Bad News

Early in the morning, Kimberly was already busy packing all Nicholas's necessities into the suitcase. Today the man's schedule left for the Maldives to review the construction project site. While Kimberly continued to tidy up the suitcase's contents, Nicholas himself seemed to be busy preparing himself. The man had been sorting and choosing which clothes he should wear. "Which do you think I look good in?" asked Nicholas, still in his bathrobe. His eyes were busy scanning the pile of clothes hanging neatly in the closet.

Kimberly glanced at Nicholas. Then not long after, she got up and approached.

"Hmm, should I wear a suit?"

Nicholas shook his head slowly. "No need. After all, after arriving, I went straight to the hotel first. The next day, I just checked the location." Kimberly nodded in understanding. Then she turned her gaze to the cupboard. Her hand reached out to open Nicholas's hanging clothes one by one. It wasn't long before she found what she was looking for. "I think this shirt is perfect for you to wear this morning." Kimberly pulled out a plain black slim-fit shirt that was hanging and handed it to Nicholas.

Nicholas had a questioning expression. "Didn't I wear a shirt of almost the same color and style last night?"

Kimberly did nothing but nod again. "Yes, right." she answered quickly. "And...for some reason, I seem to be fascinated to see you wearing a black shirt like last night. To be honest, you look even more handsome." the next second, Kimberly's face lowered in shame.

Nicholas narrowed his eyes. "So you think I wasn't handsome before? I see?"

Kimberly raised her face again. "N-nothing like that. You are indeed handsome, but somehow you were different last night. But, no matter what you are, I still love you." she said honestly, then looked down again.

Nicholas smiled. Hearing Kimberly's words, which were so sincere and honest, made his feelings swell. Being said handsome is nothing new for him. Not arrogant, all also know about it. But this is different. The words came from a woman who he considered special now.

Then, Nicholas grabbed Kimberly's chin. Directing the woman's gaze to focus on him. Their eyes met as if trying to dive into each other's thoughts, and the next second you can guess what happened. Nicholas's lips brushed Kimberly's lips. Gentle, full of feelings but impressed passionate. Slowly opened her lips. Crushed, gave a gentle massage, and even took a sip of Kimberly's tongue until she couldn't help but moan.

While the woman in front of him could only close. She enjoyed every caress Nicholas gave. Occasionally replying, also biting, and then tasting at will. Enjoy every fondling that makes her infatuated. Satisfied, Nicholas was forced to let go of their lips. But in the next second, he brought his lips to kiss Kimberly's forehead for a long time and then hugged her back tighter than before. "I love you, how about we get married soon?" asked Nicholas suddenly as he opened his arms.

Kimberly gasped in surprise. She should have been happy when Nicholas asked her to get married quickly. But the problem is, he remembers about his family now. Not necessarily that Arthur's grandfather agreed to their marriage. After all, until this moment, Nicholas only knew that she was an orphan. It occurred to her to tell Nicholas. She thought he should know by now. After that, all that remains is to meet Arthur's heart. Because she was sure, getting the old man to approve of her relationship was not easy. Getting rid of Marco and replacing him with Nicholas was not an easy matter.

"Kimberly..." Nicholas's call brought Kimberly out of her thoughts.

"Ah, yes. Why?"

"You didn't hear what I said?" inquired Nicholas.

"N-no, I'm listening to you. It's just that I was quite surprised to hear that. You want to marry me right away?" Kimberly tried to make sure again. Just in case Nicholas was kidding.

Nicholas smiled faintly. "Of course, honey. I'm serious. Coming home from the Maldives, let's talk about this." Nicholas moved from in front of Kimberly, grabbed the previously chosen shirt, and quickly put it on.

"Nick..." Kimberly tried to interrupt Nicholas's activities, who were almost done getting ready. "What is it?" Kimmy took a deep breath. "I have something to tell you," she said hesitantly.

Nicholas glanced at the clock hanging on the corner of the wall. Believing that he had little time left, he said, "Shall we talk about it after I get home from the Maldives? I think it's almost late for the airport."

Kimberly pursed her lips tightly. Swallowed back the words he had prepared. Following Nicholas's advice, he should tell her about his family when the man returns from a business trip.

"Okay, we'll talk about it later. I'll change first. After that, we'll both go to the airport."

***

Kimberly clings affectionately by Nicholas's side on the way to the airport. This time, she found it hard to let the man go for some reason. Like something was bothering her. As for Nicholas, he felt that there was something strange about Kimberly. She wasn't usually as spoiled as she was now.

Curious, the man asked. "What is it?"

Kimberly lifted her face. "Nothing, it's just that I want to be satisfied before you leave me." Nicholas smiled fondly and then pinched the cheek of the woman in his arms. "I'm only gone three days, honey. After that, I promise wherever I go, and I'll take you."

A moment later, the man grabbed Kimberly's lips and kissed her briefly before they finally got out of the car. When Nicholas came out, Kimberly smiled at the man's outstretched hand. Together they went to the airport lobby before finally breaking up.

