Tuesday, October 24th, 2017

Niko's POV

They don't know that I have surveillance cameras discreetly placed so I can see them on the island. It is hilarious!

Like I said, I am not a multi-billionaire for nothing. I always loved technology. Nobody knows that I own a small invention company, except for my father and Matti. Medical devices and so many other things are way overpriced, and people can't just afford them. That's where I come in. Not only will my technology be advanced, but also affordable. Several devices are already being tested for safety. And, then the patents will come.

"Niko, the views of Tahiti from your house are amazing!!"

"Thanks, Aiesha. One of the many reasons I bought this place was for the views. I need to come here more often."

"How would you like to have our wedding here? Of course Niko with your permission."

"Definitely, you have my permission. It has the perfect setting for a wedding."

"I would love to have our wedding here!" Aiesha gave me a big hug. "Thank you, Niko. But, I can't get married without Tati by my side. She is not only my sister but also my best friend. I want Tati to be walking, without a cane or crutches."

"I agree," Matti added. I agree too.

"We will be leaving early tomorrow morning. Enjoy the rest of your day, Matti and Aiesha. I certainly will not be a third wheel."

They both started laughing as I walked away, but I was dead serious. I'm going to travel to town and look for gifts for Tati and Pandora.

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As I drove into town, I couldn't help but take in the beautiful scenery of Tahiti. It is a very beautiful country. Honestly, I could live here permanently.

As soon as I parked my truck in town, I felt like a piece of prime rib - women were gawking, drooling, ogling, and whistling like crazy.

And, sad to say some of the women were married. All I did was shrug my shoulders and continued on my mission of finding gifts. Seriously, do people do that kind of stuff in front of their spouses? I would never in my life do anything like that to Tatianna - with or without her standing next to me. My eyes, heart, and body belong to Tatianna Kiyana Reid.

The first place I stopped at was a jewelry store. I couldn't even step in the door before I was hounded by several female sales associates. But, I have something for them.

"Welcome to The Graceful Pearl. My name is Tehani. How can I help you?" I saw the lady adjusting her blouse so she can expose the little cleavage that she does have. Pathetic.

"First, you can stop staring and ogling my body. And, since it looks like that is going to be a problem, then I want a male associate. Thank you." I made sure to say it loud enough for everyone in the store to hear. A gentleman then came rushing over.

"Sorry about that sir. I'll take over from here. My name is Mako. How can I help you?"

"Yes. I am looking for something for my fiancée that says, 'I love you very much.' I am also looking for a gift for my mother-in-law to thank you for her blessing. And, I want it to be something that represents the beauty of Tahiti. Price is not an object."

"Follow me this way please." I followed the gentleman to a display case of beautiful necklaces. He doesn't need to know that Tatianna is not my fiancée yet.

I saw one set that I wanted for Tatianna. And, a set to buy for Pandora. Each set had a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet. I paid for both sets, said thank you, and left the store.

I texted Matti and Aiesha to see if they wanted anything to eat. They did, so I picked up some local cuisine from the restaurant right next door to the jewelry store. I ordered just enough for the three of us to eat tonight and in the morning before we leave. Then, I headed home.

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Narrator's POV

By the time they reached San Diego airport the next day, it was 11:00 pm at night.

Matti, Aiesha, and Niko were very tired, so they headed to Niko's house for the night and got some rest.

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Thursday, October 26th, 2017

Niko's POV

I checked the clock and noticed it was noon. Matti, Aiesha, and I all took the rest of the week off, and it was well deserved. We didn't even get to my house until after midnight.

After taking a shower and getting dressed, I went downstairs to get something to eat.

Matti and Aiesha left me a note that they already made their way to the hospital. So, I ate some lunch, grabbed the gifts, and left for the hospital.

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As I entered the waiting room, I saw Jarvis, Pandora, and several other women that I didn't know.

"Hi, Niko. Tatianna doesn't have any permanent brain damage. And, thankfully she doesn't have Amnesia. Let me introduce you to Tati's friends. You've met Yuri. Akiko is Yuri's twin sister. And, meet Celeste and Kendall." Pandora says as she points to each of the ladies.

"It's nice to meet everyone."

"So, you're the Mr. Kostopoulos Aiesha told us about. Tati is our best friend and we want what is best for her. I hated that Jay guy, so thanks for doing what we all wanted to do. Treat Tati the way she deserves to be treated. I'm Celeste."

"Yes, thank you. We couldn't stand his guts. And, your phone service is the best. I love it. I recommend Phenomenon to everyone I meet. We won't ever have to worry about you ever hurting Tati. I'm Kendall."

"Thank you, Celeste and Kendall. I have so many wonderful things planned for Tatianna. I just hope she lets me in heart, especially after what she went through with Jay."

"That's where we can help you out. I'm Yuri's sister, Akiko. The five of us have been best friends since high school."

"Oh before I forget, here is a gift bag for you, Pandora and Jarvis from Tahiti."

"Thank you, Niko." Jarvis and Pandora both say as I hand them the bags. Aiesha and Matti enter the waiting room.

"Hey everyone, the doctor saw so much progress that Tati no longer needs the breathing machine. She had it removed while we were in there. Her talking is slow but will improve over time. Niko, Tati was asking for you. We told her all that you have done for her."

I'm not going to start my pursuit today. "Okay. Thanks, Aiesha." I then made my way to Tatianna's room.

