CHAPTER 5
879 Words
(ADELA’S POV)
Nikolai had extended my resumption date to give me more time to move into the new apartment. April and I had started packing up our old place the evening of my interview, Monday, and finished the next evening.
Although we had to sacrifice some sleep, we were fully ready to move out by the next evening. We only had to pack up our personal belongings and decorative items. The penthouse was fully furnished so we didn't need much stuff.
The company delivered the apartment and car keys the same evening we finished packing, and April and I couldn't contain our tears. When I looked at her, all I could see was a mini me. My baby. My bestie. She made it so easy to look after her and always supported me.
We loaded the last of our things into the small van I booked to help us. Once we walked into the apartment with the last of our things, we burst into tears in each other's arms. This new standard of leaving would make such a huge difference in our lives.
“Thank you Dells. You've worked so hard to make things better.”
“I love you so much my pumpkin” I kissed her cheek and gave her a tight hug.
We began unpacking our stuff in our separate rooms. We took a break together in the living room and I placed an order for some pizza.
“So, have you been around the building yet?” She asked me.
“Nope, not yet but I’m sure I’ll get some kind of tour when I resume tomorrow.”
“I looked up that Nikolai guy. He's hot.” I knew she wanted all of the tea by the way she looked at me.
“Okay fine.”
“Yayyyy!” She exclaimed.
I filled her in on everything. I was surprised to find out she hadn't caught even a glance at him when he came over to Alan’s place the first time we met.
“If you ask me, he may be into you too.”
I rolled my eyes.
“April please, that man barely smiles.”
“That doesn't mean anything! He's probably just an introvert or a nerdy kid who got hot.” She said and took another bite of her pizza.
I laughed and threw a pillow at her.
“Ow!! Physical abuseee.” She whined playfully.
“You're ridiculous.” I said in between laughs.
“But am I wrong? Because from everything I’ve heard, he notices you a lot.”
I paused for a little bit. She wasn't completely wrong.
The way he already knew details about my qualifications. The way he encouraged me after the interview. The way he said my name like it meant something more.
It all seemed intentional.
“I don't know.. There's just something about him I can't explain.” I admitted.
“Just be careful okay?” Her teasing expression had softened a bit.
I nodded immediately.
“Men are the last thing on my mind right now, trust me.” I said.
That wasn't entirely true, unfortunately.
The rest of the day passed calmly and peacefully. We unpacked the remaining boxes, argued over where to place our decorations, and eventually collapsed on the couch while watching our favorite reality show.
For the first time in years, I could breathe. No leaking ceiling. No noisy neighbors. No worrying about overdue bills. And almost literally, Nikolai had given that to us. That thought alone made my chest tighten.
By midnight, April was already asleep. I had woken her up to go into her room, while I stood by the large living room windows. Everything looked so beautiful from up here. Far away from the life we used to live.
I walked into my room and sat on my bed. The room was beautiful, bigger than our entire old apartment. Soft beige walls, warm lighting, and floor to ceiling windows.
Just a few weeks ago, I tried to convince myself I was happy at Cali-Connect. Now, I was the Head of PR at OlegTech.
Every major change in my life currently, was tied to one man.
I began to hate how easily my thoughts drifted back to him.
His voice. His stare. The way he watched me like he was trying to read something.
Even when he acted cold, there was something restrained behind it. It made me curious.
I groaned softly and covered my face with a pillow.
“This is bad.” I muttered to myself.
My phone buzzed softly on the bed as a message came in, bringing me back from my thoughts. It was an Unknown number. My brows furrowed slightly.
“Your access to the penthouse has been fully activated. The refrigerator was stocked earlier as requested. Welcome to OlegTech Residences, Miss Kim.”
I smiled. Nikolai really remembered everything.
Just as I was about to shut off my phone, another text came in.
My smile faded immediately.
“Enjoy the apartment while you can.”
Anxiety enveloped me. Then another message appeared.
“Ask Nikolai what happened to your parents.”
The warmth of my new home drained from my body.
And suddenly, the penthouse no longer felt safe.
- Writer
