90. Family time– . Mikolaj . –Riley disappears into another room and I shift my focus at three angry men standing in front of me. Owen steps forward, extending his arm for a handshake. A friendly gesture was the last thing I was expecting, but alright. “This is the first time we are meeting…” he comments, and I nod. “You were still a freshman at school when I started college...” I have never met Ramsey, either. Apart from seeing him at school a few times, we never outright talked. Now I understand why Garrett was never keen on inviting me to his place while he often made himself comfortable at my home... The one that burned into ashes. Suppressing my rage, I comment, “You’ve made quite a name for yourself... compared to Garrett.”“Is this the purpose of this meeting? To derogate me?” Garrett says in exasperation.“Do I need to?” I stare at him with a cold expression. I was infuriated about the fact that he accepted Callum’s case, but now, when they are preying on my nephew, I want
91. If she dies — . Young Mikolaj . — - 20 years ago - Harsh fluorescent light of the hospital corridor casts a sterile glow over my face as I stare at the white wall in front of me. It’s been five days since Mama has been fighting for her life. It’s hard to look at her. Despite the constant anxiety, I am confident that she will recover. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out. The name flashing on screen puts a sour taste in my mouth as I press the red button. I never imagined I would ever feel this bitter about her. Maria told me Lena’s parents came to see my mother. But Lena wasn’t with them. Phone vibrates once more with a text message and I switch it off, stuffing it where it belongs as I see a nurse approaching me. “Hi…” I get up, as she glances at me from head to toe and asks, “The doctor would like to have a word with you in the morning. He will be here around nine.” Fucking finally. I don’t know what their problem is, but I have an inkling they are avoiding me
92. Vanish- . Riley . -It feels surreal to stand amidst Camilla’s opulent gathering, surrounded by strangers. I wasn’t expecting an invite. Hell, I wasn’t even anticipating any event because Mikolaj gave her a relieving party a few days back in office.This evening, when Mikolaj told me to get ready, I imagined it would be a small gathering or something. Not a freaking gala. My fingers brush the fabric of my dress, feeling the softness of silk under my fingertips. Not so bad for this event, but a heads up would’ve been nice. Not that I would ask him. I have adopted a no talk policy with Mikolaj. I am not gonna break it for a damn dress.“You look lost!” A voice brings me out of my trance and I blink. Is she talking to me? My eyes swim over Camilla’s stunning midnight blue gown. She looks beautiful as her dress shimmers under the soft glow of the chandelier above us.I look lost because I have been forced into a party I don’t belong to. But I cannot admit this to her. So I say instea
93. Urge to hold. Mikolaj . -“I don’t know where she is,” Jonas says, and I shoot him a sharp glare.“What do you mean?”“I mean…. I’m not her damn babysitter!” he retorts, glaring right back at me.His words ring eerily familiar, echoing the incident when he lost Riley at a fundraiser party months ago. Though this time, I can’t fault him. It’s on me. I instructed him to keep her entertained so she wouldn’t get bored.My silence prompts him to continue, and he says, “We kinda had a disagreement.”“Disagreement?”He shrugs, almost childishly. “An argument… She was being mean. So I showed her I could be meaner.”A flicker of concern flits through my mind, but I dismiss it. “Sometimes I wonder who’s more challenging to handle… You or Jessie.”“Well, I learn from you.”It was my oversight to assume she wouldn’t hold a grudge against Jonas. With a sigh, I instruct him to take Jessie home while I search for Riley. Thankfully, he complies without complaint.… …Something similar happened
94. Not a hotelI stroll into the corridor to see if I can spot a caterer. None. Riley chose this room at the far end and there aren’t many partygoers lingering in this wing. I have no choice but to call Camilla. To my luck, she picks up. “Miko?” Camilla says in an extra chirpy voice. “Guess what? You can’t boss me around anymore.”I snort. The past few days she told me many times—teasingly—that she cannot wait to stop seeing my face.“If you are happy, I am happy.”“What is it?”With a slight turn of my head towards the bathroom, I realize the water is running. Is Riley taking a freaking bath?Pinching the bridge of my nose, I explain the situation, and Camilla giggles. I am not sure what’s funny about it. Or maybe she is intoxicated too.“Don’t worry, I will send food along with some stuff for the stay,” she says, and I frown.“I have no plans to stay.”“Just in case…” she sings and cuts the call.Then It dawns on me… I can’t take Riley outside without the paparazzi swarming in the
- . Riley . - My throat feels dry as Sahara as I peek open my eyes, struggling to spot anything in the darkness. I fumble for the water glass on the bedside table with no success. Where the hell am I? Flickering on the lamp, I wince at the light. Oh. ‘Not a hotel’. I reach for the glass, half dazed, but my hand misses the mark, knocking it over. I groan as water cascades onto the floor. “You okay?” Miko is half asleep as he asks. Isn’t it obvious I am not okay? “Need some fucking water,” I mutter, dragging myself across the bed, climbing over Mikolaj’s sleeping form. There is water on his side. “Whoa!” His drowsy eyes widen with surprise as he attempts to sit up, only to freeze halfway as I maneuver past him. Grabbing the water from his side, I drink greedily. “Water never tasted this good before,” I sigh. “Now that you are awake… Should we head home?” he asks, his deep, velvety voice echoing the warmth that matches the gentle glow of the lamp. I steal a glance off his handsome
96. Missing. Mikolaj . -“Jessie…” I sigh, catching her pout as we stroll through our neighborhood. We had plans to visit a friend, but she changed her mind, captivated by a cute puddle—her words, not mine. Now she’s dragging her feet at snail’s pace while it’s drizzling. Instead of hurrying her along, I simply watch her. Perhaps that’s the essence of parenthood. Slow down and savor the rain.At least she isn’t cranky right now. That’s something. Ever since Riley left, Jessie has been difficult. I had anticipated this and almost asked her to stay longer. But it was written all over her face that she was desperate to get away from me. So I didn’t stop her. Our last night together was a cherished memory, and I wanted to keep it this way. With no fights or bitter words.My phone rings. As I pull it out, I notice an unknown number flashing on the screen. Typically, I wouldn’t, but something compels me to pick it up. “Mr Josef, this is Natalie.” After a brief pause, she adds, “I am Riley
1. Hookup > ‘Nice… Your turn West… Quick! I don’t have the entire night.’ He grabs my waist to pull me closer and I scream. … ---Present Day --- It’s almost Seven in the evening and I am freaking out. I have not finalized a damn dress yet. This date will blow up in my face if I don’t calm down. I am sure I have something to wear. Something comfortable enough. I am a little skittish right now. Because I am planning to have — sex. After like… almost two years. “Are you sure you don’t want me to tag along?” Natalie, my bestie, asks me for a millionth time and I roll my eyes while browsing my closet for a dress. “If you want to cheat on Jacob and hook up with some new guy… Then you are most welcome… if not, then no. There is no need for you to come with me.” I tell her, trying to sound casual, but I am annoyed. After that incident, everyone treats me as if I cannot take care of myself. Yes, I am freaking out a little. But it doesn’t mean she has to shove it in m