Chapter 45

Elena’s POV:

It was already evening, and I felt anxious as I got myself prepared for the party at my parents's house. I sat in the closet and watched myself in the mirror. I exhaled deeply. “You can do this, Elena,” I muttered silently, trying to calm myself.

I applied black mascara, which made my lashes long and thick. I also applied a little pink blush on my cheeks to frame my cheekbones before carefully adding the highlighter to give my skin a sparkling glow.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and admired myself. I never imagined that a day would come when I would look this pretty and live this kind of good life.

Despite everything I have been through, Nicklaus has indeed changed my life for the better. He has been supportive and caring all along. Now I can't imagine my life without Nicklaus by my side.

I selected Nicklaus's outfit and picked a brown Armani suit with a white inner. He slipped into it, and I gently fixed his cufflinks.

He distracted me by rubbing his thumb against my jawline. I felt butterflies in my belly, but I managed to stay focused. 

I slipped into a white fit and flare dress. The dress was fitted at the waist and then flared out below the hips, which revealed my little bump and my curvy hips. My heels clicked to the floor.

Nicklaus walked up to me, glancing at me from head to toe. “You look good,” he uttered.

“Thank you,” I replied.

“You look hot tonight,” I whispered to him.

“We don't want to be late,” he said, giggling.

We walked out of the house with Nicklaus's hand on my waist. Nicklaus's hands never left my waist, and we hopped in. The driver started the engine and zoomed off.

After a few minutes, we arrived at the estate. My heart pounded in my chest, and I became nervous. I vowed never to step foot here, but here I am, attending a party thrown for me.

Nicklaus glanced at me and noticed my uneasy state, and he reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You will be alright,” he said.

The car came to a stop. “Wait here,” Nickkaus instructed. He quickly got out of the car and opened the car door for me.

He pulled me close to him and arranged the strands of my hair. “You’ve got this,” he said, and we walked into the garden. His hands never left my waist, and my hips swayed from side to side.

His hand was so warm, and I could not deny how much I was craving his warm touch. My stepmother walked out of the garden with a wide grin on her face and said, "Hello, Elena. Mr. Coleman, it is so nice to see you both here,” she said. “Elena, you looked very pretty,” she said and turned to Nicklaus. “You are doing a great job taking care of Elena.” She winked and hugged me.

I didn't in any way feel good about her statements, but I faked a smile.

“Let's head to the garden. The guest had arrived already,” she said, and we walked into the garden. It was beautifully decorated with golden lights and transparent tables and chairs.

My father walked up to me and hugged me. “How have you been, Elena? Your mother decided to throw you a party,” he said, turning to Nicklaus. “Mr. Nicklaus Coleman, it's a pleasure to have you here,” he said.

And we chatted for a little while. Suddenly, a voice came from behind: “Sister.” I turned around to see Sarah standing behind me.

“It's so nice to see you here. You look good, and your baby bump fits you,” she said, and I smiled faintly. My cheeks had been hurting from so many fake smiles.

“Let the party begin,” she announced.

Sarah stood in the centre of the garden and clicked her glass cup with a little spoon.

“Attention everyone,” she said.

Everywhere became quiet, and all attention was on her. “I would like to make toast. For my sister, the celebrant. Elena, you are the reason for this celebration. To Elena!” She spoke and raised her hands.

“To Elena,” the whole crowd shouted, and all drank.

After the toast, I sipped fresh juice.

After a few sips, I felt lightheaded. My body was becoming weaker gradually. I held Nicklaus's hands, and he supported me so I wouldn't lose my balance. 

“Are you okay?” he asked. His brows narrowed, and his eyes were fixed on me.

“Yes, I'm good. I just feel sick.” I responded gently, and my hands moved to my stomach.

“Alright, let's get you out of here. You need to rest,” he said. He gently held my hand and walked me out of the garden to the car.