Nikolai's condition was very critical - the doctor said. They've done all they could for him at the moment, but he was still not regaining consciousness. Adira got to learn that the accident was so bad, and it was only by a miracle he had been able to come out of the car alive. This got her even more frightened. What would have happened if he wasn't lucky? How would she be able to live with herself, knowing she caused his death? Even if it was not entirely her fault, still it started with her. The following morning, most of the family members had to leave to take care of other things. Bellamy didn't want to go, but she was convinced by her husband that she needed a bath and a change of clothes. As for Adira, she couldn't go. When she had the chance to be alone with him, she went into the room and a tear dropped to her cheek. Her Nikolai wasn't looking any better. He had an oxygen pipe beneath his nose, had a big bandage wrapped around his head, his leg was placed on support and a drip was going into him. She couldn't believe he was suffering that much. She caused this - she thought regrettably. Perhaps, she shouldn't had left. Even though he was mad at her and wanted to leave instead, she should have endured it all and just found a way to stay around him. She hurt him, now he was suffering this much because of her. She took the seat beside the bed, holding his hand delicately. His hand was so cold, it made her fear a little. "I'm so sorry." She whimpered, bowing her head in tears. "I didn't want this to happen. I didn't..." Her words got lost in her throat again. "I'm so sorry, Nik. I wish I could do something to change the hands of time. I wish I could get another chance to prevent this. I can't... I can't bear seeing you like this." She wept profusely for a while. Sniffling, she continued in subdued tones. "I need you back, Nik." She whimpered. "Y... Your baby needs you. I never thought I'd feel so scared being pregnant. I wasn't even this scared when I left home that night. But I became scared yesterday, imagining having this child without you. I can't dear think of it. I'm... I'm pregnant for you. I didn't even have the chance to tell you before I was framed and...and forced to leave the house." She paused and wept more, bitterly. "Lancelot framed me, Nik. I love you and will never think of betraying you - ever. I was so hurt you didn't believe me. Why on earth would I chose someone like Lancelot over you? I've never... I've never loved anyone as much as. I've loved you, Nik. You complete me. So, how could you fall for his cheap lies and chose his words over mine? "Please...please, come back to me. I'm begging you. I can't do this without you. I can't... live without you. Please, Nik. Please..." She dropped her head to the edge of the bed, shedding copious tears. ****†****†****†****† Days passed. And Nikolai's condition didn't get any better. Despite his condition, Mr. Thatcher forced himself to come see Nikolai. The old man was so worried about his favourite grandson, he started rejecting meals until he was brought in to see him. Other relatives trooped in and out as well, and one of those days, Jared came visiting as well. Although, he didn't get the opportunity to see Nikolai as a nurse had been tending to him, he was satisfied with getting to see Adira. After all, she was the main reason he was there. Since the accident, she barely had time to even take his calls. He couldn't pay her visits either as she was always at the hospital. She walked him out to his car when he requested to leave. "You look very pale, Adira. You should try and get some rest. You also need to eat healthy." He spoke with an unfeigned concern as they walked side by side. "I'm trying. I'll be fine." Adira answered tiredly.They got to his car and stopped walking. "How about I take you for dinner tonight? Or tomorrow? Whichever is convenient for you?" At that moment, his proposal sounded absurd. She had a husband and shouldn't be going for dinner with any other. "Thank you for your concern, Jared, but I'm fine. I'm not interested." She had no idea just how much her reply hurt him. "Are you sure? We could have it in a more .." "I'm certain." She interrupted, calmly. "Thank you so much Jared. Do not think I do not appreciate your care towards me. I do, but I honestly don't feel like having a date. I need to go back in." She bobbed her head and left before he'd say anything else. Getting into his car, Jared let out a painful grunt. This wasn't good - definitely not for him. He didn't do all these just for Nikolai to pity his way back into Adira's life. He couldn't afford to lose her again.****† Adira didn't want anything more than to stay with Nikolai at the hospital. But the next day, something urgent came up at the office that required her presence. So, she had to force herself to go. She attended to the clients she needed to and had it all sorted out. Her mood was down the whole time, she considered it a miracle that she was able to think straight. She wanted to leave when Bonnie informed her of an important board meeting that was to take place. Adira had been absent from the company for too long, and there was a lot she needed to catch up with. So, she attended the meeting. However, she was shocked when she discovered Vesper was the one in charge of the meeting. How the hell did he take charge so soon? Was it because of Nikolai's condition? He cast a smirk her way when he saw the puzzled look on her face. Adira, in turn, got rid of her surprise and took her seat. This was only temporary - she thought. Vesper will never be able to take Nikolai's place. Never. The meeting commenced and went on for a while. Adira rarely gave contributions as she had too much to worry about - the pain in her heart, and the pains from her waist. She'd been having unending cramps that wouldn't let her breath. She knew they were symptoms from the pregnancy, but she didn't need them at that moment. When the meeting came to an end, Adira purposely stayed back while the others left. She wanted to have a word with Vesper. Vesper was able to read meaning to her delay and stayed back as well. Finally, the conference hall was empty with just the both of them left. "Hello, sister in-law." He chuckled. "You look unwell. Taking care of my brother must be really draining, isn't it?" Both of them were still in their seats, staring at each other. "Am I the only one able to decipher happiness in your voice?" Adira asked, a stern look on her face. "Oh! Come on, you can't possibly think I'm happy my brother's in that state." "Well, who knows?" Adira shrugged. "You seem pretty excited taking his seat." Vesper dart his eyes around and laughed. When he settled his eyes on Adira again, he had a grim look on. "This has always been my seat. Nikolai took it from me." "He took it because he was more of a responsible son than you were. Do not blame him for being everyone's favorite." Vesper's eyes darkened. Then, he smiled. "Why am I even having this conversation with you? I have more important things to do." He stood up. "Did you perhaps, plot Nikolai's accident in any way?" Adira's words halted him, he turned to look at her with eyes glazing.