Bella’s POV
We are now on our way to our house. Yuri was able to arrange a car service consisting of two vehicles. My Nikolai and Alexei are in the first car while my bestfriend is in the other car with Yuri and Boris.
My family’s farm is a few hours drive from the capital. After the military junta, my father decided to retire in our farm and just visits our house in the city every once in a while. My mother favored living in our farm than in the big city because she preferred the simple life.
My Nikolai and Alexei are holding my hands as we head towards our farm house. We have already exited the freeway and turned towards the highway heading the small town where our it is situated. Our farm is called Hacienda Dona Olivia, named by my grandpa after my beloved grandmother Dona Olivia Concepcion Andrada Galves.
“Nikolai, my parents are very traditional. Every move we make should be calculated. Understand?”
“Baby…” Said Nikolai while holding my hand tight. “Stop worrying. I already told you I will handle this.”
Oh gosh, I didnt realize I was freaking out until Nikolai pointed it out to me.
“It’s just that I want this to work out so bad Nikolai. I want you to get my parents blessings before we get married.”
“What if I dont get your parents blessings? Or your father’s approval? What’s next?” Asked Nikolai. He looks at me intently as he awaits for my response.
I did not answer Nikolai. Instead I just look ahead on the road as the car passes by green fields of sugarcane and fruit bearing tropical trees. Alexei on my other side is just quiet while observing everything.
“Stop the car.” Nikolai ordered. His voice is stiff and devoid of my usual loving future husband.
I felt that he was about to say something so the moment the car pulled over I quickly went out and went past Alexei.
I waved at the car following us from behind where Amy is at. Their car slowly pulled over a few meters from me. I can see Yuri in the front passenger seat talking on his phone while looking at me.
I then quickly opened the car door and hopped right next to Amy.
“B.. what happened?”
“Not now A.”
“Okay.” Said Amy while looking at me all worried.
“Drive please.” I said to the driver but he took orders from Yuri and I think I know that no matter what I do, the driver will not listen to me.
I can see that Alexei sat on the trunk of the first car while placing his hand inside his pockets. He has the same look with Nikolai. My future husband looks livid while walking briskly towards our car’s direction. He then opened the car door and looks at me all too seriously.
My heart jumped from my chest when all of a sudden Nikolai grabs my arm and pulls me out of the car.
“Dont you ever hurt my bestfriend!!!!” Amy yelled at Nikolai while she’s trying to remove Nikolai’s hand from my arm. “Let go of her!” Added Amy.
Boris instantly removes Amy from us and held her down.
“A, Im okay.” I said while looking at my bestfriend. Amy calms down understanding what Im trying to say.
Nikolai shuts the car door and instantly pins me against the car’s exterior.
“I asked you a question so I’m expecting an answer! What if I dont get your parents favor?”
I could not answer Nikolai. Im still trying to process everything in. Nikolai is basically asking me to choose between him and my parents.
“Fuck Belle! Im willing to give the whole fucking world to you including my own life. All Im asking from you is your trust and love. And loyalty comes with that motherfucking love!”
“Nikolai! Do you realize what you are trying to ask me? Youre making me choose between you and my parents. ”
Nikolai’s adam’s apple moves while he rests his hand on the car right next to my head.
“I am not making you choose. Im asking you to back me up, to hold my hand and be by my side.”
I feel like my eyes are being pinched by tiny needles the moment Nikolai made known what he really wants and feels. It has never been my intention to make him feel like he’s the only one facing this battle. I don’t know what else to say because at this point I know that action will speak louder than words.
I slowly took his hand and intertwined my fingers over his. I held his hand tight as I wrap my right arm around his neck. I then stood on my toes a little bit to reach his warm embrace. The wind is blowing my face and hair while my future husband and I remain in this position feeling each other’s heartbeat.
?????
A few moments later Nikolai made me piggy back ride him as he walks the long concrete road. Alexei is on the side holding my hand, while my other hand is wrapped around Nikolai’s neck.
The two cars are following us from behind.
“Just so you know Nikolai, I will choose you.” I said as a matter of factly
My parents will forgive me in time but I will never forgive myself if I lose Nikolai or Alexei.
Nikolai did not answer but I can see from the back that his lips are pulled to the side, letting out a smile.
“How far ’til your house baby?”
“Uh.. well maybe twenty miles more.” I hold back a giggle as I tease him. In truth, the farm house is more or less five miles away from our current location.
“It must be the chips or the chocolates she’s been eating brother.”
I gasped in disbelief. I cant believe Alexei is saying what I think he is saying. I shot a glare at him but he just winks at me looking all arrogant. I instantly remove my hand from him and wrap both arms around my Nikolai’s neck.
“Nikolai, am I getting heavy?”
“Of course not baby.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Then why are you sweating like you are running a marathon?”
“It must be the weather. Damn it’s hot in here.” Said Nikolai without a hint of naughtiness.
I was about to get convinced when all of a sudden I see Alexei and Nikolai shoot a meaningful look at each other like they understand what each other has to say without actually talking.
“I hate you Nikolai!” I said as I wiggle off from him but his grip on me tightened even more.
The two just soft chuckles in response.