Chapter 67

I woke up still exhausted and sore from last night. I took a bath before going down stairs for breakfast. I was absolutely starving.

“Good morning, darling.” I froze when I met her downstairs. Her arms were crossed as she held a tiny knowing smirk in front of me.

I was surprised to see Sara. I thought she was on a trip. She probably just got home then.

“Good morning.” I responded shyly. And then I realized it was already noon and she was being sarcastic. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no. You don’t need to apologize. I’m sure you are tired.”

I blushed at her comment. I don’t know if she knew what I’ve been doing with her son the whole night.

Sara only smiled before inviting me for lunch. “Come. I’m going to have lunch on the veranda. I’ve been feeling stuffy since I arrived home. I need some fresh air and delicious food.” She then whirls around and gestured to me to follow her. She called one of the maids to prepare lunch outside.

I was completely hungry. I didn’t have the time anymore to act uncomfortable or embarrassed in front of her in which she didn’t even mind.

“My husband and I arrived a few hours ago. We would’ve been home earlier if he didn’t take me to Paris. Ever since Nile took over our empire here, Nicholai has been itching to travel all over the world.”

I smile as I joke. “I guess it’s your time to waste your son’s hard earned money.”

She laughs. “You’re right. I haven’t thought of that. But my son has been working hard all his life. Truthfully, I have never seen him play around or waste money like a spoiled brat. We urged him to do whatever he wanted but he was more interested in business which was surprising. His father is shy but definitely an outgoing person.” She shakes her head. “I don’t know where he gets that.” She shrugs. “Probably from my father.”

She then started staring at me like she was studying me. I looked down at my food feeling almost full at the sight.

“Tell me, Kura Kunoe. What exactly are your intentions to my son?”

I was stunned at her unexpected question. My eyes were wide as I stared at her like a deer caught in headlights.

“I kept asking him about your relationship but he just brushed me off lightly. Now, I wonder what you are to each other. I am assured that you are not simply his plaything or a woman he dates for the time being. I see his reactions whenever it involves you, my dear. Trust me when I say it is more than just a pastime.”

I looked down again as I muse.

“I am not going to apologize to you if I was rude the first few times we met.” She continued instead when she saw I wasn’t speaking. “You must know that I’m protective of my son. You should know that I am not only hostile towards you. I am like that with every woman who approaches my son. However, Nile seems to see you differently. Which is why I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt.”

My eyes shifted back at her with solemnity. “I understand why you are like that. You have every right to protect your son. To be honest, I would be so proud to have a mom like that.”

She smiled. “Nicholai and I go a long way back. We knew each other from college. We have the same circle of friends. He was quite gullible before we started dating… especially towards women. I wouldn’t say he was a womanizer. Because of his looks, women flocked over him like flies. Paired up with his billions of dollars worth of fortune, who wouldn’t want a man like him. He was more attractive to greedy people and because he was too trusting, he’s been hurt a lot. I had saved him countless times, of course, until he fell in love with me.”

She grins at me before continuing. “Experiences did make him wise. And that my dear, is the reason why I am what I am to my son and his… associates. I do not want a single repeat of what had happened to my husband towards Nile. You’re not the only woman I tried to antagonise. All of them are not good enough for him despite the status or reputation they hold. However, I see my son loves you. I see his possessiveness, his obsession and desperation. Something my prideful son lacked before he met you. He chose you, Kura Kunoe. Now I will ask again. What are your intentions to my son?” She asked with firmness.

I muse. “To be honest… at first, I was so confused about how I felt for him. But Nile has been so persistent with his feelings for me. How could I deny him for a chance when all he did was show how much he loves me. How much he cared for me.” I paused and looked at her steadily. “I don’t think you’re clueless about my situation.”

“I’m not.” She answered candidly. “He skipped the board meeting for you.” I nodded guiltily.

“That’s the thing. How can I not fall in love with him?”

She let out a slow smile. “Now, for the wedding preparations.”

“What?!

---

“Wow, what happened to you?” Belle asked as soon as I sat down in front of her desk.

I placed both of my hands in my head for support as I leaned to her desk.

“His mom and I had a talk. I’ve never been so stressed out my whole life, Belle. She’s so intimidating. I am fucking sure Nile got that from her.”

Belle laughs. “Did she interview you about your relationship with Nile?”

“Yep. She’s pretty detailed about it.”

“Aww~ there, there.” I glared at her while she returned a playful grin. “Seriously though, you should be celebrating. Jacob could no longer bother you.”

I suddenly sat straight, surprised at her newfound information.

“How did you know?”

“Nile informed me about it.”

“What else did he say?” I asked, curious of what details he spilled. I hope he didn’t include… that.

“He called telling me that you’re going back to work. As a concerned friend, I had to ask why you’re suddenly allowed to go out. I don’t want you to get into trouble again. He said that he took care of Jacob Moore. He was finally caught and unfortunately for him, he died because he struggled to fight back.” She sighed. “I don’t really wish for anyone’s death but he seriously had it coming. He’s dangerous. If he’s not going to hurt you, he’s definitely going to hurt someone else and he’ll still end up dead for that.”

I listened to her in a daze as she babbled on.

I nodded. “You’re right. He deserved it.”

Though I let Nile skip the excruciating details, I was glad he was no longer here in this world. He said he made him suffer before his death.

That’s all that matters to me.