chapter 9
1360 Words
Alexi stepped out of her bedroom the next morning and headed downstairs. The house felt quieter than usual. From the kitchen came the comforting smell of freshly baked cookies.
Anna stood by the counter, carefully shaping dough and placing it on a tray.
“Good morning,” Alexi said as she sat at the kitchen island.
Anna smiled warmly. “Good morning, dear. I made cookies.”
Alexi reached for one and took a small bite. “Thank you. Is Nico around?”
Anna shook her head gently. “He already left for the office. He had an early meeting.”
Alexi nodded, trying to hide the flicker of disappointment in her eyes. After a brief silence, she looked back up.
“Anna,” she said softly, “can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Tell me more about Nico,” Alexi continued. “About him and his grandmother… before she fell sick.”
Anna’s hands slowed as she worked the dough. Her expression softened, as if memories were unfolding in her mind.
“People see Nico as bold and powerful,” she said quietly. “But behind all that strength is a very kind-hearted man.”
Alexi listened closely.
“He has always been there for me,” Anna went on. “When I lost my husband, Nico paid for everything—the funeral, the hospital bills. He didn’t hesitate for a second. Then he offered me a place here and told me I could stay for as long as I wished.”
Alexi’s eyes widened slightly. “I didn’t know that.”
Anna smiled. “He never talks about it.”
She placed the tray in the oven, then leaned against the counter.
“And his grandmother,” Anna continued, “she has always been his world. She practically raised him. She was the only one who could tease him without fear.”
Anna chuckled softly. “She used to make fun of how serious he was all the time.”
Alexi smiled. “I can imagine.”
“He was happiest with her,” Anna said.
“When she laughed, he relaxed. When she spoke, he listened.”
Her smile slowly faded.
“Then the stroke happened,” she said quietly. “She was rushed to the hospital. Since then… she hasn’t been the same. She’s been getting weaker every day.”
Alexi’s grip tightened around the cookie.
“The doctors mentioned another sickness,” Anna added with a sigh. “Something serious. Even now, I don’t fully understand it.”
Alexi swallowed. “And Nico?”
Anna looked at her knowingly. “He’s terrified of losing her. He just doesn’t show it.”
The kitchen fell silent, filled only with the low hum of the oven.
Alexi stared down at her hands. “So beneath all that power,” she murmured, “he’s just a man who loves deeply.”
Anna smiled softly. “Yes. Very deeply.”
Some hours later.
Alexi hurried out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped securely around her as her phone buzzed on the dresser. She reached for it, her lips curving into a smile the moment she saw Nico’s name.
“Hello,” she said.
“Where have you been?” Nico asked. “I’ve been calling you.”
“I just came out of the bathroom,” she replied.
There was a pause on the line, and when he spoke again, his voice had changed—lower, warmer.
“Oh… so you’re getting dressed now?”
Alexi laughed softly. “Nico, stop that. You’re being naughty.”
“What?” he teased. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Yes, you did,” she said, though her tone betrayed her smile.
“Should I apologize?”
She pretended to think. “Hmm… no. You don’t have to.”
“I just can’t help imagining how beautiful you must look,” he said gently.
“Nico,” she murmured, half-laughing, half-flustered, “you really have to stop.”
“All right,” he said, his voice tender now.
“Baby girl, Andrew will be there soon to pick you up.”
“For what?” she asked.
“To take you shopping,” he replied. “I want you in a beautiful dress tonight. It’s my brother’s engagement party—remember?”
“Oh,” she said softly, smiling. “Yes, I remember.”
“Good,” Nico said. “Just get ready for me… before I come see you tonight, okay?”
“ Alright.” Alexi was so full of happiness she didn't want to end, happy to be and spend time with Nico and his family.
It doesn't matter what these feelings are, all she knew was that she was very happy at the moment.
Nico returned from the office that evening to pick up Alexi for the party. The moment he stepped into the house, he looked up—and froze.
Alexi was coming down the stairs in a stunning red gown, the fabric flowing around her with every step. The color lit up her skin, and for a heartbeat, Nico could do nothing but stare. Powerful as he was, words failed him.
“You look… beautiful,” he said quietly.
A soft smile curved her lips.
He crossed the room, took her hand, and led her outside to the waiting car. Moments later, they drove off into the night, heading toward the party together.
The car pulled up to the venue which was their family house, lights spilling across the entrance and soft music floating into the night. Nico stepped out first, then offered his hand to Alexi as she joined him. Heads turned almost instantly.
Inside, the living room shimmered with celebration—crystal glasses, laughter, and warm congratulations filling the air. Nico kept his hand at the small of Alexi’s back as they moved through the crowd, introducing her with quiet pride.
“ This house is beautiful.”
“ Mine is more beautiful.” He interrupted, which made Alexi smile.
Pete’s face lit up the moment he saw them. “Brother!” he said happily, pulling Nico into a quick embrace before turning to Alexi. “It’s so good to see you again.”
“This is Rose,” Pete added, drawing a beautiful woman closer to his side. “My future wife.”
Alexi smiled warmly. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you both.”
“Thank you,” Rose said, taking Alexi’s hands. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
As they chatted, Nico glanced around the room. “Where is Mother?” he asked.
“She’s right here,” Gina said just as his stepmother approached.
“Mom, I’ve been looking all over for you.” said pete
“I was speaking with some investors,” Gina replied calmly.
Nico smiled politely. “This is a wonderful day for Pete and Rose. I think business can wait for now.”
Gina nodded. “Of course. You’re always right.” Her eyes then shifted to Alexi, who was laughing softly with Rose. “Who is that young lady?”
“She’s with me,” Nico said firmly. “Alexi.” He turned to her. “Come here.”
Alexi stepped forward. “This is my mother, Gina,” Nico said. “And this is Alexi—my fiancée.”
Alexi smiled and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
Gina glanced at the hand, said nothing, and walked away.
An awkward silence followed.
“Wow,” Alexi said lightly, trying to ease the tension. “Your mother is… very nice.”
Nico let out a small laugh. “You have no idea.”
“Pete,” Nico added, turning back to his brother, “let me introduce Alexi to a few people. I’ll be right back.”
Pete nodded. “Sure.”
Nico led Alexi through the room, introducing her to friends and business partners. She smiled, greeted them politely, and soon the tension eased.
A little later, they found themselves standing alone, talking quietly—when someone suddenly stepped closer to them.
- Writer
