Chapter 14%
When Nick arrived at the party, the change in his mood was obvious. His chiseled face was tight with tension and he radiated such a cold, unapproachable energy that people instinctively stepped out of his way
A few of his closest friends quickly came over worried
“Dude, what’s going on with you? You look like you’re about to throw someone out a window. Who pissed you off? Just say the word-
we’ll handle it
Nick didn’t respond. He just frowned, that deep line between his brown not going anywhere. His mind kept replaying the messages Aria had sent him earlier.
[Stop bothering me.]
Like he enjoyed bothering her. If it weren’t for that dama tie–which held more meaning than anyone knew he wouldn’t have contacted
her at all!
His frends were sharp. They weren’t used to seeing him like this and it didn’t take them long to figure out it probably had something to do with her So, they decided to distract him the only way they knew how–alcohol.8
“Come on, man,” one of them said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Whatever’s bugging you, a drink or two’ll help. The hosts tonight specialize in spirits and Theard they’re launching something new Let’s try it. If it’s good, maybe we strike a deal and bring it to our clubs.” Nick didn’t object. He let them drag him off to the tasting area
Sure enough, in between drinks, Nick ended up chatting with one of the organizers and by the end of the night, he’d casually locked down a new partnership. His buddies were practically green with envy. Nick, on the other hand, didn’t feel a thing–except a growing weight on his chest!!
So, he drank more X
The party went on until three in the morning. By the time it wrapped, Nick was completely hornmered, his brain foggy and his speech a little slurred. His friends bundled him into a car and look him home.
Back at his place, his head felt like it was splitting open. Half–conscious, he instinctively called out for Aria to make him a hangover remedy–only to remember she was gone.
With a frustrated sigh, he dragged himself into the kitchen
What, he couldn’t make a domn soup without her?}
Unwilling to admit defeat, Nick pulled out a cookbook and started following the steps to make his own hangover soup.X
Five minutes later_
Boom.
A small explosion went off in the kitchen, flames leaping up as the fire alarm began to blare, Startled servants ron in, putting out the f and dragging a dazed and slightly singed Nick out of the choosi
His hair was a total mess and les face was blackened with soot. He looked utterly ridiculous.X
Nick ran a hand through his scorched hair with a defeated gromn
Without Ana. he couldn’t even manage the simplest things.l
For the next few days, Nick didn’t go home once. He buried himself in work, spending every waking hour at the office, using the relentless pace to numb his thoughts–anything to avoid seeing her face in his mind.
Then, one day, the hospital called
Jayden was fully recovered and ready to be discharged. They asked Nick to come pick him up &
After work, Nick made his way to the hospital. But when he walked into Jayden’s room, he was surprised to find someone already there.
Valentina
She was helping Jayden pack up his things
When she saw him, she lowered her head, looking ashamed. “Mr. Ambrose, I know what I did was wrong. I just want a chance to make it night. Let me take care of Jayden for a while. I promise I won’t let him get hurt ugain.“1⁄2
Afraid he might shut her down, Valentina looked up at him with big, pitiful eyes, her expression soft and pleading.
And yet for the first time, when Nick looked at her at this face that so closely resembled the woman he’d loved for years–he didn’t feel warmth. He felt a flicker of disgust
Not strong. But real
“That won’t be riecessary I already have my staff to do this
