospital. I'll recover so
Laura's POVI arrived at the driveway, and the family chauffeur offered to assist me in driving the car. However, I firmly declined and proceeded to the car. I drove it out and exited through the gate. The moment I passed the iron wrought gate, I couldn't contain my joy, and I let out a scream!Was I finally free again? I wasn't even sure of the route to Nicholas' place, so I relied on Google Maps to guide me back to Sicily. I had missed them all so much. Just then, a call came in, and when I checked the caller ID, I realized it was my grandmother. I immediately answered the call."Good morning, Grandma," I murmured, releasing a sigh."How are you, Laura?" Her voice exuded a calm and soothing quality, precisely what I needed at that moment."I'm fine, Grandma. How about you?" I inquired."I'm not doing well. I need you to come back," she replied, her tone carrying a hint of sadness. I would have been quick to panic and ask her what was wrong if I didn't know better.My grandmother had
Nicholas' POVI remained utterly shocked by her presence. The idea of us meeting again like this was beyond anything I could have imagined, even in my wildest dreams. I stood there, gazing at her, completely speechless."Nicholas," she began, her voice carrying a soothing and calming tone."I'm truly sorry for everything that transpired," her voice quivered as she spoke.She was apologizing for everything that had transpired? She had shattered my heart, disappeared for two whole months without a trace, without a care for me or how I was coping without her. What about her friends? Sonia, Abraham, her mom? Did they all mean nothing to her too?I knew I shouldn't let anger consume me, and I should be overjoyed that she was suddenly back. However, in that moment, processing everything and seeing her before me, begging, filled me with anger."Did you ever truly love me?" That's all I could manage to say at that moment. I needed clarity on so many things.She began to speak but faltered, un
Laura's POVI locked eyes with Nicholas. His face bore a somber expression, and he remained silent, meeting my gaze without uttering a word."Did you hear what I just mentioned?" I inquired."Indeed, I heard you," he replied, lowering his gaze momentarily. "You mentioned that Fernando was dispatched to spy on me. I can't say I'm entirely surprised because I've had my suspicions about his hidden agenda.I had hoped against hope that you weren't an unwitting pawn in his deceitful scheme, that his feelings for you were genuine, and he wouldn't harm you until I could locate you."His demeanor softened, and a profound sense of relief washed over me. It was heartwarming to witness his enduring care and affection, even during my absence."It's truly comforting to hear you express that," I replied, my voice tinged with shyness.He gently cradled my face with his powerful hands. "It pains me to observe that you still doubt how deeply I love you, the lengths I'm willing to go to protect you," h