DORIA
The dinner was a disaster. Playing prim and proper was not me. Not when Nikolas kept passing me looks like I was the monster. I wasn't even sure what Nik's mother was doing anymore. Her vile disposition towards Alva had completely settled. With Lilika involved, one could never be too sure but the act of kindness bothered me all the same. I however got a reality check when Lilika threw the bomb.
"I wouldn't mind if he could visit sometime or maybe come stay with us."
My eyes lit up and for the first time, I looked at the Attica rat with hope reeking in the depths of my soul. If Nik's son came to the family house, Nik would do. I hoped the peasant girl considered it. Knowing her social standing, I was sure she was going to try to please Lilika which was precisely what we needed. Once we had Nik and his son, it wouldn't be long before this Alva girl was out of the picture. She looked in my direction,
What are your thoughts about tonight episode?
DORIA "Hello Katherine," I croaked. "What the fuck do you want?" "You sound pissed. Have you seen the link I sent you?" "The one with that bitch leeching off Nik? Yes. Yes, I have. Abundantly so if I must add." I looked over at Lilika. She seemed so unfazed and that tiny detail pissed me off more than the fact that my ex-fiancee technically cheated on me and broke up with me barely minutes after. "Katherine, if you are here to gloat or mock me, I really don't have the energy. I have my own issues to deal with so relish in my misery all night because you have nothing better to do." "Stop it!" Katherine retorted. "I am not that shallow. I sent the link to you only because I cared and I am calling right now for the same reason. I do not intend to mock you for what Nikolas Sica has done. It is the nature of rich men and trust me DORIA, I have had my fair share of heartbreaks in the hands o
ALVAArriving back at the apartment, I proceeded to the room to find Samuel sleeping. To think I was afraid to leave him to a babysitter. Whoever the woman was, she had outdone herself. Nikolas walked in soon after. He sloped by the door and watched us. I found it unsettling so I spoke first to ensure that things stopped from ending up weird."You should go to sleep." I urged."You wanna know what I think?" Nikolas asked as he strode closer."What?""I think you should take your own advice. You look like a single mother micromanaging everything. Give yourself some space to breathe.""Except I can't. Samuel's health is my priority."Nikolas sat next to me, his hands reaching out for mine. It was stupid to accept it knowing what had transpired tonight. I wanted to get him out of my head but his presence refused to let me forget. However, he was being nice. I had to tell myself that not to mention that he sincerely cared f
ALVA His eyes popped against the bright yellow light. I stared, trying my possible best to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat out of nowhere. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.""Well," I began. "It was wrong in all manners considering you have a fiancee. You are a businessman and she is a model. Both of you are public people and that makes your business people's business. I don't want to surround myself with a scandal. I can't risk putting Samuel in the spotlight. Not with his treatment commencing.""No scandal will come of this," Nikolas promised me. I knew he meant it because this was not the first time he had done it. Killed a scandal. He probably didn't even realize that I knew. "Are you talking about your brown envelopes?" I sighed. "I know you have been paying the press and whatever tabloid you can to hush about the existence of Samuel.""How do you...""People see Nikolas. People talk. Your money and influence cannot contain everything."Nikolas paused, s
ALVA The sound of the car engine roused me from my half-sleep as Nikolas pulled up in front of me. That was what I got for insisting I made breakfast for all three of us despite staying up super late the night before and playing a game of 'we aren't really strangers' with Nikolas. For me, it was some sort of escapism. When Nikolas got through to me, it always felt like I was betraying Charis' memory. At the same time, it felt wrong to continue to judge Klaus by actions he committed in the past when it was crystal clear he wasn't that sort of person anymore. I patted an equally sleepy Samuel and carried him in my arms. He had an appointment today, and while I wanted to follow him, I had school. Nikolas was more than capable of taking care of Samuel. I allowed myself to trust him that much. I rubbed my eyes with my free hand and groggily got into the car, barely managing a mumbled "Good morning" as I set Samuel into his seat and latched his seatbelt in place. Nikolas simply no
"Hello..." There was genuine sadness in her voice but I could not be too sure. I reclined in the chair, my feet propped up while keeping a glare at my P.A. I did not understand why she thought I should be the one to handle it. What exactly did the woman say? The static noise of the telephone interrupted my train of thoughts and I remembered I was on a call."Sorry...Who is this?""I... It doesn't matter. Just come, He needs you."Her incoherent sentences annoyed me but I probed further since I had not the slightest idea what she meant."I'm sorry, Who needs me?""Samuel, Your Son." The female voice retorted. Her answer amused me. This wasn't the first time I had gotten these types of calls but this had to be the most absurd. I had gotten the "I'm carrying your baby" and the "I have our tape" tropes but this, It was comedy gold. Combing my fingers through my hair, I told her point-blank. "Sorry Miss, You've got
