Chapter 159

Elena’s POV:

“Thank you so much. Dinner was delicious, but I should get going,” Sam said.

“Uncle Sam, wouldn't you like to stay back with us so that we can watch animation together?” Wave said as he walked to Sam, 

“Uh…” Sam gave me a side look, and I shook my head. “Wave, I don't think that is a good idea tonight. Your school is on holiday, but you need to go to bed early,” he spoke gently.

I walked up to wave and ruffled my hands through his hair. “He is right, son. You still have to go to bed early, even if you are on holiday; you can watch whatever you want to watch tomorrow. I promise.”

“But I am not feeling sleepy, mummy.” 

“Don't you want to grow bigger and taller like Uncle Same someday?” I asked.

"Yes, Mummy, I want to be bigger and taller,” he said excitedly.

“Then you have to get some rest, darling. Going to bed in time will help you grow bigger and stronger. I want to be like Uncle Sam and Uncle Nicklaus when I grow up,” he said.

I gave Zoey and Sam an awkward look. I couldn't even say anything again. Sam noticed the awkwardness and decided to break the silence. “I should get going. Please get some rest, y'all,” he said.

“I will walk you out,” I responded, and I walked him to the car.

I stopped in front of the car with my arms crossed, feeling the cool breeze of the night. “Thank you so much,”

He nodded his head and smiled lightly. “It's nothing, Elena. I just want you to be safe. Whatever it is with Nicklaus. It's best to tell him the truth,” he replied as he reached for both hands.

“Would you like to give me a chance? I want to get to know you more, Elena,”

I was silent. I didn't know what to say. At that point, I was filled with confusion. All I could think about was Nicklaus, and all I could see was Nicklaus and not Sam.

“Do take care of yourself.”

He opened the car door and turned in the engine. He zoomed off into the driveway. I stood there watching while I was deep in thought. I thought about the bond I shared with Sam and also Nicklaus.

I turned around to walk back to the house when I noticed a figure dressed in black watching me from afar.

I turned my head to the door and quickly turned sideways, squinting my eyes when the figure vanished. “Who could that be? Neighbourhood thugs,”

I made sure all the windows and doors were properly locked and everywhere was secure before reading Wave's bedtime story.

The storybook seemed lengthy, but I was ready to read it for him.

“The lions and pigs made peace. The whole animal kingdom united, and they all lived happily ever after.” I spoke calmly when I looked at Wave, whose eyes were already closing.

“Good night, my little angel,”

“Good night, mummy,” Wave whispered and turned to the other side of the bed as I tucked him in. I turned off the light and gently closed the door.

Zoey was already waiting in the hallway with two cups of wine in her hands. “Just what I needed,” I sighed, took a glass of wine from her, and sipped. I turned to her. “Uhmm, it tastes good, but I am not having more than one glass tonight,” I said.

We walked to the couch and began catching up on a lot of stuff. “You have been quiet lately. What could be the problem?” she asked.

“I don't know Zoey. I'm just overwhelmed and confused,” I said.

“You should be happy. You just got back to your usual job. Is there more to it?” she asked.

I glanced at her nervously and then fixed my eyes on the ground. “Nicklaus left the hotel last night,” I said.

“Wow! That's so fast. At least he is off your back. You can move on with your life peacefully,” Zoey said.

“But I don't know. I feel confused. Earlier this morning, when I went to the suit, I bumped into a lady dressed half naked. I stroked it out of the room to the restroom because I couldn't control my tears. I thought he was having an affair with the lady.”

Zoey fixed her eyes on me as she tried to process the information. “Since he left last night, who was the lady then?” she asked.

“Well, I thought it was his mistress, and I cried my eyes out until I found out Nicklaus left for Los Angeles last night. It was some random couple.” I said.

Zoey scoffed and gasped in shock, “Wow! This is amazing. So you cried your eyes out, thinking it was him?” she asked, easing her eyebrows.

“Well, I have nothing to say, but all I can tell you, girl, is that you need to have a word with Nicklaus and clear the air. He also has the right to find out about his child,” she spoke.

“I know he hurt you big time, but you can deny him his rights. He has the right to know his son, and you can't keep that away from him. This whole burden should be shared. It is too heavy for you.”

“I am not complaining. I am willing to take care of my child alone.”

“Yeah, you still need support because you gas out someday and he needs a father figure in his life,” she said, and we both laughed.

“Also, I will have to leave for Los Angeles next week for work, and I have to visit Alex; it's been a long time we spent time together,” she said.

“Aw, two love birds. That is great. You need that fun,”

We discussed the work and things in general before retiring to our rooms.