14 Chapter fourteen

She frowned as the door opened and Jake showed his face.

She sighed and went back to her work.

After last night; she had sent him a message instead of calling; she didn't feel like hearing from him; that was why she didn't call in the first place.

Now, he was here; doing what?

When Lucy had told her; he was here; she had wanted to tell him, I am not available right now but instead she thought; that would give him a reason to question her, he would ask her about Nicholas that was totally irrelevant and to show him she is completely cool after what he said last night; she had to see him; show him; who was more rational in this relationship.

'Hey, Babe.' He said as he walked through the large room to meet her desk.

She gave him a lazy smile. 'Hey, Jake.' She wasn't a good mood to talk to him right now.

He sat on the visitor's chair; and looked at the documents on the table in front of her and a pen, cup of coffee by it.

'Are you almost done?' He asked.

She shook her head still on the paper.

'Amber?'

She face her head to look at him.

He sat up, licked his lips. 'I am sorry about last night.'

She was about to go back to her work but he stopped her.

'I was marking the student's scripts last night and my brother asked me to give him my car; he is presently out of town but hasn't brought the car back yet.'

She shrugged; she didn't need his explanations to defend himself, he had his life anyway and she would never ask anyone to leave what they were doing and live life with her; it wouldn't be fair.

'Is he okay?' She turned the page of a folder.

He just nod his head. 'Clinton has a lot of issues with a lot of people but....he is handling them.'

'I hope your brother is wise not to implicate you in any of his shady business?' She told him; every report she heard from Jake about Clinton, were not good; he was into one problem or the other and Jake was always getting him out; she had been praying that he turns a new leaf and not put his brother into trouble.

'I won't let him do that.' Jake answered immediately.

She smiled at him freely now.

He stood up, cross the wires and connections on the ground and went to her seat. Amber watched him as he came to her.

'I was thinking we could do something, maybe dinner, music and dancing.' He said with a sneezy smile on his face as he held her shoulders.

She touched his hand on her shoulders. 'Jake, I'm busy right now.'

'That doesn't mean I can't kiss or cuddle you, with dinner and we'd dance barefooted.' He had an imagination of how he wanted their first time to be, he had been saying he wants it to be amazing, unforgettable.

But it was completely different from what she wanted; she was grown up woman; she was brought up traditionally with rings and weddings, she wasn't going to give herself to a man; who was her boyfriend held only a protection that was 90 percent active.....and wake up pregnant and he'd yell her; he wasn't ready to have a child yet or would she force him to accept responsibility; men are always men.

'I am sure that it will be romantic and perfect.' But she wasn't in the mood; she had a business trip by next week when Cassie would be back and she needed to be ready for her presentation.

'Then how long will you be done?'

Truthfully, since he was here, she didn't know but if he left her now or remained quiet; she might get some work done; she hated taking her work home.

'I don't know. But if you take a seat and please don't talk to me. I will be done as soon as possible.'

He pulled his hand back the small of her back and rested his jaw on her head; his hands moved to her waist and begun traveling up her navel and they touched the cup of her breasts.

She quietly gasps, closed her eyes and sighed.

'I miss you, not talking to you for a week. Baby, come on.'

His hands moved up and was about to close round her two breasts, she shrieked and slapped his hand away. 'I'm working, Jake and may I have you know; my car isn't available right now.'

He immediately got over the slap. 'It's okay.'

'You are ready to enter a bus.' She said as she turned to look at him.

He nod before she turned back. 'Any thing for you.'

She rolled her eyes, of course, he would say that. Jake worked as a school teacher few kilometers from her company, they didn't have time to see each other because they were both busy.

He put his hand on her shoulders again, but they didn't wander this time; he kept massaging her muscles but she didn't need this.

She needed to focus to finish this work or else there will be no romantic date with her boyfriend even though all she wanted was to rest after feeding Skype.

He pressed the elevator opened; the company was starting to look empty; he met Apirl outside before he came in; she had told him she was going for a date and she would be fine; he didn't see Jess because apparently; Jessie took a break; said she had gone to Europe for an Art exhibition or something like that.

He just came to see Amber to make sure, she was okay and maybe they could have dinner again, he had not seen her car outside; probably it was with the mechanic; this was a good opportunity to take her home again and remind her about their date.... maybe appearance tomorrow...at Stacy engagement party. He could call it a date.

'Good day, Mr Mitchell.' He heard Lucy's greeting and smiled at her as he moved closer to her table.

