I walked out of the room, down to the hotel’s lobby swiftly with Fiona following quietly behind me. We got to the parking lot and as usual, she opened the door for me.
After I had settled in, she entered the car and started it before driving out of the parking lot and unto the busy road. After I was out of the enemy’s territory, my courageous stance quickly disappeared.
Earlier, I was heartbroken and sad by what I had seen but tried so hard to hold back myself from bursting out in actual tears in front of Richard. I didn’t want him to think he had gotten to him as it seemed like he only wanted to drive a wedge between I and Nicholas.
It still didn’t stop me from being scared; scared that what Richard had told me was true and Nicholas was really cheating on me. I took in a shaky breath and tried to calm myself down. I can’t jump into conclusion yet.
I noticed Fiona’s eyes on me through the inner rear view mirror and couldn’t help but ask;
“Is there something wrong?”
“Not really. It’s just about your meeting with that man.” She answered.
“What about it?” I asked again.
“It’s just that I find it really hard to believe him. I haven’t worked for Mr. Armani for long but I can tell that he really loves you so there’s no way he’d do the things that man is accusing him of.” She assured.
I stared at her thoughtfully. She’s right. Ever since I first saw Nicholas after my rebirth, he had done nothing but to care for me and love me even after how I had treated him before.
So why an I doubting him? Why am I taking the words of a stranger whom he had already warned me about? I stared at the brown envelope containing the pictures and sighed softly.
After everything that we’ve been through together, I still don’t trust him the way I should. He would be really disappointed in me. Through out the ride back home, I was quiet.
I let the night breeze fan my face as I continued to be deeply lost in my thoughts. I didn’t know when we got home until Fiona alerted me. I got down from the car and went straight to my room.
After I got in, I shut the door behind me. I took off my clothes and went into the bathroom to take a quick shower. After I was done, I was about to head into the closet to take out my night dress when I heard my phone ringing.
With the towel tied tightly around my body, I walked back into my room and picked up my phone. A smile lit up my face when I saw the name flashing on the screen.
“My love.” His familiar deep voice called out the moment I answered the call, making me tremble.. in a good way though.
“How have you been?” I asked since it’s been a while we’ve last seen each other even though we were already in good terms. As per his request, I decided not to meet with Andrew anymore as it might just be a trap.
“Not good at all.” He muttered. I could hear how low his voice sounded and it made me worry.
“Why? What happened? Are you…”
“Because I missed you so much.” He added, cutting my questions off. I felt heat creep up my cheeks when he said that.
I smiled and sat down lazily on the bed, my toes rubbing against each other as the butterflies in my belly fluttered around happily.
I tucked in a loose strand of my hair behind my ear and answered; “I missed you more.”
“Oh.. how I wish I am with you now.”
“When will you be free? Let’s meet up.” I suggested. After he decided to help me with evidence about Amara’s criminal activities in the company, he started to get really busy.
Even though he calls everyday, it still wasn’t enough for me.
“I would really love that but I’m afraid I’d be unable to meet with you.” My heart sank when he said that.
“Why?” I asked sadly.
“I’m leaving for a business trip but don’t worry, I’ll be back in a few days time. Then, we can have our date wherever you want.”
When he mentioned a business trip, my thoughts drifted to the woman I saw with him in that picture. Was he leaving with her or going to see her under the guise of a business trip??
“Okay then.” I answered sadly even though I had so many questions. I just didn’t want him to think I was questioning his loyalty to me even though it was eating me up inside.
“Also, I’ve found tangible evidence of Amara embezzling funds in the company like I had promised you.” He said. My face lit up immediately.
“Really??” I asked, in excitement.
“Yes. With this evidence, together with the ones you’ve been able to gather, I’m sure your father would finally be able to see Amara’s true colors and leave her for good.”
“Thank you!! Thank you so much!!” I said happily, unable to hide my excitement and that made him chuckle softly.
“I promised you didn’t I? Also, it’s my duty as your husband.” He said. His words gave me great confidence and I decided to pay him back too.
“Nick…” I called.
“Yes baby..” He answered.
“How about I reveal our marriage to my father.” I suggested. For a moment, I couldn’t hear anything at all, he had suddenly went mute. His silence made me uneasy like I had said something wrong.
“Nicholas..” I called softly.
“Sorry.. sorry. I was just thinking about what you had just said. Are you really thinking of…”
“Yes. I want to tell my father about our marriage.”
“Yes!!” He muttered but I could still hear him and the excitement laced in his voice.
He cleared his throat before; “You know if you do that, our marriage is sealed already.” He said.
“Our marriage had been sealed since the day we both signed the papers.” I answered. He laughed out happily and I couldn’t help but join in laughing too. Is he really that excited??
“You can do that. I’m not stopping you.” He said as he tried to conceal his fulfillment laced in his voice.
We talked more about other things before we bid each other goodbye. After the call, I stared at the brown envelope on my bed stand and picked it up. My call with Nicholas had already cleared my doubt fully.
I don’t even know why I brought it with me. I took the envelope and locked it in my drawer, with hopes to trash it later. There’s no way I’ll ever open it nor doubt Nicholas again.