AlvaI made my way out of a home I was babysitting. I would surely be late to the diner. Yet, I still had to pick up Samuel. His school had closed thirty minutes ago but the parents of the boys I babysat didn't come early. My legs wobbled as I briskly walked to the side of the road and flagged down a taxi."Goldenlaws primary school," I informed the dark seated figure upon entry.As the vehicle began moving, I stared through the open window to enjoy the scenery Greece had to offer. It's been so long since I enjoyed anything. Between rotating two different jobs to save up for college and keep a roof over my head, dealing with the tragic death of my sister and taking care of my son Samuel, there wasn't enough time to enjoy what the world had to offer. The taxi halted right in front of the beautiful gates of the primary school. I highlighted the vehicle, handed the driver his money, and proceeded inside."Mis
AlvaAs I stepped out of the ward for some privacy and space to think. I wondered if I was really going to do it. I swayed thinking about what the presence of Nikolas Sica had brought into the life of my late sister and I. It was impossible to imagine that I would need that monster's help ever again. I looked back at the door to the ward and knew I had no choice. Time was running out and Mr. Sica was the one thing that guaranteed that Samuel remained alive. The blood bank might not have a donor until tomorrow but the Sica enterprise was only a stone throw away from the hospital. Talk about cruel fate. Reluctantly, I searched for his contact. Well, not his. He had probably changed his private number one time too many but I had his enterprise "Contact us" number which hopefully would lead to his secretary or anyone important. With an afterthought, I hit the call button."Hello, This is Sica enterprises. What can I do for you?" A f
NikolasHer eyes squinted in obvious shock. Judging by her reaction, I was sure she was pulling an amazing stunt and this would be her last. Her looks though, She was definitely someone I wouldn't even look at twice and we had a child? Doubtful. I liked them blonde and feisty. And even if we crossed paths in the bedroom, I was sure her burning red hair would stick in my head and never had I ever fucked a redhead."Hello Miss," I announced, enjoying her discomfort. The way she shuddered was a turn I suppose. Considering I did not have much control over my life at the moment, It was enjoyable watching someone crumble under me."You came..." She stuttered."Of course. If my son's life is in danger like you said. Do you really think I would disregard such important news?"Her eyes squinted one more time. It seemed like a habit if you asked me. She was hurt by my daring and honest to God's reply
ALVA The sound of the car engine roused me from my half-sleep as Nikolas pulled up in front of me. That was what I got for insisting I made breakfast for all three of us despite staying up super late the night before and playing a game of 'we aren't really strangers' with Nikolas. For me, it was some sort of escapism. When Nikolas got through to me, it always felt like I was betraying Charis' memory. At the same time, it felt wrong to continue to judge Klaus by actions he committed in the past when it was crystal clear he wasn't that sort of person anymore. I patted an equally sleepy Samuel and carried him in my arms. He had an appointment today, and while I wanted to follow him, I had school. Nikolas was more than capable of taking care of Samuel. I allowed myself to trust him that much. I rubbed my eyes with my free hand and groggily got into the car, barely managing a mumbled "Good morning" as I set Samuel into his seat and latched his seatbelt in place. Nikolas simply no
ALVA His eyes popped against the bright yellow light. I stared, trying my possible best to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat out of nowhere. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.""Well," I began. "It was wrong in all manners considering you have a fiancee. You are a businessman and she is a model. Both of you are public people and that makes your business people's business. I don't want to surround myself with a scandal. I can't risk putting Samuel in the spotlight. Not with his treatment commencing.""No scandal will come of this," Nikolas promised me. I knew he meant it because this was not the first time he had done it. Killed a scandal. He probably didn't even realize that I knew. "Are you talking about your brown envelopes?" I sighed. "I know you have been paying the press and whatever tabloid you can to hush about the existence of Samuel.""How do you...""People see Nikolas. People talk. Your money and influence cannot contain everything."Nikolas paused, s
ALVAArriving back at the apartment, I proceeded to the room to find Samuel sleeping. To think I was afraid to leave him to a babysitter. Whoever the woman was, she had outdone herself. Nikolas walked in soon after. He sloped by the door and watched us. I found it unsettling so I spoke first to ensure that things stopped from ending up weird."You should go to sleep." I urged."You wanna know what I think?" Nikolas asked as he strode closer."What?""I think you should take your own advice. You look like a single mother micromanaging everything. Give yourself some space to breathe.""Except I can't. Samuel's health is my priority."Nikolas sat next to me, his hands reaching out for mine. It was stupid to accept it knowing what had transpired tonight. I wanted to get him out of my head but his presence refused to let me forget. However, he was being nice. I had to tell myself that not to mention that he sincerely cared f