'Good day, Lucy; how are you?'

'Fine, fine, Sir.'

He laughed. 'Lucy, call me Nicholas instead; since I and Amber are partners now; I don't think there is need for such formalities and besides you will be seeing me more often.' He said with a smile.

The receptionist had called him; Mr Mitchell too and he told her the same thing.

Lucy looked away embarrassed. 'If I do that; then Ms Amber will be upset that I don't show respect our clients.'

He sighed. 'I believe there are other ways to respect others. How about just me.'

'Alright, Mr Nicholas. I will try.'

He smiled at her again and she blushed, quickly looked away. 'That's my girl.'

Lucy looked at him; yesterday at the meeting; his gaze had been fixed on Ms Amber, watching everything she did. She wasn't even sure he heard what Mr David said and he didn't leave when Mr David did; instead he stayed with Ms Amber promising her; he wouldn't distrub. She wondered where they knew from because it looked like they have known each other for a long time.

When she had gone to the canteen to get Ms Amber snacks to eat for lunch, even though she hadn't eaten it; instead gave it back to her and thanked her for her thoughtfulness. She had heard some of her colleagues talking about Jessie and a handsome man; that didn't want come down until three and she guess had been Mr Mitchell.

If what she thought was true then he was better than Jake that preferred to nag her all the time. They would look good together. Ms Amber and Mr Nicholas.

'I should call her for you.' She said taking the telephone.

He just nod.

The phone rang and rang but she didn't answer.

'I'm sorry, sir but she didn't answer.'

He smiled and shrugged. 'Don't worry, I am sure she will be happy to see me.'

'She has a guest.' Lucy said quietly.

He just nod and walked to her office, like he wasn't even listening.

He knocked on her door; when he heard come in, he entered.

His smile diminish when he saw Jake behind her massaging her shoulders; he should be the one doing that; not him.

'Nick.' He heard Amber's sweet voice only to be overpowered by Jake's crooked ones.

'Nicholas Mitchell.' Then his hands froze on her shoulders.

'Hi, Amber.' He spoke to the most important in the room.

Jake moved out of her desk and came to stand by the visitor's chair.

'Nicholas, I will like to see you right now, but I am busy.' She told him; all while Jake massaged her shoulders, she felt like sleeping, after all the coffee she have had? She looked at Nicholas; why was he even here?

'It's fine.' She heard him.

'But tell, what can I do for you?' She asked him as she went back to the documents on her table; Jake had stopped her from answering the phone just to make her relax for a little bit; she wasted valuable time.

'I was thinking, since your car is not here yet, maybe I can give you a ride.'

She looked up at him; of course he must have scanned the parking lot for her car. 'But then you will have to give my boyfriend a ride too.' She had said that deliberately to show Jake that he knows what is happening between them; that she was in a relationship with another man.

Nicholas smiled; he didn't care, as far as he had Amber in his sight; he was ready to do anything.

'It's fine.'

'No, I am not getting in your car.' Jake said with distaste.

Of course, he was not; he liked classic ride; like his. 'Come on, Jake.' Amber insisted.

'No, Amber. How can I ride with this guy!'

Apparently, this guy was much nicer than him; she wanted to say but instead kept her mouth shut.

'Why not?' Nicholas asked him. As much, as he would like Jake out of his way, out of Amber's life; didn't mean he could kill him; if he did that Amber would not have him back and he wasn't really to risk his hands being stained by the blood of a stupid guy; who thinks he is better than him.

He was just going to do this because Amber asked.

Jake looked at him; he knew what he was trying to do. He knew he wanted Amber back.

'Come on, man. Your car isn't here, Amber's car isn't here. There is air-conditioning in my car or would you rather go through standing on a queue to get into the bus or hailing tirelessly for a cab? Your choice.' He said, he hoped he sounded more convincing.

Jake moved closer to him about to tell him his mind.

By the look on Jake's face; he was upset about this arrangement. 'Gentlemen, your argument isn't helping.... please step outside.' She told them; she wasn't ready to listen to their argument in her own office.

They didn't move.

'Or you will like to have dinner together; three of us?' she added looking at them; she knew neither guys would like it; because they both wanted an alone time with her.

Jake looked at her and walked out and Nicholas followed but not without smiling at her

He was really loving this quarrel with Jake, pointless arguments; of course he would smile ; a smile intoxicating making her smile back and have her thinking he was enjoying this,

Wasn't he because he knows you want him too.

I don't want him.

How can you be so sure, Amber?

