not happening...

11

“I'll just freshen up.” She rushes into the room next to her office. She quickly washes up in her private bathroom and throws on a black shift dress. The diamond belt around her waist further emphasizes her petite figure. She combs her hair and refreshes her makeup. Then she rushes back, high heels in hand: “I'll be back after that and then you can go and rest.” Stan shakes his head. “I told Maurice that they'd work until 10 p.m. at the latest – at least today.” Then she nods to Cole and together they go downstairs, where the limousine is waiting for them. “Cole, I'm sorry. I completely lost track of time.” Cole laughs: “I figured as much, that's why I came half an hour early.” Leila: “You're the best.”

Soon the limousine pulls up in front of a small restaurant and as the two enter, they are immediately greeted by a waiter and shown to a table where Shawn Anderson and Nicholas Anderson are sitting. Leila whispers to Cole, “You didn't warn me he'd be here.” Cole whispers back, “Because I didn't know.” Leila puts on a brave face and forces a polite smile. Together they approach the table and both men stand up and offer their hands to Cole. Cole shakes each of their hands, but Leila overlooks Nicholas's hand and shakes Shan's instead. Then she sits down opposite Shan and Cole sits down opposite Nicholas. Shawn clears his throat: “Thank you very much for coming, Leila.” Leila smiles and nods. A waiter appears with the menus and Shawn asks if he can choose the wine. Cole and Leila nod, each take a menu and look at the dishes on offer. The atmosphere is stiff and uncomfortable. Everyone quickly places their orders and then silence descends on the table. Shawn clears his throat again. "Leila, I'd like to apologize for everything you've had to go through. I can't tell you how sorry I am, and after what I did...“ The food arrives quickly, interrupting Shawn. When everyone has their plates and a glass of wine in front of them, he continues: ”When I was in the hospital, Nicholas came by after the lawyer had been there and told me everything. In addition, my doctor asked me if I could make sure you came in for a follow-up examination. You disappeared right after the operation and I didn't know it was you. You saved my life.“ Cole drops his cutlery and asks, ”What operation?“ Leila: ”Oops, I forgot to mention that.“ Cole stares at her angrily. Nicholas interjects, ”My grandfather was very ill, and to survive he needed part of a healthy liver." Cole stares at Leila: “And you, with your silly heart of gold, donated and then immediately abused her again?” Nicholas interjects: “No one knew she was being abused.” Cole: "And what do you expect now? Praise? Shouldn't you make sure she's okay, even if you don't like her? Ask questions? In person?“ Nicholas turns red and his voice gets louder: ”I was convinced that she had betrayed me and was a gold digger.“ Leila puts her hand on Cole's arm, stands up, nods to Shawn, and leaves the restaurant without another word. Cole stands up and follows her. Outside, he gets into the car with her and takes her in his arms: ”Princess, shhhhh... I'm sorry.“ Leila cries quietly. Big tears fall from her eyes as she struggles to regain her composure. There's a knock on the window and Cole rolls it down a little: ”WHAT?“ Nicholas is standing outside and glances at Leila's tear-stained face. Cole: ”Not now," and rolls the window back up. He signals to the driver and they drive off.

Nicholas

Grandpa and I arrived at the restaurant a little early. Grandpa had rented out the entire restaurant and explained, “Nicholas, when she arrives, please remember that she's only coming because I was nice to her. Keep your distance.” Nicholas: “But I want to talk to her.” Grandpa replied, “Nicholas, I don't know if that's such a good idea. After all, you didn't pay any attention to her.” Nicholas is more than aware of this, but before he can reply, he sees Leila. She is wearing a black dress and looks beautiful. Her hair flows down her back in curls. Shawn nudges him and greets Cole with a handshake. Then he offers his hand to Leila, who takes it and shakes it. Nicholas feels a burning sensation in his heart when he realizes that she has ignored his hand and hasn't looked at him. His grandfather speaks up, and when he mentions the word “operation,” Nicholas can see her whole posture stiffen. Cole whispers something to her, and she whispers back. Unfortunately, he can't hear what is being said. After the food and wine are served, Shawn returns to the conversation and Leila explains that she donated part of her liver. Cole angrily interjects that she was abused again immediately after the operation, and Nicholas explains that he knew nothing about it. But at that moment, he knows very clearly that it was his fault, and Cole also says so clearly. Nicholas feels like the lowest of the low; no one has ever dared to talk to him like that, and he defends himself by explaining that Leila is nothing but a gold digger. As soon as the last word is out, Leila gets up and leaves, Cole following without a word. Shawn: “That worked like a charm.” Nicholas runs after them and knocks on the car window. His gaze falls on the tears on Leila's cheeks, and Cole rolls up the window and they drive away. Nicholas goes back into the restaurant, his appetite gone. Shawn glares at him angrily, “And now? Are you happy?” Nicholas' voice sounds hoarse as he admits, "No, I feel like a piece of trash. An asshole. And what's worst of all,“ he finishes the sentence only in his mind. He wants her in his life. She is beautiful and warm-hearted, and since the lawyer came to annul the marriage, he feels like a piece of his life is missing.