One Hundred and Thirty Nine

CHAPTER 139

With every spoon of soup savored and every glance exchanged, the air was calmed with a serenity that only deep affection can weave. Nicholas reached for Alicia's hand across the table, his touch bringing comfort. "You know, I've been thinking about it."

Alicia raised her eyebrows, intrigued. "About what?"

Leaning in, Nicholas spoke softly, as if sharing a secret. "About us. About where we're going."

Alicia's heart raced, the world around them fading into the background. "And where do you think we're going?"

She made a circle with her thumb on Alicia's hand, her eyes never leaving hers. "Forward. Together. Always."

Her breath hitched, the words hanging in the air like a promise. It was in that moment that Alicia felt the weight of his words, the depth of his commitment.

Alicia squinted, holding back the red tinge that suddenly appeared on both of her thin cheeks. Caressing the line of Nicholas' nose, Alicia whispered, "Isn't it too early in the morning for flirting, Nic?"

"Ah, it's not flirting. It's a compliment, for a perfect woman like you."

But instead of being moved, Alicia pinched her boyfriend's nose and leaned forward, saying, "You'd better back off before my soup burns our hands." Alicia's eyes dropped down to the stove that had not been turned off. "I have to turn it off first."

"Alright, please turn off the stove. So we can continue our hot kiss, um?" The low voice teased Alicia, making the girl's whole body rustle violently. There was a ticklish sensation in Alicia's stomach, which immediately made her step back.

"Stop it, Nic. We should have breakfast before we get busy with some things."

Nicholas sighed. "Ah, so annoying." Alicia turned off the stove and laughed ignorantly for Nicholas. "By the way... what about that vacation plan I proposed? You're interested, aren't you? I can choose some places that suit you, the countryside? That's great. or maybe you want to enjoy the beach atmosphere, the mountains?"

Alicia's face changed. She pursed her lips, seemingly considering Nicholas' offer. Nicholas was so persistent, so eager to make Alicia happy. But Alicia thought that the atmosphere was not right. Something was wrong. Something had to be fixed. And it's not time for a vacation. Only the timing wasn't right for Alicia.

"I think we need to postpone it. It won't be fun if we take a vacation, but still have to think about these horrible things." Alicia took two steps back, putting some distance between herself and Nicholas. "Besides... we haven't met Ace yet. Given his aggressive demeanor, I'm worried about a lot of things. He met with his father at the hospital, doesn't it look like he's asking permission for something? Maybe he's going to do something we don't know about?"

Nicholas replied. "Is it possible she's planning another murder?"

"I can't judge her character right now. He's changed a lot compared to a year ago when we last met," Alicia said, honestly. Alicia turned around and took two empty bowls from the shelf in her kitchen. Then slowly, she poured the soup into the bowls. Nicholas carried the two bowls so that Alicia wouldn't get tired. "I think something or someone provoked her."

In the quiet of their shared mornings, Alicia and Nicholas' playful jokes create comfort in the routine of their lives. However, underneath their playfulness, there is anxiety, a worry lurking in the background.

Alicia, while enjoying the sweetness of their intimacy, finds herself hesitant about the proposed vacation plan. Her mind was filled with worries beyond the appeal of a beautiful vacation. The mention of Ace, a figure from their past, overshadows the moment, injecting real tension into the air.

Nicholas, attentive and perceptive, mirrored Alicia's concerns. "Perhaps Ace's recent actions are a precursor to something bigger. But the question is... if he really wanted to escape from prison, why not do it in the first place? He could have done it a year ago, why now?"

Alicia's eyes glazed over with uncertainty as she carefully placed the bowls on the table. "Ace's visit to the hospital seemed... purposeful. It was as if he was looking for validation or approval for an important step. And that's what we need to think about."

Their conversation revolved around unspoken fears and the burden of unresolved history. The aroma of soup hung in the air, a soothing distraction amidst their anxiety.

"Do you think... does Ace have anything to do with the death of your foster parents, Alicia?"

Alicia's brows knitted together. "I don't think it makes sense. He was still in prison when the explosion incident happened. What could he have done in prison?"

"Wasn't that case from the past, at your old school... he used people to frame you, kill others and profit from dirty things?" Nicholas pushed his bowl away on the table. "He was good at using his money well. He could have paid others to commit crimes. He wanted to wash his hands of the mess and let the money do the work."

"You sound very sentimental towards him, Nic."

"I'm talking facts and... experience, I guess." Alicia remained silent and looked at him curiously. A look that eventually made Nicholas uncomfortable and made him say, "Okay, okay. I did sound emotional and I admit it. It's all because we got involved with Ace. He wants you, Alicia. I don't know in what sense he said that, but it's been bothering me a lot these past few days."

"Are you jealous, tsk?"

"It's not like that."

"Really? So, you're not jealous?"

Nicholas and Alicia then laughed. This was really a nice and warm moment, this small talk could relieve their tension even if only for a moment. At least they knew that their relationship had progressed since the last time they were together.

"We should stop talking about Ace, isn't this cold air perfect for pampering? You and me, we're in bed together, um?"

"Oh my, Nicholas. Since when did you become such a pervert. You're so annoying when you act like that you know, um."

And Nicholas laughed at Alicia's reaction.