One Hundred and Twelve

CHAPTER 112

The roar of Nicholas' car driven by Noel caught Emma and Alan's attention. They were busy cooking in the kitchen when suddenly a noise filled their ears.

"It looks like Nicholas' car, let's go check it out!" said Emma, taking off her gloves. She grabbed Alan's hand and ran towards the main door.

And sure enough, when Emma opened the door. She found Nicholas being carried by Noel. The sight shocked Emma. She covered her mouth as she shouted, "Oh my God, Nicholas!" Alan followed behind and tried to make way by pulling Emma, letting Nicholas enter with Noel, while Alicia walked behind the two. "What's going on here? You haven't been home for three days and now... look at you, you little brat!"

Nicholas' ass had just landed on the sofa when Emma pinched his cheek hard. Nicholas moaned loudly while wrinkling his nose.

"Oh my God, Mom! You're making my cheek hurt," Nicholas said, protesting Emma's obliviousness to the situation. Emma immediately sat down next to Nicholas. "You don't have to worry, because I'll be fine."

Alicia sat down opposite, while Noel and Alan stood around them, surrounding Nicholas who raised his right leg onto the sofa. He looked in pain and struggled even though the doctor had said that his leg would heal soon.

"It's just a small wound."

"He lied about it, Emma," Alicia said, dismissing Nicholas' lie. Nicholas glared, giving her the code to lie at least for once. "He got hurt because of me. He was shot."

"Shot?!"

Emma's eyes widened in disbelief, her hand flying up to cover her mouth once again. "Shot? Nicholas, what... what happened?" Her voice trembled with worry as she leaned closer to check his leg. She could barely process the emotions that welled up inside her - shock, worry, and a hint of anger - at the sight of her injured son.

Alicia's gaze softened as she glanced at Nicholas. "He was very brave, Emma. He saved me."

Emma's eyes welled up with unbearable tears, her heart swelling with pride and worry for her son's safety. She pulled Nicholas into a tight embrace, murmuring soothing words while trying to contain her emotions. "Oh, my dear boy. You are very brave, Nicholas. I am glad you are here and safe."

Nicholas winced as Emma's arms pressed against his injured leg, but he did not complain. He simply leaned into his mother's comforting embrace, feeling the relief that she was there with him. Nicholas' eyes met Alicia's gray-blue ones. Once again, Nicholas could find a regretful look in the girl's gaze.

"Well, since you're all here." Emma stood up. "I'll get some food and drinks, you must be tired, right? Wait here for a while."

After Emma left, Alan approached. He sat beside Nicholas, occupying the position previously filled by his wife. Gazing worriedly at his son, he asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Dad. Trust me."

But Alan touched the wound and made Nicholas scream hysterically. "Arrg!!!"

"Tsk, you're fine." Alan patted the shoulder of Nicholas who was still moaning in pain beside him. Alan looked around and said, "I'll help your mom in the kitchen. She must have prepared the dough while crying, you can have your dinner tomorrow morning."

Alan's joke made everyone smile. He was indeed a warm, kind man. Oh, and he also cared about his wife. It didn't take long for him to catch up with Emma in the kitchen. The woman was lucky to have Alan in her life.

Noel looked around and cleared his throat. "I'll go now."

Nicholas and Alicia turned to Noel. The man named Nicholas Gray nodded in agreement. "Alright. thank you for dropping me off."

"Of course. I'll let you know if I find out anything about Ace," Noel said.

"Alright, thank you."

And Noel looked at Alicia. They just looked at each other without saying a word there. The atmosphere between the two of them had not improved at all.

"Alicia?"

"Yes, Nic?"

"You'll stay here until Ace is found. You're okay with that, right?"

Alicia's gaze softened, her eyes showing a hint of vulnerability that contrasted with her usually calm demeanor. "I'll do it. For Ace."

Nicholas nodded, acknowledging her commitment. "Thank you."

As Noel left, the weight of the situation settled on the room, thickening the air. Alan's jovial presence eased the tension as he walked into the kitchen, taking over the baking that Emma had started. His laughter echoed faintly, creating a sense of normalcy amidst the worry.

They fell into a contemplative silence, the only sounds being the clatter of equipment in the kitchen and the occasional sigh from Alicia. It was awkward that Alicia had to stay at Nicholas' house for a while.

Emma and Alan arrived, still wearing their flour-covered aprons. Emma lowered a large plate of pizza onto the table and made everyone excited by the smell of meat on the dough.

"I was making this when you came." Emma noticed Noel's disappearance, so she asked. "Where's Noel? Did he come home?"

"He had to fill in for me at work. You can send the pizza by parcel if you really insist."

And a punch landed on Nic's head.

"Awwh!"

"What a rude boy!" Emma pointed at the pizza on the table, then said, "You should eat now before I smear your face with leftover pizza crumbs."

Nicholas rolled his eyeballs lazily. "Alright, alright."

And the look on Emma's face changed quickly when her eyes met Alicia's blue eyes. Alicia returned Emma's smile that was automatically attached when they met. And with a soft voice, Emma invited Alicia to touch her cooking. "You have to try my pizza, Alicia. It's special, and you'll love it."

Alicia nodded in agreement. She looked at Nicholas, then back at Emma. Bowing politely, Alicia said, "I'll take the first slice in your honor, Emma."

"Of course. Go ahead." Emma smiled with satisfaction when she saw Alicia enjoying her meal. "By the way... are you guys sleeping in the same room tonight?"