Niklaus's POV
" Say that again?? " I roughly stood up and walked around my desk." Who is responsible for this? "
The two men standing in front of me, looked at each other as if debating who should answer.
" Sr we... still recruiting staff members as we are short of employees in the legal Department " The tall guy explained " It will be solved soon "
" I'll give you two working days to solve it, if not, I want your resignation letter on my desk "
" But sir it's__ " We were interrupted when Charles walked into the office.
" I see, you still got that temper " He said patting one of the guy's shoulders." Can you please give me a moment with my son? "
They both walked out leaving me with the old man.
" You still come unannounced like always" I grumbled.
" You need to take it slow, they will eventually come around, the company needs time "
" I want to believe that you didn't come here to question my working methods Charles " He looked at me smiling, he always found it amusing that I call him by name when I'm angry and dad when I'm smoother.
" I gave you this position because I know what you're capable of, but I'm a little concerned, sometimes you exude fear, did you see how scared those two were "
" I don't mind being feared, as long as their respect comes with it "
" It has been what? Mere two months since we arrived and you already scared the entire company, I think is a talent "
" How did your check-up go" I ignored his comment and asked flipping through a bunch of papers.
" You'll still have me around for some good years, just need to go back there for some blood pressure issue "
"It's high again, isn't it? " I dropped the papers and walked to him " Dad you need to be more careful with your health, how do you expect me to relax when you aren't in perfect condition, plus who'll look after Nora? "
" We are good, just me and Nora, you just want to find a reason to come back home "
My old man knows me very well, I didn't want to be at the penthouse. I keep worrying about him and Nora all the time, so I casually go there and stay a few days, until he is tired of my presence.
" When will the next appointment be? I'm coming with you, just let me know what hospital we will be going to" I informed him, and he knew I wasn't giving him an option.
When Charles was finally gone, I called Sarah my secretary. " I need you to set up meetings with some people, I've already sent the information on your email, free my schedule on Wednesday won't be here so make sure that whatever I've on that day you reschedule it for any other day."
" I'll do so Sr. "
Sarah is the only competent employee I have here. She does her work perfectly, maybe because she has been working with me for some good years, but the changes in the company increased her workload. I'm worried that she won't be able to keep up with it.
I heard a knock on the door " Mr. Salvatore they are ready for you "
Standing up, I walked to the elevator " What do you think the atmosphere will be like for the next two hours? " I asked Sarah.
" I think they attained almost everything you asked them to, we expect no rain or thunderstorms " She teased.
She is one of the few people that can interact with me so comfortably, I admit that is partly because of my 'don't give a shit personality '.
We entered the conference room and I found everyone in their seats. When they saw me they all set straight and looked at me.
" Shall we begin " Sarah handed out the papers I needed. I scanned them, then motion for them to start.
" We have successfully obtained the contract with the Chinese company we were targeting, the contract will be finalized next week "
" Make sure the contract has no flaws and good work. " Checking the contract that Charles so much craved, I felt accomplished.
" Do we still have a problem with the Elect. Inc company? Do we know why their stock has been falling? " I interrogated, waiting for someone to answer.
" I...we are still on it Sr " the man in a grey suit explained. I found myself getting restless.
I buried my face in my hands, then let out a sigh of relaxation, everyone seemed to be concern about what would happen next.
" Move on to the next projects " I finally unleashed.
I had to attend two more meetings, by 6 pm I was done. I walked back to my office and finished signing a few papers and I was done for the day.
" Nik, Nik " Nora screamed excitedly when I arrived at my father's house. Charles was sitting next to her in the living room.
" You did come after all. Don't you think you should be going out, socialize like people your age?" Charles mocked.
" I don't have time for such things" I defended myself while hugging Nora." Plus the woman of my life was waiting for me " Nora blushed when I caressed her cheek.
" You will sleep here, right Nik? " She asked her eyes pleading for a yes. I pretend to think about it.
" I guess, I'll be here for a few days" Charles frowned shaking his head.
Ignoring Charles, my attention went back to Nora. " Do you like your new school ".
" I already made two friends, my tea-cheer gave me cookies today " I smiled at how she pronounced teacher.
" Good girl. Tomorrow is Saturday, I just have to look through some boring papers, when I'm done we can order a pizza and watch a movie, what do you think?" She nodded happily.
" Pizza will be nice, but I told grandma that I would be there in the morning, so when I come back then" She smiled then whispered in my ear. " I also didn't want to eat dad's Saturday lasagne anyways "
We both chucked, then stopped when dad lifted his head.
" Is this some kind of conspiracy? " he asked suspiciously.
