Laura's POVI gazed upon my grandmother, realizing I was about to face a thorough interrogation. She wore a warm smile, anticipating my response. My utensils clattered onto my plate as I interlocked my fingers."Indeed, you've heard correctly, Grandma," I affirmed. There was no reason to deny the presence of a man in my life, especially when they were already aware. My mother had briefly mentioned Nicholas and me during my late father's funeral.She had done this to impress the unfamiliar in-laws, trying to assert that we've been doing well and will continue without their involvement. Her revelation was fortunate because I might have denied Nicholas in their presence, considering our rocky relationship. My decision to elope with Fernando this weekend was set.After enduring more questioning and bonding, I returned to Nicholas's mansion, utterly drained. One thought consumed me - one person who could alleviate my suffering and transport me to a world of bliss and serenity: Fernando.I'
Laura's POVI gazed out of the window, my eyes fixed on the trees in the wilderness, while the melodic chirping of birds filled the air as we drove along the abandoned path that led away from Nicholas' mansion.My heart was in turmoil, deeply conflicted. One part of me hesitated to depart, clinging to the familiar, while the other part began to paint a vivid picture of what life could be like with Fernando.Was this the moment I had been waiting for? Was I truly leaving Nicholas behind to embark on a new life with Fernando on his secluded island? I had entrusted my uncles with the responsibility of managing my father's business.They had been by his side for years, intimately familiar with the workings of the enterprise, far more than I ever could be. Besides, I had no intention of immersing myself in any of those mafia dealings.My sole focus was on having my funds transferred to me while they assumed control of the business. I had ascended to billionaire status, now fully capable of
Laura's POVI couldn't fathom the unfolding events. How could a seemingly destitute man turn out to be so affluent? Why did he initially pose as a job seeker for Nicholas? Had he been concealing his true identity all along?If that was indeed the case, I yearned for answers, a deeper understanding of it all.His fingers enveloped me, drawing me nearer, a hint of a smile on his lips. Gazing at me with what appeared to be admiration in his eyes, he reassured, "Love, I'm not playing any games; you have to trust me."I wasn't going to accept that explanation. In fact, I found it hard to believe. I tilted my head, studying his face closely, and when he attempted to kiss me, I gently pushed him away.This wasn't the moment for such distractions. It felt like a cunning maneuver from him, and I was determined to stay focused on the matter at hand.I voiced the question that had been lingering in my mind since I entered the estate, "Why, in your circumstances, did you choose to work for Nichol
Laura's POVSilence hung in the air as we waited for the footsteps to fade, but they persisted. Another knock echoed through the room. Fernando rolled his eyes and glanced my way, raising an eyebrow. I pretended to be okay with him going to check who it was. We could indulge ourselves later; time was on our side.He moved to the edge of the bed and got to his feet, still fully dressed, which was fortunate. I stood up and hastily buttoned my trousers, uttering quiet curses under my breath. Whoever dared to disrupt our moment had better have a good enough reason for doing so.Fernando opened the door and peered outside."What is it Peter?", he called out, his voice tinged with fury."I... I'm sorry for disturbing you, boss," the man stammered, his voice shaky. "Your father has just returned and wishes to see you," he finally managed to explain. He appeared extremely tense, standing before Fernando, who scrutinized him with a furious glare.I hadn't witnessed this side of Fernando before
Laura's POVI was not taken aback that he recognized my name, as Fernando had already informed me that he had mentioned me to him. The individual standing before me, contrary to what Fernando had conveyed, did not seem enthusiastic about meeting me.I approached them and offered a greeting, saying, "Good afternoon, sir.""Good afternoon, my dear. You are most welcome," he said, casting a glance at Fernando and then at me. "My son has spoken highly of you."Now that I was in close proximity, I couldn't help but notice the shrewd demeanor he exuded; he carried himself like a no-nonsense individual. How can I describe it? Almost akin to a leader among tough characters. Fernando, on the other hand, bore no resemblance to him. He possessed a multitude of attractive features and stood tall, a clear reflection of his mother's influence."I have some matters to discuss with you, son," his father stated, casting a meaningful glance in my direction. I already grasped the implication; there was
Nicholas POVThe person standing before me was not the one I had anticipated. I had expected Laura to appear, perhaps having noticed our arrival and coming down to greet us.We had made the effort to journey to her father's residence, so I couldn't help but feel disheartened that she hadn't come down to meet us."Don't jump to conclusions, Nicholas," my inner thoughts cautioned. "She might be out with one of her uncles. Remember, she's now a highly occupied individual, responsible for running her father's billion-dollar empire. She could simply be engrossed with her new responsibilities."Indeed, that was entirely plausible. The woman before me was none other than Elderly Mrs. Dickson. Although I had never met her in person, her reputation preceded her. Rumor had it she was the mastermind behind her son's successful business empire. Despite her frail appearance, there was a certain hidden power about her.I smiled warmly and remarked, "I can see you're already familiar with who I am."
Nicholas' POVI gazed at her in surprise. Was she genuinely claiming that Laura had called her just the day before? How could that be possible, especially when Laura's phone had been unreachable all this time?Mrs. Dickson continued to glare at me. She had posed a question, inquiring about what I might have done to Laura that led to her cutting off communication with me.I needed to provide a convincing response, making it clear that I wasn't the only one Laura had stopped communicating with. So, I didn't believe it was due to something I had done to her.Turning to Sonia, I asked, "Have you received any messages from Laura in the past few days?""No, I haven't heard from her. Initially, I thought it might be because she wanted some quiet time with her late father's relatives," she glanced at Laura's grandmother, "but now, knowing she's not here and hearing that you spoke with her yesterday has made me more concerned. What if she's in trouble? Did she sound panicked when she called? D
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