Preston had to be present at Nikolai’s company to negotiate a new acquisition agreement with the executives. He did well in the meeting. As always, Nikolai was impressed. He had proven himself in the corporate world. He earned even the top-level executive’s trust with just a month of working with Laurent AeroGlobal Enterprises. Having that on Preston’s work profile was enough boost for him to be known in their career circle. Nikolai and Preston’s partnership is certainly a win-win.Preston is a beast that fears nothing at work. When he’s no longer worried about financial records and contractual obligations, he’s left with his worries.What is he supposed to do now? This isn’t even a question anymore. Belle or as she prefers to be called, Hyacinth, came to him and trusted him with the truth. As a lawyer, he is obligated to represent her. As her brother, Preston wants to do more. He’s already studying her case and thinking of passing it to Lace. Family law is not something he’s great at
8 years ago…Nikolai was busy analyzing a case for a moot court competition.… will argue that the city breached its duty of care by…And now, he has to go back to reading the first part. Seems like legible, but hard-to-understand letters.This won't do. He can spend the whole night reading the case details and arguments but if he doesn't keep his shit together, this will be the mark of his downfall. All those words he said to his parents, to prove that studying Law for him would be put to waste. All because he loved a girl.It was getting counterproductive. The mild headache was a cry for a distraction and that was when he decided to go to the nearest bar. After all, he has mastered the art of drinking just the right amount of alcohol to be dizzy and not suffer through a damned hang-over the next day.After a few glasses, he could see doubles of everything. He found solace in an empty park and sat on the swing.“Nikolai.”That was probably too much drink. Even with his imagination,
The day he came to Houston…Nikolai still refuses to accept that Belle’s gone. There were a million possibilities that were forming in his head.Waking up was a challenge when the first thing he had to do every morning was to face his son alone. There may be a million possibilities, but the reality was too hard to accept. Coming home with his son and putting the search on hold was the hardest decision he had ever made.“Nikolai.”Stella’s face was the last thing he was expecting when he arrived. He handed his sleeping son to his new nanny. “Please let him rest. Let me know if he cries.”Stella scrutinized the clueless child until Liam was out of sight.“We need to talk-”“I’m tired, Stella.” He interrupted. He didn’t want to argue or even have a discussion at the moment. His body has reached its limits in terms of physical and emotional exhaustion. Nikolai’s body feels like and looks like a walking zombie with his crumpled clothes.“Alright. I understand. I just want to see you and
Katherine Isobelle is Preston’s sister. They lost both of their parents because of an accident when they were young.Katherine Isobelle was a photographer. She used to work in New Zealand.Katherine Isobelle was married and she has a son. She signed the divorce papers but according to Preston, they are still married, because the divorce didn't push through.She has Belle’s DNA and that means they are the same person. Even after knowing all these facts, Hyacinth still couldn’t fully process everything that happened. A lot doesn't make sense. If it would, no one but her could make sense of it all but until she gets her memory back, it would be impossible. This was the reason why she spent time away from everyone including Preston, who is the only person who knows the truth. He gave him these files about Belle that she needed to know and she has spent an ample amount of time studying herself like a person from History class.There was a scream at the park that surprised her. She though
“Hyacinth, I knew you would be back!”Should it be anger, jealousy, regret, or sadness? Hyacinth wasn’t sure what to feel first when she saw Jack after a long time. Perhaps it is a bit of everything. After what happened, she was sure that what they have is over. It probably ended long before she had an idea of him having an affair.“Why are you here in the office when we can talk at home? Honey, please. I can explain and I promise to be better. I made a horrible mistake, but I will still choose you, Hya. You’re the one I love.”“Really?”“Really. We’re married. Married people don’t throw away years of being together because of one foolish mistake. I guess, in our case, it would be two mistakes.”Is he with Jack because of desperation and confusion? The bigger picture is clearer for her now. Everything he said was stupid, if not fake. She let herself get fooled and got deceived by those lies.“I was about to file for a divorce.”Jack was shocked but recovered soon enough. “About to? Th
“Thank you for coming here, Belle.” Preston greeted her and opened the door of his home wider. It's Belle’s first time visiting Preston in a more relaxed setting.She figured it is time to proactively try and learn more about Katherine Isobelle because no matter how hard she tried, the memories aren't coming back. Time is a luxury she didn’t want to waste.Belle. She has to learn how to live as Belle.“I should be the one thanking you for accepting my invitation. Sorry for ruining any of your day off plans if you had any, Preston.”A quick glimpse of annoyance was on his face, and then it was gone. Preston laughed at his own actions, “I forgot for a moment there that you lost your memory. I thought you were teasing me or something.”Belle laughed. She has no idea what it feels like having a brother. Maybe before, but all of these feels new to her. Knowing that being herself reminded Preston of who she was before was a validation in a way that she has not lost her whole identity.“Why?
“Hi, kids!”“Miss Hya!” They collectively screamed.There was immediate chaos. The kind of chaos that Belle missed. There were a lot of chit-chats, but there were also a lot of smiles. Among the whole class, it was hard not to stare a little longer at the spot where Liam was seated.My son.Standing frozen, Belle was fighting the urge to run into Liam and apologize for leaving and causing him pain, for being absent to his past birthdays, for not recognizing him the first time they met. There was so much to apologize and so much time has passed.“Did you miss me?”“Yes, Teacher Hya.” The kids answered in unison.After finding out who she is even when her past memories have not come back yet, it was weird to hear the name Hyacinth. She loved being Hyacinth. In fact, her life was a dream. She had a loving husband, a precious son, and this work. Every day, she would find herself thanking the heavens for the life she had, because it felt like a gift. Something that wasn’t hers but was temp
The security in their private village was quite strict. The securities don't let anyone get in but they seemed accommodating to the homeowners. Having a neighbor also meant having to walk for at least fifteen minutes or drive by car to the nearest houses with tall gates.It's hard to estimate the cost of affording such a place alone but it was enough to conclude that you couldn't live here if you are not one of those wealthy people. Place where Nikolai could easily say where he belonged.The gates opened. The security recognized an unfamiliar face and took a long stare at her. Nikolai gave him a slight nod, and he nodded in return. ‘Wow.’ She's never been to a place as exclusive as this, and even more, a house with its own security.‘That man is my husband.’“You could have said no, Nikolai.” Belle said after Liam left the car and before Nikolai could open his side of the car door. She wasn't planning on going. One no from Nikolai w