Watching Dave and Carol walk into the kitchen, Adeline picked up the boxes beside the front door. "What's this doing in my house?"
"Your parents insisted it." Nicholas sat down on the couch. "They must've told you about my parent's death haven't they?"
"My condolences." Adeline looked on the ground. "I was just informed recently."
"It's fine... How have you been by the way?"
"I've been living with—"
"I know that you've been living with Abigail and Molly. I-I even met Erick a few months ago. Seems like you've got yourself another suitor."
"Let's stop wasting each other's time and get to the point." Adeline folded her arms. "How much do we owe you?"
"Well you'll only be able to pay it off if you work for my company." Nicholas smiled. "My company's a lot more bigger than Abigail's. Don't you want the opportunity?"
"Don't act like we're close."
"Oh, just because of that rejection?"
"You mention that one more time and I'll—"
"You'll what?" Nicholas laughed. "I'm not the same old pathetic Nic you knew back then, Adele." He grabbed her wrist and whispered to her ear, "You don't know me now."
"What do you want?" Adeline glared, trying to get off his grip.
"It's simple." Nicholas wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I need someone to track my schedules."
"You're asking me to be you're secretary? Is that how low you think of me?"
"I need you to stay by my side. I'm afraid that you might run—"
"What's gotten into you?" Adeline took a few steps back. "Yo-You act so different. It's like you don't even trust me..."
"Do you expect me not to change after twelve years?" Nicholas smirked. "I'm the boss now, Adeline."
"I'll ask Erick and Abby about it first."
"Is there a need to? You don't need their opinion to make your own decisions."
"It's my life and I do what I want, so don't tell me what to do."
"I'm just giving you advice as your—"
"We're not friends anymore, Nic. We're just acquaintances."
"Oh really?" Nicholas brought his face closer. "How about now?"
Adeline flinched back. "It's better if you distance yourself from me. I don't want to be mistaken as your girlfriend."
"I don't have one."
"Does that have anything to do with me?"
"Ever since I've broken up with Ella, I've never dated anyone else."
"I'm not asking."
"I want you to know." Nicholas grabbed her wrist. "Do you still have any feelings for me?"
"W-What?" Adeline blinked.
"I'm curious if Erick was able to take my special place in your heart."
"Don't worry, I don't have any feelings for you anymore. I've learned to accept it."
"You're lying."
"Stop trying to confuse me. Do I look like I am?"
Nicholas grabbed her waist and pulled her into a hug. "How about now?"
Adeline's eyes widened as she took a deep breath. "I really don't feel anything anymore."
"You're just trying to—"
"Stop it will you? I already like someone else, happy?"
"Wh-Who is it...?"
"It's none of your business."
"I have every right to know."
"Who are you Nic?" Adeline pushed him away. "Tell me, who are you in my life?"
Nicholas folded his arms. "Shouldn't you know?"
"Well you don't hold a special place in my heart anymore alright? People change, including feelings...so don't expect me to make the same mistake again."
"Mistake? Was falling in love with me a mistake?"
"My biggest mistake wasn't falling in love with you. It was making you a priority when I was just your option."
Nicholas turned his back. "Whatever. I don't wanna keep this frivolous conversation going. I'll come back in a few days for your decision to work for my company."