Ophelia held her face in shock, her eyes widening in disbelief. She looked at Adira like she had just done the most forbidden. "You have no right to talk about my marriage." Adira threatened. "I don't know who the hell your informant is, but my relationship with Nikolai is nothing like what you had with him." "Have you gone nuts?! How dare you lay your hand on her?" The lady beside Ophelia shrieked. In a brisk, Ophelia tried returning the slap, but Adira was quick enough to repel and pulled at her hair instead. "You witch!" Ophelia yelled and grabbed her own hair. And a messy fight ensued. *** Nikolai stepped down from his car and hurried into the grocery store. For a week, he's been doing his best to avoid public attention, but not when Adira is involved. He got into the store and found the four women there - Adira, Ophelia, Ophelia's mum and an unfamiliar lady. The store keeper was there as well, at his counter. He halted momentarily at the door, his gaze roving around Ophelia. Her hair was a mess, and underneath her left eye was a deep nail scratch that still had bloodstains on it, indicating it had previously been cleaned. There was also a cut on her hand. Her chest was rising and falling heavily like she was full with nothing but rage. But for Adira, the only mess she had was her hair. "Thank goodness you're here." Joyce exclaimed when she spotted Nikolai at the door. Her face was all swollen with rage. "Seriously, Nik, I'm tempted to file a lawsuit for this, because take a look at my daughter!" She pointed at Ophelia who was backing Nikolai. "A lawsuit, really?" Adira scoffed. "Trust me, the last thing you want is getting our daughter anywhere around a court." "You think so?" Ophelia snapped at her, her eyes throwing daggers. "You attacked me - did this to me. You really think you'd survive in court?" Adira tried going closer to her, but Joyce stood in the way. "You've done enough harm already. I believe you should stay clear of my daughter from now on." The woman spoke with a hard tone. Taking a deep breath, Nikolai approached them. He stood beside Adira, and at the same time, faced Ophelia. He could effortlessly see the anger bubbling within her. She looked away, trying so hard to avoid his gaze. "What happened, Ophelia?" His tone was cold but gentle. "I never thought we'd bump into each other like this, but since we did, I'd appreciate it if I get an explanation from you." Ophelia said nothing. "We use to be good back then. I admit that, on the day you disappeared, we had our biggest misunderstanding. But you of all people know what happened. You know who Jagger was. So, how can you show up all of a sudden and side him?" "Well, it's all your fault to start with." Ophelia finally looked at him, her eyes brimming red. "You were his target, but I got abducted along with you because I was your girlfriend, and he needed something to hurt you with. He made me that something!" She took a step toward him. "You tried to kill me in every way, Nikolai. Even before he arrived. I'm certain I didn't tell a single lie because it was really you who pulled the trigger!" "Right after you asked him to!" Adira chimed in, raising her voice. "You're such a snake, Ophelia. I have no idea how the man was able to brainwash you this way, but your brain itself must be really weak to have fallen for it."Ophelia sucked in air through her teeth and tried going after Adira, but her mother pulled her back. "That's enough. Come on, we should get going." She held Ophelia's hand and started towards the door with her. "Ophelia." Nikolai called, making them pause. Ophelia looked at him, trying to conceal the hurt in her eyes. He threw a deadly glare her way. "You'll pay for what you did. It doesn't have to be now, but I'll make you pay." He spoke emotionlessly. Joyce gasped. "Do you realize that is a threat, Nikolai?!" "Not a threat, but a fact." He answered. Fear flickered across Ophelia's face. Giving him a long stare, she walked away, while her mum and friend reluctantly followed. *** Mr. Thatcher continued coughing as Lyra hurriedly got his drugs. She pulled them out of their packs and hurried to him with a glass of water. "Here you go, honey." She spoke tenderly Due to his failing eyesight, she had to direct his hands to the pills and water. He gulped it all down. "Sorry, darling; I believe you'll feel better soon." she smiled, taking the empty glass from him and returning it to the table. They were both in the bedroom, with Thatcher on his wheelchair. He stretched out his hand, and Lyra analyzed he wanted to hold her. So, she quickly went over to him and took his hand. "I'm right here, always." She gave it a little squeeze. The old man sighed. "You're such a nice lady, Lyra. It's such a pity we didn't get to spend a longer time together." His words were laced with regrets. Lyra purred and kissed his palms."I love you so much, dear. I know a lot of people found it ridiculous that I got married to someone your age, but to be honest, it's the best feeling ever. Even when you're gone, I'm not so sure I'll ever remarry. I don't think I can love any man as much as I've loved you." She made her voice soft enough. "No." Thatcher shook his head. "I want you to be happy when I'm gone. You're too beautiful, too kind. Your life shouldn't end so early when I'm gone. I just hope in my next life..." he gave her hand a little squeeze. "... I hope we meet when you're much younger so I can grow old with you." "Awwn! You're too sweet with words." She swiped at a happy tear that rolled down her cheek. "Thank you so much, baby." She kissed his palms again before walking away from him. "Your doctor will be here by evening." She mixed his tea on the table. "He said he'd be bringing better drugs for your eye sight." Mr. Thatcher nodded. "I'll need to call Nikolai later. I need to know how he's doing." "Sure, I'll call him later in the day." "By the way, how's it going with your lawyer?" She paused and turned to him. "I'm talking about the will." "Oh, that." Mr. Thatcher coughed a little. "He's working on it already and will be done in a few days. I'll sign on it afterward, and that will be it." Lyra smiled and turned back to the table. Shortly, she was done with the tea and walked back to him with the mug. "Remember, honey; you must not let your grandchildren know about this. If they do, it might cause some sort of dispute. Some might even try to influence your decision and get you to change your mind. I hope you see my harmless point." she handed the cup to him. "Of course. Of course." He nodded. "Wills are always done privately. I won't let anyone influence my decision." Lyra smiled victoriously, caressing his shoulders. Her plan was so close to being completed, so damn close. None of the Kensingtons will see this coming. ... Vesper was on his way to Mr. Thatcher's room to pay homage. He was about knocking when he heard something that pricked his interest. He heard Lyra ask about the will and electric surged through him when he heard his grandfather's response. What?! The whole time, there's been no will?