Nicholas' POVShe just has a way of getting on my nerves, doesn't she? What was that about? She wanted to smack me on the face? The audacity! How did I get here? I paced around my room, my thoughts raging. I was distracted by a call and pulled out my phone from my pocket to see who it was; it turned out to be Carlos."Where the hell are you?" I vented over the phone, transferring my aggression to him. He was supposed to be back already; what was still keeping him from showing up?"I am about to get on board, boss. I will be back by noon," he said hastily.I rolled my eyes, my anger not dissipating in the slightest. "So why are you calling?""I heard what happened, boss. I wanted to know if there is anything you would want me to do." He wasn't being specific."I don't understand, what did you hear?" I asked frantically, on the verge of losing my patience."I heard one of the shipments was attacked yesterday. Josiah told me when he called, thinking I was with you," he replied calmly."O
Laura's POV:I knew immediately who it was without even glancing back. Who else but the loud and boisterous Nicholas. Abraham looked at him with surprise, "I thought you said you weren't coming down for breakfast?""I have every right to change my mind whenever I want to, don't I?" he quizzed."Of course, you do!" Abraham said, pulling out a chair for him as a smile played at the corner of his lips."Besides," Nicholas continued as he strode to the chair and sat down, "if anyone should have breakfast in their rooms, it sure as hell shouldn't be me; this is my house," he spat, glaring at me with vicious eyes.I remained silent, choosing not to say anything that might further anger him. I needed to apologize to him, though. After all, I was the one who had asked Abraham to call him on the phone as we had unfinished business. Once I was done apologizing, I also intended to tell him about my plans to move back to London.The table was set with a variety of dishes, their pleasant aroma fil
Nicholas' POV:I took out my phone from my pocket to check the caller's identity; it was Carlos. Annoyed, I rolled my eyes and answered the call, snapping, "Yes, what is it?""We just arrived, boss. We're heading to the mansion now," he replied.I heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Good, come to my room as soon as you get there.""Okay boss."Thank God he was finally here. I needed to clear my head, and leaving this house for a while would help with that. Once they arrived, we would go to the bar and meet the men there.I sat on my sofa and poured myself a glass of vodka, sipping it while staring at the curtains in my room. My mind was occupied with thoughts of my recent encounter with Laura.About fifteen minutes later, there was a knock on my door, and I already knew it was Carlos. After all, who else would it be? They should have arrived by now."Come in," I said.The door opened, and Carlos walked in, looking around my room as if he were seeing it for the first time."It's a good
Nicholas' POVWe entered the room and took our seats. I glanced at James, puzzled, and inquired, "What exactly happened?""We were returning from picking up a shipment. There were only about 5 of us in the truck," he said, resting his hand on the desk."We became suspicious when the driver noticed shiny objects on the road. It quickly dawned on us that something was amiss," his eyes widened as he recounted, "we might have all been killed since they had set up an ambush right in front of us."I listened attentively, as did the others. While he had briefed me on the incident earlier, it had been a summary. Now, I wanted the full details."How did you realize they had laid an ambush ahead?" Carlos asked. He was the only one audacious enough to ask questions in my presence without seeking permission first.James looked at Carlos and then at me, awaiting a nod of confirmation before proceeding. I subtly nodded, and he began, "We knew they had set an ambush because as soon as we saw the shi
Nicholas's POVHe appeared bewildered, clearly not anticipating my refusal to shake his outstretched hand. Glancing at his hand, he coughed and settled into his seat. Lighting a cigarette, he took a drag, releasing a cloud of smoke into the air.We locked gazes, and I broke the silence."This time, Vladimir, you've gone too far. You've crossed a line," I growled."Because of you, why did you choose to sell to another Russian in Italy? My new competition? And you didn't even bother informing me?" he inquired, his eyes fixed on me as he took a prolonged drag from his cigarette. I felt an urge to snatch the cigarette from his grasp and discard it."The cocaine is mine to distribute. I decide my buyers, and I answer to no one," I responded coldly, my gaze unwavering."We've been partners in business for years, Nicholas. We've never encountered any problems. Why stir up trouble now?" he asked, reclining in his chair."I can procure as many supplies as you can. You needn't supply any other
