NILE'S POV I tap my feet impatiently as I wait for the elevator at Octavia's building to reach the ground floor. I have to get home before my wife and the kids wake up. I should not have spent the night here really. I know what I did last time hurt her, and she has been wanting me to spend the night, which is not surprising, and I have admitted to myself that I enjoy spending time; it's better than the silence at home. The parking lot is deserted; that is expected because no one in their right mind will be up and about by four am in the morning. I hear a sound to my right; I see what looks to be the figure of a man. I rub my hands together; it must be cold to sleep outside. I check my wallet and put the cash inside it under a bundle of cloth beside. I check the time as I pull out of the parking lot; it's four thirty already. I remember the argument Miranda and I had this morning; she has an issue with me coming home late; she probably suspected I'm seeing someone; I don't know what
OCTAVIA'S POVRose arrived before me today; the doors were already open as I got there, and the sound of Celin Dion's 'Heart Will Go On' drifted in from the kitchen. As I walked into the kitchen, the warm scent of vanilla and sugar enveloped me. Rose was standing at the counter, completely immersed in her task. She had her back to me, her hair tied up in a messy bun, and she was mixing a large bowl of batter with enthusiasm. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a moment. She was singing softly to herself; it was one of her favorite songs, and she was swaying slightly as she stirred the batter, completely lost in her own little world. Flour dust danced in the air, and I could see splatters of ingredients on the counter, evidence of her spirited baking session.Unable to contain my laughter any longer, I stepped forward and said, “Looks like I walked in on a baking concert!” Startled, she turned around, her eyes wide with surprise, but then she broke into a grin. “You caugh
I can't even talk right now; I take in deep breaths as I try to get my emotions under control. "Who was that? I saw him freeze as soon as he came in," she continued. "He is a friend of Axel, the person that made me work at the casino; I don't really know if they are friends, but they are together quite often." Realization dawned on her features, and she looked at me with something close to sympathy. I avoid her eyes; I don't want anyone to pity me; I'm done with that life. "It's probably nothing; I don't know if he recognizes me or not. She wraps her arms around me."I'm going to bring a baseball bat tomorrow; if he comes back here and tries anything, I'm going to break his legs and make sure he doesn't walk out with his feet intact." I laugh and relax into her embrace. "That would be nice." "I have to go check up on customers' orders; are you going to be okay?" she asks. "I'm fine, Rose." "You sure you don't want to go home? Joel and I will have everything under control." "Na
OCTAVIA'S POVAs I wiped down the counter, the familiar sound of the café's doorbell rang in my ears, but today it felt different, almost electric. For weeks, I had been on edge, glancing up every time the door creaked open, half-expecting to see that man or even Axel walk in again. I expect Axel and his goons to walk in here every minute. The memory of our last encounter lingered in my mind, his unsettling note echoing like a haunting melody. I could still feel the chill that ran down my spine when he had looked at me, eyes piercing through the small talk, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. Each day without his presence brought a strange relief but also a nagging sense of unease, like waiting for a storm that never came. I had convinced myself that maybe he had decided to ignore my existence and that I could finally breathe easy in my little café sanctuary.But then, just as I thought I could relax, the door swung open, and there he was, casually strolling in as if he hadn’t haun
***"You seem tensed and distracted, what's wrong," Nile asked twirling a lock of my hair between his fingers, I turn to face him, the sunset rays coming in from the window cast a soft golden glow on his already olive skin making him look almost ethereal. I trace his jawline with my finger then his shoulder, precipitation of sweat from our earlier activities moisten his back, I'm fully sated and exhausted but knowing he is not wearing anything except the cover of the blanket does little to stop my thoughts from going back to what happened with that man at the café earlier this week, I shrug the thought of, I shouldn't let this bother me anymore, if push comes to shove, I'll get a restraining order against him, he doesn't look like someone that can can afford to have the police on his payroll. "Nothing, I'm fine. I think I'm just a bit tired," "Is it the café? Is it getting more demanding? Do you need help? Should I hire someone?" He shot question after question. It was at times like
OCTAVIA'S POVAs I sit on my bed, the silence in the room feels deafening. My phone lies next to me; its screen is dark, but I can’t help glancing at it every few seconds, hoping for a notification that never comes. I feel a mix of sadness and anger swirling inside me, like a storm that won’t pass. Why did he have to storm out like that? My mind races back to the argument, the harsh words we exchanged, and the way his face twisted in frustration. I thought we could work things out, but now I’m left here, staring at this lifeless device, waiting for a call that I know might not come. I pick up my phone, scrolling through our old messages, trying to find a moment that reminds me of how we used to be. But all I see are the echoes of our last fight. It feels so unfair. I want to scream, to throw the phone against the wall, but instead, I just sit here, feeling trapped in this whirlwind of emotions. I can probably reach out to him first, but my pride won't let me. I want him to realize
