Nicole looked around the room, she made up her mind to leave after staying here for another one week without Rafael showing up, not even with the divorce papers he talked about, he just ignored her completely and she was tired of being alone, she wanted to get her life back in order, she couldn't keep being sad, she was only twenty-six years old, too young to be wasted, she couldn't keep staying here and waiting for what's never going to be hers again, she has to accept that it was over and there was no going back."Are you sure this is what you want to do?"Grace who had come to help her pack her things asked, Grace, has been her support system that she wondered what she would have done without her, yes her parents were supportive too but they didn't know the half of what was going on in her life, she didn't tell them about the divorce but they knew that she and Rafael weren't on talking terms and they thought it was just temporary, when she had called them that she was moving back t
After nearly three weeks in a wheelchair, Nicole was glad to finally get off it, the doctor who was examining her smiled."You healed properly that you might never remember if you were ever in the wheel-chair, there isn't even a scare,"Yeah right, there wasn't any physical scare but there was a wound in her heart that was never going to heal, a wound that no one saw, she has been doing her best to keep herself from taking into depression and she has done her best, the past two weeks since she left the mansion had been tough on her but she was glad she could do it, she had her parents and Grace with her, they were always there, especially Grace who even though she left for Harvard last week had kept I'm touch and made sure she didn't feel lonely, she spent the whole of her break with her and had to return a week before classes resume because she had pending assignments to do. Natalie on the other hand was never around, she hasn't met her up to three times since she moved back into he
Nicole looked from the papers to the lawyer, okay she thought she had misunderstood what was written, which is why she had called him to clarify things but he was saying exactly what she had seen."Wait, does that mean, the hotel is in my name? The mansion too? I know he gave me a studio, I mean that was a present, I was going to give it back but I thought it would be rude but this? How should I collect this from him knowing how hard he worked for it?""It seems this is what he wanted to give you, he already signed and all you need to do is sign too, I think he is taking care of you and making sure you don't lack anything,""I don't need this, I didn't want a divorce, I don't want any of his property either,""Oh, dear, them you don't need to sign, just send it back to him with a petition, then you guys will have to meet in court, and go through counseling,""Wait what? Why do we have to go to court? We didn't even get married in court, and I am not disputing, I am just saying I don't
You know what they say about moving on? It's easier said than done, that's exactly what happened to Nicole, because one month after her divorce, she was still wallowing in pain and self pity, barely leaving the house, not like she left the house before the event that happened but it became even worst, she barely left her room, the past two month have been just there, she developed a pattern, wake up, take a bath, eat, draw, paint, go to bed, and the next day she did the same, okay it wasn't like she spent her days crying even though she did cry, let's just say she went back to her old self but insert a lot of sadness, the only difference is that she wasn't hiding her work anymore, that was what kept her going, as of last night, she had over ten million loyal followers and today, she decided to accept the invitation of one of her artist friend that she had made online, his works were top-notch and she had been so excited when he followed her and sent her a message and since they have b
Nicole swallowed as the air between them changed, she noticed the change so fast but she couldn't seem to pull out of whatever date she was in, the hand in her hair got even bolder stroking her hair and he was leaning closer too, she wanted to pull off and at the same time remain where she was, this was it, this was her finally moving on, this was her finally accepting that she might belong to someone else, someone, not Rafael and Aron was more in her class and they were more compatible, it was better to give someone like him a chance, it was clear from the beginning that Aron wants to be more than friends with her, but she was ready for that."So what else is there to do?"She asked breaking the moment and moving away from Aron, she avoided his gaze."Nothing more, we wait for everything to dry and pack them up,"Aron replied walking closer to her again, she moved further away from him."Stop running away Nicole,"Aron said pulling her to a stop in front of him, she kept her head dow
She uploaded the works and captioned it, "arts of the day," and tagged Aron's official account, it started getting likes and comments immediately, she read a few of the comments which were nice, and then she saw that some of the commenters were shipping her and Aron, she wanted to reply them that the ship isn't even close to the waters not to talk of sailing, she couldn't be with Aron, not now, and even she didn't know, she kind of felt she can't get into him even in the future, he was nice and all but she couldn't imagine herself being with him.She closed her laptop and laid on her bed, looking at the roof, she didn't have any thoughts, just laid there."Nicole? Can we talk? Can you come downstairs for a bit?"Nicole heard he mom ask, she got off the bed and wore her slippers."Mom, I am coming,"She said wondering what her parents wanted to talk to her about, maybe Natalie is back already, she hurried downstairs but only met her mom and dad, no sight of Natalie."Mom, what's this
