CHAPTER 2
1130 Words
(ADELA’S POV)
“Hello Adela.”
I froze in place. He was here. Nikolai.
I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say in response.
“Is everything alright?” He asked.
“Um.. Yeah.. How did you..?” .
He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“How did you find me?”
“I’m confused. Were you missing?”
“Haha. Very funny. How'd you know I was here?”
I was very convinced Alan had sent him to look for me. It wouldn't surprise me that he had sources that could help him stalk me.
“I didn't. I should be asking you what you're doing here.”
“Huh?”
“Nik? NIKKYY!” Her voice came from behind me. I had barely moved out of the way when she ran into his arms.
“Hey Kitty.” He said as he embraced her willingly and hugged her tight. My stomach clenched. Wait. I can't be jealous. I don't even know what they are to each other.
“Oh Adela! This is my older brother, Nikolai.”
“Yeah We’ve-”
“Nice to meet you, sir.” I cut Nikolai short. I don't know why but I wasn't so keen on her knowing I had met him before.
“Uncle Nik!” Theo called from behind me with his cute 3 year old self.
“Heyyy Buddy!” Nikolai said as he picked him up and gave him kisses. Something in me melted as I saw that moment. He appeared stoic and cold but warmed up immediately to his family. A small part of me longed for a bigger family. One of many good sides of having just April was that it was easy to manage needs and wants.
“Okay boys, that's enough kisses and hugs. Theo has to finish his food…And you have a meeting with him upstairs.” She lowered her voice and said the last part knowingly to him. That got me curious.
Nikita had left the house and i was still with Theo. I was meant to be babysitting him late so I was offered a stay overnight. I made dinner enough for Nikolai and Nikita’s husband. Funny enough I’ve never actually met him since I started.
I took Theo upstairs and lay him down in his room since he was fast asleep. On my way out, I walked past the office and heard Nikolai’s voice very clearly.
“He might be Adela’s father.”
My father?! I hadn't heard anything about him since I moved out of the orphanage 6 years before. My parents had abandoned us 17 years ago. What would Nikolai know about him?
Without a second thought I fixed my ear at the door. What are the odds that this random man who stole my heart would have answers to all my questions?
“It's likely. Your grandfather didn’t exactly leave any trails but all evidence points towards it.” This was Nikita’s husband’s voice.
“If he is, we can't let her know until we've figured it all out. That Alan guy knew way too much as well.”
Alan?! What did he know about my family? That bastard had been hiding things from me. Did he ever even love me??
“ATCHEW!” I let out an unexpected sneeze. Worse, It was loud.
The office went dead silent. I could feel a panic rising inside of me. I could only think of the best option. I knocked on the door. I had to pretend I was just arriving. I thought I would hear a ‘Come in’ but instead I heard footsteps approaching.
The door opened and Nikolai towered over me, covering my view of the inside entirely.
“Yes, Adela?” My stomach did a flip whenever he said my name. It sounded like a promise on his lips. And he said it very often when he spoke.
“Hello sir.. I.. wanted to ask if you'd like anything?..before I turn in for the night..” I said off the top of my head.
He looked at me, and I couldn't quite put my finger on what his expression meant.
He pushed a string of one of my curls away from my face. A chill ran down my spine and my thighs warmed up. ‘Gosh, Adela. You can't be that touch starved.’ I thought
“No. I’m alright for now. Thank you.” He moved away slightly before he started to shut the door.
Before he did, I caught a glimpse of Nikita’s husband’s hand. Opening a yellow file. I had seen it on Alan’s table before. That’s all I needed to know. I needed to investigate what they knew about me and if my parents were still alive.
Later at night, I tossed and turned. My pulse banged violently. Everything in me screamed to leave it all alone, but I just couldn't.
Not when my father’s name was hanging in the air like a ghost. Not when Alan was somehow involved in all this.
It was past midnight, I was sure everyone was asleep. I left my room, being as quiet as I could while opening the door. I crept carefully back upstairs into the hallway, forcing myself and my steps to remain steady.
I stood and stared at the office door. Still closed.
I contemplated, but I remained determined. This concerned me, I had every right to force my way to whatever knowledge was waiting.
I walked past Theo’s room and noticed the door was slightly open. I stared at sleeping Theo, as guilt crept into my chest. Nikita trusted me here. Nikolai had been kind. But, why did it feel like everyone surrounding me was hiding pieces of my life from me?
Before I could contemplate any further, I tiptoed further till I reached the office door.
The hallway was too quiet. My breathing started to sound loud in my ears. I reached for the handle. It was locked.
“s**t!” I whispered.
I leaned against the wood frame. There had to be another way in. Maybe somewhere..
The sound of footsteps behind me made my breathing pause. The footsteps were approaching slowly.
I spun around so quickly and almost lost my balance. Nikolai stood at the end of the hallway, staring at me. His sleeves were rolled up, showing his strong and toned forearms. I could see his muscles and toned body through his pajamas. My fear was confused with my arousal. Either way, the presence of both was incredibly maddening for me.
He started walking towards me again, slow enough to make me nervous.
“Adela.”
And somehow, the way he said my name this time sounded less like a promise.. and more like a warning.
- Writer