Laura's POVI stood in the corner, watching them with a pang of envy gnawing at me. He hadn't engaged with me much, not even offering a hug except when it led to intimacy. This newfound connection between him and Laura left me feeling uneasy.It all began during her mourning period. Prior to her departure from the secret hideout, he'd even shared his number with her, suggesting she reach out if she needed anything. Initially, I understood it as a gesture of pity for her loss, but now it seemed their rapport had blossomed into a close friendship.I do trust Sonia, though. I knew she held no malicious intentions; she would never do anything to harm me. She's been my support for years.I approached their location, still chatting, and greeted Nicholas. He briefly glanced at me and offered a slight nod in response.I was seething inside, though I concealed it. I wasn't going to let him believe his attempt to get under my skin was succeeding."Sonia, I'll be upstairs. Come find me when you'
Laura's POV"Nicholas mentioned that you've already made a decision to leave in a few days. Is that true? You told him that?" I was confused by what she had just said and the barrage of questions she was throwing at me."Wait, he said that?" I asked, puzzled."Yes, he did. Is it true?" she inquired."That wasn't exactly how I put it. First, what prompted the conversation?" I needed to know, as there can't be smoke without fire, especially with someone like Nicholas; something must have triggered that statement."He received a call from a certain dignified person about a birthday party happening next weekend," she said, rising from her seat. "Apparently, the person reminded him to bring a plus one, to which he declined, saying he would come alone," she folded her arms across her chest."After the call ended, I tried prying and asked him why he didn't want to go with someone.""He straightforwardly said, 'I don't have anyone to go with. Besides, I'm fine going alone.'""When I inquired
Laura's POVI was too scared to look back. So, I acted like everything was okay. He went right to the chair at the table's end and sat down, making a loud noise with the chair. When I looked at him, I realized he did it on purpose and he was looking at me.His face looked very serious. I felt nervous and said a quick hello."Well, I thought maybe I was too small for you to notice," he said in a joking way. Sonia looked at him, then at me, and did what she's good at—making things better."Laura isn't feeling well, Nicholas. That's why she's a bit distracted," she looked at me and gave me a quick wink, telling me to play along. "She's had a fever since last night. I barely slept, taking care of her," she added, stifling a yawn.I faked a cough and put my hand on my forehead, acting confused. Nicholas frowned and got up from his chair, coming over to where I was sitting. My heart started beating really fast. I didn't expect this when I decided to go along with the plan. I only thought he
Laura's POVHe beamed at the crowd, enthusiastically waving to them. For some inexplicable reason, our eyes locked from a considerable distance. At first, I assumed he hadn't noticed me.However, as I sensed his gaze lingering on my location for an extended moment, I decided to depart. My heart raced as I rose from my spot and maneuvered through the crowd, steering myself toward the exit.How could he possibly be here? Was this merely an eerie coincidence? I pondered intensely about how this situation had unfolded. I had just reached the exterior where the car I arrived in was parked when his haunting voice reverberated behind me."Laura, we need to talk."I found myself frozen, incapable of movement."There's nothing to talk about, Fernando," I snapped irritably. I wasn't pleased with how everything had unraveled. It wasn't entirely his fault; I shared the blame. If I hadn't succumbed to his advances, that heated moment at the club might never have occurred.Who knows, maybe Nicholas
Nicholas' POVThis just can't be happening again. Why has Laura decided to treat me this way? Why has she decided to betray me again? I had a security detail watching her every move. I just couldn't trust her again after what she did. I found out she had gone to a club with Sonia, where she met up with Fernando and engaged in sexual activities with him in a lounge.I was so irritated and furious. I picked up my phone and dialed her number, it rang and she didn't answer. "Damn it! Pick up your call, for God's sake!" I muttered underneath my breath.She didn't pick up. That infuriated me even more. I stood from my chair and rammed my fist into the wall in anger. Laura, how could you do this?I called Carlos, and he picked up almost immediately."We are leaving first thing tomorrow morning.""But boss, the meeting is in two days, we...""I said we are leaving tomorrow morning!""Okay, boss." He knew better than to keep bothering me when I was angry. I left my study and went to my room, k
Laura's POVI rose abruptly from my chair, determined to put an end to this ordeal once and for all. His persistence was becoming infuriating, even after I had left him. Considering how closely he seemed to be monitoring my life, he likely knew by now that I was married to Nicholas. I made my way towards the hallway, where the private lounges were located. These spaces were reserved for the wealthy and influential patrons who preferred seclusion, away from the ordinary crowd in the bar, seeking their comfort in the company of women.I continued past the first lounge and then the second. The door to the second lounge was slightly ajar, revealing a group of men and women inside. Each lounge had its own set of bodyguards stationed outside, presumably for the protection of those within. One of the men from the second lounge noticed me and began to approach."What's a beautiful woman like you doing out here all alone?" he inquired, attempting to grab my arm. Swiftly, I evaded his grasp."
