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

“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

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

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,

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