A warm embrace

Leila came out of the set to the dazzling sunlight with displeased expression. Beneath its brilliant glow, her fair skin seemed to shimmer beautifully.

There was a Maybach waiting outside the cafe with one of its windows rolled down by a fraction. An attractive man with a stoic expression could be vaguely seen sitting at the driver's seat.

The car drove toward the city center.

When the elevator arrived, Leila and Nicholas walked in. As usual Leila was squeezed into a corner.

When the elevator door opened in arrival a lady greeted them. Her eyes fell on the woman next to him. Upon seeing that it was Leila, Belle seethed.

"Nick, Are you serious about her?".

Leila flicked her eyes toward Belle in disbelief.

No matter how Belle looked at it, there was nothing about Leila that was attractive enough to warrant the affection of fine speciman like Nicholas.

With eyes the size of soccer balls, Belle's jaw went slack as she pointed at Leila.

"Nick, What happened to you? Don't you see that she is a materialistic woman. Please don't..."

"What to do? He chooses me". Leila blurted out as naturally linked arms with Nicholas. Leila glanced at Nicholas, noticing the grim look in his eyes, seemingly not too happy with this.

"I am hungry. Let's go". Leila clung onto him as if he were her last lifeline, and they left together.

Belle left speechless staring at their back with her face turned purple with rage.

At the hotel's entrance, Leila immediately released Nicholas' s hand. She stared ahead quietly, but she could feel Nicholas's lazy gaze on her.

"I won't apologize for that. She ruined my favorite dress!" Leila muttered.

Nicholas shoved one hand into his pocket and strode into large strides without saying anything.

----------

Clarissa exhaled sharply and checked her reflection in the mirror. "What a great day to start!" She forced a smile and patted her cheeks in encouragement.

When Leila walked inside the private lounge of the hotel she felt something wrong with Nicholas. His face was paled and looks exhausted.

Nicholas leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs elegantly. His elbow was propped on the armrest, with his hand supporting his head. The collar of his shirt was slightly apart with his sleeves rolled up to his elbow.

He straightened his back when Leila took a seat opposite to him. He passed the menu to Leila and asked, "What are you getting?"

Leila took a look at the menu and asked, "Can I get one quinoa salad? Also, I want a plate of chicken drumsticks. Thanks."

Nicholas gestured for the waiter. "Two quinoa salad and a plate of chicken drumsticks".

"Sure." The waiter nodded, then walked away.

A heavy silence hung in the air until the food was served.

Nicholas quietly grabbed a glass of water and washed it down his throat but he barely touch his food. Throughout the meal, Leila remained silent while eating absent-mindedly.

Upon seeing Leila done, Nicholas stood up but all of a sudden, he felt dizzy and collapsed on the chair.

Leila was totally taken aback. For a minute, she was shocked out of her wits.

"Sir, What's wrong?" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

Nicholas shut his eyes briefly before he opened again. "I am fine. Lower your voice! It gives me headache".

"Okay. Are you really fine?" Leila squeaked in panic as she squatted beside him.

Nicholas nodded his head and tried to stand on his own but failed. Leila was alert enough to grab hold of his arm. She then brought Nicholas to his car. At first, she suggested on visiting to the hospital, but Nicholas rejected her. So they went back to his apartment instead of the hospital.

After much difficulty, Leila helped him and carefully laid him down on his bed.

"I will be back" Leila said before she instantly dashed out of the room. She came back two minutes later, with a bowl of water and a towel. The moment she reached out to unbuttoned his shirts, a hand grabbed onto hers instead.

"I am fine" The man's voice was almost a whisper, but the grip around her wrist was firm. With a look of disdain, Leila pushed his hands away and uttered, "Sir, You are not fine".

Since Leila had used up all her strength, she walked to the kitchen after wiping the sweat off her forehead.

Entering the room with hot glass of water, she was so terrified when she heard Nicholas's grunting sounds. His pale face was completely white. He curled into himself, cold sweat beaded all over his forehead.

Hastily, she reached out to put her hand on his temple. Although the man's temperature lowered, he began shivering and mumbling about how cold it was.

"Damm it!" She cursed before taking off her cardigan. Without thinking much she then lay down and hugged the man to share her body heat with the man.

Leila pursed her lips in guilty when she heard Nicholas mumbled sadly, "Dad, Please protect Sophi...."

Right after that, Nicholas snuggled closer into the embrace and found another comfortable position. Finally, he sank into a deep sleep.