NIKKI POV

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When you love, pain and hurt are inevitable. And I never saw myself under this circumstances. I thought I could control my heart and let my head took over my heart but, boy, I was wrong.

Kicking the unwelcome emotions out of my system, a decision had popped up in my head. I will leave my resignation after my work and it's irrevocable. For now, I will welcome the pain of suffering as I accompany Annabel, but to hell with them, If they'll see me breaking apart. I will show them that I'm not affected with their upcoming wedding.

I just hope I can do it.

I'm just done booking some clients when I saw Annabel coming. As usual, she looks fabulous in her Dolce Gabbana dress reaching just above her knee.

She ignored me and just walk past me which I didn't care. I'm glad she didn't bother me. She just walked in right through his office without knocking.

Knowing they are both alone inside made me feel furious. The jealousy was really hitting me hard. Now, this is real. I had to overcome this, to overcome what more to come. It's easy to say than done, but there's nothing that can be done if you're determined to do it. I grew up being so independent. And this little thing, is just a piece of cake.

I don't need love. It will only make you weak.

I smiled bitterly as bitter as my heart. You are fine, Nikki. You are fine. I inwardly consoled myself.

I just had to suffer today. Tomorrow, I'm Alex's free!

The beeping of the phone snaps me out of my trance. I snatch the phone out of the cradle.

"Yes, Sir!" I asked not waiting for his words and put the phone down. I marched in his room.

"Annabel wants you to help her plan the wedding. You don't have to work for a month since the wedding is in a month. Will you be able to do that?" he asked as he glances at me once in a while, impassively. Annabel was standing beside him, her palm resting on his one shoulder.

"I don't think I will be working till then, sir!" I blurted out nonchalantly as I smiled sweetly. I saw his eyes turned colder, with his eyebrows puckering. The crease line on his forehead deepened and it morphs gradually into an exasperated scowl.

"Can you leave us for a second, Annabel?" Alex said in a monotone as he stood up facing Annabel. She looks like she's going to protest but she saw the grim face of Alex. She reluctantly walks to the door leaving me a deathly glare.

When the door closed, he stared at me impassively. It's hard to read his mind, but I stood my ground. It's the only thing left for me.

My ego.

"So you want to throw everything you could get in just a year?" he cocked his eyebrow. His voice is full of sarcasm and mockery.

"Dad and I will leave this country. We don't need to be rich. It seems that he's fine now. You can have the company, your revenge is done. It's over Alex! You won't be seeing us. None of the Rivas because dad will be coming with me to London. You will be at peace as we do." I lied. Although, I've been thinking about it. Moving to London and find a nursing job. Maybe my cousins and aunt could help me. It will be better for all of us.

I thought I saw the hurt in his eyes but then it vanish promptly or I was seeing things differently. He was staring into my eyes deeply. It was emotionless, but I could feel the tension filling the air. I avoided his eyes or I would melt and break apart. I can't cry here. Not in front of him, not even a lone tear.

"Do you think I will accept your resignation?" he said softly barely audible. From the corner of my eyes, I saw him sat back down in his chair.

"It's irrevocable," I replied nonchalantly.

"You're not resigning or I will force to liquidate all of your assets and your family still owe me a lot if I were to ask my accountant to assess all your assets in a payment of your dad's debt. It's not enough Nicki. Your dad will be behind bars if you insist on resigning. Don't force me to do things you will regret in the end," he explained flatly, but his tone dripping with a warning.

So there's no way I could escape from his control? What does he want from me? Does he want me to crawl at his feet and beg him to release us? I would never do such thing, over my dead body.

"Do you want my dad dead? Is that what you want Alex? Is that how much you hated him?" my eyes twitched in anger. I clenched and unclenched my hands. His eyes softened but he looked away after.

"You're working until the wedding is done and by then, you're free to go with your dad's company. And I won't ever bother you again!" he declared firmly. The last seven words made me light headed. Good riddance to me.

So this is what he wants. To help Annabel planning their wedding. I just realized that he loved her so much. My heart was twitching in pain. A month? Could I do it? This is like killing me slowly and painfully. But, I can't watch my father rot in jail. I just can't. He's the only one that I have.

