Cousins

With that thought, I proceeded to open the door, and to my surprise, it was Nicholas standing there. The moment my eyes landed on him, I was immediately reminded of the scene earlier today.

I was surprised he knew I was here and came to find me and I was also disgusted at the same time. I didn't want to see his face so I immediately tried to close door but he was quick enough to block it with his hand.

He forced his way into my room but due to the fact that I didn't give him an easy access in, his hand was caught painfully in the door, and it swelled up instantly.

Even though I was really angry with him, I couldn't help but feel concerned when I saw his injured hand. He didn't show that he was in deep pain but I could see how red his hands was and that made me feel guilty and concerned.

Was I going too far? Did I really have to injure him in the process?? When I realised the thoughts that were appearing in my head, I immediately wiped them off, feeling disgusted with myself for being worried about him.

I couldn't let my heart soften so easily after he had hurt me deeply and betrayed my trust. I'm not supposed to have feelings for him anymore. I turned away, trying so hard to suppress my emotions.

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Nicholas who noticed how hard she was trying to hide her emotions couldn't help but smile. Even though she was really mad at him, she still had that soft spot for him that no woman would ever have.

That's the main reason he fell in love with her in the first place. She doesn't enjoy hurting her loved ones even though she has a good reason to. He really needed to soothe her anger quickly before it turns into something worse.

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"Let me explain what had really happemed earlier." Nicholas offered.

Wait, how does he know I saw what happened between him and his lover?? Did Fiona tell him? No wonder she made me go on a shopping spree instead of leaving immediately like I had planned to.

She wanted to delay me so Nicholas would easily catch up with me. I wonder who that girl is really serving; me or Nicholas. Hearing Nicholas' offer for an explanation, I felt a slight stir in my heart but it was quickly overshadowed by anger.

What does he plan to explain to me now after I had seen everything with my two eyes? Why didn't he explain when I called him earlier? What lies does he plan to tell me now??

"You don't have to explain anything to me because I don't want to see you ever again. Please leave!!" I ordered but he didn't move an inch.

Every moment that I stared at his handsome face, it increases my anger because I couldn't stay mad at him for long even though he was at fault. I tried to push him away but that was no use as he was far stronger than I was.

"Why won't you just leave me alone?" I asked in frustration.

"You haven't even heard my side of the story." He answered.

"It isn't going to change what I saw."

"I know that but it would at least change your perspective of what you think you saw. Even criminals sentenced to death have the right to appeal first but you aren't giving me the chance." He explained.

"Nick.. I don't want to do this today. Just leave." At that moment, I wasn't in the mood to fight or be angry with him anymore. I just wanted to collapse om my bed and have a good night sleep.

"I'm not leaving till you let me explain my side of the story." He muttered stubbonly as he suddenly sat on the bed.

I stared at him in surprise, not expecting him to be this childish. I realised that he really wasn't going to take no for an answer so I decided to give him the listening ear. At least, he'll leave after he's done.

"Are you finally ready to listen to me now? He asked and I turned away, my body tensed, as I wrestled with my emotions. I bit my lips and calmed myself before turning back to face him.

"Say what you have to say and leave immediately!!" I ordered with a deep frown on my face. Hearing that I had finally agreed to listen to him, he smiled happily, not minding the tone in which I spoke to him.

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《Earlier today》

Nicholas had initially thought it was just another ordinary dinner with Rafael. His mind was occupied with strategies on how to further maneuver with Rafael to achieve his goal.

However, when Rafael arrived, he introduced a young lady beside him as his sister, Rachel. He wanted Nicholas and his sister to hit it off but without hesitation, Nicholas rejected her.

He made it clear to both of them that he was already married; by showing off his weddint ring. Even though he wasn't married, he still wouldn't have considered Rachel because he was well aware of the fact that they were related by blood as cousins.

He couldn't be in a special relationship with his cousin. Rafael, however laughed off his excuse of being married; telling Nicholas that it was fine and asked them to just be friends.

Nicholas, though reluctant, agreed to interact with Rachel as just friends so he could keep Rafael placated but that didn't stop Rachel from giving him weird glances through out the dinner.

Nicholas was so eager to end the awkward situation as Rachel seemed really interested in him. She constantly picked topics to talk about but Nicholas only responded briefly, maintaining a distant attitude.

When the dinner finally ended, Nicholas felt a great sense of relief but it was cut short when Rafael suggested he give his sister a ride home. He felt a wave of helplessness as he couldn't say no to Rafael so as to keep him on his side.

He reluctantly agreed and left the restaurant’s building with Rachel sticking up really close to him even though he tried really hard to keep a clear distance from her.

As they approached his car, Rachel stumbled and was about to fall on the ground but he was quick to catch her. Just then, Catherine's call came in. Rachel, having no sense of boundaries, leaned over to see who was calling so Nicholas quickly ended the call.

He wanted to protect Catherine from any intrusion by others. Not everyone knows about their marriage yet and he needed to keep it that way till he's done his plans so she won't be used against him as his weakness amd thereby, hurt in the process.

After that, Nicholas firmly reiterated to Rachel that he was married and that nothing could ever happen between them, then rushed to find Catherine after Fiona had texted to let him know Catherine had seen everything that had happened between him and Rachel. He needed to soothe his beloved.