Nikolai guided Adira into the living room, his arms encircling her waist like a protective shield. Her eyes, swollen and puffy, resembled delicate rose petals drenched in tears. Anyone could easily tell she had been crying. Few of the family members were in the living room when they entered, and Mr. Vincent sprang to his feet the moment he saw them. "What the hell did you do, Adira?!" He snapped. "What on earth is that video all about?" Mrs. Bellamy was there as well, and she moved to tap her husband's shoulders. "Honey, I believe you should..." "No! Don't ask me to calm down!" He yelled. "How could she talk about her failed marriage in public?" Adira stood quietly like a child being chastened."That's enough, father." Nikolai chipped in. "She's been through a lot already and doesn't need this additional stress. Moreover, majority of the comments is in her favour." "It may be in her favour now, but what if it's used against her in the future? Against the company?" "Can you consider her feeling, at least?" Nikolai huffed. "What happened wasn't intentional, so stop acting like she has a lot to gain from it." Tightening his grip around Adira's waist, he began walking away with her. "This is outrageously wrong!" Mr. Vincent grumped as they walked pass him. "Some day, this news might work against us." "Calm down, Vincent. How can it possibly be used against us when everyone sees her as a victim? I think you should give her a break." Bellamy spoke in a hushed undertone. Adira and Nikolai took the stairs, and getting to the room, Nikolai helped her shower and change."I'll tell the maids to get you something to eat." He cooed and tried leaving the room, but Adira held him gently by the wrist. Turning back at her, he met her guilty eyes. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble. Truth is, I never wanted to talk about Lancelot. But when he brought it up at the mall, I couldn't help it. I..." "Hey, you don't have to explain yourself." He sat in front of her, on the bed. "I saw those videos myself, and I'm glad you said those words to Lancelot. Don't worry, I'll put a restraining order on him and make sure he doesn't get to come close to you, ever again." Adira's eyes mirrored with tears as she smiled. "Thank you so much, Nikolai." She sniffed and rested on his shoulder. *** The following morning, the entire family's had breakfast as usual before they all left for their various activities.Adira and Nikolai arrived the company together, being the cynosure of everyone's attention, just like every other day. They separated at the elevator as Adira proceeded to her office. Bonnie came in after her. "Good evening, ma'am. You look better today." She complimented with a smile. "I do? Thank you, Bonnie." She beamed. Bonnie had to point it out, because the previous day had been really rough for her. She'd left the office, looking so pale. They went ahead to start the day's activities by discussing schedules and clients. **** The day ran very smoothly. Adira busied herself with so many activities, just so she wouldn't have to think about the unfortunate incidence. At close of work, she began rounding up things on her system when Nikolai walked in, without a warning - as usual. "It seems you keep mistaking my office for you. Or perhaps, Bonnie needs to be fired for making exemptions." She teased, closing up a file that had been opened before her. "What're you talking about?" Nikolai inclined towards her table. "I'm talking about booking an appointment before you come into my office." They both chuckled, and he reached out to her and kissed her. "Came to pick you up. Come on." He walked round to her seat and helped her up. "Hold on, I just need to finish..." Nikolai interrupted her with a kiss. He deftly maneuvered her, guiding her back to gently meet the surface of the table, while he positioned himself directly in front of her, still kissing her. When he broke the kiss, they were both in deep breaths. "We can just do it right here, you know?" He whispered naughtily. "Nikolai! Stop it." She laughed and swatted his shoulder. "This is an office and my assistant is right outside that door." "Who said she's gonna come in?" "Oh! Please. We're heading home already, right? Let's just go." She managed to wriggle out of his hold and laughed when she did. She closed her system, arranged her files and grabbed her bag. "Come on, let's go." She locked her hand around his, and together, they walked out of the office. In a few minutes, they were both seated at the backseat and driving out of the company. "What do you think about