"Alright. Then, I'll leave," I hesitantly agreed with a grave heart. I walked out of the room without looking at him. I was too hurt that I didn't notice his sad gloomy eyes following my back.

*****

ALEX POV

I wanted to tell her how much it pained me to see her walking away from me. My plan is to win her, but she always surprised me making me furious. The gap between us is too wide to patch it up.

Stupid Alex!

I wanted to punch myself for letting things got out of control. I felt a lone tear drip down my cheek. My heart was empty. I felt empty. I should have let her go since there's no chance of us coming back together, but I thought at least until I got married where there's no reason to see her around and make the pain unbearable.

I leaned my back and close my eyes. I imagined when we are still happy together. I could still feel her soft lips on mine. Her soft body pressing against my body. I wish I could turn back time where I'm free to hold her and kiss her and just make out. Make her mine.

"I love you, Nicki. I wish it's that easy to tell you. It's you that I want to be with for the rest of my life. It's you that I want my kids to call their mother. It's always been you that I want to grow old with," I mumbled like a fool.

What happened to us? I thought when you came back the love we both shared once will be resumed and will be together forever. Why did I let my jealousy ruined everything that I have waited for long to come and planned?

"Argh..." I groaned fisting my hair and banged my head on the table not bothering if it hurt or not. The pain of losing her was more painful.

The stinging tears well up around my eyes and I let it fall freely. My head resting on my palm with my elbows propped on the table. I felt so hopeless.

I groaned in frustrations. She doesn't have any idea how much her presence is killing me knowing I can't even hold her. So close yet so far.

I straightened myself and pulled my thoughts and feelings together. I cleaned the table with the kleenex that was placed on the edge of my table. I wipe the last tears in my eyes.

*****

NIKKI POV

Rodrigo drove us at the finest jewelry store, the People's Jewelry shop. I was sitting on one of the couch waiting for her to pick up her ring. I never showed any displeasure although deep within me I just wanted to get the hell out of there.

"Nicki, come here!" I heard her called me. With a heavy heart, I got up and walked closer to the counter. She was looking on a big stone in a shape of a square. It looks beautiful but I thought it was too big. It's going to be hard to do something with it.

"What do you think of these?" she asked as she lifted the ring, when the light from the chandelier hits it's stone it sparkled.

"Do you like it?" I asked cocking my eyebrow. I'm not in the mood to make an honest compliment.

"Yes!" her eyes twinkled.

"Then, it's settled. That's the important thing. If you like it then go for it!" I explained nonchalantly.

"Do you find it beautiful?" she asked now her eyes looks sincere. I felt guilty for being uninterested.

"Yes, it's beautiful." I agreed. My honest opinion is not, but seeing her reactions, I have no heart to break it. She looks so happy so I stifled the urge to voice out my opinion.

Finally, the saleslady punches it in. Annabel was already wearing the ring.

She seems to forget who she was with that I felt I should be nice to her. Even if it's killing me seeing her happy that I wish I was in her shoe.

I heaved a long heavy sigh for the nth time since we were there.

After like a decade, she decided to go home. Rodrigo drops me at the office and I felt so much relieved.

I walked to the elevator and stepped into the waiting elevator. After I punch the top floor, the machine jolted lightly, moving up and not long the elevator jolted to stop and the door slides open. I stepped out and walked straight to my cubicle. As soon as I sat down on my chair, I palmed my face, with my elbows propped on my table.

A lot of things happened today and I don't know if I could take another day to come. How much more a month? I felt numb. I felt like a robot. I was under the devil's control.

I massage my temple. I felt like I'm going to have a headache shortly.

My eyes involuntarily darted at the time. It's just 3:15. I haven't eaten anything yet. I saw Colton's missed call today but I forgot to call him back. I was too lazy to call him or even text. I just wanted to lay down and sleep. I'm so exhausted physically and mentally.

I turned the computer on and started googling on the best flower shop here in Barcelona. I was also thinking to just meet a wedding planner and maybe just tell her what's going to be the theme. Instead of doing it all by myself. It's going to be exhausting.

*****

ALEX POV

I checked on the time. It's almost six pm. I was done signing the contracts that needed this week. I also check on the new updates of the Rivas hotels for the 15 countries and it's all slowly getting back on its track. I'm impressed. I think the managers had seriously considered my word.