'What do you want with Amber, leave her alone.' Jake told him when they were in the board room.

Lucy had told them to stay in there instead of waiting outside for Ms Amber.

Immediately she stepped out, Jake had turned to face Nicholas; challenging him.

'She wants to get divorced from you; why do you keep insisting and being so adamant about holding her down against her will.'

Nicholas sat down. 'Amber loves me. You don't see it.'

'You do not realize one falls out of love. She loves me now and you have refused to accept it.'

Nicholas scoffed; the man was deceiving himself; if Amber loved him; he wouldn't be so insecure about their relationship, if he knew she loved him; why don't he trust her? That had been his problem, that was what broke them.

'If you say she does, then you need not be so worried.' He said bringing out his phone.

Jake paced.

'You never should have come; you are making her feel confused.'

Nicholas laughed; Jake was the only confused one right now; Amber was just with him to forget Nicholas and all the time, they spent together; the time they talked; the time he almost wanted to kiss her; she just restrained herself; it was because she felt obligated to Jake, because she didn't want to be unfaithful but not because she was confused.

He had seen Amber confused before but it has not been about two guys; she drew a line between them, so Jake was wrong.

And one other thing, he didn't know Amber well enough.

'You are wrong. Amber has made her decision a long time ago.' He told her.

Jake smiled; he knew what was the truth, he just needed Nicholas to fall out of interest for Amber.

He sat down in front of him. 'You know, you are right... she has made her decision and I can promise you it is not you.'

Nicholas looked at the man in front of him.

'When she agreed to go out with me; that was the best day; do you know the other best days; every time I kissed her, everytime we made love, she screamed my name....not yours; there are marks of her fingers on my back and soon again I am hard for her because she makes each love making like heaven.' He said as he placed his hand on the table looking dreamy.

Nicholas frowned him but Jake was not done.

'She has gotten over you; she doesn't love you anymore..... being with her now is a waste of time, you are just like a friend; who came from a long journey. Stay away from Amber.'

Nicholas shook his head. He knew sex and lust, they go hand in hand; Amber would never sleep with someone to save herself, there would always be another way out; if she did those things with him like Jake had said then Amber wouldn't have smiled when he smiled at her. So, he knew Amber Pade, the kind of person she was before and after they got married, she would never sleep with someone who wasn't her husband.

He trusted her.

Even if she did, he knows he prompted it; he is to be blamed, he shouldn't have left her by herself for such a long time.

He turned to look at Jake; he was smiling triumphantly like he had won.

'For me to stay away from Amber, you will have to make me.' Nicholas smiled and Jake's face is clouded with defeat. He needed to do something.

They kept staring at each other angrily when the door opened and Amber came in, still holding the door.

'Can we go?' She asked the two men.

Jake kept looking at him and Nicholas stood up; with a smile.

'Jake.' She called when he didn't stand up.

He blinked and nod, following them, quietly.

It's was 6:30pm.

They got to his car; Nicholas got into the front seat and opened the doors. Amber reached out to open the passenger's seat at the front; Jake held her hand.

'What you doing?' He asked.

She looked at him. 'Jake, he is not my driver. I can't sit at the back and let him, drive me.' If that was what he suggested.

'Then I will sit in front.'

'Then risk you guys arguing and with me at the back; if there was an accident.' She saw look on Jake before he left her office; she couldn't trust them to sit together at the front.

'Amber.' He called her.

She faced him; wondering what the problem was.

'Do you still love me?'

She looked at him; they have been dating for four months now; she couldn't really say she loved him, because she still haven't gotten over Nicholas and he knew that much; it would take time and Nicholas'absence for her to break her love for Nick but no till then she cared about him.

'You don't have to think about it so much.' She looked up at his face.

She couldn't lie to him, if she wanted to lie, she wouldn't say anything; he is fine, to assume what ever he likes.

'I care a great deal about you.'

He nod first time, second time. Jake had never told her, about how he felt about her; they have breakfast, lunch, dinner sometimes, spend the few times together, but he had never said he loved her.

'If I insist we take the bus..... what will you say?'

She thought about it for a bit; she is exhausted and standing and walking to her house, all by herself was painstaking. She looked at Jake; he looked at Nicholas like he was a threat.

Because he was.

'That will be really selfish of you but I will go with you.' Jake lived not very far from here; and he hated trekking, sometimes, he might not even see a cab to go to her house but since he got a car; he made more trips to her house and if she walked to his house with him; he would insist she stay for dinner and that would mean she spent the night; she slept at his house two times now but she didn't want to do it today.