having dinner tomorrow? Tomorrow's weekend." Nikolai suggested, his hand locked around Adira's. "Well... doesn't sound like a bad idea. Do you have any specific place in mind already?" "Of course. It'll be a surprise, don't worry." He pecked her cheek.They were driving out the big gates of the company when something - no, someone - gripped their attention from outside. It was Winslet - running to their car and tapping at the window. She had been outside the company, seemingly waiting for them. And since Adira's window had been rolled down, it was easier for her to see them. She kept tapping at the glass, calling on Adira to listen to her. The securities converged on ber Immediately, whisking her away from the car. "Stop the car." Adira instructed. "Do you think it's necessary?" Nikolai questioned. "Yes. I'd love to hear what she has to say." The driver pulled over at a perfect spot, and even before Adira fully left the car, Winslet had already ran to where she was. Goodness! The woman looked disheveled like she hadn't had good rest in weeks. "Adira. Adira..." She called breathlessly. "What else do you want from my family? What else do you want from me? Is it my death?" Adira remained calm and just watched her. The securities had come around. "Please, I'm begging you" She fell on her knees. "I know I wronged you. I know I was very mean, heartless and inconsiderate. But I'm here, asking for your forgiveness, Adira; please! My family's a mess already. As we speak, my husband's currently on his sickbed, my son is losing his mind. You've done enough already; please!" Tears streaked her cheeks. Adira stared blankly at her for a while. Then, she scoffed and crossed her hands below her chest. "How could I have done enough when I've actually done nothing?" She rose her brows. "I said this exact words to your son yesterday; this is simply karma at work. Why's it so difficult to see?" "Oh! Come on." Winslet sobbed. "Stop doing this, please! You know exactly what I'm talking about."Adira's lips stretched into a sly smile. "You have no idea how beautiful it is to have you kneel before me, Winslet." She toned down her voice. "Back then, you valued a trash more than you valued me. You hated me so much and everything I was associated with. Now, look at you - kneeling and begging for my mercy. You look so pathetic." Winslet's eyes got glued to the floor. Adira's words were more than an humiliation to her. "Actually," she took a step towards her. "This is only the beginning for you and your family. Every pain you made me go through, karma is definitely bringing it back in ten folds. And for my forgiveness, be certain you're never getting it." She turner towards the car. "No! Adira, please! Don't do this! Don't do this!" She stood up and tried running after her, but the securities pulled her back. "No! Listen to me! Listen to me, please!" She kept crying and calling out to her, but Adira flatly ignored her as she returned to the car and ordered the driver to take off. In the backseat, Nikolai placed his hand on hers, seeing that her mood had been affected a little. She might act tough out there, but each time she got to confront her enemies, she's always emotionally affected. "It's fine. Okay?" He cooed, rubbing her hand. And she simply gave a nod. *** Getting home, the duo will shower and make out in the bathroom. This helped Adira feel a lot better. Afterwards, they had dinner and decided to sit out at the terrace for a drink. The terrace was so beautiful at night, adorned with twinkling lights and a gentle breeze. Adira and Nikolai indulged in casual banter, their laughter mingling with the night's serenade. The distant city lights formed a breathtaking backdrop as well. It was so beautiful.For a long time, they laughed and chatted like they had no problems. They didn't want to think of their problems. Na-ri stood and watched from a distance, and her heart shattered at the sight of them having fun. She should be the one in Adira's seat. She should be the one with Nikolai, having that fun. Her place was being taken. She sniffed and turned around when a call came into her phone. Taking it out of her pocket, she noticed it was an unfamiliar number calling. "Hello?" She called feebly on the phone, walking away. ... Adira and Nikolai were still having so much fun when Finn and Mrs. Bellamy ran out of the house and towards them, their phones in their hands. Nikolai was taken abacked when he saw how they appeared. "Nikolai! Have you seen the news?" Finn spoke in deep breaths."It's Ophelia! Ophelia is back! And so is Jagger."