Rafael almost threw up reliving that moment, he just couldn't get it over her head, he had left before he saw something he didn't want to see, Nicole kissing another man, even the thought of it was enough to make him wanna hit a wall, he knew it has happened, he shouldn't be feeling down about it, he almost left but had told his driver to stop again which had been his mistake, he hated it, hated that Nicole was doing fine without him, hated that he felt jealous, he pulled his clothes letting them fall along the part to his room.He took a bath to relax himself but it didn't work, he was just too worked up for a single bath to help his course, he went down to the living room and got out his laptop to try and get some work down but all he could see was the image of Nicole standing there while that fucked assed idiot was going in for a kiss, she should have pulled away, their divorce wasn't even up to two months yet, how could she move on so easily, he was the one that asked for a divorc
"Yeah,""But how do you know he is someone special and not just a friend, wait is it even a he?""Yes, he is a he, and I know because I saw them almost kiss, I left just in time,""Oh, wow, in public? Then she must really be over you, too bad,""Right, even though I don't like it, I am happy she is doing well,""That's your clue to get someone else, you can't remain alone, I am not saying to rush things but being with someone else would make you forget her fast, she already moved on as you said, you should do that too,"Caleb advised, Rafael didn't want to move in, he knew that was the right thing to do but he just couldn't, he wanted to hold on to the memories he and Nicole had and not forget them, he wasn't sure he could commit to someone else, someone who is not Nicole."I don't think that's going to be possible Caleb, I am doomed, Nicole is the only woman I want to be with,""See why I told you a divorce was the wrong move? But you didn't listen, now it's not even up to two months
Rafael looked up to see his woman walking towards him, she was wearing a simple yet pretty gown that was more of a maternity gown than a wedding gown, she looked so good, every day watching her get bigger and bigger was the new joy of his life, she was everything he never knew he wanted, she was his wife, his love, his family and his life, the reason he existed, she looked up at him and smiled, his heart warmed up seeing her pretty smile.The past three months of his life has been the best so far, every day waking up to her was a blessing, beyond what he had ever imagined, not just her but her family too, the one that also became his family, he couldn't believe he had almost lost out on the biggest love he found, a year ago, he had walked down the aisle with a woman he had thought was Natalie but turned out to be Nicole, he had a motive back them, marry her and get the right to her properties, the day he made those decisions marked the beginning of the biggest change in his life, not
Three months later...Nicole watched as the reporters made a report that was concerning her."The wedding ceremony of two most talked about couples in the past few months is happening today and we are all living for it, the couple who are expecting their first child soon decided to tie the knot before their baby is born, and the whole country is looking forward to today,"The reporter said, Nicole laughed touching her tummy which has gotten bigger over the last three months, she was currently in her sixth month of pregnancy and everything has been blissful for the past three months, her life has been perfect in every way, she had family and friends and most especially Rafael with her and nothing could beat that."You know you are going to be late if you just sit there watching TV and smiling to yourself,"Natalie announced as she walked into her room, she was ready and looked so pretty in her simple yet so beautiful bridesmaid dress, both she and Grace were her bridesmaid."I can't be
She walked back towards her ward in a sad mood, she needed to speak with Rafael and hoped he come back soon, instead of going back to the room, she opted for going to the hospital rooftop, she asked for directions and was shown the way up, she saw a few people up there and went to the more quiet side, sat down and brought out her phone from the hospital gown pocket, she had found the phone next to her when she woke up this morning, she thought she had lost it but thankfully not, she played with the phone before dialing his number, it didn't go through, maybe he turned it off, she wished he could just appear in front of her, she needed to talk to him, they have been separated for too long, she wanted him back now."Rafael,"She whispered his name."What are you doing here on your own, I have been looking everywhere for you,"She heard his voice and turned to see him waving at her, she stood up from where she sat, he appeared, she smiled when he did before bursting into tears, he ran t