When I walked in, she looked over and I saw a smile. "Why am I nervous?" I never get nervous around a woman. But, Tatianna is not any woman. She is the one that I want. I grabbed the chair in the room and placed it next to her bed.

"Thank....you," Slowly came out of Tatianna's mouth.

I put my fingers up to her mouth.

"Ssh, don't talk. Rest your voice. You're welcome. No one is ever going to hurt you again, Tatianna. I promise. I care about you a lot. Not just as your boss, but as a friend."

"One day I hope we are more than friends." She didn't hear me say that.

"I bought a present for you." I pulled out each gift I had in the bag - the jewelry set, some Monoi Oil, a Tifaifai quilt, and a Pareu (a hand-woven sarong). And, I bought her a teddy bear. Okay, I can be a softie at times, and this is one of them.

"Everything......is....beautiful. Thank....you." Tatianna had tears streaming down her eyes. So, I grabbed a tissue and wiped them.

"You're welcome." I noticed her eyelids appeared heavy like she was tired.

"Get some rest. I will come back later to see you."

Tatianna nodded her head to say 'yes,' so I stood up and left the room for her to get some rest.

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Narrator's POV

Tatianna spent another month in the hospital recovering from her injuries. She was able to sit up in her bed. Also, her casts were changed to synthetic, softer casts. Her speech is no longer slow. Tatianna is also able to sit in a wheelchair, with someone helping her.

Niko continues to come after work every day. He was also able to get the additional medical personnel for his company. Now,he will have a total of four doctors for his staff.

Another month flew by.

Tatianna progressed well enough for the doctor to draw up her release papers. Niko and the family couldn't wait for this day. The hospital gave the okay for a press conference to be held.

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Monday, January 8th, 2018

Tatianna's POV

It feels great to finally be leaving the hospital. My family and friends are waiting for me in the lobby. My father signed my release papers.

"Ready to leave the hospital, Tati?" My mom asked.

"I absolutely am." My dad wheeled me out of my room, and we made our way to the lobby. I was rolled off the elevator to a loud, thunderous applause in the lobby. It was overwhelming and I couldn't control my tears.

I saw Matti, Aiesha, Mr. Kostopoulos, Matti's grandmother, Cass, Niko (that is what he told me to call him), Celeste, Kendall, Yuri, Akiko, my grandparents and my friends from the hospital.

My mom and dad sat with me at the table with a microphone for me.

"First I want to say thank you to the staff and doctors at Memorial. The support and care I received were amazing. The circumstances that put me in the hospital were hurtful. I had found out that the guy that was supposedly my boyfriend used me for a bet. I am very self-conscious about my skin tone. My parents had to talk me out of bleaching my skin." My tears started flowing again and I could barely get my next words out. My parents wrapped their arms around me.

"He used my self-conscious as a bet. The bet was to date me for a year, and he would receive $20,000. How could anyone do such a thing? It hurt so much. I ran out of the restaurant where I saw him and his girlfriend. I didn't even realize that I ran out into the street. I didn't see the oncoming SUV that was driving down the street. That was all that I remember after that point. I want to apologize to the driver of the SUV. And, please don't blame yourself for hitting me. It was my own fault I want to thank my parents, Jarvis and Pandora. Also, my sister and brother-in-law, Aiesha and Matti. Also, I need to thank Niko Kostopoulos for all that he has done for me. My sister told me he came with me to the hospital, stayed almost every day with me, and paid for my medical expenses. I am forever grateful for him. He is the best boss a girl could ever ask for." I'm not telling the media what Aiesha said happened to Jay and his band of idiots. Serves them right for what they did to me.

"Thank you also to everyone who sent cards, flowers, and stuffed animals. I appreciate it all and love you all so much. I want to also thank the media for coming today."

I couldn't talk anymore because I started the waterworks again. My dad wheeled me outside, away from the media.

"You did great, Tati."

"Thanks, dad."

"Excuse me, are you Tatianna Reid?" A woman approached me and asked.

"Yes, I am."

"My name is Denise Collins. I am the driver of the SUV. I am so glad that you are okay and I am really sorry about hitting you."

"Denise, it was not your fault at all. It was mine, and I'm sorry for running in the street. That was totally careless of me. And, thank you for the card and flowers. My parents told me you even came by to visit. I really appreciate that and hope we can be friends."

"You're welcome. And, I would like that. Here is my business card. It has my cell phone number listed on it."

Denise handed me her card. She has her own catering service. 

"When I get my new cell number, I will give you a call."

"Okay. It was great to finally meet you and I'm glad you are okay. It's nice to meet everyone and enjoy the rest of your day."

"Thank you, Denise." We gave each other a hug, and then she left.

"Tatianna, do you want to ride in a car or SUV?" Niko asked me.

"SUV, please. And, thank you for taking care of me. You don't have to. I don't want to cause any friction with your employees. And, please call me Tati."

Niko's POV

"Oh honey, I already squashed that friction ahead of time." I didn't tell her that, but I did handle it. They were warned that if anyone says anything or does anything to harm Tatianna, they would suffer the consequences.

"You're welcome, Tati. I'll be right back." I walked over to my Cullinan, drove it over to the hospital entrance, and parked in front of Tati.

"Nice ride there, Niko."

"Thanks, Tatianna." Matti and Jarvis helped Tati inside. I placed her crutches in the trunk and shut it. Then, hopped in the driver's side.

She looked out the window and said, "Goodbye, Memorial."

Then, we pulled off to our future house.

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