Chapter Sixty-One - Nicholas's Realization

A look of pure confusion crossed his face as he searched his soul for an answer to her question. Why was he so impatient to see her? Why did it feel as if he would die if he didn’t meet her? Was he in love with Alyssa? His eyes focused blankly on her curious face as the realization hit him hard. Yes, he was hopelessly in love with Alyssa Van Every! How had he not realized it before? There wasn’t any other explanation for the heart-wrenching emotions he experienced when away from her. They tormented him until he saw her again. It explained why he needed to be near her all the time.

“Nicholas? What’s wrong?” asked Alyssa, noticing the dazed look on his face, the beads of perspiration on his forehead. He seemed to be lost in a world of his own.

“Nothing. Nothing at all. You must be hungry, Alyssa. Let’s eat the food the caretaker has arranged for us. It’s late. We can explore the place tomorrow morning,” he rambled on nervously while Alyssa gaped at him, unable to figure his mood out.