Chapter 8

Nicholas’s POV

I turned to the maid, asking for information on who was at the door. She didn't need to speak before a high-pitched voice was held at the back. “Nicholas.” The voice called. I recognised it immediately.

My aunt. I smiled and quickly dabbed the corner of Debra's eyes before my aunt appeared in the doorway. “She's my aunt. Smile love.” I said.

Her eyes are trained on mine. “Aunt,” I called out and turned. I intertwined my hands with Debra's, and together we both walked out of the room. We met her close to my room. “What are you doing up here, aunt?” I asked when we met her.

“You have refused to come down. I thought I might as well come up to you.” She said. Her eyes moved to Debra. “And oh, my world. She is so beautiful.” Aunt Monica's voice was as loud as it has always been, and I used to wonder why and how she was able to be this loud and sharp at the age of sixty.

Debra greeted her respectfully, and I smirked internally as I watched her behave mildly in front of my aunt. I began to see how foolishly I had almost acted. I allowed her to almost get me with her tears. I know the type of person she was.

A manipulator who would do all she could to get what she wanted. Or maybe I was wrong. I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to find out. I smiled lovingly at her and intertwined our hands as I led her downstairs with my aunt in front of us.

“Not only did you get married without me, but you also refused to bring her home. Have you forgotten the family ritual?” She asked.I shook my head. It was a ritual in my family to always take the bride home after the wedding night.

“Well, something came up. We will surely come to visit one of these days.” I said. “You know we can't force you. But do bring her by this weekend for dinner.” She said I sat on the same couch as Debra. She clung to me, and I held on to her.

We sometimes gaze as though we were in love, and if I didn't know better, I think I may have been filled by our act. Aunt Monica sat on our couch for over ten minutes before we were told dinner was set.

She had refused, but that changed immediately when Debra said she made the dishes. I excused myself for a few moments to freshen up before coming back to join them. All through the dinner, I kept adding food to Debra's plate. I even fed her.

She chewed gently, and I carefully dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Aunt Monica's eyes and nodded in acknowledgment.

“They are truly in love,” her eyes read. After dinner, we walked her to the car, linking hands. “It's so good to see a newlywed couple in love. It's a rare sight these days.” She said we were standing in front of her car.

Debra smiled coyly, pressing her body into mine. I loved the warmth that emanated from her, and I unconsciously pulled her closer. “Thanks for visiting, aunt. Please come again.” Debra said.

“And she is so different from what I heard about her. She is respectful, unlike what the rumour says. Nicholas, you've found yourself a catch,” she said, reminding us about the weekend's dinner before she finally popped into her car.

With that, her car drove out of the parking lot before we let go of each other. “Good play,” I said. “Try to be more relaxed next time. I don't bite.” I said.

“Okay.” We walked back to the room quietly. I walked in front while she trailed behind. I wasn't done asking her what she was doing in my room.When we got to the sitting room, I stopped her from going upstairs. “Now tell me, why were you in my room?” I asked her.

The fiddling of her fingers returned. “Well, I...” she paused. “I wanted to know about you.” She said. I looked at her like she had gone crazy. “What do you want to know? And did you have to search my room?” I asked. What a lousy excuse she has brought up. “Well, I…”

“Pray tell me. Ask what you want to know about me, and I'll give you the answer. You didn't have to go search my room.” I said. “I'm sorry. It won't happen again.” She said,

“I hope it doesn't.” I said. “And you have breached an agreement,” I told her. She squinted her eyes. “We are to act like we are in love and never allow anyone to know otherwise,” I said.

She nods. “I'll improve on my acting. I was just a bit tense earlier. I promise to do better.” She spoke slowly. Calmness oozed from her, which made me feel bad for scolding her.

“No. With Neymar.” I said. She made an "oh” with her mouth, “that was...” Her eye moved from one point to the next as she tried to come up with the right words.

“I'm so sorry about that. I didn't know he was your twin. He looked so much like you, and I felt my heartbreak thinking you liked men.” She said.

I scoffed. “What does it mean to you if I like men? Why would your heart break?” I asked. “You are my husband.” She said, “Of course, I would not feel good to know about that.” She continued.

I shook my head, disapproving of her statement. I stood and took a step towards her. Her breath quickened. “You should not concern yourself about me or what I do, and always keep in mind that this thing we are in is all fake. True, we may be married, but we can never be a true couple.” I said.

“Why are you so sure?” She asked. “What if you fall for me?” I smirked, “That can never happen.” I took two steps forward, covering most of the of the space between us. “It can...'' I took another step, and she did the same.

“...never happen. I will never give my heart to you. Not in this lifetime.” I vowed. “Why?” She asked, but her voice broke when she attempted to continue, so she gave up and just waited for my response.

I took another step forward, and she took one back. She missed her step and fell backward. My hands were quick to wrap around her waist involuntarily. “See,” she said. “You caught me at once. Does this mean that there is still hope that something might bloom?” She asked.

I didn't let go of her and kept holding on to her. “Don't flatter yourself, girl. I'll never have you in my heart.” I said. I leaned in and whispered into her ear. “So I'll warn you; don't fall for me. You'll only have your heart broken.”

I removed my hands from her waist and watched her fall onto the couch behind her. Her hands were crossed over her chest. Her face had a small pink hue.

I began walking away, then stopped midway and turned. “And if you must, please stick to one character. Don't get people confused.” I said before walking away, leaving her stunned. I meant what I said about not falling for her.

She wasn't like the girl I wanted. I may have to pretend I love her, but I was never going to love her. Never. As I walked into the bathroom, I placed a hand on my chest, which was beating so fast.

Though I tried to control myself, something about her seemed inviting when I held her close a while ago. It must be because I was angry at her. Nothing else. Her excuse about why she was in my room was lame. I think she had other intentions, and soon I would find out.

The next day, I got up early in the morning, took a shower, and walked downstairs with a briefcase in my hands, already prepared for the day. The smell of delicious food hit my nose. “Breakfast is served.” A voice called. Debra had made food again.

I refused to eat, but she sneaked a flask of food into my hand. “I knew you would say no.” She said, “Have this when you are hungry.” I wanted to say no but found myself agreeing.

I walked to the car. My driver was late for the first time today. After waiting for him for almost thirty minutes, he came running along. “I am so sorry, boss.” He said.

I looked at him, and without saying a word, he got in. I would have fired him had he not had a good reputation. The car was about to move when someone stopped it. She opened the door and entered. “Please drop me off at my parents’ house.” Debra said.

“Why?” I asked, “What are you going there for?” I asked. She looked outside the windscreen; the car was already moving. “Do I need to tell you?” She asked coldly, startling me.