chapter 6
1690 Words
The next morning, Alexi packed her bags carefully, folding each dress as though the act itself might calm her nerves. By nine o’clock sharp, a sleek black car pulled up outside.
She stepped in, expecting to see Nico—but the back seat was empty.
“Excuse me,” she asked the driver as the door closed behind her, “where’s Nico?”
“He’ll be joining us shortly, miss,” the driver replied. “He has a meeting.”
Alexi nodded, though disappointment flickered briefly across her face. The car pulled away, gliding through the quiet streets. As she settled back into the seat, she noticed the faint scent lingering in the car—warm, clean, unmistakably Nico.
Wow… it always smells good, she thought, smiling to herself.
The car slowed suddenly, stopping near a modern glass building. Moments later, the door opened and Nico slid in beside her, his presence instantly filling the space.
“So,” he said with a playful grin, “how’s my baby girl doing?”
She turned to him, slightly nervous but honest. “I’m trying not to panic.”
He chuckled softly. “Don’t be. I think you’re going to do just fine.”
“Do you really think she’ll like me?” Alexi asked.
“Who?”
“Your grandmother.”
Nico nodded confidently. “Of course she will. You should be more worried about my stepmother.”
Alexi blinked. “You have a stepmother?”
“Yes. A stubborn one,” he admitted. “And there’s my brother too, his name is Pete.”
She frowned at him. “Why didn’t you tell me about them before?”
He shrugged lightly. “It doesn’t matter. I’m telling you now.” Then he paused, as if remembering something important. “Oh—and one more thing. My brother's engagement party is coming up on Wednesday. We are expected to be there.”
“Really?” she asked, eyes widening. So many secrets she thought “Then… When's the wedding?”
“This Saturday.”
“Wow.” She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I hope your brother likes me.”
Nico smirked. “ You should be more worried about my stepmother.”
“Oh please,” Alexi groaned. “Don’t scare me.”
He laughed out loud. “You’re funny.”
She hesitated, then asked softly,” Do you all stay together.”
“No,” he replied gently. “I stay alone.”
“Oh my…” she muttered.”
What’s wrong?” he asked gently.
“Nothing,” she replied too quickly.
But it wasn’t nothing. Alexi didn’t know how to react—didn’t know how to breathe through the sudden reality pressing in on her chest. They would be leaving together. Alone. In the same house.
Oh my God… help me.
By the time she realized how far she’d gone, they were already walking toward his private plane. There was no turning back now. And strangely, she didn’t want to. Even if it wasn’t real—even if everything between them was only pretend—she wanted to be with him, at least for now.
The plane lifted into the sky, carrying her doubts with it.
When they landed in New York, a black car was already waiting on the runway. The driver stepped forward and opened the door, gesturing politely.
“Please, miss.”
Alexi hesitated, then stepped inside.
“Hello, sir,” the driver said respectfully.
“Andrew,” Nico greeted, his voice warm. “How have you been?”
“Fine, sir. Thank God—you’re finally home.”
Nico smiled, glancing at Alexi before getting into the car. “Me too. Shall we?”
“Of course, sir.”
The door closed, the engine started, and the car drove off
The car slowed as it approached towering blue iron gates, intricately designed with elegant curves and silver detailing that caught the evening light. The gates opened silently, revealing a long, perfectly paved driveway lined with trimmed hedges and soft golden lights.
They drove deeper into the property, the city noise fading behind them, until the house finally came into view.
It wasn’t just big—it was breathtaking.
The mansion rose proudly against the New York skyline, all glass and stone, its tall windows glowing warmly from within. Balconies stretched along the upper floors, framed with sleek railings, while fountains shimmered near the entrance, their gentle splashing adding to the sense of quiet wealth.
The car rolled into the parking area beside several luxury vehicles, each polished to perfection. The engine stopped, and the driver stepped out quickly, opening the door for them.
As Alexi stepped out, her breath caught.
This is so wonderful, she thought.
They stepped inside the house and Alexi stopped short.
“Oh my…” she breathed, her voice barely audible. “I never thought a house could be so beautiful—here in New York.”