He was about to open the car door to tell Nicholas not too worry. She stopped him by holding his hand, he stood up to face her.

'I have worked a lot today, I will love to go back home to Skype and my bed. So, please Jake; I have to be awake early tomorrow.' She said looking at him.

Not arguing with her again; he moved away from the door and moved to the back door before opening it.

Nicholas started the car when she entered he drove off.

'Jake, what about dinner?' She asked.

Jake looked away as he saw Nicholas smile. 'I've lost my appetite.'

Nicholas pressed the brakes in front of his house.

Jake opened the door but not without adding; 'Amber, can I see you?'

She walked after him.

Nicholas did not hear a thing, he knew Jake was upset that Nicholas was just trying to amend their relationship. He saw as Amber went into his arms and Jake's hands at her back before they went down to cup her buttocks.....he hit his hand on the wheel hard. Amber moved away from him.

It was just for the main time, enjoy it Jake while it last.

Amber moved to the car and entered waving to Jake.

They didn't talk until Nicholas got her home and in perfect shape.

'Do you think I can come in for dinner? Apirl has a date.' He said with a small smile

She smiled at him, happy Apirl was dating now. 'I am too tired to make dinner, Nicholas.'

He shook her head; he understood and he wasn't going to force her, he could cook and there is usually take out. 'Let's order a pizza.'

Without argument she nod; it's been a while since she ate pizza, so why not?

He came in with her; and ordered the pizza; Amber used that time to take a shower and lie down for a bit; just a few seconds she closed her eyes; Skype came barking at her on Nicholas' orders that the pizza was here.

She came down in her pyjamas; Nicholas had bought two pairs, the same for the both of them like they were twins. He loved seeing it on her with her hair on her shoulders.

'Pizza.' She said as she moved to him.

He looked at her, as she walked closer and she sat close to him. He swallowed; remembered when he had done shopping with her; he had brought it when she wasn't looking and then they got home, they wore it that night; the back was just clasped together behind although; there was buttons in front; when they got into bed. He had opened the clasped before putting his hands into her pyjamas and she had moved closer to him; wrapping her hands round his that were in her pyjamas.

'Do I get a knife?' He heard her asked.

He cleared his voice; hoarse it still sounded. 'There is no need. But I got a movie; can we watch it?'

She nod her head; they couldn't just sit down eating pizza and looking at each other.

She folded her legs beneath her and relaxed back on the couch; two inches away from him; but he tried not to glance at her since she sat beside at the edge of the couch; there was no way she wouldn't catch him if he looked at her.

It was when it got to the ending, he began to wonder what really happened; not that he cared he just wanted to spend time with Amber.... away from Jake and he was glad he was here.

The movie ended; Amber decided it was time to call the night. She stood up and he stood up and begun walking to door.

'We have to attend Stacy engagement party tomorrow night.

She knows; he didn't have to remind her. 'I know.' She said with a nod.

'I can pick you up.'

She nod. Her car wasn't back yet, he might as well do that.

Then the strangest thing happened.

He moved towards her as she held the knob of the door about to open but he moved close to her trapping her between the door and the wall of his chest.

Amber didn't behave so shy around Jake like she did around him; which he interpreted as a good sign.

She looked down at her feet as he came closer and she felt his hands go round her waist; she raised her eyes to give him, the answer he was seeking for but immediately she looked at his face; his eyes, his lips; the words in her head disappeared into nothing else just blank.

She gently put her hand on his chest; in attempt to push him away but they only rested there; as her eyes waited for his next movement.

'I love you.'

She looked at him as she heard his whisper; he was joking right?

'I love you.' He said again as his face was only inches from hers.

She looked at his eyes; she felt so confused right now; even to think. But....her mouth opened to say something, as she looked at his lips.

'I.....'

He clapped her mouth with his and took her lower lip gently and slowly and then her upper lips and before he opened his mouth to kiss her even faster.

Her heart pounded fast against her chest in perfect rhyme with his; like this was a kiss, they been waiting for all their lives. He raised his hand to her nape about to pull her in for more as her hand went round him to support him.

He knew if he didn't stop; he wouldn't have enough time to spend with her.

He pulled away but not completely, his lips were still close to her and his hand at her nape; her hand on his back. They catch their breath.

'I will pick you up when you are done with work.'

She just nod just not ready to say a word yet.

'Do you have to come home to change?'

