Chapter 137 - Breath of fresh air

But she let him touch her… if she truly hated him; she wouldn't have given him her first night.

Or was it a ploy to make him fall for her and then crush his heart into a thousand pieces? Has her every smile to him been faked?

And when she said she loved him, was it a lie?

Nicklaus stood in the rain, each drop of rain tearing into his soul, but he didn't move, he just stood still, staring at the spot Tiana walked out from.

Maybe he was really a monster? He had hurt her so much, how could he think that she could forgive him easily?

Nicklaus's head fell and his shoulders trembled;

He couldn't even imagine what she went through having to pretend she was in love with him, it must be hell to see his face every morning. It must have been heart-wrenching to kiss him back when all she felt inside was deep hate.

He wished the rain would keep falling on him and wash him out of existence. Maybe that would make her happy. Maybe it would take away the hatred.

After everything, he did to her, how stupid of him to think that she would be in love with him. He deserved every pain coursing through him now.

''Boss, the rain is becoming heavy, please get inside the car. ''

Not able to watch their boss stay under the rain any longer, one of the guards, brave enough walked to him. When he saw the excruciating look on Nicklaus' face, his heart sunk.

Even though his boss was stern and fearful most times, he had stayed with him long enough to know that it was all a camouflage. He was really a kind soul but because he had nearly no-one on his side, he had to mask himself with such fearful aura, and the one person he had let his guard down for, had crushed him to a billion pieces.

The rain was becoming heavy and Nicklaus couldn't keep his eyes open anymore, but still, he did not move. After what felt like hours, he suddenly turned around and walked to the car with heavy steps.

Dan, the guard who had approached him, and the bravest of them all, held open the back seat door for him when he saw that he was about pulling open the driver's door.

''Boss, I'm sorry, but I can't let you drive in this state, please get in. '' Dan spoke pleadingly, but his hands couldn't help fidgeting, it took him a lot of courage to go against the boss. He could lose his life for that.

Nicklaus was quiet for a second before he turned to the back seat and got in. Dan was shocked but he knew that Nicklaus had a lot on his mind at that moment; he wasn't in the mood to argue.

He waited till he had gotten in and then he closed the door after him, entering the driver's side, he started the ignition, but just when he wanted to drive out, Nicklaus stopped him.

''Wait! ''

He had told himself that if that was what she wanted, he would leave her but at that moment, he couldn't bring himself to leave. Even though she had said she hated him, even though she wished he would rot in hell, he still loved her, recklessly.

Dan felt so sad but there was nothing he could do to help, he watched his boss through the rearview mirror, stare at the house with anguish, after what felt like hours, he finally pulled his eyes away.

''Let's go. ''

…

Four days later

Nicklaus mansion had been as quiet as a graveyard; no-one daring to make a sound. Nicklaus had not stepped out of his room for three days; his meals would be served, and they would be taken away uneaten. Everyone knew or suspected the reason behind it but no-one dared to talk. After the issue in the company had been resolved, the stock prices had skyrocketed even better than it was earlier. Nicklaus did not go to the company for three days straight, everyone was worried, and even when they tried to reach him; his phone was switched off.

And when they sent representatives to his home, his guards told them that he didn't want to be disturbed.

On the fourth day, everyone in the mansion was going around their normal duties, when suddenly; they saw someone walking down the stairs. His feet barely made a sound as it made contact with the floor, his eyes were dark and his expression cold, the cheerfulness that had been on his face for the past weeks had utterly vanished, and he looked frostier than he had ever been.

Although he never came down, his guards always waited for him with the cars at the usual time, until it was past twelve, they did this continually every day and today were no exception.

They didn't expect him to come, so they chatted away carefreely as they waited for him.

Surprisingly, at about five minutes past eight in the morning, they saw him walking towards them, Dan was the first to notice him and when he did, he stood upright immediately, the others followed suit instantly. They weren't expecting him, but they weren't very surprised either.

Even though she was the only friend he had ever had, and even though she had broken him, they knew he was strong. But their only fear was what would become of him now, now that the only person he had opened his heart to had shattered it, and when he approached them and they looked at his face, their fears were confirmed.

In a deathly tone, and without looking at anyone in particular, Nicklaus spoke;

''To the company ''

…

Tiana stood in front of the mirror, gazing at her reflection. She couldn't keep being like this. She hadn't stepped out of the mansion for days now; neither had she had a good sleep, she had eye bags and dark circles were visible under her eyes and she looked really worn out. He was gone from her life; it was time she moved on.

She forced a smile to her face, but it looked weird on her sad expression, so she quickly eased her lips.

She had many plans with him, but now he was no longer in the picture, it was time she sketched a new plan, but first, she needed to leave this house and get a breath of fresh air.