Chapter Forty-six

This is all she has been waiting for.

Belle was holding a paper bag filled with toys that she bought before for Liam. She practiced all night trying to find the perfect words. This could not go wrong.

“Oh!” The door moved even before she could open. Next thing she knows, she's already face to face with Nikolai.

“Why are you not coming inside?”

“How did you know I was here?”

“Security said you arrived and that was twenty minutes ago.”

Belle didn't realize she had been standing outside that long. Like an actress preparing for a big role, she was making a run through of all her lines. Nervousness was getting the best of her.

“Hey,” Nikolai soothingly caressed her shoulders. “Isobelle, it's going to be alright. Don’t worry too much.”

“You don't know that.”

“But I know Liam,” he answered. “And I know you.”

“Wait. Do you think he'll love these toys?” Her hand was shaking as she showed Nikolai what was inside the box. He held her hand and she found a way to breathe without gasping for air. “