/-Octavia-/My body curled on the floor, trembling as the tears streamed down my cheeks. Another kick met me in the stomach, and I rolled, wincing. He took the opening to assault my ribs, and I was screaming helplessly, begging him to stop. I didn't know how much I could take anymore. My heart was constricting tightly; even my lungs were gradually closing up, restricting my airflow. "Please stop... Please..." I sobbed, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. He wasn't going to stop. Nothing would make him stop until I was unconscious or possibly dead. The next blow sent blood gushing out of my mouth. "Pa..." I cried, "it hurts. It hurts."I spat out more blood, and his feet connected to my face; the kick had my blood vessels bursting open. At least that is what it felt like. "I am not your father!" He barked. "How many times do I have to warn you?"He slammed his foot against my chest, pressing down so hard as if the intention was to crush my heart. "Just how worthless can you be?!"A k
/-Octavia-/Six Years Later.I ascended the stairs with a small bag resting on my shoulder. The loud music blazing from the speakers was almost deafening. It wasn't hard to spot Axel in the VIP section with a couple of men. I headed towards him, and his eyes lit up on seeing me. "There comes my Queen," he smirked, and the men's attention shifted to me. The lustful gazes that penetrated my skin didn't bother me. I was in nothing but lingerie and a bra, so it was expected for them to lust after my body. The scars that my father had inflicted on me were concealed, of course. I dropped the bag on the table and sat on his lap. He handed me a cigarette and lit it for me. "The package is already here, as you can see. You can unveil and have a taste of it if you want," Axel said, then turned his attention to me. I dropped my head and kissed him. The bag was opened, and the bags of cocaine were taken out. One of the bags was powered, and a small amount of powder was displayed on the ta
OCTAVIA'S POVAs I sit on my bed, the silence in the room feels deafening. My phone lies next to me; its screen is dark, but I can’t help glancing at it every few seconds, hoping for a notification that never comes. I feel a mix of sadness and anger swirling inside me, like a storm that won’t pass. Why did he have to storm out like that? My mind races back to the argument, the harsh words we exchanged, and the way his face twisted in frustration. I thought we could work things out, but now I’m left here, staring at this lifeless device, waiting for a call that I know might not come. I pick up my phone, scrolling through our old messages, trying to find a moment that reminds me of how we used to be. But all I see are the echoes of our last fight. It feels so unfair. I want to scream, to throw the phone against the wall, but instead, I just sit here, feeling trapped in this whirlwind of emotions. I can probably reach out to him first, but my pride won't let me. I want him to realize
***"You seem tensed and distracted, what's wrong," Nile asked twirling a lock of my hair between his fingers, I turn to face him, the sunset rays coming in from the window cast a soft golden glow on his already olive skin making him look almost ethereal. I trace his jawline with my finger then his shoulder, precipitation of sweat from our earlier activities moisten his back, I'm fully sated and exhausted but knowing he is not wearing anything except the cover of the blanket does little to stop my thoughts from going back to what happened with that man at the café earlier this week, I shrug the thought of, I shouldn't let this bother me anymore, if push comes to shove, I'll get a restraining order against him, he doesn't look like someone that can can afford to have the police on his payroll. "Nothing, I'm fine. I think I'm just a bit tired," "Is it the café? Is it getting more demanding? Do you need help? Should I hire someone?" He shot question after question. It was at times like
OCTAVIA'S POVAs I wiped down the counter, the familiar sound of the café's doorbell rang in my ears, but today it felt different, almost electric. For weeks, I had been on edge, glancing up every time the door creaked open, half-expecting to see that man or even Axel walk in again. I expect Axel and his goons to walk in here every minute. The memory of our last encounter lingered in my mind, his unsettling note echoing like a haunting melody. I could still feel the chill that ran down my spine when he had looked at me, eyes piercing through the small talk, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. Each day without his presence brought a strange relief but also a nagging sense of unease, like waiting for a storm that never came. I had convinced myself that maybe he had decided to ignore my existence and that I could finally breathe easy in my little café sanctuary.But then, just as I thought I could relax, the door swung open, and there he was, casually strolling in as if he hadn’t haun
