Claiming her babies

NICHOLAS POV

“What happened? What did she say? Did she believe you?” Anthony asked the instant I stepped out of Monica’s room. I looked around and realized that Greg wasn’t present anymore.

“The bastard and his mum are gone?” I asked coldly.

“You mean Greg? Yes, he left already with Aunt Elena. So how did it get there?” Anthony asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I walked past him sluggishly and crashed onto the visitor’s chair facing Monica’s room. “It’s over, Anthony.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, confusion evident in his voice. “Nicholas, say something,” he demanded, his tone sharp and impatient.

“She said she wanted to end the contract. That she was tired of everything and can’t continue.”

“S**t, Nicholas,” Anthony cursed. “This is not good news.”

“Of course, it isn’t. The main purpose of all this was to retain the company, but now, with each passing second, I can see it slipping through my hands, gradually going to that b*****d of a brother.”

“Nicholas, we have to do something. We can’t fold our hands and allow Monica to walk away from our lives. She is an asset to us.”

I chuckled at Anthony’s words. “Don’t let her hear you say that, though. She’ll be pissed if she hears that,” I warned.

“I understand, but you need to understand what I’m saying,” Anthony insisted, rushing to sit by my side on the chair.

“See man, I don’t know what to do. I’m confused, sad, and helpless. I feel lost. This is the first time I’m in a situation, and I have no solution on how to get myself out of it,” I said, crashing my head into my palms as I sighed deeply.

“Of course, you know what to do, Nicholas. Think,” Anthony said, and I raised my head, gazing at him like a lost puppy.

“If I knew what to do, I wouldn’t be having this discussion,” I retorted.

“What did she say in the room?” Anthony asked.

“She said something about being tired and in pain and so many things. I just don’t want to remember them right now because I know I’m the reason she said those things. I caused her so many tears and-”

“But we can fix it. We can fix this, Nicholas,” Anthony reassured.

“How? Tell me, Anthony, because right now, my heart hurts, and my head is void of any ideas.”

“Do you love her?” Anthony asked, and I went mute. “Nicholas.” He called again

“I don’t know, man. I don’t know,” I responded, rising to my feet and running my hands through my hair in frustration.

“What do you feel when you look at her?” he asked, his voice filled with interest.

Silence lingered for a few seconds. I started imagining her smile, the color of her cheeks when she blushed, and her dazzling blue eyes. “I feel a lot of things, man. I feel like the world has stopped, with only me and her in it. I feel like looking at her all day and not leaving her side. I even sometimes have the urge to kiss her,” I admitted, then looked at Anthony, who was smirking ridiculously. “What’s with that look?” I asked, frowning deeply.

“You’re in love, man, and I’m proud of you,” Anthony said proudly.

“Shut the f**k up, Anthony. That’s not love,” I said, my mind refusing to agree with what Anthony said.

“Then what is it?”

“Well… maybe some sort of attraction,” I responded. “How is this even a solution?” I asked.

“It is, Nicholas. You have to show her how you feel about her,” Anthony’s words made my eyes widen.

“Anthony, all I feel is attraction, not love,” I stated again.

“You know you’re wrong, bro. I know deep down that your heart disagrees with you,” Anthony said, ignoring my glare. He sat back down beside me.

“I don’t know. I think I like her, but how do I show it to her? I’ve never done these things before.”

“Hey, I’m here to help you,” Anthony said, but his statement only made me feel more exhausted.

“You? You’re no different from me. The only difference between us is that you’re funny and free with the ladies while I’m cold. You’re a flirt, Anthony.”

“Hey, you just broke my heart. That hurts so much,” Anthony said, placing his hand on his chest and giving me a fake heartbroken look.

“Do you think it will work?” I asked, his idea slowly becoming a possibility for me. I didn’t know how I felt about Monica, but I knew I wasn’t ready for her to leave.

“Yes, it definitely will. Show her you care about her, Nicholas. Show her you love her. Tell her how you feel. Buy her gifts, pamper her, and showcase your love for her without shame.”

“How do I showcase my love for her?” I asked, curious and eager to know more as Anthony’s advice seemed to captivate me.

“Buy her gifts, get her favorite things, hold hands, kiss her in public, play with her sometimes, spend time with her, cook her favorite-” Anthony paused as he looked at the pen and paper in my hand. “What are you doing?” he asked, puzzled.

“I’m jotting down everything you’re saying. It’s too much to memorize in one go,” I replied, and Anthony instantly burst out laughing, drawing the attention of anyone walking along the hallway.

I didn’t know why he was laughing, so I waited for the idiot to finish embarrassing himself. “Are you serious, dude? You’re acting like a businessman about to start a new trade. Hell, man.”

“I just want to make sure I don’t forget what you’re saying.”

“You don’t need to write them down, Nicholas. Just show her how much you’ve changed and how much she means to you,” Anthony said, and I sighed, putting the pen and paper back in my pocket.

“When do I start?”

“As soon as possible. Don’t beat yourself up, Nicholas. I’ll help you.” **TWO DAYS LATER**Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I’ve never seen you this nervous before. Calm down, bro,” Anthony said, placing his hands on my shoulder as we both stood outside, waiting for Monica to arrive.

I watched as my black SUV drove into the compound. My driver stepped down and opened the door for Monica. My heart raced as she stepped down, looking pale but beautiful.

With a mix of nervousness and happiness, I walked up to her, my smile genuine. “Hey,” I greeted softly.

“Hi,” she replied, her smile wavering slightly, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

“Welcome home,” I said, extending the bouquet of rose flowers I had brought for her.

“Thank you,” she said, her cheeks lifting in a genuine smile as she accepted the flowers.

Anthony stepped back, giving us space as I led Monica inside the house, determined to make things right and show her how much she meant to me.