Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 20

Nicole’s POV The room didn’t just go quiet. Like every breath, every whisper, every curious glance had been suspended midair the second Raphael spoke. “What seems to be the issue here?” His voice wasn’t loud. But it was enough for everyone to hear. Clara moved first. Her entire posture softened, like she had been waiting for this exact moment….for an audience that mattered. “Oh, nothing serious,” she said smoothly, her tone light, almost pleasant. “I just came to speak with Nicole, my beloved stepdaughter and to apologize for what happened yesterday.” Apologize? That word sat wrong in my chest.we all know that Clara is not one to apologize. I didn’t look at her. Because if I did, I knew exactly what I’d see: that carefully crafted expression, that controlled softness that fooled everyone who didn’t know her. Raphael didn’t respond immediately.the shift in the air as his attention moved. From her To me. I forced myself to meet his gaze. But I know that was a very big m

Nicole’s POVThe hallway felt longer on the way out.Or maybe it was just me….walking too fast in heels that suddenly sounded too loud, too sharp, like they were announcing everything I didn’t want anyone to notice.I kept my face straight.Chin up. Eyes forward.Like I hadn’t just stood in that office and almost…..No.We don’t finish that sentence.The elevator dinged.Too bright,but too slow I stepped in, pressing the button harder than necessary.The doors slid shut, and the second they did..I exhaled.Just… air leaving my body like it had been trapped there all morning.My reflection stared back at me from the mirrored walls.Perfect.Hair in place. Lipstick untouched. Not a single crack in sight.Except…. for my hand lifted slightly.Faint crescent marks pressed into my palm.I let out a small, humorless laugh.“Very composed, Nicole,” I muttered under my breath. “Truly inspiring performance.”The elevator hummed downward.And then… probably because apparently my brain enjoys cha

Nicole’s POV The number was still switched off. Again. I pulled the phone away from my ear slowly, staring at the screen like maybe this time it would magically change its mind. but ,It didn’t. The silence irritated me more than the messages themselves. Because silence meant confidence. Whoever this was… they weren’t scared of being found. And somehow.... That annoyed me more than it should. I dropped my phone onto the desk beside my bed and leaned back into the chair, rubbing slowly at my temple. The rooftop photo stayed open on my phone screen. Bright against the darkness of my apartment. Mocking me.....I should’ve deleted it or probably blocked the number. and Moved on but instead......I kept looking. My eyes narrowed slightly as I zoomed in again. The lighting in the picture was soft. Warm. Golden city lights bleeding into the background. I tried remembering everything thing about that night,the music, The wind the alcohol I told myself I should stop taking..... e

Nicole’s POV this can't be random Raphael? at my place ? How did he get to know were I stay.....that was all that was running through my mind. The sound of his voice outside my door should’ve calmed me. Instead .... It made my pulse spike harder. Because relief only lasted for half a second before another thought slammed into me. I stayed frozen near the door with my back pressed on it , Listening. The hallway outside remained quiet. Then another knock came. Softer this time. “Nicole.” “Open the door.” Something about the way he said it made my stomach tighten. Not commanding but Urgent. I swallowed hard and finally forced myself to move. My hand wrapped around the lock slowly. I hesitated. Just for a second, Then unlocked it The door opened barely halfway before Raphael’s face came into view. And immediately..... Something felt wrong.... Not with him but With the situation. His expression was unreadable as always. Controlled and Sharp. But h

Nicole’s POV The kettle clicked Soft Almost like nothing. But it landed too loud in the silence. My phone was still in my hand, the screen dimming slowly before going dark. Behind me, water began to heat again.A low hum. Then the faint tremble of it nearing a boil. Mom moved around the kitchen.Cup against the counter Ceramic tapping lightly. Like she was being careful not to make noise.....m And somehow making more because of it. “You should sit, you've been standing for a while now.” Her voice came from behind me. I didn’t answer. l My thumb brushed the side of my phone, waking the screen again. Light spilled across my palm Cold and Unforgiving. The message sat there. Something about it felt deliberate. Like whoever sent it knew exactly how long I’d stare before giving in. Another second passed. The kettle hissed softly now,Steam building,Pressure rising. I tapped the screen. You’re asking the wrong people. My fingers tightened slightly. The words