Chapter 10

Nicholas’s POV

Her nerve to use such a sharp voice. She was already showing her true colors. If she thought I would condone her rude behaviour, she was wrong. I was busy at the office when Neymar called.

“What up?” He asked. I swept my eyes over the files scattered on my table. “Nothing much,” I replied.

“I just dropped Debra off at her parents’ house.” He said. I didn't care if he did or not. “So?” I asked.

“Can you stop being so indifferent?” He asked. “How am I being so indifferent?” I was wearing round-rimmed glasses, and I stared at my laptop, quickly connecting the call to my earphone.

“You know what I am talking about. You drove her out of your call earlier today.” He said. “Did she rant to you?” I asked.

“No. I saw her get out of your car. And I know what you did once I see her face.” He said. I massage my temples, already feeling a headache building. “Can we talk later if you have nothing else to talk about?” He asked.

“Fine. Let's talk in person.” He said. I returned to work. My eyes were glued to my screen. The next time my phone rang, it was an unexpected call from Mrs. Juan. Surely, Debra didn't tell her anything.

I took a deep breath and leaned into the chair. “How are you, son-in-law?” She asked. The words pierced me like pins. “Fine,” I said. I pushed my glass up the bridge of my nose, wishing she would go straight to the point.

I tapped my foot on the group as I awaited her next words. “Debra is over here. Can you come pick her up?” Like I was some driver or what? I wanted to tell her I was busy but stopped. She may begin to suspect something. I decided to pick her up so she wouldn’t tell her mom anything about us and our marriage.

Now sitting next to Mrs. Juan and waiting for Debra felt stupid. I could have used this time to do other things. Mrs. Juan was not just boring but a butt locker. Now the rumours surrounding Debra make sense. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, indeed.

I am sure Debra was just like her mother and would soon unveil this side of hers. Debra soon walked down the stairs with a box clasp between both hands. Wanting to play the good son-in-law and husband, I stood and walked up to her. "Oh, love, you don't have to carry the box yourself.” I said each word was like vomiting a tock.

Debra's eyes widened. She wasn't expecting to see me. “I called him over.” She froze in place once I touched the box. I tried pulling the box, but she held it in place, her eyes trained on mine.

“Release the box and stop being so stiff.” I whispered my words sharply. She hip-cuffed and released the box at once. “Move on now, love.” I said, and we walked down.

“It's so nice seeing the two of you together. Debra, you are so lucky. Nicholas loves you.’ Mrs. Juan said. Without wasting any time, I said, "Well, go on now.” I watched as Debra hugged her mom before she walked off.

“You didn't have to come.” She said this when we were in the car. I ignited the engine. “I'm sorry for the inconvenience.” She said. I know it wasn't her fault, as she wasn't the one who called me, but I felt my anger rise towards her.

“Then you should have sat at home.” I moved my eyes to the box, curious as to what was inside. “I had to pick something.” She said this when she saw me looking at the box. She wore her seatbelt across herself.

“You must have had so much to do. You should have given her an excuse or something.” She said. I gritted my teeth, turned the steering wheel, stepped on the accelerator, and overtook a car in front of me.

“Your presence is already overbearing; don't make it worse by speaking to me,” I warned. “I'm sorry.” I tightened my hold on the steering wheel. “And why are you always apologizing?" I hated half-hearted apologies, and we know that's what she has to offer.

The rest of the drive back home was silent, just like I wanted. She stepped out of my car. I pulled out a bottle of a very expensive fragrance and sprayed it around the car. “Good riddance.” I drove back to the office.

I was able to sit when my eyes caught sight of the food flask she gave me. I picked it up and threw it out. Everything about her annoyed me to my bones. My phone rang. It was James: “Have you found her?” I asked once the phone connected.

"Sorry, Nic, but I have bad news.”

Diamond’s POV

I didn't set my eyes on Nicholas for the rest of the day. I was no longer allowed into the kitchen that day. I spent my day whiling away my time. I had yet to open the box. I was unsure of what I would see.

That night, I lay on my bed, tossing from one end of the bed to another, unable to sleep. I sat and took a sip of water from the bottle at the side. I turned to look at the box. As curious as I was, I still hadn't been able to pull myself away from my bed and open the box.

“What if I don't like what I saw? What if Debra had so many flaws?” I held the bottle and took another long sip. But I had to find out. I drank the remainder of the water and stepped out of the room to get another. Since I couldn't sleep, I used that opportunity to walk around the house.

It was dark. Everyone was asleep. I know I should also go back and sleep. What would they think if they saw me roaming around? Unconsciously, I walked through the hallway where Nicholas's room was. My foot stopped at the front of the door.

I felt like opening the door and walking in. Nicholas was strikingly beautiful when he was awake, and I couldn't help but wonder how beautiful he would be asleep. I placed my head on the door, wanting to listen to his breath, but that was futile.

I was about to stand straight when the door suddenly flung open, and my head hit the hard chest of a man. When I stood straight, fear crept into me. Nicholas was standing in front of me in his brief. “What are you doing here?” He asked.

Must this guy always catch me? I asked myself as my eyes moved from one place to another, refusing to settle on the shirtless shoulder and bare chest. “Well, I…” I looked at him and swallowed. How can a man be so perfect?

I wanted to run my hands over this chest. “The thing is that...” I swept my tongue over my dried lips. “Has the cat caught your tongue?” He asked.

“No. I was just walking around.” I decided to tell the truth. “You seem to be filled with lame excuses,” Nicholas said. “No, it's true.”

“What? You think you'd find me sleeping naked on the bed?” At his word, the picture of him lying naked appeared on my head, and my face grew warm.

“You disgust me.” He said. My heart dropped at his words. I opened my mouth to speak, but my words were stuck in the back of my throat: “Don't ever walk through this hallway again. I don't want to see you anywhere close to this door. I hope we are on the same page, Debra.” He asked.

Tears stung my eyes, and I turned and ran back to my room. I didn't need water. I stepped into my room and banged on the door. Climbing on my bed, I covered myself with my duvet and wept. Nicholas' words did not deter me from trying to win his heart.

I would win his heart, even if it meant enduring all his harsh words. Deep inside, I knew he didn't mean them, or I tried to convince myself that he didn't mean them. I have met him before, and he is not a mean person.

The next day, I got up early and stepped into the kitchen before any other person. I made breakfast and set the table. I was still in the kitchen when Nicholas stepped into the dining room and sat down.

I peeped at him from the kitchen. I was told earlier that Nicholas was the one who gave the order to not allow me inside the kitchen. I am sure he would not be too pleased if he saw me there. I decided to stop hiding and walk out.

“Who made this?’ I heard him ask. I was standing behind him.

“Madam.”

“What? Didn't I tell you to never allow her inside?” He asked. “I went there on my own,” I said, and he turned.

He squinted his eyes, displeasure written over his brows, and I braced myself.