The Bet

Chapter 38

Nicole's POV

All the oxygen in my body had been taken hostage when my sister enveloped my in a life threatening embrace. "Where have you been?! Why didn't you call! We are so worried!" She burst in tears while slapping my shoulder per every time she asked a question. "Answer me damn it!"

"Shhhh... Hey big sis... I'm sorry... It will never happen again." I never knew the gravity of my action was this big. But I think it was because it coincides with John's death. "Sorry... I didn't think about it. But I'm here now." She somehow calmed down as I promised her to never cut contact again. "I'm so sorry."

"Let me take her... " Mitch offered and I smile while giving Natalie to her who leaned on her as she tried to compose herself. "Could you get some water in the kitchen?" She pointed her head to the direction and I nodded.

As I walked towards the kitchen, I can't help but feel something strange. That's something's waiting for me on the other side of the wall.

The first thing I saw was broken pieces and glass. Then there was faint sob like someone's crying. I continued my journey and found the person that my heart's longing kneeling on the floor, picking up the broken piece of glass.

"Emilia..." What's she doing here? Shouldn't she be at my condo? Oh no... I broke promise... "Emilia... I'm sorry... I didn't know you're here... Just as I promised... I won't bother you..." Her back was facing me so I can't see her reaction so even if I promised to stay away, I slowly walked towards her, careful about the broken glasses and tried to turn her around.

To my surprise, I received a deadly hug for the second time. "I was so worried... " she started, weakly. "I thought I'd lost you forever." I embraced her back as she buried her face at the crook of my neck. "I thought I would never get to tell you that I love you too."

My whole body froze. She's not mad at me anymore! She's worried! And she loved me too! I would jump for joy but it seems not appropriate at this moment. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I never thought that it could lead into this. I promise not to make you worry ever again. And I'm really sorry about the bet." I paused and took a deep breath. "I fell in love with you the first time I saw you and I was just really too coward to be rejected. I have always wanted you and the bet just gave me a great push. I knew it was stupid and I'm so sorry."

"Let's just forget about it."

I gently wiped her tears as I guided her chin up so I could stare into her eyes as I bore my soul to her. "Emilia, I love you so much and I'm here to stay for as long as you wanted me."

She smiled at my words and answered with a peck. "I love you too. I regretted pushing you away but I was so hurt about the bet. Let's start over again."

"I love you..." We both said at the same time. Then slowly, I leaned in and she met me halfway until our lips met. Oh how I longed to taste her lips, to feel it's softness and warmth. I deepened the kiss and our tongue battled for dominance. I let her win in the end. We parted for the need of air, a sweet smile plastered on her lips.

I was about to lean in again when we were interrupted Maddy. "Nick! You're back!"

"Hey there little girl!" She was about to ran towards us but I noticed that she's barefoot and remember about the broken glasses. "Don't move... Stay there... It's dangerous..." I pointed at the floor.

"Oh... "

"Go, I'll just clean this up." I peck her lips one last time before carefully avoiding the shattered pieces of glass. It won't be good be a piece got stuck in my shoes then I accidentally transferred it somewhere.

"Hey they little princess! Did you miss me?" I asked while I carry her and for the third time, I got a deadly hug.

"Yes! I thought you're never coming back. I'm so sad."

"I'm sorry for leaving. It won't happen again."

"Natalie said you're sick. Are you okay now?"

"Yes I am. Have you been a good girl?"

"Yes."

"Very good!"

"Don't you ever leave again Nick. I'm sad and Em's sad! She cried a lot."

"I won't. I promised."

"Awww... They looked so cute!"! Natalie teased from a distance. "You looked like a reunited father and daughter.

"Shut it!" I said but the images of my day dream in the cabin flooded me and come to think to it, it wasn't really a bad idea.

"So how do you like your surprise?" Mitch asked as she took a seat on one of the recliner while Natalie sat on her lap.

"Why are they here?"

"Long story short... Mom and dad was looking for me but instead, they found them and believing that you're dead, they kicked then out." Natalie explained.

"They really believed that I'm dead?"

"Yes! And listen to these... They want me to marry John's cousin for the sake of the merger."

"Are you sure were not adopted?"

"Me... I'm not sure... But you... I'm sure since I was there when you were born." She paused, thinking. "But maybe you were switched at birth." She sighed. "We should inform them."

"No need, the captain should have already contacted her." Mitch interrupted.

"Are you two okay?" Natalie asked, referring to Emilia and I.

"Yes." Emilia said from behind. "I forgave her and told her that I love her."

I took her hand and guided her towards the couch. Maddy jumped off me to seat at the couch. Emilia was about to seat at the single recliner when I pulled her into my lap. "I missed you so much." Her sweet smell lingered as I buried myself into her back. "God... I missed you so much." I repeated.

She turned around and snaked her hands on me. "I missed you too."

"I missed you three!" Maddy jumped in.

"Group hug!" Natalie yelled and before I knew it, four bodies were all over me.

And I'm thankful to be alive and surrounded with such good people.

Oh... I better tell Jane I'm alive or she'll kill me.

END