"I can only take you here. Let me know when you get there," Kimberly asked. Without being asked, the woman immediately hugged Nicholas's body for a long time.

"I'll always be in touch with you. Remember! Please don't mess around while I'm not around. Take care of Edward's distractions. After this, Randy will take you straight to the office." Nicholas untied his arms. I moved away and waved once before actually entering the airport building. Meanwhile, Kimberly watched until the man's shadow disappeared from her sight.

***

More than ten times, Kimberly glanced at the cellphone screen she was holding. Nicholas should have called her this afternoon. But look now. It was nine o'clock in the evening, and the man had not given the least bit of news which made him feel uneasy.

"Not yet 24 hours he promised always to contact me. Look now? He even broke his promise." Kimberly let out a shaky breath. Her mood worsened instantly.

"Basic man. All the same. Liar!"

Right after Kimberly finished cursing in her mind. Her cell phone rang loudly. She quickly grabbed it and answered the call.

"Hello..." said the man on the other end.

"Why are you just calling me now!" Kimberly said curtly. She was already annoyed because she had been waiting for news from the man.

Nicholas laughed into the call. "Oh my God. I'm sorry, Kimberly. Arriving in the Maldives, Claudia and other business partners immediately took me to the construction site. They can't wait to have a look."

Silence, Kimberly chose to remain silent. Even though Nicholas had explained, still, he was annoyed. She thought about how hard it is to send a short message to give news. Was she so unimportant that Nicholas had forgotten?

There was no answer on the other side, making Nicholas open his voice again.

"Are you mad at me? What should I do to get you to forgive me?"

Kimberly took a deep breath. "Think by yourself!" Kimberly answered briefly.

"I'm sorry, Kimberly. I promise I won't forget to call you again." Nicholas kept begging. He looked almost frustrated now.

"Hmmm, I Forgive you this time. But if tomorrow you forget me again, there will be no forgiveness for you," Kimberly threatened. She meant what she said.

Kimberly talked with Nicholas for a long time on the phone. They are now like a couple who are really in love. Throw jokes at each other. Joke with each other. Finally, Kimberly decided to end the call. "You should rest. I'm sure your schedule will be quite busy tomorrow," Kimberly said. She also knows what agenda the man will work on tomorrow. Lack of rest could make Nicholas's stamina decrease.

"Yes, after this, I immediately rest. You too, rest quickly. Take care of your condition there," replied Nicholas.

"Okay, but first, I want to hear a good night's greeting from you," Kimberly asked. Her voice was soft. It makes anyone who hears it melts.

"Have a good night's sleep," Nicholas said.

"Only that?"

Nicholas glared. "What else should I say?"

This time Kimberly sighed in disgust, seeing Nicholas, who was also insensitive and understood what she meant. "You suck!" the woman sneered. "Yeah, forget it."

But when the woman was about to hang up the phone, Nicholas suddenly called her.

"Kimmy ..."

"What else?"

"Good night, my dear. I hope you dream of me tonight."

Kimberly immediately smiled. Butterflies in his chest fluttered hearing the sweet words of the man he loved. Not wanting to lose the moment, he replied.

"Good night, my future husband." Kimberly believed that the man there smiled too after hearing her words.

"I love you, Mrs. Alistair."

"I love you more," replied Kimberly. Then the call ended. Then not long after, Kimberly jumped with joy. She was feeling so happy with what Nicholas had just done to him.

Simple, but it made her so impressed.

However, it didn't take long for the phone to ring again. Glancing at him, an unknown number called him. Hesitantly he picked up.

"Kimberly. .." A very familiar voice called her name.

"What is it?" she asked flatly.

"Meet me in the lobby of your apartment. We have something important to discuss. I beg you. It's very important."

Before answering, the call was disconnected. Feeling curious, she brought herself to go immediately to the lobby. She looked around until her eyes caught the presence of the figure she was looking for.

"Why are you looking for me last night?" Kimberly sat down on the guest sofa in the lobby. "Opa's condition is declining, and he is looking for you, Kimmy." Marco, the man who contacted her earlier, provided information. It was clear that the man was telling the truth.

"Opa's heart recurred again?"

Marco nodded. "If his condition continues to deteriorate within this week, I will take him to another hospital. He's been asking me since yesterday to take you."

Kimberly closed her eyes. She was trying to weigh Marco's request. Because she was so sure when he chose to come, she had to be prepared not to see Nicholas again.

"I can't come with you. Please understand my situation." Kimberly asked.

"Is Nicholas holding you back from meeting your family?" accused Marco. His eyes flashed sharply.

"That's not the reason. It's just that I'm not ready yet. Give me a little more time. I promise I will go home and see grandpa soon," Kimberly whispered pleadingly.

Marco took Kimberly's hand. Hold it gently for quite a long time. "I hope you change your mind quickly. Poor grandpa. Whenever you're ready, I'll pick you up." Kimberlyl nodded in agreement. Then not long after Marco left, she was sitting still. Her mind wandered somewhere.

Meanwhile, someone had been watching and taking pictures of Kimberly's every move from a distance.