The Magnate's Island Bride

Chapter 2 - Paths Crossed

At the crack of dawn, Steffie glanced at the room once more and the disgust she'd restrained couldn't be kept in check anymore. She showered, gathered her things and uttered calming thoughts to herself.

Joining Lissa and Jules for breakfast in the large ballroom, she sighed.

"How did you sleep?" Lissa probed coughing, hiding a smile, awaiting what was coming.

"Do you even have to ask?" She rolled her eyes.

"Yes. I'd love your reaction to your night."

Julianna snickered.

"Slept okay but felt quite uncomfortable." Steff rolled her eyes, and tried restraining a shiver, "What about you guys?"

"Well-l-l, it was quite an experience. Slept o-okay-y, almost as if with one eye open." Lisa mumbled, scanning the room.

Steff giggled, "were you worried that the gems in the room would devour you in your sleep?"

Giving Steff a look that spoke volumes, she then shivered, and closed her eyes, trying to ward off the terrible little termites. Jules and Steffie giggled out loud.

"Not really, but it felt like my skin was crawling." Steffie and Jules cracked up further. "That ain't funny." Lissa hissed.

"No, it isn't. But this place gave me the creeps. Everything here is just...labeled germs."

"How's the feeling?" Steff smiled, looking at Jules.

"Its not as overwhelming as you guys feel, but just the same I'd say this isn't somewhere I'd return to again."

"Hmm, it seems we all had the same kind of experience. Was it like ants crawling under your skin?" Jules asked.

"Yes, it wasn't pleasant at all." Lissa quivered.

"Thank God it's only one night." Steff shuddered, "I wouldn't be able to cope with another."

"Amen to that." Jules agreed. "What time are we leaving this miserable dump anyway?"

"Wow...overkill, much." Steffie laughed out.

"As if you weren't thinking about the same thing," Jules pointed out with a grumble, rolling her eyes.

"Well-l-l, you did say it 'kinder' than I would, but, oh what the hell." All the girls laughed. The hall echoed with their laughter.

"Let's look forward..."

~❤~

Like thieves in the night, the following morning, they left their room and went on their way to the airport. To the next destination before returning home.

Fifteen hours later, and totally exhausted, the girls shivered from the cold atmospheric mist that enveloped them. Stepping out of the airport after clearing baggage claims, and into an awaiting taxi, they huddled together, generating warmth between them.

An hour's ride from one airport to another, towards the hotel they'd booked, left them feeling even more weary. Right after getting settled, they wandered down to the hotel's bar, placed their order and chose a table where they could just enjoy their meal.

Steffie, the more observant of the three, took in the place. It was spacious and comfortable, and the ideal spot to relax for a day or two before heading on their way. The restaurant wasn't crowded, but it was bursting with energy from the few people that were standing idly conversing with each other.

Soon their meal order was delivered, and they dug in. The quantity of meal was great but the preparation turned Steff off. What a buzz kill. Deciding to turn in while the other two girls stayed behind and enjoyed the band playing, she bid them farewell and made her way to the elevator.

On the way up in the lift, she was scrolling on her phone. Without really paying attention, the cab doors pinged open and she stepped off and bumped into a wall.

"Sorry." she mumbled, looking up from the phone. "I really am sorr.." the rest of the words were lost, as she stared up at the man whom she'd bumped into before. Different place and time. "What's he doing here?"

As if hearing her question, he tilted his head to the right and lifted an eyebrow. "I'm traveling, so I am here. I should ask why you are here, and why did you bump into me again?"

Closing her eyes with her cheeks burning in embarrassment, she mumbled incoherently. Realizing that she was still held by him, she inhaled, taking in the sweet cologne he wore and stepped back.

"I didn't mean to be rude or anything. But as luck would have it, us bumping into each other is probably," she spread her hands open and mumbled sarcastically beneath her breath, "written in the stars."

She being sloppy wasn't something that was new, but it seemed for some reason unknown, she kept bumping into him.

Was there something she was missing? Why does he feel so familiar? But on another note, he was so handsome.

