Nicholas' POVAs the evening descended, I wrapped up my tasks at the office and decided it was time to return home. My intention was clear: I aimed to persuade Laura to reconsider, not merely through words, but by demonstrating my commitment. She was in for a surprise, one she wouldn't see coming.Arriving home, I noticed the time; it was already past 10 pm. Everyone seemed to have retired to their rooms for the night. I positioned myself beside Laura's door, my ear pressed against it, hoping to catch any sign of her being awake. However, there was nothing to hear.After a brief pause, I lightly tapped on the door, and moments later, I could hear the rustling of sheets, indicating she had hesitated before responding.As footsteps drew near the door, I straightened up and took a step back, slipping my hands into my pockets. The door swung open, revealing her standing there in nothing but a nearly transparent, red nightgown. Her hair flowed gracefully around her face, adding to her allu
Laura's POVI hadn't expected any of these things to happen, but I was thrilled that they did. I had been waiting for Nicholas to return home last night, despite feeling exhausted after the adventurous day I had with Sonia. I wanted to have a sincere conversation with him, to open up and express my feelings for him.So, I waited downstairs for hours, hoping he would come back. Eventually, realizing it was past 10 pm, I decided to go back to my room, thinking he might not come home that night.Even in my room, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned in my bed, alert to any slight sound, hoping that he would eventually arrive. And when I finally heard footsteps approaching, excitement coursed through me. He was back. I planned to wait for him to settle into his room and then approach him under the pretense of wanting to talk.I also had the hope that something would transpire afterward. I couldn't predict his reaction – he might be exhausted and upset if I approached his room at such a la
Nicholas' POVToday marks the day when I will meet Laura's father and bring him home to visit her. After dressing up, I left my room. It was still a bit early, so I assumed Laura would still be in her room. I lightly tapped on the door, and within seconds, it swung open, revealing a slightly disheveled Laura.I couldn't help but smile at her appearance. Even though she had just woken up and looked a bit disarrayed, she still took my breath away."Good morning, Prince Charming," she greeted, stifling a yawn."Good morning, my love. Did you have a restful night?" I inquired."How could I, when you weren't beside me?" she replied with a giggle, attempting to be flirtatious in the morning. If I hadn't already needed to get ready for work, we might have indulged in a quick moment of intimacy. She licked her lips and playfully tugged at my tuxedo."You're looking quite dapper yourself," she whispered into my ear, her tone seductive."I understand, baby. Calm down. I have an appointment to a
Nicholas' POVHe returned my handshake and nodded his head, saying, "Indeed, I am.""Please, have a seat," I urged as I noticed his momentary hesitation. This wasn't what I had imagined. I had heard about how powerful of a man he was, but his current demeanor was different from the mental image I had formed. Perhaps it was because of his daughter.Tension lingered in the air as our gazes met. Eventually, he cleared his throat and began to speak."Thank you for safeguarding my daughter, Mr. Nicholas. I was…""Apologies, you can just call me Nicholas," I interjected, immediately regretting the interruption. He maintained a calm expression, showing no signs of anger."I heard about everything that transpired—how Juarez, a rival of mine, attempted to kill my daughter," his eyes darkened, and a grim expression settled on his face."Juarez isn't entirely despicable. You must have seriously offended him for him to resort to such a drastic action," I defended Juarez, despite disliking the met
Nicholas' POVHer eyes grew dark, and her expression turned frigid as she fixed her gaze upon him. With an abrupt motion, she rose from her seat and redirected her attention towards me, a sinister glint evident in her eyes."How could you? How could you bring this man into this home, after everything he has done?" Her voice, sharp and laden with a blend of anger and bitterness, reverberated through the room.I was utterly confused. I had thought it would be a pleasant surprise for her, not having seen him all her life. I believed she needed to hear his side of the story regarding why everything happened the way it did."Calm down, Laura. He has some things to tell you; please, hear him out," I urged."I don't want to hear anything he has to say!" She interjected, her eyes shooting daggers at me. She spun around to face her father, whose eyes had turned red."I never want to see you again in my entire life. Make sure you don't show your face around me ever again!" A tear ran down her c
Laura's POVWhat had he just said? Did I hear him correctly? Did he just imply that I was the one acting like a child? I was seething with anger!"Excuse me! Who are you referring to as a child?" I snapped."Oh, come on, Laura! That's enough. I didn't call you a child; I said you were acting like one," he replied, moving to the sofa and taking a seat."What's the difference?" I questioned, glaring at him. I was itching for a confrontation. After what he had done to me, I needed to vent my frustration."Laura!""Nicholas!" I shot back."Why are you getting so worked up?" His brows furrowed as he stood up, towering over me with his height.I wasn't the least bit intimidated by him; if anything, it only fueled my anger."What was the meaning of what you did downstairs, huh?"I wanted to slap him; my blood was boiling."How dare you, Nicholas? How dare you bring my father here without my consent, after all he did?""What did he actually do? Leave you and your mom shortly after you were bo
Laura's POVI casually turned around to face him, maintaining my composure. I glanced at the lady accompanying him and offered a friendly smile."Hello there, I am Laura," I introduced myself before Nicholas had a chance to.The lady ignored me and redirected her attention to Nicholas, inquiring, "Who is she?"Nicholas assessed me from head to toe before meeting my gaze and replied, "She is Laura, a friend of mine.""Oh, I see," she remarked, gazing at me with a cynical smile. "Nice to meet you, my dear. I'm Rachel." I wished she had extended her hand for a greeting; then, I would have reciprocated and mirrored her indifference.She casually leaned her head on Nicholas' shoulder and slipped her arm through his. Throughout this, Nicholas stared at me with a hint of anger in his eyes.He then proceeded to walk past me, ascending the stairs towards his room. I heard the door close before I retreated to my own room. I was torn, my heart aching. I had no idea he would follow through with i
Laura's POVI locked eyes with him as I kept walking down the staircase. His brows were furrowed, and his lips curled up in anger."I am wearing a dress, Nicholas," I replied calmly. Staring into space, I said, "I remember saying we were going to the club, correct?""I said we were going to the club; I never said you should dress like a slut." I was infuriated at his words but decided to keep my cool. I already had everything planned out; I wasn't going to let anything interfere with my plans.He dared to imply I was a slut? Well, that's fine; I'd just have to add it to the list of things he has been doing."This is a game you started, Nicholas. It's a good thing; two can play.""Well, this is what I feel comfortable wearing," I said, averting my gaze from his and forcing a smile. "Shall we?"He came close to me, barely inches away. He breathed heavily on my skin; his breath was hot. "You better not try anything silly at the club, do you hear me?" he asked, anger evident in his voice.