Pretty little truths

Nichole's Pov

I took another taxi and went to the apartment I shared with Daniel.

I did not want anything that would remind me of any of them so I first removed myself from the family group chat and any other group chat I was in together with them and Daniel.

Then I arranged my things and walked out of the house. The house was my own because Daniel rarely spent time there because he was always going on business trips but now I know those business trips were Lila.

I took one last look at the house, took a cab and went to Claire's place.

"I'm sorry I would have to inconvenience you for a while till I find my footing," I told Claire.

"What nonsense, you can never inconvenience me okay, so you can stay here for as long as you want," Claire said.

I was grateful that I had a place to lay my head. Since I was still on sick leave at work, I was not going to the office for the next two weeks so I had time to recollect my thoughts.

It was Saturday so I didn't have anything to do. I decided to stroll around social media.

The first news that caught my eye was from a popular blog.

'The son of the CEO of Lancaster Group Daniel Lancaster has called off his engagement to ex-fiancee Nicole Norway. News has it that he is not in a relationship with the step-sister of Nichole Lila Norway.'

I scoffed and dropped my phone. Those bastards! They didn't waste time announcing it to the world, it's not like I care though, I was just glad that they were out of my life.

Just then I received a text. It was from my grandfather's secretary.

'Your grandfather said you must be at his birthday party tomorrow so no excuses because he wants to see you.' The text read.

I groaned inwardly. In my excitement, I had almost forgotten about my grandfather and his upcoming birthday party.

My grandfather had loved me right from the beginning and even when Lila was found, he never stopped loving me more than Lila and this was among the reasons why Lila and her parents hated me.

Lila was annoyed that she could not win over our grandfather and up till now, nobody knows why he refused to treat Lila like his biological granddaughter.

I got ready that Sunday and went to the party.

The party was being held at my grandfather's mansion.

When I got there, the place was already swarming with dignitaries from different spheres of life. I started feeling homesick. It has been the same feeling I have had after everything.

My grandfather was a renowned businessman. He was feared and respected by both friends and foes alike.

When I entered the hall, I could see people casting pitiful glances at me and whispering among themselves.

I knew they were talking about me and my failed engagement to Daniel but I decided not to listen.

"She looks so naive and unsophisticated, thank God Daniel finally came to his senses and chose the right person." I overheard someone say as I passed.

I needed some fresh air and a break from what was going on so I decided to go to the balcony to rest a bit before going inside to look for my grandfather. Just while I stood there, I felt awkward and nauseous. Some days back, I took a test to confirm what was going on in my mind was not true, it was probably me being delusional.

Just when I thought I had found some peace and quietness, I heard a mocking voice from behind, and at that point, I got the rest of the results in my mail. I opened it immediately while ignoring the voices around me.

In splits of seconds, my world was torn apart. I was pregnant.

"Don't you think you are being shameless? You still had the guts to come here after disgracing yourself publicly."

I turned to see that it was one of Lila's friends. I composed myself, and goosebumps raided my entire body.

They faced me with Lila leading them. The only thing that went on in my head was whoo I was pregnant for. I couldn't think of anyone. Shame embraced me closely.

"I do not have the time for this okay, respect yourself and leave me alone," I said to them but they were not moved by what I said instead, they started laughing.

"You still have guts and audacity you know, instead of you to hide your face in shame from the world, you are here showing off and bringing more embarrassment to yourself." Lila mocked.

I smiled with a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"Talking about being shameless, I think you are the one who needs to hide her face in shame, after all, you stole someone's fiance." I retorted.

Lila's face contorted in anger and she took a cup of wine from one of her friends and threw it at me.

I braced myself for the impact but it never spilled on me. Instead, I saw a handsome man standing in front of me and the drink had spilled on him.

"I think you ladies have had enough fun for today, so scramble away from here." He ordered in an authoritative voice.

Lila's friends all shifted back in fear and I could see that Lila was a bit scared but she decided to put on a brave front.

"And who the hell do you think you are to order me around at my grandfather's birthday party?" Lila asked.

The stranger shook his head in controlled annoyance.

"I don't think you want to find out." He said to Lila.

"What nonsense! My boyfriend is Daniel Lancaster and I will make sure he deals with you!" Lila shouted. "Come on, let's go!" She said to her minions.

They all followed her and I heaved a sigh of relief.

"Thank you sir for your help," I said to the stranger whose back was still facing me.

He turned to face me and smiled while I moved back in shock.

He put his hand behind my back and drew me closer.

"Be careful, I didn't save you from being drenched in wine to have you fall from the balcony and break your neck." He said, still smiling.

I could not believe what I was seeing. I never thought I would ever see him in my life again. To be honest, I had almost forgotten about that night.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten me so soon, that would hurt my feelings you know." He said.

I was tongue-tied and did not know what to say. Just then, I heard Lila's voice.

"This is the man that humiliated me, I need you to teach him a lesson."

"So you are the one that had the guts to hurt my baby? You are dead meat!" Daniel said and raised his hands to give the man a blow but he held Daniel's hands mid-air.

"Are you sure you can teach me a lesson?" The man said and turned to face Daniel.

Immediately Daniel saw his face, he became shocked and drew back in fear.

"Uncle." He said.

The word registered in my brain and I gasped.

The man I had kissed at the bar was Daniel's uncle. Did we go beyond that? Could he be the father of my unborn child?