She nod again, not meeting his eyes.

'I'll be there on time.' He said was he removed his hand from her waist and her hand fall from his back; he looked at her lips again.

But disappointedly he kissed her cheeks and walked away from her. She moved away from the door and he opened the door and walked outside closing it after him.

She didn't look at him after he left; instead clutched her heart to stop it's excessive beating.

She allowed Nicholas to kiss her.

Girl, you are in a mess!

Amber sighed as she looked for an outfit to wear; seeing the engagement party was going to be by 9, Nicholas was downstairs waiting for her.

When he walked into the company this morning; she had been standing by the receptionist desk, talking to her about something; he walked in and walked straight to her; silently she prayed he wouldn't do anything, prayed he wouldn't kiss her; it was her fault for letting him kiss her in the first place; she just told him to go up to her office, she will be there soon. He had left smiling at her; when he left she noticed her employees looking at her; maybe they had heard something or something that was there.

Really?

Shut up Amber. She quiet her conscience.

She had taken the elevator, and only then did they get back to work. When she got to her floor; Lucy was there; she would have heard what her colleagues have been saying or maybe she must have instigated it or saw something other than Nicholas attraction towards her.

The young lady had only said; they are just questioning who Nicholas was into; whether it was Amber or Jessie because they had seen him at the canteen with Jessie and now he was making trips to the company.

She just smiled before walking into her office; she hadn't seen Jessie for a while, apart the trip she was on, may Jess was avoiding her; and she was sure it had to with what Nicholas told her.

Nicholas had smiled when she entered; he said; he'd wait until she was done and he did.

He drove her home; she cooked dinner and he insisted he wash the dishes while she get ready.

Something he did in the past.... when he was her husband.

What if she wanted to be with Nick again?

Where did that come from! Amber!

Really. She knew Nicholas and she understood him and everything he has been through but they weren't divorced yet.

And so what; use your head; you can't just dump Jake simply because Nicholas is back?

She shook her head. Shaking the voice out.

Nicholas is back and he has given you six months....

And it hasn't elapsed yet; a lot can happen.

She picked the yellow gown and black purse; she was wearing black heels; it was set.

She pulled down her robe; reminding herself, tonight she was going to Stacy engagement party, not as Amber Pade but as Amber Mitchell; Nicholas Mitchell's wife. She dropped her head and raced the comb through it a before looking at the mirror one more time and heading outside with her phone.

'Who is this beautiful lady by your side?' She heard.

The man came to him and Amber.

'She is my wife, Frederick.' Nicholas introduced them.

Amber accept the man's hand for a handshake but he didn't leave her hand; soon as he thought; he smiled so coyly behind pulling her hand to kiss her hand; she closed her eyes as his wet lips touched her hand before Nicholas yanked her hand from his grasp... Amber couldn't be more thankful.

'You should not afraid, Nick; because you got married does not mean that you got her all to your self.'

Nicholas looked at him.

Actually he hadn't gotten her yet; Amber said in her mind.

Haven't he?

She was tired of explaining to Nicholas that he shouldn't address them as man and wife but he was the one who started so he has to defend himself, she no idea what to say, even though she would like to defend him.

'Come on, Nick. I was just playing.' He quickly added when he saw Nicholas anger.

'I do not like your type of play.' He said back to him.

'You haven't been in the country for long, I heard you left, lost your phone. I thought you were dead.'

So his absence affected other persons, she didn't know that.

Nicholas dropped his brows and looked at Amber with a smile, quickly going back to his former self.

'Amber, this is Fredrick Osbourne. He was my colleague when I worked as a clerk.' He introduced.

Amber just nod her head, she didn't feel like giving him, her hand again; she had rub the wetness with a part of her handkerchief.

'I am Stacy's brother.' The man added.

Amber nod her head as she got the new information.

Fredrick gestured for them to follow him.

'How do you feel about this; Stacy's engagement?' Amber formed a conversation; apart from coming seeing and congratulating Stacy, stay for a few minutes before leaving; her other plan was to leave either with Nicholas or not; she didn't think she had to be here.

He shrugged first before turning to look at her. 'Honestly, I always thought Stacy would end up with Nick.....they looked good together.'

Obviously, they were both models, they would have slim children; who lived only on vegetables. She looked at Fredrick to see his lips moving. He was still talking to her.

'She came back one day, sad and drunk refused to tell me what happened until I saw the cause of her distress; Nicholas'eyes didn't leave hers for a second; she kept muttering.'

