Chapter 17

Elena’s POV:

  

I walked outside to the beach with the breeze caressing my skin and the hot rays from the sun resting on my skin. I could feel the soft sand under my feet as I walked along the shore. This is just what I needed. My space from this whole marriage drama.

I moved out of our private spot and found a quiet and open spot that was away from the crowds. I watched the beautiful water as the waves washed over my feet. 

I sat there, deep in thought. I couldn't help but think about all that I had gone through in three days. My life changed in just one day, and now I have to get used to it for the rest of my life.

Now I am stuck with this ruthless billionaire who thinks highly of himself for the rest of my life. I don't know how to deal with this. I have never made any decisions of mine since I was born. I wish I could make my choice before coming into the world; I wouldn't have chosen to be in my family.

I have always dreamt of becoming an international chef, breaking the world record, and making a name for myself.

My stepmother would always make me feel like I was nothing, and she would remind me every day about how they picked me up from the street.

Growing up with them has not been really easy. I always wonder why my real parents dumped me on the streets. Maybe I wasn't good enough for them.

Tears began to gather at the corners of my eyes. I felt trapped, and there was no way to escape. I don't know if you could ever be free from this man. 

My father barely acknowledged my achievement. I had taken on extra responsibilities on my head to make sure that the company's finances were stable.

He had always chosen to favour my sister, even without her lifting a pin. I remembered the pain and resentment. It was a deep wound inside of me that refused to heal.

I wondered if I would ever be good enough for anyone. I wondered if one day I would be able to make my own choices and decisions.

I had grown to be a strong woman who could now take care of herself and handle difficult situations with ease.

There was a golden glow on the beach. I felt satisfied and peaceful that I had spent my afternoon without bumping into Nicklaus.

When the day was almost getting dark, I stood up to leave and dusted the sand off my feet. I turned in a direction to move back to the beach house when a guy walked up to me.

“Good day, miss.” be greeted.      His voice was soft.

I removed the strands of hair on my face. Good day,” I answered back.

“I lost my way looking for the clubhouse. Can you help me? I need directions,” he said.

I remembered the club when we first arrived, but as I turned to point out the direction, my foot hit a loose rock, and I twisted my ankle. I felt a sharp pain on my feet, and I almost fell to the ground.

He held me to keep me from losing my balance and falling to the ground. “Are you okay?” he asked.

Before I could respond, Nicklaus appeared out of nowhere; his face was filled with anger. 

“Hey, she's my wife. I've got this,” he said, holding me in his hands and taking my hands off the man's grip.

“I'm so sorry, ma'am,” the guy apologized. “It was never my intention. We could take her to the nearby clinic,” he suggested.

Nicklaus turned to him and said, “I can take care of her. Thank you for your suggestion.” He spoke, his voice rising in anger.

The guy was surprised by his words and Nicklaus's anger. He quickly apologised and walked away.

I felt annoyed at his sudden appearance. I didn't need his help, and I certainly didn't need him around me. I felt embarrassed at his aggressive behaviour, but I could turn to react.

Nicholas turned to me, and his eyes were blazing red. It flashed with anger: “You need to be more careful, and you need to stop flirting with other men,” he warned.

His words made me angrier. I wasn't even flirting with anyone, but he was too possessive and insecure to notice.

“I wasn't flirting with him, and I can take care of myself. Let go of me,” I said.

My face turned serious, and I was filled with anger. Who did he think he was, always giving me orders and telling me what to do? I tried to pull away from him. 

But Nicklaus didn't let me go. He tightened his grip and held me close to him. I could feel his warm breath against my skin.

"Elena, listen to me. You cannot be standing out here all alone with another man. How many times do I have to remind you?”.

I didn't answer his questions. I became furious, and my books started boiling. I tried to loosen his grip, but he tightened it even more. I could feel his body touching my body.

And then it started to rain. The raindrops were heavy, and it socked us instantly.

I took advantage of the situation and removed myself from Nicklaus's grip. And I walked away. leaving Nicklaus standing alone in the rain. I didn't care if I got wet because I wanted to be far away from his presence.

Nicklaus followed me and reached out to grab my arm, and I spun around, looking at him with anger.

But Nicklaus couldn't care less. He pulled me into his arms. “Don't walk away from me like that. No one walks away from me,” he warned. I could feel his warm breath against my chin.

I opened my mouth to respond when Nicklaus pressed his lips on mine. His lips crushed down on me in a passionate kiss. I closed my eyes immediately.

I was taken aback by the intensity of his kiss. I felt my anger melt away in his arms, which was replaced by a strong desire for him.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the heavy rain poured outside the house. But we didn't care. We were lost in our world. 

Finally, we broke apart and caught our breath. Nicklaus looked at me, his eyes burning with desire. “I want you, Elena. I've always wanted you since the day I set my eyes on you,” he said. His voice was low and husky.

“From the very first time I set my eyes on you in the club and then at your wedding dress, I haven't been myself,” he confessed.