Illusion of love

Chapter Seventeen

Clifton (First Beach), Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa *Image does not belong to me*

Emma was in Alexei's beautiful beachfront mansion, standing on his living room balcony. She  looked out over the ocean, adoring the beautiful orange hues of the sunset. Everything was so beautiful, and it could all be hers, well atleast for a few months.

"You don't have to think so long, Emmerentia," Alexei said from his spot to her right on the balcony.
"It's a big decision, Mr. Popov," Emma replied, turning to him with wide eyes.
"I don't get you. Anyone else would have jumped at the opportunity to look after this place," Alexei grumbled. "You'll be living here rent free, and be enjoying all the benefits that come with it. You'll continue your  job at the bakery and I'll pay you for your services. Why is this decision so hard for you to make?"

Emma left the balcony and sat down on one of Alexei's expensive sofas. He followed her and sat down next to her. There was barely space between them and it made her uncomfortable. Alexei sensed it and moved himself further down the sofa.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to invade your personal space," he apologized.
"Apology accepted," Emma replied.
"Hopefully you'll accept the job offer too, otherwise I'd have to get a stranger to look after my home," Alexei added. "I'm not comfortable with that idea."
"When you put it like that..." Emma trailed off.
"Is that a yes?"

Emma got up from the sofa and walked back to the balcony. There was not enough room in that mansion for her and him. She always got breathless around the man for some reason. However, she was not the only one, his staff said it was all the power he exuded. Emma was satisfied that his power was the reason.

"I thought that you were leaving for good, so what would the point be of looking after this place when it will be sold soon?" Emma asked, her back was turned to Alexei, but she heard him walk towards her.
"I've changed my mind about leaving permantly. I mean, I'll have someone else manage the place and I'll come back once in a while to check on everything. This house is an investment and it was not easy to come by. I don't want to sell it, Emmerentia."
Emma could feel the Russian standing behind her, actually he was towering over her small frame. "Okay."

Before Alexei could respond he got a call and left. Emma was surprised when he returned less than a minute later.

"I have to get back to the pub. Someone very important is waiting for me," he explained.
"Fine. I'll call a taxi," Emma replied.
"No, you're coming with me. I'll take you home later. The meeting won't be long."
"If you say so," Emma agreed.

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Nathan sat down at Popov's with his friend and colleague, Doctor Stefan Malherbe and Stefan's architect friend, Reyaaz Abrahams. He was trying to pay attention to them but his eyes kept searching for her. Although he knew that she no longer worked there, still, he hoped to see her.

"Is something wrong?" Doctor Malherbe asked.

"No, I'm just looking for a waitress. Why are they taking so long?" Nathan lied.

"Relax," Stefan cooed. "We've just arrived, give them time."

"I have some work to do later on," Nathan half lied.

"Wedding stuff?" Reyaaz probed.

"No, actual work. I might as well make the best of my time here," Nathan replied.

"How is Australia treating you?" Stefan asked.

"It's okay," Nathan grinned.

"Just okay?" Stefan inquired.