Immediately he continued when they stopped walking, he turned round look at her. 'He was always hanging around you like he was at your bodyguard, even when you told him you were fine but he hang around and then you said; your dad insisted you shouldn't drive since you didn't have a license yet.....so Nick offered to drive you home and your dad instantly agreed.'

'Why are you boring her with that?' Nicholas told the man; he didn't want Amber to hear, she was the reason he had broken up with Stacy in the first place. She remembered that day but she didn't know this man was among the crowd and she didn't think anyone was looking apart from Nicholas. He was the reason she said she wanted to leave in the first place, because she didn't want to be only thing he looked at and she didn't like him then.

She looked at Fredrick; she didn't even know Nicholas was dating Stacy or anyone; she hadn't seen the lady, and she had thought considering he was a good-looking guy, he would have someone and besides how was she supposed to know; she never visited or called and he never talked about her; maybe he had and didn't want to tell her.

'He isn't on the contrary.... Sometimes I feel like I don't know anything about you.' She told him.

He quiet his mumbling as he breathed softly; Nicholas had made sure he didn't hide anything from her.....not deliberately that is.... maybe he just felt somethings were irrelevant their lives and it would change something between them; that was why he told her half truth .....he has never lied to her, he just thought she might run away if she heard everything.

Fredrick exchange glances between them and immediately smiled.

'I didn't see Nicholas much during guys out, tried to call but nothing..... I am glad Stacy is getting married; she seems really happy.'

Amber and Nicholas turned to the sound of cheers and clapping; the other entrance; Stacy's hand in her fiance's and they both strolled into the room looking beautiful and perfect together. Stacy smiled a lot as she gently waved, blushed, waved and blushed; she was used to cameras and attentions... It wouldn't be a problem for her to go through this. The helm of her red gown was sweeping the floor like a wedding dress, she was glamorous; the man besides her wore blue suit and trousers and a black shoe; he proudly held her hand as they walked across the room.

When she had seen Stacy in the television on an advertisement or a magazine cover; she had thought she was beyond pretty, that she would like to keep her skin glowing like the way Stacy does, eat less and lose some weight even though she could hardly say she had any.

But then she looked at Nicholas; who was looking at his phone, typing something; Nicholas was hot, short beards and he was neat, he was way too attractive than the man who walk hand in hand with Stacy.....She could see that some of the ladies few metres from them; were now looking at him instead of the engaged couple.

After all the train of beautiful ladies, he picked her; she wasn't as slim as Stacy, she didn't wear gorgeous clothes like most of the ladies here but he picked her.

She sighed; why did that revelation sound disheartening?

'I'll be back.' He said as he excused himself to the direction Stacy and her fiance went.

She saw Nicholas moved closer to her.

Should she grateful or what, that he looked in her direction? She hadn't think, he would ever like her like that, with all his authoritation and his orders he gave her to follow. She had thought he would pick other ladies there or even Cassie; Cassie was prettier even though she wouldn't agree.

But he chose her over the others, over the model Stacy; wasn't she lucky?

'Would you like something to drink?' He asked.

She looked at him; even if he chose her, that didn't mean he didn't leave her for a year thinking he had left her by her because she wasn't good enough or worse dead.

But he was trying to come back to her, even though she had Jake now. He wanted her back and he has been trying so far.

She cleared her throat. She needed a drink, looking at Nicholas was making her mouth dry and besides it was going to be time for a toast soon.

'Yes, thank you.'

He smiled at her before walking towards the bar.

He smiled at himself, whatever Amber was thinking about, he was 100percent sure he was the cause of the uncertainty he saw on her face everytime she looked at him.

He didn't want to be that, he wanted to be her husband again; the one who would come home to her every day after work. Talk with her until he had slept. The one she would sometimes served in bed, if he was too tired to go downstairs to eat. She was the one who traced the line on his face, when he couldn't sleep or was stressed out and she was a better cook than him.

He wanted it to go back to the time when everyone thought they could never break apart and for that to work, he needed Jake out of his way and he needed Amber to love him again.

He began to approach where she stood standing her back to him; he smiled before continuing and he stopped few inches behind her, she was talking to somebody and the person held her hand. He heard the sweet sound of her laughter settling him but at this same time dishevelling him.

'I am not going to leave like that again.' He heard the other party voice, it was a guy; his face muscles tensed. He was trying to get Jake off Amber and this was another man holding her hand; he wanted to punch something....he left and something happened, he shouldn't have left.....he shouldn't have. This is Stacy's party how did Amber know anyone here!