I've been incredibly angered since the events in Paris transpired. How could she? How could she terminate our unborn child? Did she ever truly love me? If she did, she wouldn't have made that choice, considering what we shared.It was deeply disheartening and agonizing to realize that I married someone capable of such an act. Some may argue it's not murder, as the baby wasn't fully formed, but I view it differently. Taking the life of your own child, even in the early stages, feels like a form of murder to me.Every aspect of her actions disgusts me, yet I acknowledge that deep down, I still have feelings for her. Right now, I need time to release my anger fully and eventually find a place in my heart to forgive her.It's a fact that people sometimes make regrettable choices. I had forgiven her for running away with Fernando, and I believe I'll eventually forgive her for terminating my pregnancy, but it will require time—oh, quite a bit of time.Suddenly, there was a knock on my door.
Laura's POVI was dumbfounded, rendered speechless by the abrupt turn of events. He took his briefcase and stormed out, leaving me behind in disbelief. This morning had taken an unexpected and hurtful turn. Instead of the passionate moments I had hoped for, we were now drifting further apart.As tears trickled down my face, I fell to my knees. I listened to the fading sound of cars as they left the house until it was replaced by an eerie silence. Nicholas had left for London, and I felt utterly shattered. My heart was broken into tiny pieces.Crying wouldn't solve the problem. I stood up, wiped my tears, and left his room, closing the door behind me. On my way downstairs, I met Sonia, who was just leaving her room.Upon seeing me, she called out, "Laura!" I walked sluggishly towards her, and she immediately sensed that something was amiss from my gloomy demeanor."What's wrong, Laura?" she asked, her tone filled with concern.I sighed heavily. "He just left for London on a business tr
Laura's POVI paid rapt attention, eager to hear the advice Sonia had to offer. I was desperate for guidance, something that could help mend my fractured relationship with Nicholas.Our current situation was unbearable. We were a married couple, yet we were sleeping in separate bedrooms. This couldn't continue, and I hoped Sonia had a solution to offer.She cleared her throat and began, "Laura, you bruised his ego by your actions. If you had truly loved him at that time, you wouldn't have gone through with the abortion."Her words hit me hard, as they weren't the advice I had hoped for, and her assumption was entirely wrong. I did love Nicholas then; I just believed our relationship was irreparably damaged."What you need to do now is offer a heartfelt apology," she continued, gripping my hand firmly.I pulled my hand away and got up from the chair. "You think I haven't already tried that?" I responded. "I've apologized to him, Sonia. He brushed it off with a simple 'It's fine' and th
Laura's POVThe message left me completely baffled. I had blocked Fernando's number, determined to sever all ties with him after uncovering his hidden secrets. Now, he was texting me from an unfamiliar number? At a time when I was still grappling with the consequences of my actions because of him? I swiftly deleted the message from my phone and tossed it aside.When we arrived at the house, I remained in the car, expecting Nicholas to come around and open the door for me, as he always did. However, this time, he didn't. Instead, he instructed the butler to bring our luggage up and proceeded straight ahead, leaving me to exit the car on my own.Observing the situation, the butler quickly opened the door for me. "Thank you," I muttered as I got out of the car, feeling the ache in my legs from wearing heels. I made my way into the house, and there I saw Nicholas heading upstairs. Abraham stood by the door, wearing a curious expression."What's going on?" Abraham asked, gesturing towards
Laura's POVHis expression appeared bleak, and I could sense his simmering anger. This couldn't be happening to me now. I didn't regret sharing what had happened, but I did regret waiting so long to tell him.What if I had just been honest when I returned? Would things be different? Would he be more receptive to it now than he is?I observed him, sitting on the couch, lost in his thoughts. He tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling.The desire to go to him, console him, and express my apologies consumed me. I stood up and walked over, taking a seat beside him on the couch.He remained unmoved, staying where he was. I considered it a positive sign; if he were angrier, he would have distanced himself further on the chair to convey his anger.I placed my hand on his, and he ran his fingers through his hair. "Oh, okay.""I am so sorry, Nicholas, for what happened. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would definitely do things differently," I sobbed.He looked at me for the firs
Nicholas' POV I had anticipated tears and declarations of her love for her son, expressing her desire not to be separated from him. Had she done that, I would have released her, as I had no intention of separating a mother from her child.Her response was quite the opposite. She readily agreed, solely to save herself, and declared that she wanted nothing to do with the child. She went on to describe him as a burden she had been dealing with for over two years. In fact, I later learned that she had only seen him once or twice a month. She had rented an apartment and left him there under the care of a nanny who took excellent care of him.It was disheartening that my son had to endure such an arrangement at the hands of his mother. I provided her with financial support, and she departed after taking an oath never to appear before me again.Laura and I were determined to raise him with all the love and care he truly deserved.After a memorable wedding day and with everyone settling into