Despite his stiff face, which gave off that cold vibe, making one scared to approach him. She smiled to herself. She found it to be alluring. It left her with wandering thoughts.

What the hell was she thinking? Stopping those silly thoughts, she berated herself.

Unconsciously smiling at her, he responded, "Is it so bad having bumped into me yet again?"

Sidetracked by his alluring dimpled smile, she cursed beneath her breath and shook her head to focus on straying thoughts. Dammit! What about him that keeps pulling me in? Why did he have to be so cute with that smile? Clearing her throat, she looked up into his mesmerizing pools of summer sky and lost her train of thought.

Smiling mischievously, like he knew what was happening to her, he commented. "You know...there's nothing wrong in bumping into me, maybe we were destined to meet each other." he teased.

"Yeah, maybe..." Inhaling sharply, she slowly released her breath. 'Wait, what am I saying?'

Breaking eye contact with him, she missed his smirk. 'Where the hell was she, anyways?' Taking in her surroundings, she realized she was on the wrong floor. 'How the hell did I get here?'

Closing her eyes, she yet again inhaled sharply, counted to ten and turned around. His lovely face with a teasing smile stared back at her. Causing her to lose her nerves again, she mumbled a soft apology and walked towards the lift without turning back.

Nicholas wasn't sure what happened, but he seemed to be pulled in by her. She had a cute attitude that could brand her as a firecracker. He watched her closely, she was an alluring beauty. As she stepped through the open lift door, he had a sense of foresight that this was a meeting of many.

One that he seems to be looking forward to.

Nicholas also couldn't shake the feeling that they'd met each other before. But where? He had a big urge to get to know her and he decided then that in future if their paths crossed again he could indeed try his best to.

He smirked.

~❤~

Two months later...

Smoothly and carefully on the tarmac, the pilot landed the plane. Nicholas slowly unfurled his long, six-two frame from his seat.

Gathering his duffel bag, he walked down the aisle and stepped out into the early summer evening, bathed with the golden glow of the setting sun and towards the airport.

The air was buzzed with murmurs and indistinct voices all around. Cool and refreshing breeze from the ocean nearby, was a welcome to the recycled air from the plane.

Would this visit be productive or enjoyable, he was unsure. Exhaling sharply he collected his baggage and strolled towards the parking area. Glancing about he immediately found his grinning best friend, leaned against a black jeep. Both grinning like idiots, they fist bumped and one handed-ly hugged each other.

"You've finally made it back." Lucas greeted his childhood friend with glee.

"Yeah man." Nicholas returned laughingly.

"Let's get out of here," Lucas mumbled, walking to the other side of the vehicle while Nicholas got his bags in the jeep. Settling in, he started the vehicle and drove off. "How does it feel to be back?"

"After so many years, it feels great to inhale the oceanic air of freshness."

"Well you should have returned sooner."

The drive home was harmonious and the guys spent it catching up on a few things.

Through many twists and turns, they finally arrived at their destination. After Nicholas was settled in with a warm greeting, he decided to take a small stroll around the area.

In this small town, along a ruggedly beautiful Caribbean island, tranquility surged. The town, as always, seemed colorful and lively, with pieces of history littered at every corner. New buildings along with the vintage ones, uplifted the area, giving a feel of passing through a time warp.

Strolling along the footpath, beneath the early moonlit evening, Nicholas indulged in the melodious sounds of the insects as they proclaimed sun down. The earthy aroma was bliss to him, as it spoke of an environment free from pollution. He'd missed this scenery and clean air.

Arriving at the edge of the cliff, he took his time and climbed down along the logged steps there. The path was a well walked one, and it took him along the shore line where sand and stones crunched beneath his sandals making him wonder what it would feel like to have the sand between his toes. Stopping, he stooped down, removed his sandals and slowly stood up inhaling the cool oceanic breeze that caressed his warm cheek, while he curled and unfurled his toes in the sand.

This was what one called freedom. Just standing and staring out at the open ocean with waves that softly swish back and forth creating a tranquil spell of bliss.

Walking over to the coco palm tree, he settled down and leaned into its bark. Nick's thoughts freely roam as he recalled life as a boy, where he and his friends would come over to the beach and have fun.

