Chapter 56

Elena’s POV:

I woke up the next morning. My eyes were puffy and red. I didn't have anybody to console me. With what I was going through, I couldn't believe that Sarah would feed Nicklaus those lies about me. How did she get proof to convince him? She must have planned his whole thing right from the onset, just like she did with Caleb. Now she had gotten to Nicklaus.

 I needed him now more than ever. I felt so alone. I lay in bed, and tears began to roll down, dropping on the bed sheet. I sniffed and wiped my tears after some time.  

This is the time that I have to be strong. I shouldn't let what happened weigh me down. What Nicklaus was accusing me of would not turn out to be real because I have no idea about it. Getting married to him was the best thing that ever happened to me. 

I let out a frustrated groan and rolled out of bed. I will go and have a conversation with Nicklaus later in the day. 

I can't sit down and watch things go south, and all I will do is cry like a weakling. No, I will not do that. I have to stand up for myself and for my marriage.

I had a long, hot bath and washed my hair. It's been a long time since I had a long bath, and the water seems to make my muscles relax.

  

I rinsed off. I get to the closet and dress in a pair of denim shorts and a pair of white shorts. I tried to put my hair into a sleek bun and applied a little makeup to cover the dark circles and eye bags under my eyes.

I walked downstairs to have breakfast, thinking that Nicklaus would join me, but I ate alone. I forced myself to eat, even though I had no appetite. 

I looked around to see if I would see Nicklaus around, but he was nowhere in sight.

I walked outside the compound to get some sunlight and some fresh air.

I strolled into the compound and walked around. The warm sunlight made me feel strong, and I sat in the garden watching the flowers bloom.

I smiled and was starting to feel hopeful that everything was going to be alright someday. I also saw the birds chirping and flying from one spit to the other, and I wished I was a bird. 

If only I could take a break and leave this environment, but there was nowhere to run to. 

As I sat in the garden, lost in my thoughts, Irina walked to the garden. She smiled when she saw me sit in there, admiring nature.

  

“Good morning, ma'am. It's a good thing you are up and active today. How are you doing today?” She asked.

I nodded my head and smiled. “I'm doing fine; how have you been?” I asked.

“Well, I feel great that you are doing alright now.” She smiled, sat beside me.

“And Nicklaus? Have you seen him today?” I asked, looking at her.

"No, ma'am; he left with your sister last night, and he hasn't returned,” she spoke.

I pressed my lips into a thin line and blinked my eyes, trying to hold back my tears.

“What could he be doing with Sarah? I have lost my husband at the hands of my sister.”

“Ma’am, this is always a difficult period for both partners in situations like this. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. With time, everything will fall into place.” she spoke.

“Thank you, Irina,” I said, and immediately a car zoomed into the compound and came to a stop. It was Nicklaus. He stepped out of the car and rushed inside the building.

Irina stood up and said, “I should get back to work, ma'am. The boss wouldn't be happy if he saw me doing nothing here,” she said.

I waited to see if Nicklaus would come out of the building, but he didn't. It seems he is staying at home for the day. Hours passed, and it was almost evening.

After a while, I decided to go have a word with him inside the house. I was having second thoughts about speaking with me, but my legs kept walking. 

Nicklaus just came out of the bathroom; he threw a towel around his waist and cleaned his hair with water.

I scanned him from head to toe. His chest was bare, and I could see his muscles. He looked so hot and sexy. I couldn't help but stare.

I walked a few steps inside the room and closed the door. “Nicklaus, we need to talk.” I gathered the courage to speak.