Nicklaus’s POV
Dressed in my usual exotic tuxedo while standing in front of my broad-way stairs reading through Arya’s past, but I couldn’t understand why I felt a tightening in my chest the moment she came to view.She’s a girl whose been through a lot of betrayals and scorn from the people she calls family. Maybe the feeling in my chest is a result of the guilt I feel dragging her into my mess, I thought to convince myself.The emotions in her eyes stared at me with expectations, a luxury I just cannot afford to offer.I looked away knowing she had no idea the new world that awaits her, she probably wouldn’t be giving me that look if she knew the monster I was.She doesn’t deserve any of this. Not what she went through in the hands of her family, definitely not what she’s gonna go through with me and she certainly doesn’t need to dye her hair while she’s with me, I voiced out and I could see her eyes lit up at once.The engine roared to life and began the ride, although it was a long ride I’ve gotten quite used to it, the same can’t be said for the restless being beside me turning and tossing all the way undoubtedly distracting me.We arrived and the look of relief on her face was quite amusing. I gripped her waist from behind taking her completely by surprise but there was no time for explanations, she’s about to step into a world of vipers.As far-fetched as this may sound, I’m the only one she can trust and the key to her survival otherwise she’ll be eaten alive in this ruthless world.Taking sturdy steps to the dining area I held her like a shepherd protecting his sheep, I couldn’t imagine the abrasive thoughts running through the mind of that old scum.As expected Juliet was present with Veronica my said fiancé. Oh shit! I left out that crucial detail, I hope Arya wouldn’t be too shaken by the news. I thought as we took our seats at the table.The brewing storm lurking in the atmosphere which was diligently waiting for a trigger intensified as I locked gaze with Adam who had on his usual scornful expression. “I heard your arrivalsgot intercepted”. He stated casually but only I knew it held a deeper meaning one that echoed a warning. Younger me would’ve been shaken to my bones at the inhuman punishment that awaits but I was no longer a child.“There’s no need to worry, Everything is under control”. Saying this I averted my gaze to Juliet and watched how she minced her emotions in the flash of an eye satisfying my hunch that she had something to do with it. That’s all the answer I needed tonight.“Never in Harrington clan history has this ever happened, you’re starting to show signs of weakness”. He said staring straight into my eyes as though searching for a conviction but he found none as I held on my cold resilient gaze. Weakness is like a disease to the Harrington clan a slight show and it’ll be rooted out.He released his gaze and focused on his food while I let out a spasmodic laugh. “Of course such an act could only be done internally”. I stated staring into Juliet’s eyes.“Stop with the trickery and tell me what you mean”. Adam asked already getting agitated as he dropped his cutleries but I wasn’t in the business of feeding someone else’s curiosity.“I already told you I’ll take care of it. Plus this isn’t the setting for such conversations. I’ve brought a wife as you requested, aren’t you gonna acknowledge her?”. I asked changing the subject to the real order of the day.But right that instant Veronica sought to open her mouth and sprout meaningless gibberish causing my blood to boil a few degrees.“What’re you talking about Nick, we’ve been betrothed since kids”. She spat causing clueless Arya to sputter water from her mouth and break into a coughing fit.I shot Veronica a deadly stare to shut her up while tending to Arya but Juliet immediately followed suit.“You can’t just break the promise between the families, it could cause trouble for you”. She said as though she had my best interest at heart. “Watch me” I responded with no ounce of sympathy as I watched Veronica’s aggrieved stare towards Arya.“As far as it stands we’re already engaged and nothing’s gonna change that Nick”. She said dwelling on false illusions.About to end this word play but hesitated as I felt soft fingers graze pass my face as though checking my temperature, I squinted my eyes to scrutinize her movements and figured she was tryna play along, I was mentally pleased with myself for selecting her, she sure has potentials, her method of getting on Veronica’s nerves were indeed interesting.She offered me a forked up stake but my mom was the only one I ever allowed to feed me.So I hesitated staring into her eyes filled with expectations while not wanting to disappoint our audience my eyes lit up with a glint of mischief.“I prefer this” I said while leaning in not to take the stake but to seize her full rosy lips which now tasted of the sweet wine into a kiss taking everyone including Arya by surprise.“Nick!” Veronica bellowed breaking the sweet sensation as I had no intentions of explaining.“Enough!” Adam roared cutting Veronica’s incoming wailing to a halt while I caught Arya’s flustered expression and how she bit down her lower lip making me feel a certain way down there. God damn it! Get a grip Nick.