For an hour, he was gratified with the happy memories. As his thoughts melted away, Nick glanced at his watch and was stunned to see how much time had gone by. It had gotten a bit late while he was relaxing on the beach. Something he hadn't done in the last fifteen years. Pause and relax.

Standing, he dusted himself off and sashayed back across the beach to find the narrow pathway.

~❤~

In the shade of palm trees, gazing out at the serene crystal shimmered waters, she sat lost in thoughts of blind love. It weighs heavy on her heart, the remorse of saying goodbye.

Blinking furiously, while taking slow deep breaths, she exhaled fighting for control over chaotic emotions. The soft waves washing along the shore with white froths, spread along the black sand before retreating, served as a small distraction.

Tilting her head slightly, she remembered that day years ago, when believed she was at her lowest. Her soft features scrunched into a pained frown again. The darkness within surfaced, making her bow her head in torment.

Why was this happening to her? Why must she always be the one to say goodbye?

Feeling like the entire world was on her shoulders, she sobbed quietly, tears running down the corners of her eyes and unto folded arms. Her buried face and slight shaking shoulders, confess years of pain. She hadn't cried in a long time, for crying never solved anything.

For a few moments, she sat just letting the serene surroundings sooth her aching soul. Pulling herself together, she stood, dusted off the sand from her clothes, and wiped away the tear stains from her cheeks. Burying the past with all the hardship and pain endured, she closed her eyes and as if putting on a shield, exhaled slowly. She was now facing another issue at hand. This was not the past.

Distractedly, she glanced around, it was a blessing to find peace here. Turning away from the view, she found the hidden pathway, and passed the cottage on the cliffs edge that held bittersweet memories of a man with a hard body, warm aqua eyes, soft lips that made her burned and fingers that could tease and incite desires she thought she was incapable of feeling.

When she'd walked away from Nicholas Lovette that night, it had felt like someone was deliberately stabbing her in the heart. But she'd done so because there was no other way, and she didn't want to have to face that woman's yapping, blaming her. She'd wondered several times in the past, if she'd simply been to daft to sever all ties, but she had to live with her undone mistakes. And had to live with the secrets of deceits caused by family with ill intent.

The gentle breeze like fingers, caressed her warm cheeks and took away the memories. She couldn't have foretold of the consequences then, nor the pain life would've given her. Nothing was certain, the future was always bleak.

As if had a premonition, she mentally prepared herself. Her phone rang immediately and she tentatively took the call.

"Hey."

"Steff, are you on your way?"

"I'm about to leave?"

"Oh, okay then."

"Mom?"

"Yeah?"

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing baby, was just wondering if you were on your way."

"Hmm," The silence was deafening, pregnant with antsiness, "I'll see you in a bit."

Disconnecting the call, her shoulders drooped and she felt a sudden urge to cry. Taking deep breathes, she suppress the emotional strain, and wondered, Is this leading to another goodbye?

Why is life so unfair?

The drive to the hospital took her twenty minutes, despite countless twists. She easily found the ward and waiting room which sat a few sulky family members. Paying no mind to them, she walked over to her mom.

"Mom?" she glanced towards the door of the hospital room then back at her mother, "What's going on?"

With a watery smile, her mother looked at her and answered, "It doesn't look promising. She's not any better than yesterday."

"Oh." Steff heard the defeat in her voice.

Taking the chair beside her mother, she exhaled slowly. She was lost at what to say. She was hopeful that her grandmother would've returned home with them and be back in high spirits, but it seems that's unlikely.

"What's going on in there?" Steff motioned with her chin towards the door.

"The doctors are doing their rounds and also trying to install a feeding tube."

"What?" She thought she heard wrong.

"They thought to feed her..."

"No, I mean, why only now? Why didn't they think of this earlier?"

"Calm down, Steff."

"No!" She got off the chair and paced. "She's been here for almost two weeks. Two weeks! And they did nothing to aid in feeding her, yet now they're installing tubes? Why now?" She turned towards the wall of the room, hands tightly fisted, eyes narrowed and lips trembling.

Her mom sighed, "I don't know, either."

