Friday, February 8th, 2019

Tatianna's POV

I'm going to let Niko enjoy time with the family. But when we get to the house, I am going to let him have it.

After calling Manilio, I went back to the family room.

"Niko, you have an appointment with Dr. Manilio Masiello at the hospital tomorrow afternoon. He wants to run some tests to make sure you are okay."

"Okay. Catch me up on what happened since the accident."

"I still can't believe you put me in charge of your company."

"And, why not? I'm not going to put just anyone in charge of any of my companies. Besides, you're qualified for any position you want. Tatianna, you graduated both college and medical school in your junior years with a double major. Stop doubting your abilities. You are the smartest person in this room, including me."

"Tatianna, you did an excellent job. Niko is right - never doubt your abilities."

"Thank you, Lukas and Niko."

"Now, what is this about Aiesha being pregnant?"

"Niko, in three months, your niece, Maia Najae Kostopoulos, will be here. It is a combo of both Greek and Jamaican," Aiesha says while rubbing her belly.

"Maia is absolutely going to be spoiled by Uncle Niko. Congratulations, Aiesha and Matti."

"Thanks, Niko," both Aiesha and Matti replied.

"What else happened?"

"Nothing major. Several men on your executive team questioned why I was in charge, but Lukas took care of that."

"Who was it? They know better than to question my decisions."

"I'll tell you later. Let's enjoy our time here at the restaurant."

***************

We did have a great time. Aiesha started getting restless, so Matti took her home. My parents left too. It's me, Niko, Nana Dory, Lukas, and Evangeline left in the room.

"We better be getting home too." I hugged Lukas and Evangeline before they left the room.

"Mom, come on. Niko and Tatianna need to talk, privately," Lukas says to Nana Dory.

"Not yet, Lukas. I want to see Tatianna chew Niko out. He knows he deserves it."

Nana Dory is a trip. But she is right. Niko deserves everything he is about to get. Lukas walked over to Nana, grabbed her hand, and walked her out of the banquet room. "Good night, Tatianna and Niko."

"We should be getting home too. Let's go, Mr. Kostopoulos. And, I'm driving."

After paying for dinner, Niko and I walked to my SUV. He got in the passenger seat, and I sat in the driver's seat.

Needless to say, it was a quiet ride home. Plus, I needed to remain calm while driving. I had the tightest grip ever on the steering wheel.

Niko knew better than to talk, so he stayed quiet as well.

I drove us to my house, and we made it home within 20 minutes. After parking in my driveway, we stepped out of my SUV and walked towards the front door.

After unlocking the door, I walked straight to the bar in the dining room for a glass of wine. Niko followed me. I sure did take the glass of wine to the head.

Niko's POV

"Niko, what have I always told you about migraines and driving?"

Tatianna started tapping her fingers on the bar counter, so I better answer quickly. When Tatianna is silent like she is now, you better watch out.

"Look, I'm sorry. What I did was..." Tatianna cut me off.

"Save that garbage for someone else. I want a direct answer to my question."

"You said under no circumstances was I to drive with a migraine. And, to call you."

"I never received the call the day before we were going to elope so I could finally become Mrs. Kostopoulos. Did I? And, I want a direct answer."

The facial expression on Tatianna's face is one of annoyance.

"No, I didn't call."

"Why did I not get a call, Mr. Kostopoulos?" Tatianna said through gritted teeth.

"Since we were staying at your house, I figured it was close, so I just drove."

"Again, what did I say about driving with a migraine?"

"Not to drive."

"THEN WHY THE HECK DID YOU DRIVE?!! Do you have any idea how freaking worried I was about you?! DO YOU?!"

"I didn't think about your feelings."

"No, duh, you sure didn't think about my feelings at all! What is wrong with you, Niko?! You could have died, for goodness sake!!!"

"It was the stupidest decision I have ever made. I'm sorry."

"Darn right, it was stupid! I'm so mad at you that I want to call Aeneas and have him fly you to that darn island!!! Save your apology because right now, I don't want to hear it! Niko, do you love me?"

"Woman, why would you ask me that?! Of course, I do. You mean the world to me."

Tatianna now had tears falling down her eyes.

"Then why couldn't you listen to my simple request about not driving with a migraine?! Niko, I was almost a widower before we were about to get married! I'm thrilled your memory is back, but if you can't tell, I am beyond furious! Just leave me alone until I'm ready to talk to you again!!"

Tatianna then walked out of the dining room.

She has every right to be upset. But, it hurt to have her question, my love, for her. I have never loved another woman like I love Tatianna.

I better get some rest because I'm guessing tomorrow will be a long day with doctor's appointments.

***********

Monday, February 11th, 2019

Tatianna has not said one word since chewing me out on Friday. Again, I don't blame her. I'm actually looking forward to work today. I can talk to somebody. We are even driving in separate vehicles.

Tatianna parked in her space, and I parked in mine. Aubrey and Ethan were waiting for me in the lobby. We made our way to the executive elevators and went up to our floor.

"Niko, when Tatianna called and said you had your memory back, Ethan and I were happy. And, I know Tatianna gave you an earful as you deserved. Didn't she?"

"She sure did, Aubrey. We drove separate vehicles today."

"Good girl. Give her some time. The executive team is in the conference room. Oh, Michael and Peter are there as well. They were the ones who gave Tatianna fits because she was in charge of the executive team."

"Thanks, Aubrey."

"Niko, I already have replacements in place for them. Tanya and Brielle will also be at the meeting."

"Thanks, Ethan. They both deserve this promotion. Give me about 15 minutes then I will come to the conference room. Have security waiting by Mike and Peter's offices."

"Got it, Niko. We'll see you in 15 minutes." Aubrey and Ethan made their way to the conference room while I dropped my briefcase in my office.

After taking a few deep breaths, I made my way to the conference room.

As I entered the room, everyone stood up and clapped. Mike and Peter both appeared nervous, and they better be.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for the applause. Have a seat. The meeting will be a brief one."

Once everyone took their seats, I began the meeting.

"Like I said, this meeting will be short. Mike and Peter, you already know what is happening because you were nervous as I entered the room. Pack your things and leave the premises immediately. In case you don't know what is happening, let me spell it out for you - you are fired. I don't appreciate your questioning my choice of Tatianna to run my company. Then, you harassed her about it. Security is waiting for you at your offices. Get out of my building. Have a nice life."

They were mad, but I don't care. I should have sent both of them to the island. We waited until they left the room to continue.

"Tanya and Brielle, I called you both to this meeting because I would like you ladies to take Mike and Peter's place. You both deserve this promotion. It is yours if you would like it. You will also receive a raise and the perks of being on the executive team."

"We accept!" Tanya and Brielle said at the same time.

"Ethan will take care of your paperwork. And, let Aubrey know what you need for your new offices. For your welcome lunch, let Aubrey know where you would like to go. She will call for a reservation. Welcome to the team."

"Thank you, Niko," Tanya said first.

"Thanks, Niko. We won't let you down," Brielle said next.

"You're welcome, ladies. I should have promoted you both a long time ago. Let your current supervisors know they will need to replace you. And, you'll both report to me. The meeting is adjourned."

Everyone left the conference room except me. I just sat there, thinking about how lucky I am to be alive after the accident. And, that felt good to get rid of the riffraff named Mike and Peter. I have a reputation to uphold.

"Look out world! Niko Kostopoulos is back."

*****************