Dad always cooked lasagna on Saturdays, even with the maid. She used to come from Monday to Saturday but Dad asked her to be here only till Friday, so we are forced to eat his lasagne every Saturday.
Mom used to say that Saturday is a family day, she would cook amazing dishes but dad was not much of a chef so that was it for us.
" Let's go eat something, and you young lady needs to be ready for bed in a few " We all moved to the kitchen.
After eating, we watched the cartoon Nora loves so much ' Minions ' it's silly though, they don't speak a particular language but she laughs like crazy.
" Time to shower, let's go" I informed the half-asleep Nora.
" Go grab your PJs and find me in the bathroom," I told her when we walked out of the living room.
" What does a playboy means Nik ?" Nora asked when I was applying shampoo on her hair.
After thinking on how to answer I murmured " Is a boy that likes to play a lot "
" Oh, so you like to play too much at your age then? "
I half-smile made its way to my lips.
" Why do you ask princess? "
" I heard Angela's mom and her friend talking when she came to pick up Angela. They were talking about you, they said Nicklaus Salvatore is a cold playboy he plays around and dumps them " She innocently tried to mimic the woman's voice.
" They just hate how I play my games, is different from theirs that's all ".
I fixed Nora in her pink PJs and struggled to make a ponytail. When I was done, I look at it.
' It's not exactly how I pictured, but I think I'm getting better at it "
"And the prayer? " I reminded her when she was all wrapped up in her blanket.
" Thank you God for protecting me, daddy and Nik, please tell mommy to keep looking after us, Amen "
" Amen " I kissed her forehead." Sweet dreams"
We tried to make sure Nora had everything she wanted, but there was one thing we couldn't give, and she needed it the most, a mother's love.
There was a time when she asked the reason why she didn't have a mother. It broke my heart when one of her friends told her that she didn't have a mother because she was not normal, I nearly made the girl's father go bankrupt.
She only had two women in her life, her nanny back in England and Raven my cousin's wife, that would take her out and spend the weekend with her from time to time. But at the end of the day, she was stuck with me and dad.
So we tried our best to keep her happy and I'm glad that now she has Nana as well.
I switched the lights off as I walked out.
After I replied to a few emails, I called it a day.
' One day down, and many more to go '
Jane's POV " My day couldn't be better " I smiled enjoying the sunset. I closed my eyes and felt the breeze. We were all at Granny's garden eating laughing just like before. Jaden ran towards me and started tickling me. I couldn't stop laughing, tears forming as I laughed harder. There was music playing but I could see where it was coming from. " Stop, stop it" I begged him. His expression suddenly changed. He looked at me, sadness in his eyes." I'm sorry Jane " I was so confused. " Why are you sorry Jaden " I looked around and everyone was gone, we were no longer in the garden we were in a dark room I can only see his face. I glanced back at my twin, his eyes tearing up." Wait, ...don't.. wait for me Jaden, do-don't go please ." Ipleaded feeling like my chest was shrinking.
Niklaus's POV " He should decrease salt intake, and exercise more" The doctor said handing out few tablets." this will help bring his blood pressure down" "Should I hire someone to make sure you take your meds, or you'll save both our time and do it willingly ?" I attempted to reason with Charles when we entered the car. " I'll personally take my medication, you need a distraction to keep you away from my life. You are young, don't you have any other hobbies apart from fixing your nose in your old man's life?" he muttered non stop. "Next, we'll be having lunch with some old friends" he added and the ' WE ' part didn't make its way through my brain. "Just give me the address, I'll drop you there." I tried simulating that his previous statement didn't involve me. " Niklaus you are coming with me" "I've too man
Jane's POV Who are the Salvatores ? Wait!!" I walked back inside and as I suspected there was a guy standing there, I barely saw him when I came flying downstairs. Show off!! Is this guy running for Mister world competition or something?! why does he have to look like he is ready for a photoshoot. And why on earth do I always check him out?. It took only a second for my cheeks to betray me and turn ruddy when I meet his cold yet warm gaze. I returned the glance nonchalantly even though my heart was acting in an opposite state. This guy had the audacity to wiggled his brows while eying me up and down with his stoic expression. I swear I already ripped the smirk out of his face ten times in my head. Couldn't help to feel like the air in here congealed around him. Well! He did wear this black crew neck tee that hugged his
Niklaus's POV "It won't happen!" I tried talking sense into my father. "You know Sarah will need help, with all the changes the company is facing she won't manage " He was right but this is totally not the solution. " I made my decision, so you can save your lecture for some other day " I informed him my patience running on a piece of very thin ice. " Well! I already instructed Sarah to take care of it. By Monday Jane will be your personal assistant. " he notified making me angry. I clenched my jaw in frustration finding it difficult to understand why is he insisting. Not willing to discuss I kept myself calm although he was testing the waters. " I don't recall you being in charge of who should or shouldn't work for me" I said trying to sound as civil as possible. "Is the company a playground for you to make
