Nicklaus’s POV
“So once the witch helps us to get access to Martins and save him, we’re leaving for real this time, right?”
“Yes, we are.”
After some training, I decided to visit Jessica’s bar for a drink. Maybe I could find some solace there. Upon arrival, I was informed that she had left to see someone. “Okay, just get me my usual,” I said. I was actually relieved she wasn’t there. It would give me a chance to have some quiet time while sipping my drink. Martins, stay alive, because I’m going to rescue you. And when this is all over, I’ll ensure you and Jessica have a chance at a happy life, while I enjoy mine with my mate and daughter. Feeling slightly better, I decided to head home to my love.
As I entered the house, I caught her scent. She must have been waiting for me. However, her behavior was odd, as she acted distant towards me. “Hey honey,” I greeted her, attempting to kiss her, but she turned away, denying the kiss. This was unusual, as she usually enjoyed my kisses.
After contemplating the situation, I realized that I owed her an apology for coming home late. “I’m sorry I came home late. I had something important to attend to.” She didn’t respond verbally, but her eyes conveyed her feelings. This uneasiness was new to me. I tried to encourage her to talk by apologizing again. “Are you going to stay silent? I said I’m sorry I came home late. Believe me, it wasn’t intentional.”
“Just leave me alone,” she finally spoke, her words heavy with emotion. I was taken aback. Why did she want me to leave her alone? Something was clearly troubling her. I resolved to do whatever it took to make peace between us.
“My love, you know I hate it when we fight. I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong? Please let me know, and I’ll do my best to make things right between us,” I implored. I reached out to hold her hands gently, but she pulled her hands away, rejecting my touch.
“Just leave me alone and go meet your new lover,” she accused me. The words hit me like a ton of bricks. New lover? Who could be spreading such false information about me? There was no one else in my heart except her.
“I don’t understand what you mean by my new lover. Where is all this coming from? You are my only true love,” I said sincerely, feeling the need to assure her of my loyalty.
She scoffed at my words, making me feel like she thought I was spewing nonsense and lies. Someone was poisoning her mind against me, someone who didn’t want us to be together. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the work of one of the witches. I needed to find out the truth and regain her trust.
“Oh, please spare me those lies. I knew it. I knew you would deny everything and act innocent in my presence. But it’s all good,” she said, her tone serious. She began combing her hair with a brush, and I watched her intently, wondering how to make her believe in us again.
“I love you, Gabby. I want you to know that. I could never love another woman the way I love you. You are my world, and I would never do anything to hurt you,” I stated, pouring my heart into each word. I wanted her to understand that my love for her was genuine and unwavering, despite the doubts that had been planted in her mind.
“Then tell me, what have you been up to? Why are you always busy? Why don’t you come home as early as before? What’s keeping you out there for so long if it’s not a woman? I know you are cheating on me, so please stop faking the whole thing.” She stood up and confronted me, her words hitting me like a wave of accusations. I could tell she was upset due to my lack of attention, and I needed to address this properly.
I approached her and gently pulled her closer, pinning her hands together against the wall. My intention was to kiss her, to melt away her anger with a moment of intimacy. However, she averted her face, denying my attempt at a kiss. “You really don’t want me to kiss you?” I inquired, sensing the frustration in her gaze.
“I asked a question, and all I want from you is an answer. Are you going to tell me the truth or not?” Her voice was harsh, her tone leaving no room for evasion. I knew it was time to reveal the truth behind my recent behavior and assure her of my love.
“Like I said, I’ve been involved in something important for a while now. I didn’t inform you because I didn’t want you to worry.” I began to explain, but she cut me off abruptly, mentioning someone waiting for me at our usual meeting spot. “She is waiting for you, and you know where you usually meet her. So, go to her. It’s apparently more important right now.”
I tried to dispel the idea she had formed in her mind. “Come on, stop imagining things. I care for you alone, and I’m not seeing anyone else. Why would you believe these rumors?” I attempted to reason with her, assuming she had heard some unfounded gossip.
“I heard no rumors. I saw everything with my own eyes. In fact, she was here today asking about you, and she spoke with confidence. I guess those are the kind of ladies you go out with.” It was clear she was referring to Jessica, and I realized the situation was worse than I thought. To convince her of the truth, I decided to take more direct action.
“My heart is yours, and I don’t want you to believe me solely based on my words. You will see through my actions.” Determined to reaffirm my commitment to her, I leaned in and kissed her passionately, hoping that this physical expression of love would help bridge the gap between us.