[ Rain ]
"Oh my God! Rain, are you fucking serious? I mean you're going on your honeymoon for fifteen days Europe trip with that sexy meat of piece aka your husband?" Candace's over excited squal takes me off guard. I missed our old days when we used to be carefree but this house has certain rules which we broke most of the times at my old house.
"Candy, you know it's not a normal honeymoon nor we are a normal couple who are going to make some good memories there. He made it very clear that I have to mind my own business whereas he'd work on his new project during the two weeks and he do not want any kind of disturbance and his parents can't find out about any of his warnings." I tell her with a dejected sigh as we finally zip my bags.
When Maa and Papa dropped the bomb over our heads, Nicholas was beyond mad. When they left, he dragged me out of his office and dictated his do's and don'ts' list to me in a crystal clear manner.
A frown itches on her forehead.
"Did he really say this all to you, Rain?" She asks me still confused whether to believe in what I told her.
I weakly nod my head not willing to ponder over his words more as they hurts more every time.
"That fucking son of a bitch! How dare he treat you like a trash, Rain and hoe fucking you let him walk over you whenever he wishes?" Candace scoffs as anger flares up in her veins.
We have been friends since our growing age but we're poles apart. Candace has a fierce attitude, she used to be called the man eater in school days while I was the quiet one always protected by her if someone tries to take a dig on me.
"Candy, please calm down and don't curse his mother. She's more warmer to me than my own mother. It's not their fault but Roselie's who put me in this situation. Nicholas is only venting out his anger and hurt given by her." I again defend my husband who doesn't care about me.
"You're unbelievable, Rain!" She shakes her head in disbelief.
"I am being realistic, Candace. He's forced in this situation while I chose this life. I could had refused my parents' plights but I was being selfish for the first time and now I am paying for my stupid heart's deeds. Nicholas was ready to call off the wedding and face the world. He didn't care for what people would talk about him. He's a practical man and doesn't give a shit about what they perceive of him." I say.
"Still he has no rights to accuse you of being a gold digger or an opportunist. He should try to understand you as a person and more importantly give you a chance rather than judging you on the basis of his experience with Roselie. You're not her." She says in a low voice this time and pulls me in her embrace.
"He needs time, Candy. We're not married for even a month. Marriage is a bond accepted by both heart and mind. He'll come around soon and I'd have my happy ending." I don't know if I comforted her or myself.
"I love your optimism girl. If you really want to give him a shot, I will support you but don't expect me to hear his shits towards you and act all cool. I know martial arts and capable of giving him sore balls anytime." She smirks.
"Hey! Do you want me to die childless?" I smack her playfully. The thought of having a child with him sends jitters in my body.
"The legacy of such assholes shouldn't continue babes specially a boy born of his seeds. He will be another douchebag to another girl." She rolls her eyes.
"Let's see when you'll find your soul mate, Candy. Love can make you do crazy things." I say.
"I won't sell off my dignity for anyone, you know it pretty well, Rain." She gives me a look I know.
She's an independent woman who never let anybody put her down. I wish I could have her qualities but whenever it comes to Nicholas, all my confidence drains out.
"You're all set, baby girl. Go and enioy the best days of your life. I see it as a life changer opportunity, Rain. You'll take some memorable pictures for your portfolio." She says preparing to leave.
"You can stay here for tonight, Candy. It's quite late and dangerous to venture on the road." I offer as genuine concern takes over me.
"It's only nine, Rain and we are not living in deserted mountains where mercenaries will have my throat. Chill babes, I am fine and I have a car if you remember." She refuses my offer as I expected.
"Okay then drive safely and text me when you reach home." I remind her as I walk her out of the house.
"Okay Mom, I'll drive safely in speed limit and call you right away as soon as I peddle my car in my garage. Now, may I go?" She rolls her eyes.
"Hey, I am genuinely concerned for you." I smack her butt and pulls her for one last hug.
"Best of luck, Rain. Remind your husband what he got in you and how foolish he would be if he let you go." She whispres in my ear and slipes inside her car.
I wave at her and retreat back inside the house as she speeds away. I feel a whirlpool of different emotions inside my heart. I have my fair share of doubts and uncertainties. I know why Maa and Papa take this step for us and a part of me doesn't want to disappoint them but will I be able to bend his pride and make him look at me with a different spectacle.
Will he ever change his narrative about me?
I sigh in despair and padded my way in the kitchen when I collide with a hard manly chest. I loose my balance and about to fall flat on the floor when two strong arms catches me in the air.
His intoxicating cologne reaches in my nose. It's not Nicholas but why I feel safe in these arms. Slowly opening my eyes, I meet with a pair of blueish grey eyes staring directly at me. His warm breath is fanning over my face and for a sinner reason, I want to dive in their mystery and explore their depth.
"Are you alright?" His smooth voice asks me with furrowed brows.
"Xa..Xavier." I stutter as soon as realization dawns upon me.
He realizes soon that he has been holding me in his arms longer than necessary and quickly helps me to stand on my feet.
"I am sorry, I didn't see you coming in my way." He apologize to save us from the awkwardness.
"It's fine, in fact I wasn't looking forward. Please don't feel bad as you saved me from the disaster." I smile and try my best to act normal.
"I am glad to know. Sorry, I came here without informing. I forgot that it's your house too now. I can't barg in here whenever I wish." He says to continue our conversation.
"Oh it's okay, Xavier. It's your friend's house first and you're free to land here whenever you wish. I am no villain here ,you see." I reply while we walk in the living room.
"Actually Nicholas called me to discuss some important matters regarding his upcoming hydroelectricity project to provide electric supply to local factories in town areas so the small businessman can afford the expenses of manufacturing on a cheaper rate." He explains me.
I wish Nicholas would also make me a part of his work and give me a chance to learn from him.
"Oh it's great!" I give him another smile.
"It's Nicholas's dream project and I want to help in every way possible." He says.
"He is blessed to have a friend like you, Xavier." I pour coffee in two mugs which I prepare while talking to him and forward one to him.
"Thanks for the coffee but I prefer ginger and chamomile tea from next time. It helps to ease the constant headache." He sips from the mug and moan with closed eyes. It flips something inside my stomach. Why his presence and actions are bothering me?
"I'll keep in my mind."
"So...what are your plans for your career or you want to stay a housewife?" He asks me diverting the conversation on me.
"It should not be your concern what my wife wants to do or what not, Xavier." Nicholas's cold voice roars in the air causing a chill run down my spine.
I hear menacing footsteps marching closer.
Holy shit! He mistook everything between I and Xavier.