LOGINNICOLE "Problem?" Laura echoes like she has no idea what I'm talking about. There's a smile on her lips that really makes me violent because I know she's doing this just to provoke me at this point. "Who said anything about a problem?"I stand up and shut the laptop. "Do you think coming here to try to undermine me is ever going to make Roman yours? You're wasting your time!"Her gaze sharpens and that's when I find out that I hit the nail of the head. "No, you're wasting your breath trying to make a decent and honest man out of him. I've been with him before, and let me tell you, men like him? They never stay faithful for long."I stare at her for a few beats before saying, "So, your intention is to...what? Have an affair with him? Have him all for yourself?"Laura clasps her hands in front of her. "I guess that's none of your concern."Great. After having an absolutely shitty night, this is just what I needed. Another psycho trying to make me feel bad about being with him. Roman's
NICOLEI open my eyes and my first instinct is to look around the room for Roman.Sure enough, he still isn't here, and it's morning. Though I'm trying really hard to keep a positive outlook and accept that this is a part of his life that he can't just erase, I'm struggling. Especially after what happened last night.Knowing that he's in a clinic or hospital somewhere, standing beside Esmeralda and her swollen belly, really does something strange to me. My thoughts take a dark turn and insecurity sets in.It hurts. Even though I know he's just performing his duty. Of course, she's milking it. She wants his attention. She wants him all for herself.We never talk about her and I mean never. I don't care about her condition and Roman doesn't offer any explanation. But when things like this happen, that's when it becomes hard to ignore.I wash up and head to the kitchen to have breakfast, but realize that I'm not hungry at all. This has really ruined my appetite.Couldn't he at least have
ROMANI'm pissed as I make my way to the hospital.Dammit. Why does that woman insist on pestering me? Why does she keep getting herself into situations where I have to check up on her? I was just celebrating the fact that she was leaving me alone and I didn't have to deal with her for a month.I guess I spoke too soon.I tell the front desk her name and they direct me to where her room is. I reach the door and find a woman with a white coat writing something on a clipboard right in front of it. She looks at me and asks, "Mr. Hayes?"Great. She knows my name. "Yes.""I'm Dr. Sullivan," she says before extending her hand for me to shake. "I'm Miss Garcia's doctor.""How is she?""Not good," she claims. Her face is serious now, and her tone is grave. "Miss Garcia hasn't been doing well at all, and everything points to severe stress and anxiety in her daily life. On top of that, she has a condition known as preeclampsia, which means her blood pressure is high and her organs are under ext
NICOLE"Nikki!"I only feel better once I step out the door and find myself in the parking lot. Then, I slow down and give Roman a chance to catch up to me.He reaches me and places both his hands on my shoulders to steer me around. We're facing each other now and the panic I see in his eyes takes me aback."Is it because of Laura? Look, baby, she's the one who's—""What?" I interrupt. "What are you talking about?"Roman looks stunned. "Why'd you run out like a maniac, then?""I...it's nothing.""Nikki.""I thought I saw something. That's all. It was nothing. Let's just...go home."When Roman says nothing, I start toward the car. I'm aware of his eyes on me but I really wish he would just drop the subject because I really don't want to think about any of this. I don't want to talk about it either.At last, he joins me but I'm aware of how slowly he's walking. His eyes haven't left me for a second and I know I'm leaving him hanging, but I make a point of not looking his way.He unlocks
ROMANIt's been a month since Nikki officially moved in with me and I have to say that things are going fairly well for both of us where our relationship is concerned.Every time I look at her, I feel so damned lucky to be here. Nikki is my whole world and she makes it a better place. Every single fucking morning I wake up, I remind myself not to keep things from her, even if those things will hurt her.Honesty all the way.Things have been quiet where Esmeralda's concerned. I think once she realized that she couldn't marry me, she decided to keep her distance. My lawyer sends me monthly reports on her that I don't read at all. I don't even open that email.I can't bring myself to care, especially when I remember how close I was to losing the woman I love. All because of her.I pull myself out of my thoughts and straighten the lapels of my blazer. I hear Nikki rummaging in her closet for something."We're gonna be late," I remind her, smiling."I just need to...here!" She walks out ho
NICOLE"Nicole? What the hell are you doing!?"He charges towards us, so fast that it makes my head spin, and then he positions himself beside Haley and throws an arm around her shoulder.I watch my brother doing this and wonder where the hell things went so wrong."Nicole!" he says again. This time, when he looks up at me, he's not shocked. He has anger written all over his face."You can't seriously believe that I started this!" I spit. "I told you I didn't want to come in here because I knew she'd start some shit, and that's exactly what she did!""N-No," Haley says. Oh, God. She's stuttering now and tears are pouring down her face. I can't believe the show she's putting on right now in front of Mason.And like the idiot he is, he's buying it!"I didn't want any trouble," Haley cries before sniffling. "I just wanted to talk to her and try to explain my part! I know that I'm not wanted here and—"I don't even let her finish. "That's not true, Mason. Don't even listen to her! She's a







