They slept peacefully in each other's arms, unclothed and under the duvet. It was the most blissful sleep Nikolai has had in a while. Same goes for Adira. Although, his hands were still gloved as they wrapped around her, Adira knew it was only a matter of time before he'd stop using them. When they woke up by morning, they remained in each other's arms for sometime. Adira was cuddled up on Nikolai's chest, while he wrapped his hands around her protectively. "How did we meet at the pool, Nik?" She suddenly asked, her voice soft and low. She had been dying to know for days now. And since they were seemingly on good terms now, she felt there was no better time to ask him about it. Nikolai hesitated a little, tho, before responding. "I had gone to the pool with Ophelia.""Ophelia?" Adira interrupted. "Who's Ophelia." When he delayed his response, she immediately knew who it was. "She's my ex." He confirmed. The one that was dead...or missing. She regretted asking. Thankfully, it didn't ruin his mood. "We were sitting at the swim-up bar when I noticed you come in with your sister - Freya. It was quite strange how you managed to grip my attention at first sight. I was pretty young back then, but I got to understand the concept of love. You were my first crush." Adira's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "B...But you already had a girlfriend. How was I your first crush?" Her voice was barely audible. Nikolai chuckled. "Girlfriend? I was barely thirteen. How could I have a girlfriend? Ophelia and I were just childhood friends at that point.""Oh." She mouthed and leaned properly on his chest. He went on. "You were my first crush. I watched you laugh and play around. Although, your sister was being a bully, but I noticed you didn't let it affect you and kept having fun in your little way. It was the most beautiful moment ever - I never thought someone could be that pretty. "I blame it all on me, tho. I wasted time in approaching you, and Lancelot beat me to it. When I saw you play around with him, I got filled with so much pain. I waited for you be alone so I could meet you as well, but he didn't give you the chance. And when you were finally alone, I did approach you, but you barely looked at me before running away - to meet him." Adira gasped when she remembered. That day at the pool, she indeed remembered a guy coming to meet her. But she didn't even take him as someone serious as she had been too interested in Lancelot. She didn't even wait to listen to what he had to say. That guy had been Nikolai?! "I was very broken at that point," Nikolai continued. "A while later, I saw you fall into the pool. The pool had become scanty 'cause a lot of people were watching a live performance at the club. I saw Lancelot jump in to save you, but the fool was weak and almost drowned himself." Adira chuckled at the name he called Lancelot. "So, I had to jump in to save you both. You two were unconscious, and honestly, I don't know what came over me. I have no idea why I left, but it was stupid of me. I guess I was just angry at the fact that you had ignored me earlier on. However, I never expected Lancelot to take the glory for what I did. He lied to you and everyone else, claiming to be the hero. Well..." He drew a deep breath. "After that day, I met you again at a local mall, but you were with Lancelot. I approached you, anyway, and asked if you could recognize me, but you didn't - not even the slightest. That broke me even more - knowing you didn't even take note of my face at the pool. I became envious of Lancelot, 'cause he was having the attention I wanted."And that is it, Adira. That is how you got my attention. Although, I lost track on you for a number of years, but four years ago, I spotted you again, walking along the way. My feelings reignited, and started keeping track on you again." Adira lifted her head slightly from his chest. "Were you spying on me?" Getting hold of her head, Nikolai pulled her to lie back on his chest. He intentionally ignored her question. Of course, he must have been spying on her! That explains how he knew so much about her its possible he still spied on her presently, because he was always aware of her every move. She felt light flutters in her heart, tho, thinking about it. A man like Nikolai was in love with her the whole time, yet she never noticed. Damn Lancelot for wasting her time and making her feel worthless. No wonder he came to her rescue when she was on the verge of taking her life. No wonder he made her so powerful and respected. He's been in love with her the whole time! 'He's engaged to Na-ri.' an ugly reminded her. The excitement in her heart died down at once. Oh, God; that was true. He was engaged to Na-ri. And her marriage with him had just six weeks to go. What was going to happen now? Were they going to have a relationship? Or was this whole act going to be for nothing? *** After a while, Adira informed Nikolai she wanted to get ready for work, but he restricted her, telling her to spend the day with him. She requested to have a shower, then; to clean up herself. And when she went into the bathroom, Nikolai showed up unexpectedly. He began kissing her until he turned her over to face the wall. Her moans echoed in the room as he took her from behind and rode her for a long time.*** After their time in the shower, Nikolai instructed Yvonne to bring breakfast to their room. They ate blissfully, chatting lightly and watched a movie later on. The whole time, Adira kept thinking of her marriage and what would happen when it finally expires. Would she really divorce Nikolai? This recent love making they've gotten involved in, where was it leading to? Later in the evening, Adira went downstairs to get a drink. Nikolai had been on a call and was seemingly very busy. And even as she left the room, he didn't spare her a glance. Her face turned crimson, thinking of the loved-up moments she's been spending with him. Now, she wished it could last forever. She got to the bar counter and was taking out a drink when she spotted someone coming through the door - someone familiar. She froze immediately, shock reflecting in her eyes upon realizing it was Kalina. Kalina?! Jardine's sister?! Kalina had no idea Adira was at the counter, and by the time she noticed her,it was too late to run off. So, she stood frozen like a statue, not knowing how to react. "You?" Adira dropped the wine and glass she held and walked towards her. "What're you doing here?" Getting rid of her nervousness, Kalina smiled broadly. "Adira! I've been looking forward to meeting you in this house. Goodness! It was almost like we weren't sharing the same apartment." She chuckled. Adira continued ambling towards her, her face cold and inquisitive. "Well, um... I'm Vesper's financee. He brought me over a couple of days back." She stretched out her hand for a handshake, but instead, Adira slapped her hard across the face. Kalina gasped as her hand reflexively went to her cheek. What the hell? "You have some nerves, don't you?" Adira taunted. Immediately, Vesper walked in.