DORIA "Hello Katherine," I croaked. "What the fuck do you want?" "You sound pissed. Have you seen the link I sent you?" "The one with that bitch leeching off Nik? Yes. Yes, I have. Abundantly so if I must add." I looked over at Lilika. She seemed so unfazed and that tiny detail pissed me off more than the fact that my ex-fiancee technically cheated on me and broke up with me barely minutes after. "Katherine, if you are here to gloat or mock me, I really don't have the energy. I have my own issues to deal with so relish in my misery all night because you have nothing better to do." "Stop it!" Katherine retorted. "I am not that shallow. I sent the link to you only because I cared and I am calling right now for the same reason. I do not intend to mock you for what Nikolas Sica has done. It is the nature of rich men and trust me DORIA, I have had my fair share of heartbreaks in the hands o
DORIA The dinner was a disaster. Playing prim and proper was not me. Not when Nikolas kept passing me looks like I was the monster. I wasn't even sure what Nik's mother was doing anymore. Her vile disposition towards Alva had completely settled. With Lilika involved, one could never be too sure but the act of kindness bothered me all the same. I however got a reality check when Lilika threw the bomb. "I wouldn't mind if he could visit sometime or maybe come stay with us." My eyes lit up and for the first time, I looked at the Attica rat with hope reeking in the depths of my soul. If Nik's son came to the family house, Nik would do. I hoped the peasant girl considered it. Knowing her social standing, I was sure she was going to try to please Lilika which was precisely what we needed. Once we had Nik and his son, it wouldn't be long before this Alva girl was out of the picture. She looked in my direction,
ALVA "Eh..." I managed, fiddling my cutlery with fingers whose tips were now beautifully shaped with varnished nails. "That would be a last resort. Finding a donor in this big city should not be difficult." "But would it not be safer to make another child with Nik?" Lilika inquired. She looked serious and it frightened me. I doubted the woman who had looked at me like I was less than a human being the second I stepped into the house and was actively looking for a way to kick me out of her son's life would suggest I make another child with her son? Wouldn't that solidify what she was trying so hard to break? Her unpredictability caused me concern. She was practically impossible to read as I remained in the dark about her motives. "Maybe but I don't want to," I revealed. Nikolas's sloe dark expressive eyes darted in my direction in accordance with my response. This hurt me more than it would hurt him con
ALVA Accepting Lilika's preposition seemed to be the bigger mistake. I realized that the moment Lilika passed me a generous slice of Almond and dates cake. The room was a battleground before but now there was no solace. Nikolas would not stop studying him. I made sure to avoid looking in his direction but that did not stop him. I hated that I was the one feeling guilty for the kiss. Nikolas kept his eyes on me like he expected an answer from me. He made me feel excruciatingly self-conscious! More because Doria, his fianceé kept serving me glares like she knew very well the sin we had committed and a little because I couldn't get the picture of Nikolas's kiss out of my head. I felt my core warm up just at the thought of it. It was wrong, I told myself but the more I seemed to hammer the mantra into my head, the more my biology seemed to debunk it. It told me the stark truth I had subtly realized over the days I had spent with Nikolas. The
DORIA My world collapsed and threatened to swallow me along as it all came crashing down. I felt myself stumble and fall against a wall. The thump my hands made when they hit the wall didn't even distract them. They were too deep into exploring themselves that everything else ceased to exist. The image in front of me was no longer tucked in with the rest of my nightmares. I could pinch myself all I wanted and hope this was another one of my nightmares but the cold wall that coursed through my fingers told me differently. What would Lilika do, I asked myself. Rational questions like that did not apply to me when I lost it but it was all clear now. My Nik was under her spell. Any wrong move would be the finale of 'us'. I stepped back despite the overwhelming urge within me to wretch that whore away from Nik because it was exactly what Lilika Sica would do. I had messed things up with Nik at the dinner table. I couldn't let whatever this Attica trash win.
DORIA "Really?" Nik attacked me the second that money-hungry rat was gone. I kept my eyes out of the tabloid on my screen for a split second. It had been the reason for my flare-up. Tonight was supposed to be all about getting Nikolas back to my side. I had no problem playing my role if Katherine, a bitch from my modeling agency had not spilled the tea that would probably make front pages tomorrow. Some photographer had caught Nik taking that slum rat to our special place. My special place! The way the picture was taken, it was bound to spread rumors about me and Nik's temporary break. I just couldn't take it. "What?" I retorted, trying to keep my calm. It was only juicy paparazzi news for now but if I messed tonight up with Nik. There would be no chance of us getting back together. I finally put my act together and spoke. "Alright, I admit it. I was out of line. I just couldn't control myself." &n