Molly put her hands on her waist. "Her father sells dr-drugs, Adele. Hasn't she told you?"
Adeline stood up. "You guys... how come I—"
"The reason of her keeping it a secret from you is unnecessary. We're just telling you this to make you prepared."
"F-For what...?"
"Abigail's family might have something to do with my mother's death too," Jacob responded. "That truck was meant to hit you."
"W-Why would someone want to kill me...?"
"Probably because of Nicholas. It's quite obvious that you're special to—"
"Enough." Adeline took a deep breath. "I don't even wanna hear his name."
"It's been more than a year since that mysterious man contacted me. He must've gotten someone else to do the job for him."
"B-But why are they aiming at me?"
"It's because you're the one that matters to Nic the most." Jacob smiled. "His parents are dead. Who else could it be?"
"You still like him don't you?" Molly sat down beside Adeline. "Erick was just a distraction."
"My feelings for Erick were genuine." Adeline folded her arms.
"That's not my question."
"I..."
"If you like him, it won't matter to me. I support you guys."
"But didn't you just say that—"
"It doesn't matter who hurt you. What matters is the one who made you smile again."
"I'll never fall for him again...ever..."
"You don't know that."
"You expect me to love him back after everything he has done?"
"I'm not asking you to."
"Well I don't plan on having a relationship at this age, Molly." Adeline put her hands on her waist. "I'm not ready to fall in love again..."
A couple of months later, as Nicholas was walking with Adeline to his car in the parking lot after a long day at work, Adeline opened the door and he abruptly placed his hand on the door frame to hold it for her as she began to slide into the front passenger seat. Adeline then stopped, turning back to face him before Nicholas stepped closer and leaned down to kiss her lips. Turning back, Adeline covered her mouth as Nicholas smiled, sliding into the driver's seat.
"You! Wha-What was that f-for...?" Adeline slowly fastened her seatbelt. "Wh-What if someone sees us...?"
"I told you that I wasn't giving up." Nicholas started the engine of the car.
"But I—"
"It's not like our first time anyway."
"Who even allowed you to do that?"
"I don't need your permission." Nicholas brought his face closer. "You're mine now."
"You..." Adeline flinched back. "You know I didn't mean it that night."
"I'm exhausted from the meeting today."
"And so? Does that concern me?"
"Well you're my secretary, so you should do what I say. Like kiss—"
"That wasn't in the contract!"
"You've given yourself to me anyway. Stop acting so shy."
"Well then stop acting as if we're in a relationship." Adeline took a deep breath, trying to hold her anger. "I'm just allowing you to do that because you...you took care of my parents while I was away."
"You enjoy it don't you?" Nicholas smirked.
"What...?"
"Your lips on mine—"
Adeline covered his mouth. "Enough, someone might see us."
"Are you ashamed of me?"
"I don't want to be mistaken as your girlfriend, so please—"
"You liked me first."
"Ummm... so?"
"I'm sorry." Nicholas leaned back on his chair. "I don't know why but...why am I so afraid to lose you when you aren't even mine?" he sighed. "I-I don't think it's too late."
"I don't want to be in a relationship." Adeline looked away. "Not now...not ever."
"Don't wait for the day—"
"Someday someone will come into your life and love you the way you've always wanted, Nic. We're not good enough for each other."