Jane's POV Before starting the day I knew today was bound to be one of those days where I just had to survive. I knew I would be late for my appointment because my car would act up, I would spend too much time in a queue to get a decent caffeine source and end up walking away empty-handed. But somehow I was here in front of a company, holding the creamiest of our expresso 'latte', and on time for my appointment. Guess my superpowers betrayed me today. It might be the nightmares because I always feel trapped in a mental ward, I feel the restrictions imprisoning my soul every time the nightmares materializes. But I always welcome it again and again because only then I can hear you laughing, I feel the warmth of our bond, finally, I can once again breath, and even for a split second, I have a brother. Before I
Jane's POV Floating in the middle of the ocean one should fight to reach land but all I did was stay still hoping that the level of danger would magnetize you to me. Every reason I'd to keep you close was no longer valid, I don't recall a time were breathing come easily, but I never felt so alive even though the scenario contradicted itself. My tree lost its leave only to realize you were the reason why it had them in the first place, and now the same fire that burns my existence away is the one that keeps me sane. how can one feel at ease and be tormented by the same?I exhausted my chances to reach my destination because you were my home Jaden. There you are so close yet far, I caress your angelic face wishing I'd done it million times when I'd the chance. So I ask you to stay even though I hold the answer...so I keep on drowning. " Don't leave... don't&nbs
Niklaus's POV Inside my office, I lost track of time and I was deep in my thoughts, something others feel threatened by for the fact that it rarely happens. Shut my eyes and I could hear her voice, a melody to my ears. I can't believe I was so anxious to meet her, couldn't hide it to a point where I'd to pretend to talk on the cellphone when she walked in. " Her essence keeps dragging me towards her" I smiled. I'm becoming bipolar, my mood switches whenever I'm around her as if her words carry more healing medicine than all man-made drugs. " I've to see a doctor, I overworked my brain now is all fucked up" This is the only reason I found convincing. I need to go back to my old self, although Charles always mumbles about how I should try hold onto my emotions for once. I smirked thinking about it. Emotions? Wha
Jane's POV I've found my spindle wheel, and mysteriously just like sleeping beauty I wasn't strong enough to resist its tempting glow. Unlike her, my spindle wheel has a face, name, and address. I feel like I deliberately walked into the lion's dean something mother nature could have avoided if the universe would somehow compel me to stay home the day I accidentally met Niklaus Salvatore. It has been what? Mere two months and this job was humbling me. No!! Let me correct myself, Niklaus was humbling me. I've never loved Sundays as much as I do now. It was basically the only day that had the lowest probability of being dragged to the office, not that it didn't happen before, but sometimes I prayed hard enough so it didn't happen, and believe me, lately, I've been praying a lot. Initially, I couldn't adapt to Niklaus's rhythm, but I somehow figured things out. My routine
Third-person POV " Forgive my intrusion, your tie " Jane removed the tie from his neck. Niklaus became unusually conscious of the woman standing in front of him. Her silky skin, her heavy yet steady breathing, pale pink lips that she was biting seizing his mind into an intoxicating state. Averting his eyes away from her, Niklaus hid his clenched knuckles in his pocket, it was the only barrier between him and all the vicious thoughts his mind was cooking. ' It's more tempting to leave these fucking manners aside and do some sketchy things' ' Five... ' Niklaus recited in his head. Oblivious of her actions Jane kept flexing her finger around the silk fabric. She truly enjoyed the familiar feeling. Jaden never learned to do his tie, she had to do it for him. A deep curve for
Third person POV " Run!! " In a split second every cell in her body was electrified, the sound of the steps he took away from the dark arrived in her brain even before it happened. " Run!! " Jane urged her legs because she was scared of the strangely familiar feeling she was getting. She felt his presence from far, the discomfort in her chest motivated her legs to take uncertain steps back to build some distances between her, and whoever was on the other side. Looking behind Jane, the man narrowed his brow introducing his deep black eyes like bottomless well that one could fall in if not careful. His amusement faded into thunderstorms, but it softened when his attention moved back to Jane. " Seems like we'll meet next time Angel " Without dueling why the man suddenly turned back, Jane turned around to run bu