I stretched my legs for sitting straight today, and check on my phone for any calls or text. I usually put it on a silent if I'm working. I saw three missed calls, all from mom.

I dialed our home number. After a few rings, my dad picked it up.

"Morrison's residence, Max Speaking." My dad's rich voice echoed in my speaker.

"Hi, dad!" I started, sounding flat. Since I found out what dad did to mom, I felt a bit aloof to him. I just can't accept the fact that he did it, but I respect him. Mom is right. I wouldn't be here, but it's not a reason to rape her.

"How are you doing?" dad asked. Ignoring my coldness or he just didn't notice it.

"Fine, dad! I saw mom's missed calls. I wonder what is she up to?" I asked dryly.

"Hold on, I'll pass the phone to her," he exclaimed and shortly, I heard mom's voice on the other line.

"Why didn't you pick up your phone? Were you too busy?" Mom's asked with disapproval in her voice.

"Sorry, mom. I need to finish those contract I needed this week." I explained briefly. "Why did you call by the way?" I inquired as I leaned on my back and pivoted my chair and dragged it closer to the mirrored window wall and watch the sun, sets.

"Of course, about the wedding Anniversary. It's tomorrow night. I just want to remind you. And I wanna know who is coming with you?" she asked curiously.

"Annabel, mom, and I proposed to her last night," I said softly barely audible.

"Really? Oh congratulations, honey. I knew you too will end up together. I have to tell Claudia. She'll be ecstatic about this news!" my mom rants happily. I could hear her squeal as she kept on rambling on and on.

"I gotta go, mom. I'm tired," I uttered exhaustedly.

"Ok, son. hope you have a good sleep tonight. I love you!" she exclaimed happily and ended the call before I could respond.

I drag the chair back to my desk and started tidying my desk. Putting all the contracts together and piled it up and stuff it in my suitcase.

I stood up and grab the suitcase and my coat hanging on the coat rack. I walked out my door and closed it behind me. I look at her cubicle and I was surprised to see her. She looks like she's sleeping. Her other cheek was resting on crossed-arm propped on the table.

I felt a tug in my heart at the sight of her. She looks peacefully sleeping. I walked closer and watch her. I walked around to her back and saw the papers scattered where all about the wedding idea. I felt a pang of remorse. I bent my head thinking to kiss her cheeks. Slowly and gently, I brush my lips onto her soft cheeks. I wanted to do more.

I felt her stirred. I quickly straightened up and walked around standing across the desk. She looks disoriented. When she notice me she straightened up and fix herself.

"If you wanna get ready now, I'll drive you home." I offered nicely. I wanted to make it up to her after I treated her so bad.

"I can take a cab, it's alright," she declined. Again, I felt that rejection.

"I'm going home and your place is just across mine, it's the same way Nicki. Let me please take you home," I said, sounding desperate and at that moment, I don't really care.

"O-okay," she trailed off. She turned her computer off and started tidying her desk. I was just watching her intently. It seems that when she moves I find it all sexy. Everything in her is what I'm looking for. I felt like I'm always entranced by her.

Shortly, she's done. She grab her purse and walk to my side. We walked to the elevator in deep silence. Only our breathings that I could hear.

I led her to my car. I'm glad I didn't ask Rodrigo to drive me since he was Annabel's driver today. I wanted to be alone with her. At least with just this simple things.

I opened the door for her and she thanked me. I put the suitcase in the back seat and then walk to the driver's side and slide in. Soon we were on the road. I glanced in her direction once in a while.

"Would you like to have a dinner with me? I haven't had anything, since this morning." I offered, with high hopes in my voice.

She looks at me, then she nodded. Surely, If I'm not driving, I will jump with joy. I can't contain my feelings anymore. I wanted to hold her. I reached for her hand and she looked at me in confusion. Her eyes held unknown emotions, but I ignored it. I want to touch her. I lace my hand to hers and she didn't say anything as I stared at her with my pleading eyes.

Just, for now, my eyes pleaded.

If I could stop the time I will. I wanted this moment to just keep it slow and savor every bit of it.

We ended up in a Chinese restaurant. I was very attentive to her. She didn't protest when I hold her hand. I hope everything goes well. We were attended right away. The waiter was openly flirting with me. I saw that displeasure in her eyes. I know she hated it when someone is flirting with me except for the last days. I felt so proud and I love it when she doesn't hide her feelings.