“What’s your family name?” Adam asked dropping the bombshell on Arya and I watched her surprised face turn pale, she was really helpless.“Her family’s name isn’t important”. I responded defensively, if the old man wanted to have it he should take it out on me.“That doesn’t mean you can bring in a nobody”. He stated gritting his teeth as evidence of his brewing internal rage but I wasn’t bothered in the slightest “I’m not asking for your permission, just as you didn’t ask for mine when you brought in your nobody”.I responded darting my gaze to Juliet whose mask wavered for a second, I scoffed, I’ll like to see how long she can put on that pretentious mask.“You!” Adam muttered flaring his nostrils as he stomped his hands on the table nearly knocking down the dishes. “If you cannot bring a lady from a prestigious family then you’ll have to honor your betrothal and get married to Veronica Lucas and that is final”. He announced“I’ve made my decision, if you’re not going to accept it then go ahead and hand over the clan to Lucious”. I spat to further provoke the old man.“You punk! How dare yo-!” He retorted aggrieved by my audacious retaliations but his words were cut off by his stimulated coughing while he held on to his chest as though he was having a heart attack but I couldn’t care less as he brought this hell upon himself, how is it that he doesn’t know he’s living with a vixen or did he choose to turn a blind eye to Juliet’s doings?I narrowed my eyes dangerously as Juliet ran to his aid with a pill and a glass of water after which he became stable. How long has Adam had those symptoms, I wasn’t aware of such, just before I could question that suspicious movement I received a text from Klaus which changed my demeanor instantly while my lips coiled up into a diabolical grin.Mission successful: New arrivals sealed and secured. We’ve apprehended Mr Thompson, now awaiting your orders boss.Standing up abruptly I shifted my gaze to Arya and noticed her troubled expression like a kitty waiting to be picked up by its master. “Party’s over” I said while extending a hand to her and observed how colors appeared on her face.“We’re not done talking” I heard Adam say while controlling his breathing for fear of another mini heart attack “But I am” I replied storming out of there with Arya who followed suit like an obedient little kitty.Arya’s povThe first person that came to view immediately we stepped into the dinning section was a young lady seemingly around my age, I caught her reaction when she noticed our ambiguous posture and how she fought hard to keep her composure while twitching her lips upwards into a forced smile that gradually turned to a wide grin revealing all her dentures.She approached us with a burst of enthusiasm or rather she approached Nicklaus as she completing ignored my existence and tried bridging her way to give Nicklaus a peck that didn’t get a chance to reach his cheeks as he tossed her aside with a swing of his unoccupied arm and headed straight for our seats leaving her forced to flash another half-hearted smile.I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, she’s just a poor sister craving her brother’s love, did he really have to push her like that? So heartless. Although I felt their relationship was kinda strange but this was a family dinner after all, if she wasn’t his sister then who
Lucious POV“Why’re there still so many papers to sign?”. I asked to no one seeing I was alone in my now dark office as time was far spent. Soon the door opened and my assistant Dylan approached me. “Sir, you still have one more agenda scheduled for this evening”.Hearing this I furrowed my brows, as if today’s arrangements for the new movie shooting wasn’t enough, there was more to add?. “Which is?”. I asked irritably.“Your mother’s invitation to a family dinner which I believe to be a disguise for an engagement between your brother Nicklaus and his fiancée”. He responded earning a raised brow from me, “you mean the bride in the photo with the ginger colored hair you sent to me just yesterday?”. This is just hilarious, why was he in such a hurry? He couldn’t be thinking I’ll fight to be Adam’s successor, could he?. Anyways that’s none of my concern.“No, it seems your mother has arranged someone else for Nicklaus. I believe her name was Veronica Lucas”. Dylan revealed and I co
Nicklaus POVWith Arya out of sight my dark and terrifying demeanor returned but this time it intensified at the very thought of what awaits my prey. Not letting even a second slide, immediately my call ended I dashed for the car but for some odd reason I looked over my shoulder only to reveal a now empty space, although I found her restless and childish behavior quite annoying, I couldn’t deny that it was lively and added a little color to my usually mundane and humdrum drives. “Snap out of it Nick” I murmured at the realization of my sudden drifting.“Yes boss?” My Chauffeur inquired. “It’s nothing” I dryly replied as I met his surprised gaze through the rear mirror “Uhm hmm” I cleared my throat in an attempt to alleviate the awkward atmosphere knowing he was perplexed at my change in attitude, it was of course very unlikely to find me talking to myself even I can’t fathom my words or actions lately especially my little display back at the dinning. Why on earth did I kiss her know
