Chapter 21

Fuck.

I remained silent under her scrutinizing gaze. What am I supposed to say? That me and his son were fuck buddies. I don’t think a mother would like to hear such a thing.

I stilled, not knowing what to say.

“Don’t think I didn’t catch you two being ‘intimate’ with each other.” Her sharp eyes studying me.

“You’re son and I are-” She intervened by raising an indexed finger in front of me.

“I’m sure you are one of his women my son is dating in his pastime. He won’t get serious with you the same as others so I advise you, dear, stay away from him before it gets too late.”

I clenched my fists, wondering why I couldn’t even say a single retort. Me, the queen of sarcasm and comeback.

She then whirled around, pulling the door open and left me in the room.

I inhaled and exhaled deeply to calm my raging ego. I don’t want to think bad about this whole situation. She’s just a mom who’s super concerned about her son. And I am this bad influence in his life.

I breathed shakily before coming out of the room. When I reached the ballroom, everyone was gathered in front of the stage with Nicholai Veselov who started giving his speech. Nile was beside him and Sara who just made an appearance, stood on his other side. His dad had a huge smile on his face while greeting everyone and thanking them. From the look of his face, he was obviously proud of his son. He couldn’t stop being grateful.

I looked away, not already in the mood to listen to his speech. As I turned to leave, I almost rammed into someone’s chest. I looked up and saw Nixon’s penetrating gaze.

---

The night was a bit chilly and with my revealing dress, I don’t think talking on the balcony is a good idea.

I feel a cloth placed around my shoulders. Nixon put his jacket around me. “It’s cold.” He said then went back to his spot beside me.

“Thanks.” I muttered. I mean, hating him aside, he was still the same thoughtful guy I dated in the past.

He was staring at me. His eyes held mixed emotions that were hard to figure out.

“Start talking, Nixon. Don’t prolong the night.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Too late but I still appreciate it. Is that all?” I turned my body to face him. “You’re wasting a precious night for two words.” I took a step towards him. “I hope you didn’t come here just to say that to me.”

He suddenly stood straight. “I came back for you.” The silence follows. “There’s no friend or anyone I’m here with. My parents wanted me to work with Veselov. The moment I knew you were working for him, I took the chance to see you. This… is how I’m here. And for the why…”

“Don’t.” I stop him. “I don’t want to hear it.”

He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “Shame. You’re all the reason I came back. And you’re going to listen to my explanation, Kura. I didn’t waste eight years for nothing.”

I froze. My heart was suddenly beating fast.

What?

“You never really stopped me from leaving. You never asked why. And we never broke up, Kura. I left, you knew it and that’s it.”

“You left because you’re fucking ambitious. Your career matters and who am I to stop you? I don’t own your life. I’ve accepted that.” I retorted.

“Then why are you angry?!” The question took me off guard. There was silence as we stared eye to eye with intensity. He was the one to break the long pause.

“I wanted you to ask me and above all else, I wanted you to stop me. You matter to me, Kura, so what you felt for me is important. You watching me walk away hurts because you… were indifferent about it.”

“Why?” I asked but he was suddenly taken back by my question. Why ask now, I guess. “Why did you leave? Obviously for your career. Either way, you wanted me to ask. Now answer me.” I spat.

One thing I thought in the past is that he left for his career. As much as it hurts that he left, I wanted to understand him so I relented and set him free.

Perhaps Belle was right. We really needed to talk about these unresolved issues we have. Maybe we both simply have a huge misunderstanding. Maybe we didn’t. But this all ends now.

The silence made me doubt suddenly. Why is he not answering? Why is he suddenly quiet? My heart was beating erratically at the possibilities.

“My parents never liked our relationship.”

The hairs on my skin stood. I feel the surroundings in slow motion while not hearing anything but his confession.

“You know so much that I dreamed of being a doctor… but they were against it too. I’m the eldest of my siblings so apparently, the position of president is always my place. I… I left because I stopped following my dreams. I thought… maybe if I stopped contradicting them, I can decide who I’d be with. I lied to you, yes, because it was easier that way but it was either dreams or you.”

“I chose you.”

Fuck.

“Why… why didn’t you tell me?” Tears gathered in my eyes. Why the fuck did he tell me now?

“I know it sounds ridiculous but… I didn’t want you to stop me. I didn’t want you to feel guilty knowing I’ve given up on my dreams for you. At the same time… I wanted you to stop me from leaving. I wanted you to beg me… because I love you so much.”

“Nixon… no.” I clenched my fists, holding the tears from falling down. “Don’t… please.”

“Kura.” He stepped closer towards me. His voice was that of begging.

“Why now? Why the hell did you have to tell me now?” I exclaimed.

“Because now, I have full control of my situation. Because now, I’m the president and no one can stop me from having you. I might have taken a long time but I promised myself that I will come back for you.”

“Have you ever thought that I might be married now?”

He smirked arrogantly but there was a hint of sadness in it. “You never dated anyone after me.”

My nostrils flared. “So you’ve done your research. Were you stalking or did you hire someone to investigate me?”

“I only want an update on what I wanted to know. And that's your relationship.” He stated matter of factly.

“Tch. And your parents?” He stilled… which I know what that meant.

I took a step forward, narrowing my eyes at him. “I think our talk ends here, Nix. Thank you.”

I took off his coat and pushed it against his chest. I then turned to leave.

“Kura, wait.” He followed in haste. “Please…” He was in front of me, stopping me from leaving. His hand gripping my arm tightly, afraid that I’d leave him for good. “Come back to me. Please. My feelings for you have never changed. I still love you, Kura. Please.”

I looked at his deep blue eyes. They were glistening with tears. The other almost spilling.

I shook my head, unable to speak anything. Deep down, I still care for this man and I was afraid of hurting him.

I forced his hand to let go of me and left him. I willed myself not to look at his distraught face as I walked away.

My eyes suddenly met his who was staring at me intensely among the crowd. He was glaring. I know for sure that Nile saw the little scene we had.

But that doesn’t dampen my already worst mood at all.

It was the gorgeous woman clinging to his arm.