Chapter 22

“Kura.”

Nile’s call didn’t stop me from walking away. Until he grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. My shoulder bumped against his chest at the force.

“Where are you going?” He asked with knitted brows.

I glared at him unintentionally. “Nile, not now. I’m not in the mood.” He looked offended but he scowled nonetheless.

“Really? Is it because of that man? What is he to you? I saw you two, Kura. I know that man is more than just an acquaintance.” He was shaking my arm as he floodied me with questions. His grip started to hurt and I started to shake him off but he wouldn’t let me go.

His eyes glared, teeth gritting in towering rage.

“Will you fucking let me go?” He did release me with extreme effort on my part. “Why don’t you hang out with your women instead? After all, we’re just a toy for you.”

He stiffened. My words took him off guard.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” He exclaimed.

I couldn’t even retort because a woman’s voice called his attention. When we both turned to her, it was not the same woman who had clung to him not a moment ago. The only thing similar to them was they’re both beautiful.

When she called Nile, her eyes lit up in joy. She walked towards us in an alluring manner.

I clenched my fists, resisting my fury. So I left and didn’t stick around. I didn’t dare look. I walked out of the ballroom in rage.

Why can’t this night be just a simple celebration? Didn’t I do a great job on my work? And this is the fuck I got for working so hard?

Why now? Why?

The thought of Nixon made my heart ache. The thought of Nile… I thought I’m never gonna be this mad… this hatred for a man.

“Kura?” I heard Belle’s voice behind me. Her footsteps got louder as she reached to my side. “I thought you already quit with that.”

She pointed towards the bottle of champagne and the cigar I was holding between my fingers. It was the second round this night.

I don’t know what time it is that Belle went out to look for me. I just know that it felt like hours sitting here. I ordered the champagne from the bar inside the hotel and bought a few cigars.

I went out and took a walk in the courtyard. When I saw a bench, I allowed myself to sit and since then I forgot the time. I realized I needed this cold air outside to wake me up from this dream.

The moon and the clouds must be laughing at my predicament.

“I looked for you everywhere. You didn’t even answer my call.” I realized I didn’t answer her the first time she talked to me. “I told Quinn that you went out for a walk so she won’t get worried. I guess I was right.”

I inhaled deeply.

“What’s wrong, Kura?” She must have noticed my teary eyes.

“Sometimes…” I breathed. “You know, I can’t seem to choose which night is the worst night of my life.” My voice was shaky while trying so hard to resist a sob.

“What happened, Kura?” Her concern elevated when she heard the tone of my voice.

“Nixon and I talked.” There was a long pause before I continued. Belle patiently waited for my story. “His parents didn’t like me, Belle. He had to leave me so he could freely come back to me.”

I told her everything that Nixon and I talked about. Every detail of it. She held her silence as she listened to me.

“Not only that. Nile’s parents- well, mom hates me. She warned me to stop whatever it is Nile and I have. She said I was only one of his women whom he plays with during his pastime.” I swiftly turned to face Belle. I looked at her squarely while looking for the answer and the truth.

“What is with me and parents, Belle? Am I not good enough? My own parents, my own family didn’t want me. Should I not exist instead?”

“Oh, Kur. please don’t say that. You have us. We’re your family. We supported each other through thick and thin.” Tears pooled in her eyes mirroring mine as she said these heartfelt words.

And then I remembered Quinn.

I risked my life for her.

My eyes shifted to Belle, staring at her deeply.

I would do anything for these two. Anything.

A wobbly smile broke my face. “I know. Thank you.” She returned a smile full of emotion.

A single tear dropped to my cheek as I turned away hiding the lone tear. I made sure the others didn’t fall cause that will be the last.

---

“Where have you two been?” Quinn asked as soon as we gathered near the limousine.

I didn’t know what happened to the party while I was gone but I didn’t want to find out either way.

“I found her taking a walk outside.” Belle nodded to me. She was already standing beside her smiling husband.

We decided not to tell her about what we had talked about. Quinn was an extreme worrywart. I don’t think I want to bother the soon to be bride. She already got her hands full with her wedding.

And besides, what Belle told me was enough. They both are always there for me. That makes them four since Kyle and Tyler were an addition to our little group.

Quinn rolled her eyes. “Ugh. You and walks. Babe, I don’t think we need to buy a dog if Kura’s around.” They guffawed at her remark while I just shook my head with a tiny smirk.

We got inside the limo one by one with loud chatters and laughters in between.

“So…” Quinn raised a brow at me. “I do think I need a well deserved reward for the successful event we just had. Not to mention a million dollar deal.”

“I like where this is going. What about a trip?” She suggested chirpily.

“Maybe we could decide after your wedding, Quinn.” Belle stated.

“No, after their honeymoon. That’s for sure.” Kyle chirped in. His arm went around his wife’s shoulders. The other couples couldn’t even break their smiles.

I shrug. “That’s even more reasonable. But for the meantime, I think I want to have a little vacation.” They raised their brows at me inquisitively.

“I promised Colton that I’d visit him again.” Quinn nodded in understanding.

“Okay, you know that’s not a problem at all, Kur. Just as long as you tell where you go and of course inform us whenever you decide to randomly take a trip. The last time didn’t go well for you if you’ve forgotten.” While narrowing her eyes at me.

“Yes, mom. Roger that.” I smirked at her mischievously, making everyone snicker in amusement.

The next few days went by so fast. I had a lot of missed calls from Nile and Nixon. Nixon somehow knew my number. He probably asked it from his private investigator that was assigned to stalk me.

I intentionally missed their calls. Everytime my phone rings, I stare at the incoming call. It was either Nixon or Nile but Nile won like a landslide. My phone was filled with his name.

“How are you? You’ve been coming to work pretty late.” Belle teased as we met in the elevator. She was probably out for lunch and just came back. I’ve been coming to work after lunch.

I sigh with content. “I’m enjoying my not so busy days.”

She pressed the button which indicated the number of our floor before the door closed.

“Quinn is growing nervous by the day.” We chuckled at the thought. “It reminds me of Kyle and I. I thought I was going to back out because of cold feet.”

I laugh. “I think I’m going to tease her about it. She’s probably going to wring my neck.”

We both stepped out of the elevator while still talking about our friend. The wedding was fast approaching and Quinn was obviously growing anxious about it.

We suddenly stopped short when we noticed her and a man talking animatedly in our office. That’s not what made us surprised though.

The man whom she was talking with was Jacob Moore.