Hearing footsteps, Steffie composed herself and returned to her mothers side, a short and stumpy doctor dressed in a white coat came towards them. "You can now go in and visit the patient."

Her lips moved to speak, but her mothers hand on her arm squeezed indicating that she should behave, kept her silent. "Thank you," her mother replied, then turning to Steffie, smiling softly. "Why don't you go in and talk to her, hm?"

Nodding, Steffie went in.

The sight that greeted her, left her speechless. Her grandmother was hooked up to all sorts of tubes, all which seemed to assist in one way or the other. So many tubes, only now, but none helping her to stay amongst the living.

She scoffed.

Struggling to keep it together, Steffie blinked furiously, battling rage at the carelessness of the health services provided, and at staff who had no sense of love for their job. She bunched her hands into fist, then released.

Simmering down, her gaze found grandmother on the bed, she was lost for words. Rooted beside the bed, she looked at the woman who was once hearty and felt her eyes well up. She wasn't accustomed to seeing her so immobile.

"Grandma," she murmured.

Grandmother used to be so gallant, full of everything good, yet she was now motionless. Is that how she came to an end? Hooked up to useless tubes?

How could she ever be ready to say goodbye to someone she loves?

Frozen to the spot, she lifted fisted hands and wiped away the tears that rolled down her cheeks. She could only watch as the woman who meant more to her, after her mom, her stylish mother as she often thought of her, came to her end.

She fidgeted, unsure of what to do or say. Sniffling, she exhaled, puffing out her cheeks, took a step forward, and neared the bed. Feeling bereft, questions plagued her mind. Hesitantly, she lifted her head to the ceiling, battling fresh prickling tears and praying for strength to endure the heartbreaking hurt.

Reining her emotions, lifted trembling hands, and with a gentle smile, caressed her grandmother's slightly warm brown cheeks, her natural arched eyebrows and her soft satin salt and pepper hair that was neatly combed in a bun.

Steffie looked her from head to toe and back. "Grandmother," she whispered. Looking at her grandmother's face she saw her eyes rolled back, tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth, and her breathing stopped.

Was this the final for her grandmother?

Was grandmother waiting for her?

A sense of calm overwhelmed her, despite her earlier un-nerved feeling and she breathed lastly, "I love you!"

She wasn't ready to say goodbye. But she had no choice too. She stook there for a few seconds just staring at the body of the woman she once loved dearly then Walked out of the room, and found her mother. With just a glance she understood why her mom called earlier.

Not staying for too long, she embraced her mom and left, needing some time to herself. Driving along with no specific location in mind, she came along to the ocean and stopped for a while.

The tranquil sea gleamed, reflecting the beauty of the fading sun. It's golden rays, beauty to behold, giving off a sense of peace. The day's gone and so is her beloved!

~❤~

It was always paradise when it came to the Caribbean, especially this gem of an island. With natural contents, exotic beauty, unspoilt and breath-taking outlooks to charm everyone, it was truly a rare treasure.

Taking in the vast scenery, the usual twists and turns of the mountain roads, and even the rainforest view that was ever present. Nicholas inhaled the fresh salty air mingled with floral essence that gave a sense of nostalgia which overwhelmed him.

He'd missed this sense of freedom.

Bars on the beach, rum on the tap, and unique sounds of island music filling the atmosphere. It did seductive things to the hot and humid mid-afternoon air, while the ocean lay still and inviting in the never ending summer sun, just gently and lazily lapping against the black and white sandy shore.

Sitting at the bar, nursing a cold bottle of the island's local beer, sat one of the world's wealthiest men, and the owner to this facility, but here no one knew of his status or if they did, they didn't pay mind to him. He took a swig from his bottle then looked out to the horizon. It had a calming effect on his perplexed mind.

Taking a deep breath, inhaling the fresh salty ocean's breeze, he slowly exhaled and felt a sense of peace and solitude overcome him in this peaceful environment. He had to admit, he was looking forward to a few days here. Returning home after fifteen years, Nicholas Lovette, an admired businessman, honorable officer and of course one of the famed bachelors in the world, kept a low profile.

