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Chapter Twelve
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2024-03-08 12:00:49The sound of the ticking clock was nerve-wracking. Belle was seated on the edge of the sofa, waiting for Nikolai to knock at the door. She didn't have to wait for so long. There was a gentle knocking on the door, but it was quiet and deafening.
I have to do this. I need to. She repeatedly told herself as she took what felt like heavy footsteps towards the door.
"Come in." Belle invited Nikolai in, something she never thought she would be doing.
"Is he…" His eyes were glued to the single bedroom door with a slightly opened door.
"The baby's sleeping. Let's be adults about this and try not to raise our voices." This was a statement directed at herself. Belle knew she needed that reminder more than Nikolai. For the firs
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With how Aubrey and Bonnie react, it seems like it is their first time visiting Belle's place. Actually, the first-time visitor is the only man with them. Their being talkative was a no-match during this situation, as no one couldn't find the right words or phrases for a conversation starter. Belle, for that matter, is not doing great on her own. She still finds it hard to believe that Nikolai is with them at that very moment and more than willing to play his role as the father to their son."He's freaking tall.""Let's not forget to state the obvious. He's also very handsome."The sound of the cookie-filled tray hitting the table brought the two back to reality. Her friends can at least be discreet with their humiliating, honest
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“What does that picture mean, Claudia?”A cheeky laugh was heard on the phone. Nikolai’s hand formed a tight fist. “I know, right? Oh, I am telling you. They can definitely pick a better angle. That’s for sure.”“Don’t waste my time with your bullshit. We both know that’s not what I mean.”Nikolai wouldn’t precisely call Claudia Yvette De Beaufort his friend. On the other hand, their families have a long history of partnership as business partners. He has known Claudia since they were young. This is the same reason why he avoids being in the same circle as hers. The public may recognize her as the sweet, fun-loving heiress. Those who knew the real her would know that everything she does is for her benefit. Twisting words and gaining trust for her own benefit is child's play. She has all the time, money, and ambition to do so.“Why the sudden interest in me?” It has been so long since they got in touch. Since Claudia started being known as a socialite, they never had any form of commun
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Five hours later.“We’ll keep an eye on this and let you know about any news.”Nikolai tried searching to look for Belle everywhere, at a nearby park and apartments, and even knocked at some doors. Nothing.“I get that she might want some time for herself, but she never leaves Liam alone here for a long time. She would never do that. Something's not right.”Aubrey was right. Something wasn't right. They asked for the CCTV footage, and they saw Belle frantically walking outside. Her hands were shaking, and she looked like she was sobbing. There were no security cameras in the hallway, so they had no idea if someone tried to invade her unit.“God, Belle. Answer the goddamn p
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7 years later."Sir?" Their new housekeeper's voice was audibly shaking. Before she could even speak, Nikolai massaged his temples.Another bad news. He could easily tell."Yes." The housekeeper stiffened with Nikolai's cold tone. This one wouldn't last a month."Liam's school called. Says they would like to invite you for a talk.""Invite me? Or require me to talk?""I don't know, sir!" The lady immediately panicked. Nikolai felt bad knowing it wasn't her fault. He had been bombarded with an unusual amount of workload lately, and on top of everything, he was Liam's father.Being a single father is hard."Don't worry. I'll give them a visit. Thank you," he said, but she didn't move. Liam raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to say something more. Her tongue seemed stuck with the amount of panic she was experiencing."Actually, sir, they also want to inform you that Liam will be transferred to another class. And that this will be a warning. T-they want you to look for another school i
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“Nikolai, it's after office hours. Wait until tomorrow. There's nothing we can't prove with just a phone call anyway.”What Preston said made sense, and Nikolai knew that too. It's his fault for not thinking things straight and for not being rational. He had simply, for lack of a better word, had gone insane.“What are you still doing there?” Preston asked Claudia, who was sitting quietly in the corner. “Why are you here anyway?”Claudia rolled her eyes at Preston. They only met a couple of times, but every time they do, it's a clash of personalities that ends up with rolling of eyes or throwing insults.“Because of this.” Nikolai arranged the documents and put them inside an envelope before handing them to Claudia.She smugly stood. Loud stomping sounds can be heard from her heels. As expected, Preston rolled her eyes.“Lacie always puts you on a pedestal. I never understood why.”“You know Lacie?”Claudia nodded and checked the contents of the papers. “She used to work as my father's
