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Chapter Twelve
The sound of the ticking clock was nerve-wracking. Belle was seated on the edge of the sofa, waiting for Nikolai to knock at the door. She didn't have to wait for so long. There was a gentle knocking on the door, but it was quiet and deafening.
I have to do this. I need to. She repeatedly told herself as she took what felt like heavy footsteps towards the door.
"Come in." Belle invited Nikolai in, something she never thought she would be doing.
"Is he…" His eyes were glued to the single bedroom door with a slightly opened door.
"The baby's sleeping. Let's be adults about this and try not to raise our voices." This was a statement directed at herself. Belle knew she needed that reminder more than Nikolai. For the firs
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With how Aubrey and Bonnie react, it seems like it is their first time visiting Belle's place. Actually, the first-time visitor is the only man with them. Their being talkative was a no-match during this situation, as no one couldn't find the right words or phrases for a conversation starter. Belle, for that matter, is not doing great on her own. She still finds it hard to believe that Nikolai is with them at that very moment and more than willing to play his role as the father to their son."He's freaking tall.""Let's not forget to state the obvious. He's also very handsome."The sound of the cookie-filled tray hitting the table brought the two back to reality. Her friends can at least be discreet with their humiliating, honest
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“What does that picture mean, Claudia?”A cheeky laugh was heard on the phone. Nikolai’s hand formed a tight fist. “I know, right? Oh, I am telling you. They can definitely pick a better angle. That’s for sure.”“Don’t waste my time with your bullshit. We both know that’s not what I mean.”Nikolai wouldn’t precisely call Claudia Yvette De Beaufort his friend. On the other hand, their families have a long history of partnership as business partners. He has known Claudia since they were young. This is the same reason why he avoids being in the same circle as hers. The public may recognize her as the sweet, fun-loving heiress. Those who knew the real her would know that everything she does is for her benefit. Twisting words and gaining trust for her own benefit is child's play. She has all the time, money, and ambition to do so.“Why the sudden interest in me?” It has been so long since they got in touch. Since Claudia started being known as a socialite, they never had any form of commun
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Five hours later.“We’ll keep an eye on this and let you know about any news.”Nikolai tried searching to look for Belle everywhere, at a nearby park and apartments, and even knocked at some doors. Nothing.“I get that she might want some time for herself, but she never leaves Liam alone here for a long time. She would never do that. Something's not right.”Aubrey was right. Something wasn't right. They asked for the CCTV footage, and they saw Belle frantically walking outside. Her hands were shaking, and she looked like she was sobbing. There were no security cameras in the hallway, so they had no idea if someone tried to invade her unit.“God, Belle. Answer the goddamn p
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7 years later."Sir?" Their new housekeeper's voice was audibly shaking. Before she could even speak, Nikolai massaged his temples.Another bad news. He could easily tell."Yes." The housekeeper stiffened with Nikolai's cold tone. This one wouldn't last a month."Liam's school called. Says they would like to invite you for a talk.""Invite me? Or require me to talk?""I don't know, sir!" The lady immediately panicked. Nikolai felt bad knowing it wasn't her fault. He had been bombarded with an unusual amount of workload lately, and on top of everything, he was Liam's father.Being a single father is hard."Don't worry. I'll give them a visit. Thank you," he said, but she didn't move. Liam raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to say something more. Her tongue seemed stuck with the amount of panic she was experiencing."Actually, sir, they also want to inform you that Liam will be transferred to another class. And that this will be a warning. T-they want you to look for another school i
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“Nikolai, it's after office hours. Wait until tomorrow. There's nothing we can't prove with just a phone call anyway.”What Preston said made sense, and Nikolai knew that too. It's his fault for not thinking things straight and for not being rational. He had simply, for lack of a better word, had gone insane.“What are you still doing there?” Preston asked Claudia, who was sitting quietly in the corner. “Why are you here anyway?”Claudia rolled her eyes at Preston. They only met a couple of times, but every time they do, it's a clash of personalities that ends up with rolling of eyes or throwing insults.“Because of this.” Nikolai arranged the documents and put them inside an envelope
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The woman’s eyes twinkled as she smiled. Before Nikolai knew it, he was reminded of how Isobelle’s eyes would twinkle whenever she would laugh. It’s impossible to ignore when she looks exactly like Belle. Maybe it’s his memory that is deceiving him, but the resemblance is really uncanny.So, this is how it is supposed to be. He thought, seeing Liam talk to the woman. If only Belle had not disappeared suddenly, the three of them could have been a happy family.“Daddy!” Liam paused talking with his teacher to call Nikolai.He even found it harder to move now that both of them are looking in his direction.“Come!” It was his son's cheerful voice that brought him back to reality.The closer he was, the clearer it got. In Nikolai’s head, it is already established. This woman is Isobelle. It’s the only explanation that made sense.“Hi. I assume you are Mr. Laurent?”She offered her hand for a handshake. Unlike Belle, she had much shorter hair that didn’t reach her shoulders. And her smile,
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“From the moment I saw you with your composed look and practiced smile, I knew you were bound to lose your mind and it’s only a matter of time.” Nikolai took a quick glimpse at his calendar just to make sure that he had no prior appointment with Claudia. Yet, she was proudly parading like it was her birthright to be in his office, in the middle of the day, unannounced. He still had a hang-over and for some reason, the whole thing triggered his headache; Claudia’s voice and attention-grabbing appearance with that green suit with a neckline that was as low as it could get. She might as well go straight into a fashion show. “What is this about, Claudia?” “I should be the one asking you that question.” In her little bag that could easily pass as a wallet, she got her phone and showed Nikolai a text message that said: ‘Merry me?’ “Are you cringing?” Claudia examined closely Nikolai’s reaction. “You should be because I am intentionally showing up late at my shoot to see your reaction in
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The night when Preston was drinking with Nikolai…“You’re getting married?”Preston stopped Nikolai from taking another gulp of alcohol. The guy is totally wasted. There were no tears in his eyes but it’s red and swollen, as if the tears were caged and the next drop of alcohol would make him completely lose his composure. This has become a familiar scene after Belle disappeared.He couldn’t blame his friend. He may not show it often, but he still thinks of Belle all the time. He still checks the news and gets in touch with the authorities for updates. Sadly, there was none. Even then, he is still hoping that one day, his phone will ring and he will receive good news.Nikolai let go of the glass and started typing on his phone.“You’re drunk, Nikolai. You’re drunk again. This is getting out of hand. I’m starting to think that you are only inviting me so someone can drive you home.”“A part of me was still hoping that after all these years, Isobelle would come back. Just like that. And
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