Ninety Two

CHAPTER 92

Nicholas helped Emma put the dinner menu on the table. From roast chicken, pasta to salads made by Emma herself, everything was served on the table. It was like they were having a big event with that much food!

Alicia sat beside Nicholas, observing how Nicholas and Emma had a very close relationship as son and mother. She smiled occasionally, feeling happy for the warmth that Nicholas' family created.

Especially when Alan, Nicholas' father came and joined them.

Alan and Emma talked a lot, inviting Alicia to join in the pleasant small talk. Nicholas' parents didn't discuss Alicia's past, or the things that offended her during their time together.

"You should try this, Alicia," Emma said, cutting off a piece of chicken breast and placing it on Alicia's plate. "Chicken breast is high in protein. It's very good for your body."

"Okay, Emma. Thank you."

Emma pointed at Nicholas who was sitting opposite her while squinting. "Nicholas really likes chicken breast, it makes his chest muscles develop well. You see that, right? He has a perfect chest, you will feel comfortable when you hug him."

"Mooooooom!" Nicholas sulked, he gave a short sigh and forbade Emma to talk about it. "Stop talking about my body. It's personal, Alicia will feel uncomfortable."

If only Nicholas could see his own face in the mirror, he would be so embarrassed. His face would be as red as a tomato. Emma was good at teasing her son. While Alan did not comment much, he only added things that he felt needed to be discussed.

Alicia interrupted, "It's okay, I know Emma's just teasing you, Nic."

"Tsk, you're very understanding, Alicia." Emma and Alicia laughed at Nicholas together.

The warm atmosphere of the house reminded Alicia of her past memories. Memories that were not completely gone from her head. Memories of love from a family that loved her.

Alicia's heart warmed. She was touched by the kindness and hospitality of Nicholas's parents towards her, even though it was the first time they had met.

"We'd love for you to come, Alicia," Emma said at the door. Alan put his arm around his wife, who was not much taller than him, and smiled with Emma. "It's like we have a daughter. Don't you, darling?"

Alan nodded in agreement. He pointed at Alicia, then snapped his fingers in the air. "We'll see you at the next dinner, Alicia. So, don't be shy."

Alicia looked at Emma, then at Alan in turn. She widened her smile and nodded her head. "Thank you for your kindness. I'm very happy to be able to enjoy a warm dinner with you."

Nicholas then approached Alicia. He turned around and raised his voice slightly. "I will take Alicia home. You guys can go to bed first, don't wait for me because I'm going to stay at the office."

Emma sighed sadly, while looking at Alan with a sad expression, Emma said, "Our child seems to have a new home, dear."

"Tsk, never mind, darling. Stop teasing Nic." Alan waved a hand, and smiled for both of them. "Be careful on the road. See you soon."

"Bye," Alicia replied, and walked after Nicholas who had already walked to his car.

The engine started and Nicholas drove the car to Alicia's flat. The streets of New York City always pleased Alicia. The lights of the city center, coupled with the night activities, made for a pleasant evening. Alicia didn't know that she could find happiness even in the darkness.

Even deep within that darkness... Alicia knew she would find her greatest fear.

"Your parents remind me of my parents, Nic."

Since Alicia started the conversation, Nicholas tried to look enthusiastic. He looked at Alicia, then muttered under his breath. "Really? I heard that you... live with foster parents, is that true?"

Alicia nodded her head, agreeing with Nicholas' question. She never answered questions that contained personal matters like this, but somehow, the atmosphere in Nicholas' house made her nostalgic for the past.

"I was born in Brooklyn, but my biological parents left me in an orphanage. I heard that they had economic problems that were difficult to overcome. Well, that was sad. Then I was adopted by a couple, I had foster parents who I considered my biological parents. Even if other people asked, I would answer that they were my real parents. They had a fast-growing business, I felt I was living with a harmonious family.

Everything was fine until... they had a single accident in San Antonio. It happened so fast and I was too young to understand. In San Antonio, the police recommended me to stay with Amanda's parents, but I finally found out who they were."

Nicholas turned the steering wheel to the right, he was looking for a slower road compared to the usual route just to listen to Alicia's story.

"They are a mafia gang. They were criminals, but I couldn't accept that fact. I tried to pretend I didn't know, living my life that I thought would be comfortable and better.

But unfortunately, they were killed by someone."

Nicholas swallowed saliva. Who could bear to listen to such a sad tale of the past?

Death, death, death. Who wouldn't want to vomit, imagining death always in front of us?

Alicia sighed heavily before continuing, "Since then, I've had foster parents living in New York. But since entering Golden High, they don't want their identities to be revealed. Only Mr. Blake and I know who they are. They paid more to keep their identities a secret. Maybe they know that whoever gets close to me... they will be in danger."

"Stop thinking like that, Alicia."

"But that's the truth, Nic."

"All those bad things only exist in your mind. They're not real, and you can create your own reality." Nicholas pointed at his own head. "It all starts here. From inside your own head. So, start thinking of good things from now on and don’t overthinking. Okay?"