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The woman’s eyes twinkled as she smiled. Before Nikolai knew it, he was reminded of how Isobelle’s eyes would twinkle whenever she would laugh. It’s impossible to ignore when she looks exactly like Belle. Maybe it’s his memory that is deceiving him, but the resemblance is really uncanny.So, this is how it is supposed to be. He thought, seeing Liam talk to the woman. If only Belle had not disappeared suddenly, the three of them could have been a happy family.“Daddy!” Liam paused talking with his teacher to call Nikolai.He even found it harder to move now that both of them are looking in his direction.“Come!” It was his son's cheerful voice that brought him back to reality.The closer he was, the clearer it got. In Nikolai’s head, it is already established. This woman is Isobelle. It’s the only explanation that made sense.“Hi. I assume you are Mr. Laurent?”She offered her hand for a handshake. Unlike Belle, she had much shorter hair that didn’t reach her shoulders. And her smile,
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“From the moment I saw you with your composed look and practiced smile, I knew you were bound to lose your mind and it’s only a matter of time.” Nikolai took a quick glimpse at his calendar just to make sure that he had no prior appointment with Claudia. Yet, she was proudly parading like it was her birthright to be in his office, in the middle of the day, unannounced. He still had a hang-over and for some reason, the whole thing triggered his headache; Claudia’s voice and attention-grabbing appearance with that green suit with a neckline that was as low as it could get. She might as well go straight into a fashion show. “What is this about, Claudia?” “I should be the one asking you that question.” In her little bag that could easily pass as a wallet, she got her phone and showed Nikolai a text message that said: ‘Merry me?’ “Are you cringing?” Claudia examined closely Nikolai’s reaction. “You should be because I am intentionally showing up late at my shoot to see your reaction in
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The night when Preston was drinking with Nikolai…“You’re getting married?”Preston stopped Nikolai from taking another gulp of alcohol. The guy is totally wasted. There were no tears in his eyes but it’s red and swollen, as if the tears were caged and the next drop of alcohol would make him completely lose his composure. This has become a familiar scene after Belle disappeared.He couldn’t blame his friend. He may not show it often, but he still thinks of Belle all the time. He still checks the news and gets in touch with the authorities for updates. Sadly, there was none. Even then, he is still hoping that one day, his phone will ring and he will receive good news.Nikolai let go of the glass and started typing on his phone.“You’re drunk, Nikolai. You’re drunk again. This is getting out of hand. I’m starting to think that you are only inviting me so someone can drive you home.”“A part of me was still hoping that after all these years, Isobelle would come back. Just like that. And
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BELLE“This has become a weird tradition.” Nikolai commented after placing the can of beer on his table. “You’re based somewhere in Europe. Why would you come home for a day like this?”“You know the only thing that’s weird here? Your wife is drinking a 1995 vintage red wine while we gulp these cans of cheap beer.”Belle, as Leo mentioned, was enjoying his glass of wine. Sure, the wine tastes good. It has a rich aroma and a hint of caramel when she tastes, but that wasn’t it. She had tasted all kinds of expensive and delicious food from all over the world, but food only tastes better when with good company.Like she is right now.“Don’t you go there and blame me, Leo. I’m not the one who came here with a bag full of beer when we literally have a wine cellar in the house. And you,” she pointed at Nikolai. “Don’t you dare complain about a headache tomorrow.”Today is Oliver Laurent’s death anniversary. It has been a year since all
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-eight
“Why would you even do that, Nick?” There was no hint of the posh and polished Adeline. As soon as she heard the news, she came rushing to Nikolai and Belle’s home, obviously distraught. Her hair hasn’t been combed, there was not a hint of make-up on her face. Both Nikolai and Belle looked at each other, knowing there was nothing that they could do. Even if it pained him, he accepted every slap from his mom. “You killed your father! I can’t believe my own son killed his own father!” She was hysterical. “Ma’am-” Nikolai shook his head at Belle who was attempting to stop Adeline’s slaps on Nikolai’s chest. “I’m fine, Isobelle. Please find, Liam. I’ll just talk to Mom.” “But.” “Isobelle,” he gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay.” Even when hesitant, Belle walked out and left Nikolai with his mom. Adeline’s screams were replaced with sobs. Growing up, Nikolai knew he didn’t have a family like the others. Both Adeline and Oliver weren't the most expressive people. He simply thou
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-seven
Nikolai’s name is being dragged all over social media. The world has billions of issues, and one of his advisors initially advised him to lay-low and observe, hoping that people would spare them little to no attention.Boy, was he wrong.“Don’t open the internet and don’t read your messages.” Belle told him as soon as he held his phone to check his schedule for the day.“I couldn’t go on with my day without doing that, Isobelle. You know that.” He was reminded with a gentle tone. “I know you're worried about me, but I’m tougher than you think. Don’t worry.”“I know you are, but people who don’t know you are judging you and are doing everything so they could twist the story and fit it to their narratives.” She held her breath as she spoke in frustration. “I can’t wait for them to be proven wrong.”“I need you to relax and take a breather. You should be the one staying away from any news.” Nikolai holds her close. His lips touch the side of her hair. Unlike the previous days, he’s more
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-six