I can't even talk right now; I take in deep breaths as I try to get my emotions under control. "Who was that? I saw him freeze as soon as he came in," she continued. "He is a friend of Axel, the person that made me work at the casino; I don't really know if they are friends, but they are together quite often." Realization dawned on her features, and she looked at me with something close to sympathy. I avoid her eyes; I don't want anyone to pity me; I'm done with that life. "It's probably nothing; I don't know if he recognizes me or not. She wraps her arms around me."I'm going to bring a baseball bat tomorrow; if he comes back here and tries anything, I'm going to break his legs and make sure he doesn't walk out with his feet intact." I laugh and relax into her embrace. "That would be nice." "I have to go check up on customers' orders; are you going to be okay?" she asks. "I'm fine, Rose." "You sure you don't want to go home? Joel and I will have everything under control." "Na
OCTAVIA'S POVRose arrived before me today; the doors were already open as I got there, and the sound of Celin Dion's 'Heart Will Go On' drifted in from the kitchen. As I walked into the kitchen, the warm scent of vanilla and sugar enveloped me. Rose was standing at the counter, completely immersed in her task. She had her back to me, her hair tied up in a messy bun, and she was mixing a large bowl of batter with enthusiasm. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a moment. She was singing softly to herself; it was one of her favorite songs, and she was swaying slightly as she stirred the batter, completely lost in her own little world. Flour dust danced in the air, and I could see splatters of ingredients on the counter, evidence of her spirited baking session.Unable to contain my laughter any longer, I stepped forward and said, “Looks like I walked in on a baking concert!” Startled, she turned around, her eyes wide with surprise, but then she broke into a grin. “You caugh
NILE'S POV I tap my feet impatiently as I wait for the elevator at Octavia's building to reach the ground floor. I have to get home before my wife and the kids wake up. I should not have spent the night here really. I know what I did last time hurt her, and she has been wanting me to spend the night, which is not surprising, and I have admitted to myself that I enjoy spending time; it's better than the silence at home. The parking lot is deserted; that is expected because no one in their right mind will be up and about by four am in the morning. I hear a sound to my right; I see what looks to be the figure of a man. I rub my hands together; it must be cold to sleep outside. I check my wallet and put the cash inside it under a bundle of cloth beside. I check the time as I pull out of the parking lot; it's four thirty already. I remember the argument Miranda and I had this morning; she has an issue with me coming home late; she probably suspected I'm seeing someone; I don't know what
Heat fluttered in my belly, I shouldn't be feeling like this but then this is a sweet gesture and he feels sorry about it, maybe something actually came up. I open the door, as I walked in phone rings. It's Nile "Hello," I said as I picked "Hi Octavia, did you get the flowers." He asked"Yeah, I did but I don't get the point, what you did was not cool, at all." "I'm sorry baby, let me make it up to you." "How?" "There is a pouch in the bouquet of flowers." I look down at the flowers in my hand, truly a rose coloured pouch hung rested in the middle of the flowers, I put my phone on loudspeaker and placed it on the table, Sitting on the sofa, I felt a mix of sadness and confusion. I picked up the box, feeling its weight in my hands, and curiosity began to replace some of my anxiety.As I carefully opened the box my heart raced. Inside, I found a delicate silver necklace, its chain glimmering in the light. The small heart pendant caught my eye, and I could almost feel his presence a
OCTAVIA'S POV "Okay, spill," Rose said. The breakfast rush just finished, and Rose and I are sitting at one of the tables and having coffee and cakes. "Spill what?" I'm not surprised she suspects something is wrong. "You have been moping around day, and don't try to deny it. I saw you staring into thin air several times like someone stole your puppy." "It's nothing serious; I just have a lot on mind," she gave me a deadpan look. "That's the whole point of you spilling.""It's Nile," I started. I tell her about everything that happened last night. "Are you guys officially in a relationship?" She asked; she knows all about my life in the casino and how I got out.Red rose my cheeks; I haven't actually thought of that; I just assumed. How could I have been so stupid? But it can't be like that. We have been like a couple for the past few months, though we haven't exactly defined our relationship, but he has been doing everything a boyfriend does. "No," I said. "I feel like he's hid
OCTAVIA I smooth down imaginary wrinkles in my dress as the elevator door opens, and I instantly recognize his black Ferrari. He comes out of the car; he is wearing a black suit as usual; his hair has this tousled look, a perfect blend of carefree and stylish that makes my heart flutter. He walked towards me with a grin and pulled me into a hug. "I've missed you," he breathed into my hair. I breathe in his scent; he smells amazing and familiar. I feel the flutter in my stomach again. "I missed you too." He takes my hand and walks towards the passenger seat. He holds the door open and guides me in with one hand on my lower back. I miss his gentlemanly sweetness and admire his profile as he walks toward the driver's seat. As we walked into the restaurant together, I felt a delightful mix of excitement and nerves bubbling inside me. The atmosphere was vibrant, with laughter and clinking glasses creating a symphony of joy around us. The warm glow of candlelight danced across the table