The interior unfolded before her like a quiet masterpiece. The ceilings soared high above, painted in soft ivory and trimmed with delicate gold lines. A massive crystal chandelier hung at the center of the hall, its light cascading over marble floors polished to a mirror shine.
Tall arched windows lined the walls, dressed in sheer curtains that allowed the evening glow to spill gently inside.
To the right, an open sitting room revealed plush sofas in muted tones, a grand fireplace carved from dark stone, and shelves filled with carefully chosen books and sculptures. To the left, a formal dining space stretched elegantly beneath modern pendant lights, the long table set as though guests might arrive at any moment. Fresh flowers added warmth, their scent blending with the faint aroma of polished wood.
“Don’t tell me you live alone in this big house,” she said softly, still turning in awe.
“Not really,” Nico replied. “I stayed here with my grandmother—until she was taken to the hospital.” His voice softened at the memory. “There are two rooms upstairs. The one on the left is yours. The other is mine.”
Alexi turned to look at him, her heart fluttering. “Two rooms… facing each other?”
“Yes.”
“Why? Is something wrong?” he asked, searching her face.
“Not really,” she said quickly, offering a small smile.
“Good.”
Before the moment could linger, footsteps approached. A woman stepped into the hall, composed and warm, her posture refined from years of service.
“Good evening, sir. You’re back,” she said.
“Yes, Anna,” Nico replied. “One more thing—this is my beloved Alexi. Alexi, meet Anna.”
Alexi smiled politely. “Hi. Nice to meet you.”
Anna’s eyes softened instantly. “Nice to meet you too, ma’am. Welcome .”
Anna reached for Alexi’s bags. “I’ll take these upstairs for you, miss.”
Alexi smiled and gently stopped her. “It’s okay. I can do it myself.”
Anna hesitated, concerned softening her face. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am. Thank you very much.”
“All right then.” Anna turned to Nico, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “I’ll leave you two.” She winked at him playfully before walking away.
Nico shook his head lightly, amused, then guided Alexi toward the staircase.
Upstairs, he stopped in front of a door and pushed it open.
“This is your room.”
Alexi stepped inside—and gasped.
The room was breathtaking in its simplicity. A large bed sat at the center, perfectly made with crisp white sheets tucked so neatly they looked untouched, crowned with soft pillows arranged with care. The fabric glowed under the warm light, inviting and calm. A delicate fragrance lingered in the air—clean linen mixed with a hint of lavender and something faintly floral, soothing her nerves instantly.
Tall windows stretched along one wall, dressed in flowing cream curtains that swayed gently with the evening breeze. The curtains filtered the fading sunlight, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. Everything felt peaceful. Safe. Thoughtfully prepared.
“It’s… beautiful,” she whispered.
As she stood there, still mesmerized, Nico’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen.
The board meeting has been arranged. We are waiting for you, sir.
He slipped the phone back into his pocket and looked at her.
Suddenly, before she could react, he stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her, and lifted her slightly, spinning her gently across the room.
“Nico!” she laughed in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“Holding my girl,” he replied without hesitation.
He set her down gently, but his hands remained at her waist. Instinctively, her hands rested against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palms.
“What was that for?” she asked shyly, her cheeks warm.
“Nothing,” he said softly, eyes dark with affection. “I just felt like it.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
He stepped back reluctantly. “I’ll be going to the office for now.”
“Why?” she asked. “It’s almost dark.”
A smile tugged at his lips. She cares, he thought. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon. There’s something I must handle.”
“Okay,” she said quietly.
He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, lingering just long enough to make her breath hitch.
“Make yourself comfortable,” he murmured. “And don’t miss me too much.”
Then he walked out, closing the door softly behind him.
Alexi stood there alone, her heart racing, the warmth of his touch still lingering. She sat on the edge of the bed, inhaling the soft scent of the sheets.
I’m so happy, she thought. I never want this pretending to end.
Then the realization hit her, and her smile trembled.
Oh my God… he’s too sweet.
Her heart tightened.
I think I’m falling for him.
And that thought terrified her.
- Writer