It is such a shame that there is no way to choose who we want as our parents.In the eyes of the public and everyone that surrounded him, Nikolai won the genetic lottery, as well as life in general. Born with distinct features and undeniably good-looking, he already got a head start in life. Not to mention the amount of money he grew up with and everything that he would inherit.He was set for a lifetime. Even better, his children and grandchildren, can choose not to work and could still survive.It’s the fairytale dream of almost everyone.But as he shared a table with the half-brother his father tried to kill, talking about all the times their father tried to ruin their lives, he couldn’t help but ask a question. ‘Is this still worth it?’.He took another sip of the beer. Like Leo, they share a comfortable silence, pondering about the life that they separately had.“Thank you,” Nikolai blurted out. Unlike the previous conversations they had, he didn’t have to force the words out of
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-five
The only safe and discreet place that he could think of was in the house where they used to live. Nikolai couldn’t let anyone know he was meeting Leo. For both their sake. He didn’t have to wait so long because, when he arrived, Leo’s motorcycle was already parked outside. ‘That hard-headed boy,’ he thought. He particularly told him not to use a motorcycle, but he wasn’t listening at all. “Didn’t I tell you to not use your motorcycle?” “Didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t?” He answered in the same tone, in the same manner. Therefore Belle thinks there’s a resemblance between the two of them. It starts at the physical appearance, but it doesn’t end there. For example, like how the two of them talked and how, at the moment, Leo was returning the same glare he was showing. “Do you really hate me that much?” Blood connect and separate them. Every time he would see Leo in the same gathering, he tried his best to push him away. In Nikolai’s point of view, Leo’s existence was a miracle t
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-four
“I'm going to talk to Juliette today.”“Are you going to accept her offer?” Belle kept her eyes straight on the breakfast that was prepared for them. Even if she had a little appetite that morning, she wanted to do something else other than be immersed in whatever Nikolai has to say. “Of course you are going to.”“I'm not.”Breaking her plan, Belle glanced at Nikolai. “You're not going to?”“No.” Even if he doesn't say it, that hopeless look gives away what he's thinking. “But don't worry. I'll try to find a way.”“Good morning, Daddy.” Liam kissed Nikolai's cheek and then Belle's. “Good morning, Mommy.”“Why are you not dressed yet? You're going to school now, aren't you?”“Yes… but,” He kept trying to get food from his spoon and failed all the time. “Maybe not today, Mommy.”“Liam, is there anything wrong? Why are you not going to school today? Are you not feeling well?” Belle touched his forehead to check for fever or any kind of illness. Liam seems fine, but the kid is obviously b
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-three
NIKOLAI “What did you say?” Nikolai was furious when he heard what Leo had to say. “Are you accusing my father of being a murderer?” It was as clear as crystal that Oliver Laurent was far from a perfect human. He may not be the kindest person, but he’s Nikolai’s father. He had his own ways of protecting what he has. Nothing will ever change the fact that he is Nikolai’s father. “I don’t want to talk about this over the phone. If you want to hear more, you should be the one to contact me. I told myself before and I’m reminding myself again that I will not get involved with your family or whatever that dysfunctional set-up you have.” “How dare you?” Leo can’t go around pushing people away when in the first place, it was he who contacted him first. “And you’re really saying that even when you’re the one who called me? If you’re wishing me bad luck, I don’t think there’s any need for that.” “Believe me,” he said. “I don’t want to do this either. I wouldn’t do this if I’m not worried a
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-two
NIKOLAINikolai observed Belle while she turned her back on her. They are sleeping on the same bed, but their mind seems to be anywhere but the present. He knows he’s asking so much of his wife. It was a very ridiculous offer that he wished he didn’t have to even say.It isn’t the best strategy, but right now, Nikolai thinks that the best he could do for his family is minimize the possible negative impacts. If he agrees to marry Juliette, he’d still have his family while quickly repairing the effects on their business.Investors are backing out one by one. Some already say that it’s a breach of contract. It’s a ticking time bomb. The longer he waits, the lesser the chance that they’d still be able to fix the problem.Belle’s breathing isn’t even anymore. She pretends to quietly sleep, but Nikolai knows that she’s as awake as he is.“I’m sorry.” He uttered out of the blue. “I’ll understand whatever decision you’ll take. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll totally respect it. You have every
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-one
“We can just talk here. I told you. I'd say yes immediately if there's anything I can do.” Belle was desperate to help Nikolai. “You know I'm not that attached to the business before. I only felt forced to take over because no one else would. I had to give up practicing law and continue to run this business.” “Are you saying that you don't want to be involved with this?” “No.” His eyes were on the ground. Belle can feel the weight on his shoulders with those deep breaths. “Even if I'd want to, there's no way out of this. My face is on every article about the company. Backing out now is a cowardly move that would confirm what people are already saying about me. That I'm a ruthless and corrupt business person.” “You know you are not that kind of person.” “I know, but no matter what I’d do, they won’t believe me, Isobelle. It’s so easy to spread information these days. People won’t even bother verifying if it’s true or not.” Nikolai is right. You can defend yourself and use ev