Getting off the stool, he strayed away from the bar, taking in the natural setting of this newly accomplished project. Umbrella-huts, with wooden chairs and tables, were set up to shade its occupants from the blazing sun or the rain showers, were the weather to change unpredictably, enhancing the naturalistic theme.

He roamed around the property until he found himself back in the office.

Hands in the pocket of his khaki shorts, he stared out at the pelagic view, drifting off into thoughts. However, a glimpse of a smartly dressed woman, in charcoal business suit along the stone pathway towards the bar caught his attention.

She was observing the flowers in the garden, and from the side view of her profile, she seemed to be lost in thoughts. Her olive skin glowed in the morning sunlight, and her black wavy hair with gold highlights, pulled back in a bun brought attention to her slender neckline, void of jewellery. Her soft smile, dimpled, affected him in a way he didn't expect. She seemed familiar, reminding him of a girl he loved in the past.

Slowly she turned around fully, chin slightly lifted towards the sky, and it was like all the breath was knocked out of him. She was a beauty. Her thin almond eyes, with a curved arched eyebrow, small nose and heart shaped lips, highlighted her heart shaped face. He felt a flutter of longing pulsed through him. It's been so long since he even felt such semblance of attraction towards another.

What the..?

What was happening to him?

Why now?

Confusion marred his stiff face.

Swallowing with difficulty, his pulse quickened, heart beating like running a marathon, palm grew damp and a bead of sweat trail down his face. He was rooted to the spot.

What was she doing here?

Memories of not so long ago flooded his mind. It's her!

How could he easily recognize her now but couldn't then?

What the hell?

He was a trained soldier, one that survived so many great obstacles, yet, here he was about to get caught staring. Not going to happen!

He quickly got his nerve back and slipped behind the foliage where he fought to calm himself. Although it'd been years, he had thought they'd gone through the ashes and the feelings would dissipate. But guess that thought was wrong.

From a distance, he observed her silently.

~❤~

As if in awareness of being watched, having that inkling that she was being stalked led her to slowly turned and their eyes fell on each other. At first she didn't recognize him, just felt a slight pull to his profile. Suddenly, the shock of recognition danced along her guilty eyes and the sharp intake of breath covered her weepy frown as she took in the figure.

She'd thought he'd stay a 1000 dreams away, so it must be a mirage before her. Lost in thoughts, and faceless memories, she squeezed her eyes shut for a minute, then reopen them to nothing. It must have been her imagination.

Rushing away from the forest escape, she went back to her office. With a slight tremble in hand, throat closing as if suffocating, she took shallow breaths to sooth the tension of gasping and calm her mind.

It couldn't have been him.

He'd never returned before so, why would he return now? Why would he be there anyway?

She was panicking for nothing. Why should she behave like she was guilty of doing something wrong?

With impressed lies, went about the rest of her day, but with niggling doubts, knew there were past undone mistakes to face up too. Long lost but not forgotten memories of a sultry night with forgotten touches, carnal moans, and fervent kisses.

Cheeks flushed, eyes glossy, she fanned her face with her hands. Swiveling in her chair she turned to the floor to ceiling glass window and chant a mantra to get her wandering thoughts together. Suppressing her wayward emotions she got back to her days tasks.

~❤~

Observing her from a distance, the man sneered at her. She could run, but wherever she went, he would find her. He would make her pay, with her life!

~❤~

Dripping sunlight, along the horizon, reflects yet another beautiful day ended. Orangish hues, like burning fire - along the fading blue sky was colorful and alluring, fading away into dusk.

Another day's gone and so was her beloved!

Sitting on the porch in the shadows, listening to the sea, heartache was written all over her form as she gazed out without seeing anything.

Her muddled mind, filled with memories.

Grandmother would indeed be missed dearly. Her affectionate smiles and laughter, warm hugs and soft kisses, even her occasional banters and spirited arguments, her fancy for good tasting food, her annoying instances of calls for nothing, the sudden outbursts of anger of late, and her vast recollection of past experiences that would count as legend in her time.

