Chapter Fourteen

“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 communication. Next thing he knew, that woman was at the same airport as him, greeting him with the sweetest of smiles and suddenly kissing him on the lips without warning. “Don’t tell me you’re making me a target on one of your games.”

“Oh, no, no. Is that what you’re thinking? I’m too old for games, Nicky. Actually, my parents are already forcing me to pick a husband. It's so annoying. They are always telling me, Claudette, to marry someone already.”

Nicky. How he hated that nickname. That is what his mother calls her when she wants him to do something for her own benefit. 

Now, he has an idea of why Claudia is appearing out of nowhere and playing dirty tricks on him.

“Go find a decent man who can handle your bullshit.”

“I tried and the list of men they would allow me to marry is so, so short, Nicky. Same old boring men who can never handle me. You are an exception. How’s life as a commoner, Nicky? Our friends talk about you from time to time and how you didn’t step in and handle the family business.” Claudia smirked. “They say it’s foolish. I think it’s brave and hot.”

No one could handle you. Claudia is the perfect example of how too much money can lead to insanity. Her emotions are so out of touch with reality, and her life is so empty and meaningless that she finds excitement in making life a game and using the people around her as pawns.

The way she admires Nikolai is the same as how some kid finds their new favorite toy.

Nikolai refuses to play that role.

“Leave me out of that list. I am already married.”

“Oh, really?” She seemed unfazed, her tone dangerously interested in what she heard. Nick somehow felt that giving that information out was not the right thing to do. “That’s interesting. Your mother did not tell me that recently when you knew; she told me I was the most suitable bride for you.”

Nikolai felt a growing pain in his head at the mere mention of his mother. Adeline is the last person Claudia should be talking to.

“Sorry to cut our conversation short, but they are already calling me for the shoot, Nicky. Don’t worry. I’ll keep in touch before you miss me.”

“Hey.” He wasn’t expecting to see Belle that late in the evening. With the expression on her face, Nikolai might have an idea of why she was at his doorstep. “You want to talk? We can do that to your place so Liam can-”

“Don’t worry, I won’t be here long.”

“Is this about the picture? It’s not what it seems like, Belle.”

“You don’t need to. Really. You shouldn’t bother explaining. You don’t owe me that. I would like you to know that I want to proceed with the divorce. You can be Liam’s father if you want. That’s it.”

Without more explanation, Belle walked out and went to their unit. Nikolai wasn’t going to let her go without the two of them talking. For the first time in his life, Nikolai was willing to fight for something. He had his fair share of mistakes in the past, and he was willing to rectify all of them.

What he wasn’t willing to do was to let them go. He wants to stay married. He is willing to give whatever it takes to make things work. When he learned about Liam, he knew he was that missing piece in his life.

He wants his family.

He pressed the doorbell at the door, but Belle didn’t answer. He tried again and again. 

“Isobelle, let’s talk, please. I won’t leave here until you hear me out.” He cried, not even sure if Belle could hear him on the other side. She should know that he was standing and waiting outside on the doorbell camera.

Nikolai lost track of time. His knees are already feeling numb because he has been standing for a long time.

“Go home, Nikolai. I’m not talking about that unit. You should go back to Houston, where you belong.”

It didn’t matter that she was telling him to go home. Finally, Belle opened the door. Her eyes are red from crying, and even her voice sounded hoarse.

“Can we cut this conversation short? I’ll go straight ahead and ask you if you ever loved me?”

Did he love her?

Belle, Isobelle, as he often calls her, has always been close to her heart. She was always there to listen to his stories. They would be fine even if they only sat in silence. Nikolai knew that Young Belle was eager to catch his attention. Her smile is always brighter when she is with him. Especially her eyes… those eyes never lied. Her eyes would gleam with so much admiration. Now, her eyes would always brim with tears.

Nikolai always cared for Belle. That is the reason why he was willing to take the responsibility. At the end of the day, he stayed with her out of obligation. Everything that happened between them was so much that he could not even think about love. 

His silence was already saying a lot.

“You never loved me, and you will never love me. I already let you go, Nick. Don’t make me go through the same painful path again.”

He wanted to fix their relationship, but he didn’t know how. He is doing the wrong thing if he is still causing her pain. 

Nikolai wiped the tears falling from Belle’s cheek. He missed how she used to look at him. He caused the woman so much pain. If only Belle hadn’t fallen in love with him, she would have had a much better life.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Isobelle.”

That was all he could say. It was sad for both of them that the only word he could say and mean was an apology.

She let herself be vulnerable in front of him for the last time. Nikolai was reminded of how Belle begged him to stay even when they were already broken. He hoped she could have a better life if he left. It wasn’t the case.

His lips gently landed on hers. He wasn’t doing it because he was sorry. He kissed her because he wanted to. Belle wrapped her hand around Nikolai’s neck, welcoming his kisses as tears fell from her eyes.

They let their body communicate without any declaration of love and apologies. His hand roamed freely to the body he was once familiar with. Their compatibility in bed was undeniable from the very start. 

Belle’s moans are music to Nikolai’s ears. He knew where she would like to be touched. Belle was already seated on top of Nikolai, feeling his erection.

Belle stopped before she completely drowned in his kisses. “You should go.”

Maybe their story would end just like how it started.

In the morning, Nikolai was getting ready to pack his things. He is prepared to take responsibility and be Liam’s father, but he can’t promise to be anything more. What he did last night, kissing Belle after not giving her a definitive answer about their relationship, was something he shouldn’t have done. She needs space, and he needs time to think and sort his thoughts. He is underestimating their situation. The fiasco with Claudia was enough proof of that.

“Sir… I mean Nick.” Aubrey was panicking. Walking back and forth with a crying Liam in her arms. She was too tensed to calm the baby down.

“What’s the matter? Did anything happen?”

“I couldn’t- I couldn’t find find Belle. She wasn’t home when I arrived. Liam was left all alone. I thought she was gone for a bit but it has been more than three hours and she is still not home. She is not responding to my text. I couldn’t even call her. I don’t know!”