Nicholas, Amber is beautiful and friendly; he told himself.

If he hadn't left, maybe he wouldn't have given this guy the chance to flirt with his wife; he remembered he had punch a guy when he had been grueling over Amber, they had attended his friend's birthday party and he was angry at what he said to Amber.

'That she could have him if he; Nicholas was behaving like a jerk.' And some other things he didn't remember.

He looked at her as she threw her hair back from her face, she was still holding the guy's hand; if she could have waited for six months before Cassie and her parents convinced her to date again; maybe she could wait a few more....

'Yes, can I help you?' The man asked looking at him.

Amber turned to look at him. 'He is with me.' She said with a smile, facing the guy again.

Nicholas walked forward to stand by Amber, their hands dropped;

Nicholas gave her, her glass of champagne which she accepted with a warm smile.

'I..' Nicholas was about to introduce himself but the guy cut him off, with his hand extended for a handshake.

'Hi, I'm Benjamin Wang.'

Nicholas shook his hand with a smile but not like the one in front of him, who had excitement written all over his face.

'Amber, college boyfriend.' He finished as he dropped his hands.

Nicholas looked at him and Amber, Amber rolled her eyes.

College boyfriend, right!

He should really not jump into conclusions and he should quit his assumptions.

'Nicholas Mitchell. Amber...' He didn't finish.

Benjamin cut him off, finishing the sentence for him.

'Husband...She has a ring on her finger, I figured.'

Nicholas was short of words, he hated anyone cutting him off except Amber but this man had brought to his notice, something he had been too bothered to noticed.

He turned to her to look at her finger; the gold band he had worn on her finger with inscription; tiny written; "I love you." round it was still there; perfectly fitted like she never took it off.

His heart hammered against his chest still with a confused expression on his face.

'How did you know?'

Benjamin shrugged with a smile putting his hands in his pockets.

'You been standing behind her for a while and earlier I saw you talking to Fredrick.'

He had been watching; a realization hit him; that was how Jake had been watching; waiting for him to slip and when he did, she had Jake to cry on. Why did he slip, making a stupid mistake and loosing her?

He wouldn't slip this time; this time, he will make it right.

'I thought you said you didn't know Fredrick.' He heard Amber; she hadn't sipped her champagne yet but the glass is still in her hand.

Benjamin turned to face her. 'If I tell you everything about me right now, you will have no reason to have dinner with me, since you know everything.' He said with a shrugged.

'Are you still adamant on dinner, Ben?'

Nicholas watched him nod his head. 'I love dinning with you, you are a fine company.'

'So are you.'

'Guest of the bride or from the groom side?' He asked.

She just smiled. 'I don't know her personally, she invited us personally.'

'Used to be my rival.' They heard not too far from where she stood.

Stacy in her beautiful gown moving closer to her, it looks like now they were greeting the guests.

She hugged Nicholas and gave him a peck on his cheek and gave her a light hug; before hugging Benjamin.

'Thank you for coming, Amber.'

She gave her a nod, it was the least she could do, even though she didn't know her.

'Your party is lovely.'

'Benjamin handled it carefully down to the latter.'

Amber turned to him. 'Benjamin.....event planner?'

She nod, wondering they have standing here for a while and she didn't still know what Benjamin did?

Weird! Yet again it didn't surprise her, because she is Amber after all. She remembered she had been hanging around Nicholas but Amber never asked for her name or who she was to him. Stacy was the one who busted her name and to leave Nicholas alone.

But Amber wasn't the kind to pry, if she wanted to know something and was interested; she just had to ask and hang out with that person.

Benjamin shrugged. 'If I told you everything; that dinner might not happen.'

She nod her head, refraining from asking him any questions. Saving it for their dinner.

'Nicholas, was it hard to find?' She asked as she took a look round the hall.

He shook his head; I have passed here a few times.....it wasn't hard.'

Then she heard her name and looked apologetical at them.

'I'm sorry, I will be right back.'

Nicholas nodded.

She looked at him before turning to Benjamin.

'Amber, I will see you, I need to check on other things.'

'You did a wonderful job. Is Fredrick your boss now, I thought you don't work for somebody; you are a freelancer. ' She said admiring the hall looking back at him.

Benjamin looked at her and shook his head. 'Amber, no more questions....we are saving for dinner.' He said with a smile.

She nodded reluctantly and smiled. 'Fine.'