Nicole looked around when she woke up again, Rafael wasn't by her side anymore, she looked to where Natalie was seated with Aron by her side, they were talking in whispers, she had told him to go and not return until he has gotten enough rest, he didn't want to leave so she had yelled at him to get out of her presence, it was harsh but she needed him to take care of himself too, she didn't want him to be careless with his health, he had surgery and he wasn't taking care of himself, imagine how scared she had been when all she wanted was to playfully hit him yet she ended up hurting him, the look of pain in his eyes had sent a shiver of fear down her body, she expected to see him again at least before she went to sleep last night but he hadn't shown up, when she woke up this morning, she had looked around for him too, she knew she told him to rest and he needed it but she had things to tell him, it was almost afternoon and he still wasn't back."Nicole, you are awake,"Natalie said as
"What happened?"The doctor asked looking at his hand."I mistakenly hit it somewhere and it is so fucking painful,"He said as the doctor helped him remove his shirt, he saw that his hand was bleeding again, Nicole didn't even hit hard enough for him to be bleeding this much."This is why I told you to look after yourself but you claimed to be fine, now we have to do a restitch or it might get infected and that's not good,"The doctor said to him as he placed a call across, it happened so fast, one minute he was watching the doctor give out instructions to whoever on the other side of the call, and the next minute, he saw himself falling, his head spinning and he couldn't control himself, he heard the doctor yell for someone and that was all he could remember.When he woke up again, he was back on the bed he had run away from, with the doctor, not the one he was with earlier but another doctor fixing something on the drip near his bed."You are awake, you stubborn man, you nearly kil
Rafael looked around the room he was in, the pain in his hands finally subsided, he got up and pulled his shirt on just as the door opened."Oh, you are up,"Lance said walking up to him."Yes, were you here throughout the night?""No, I just came in, I had to go to the police station, the other man was arrested this morning, but sadly Leonard died on the way to the hospital last night,"Lance revealed."What about my wife and her sister? Are they awake yet?"He asked standing on fixing his trousers."I don't know yet, I came straight here when I was told you are here, I can go and check for you if you want,"He offered."No, that's fine I will go myself,""I don't think that's advisable seeing that you had surgery a few hours ago,"Lance said trying to block his way."I am fine, don't you have things to do?""Yes, I will be on my way, call me if you need anything,"Lance said as they both walked out of his hospital room, they parted ways as Rafael walked straight to the doctor's offi
"Nicole?"She heard her name, it wasn't just anyone calling her name it was Rafael, he came, he was here, he came for her."Don't come any closer, don't fucking come closer or she will be dead,"Leonard yelled holding on to Nicole, he pointed the gun at her, Rafael slowed down for a moment, she wanted to run to him, run into his embrace but she knew doing that would be catastrophic, so she stayed still."Rafael,"She cried"Baby, it will be fine I got you,"He said, she couldn't make out his face properly, the room wasn't dark as before but her eyes were blinded by tears and her body tried."Let her go, Leonard, let her go, she didn't do anything to you, fucking let her go,"He told Leonard who pulled her even closer and pressed the gun to her face."You think I am a fool? I should let her go? No way, if I go down, she dies,"He yelled at him pointing the gun at him."Let her go and face me, you moron,""Please don't Rafael don't provoke him, please,"She pleaded, her voice was almost
After the talk with Rafael, Nicole couldn't fall asleep or do anything else again, she just sat and listened, Rafael said he will come and get them and she didn't want to be asleep when that happened, she told her sister to sleep so that she can be on watch, it seems like the younger guy finally left because she hasn't seen him since after their talk the other day. She silently prayed that Rafael will come for them tonight, she didn't want to spend a third night here, she wanted to go home, go home not to her family's mansion but to the house she shared with Rafael, even if he doesn't want to live in the mansion anymore she would stay with him at his new house, anywhere he was would be her home, she couldn't wait to tell him that she was sorry for everything and that she loves him so much,Nicole heard the noise in the distance, not just any kind of noise, vehicles were entering where they are, she quickly got up and walked to where Natalie lay."Natie? Natie? I think help is here, th
"Baby? What baby?"He asked."Nicole is pregnant, I know she hadn't told you yet, and she would want to tell you herself but you have to know that my daughter is pregnant with your child and you have to get them back soon, this is not good for the baby,"She replied, he didn't know what to say, he didn't know Nicole was pregnant, she didn't say a word to him, he thought, God, he thought the doctor said she won't be able to get pregnant again, dies that mean. Oh God, he needed to get her back. Aron collected the phone from him and spoke to Nicole's parents while he sat there still in shock.The police, his own team, and even the twins' parents agreed that it would be better if they involved security to avoid any foul play, he reluctantly agreed.Leonard didn't call back, instead, he texted a location where they can meet for the exchange and it was game on.Preparation for the meet up was super easy, it was the easy part of the whole thing, he wanted to go alone, wanted to just give the