We ordered our food as we slowly sipping our wine. I was just watching her. She looks relaxed, but her eyes were full of sadness and pain. I wanted to erase that sadness and that pain. I know I've caused it. Right at that moment I wanted to punch myself. Why I can't control my emotions when it concerns her.

"Do you know what Annabel's theme would like in your wedding?" she blurted out suddenly. I was taken aback. I forgot about the wedding and Annabel.

"Can we not talk about the wedding or anything that concerns Annabel." I pleaded. I want this time to be just me and her.

She stared at me with confusion. "O-ok!" she replied briefly.

The food arrived and we both ate without breaking the silence. Only the clicking of the knife, fork and plate that could hear. The food wasn't bad but I couldn't taste it well. I lost my appetite. I was half done when I felt full.

I finished the last content of my wine. She ate her last piece of grilled piece of eggplant. She ate all her food. I like my girl whose eating a lot.

"Would you like some desert?" I inquired hoping she will have some as I want to prolong the time being with her.

"No thanks, I'm full!" she smiled genuinely. Making me feel happy. I felt like I did something right tonight.

After I paid the bill, I intertwined my fingers onto hers and led her to my car. She didn't protest. I help her settled in the front seat before rounded to the drivers seat.

Soon, I hit the road. My hand again lace onto hers. I felt like I'm the happiest man in the world right at this moment.

I discreetly groaned in disapproval when I saw her building. My happiness is over. I will find a way to spend the rest of the night with her.

*****

Nikki's POV

I just let myself enjoyed the moment with him. I know I felt like a traitor for doing it, but I never felt so happy in my life than being with him. With our hands intertwined, I felt my heart beat racing fast, and I'm like hyperventilating inside.

I just hope the time won't end. When he parked his car along the curb in front of our building, my heart sunk. I don't want this night to end.

His eyes were screaming the same feelings. We didn't talk much but our action says more.

"Can I stay for more hours in your place?" he begged like an eight years old boy. He was giving me his puppy dog eyes. I have never seen him like this before.

"My place is too quiet and I won't be sleeping soon, anyway. Please just for tonight?" he literally begged.

It's what I wanted right? If he'll ask me to sleep with me, for sure I will say yes. And, of course, when he begged and give me his puppy dog eyes.

"Sure." I smiled and like a kid who just got what he wanted, he bounced out of the car with buoyancy and hummed.

He opened the door for me and we both walked to the entrance door and headed to the elevator. Not long, we are both in front of my door. I unlocked it and stepped in as he followed me. I locked the door once his inside behind me. "Please feel comfortable, I'll just go and change," I said and he nods.

I tossed my purse on the vanity and pulled gray yoga pants and a pink fitted tank top. I quickly headed out to the living room and saw him standing in front of the glass window wall watching the street. His coat was neatly placed on the one arm of the sofa.

"Would you like anything to drink?" I inquired.

"Sure, anything!" he smiled and walked to the sofa and settled himself as he loosened his tie. He took the remote control and started flicking on the channels.

I walked to my cupboard where all the glasses were stored. I pulled out two wine glasses and place it on the counter as I opened a pinot grigio. I poured some wine into the two glasses and then walked back to the sofa. I handed it to him the other glass as I place mine on the coffee table. I occupied a spot bit farther from him. He grunted which made me looked at him in curiosity. He moved to my side and soon our body was very closed making my head scrambled, my thoughts gone haywire. Our close proximity is unsettling, sending all my rational thoughts out of the window.

It feels so natural, though. I forgot about the proposal, the oncoming wedding, about Annabel. My heart is in turmoil. I just wanted him. I want this. Him, right beside me. Our heart fused.

I felt his hand snake around my waist as he pulled me closer. I could smell his signature smell which driving me crazy right now. Ok, I felt intoxicated. I looked at him over my shoulder and he was staring at me with longing in his eyes. Am I seeing it right? I can see love. I quickly grab my wine and made a big sip. He kissed my temple as he sighed heavily. My heart was beating so fast.

"I missed you so much," he whispered or was just an imagination? Am I hallucinating?

*****

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