Chapter Thirteen

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 thoughts. Oh no. They are audibly whispering their compliments out here in the open, making her, and probably Nikolai, too, uncomfortable.

"Can we all keep our inner thoughts and not embarrass ourselves and the people around us? Please."

The two kept swooning in silence. Nikolai, at this point of his stay in Belle's apartment and probably at this point in his life, is most likely used to this kind of attention. Belle would know he had always been the type of man who could make women swoon after a glance. After all, she was one of them. Nikolai kept himself busy by entertaining Liam with his dinosaur stuffed toy, enjoying his role as fun dan a little bit too much.

"Uhm," Belle and Bonnie were taken aback by Aubrey's squeaky voice. "I'm sorry, sir. It's time for the baby to sleep."

"Oh, yeah. Right. Sorry. And please, you don't need to call me, sir. Nikolai or Nick would be fine."

Aubrey instantly chuckled. "Sure. Excuse me, Nick."

Belle threw her a glare. For sure, she'd much rather call Nikolai honey or babe with that flirty laugh.

"The eyes, girl. Your stare could kill right now." Bonnie teased Belle, which made her roll her eyes.

"You two have got to stop treating Nikolai like a new animal at the zoo."

They certainly make it evident that they lack male presence in their individual lives. No one needs a man to survive, but when one heck of a fine man knocks inside the door, it would be a challenge not to throw compliments and swoon. As Nikolai walks towards them, Bonnie takes a cookie, pretending to mind her business.

"And you, girl, have got to stop overthinking, overanalyzing, and complaining," she told Belle.

"I'm not overanalyzing," she defended.

"You are. I can see it on your face. Everyone can."

Bonnie's right. She couldn't sleep at all last night, even after a peaceful talk. Belle was anticipating chaos and being hurt, none of which had happened. The lack of drama could be because they are handling things well, like mature adults, or this could be the calm before the storm hits.

"It's nice to finally see you, Bonnie."

Nikolai sits on the same couch as Belle while keeping an arm-length distance. In every conversation, he makes it a point that they are still married, and the distance between them makes them look like a divorced couple. 

"Yes, finally! You know, I always wondered where Liam got his good looks."

"And you always told me that Liam looks like me," Belle pouted. So, now, her own best friend is betraying her, as if those stories about his misery while she was with her husband were already forgotten tales.

"Now that I'm seeing him in person, I can see the undeniable resemblance." Bonnie lightly nudged Belle. "Oh, c'mon. Don't worry. The next one will look more like you."

Bonnie realized how wrong the statement was as soon as the words came from her lips. Her eyes widened, and Belle sat still and frozen. "You- you have had enough cookies. You have work tomorrow, right? You should be sleeping." 

Bonnie left. After a bit of a while, Aubrey also went. Belle was expecting Nikolai to also leave, but he stayed in her own unit. The nerve of this man to feel at home at that place when he should be the one going.

She shouldn't be walking on eggshells at her place. It's past Liam's bedtime, and there's nothing else to discuss. She needs to remind Nikolai of his boundaries. Even if they are at the same apartment complex and his unit is only a few steps away, that doesn't mean he can visit any time he wants.

In her own terms. That was what they discussed.

"How did that even happen?" Nikolai was talking to someone on the phone. He wasn't raising his voice, but he sounded angry that Belle backed out. She stayed out of his sight while he was on the phone. "That is so wrong… Of course, that is not the reason why I am here… Make sure that the picture is not published… What? Sue them? By then, the damage has already been done. I don't want damage control. I want prevention and stop shit from happening… Never mind, I'll look into this later."

Nikolai sighed after the call ended. Being here, Belle thought his life in the US was smooth sailing. That's not the case, it seems.

"Hey," he said when he noticed Belle standing. "I need to go."

She wanted to ask him if everything was alright and what the phone call meant. It's unusual to hear Nikolai be that angry. Indeed, it's not over something trivial. He mentioned something about pictures. He is rich, alright, but his personal life is not that interesting enough for people outside his circle to care.

As long as she and Liam are not affected, then she shouldn't care. It is none of her business. Their main focus should be co-parenting right now.

Instead of asking everything, she nods her head.

"Okay."

Belle's phone starts to ring. "Hey, Bon. Why call this late?"

"Is that guy Nikolai still there?

It was weird for her to ask, but Belle answered. "No. He just left. Why?"

Belle locked the door and double-checked that no one could intrude. "That asshole…"

"What a change. Didn't you sing him praises a while ago? Why are you cursing him now? Not that I don't mind." Belle laughed off the sudden change of mood. She noticed that Liam's toys were already arranged, and the dishes were washed. Maybe it was Aubrey.

"I'm sending you an article right now. I thought you two were getting back together, so I was singing his praises, but what is he doing kissing some socialite at the airport in this country?"

Belle opened the link Bonnie sent. No, Claudia Yvette is not just a socialite. In the photo, there is no denying that the young heiress is kissing someone no other than her own husband, Nikolai Laurent.