Arya’s POVRushing to the reception counter to inquire my mom’s current location and I felt my heart sink as a shiver pass through my veins the moment the receptionist gave her feedback “Mrs Melissa is currently in the theater on the 21st floor ma’am”. She announced in a professional tone while I felt my legs giving in to the intrusive thoughts that filled my head but I somehow found my way to the elevator and leaned over by the railings least I faint from my continuous shivering.Standing in front of the shut emergency doors and breathing shakily while actively trying to calm my rising pulse which didn’t go halfway subsiding the situation,I find a seat and relax my legs but the pressure in my chest was getting worse as I clenched it tightly fighting hard to breathe but the more I tried the harder it became. It was evident I was having a panic attack and there’s no surprise there, I’ve had several cases of panic attacks in the past when my mom collapsed or fainted and this case was
Arya glances at her watch “I’ve got less than two hours”. She voiced reminiscing on the words of the doctor as she gets off the taxi and approaches the main entrance of Nicklaus grand mansion but she notices none of this as her mind is tied pondering on what Nicklaus was going on about, was there an emergency of some sorts?Soon she reached the gigantic doors that seems as though it holds deep memories not known to the naked eyes and whilst admiring this work of art she is pointed in the direction of his study by the butler which she concisely followed but soon realized that one was bound to get lost in this humongous mansion.Reaching out to her phone to get a hold of Nicklaus but hesitates as her attention gets stolen by a wall frame portraying the figure of a jaw dropping gorgeous woman who undeniably must be Nicklaus’s mother as both their eyes betrays them.Still lost in a daze as the voice of a maid draws her back to reality “miss, you shouldn’t be here” the maid whispers with f
Arya’s ringtone resounded in a taxi reflecting Bella’s name which she delightfully accepted. “Hello” she voiced and soon Bella’s appealing voice responded “Hey Arya, how’re you?” She inquired unmistakably worried and a warm feeling envelopes Arya’s heart causing her eyes to glister with tears threatening to spill whilst she actively wipes it off, sniffed her nostrils and got back her composure, or so she thought but the moment she sort to speak it was as though the dam has broken “I’m fine...” Arya replied but her muffled words made it almost impossible to continue. “What’s wrong? Hope the surgery went well” Bella inquired in a heartbeat. “Yes it went well”. Arya stated nodding vigorously as though Bella could see her expression. “Then why’re you sobbing?” Bella curiously asked. “It’s just that I’m so happy” she responded chuckling and wiping off the tear drops while Bella let out a corresponding titter at Arya’s display. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay. Take care of yourself always”
Arya’s POVThere’s a reason why I’ve been living an antisocial and distant life in school so much that I never dated anyone and few hours ago I was reminded why. Getting my school things sorted out and overwhelmed by the hectic processes but what I didn’t expect was a complete turn of events as a guy that used to pester me went down on one knee in a charismatic display of his love affection and he confessed his never ending feelings in front of the entire school and if I’m being honest I’m pretty sure they all knew as I’ve been feeling awkwardly suspicious about their stares and giggle. And not to mention how they all helped with the decorations, cheers and musical performance and if you’re wondering what my reply was maybe this will help, I’m currently locked in the restroom and it’s not as a result of my escape plan going wrong but as a defense mechanism because his fans were out to get me for rejecting their Mr handsome and nobody knows to care that there’s an even scarier pers
Nick’s POVHow dare she move out without my permission and who says she can I thought examining the messages sent by the shadow guard stating how she got an apartment and won’t be returning home. I don’t understand why I keep letting her do as she pleases, this is very unlike me and my sudden change in attitude is starting to piss me off. Since when do I tolerate such careless acts and I even take her word for it, I must be losing it honestly. “Nicklaus” I hear Klaus call out to me which actively made me realize the meeting was still ongoing. “Yes?” I asked obviously irritated as I hate being interrupted.“We need your response on this, sir” one of the employees responded unluckily failing to detect my grimed expression. “What’s your name?” I asked with my usual deep husky tone and she replies “I am Lucy, from the marketing department” while smiling sheepishly intensifying my inner rage as I couldn’t get the picture of Arya smiling to Lucious off my head.“You’re fired” I announce