NICOLE I could tell that my mother was incredibly upset. Her face was filled with anger, and it was clear that she was very angry about something. I had never seen her so mad before, and it was worrying to see her like this. As I looked on, Marcus slowly got up from his seat and made his way out of the room. He even gave me a peace-out sign before he left.Feeling confused and upset, I turned to my mom and asked her, "Mom, why did you do that?" I couldn't understand what had caused her to react in such a way, and I was desperate for an explanation.My mom gave me a disapproving look that made me feel uneasy. "Have all the men on earth suddenly vanished that you had to settle for Marcus?" she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm.I was taken aback by her comment. I couldn't understand why she was being so harsh towards Marcus. So, I frowned and replied, "What's wrong with getting married to Marcus? You still haven't given me a valid reason for your disapproval."I was determined not to

MARCUSI was sound asleep, dreaming of nothing in particular, when my phone rang, jolting me awake. I fumbled for the phone on my bedside table, groaning as I answered the call."Hello?" I grumbled, my voice heavy with sleep.“Marcus, it's me, Mike," came the urgent voice on the other end of the line.Mike was my cousin from my mother’s side."Mike? What's going on? Why are you calling me in the middle of the night?""I need you to come to the old abandoned warehouse on Oak Street. Something important has come up."I frownedWhy did he need me to go there in the middle of the night? What could be so urgent?It better not be a prank “What's going on?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities."I can't explain it over the phone," he said urgently. "Just trust me and come here. It is important."I threw on some clothes and hopped in my car, the sense of unease growing stronger with each passing moment. The night was dark and eerie, and the street lights flickered ominously as I pulled

NICOLE I looked at Nina nervously, feeling like I was losing my mind. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Who would have thought?" she said with a teasing grin.I rolled my eyes and put my head down, trying to hide my embarrassment. "I guess no one," I said with a sigh. "Do you think he feels the same way toward me?"Nina shrugged. "You would have to ask him that," she said.I felt a knot form in my stomach at the thought of bringing up my feelings to him. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if it made things awkward between us?“I don't know if I'm ready for that yet," I said, feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty.Nina gave me a sympathetic look. "I understand, but you can't keep holding onto these feelings forever. You have to decide if it's worth taking the risk."“I'm nervous," I whispered to Nina as we made our way to the sitting room. "What if he doesn't want to have anything to do with me aside from the contract?"Nina noticed my unease and placed a comforting hand on my s

MARCUSThe guy stood up and left. I saw his jaw tick and his fist clenched before he left.I would admit it. I had asked my driver to follow Nicole’s movement. I had been with her since she arrived at the bar. It was all just laughter and cruising between her and her friends.I was just hanging out in a corner, not bothering anyone, when I noticed a tall guy approaching Nicole. At first glance, he seemed like just an average guy and didn't seem to be a threat to me in terms of wealth or status.However, I couldn't help but feel a bit on edge when I saw him talking to her. So, I decided to wait and see how things played out. To my surprise, he didn't leave right away. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying her company and was visibly relieved by her presence.Nicole smiled and they both laughed at something one of them said. I didn't like that.Who was this guy? And what gave him the effrontery to be with my woman?I paused at that. Did I just say, my woman?Anyways I had to butt in, when

NICOLE“What are you doing here?” I asked narrowing my eyes at him.How did he even get my house address? I didn't mention it during our conversation yesterday so how did he locate my place?“That is no way to welcome a guest. Would you at least let me in, I've been waiting at the doorstep since” he said.I couldn't believe his nerves. I glared at him for a moment before finally knocking on the door to let us in. Nina was inside, and I couldn't wait to see her reaction about this unexpected guest.“Who was the guy that dropped you off? I thought you said you were single,' he asked.'Did I mention he was my boyfriend?' I retorted. 'What's it to you anyways?''I saw you kiss him last night,' he said.I gritted my teeth, trying to contain my frustration. Why was he so interested in my love life? I ignored him and knocked on the door for the second time, hoping that Nina would answer soon."At the second knock, Nina opened the door and we were greeted with the sight of her having honey a