A gentle smile crept upon Steffie's lips and although she was feeling broken, she felt at peace, knowing that her grandmother lived a full life. She was a woman of love, one who feared God even to the end, and she counted herself to be lucky to have known her.

"Steff?"

"hm?" Snapping out of her melancholy mood, she turned towards the door where her mom stood. "Yeah?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I am." She smiled at her mom, " Are you?"

"Yeah, I'm okay." she smiled.

"Mom... rest early, okay?"

"Yes love, I will. You should too."

After her mother left, she got ready for bed. The next day would be hectic and filled with challenges.

Challenges of what she knew not, but she would endure through it all.

~❤~

Slowly peeking out from the clouds along the horizon in hues of orange and grey, casting a rosy glow across the morning sky, was the beautiful blazing ball of heat. Its golden fingers of sunlight lit up the scene slowly, making it quite an exquisite view. Sweet tunes of chirping insects quieted, giving way to the new day filled with hope and new aspirations.

Standing on the ocean view porch, sweat ran down his face and back in rivulets. Nicholas slowly got his breathing back to normal and settle his racing heart. He always found ways to keep active, sometimes a jog, or gym or even walks. It was a good way to clear his tortured mind.

Stepping through the door of his rental cottage, his phone ringed. Tapping on the blue-tooth earbuds, he responded.

"Hello."

"Hey boss, update for the day. You got a meeting with your grandmother's lawyer at 10am, and also there's a meeting at 12pm to discuss the Boutique project with one of the investors."

"Anything else?"

"Unfortunately, the problem you asked us to look into, well we still haven't found out whose behind it."

"Keep looking, then."

"Yes sir."

"Thanks," he responded and ended the call.

Stepping into the cold shower, he let the water sliced down the hard panes of his toned body, washing away the filth and leaving a refreshed feel. Lifting his face to the spray of the shower, he basked in delight.

Getting out a few minutes later, he quickly got dressed and set out. Wondering as ever, countless times before, why he was demanded in person for this meeting. But thinking of his grandmother and knowing the woman she used to be, he brushed that silly thought aside. He was unable to be here when she'd passed and was layed to rest. And to this day Nicholas felt that he didn't do his grandmother, the woman who raised him into the man he was today, justice.

Walking through the door of the boutique's hotel conference room on time, he took a sit opposite the lawyer.

Nick, formally dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt with the arms rolled up to his forearm, and a matching black dress pants, looked exceptionally handsome but dangerous. The color brought out the coldness of his Caribbean blue eyes and his tan skin tone. Leaning back into the chair, he observed the lawyer.

The lawyer was lanky in form, dressed in a grey suit, with a white shirt peeking beneath his jacket. Fidgeting, he looked around the room, then back at Nick, tugging on his necktie. Clearing this throat, he proceeded to speak.

"We'll begin in a few, we're waiting for one more person to join us."

Nick cold, calculating eyes, never wavered from the lawyer. He nodded, and glanced at his watch, it was just a minute pass. Lucas, sitting near him sniggered softly, but Nick payed no mind just kept staring at the lawyer.

A woman suddenly strolled through the door. He'd seen her somewhere. Wracking his brain for a memory, he suddenly remembered. She was the one he'd bumped into some months ago and the day before in the garden.

His pulse fluttered, and palms grew clammy. He felt like he was drowning. A sweat formed on his forehead and he forced himself to recall years of training to calm down. He would not let seeing her again get to him.

"I'm here." she voiced, walking through the door, but paused in shock. She took in the man opposite the lawyer. Am I imagining things? Blinking she realized this was real.

What was he doing here?

What was she doing here?

Both were stunned.

With a mischievous smile, the lawyer looked at both, then cleared his throat. "Okay, we're all here, let's begin."

Looking towards the lawyer, they both seemed relaxed. Nicholas, though was on high alert.

Removing a folder from his case, he placed it on the desk, opened it up and started reading.

"We're here today for the reading of your grandmother's will. She wished that you would be here in person since you are her main benefactor." Looking deeply at Nick, he expressed her wishes and continued, "She was very firm in her request and of sound mind when she had this written."

Nicholas simply nodded. But his mind wandered. What does the lawyer mean by making such a statement?