He gave her a peck on her cheek before giving Nicholas a handshake.

'It was a pleasure to meet you, Nicholas.'

'Likewise, Benjamin.'

'I will like us to be good friends in future.' He said still shaking his hand.

'Me too.' Then he withdrew his hand.

Benjamin gave them a smile again before excusing himself.

'What kind of surname is Wang.' Nicholas asked when he had blended with the crowd and he was gone.

She turned to face him. 'His father is a Korean, he is usually out of the country, Benjamin speaks English, French, Korean and Chinese.... how?' She explained the stories Ben had told during lunch before they begun dating.

'That is nice.' Nicholas said.

She smiled at him and continued. 'Benjamin said, his father made sure he took Chinese classes and Korean. He grew up with his mom and the good thing he looks like an American.... I could remember our classmates would make fond of him because of his surname. His father visited the school once; he looked fierce and he didn't take rubbish....he actually threatened to sue the guys who thought they could play with the surname.' She smiled. She was afraid, when he had told her, his father was coming to school and that he would like to see her.

'Why did they lived that?' Nicholas asked, interested in Benjamin's life.

She raised her glass to her lips and sipped. She still remember the story, he had told her when he kissed her at the school football field for the first time.

'His mom worked in the same techn company as he did and they hit it off; although his grandparents had their own opinions, his mom loved Mr Wang and they got had Benjamin; Mr Wang has businesses in Korea and one here; he only sent holidays with his wife and the children here and whenever his mom was off work and school holidays, they would go to Korea. When his mom had his sister; she didn't move again; Mr Wang left his brother ; if I remmber correctly...Wang yin Wang to take charge of the business to support their parents while he took the other and always came home in time to spend time with his children.'

He nodded his head; it was like Amber read from a book but the truth was she kept a record of everything no matter how long ago it was.

'Why did you break up with him then?' He knew when she graduated, because he was there before she got employment in her dad's company.

She shrugged. 'He said he would like me to come with him to Korea but I declined; I didn't want to go half across the globe and the only person I knew was Ben, so I said no....he didn't hold me back, instead he let me go.'

He was happy, Benjamin did. If he had taken her with him; Amber wouldn't have fallen for him. They wouldn't be together right now? Maybe by now she would be a mother with two kids in Korea.

'Was that why you were upset when you begun to work full-time?'

She nearly laughed and sipped her wine again. 'I had taught myself, I was the only one who could bring me down and raise me up.'

She did a good job without him anyway.

'I was angry because I still worked under you.' She told him.

Why would she be mad for Benjamin choosing to live his dreams than living here with her. She was fine with it besides look at where she was!

She heard a spoon hitting the glass, and looked up with Nicholas beside her.

They looked up to face Stacy and her fiance on the balcony, their glasses raised in the air.

'I want to...' She heard Stacy's fiance begin.

She sighed as Nicholas stopped in front of her house. The lights were on, looks like Jessie was at home.

She looked Nicholas when he didn't move to get down from his car. The night had ended with Stacy's offering them to have late dinner with her but she declined, she was full, she had eaten before she let the house and the three glasses of champagne was beginning to make her feel a bit tipsy; Nicholas just brought a drink whenever she asked; he only drank two glasses and he didn't finish the second; because of the dance, they spent the rest of the night staring into each other eyes.

'It was amazing.' She told him, even though he didn't ask.

He nod his head and smiled at her, he ached to touch her, to kiss her again.

'can we go for ice cream tomorrow to talk..... I have a lot of talk about.'

She looked at him; she likes talking with him, but right now.....

'I have a business trip tomorrow.'

He looked at her, her face serious. 'How long is it going to last?'

She did like she was thinking or remembering before she finally said; 'A week.'

A week! He would have gone with her but he couldn't, he had his company affairs and restaurant in case he forgot.

'I will be leaving by two tomorrow.' She informed.

'I could drop you off.' He offered, he wasn't ready to part with not now, now that he was slowly getting back into her heart.

This is just for a short time, Nick.

A short time? That was the same thing, he told himself when he left. Until a week, turned into a month and a month a year.

Come on!

'Amber.'

She looked at his face as she unbuckled her seat belt. When he didn't say anything, she opened the car door. 'Thank you for the ride.' And she stepped out, she hoped he would not follow her or try to stop her.

He did neither, he just sat in his car sad until he convinced himself that Amber was still and until she was divorced from him, he was hers.

He is going to wait for her until get back. Since she still had his ring on her finger; he knew Amber still loves him.

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