Third-person POV Seasons have passed, spring became winter's grave while preparing to lend summers life On a sunlit day, old trees exude warmth through its new buds rejuvenating its surroundings. Streets became an art gallery, spring flowers painted with smiley colors touching heaven so boldly one could almost touch Eden garden. Although flowers bloomed innocently one could still taste the terror of humanity prima sin in his office. " From the 3% stock you made me loose, you only manage to recover 2,7%? " The man sitting on his black leader throne continued his interrogation calmly. The head of the finance department felt himself shrinking as his boss seemed too calm, his stares penetrating his soul, everyone knew those eyes is where his power resided. It was well known that it's more satisfactorily when the boss lashed out, because when he acts t
Niklaus's POV " Niklaus? " " Yes ma'am " " Why are you standing in front of my door without knocking " Yolanda looked at me suspiciously when she opened the door. Her cloths were covered in smudges, guess she was busy cooking. " I was just, kind of... " I mumbled like a criminal found on the crime scene. " I see " She smiled and coached me inside " Don't just stand there, come in " " Sorry, no free hugs today. I'm a mess " She lifted her hand covered with flour making me chuckle. In her messy state, she still looked delightful. Her full-dark hair was a replica of Jane's, some upcoming wrinkles telling the passages of life, creamy tone complimenting her vivid eyes. I guess it's true that beauty in old age is a blessing. "Next time I'll get double hugs then, how does it sound
Niklaus's POV " Blood..." Seeing her made me want to demolish everything in vision because her pain was real. The earthy green eyes have sunken by dreadful feelings. My body went on pause as my eyes processed what was happening. I approached her when Sarah moved from her spot allowing me to be in front of Jane. Her eyes were frozen on her palms, breathing matching someone who forgot how to breathe. " Jane, what happened?" I asked lifting her chin. " He was fixing the coffee machine, but hurt himself in the process " Sarah said pointing at the guy with a bleeding hand. " We heard her scream " Jorge added. " Jane ?" I called moving closer. " Why do you keep staring at your hands? " I covered her hands with mine, and for the first
Niklaus's POV I saw the wrath pouring through the little vixen in front of me as if she was about to murder someone. How could I forget something so important, well it didn't matter now did it? She balled up her fingers into a fist as if she was about to punch someone. I would like to believe that, that someone was Scott. Just like the flames licking from her appeared, it vanished as quickly. Without a word she walked out. " Shit!!! What have I done?" I hunched my shoulders together trying to disappear inside myself. " What?" Scott questioned sitting in front of me." Don't tell me you already threw a feast because of the contract " " Worse. I blamed her and forced her to do it from scratch" I confessed bothered by what I've done. " You're becoming a pro at
Jane's POV "Am I babysitting you, Walker? " I found myself trembling as I was being yelled at " Do you have it in you to do something right for once? " " I gave you a very simple task. You were supposed to be in charge of the contract. you only had to get the fucking contract from SAG, get the right people to sign it and bring it to me" " So where the fuck is the contract? I don't see it on my damn desk " He roared for the millionth time. I was dangerously reaching my limit here, he was shouting making me feel like a kid been scolded. I couldn't dare to look him straight in the eyes, afraid I might not like what I would have to face. I could barely dissipate my anger into the air, but I tried explaining myself my voice weakening " I already submitted the contract. I'm sure I personally handed out on Monday when Mr. Williams
Jane's POV What goes around comes back around right? I never thought they were talking about Monday's though.Unlike any other Monday, today I welcomed it differently. Why? Maybe because the sun affects me differently today, any other Monday would be a mournday, not today. The sun rose like it should, melting the darkness away, giving life to brilliant shades to every being making me eager to dig further into Monday. "I wonder how bad will his mood be today"I smiled and the flow of my thoughts suddenly stopped. What is wrong with me? When I arrived on my floor, I found Sarah talking to Dilan. He was one of the few friends I made here. I only found out later that he was the little brother Mike was talking about, and yes he is extra. although it would be an understatement. Dilan looked me up and down smirking " I seeeeee you girl, you bur
Jane's POV I felt the need to move back and forth without end, doing my best to shake off this anxiety. These walls have always been my refugee, but although I feel like I should stay, doesn't mean I shouldn't go. As I welcomed a new day, the first task was to send a few emails to Niklaus and asked Sarah to give me a day off. Mom gave me the apartment's key her gloom didn't go unnoticed. I went to get Ailee and Annabelle luckily Luke was with her. I didn't have to waste much energy mom already bought most of the furniture, I was basically just adding to it, even so, Annabelle bought things I didn't think I needed. We literally tried to do things with the speed of light. Niklaus was coming back on Saturday, I wanted to move before that. When we finished shopping I crawled back to Ailee's place. I didn't even bother to eat bec