Story of Nikki Lindsey

CHAPTER 47: TEASING ME?

Taking a nap with tears in my eyes, I glimpse how messed up I look. Although I was wearing waterproof mascara, some ran below my eyes and dots inked around my cheeks.

I washed my face, but most of the makeup did not disappear. I need a makeup remover towelettes or a facial cleanser.

Mae finally replied to me, and I requested her to buy me some stuff and a change of clothes.

There was a knock on the door. I heard Theo's voice behind the door. What happened to us a while ago now has a significant effect on our approach to each other. 

"I— um, wanted you to know that breakfast is here, and Doctor Yonah is coming soon. You can proceed with the tests. Then you can go home after. Chris told me they were on the way to get you. So-- I will go home by then."

I opened my mouth, but no words wanted to come out. I like to thank him, but I was hindered by this overwhelming emotion surging in my chest. I was already aware of this wall between us, yet this time, it was a wall where it was hard to get through and reach out.

The sound of a shutting door caught my ear. Theo had left after there was no response from me. I desire to thank him, but I cannot bring myself to show gratitude for watching over me when I lost consciousness before that kiss.

Peering at my reflection, I do look like a slut right now. Messy hair, traces of makeup all over my face, and wearing a crumpled seductive dress. This is the face of a f*ck-up sl*t.

Breathing a deep sigh didn't help to ease my tight chest. But I have to relieve the tension within me before Mae and Chris arrive. They shouldn't see how messed up I looked.

I came out of the washroom and headed outside to have my breakfast. Theo truly goes home, which saddened me. And so stupid of me when it is what I asked him-- to leave.

Although I had too little appetite, I did try to finish the food even though it was not tasty on my tongue. The last time I was here, I enjoyed all the food served. Strangely, now everything tastes ordinary.

Later, Mae and Chris finally arrived. I took a shower and carefully cleaned off my makeup.

Dripping hair behind my back, I watch my reflection in the mirror. This is the real me. I need not wear flashy seductive clothes and apply beautiful makeup. I have been a simple Nikki for almost 25 years, and there should be no changes with an attempt to be somebody else, to love by someone.

Attempting to fit in his world is a dream. Something will remain as a dream from then on...

'Wake up, Nikki Noreen Lindsey. You shouldn't let a man sway your world.' I cheer myself up.

Not long after patiently waiting, Doctor Yonah shows up and takes my blood samples. Including my urine for a set of tests. I waited for three hours before Doctor Yonah came back to me.

"Nikki, I will give you another set of vitamins. You can discontinue the first ones I prescribed you."

"Okay, Doctor Yonah," I replied, nodding politely while keenly listening to her explanation.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm fine," I tear a big smile. It happened; what I could only recall was Theo kissing me.

I should feel joy, but now, it turns into misery on my part, which brings sadness to my heart. So my answer is only a lie.

"Alright, everything looks good," said Doctor Yonah, flipping the TAB in her hand. "Just avoid yourself from getting stressed, also just do little work, okay?" she added.

"Understood, Doctor Yonah," Even though I am confused, I have to remember her advice.

Regardless, I was less stressed lately and had less work than I did in the past month; however, why was I recently experiencing dizziness?

"Doctor Yonah, are my medical results seen no problem?"

"Hm? Why? Do you feel some other stuff?"

"Ah, just dizzy sometimes. I worry if it might be like Mama's symptoms?"

"Oh, don't you worry? There is nothing we found, any abnormalities or anything in your body. I am none too concerned about it. Besides, it's not related to--."

"Doctor Yonah?" I could peer that she froze.

"Ah, nothing to worry or think about. What I mean is a minor thing. If you will, it only causes you too much stress, and that's not an advisable thing in your condition, okay?"

"Okay." I did not understand everything, but she knew better about health-related, so I did not ask further. "Thank you, Doctor Yonah."

It was a very exhausting day. Chris drove me home as Mae went to work after dropping off my stuff. I found Mama sitting on the balcony and busy typing with her phone. She had a smile on her face, so I was intrigued by whom she talked to.

"Mama, I'm home," I announced to get her attention.

"Welcome back, Nikki."

I sat next to her and hugged her from behind.

"Mama, I'm sorry." I sounded like a little girl.

"Huh? What for?"

"Your daughter is such a bad girl," I mumble. I rocked when Mama's body shuddered when she let out a laugh.

"Why are you apologizing? You are at the right age, mature enough to decide for yourself. You are not a kid anymore, and I would worry about your choices. Besides, I believe you are responsible enough to handle things if you think they are wrong."

"Mama…" I badly wanted to burst out crying in front of her, but I fought back my tears and smiled cheerfully. She is the only one I have.

If whatever happens soon, I know it will break her heart. But I know her personality. Mama will be the first person to understand me, and she will be the last person to judge me. She's that kind of person. I am not alone in admiring her, but most of the people who met her.

* * *

Monday, morning...

I visited the Lee Group Company building to hand over my resignation letter to Sister Michelle. I never expected that the person I would run into in the elevator would be Theo. So early in the morning, yet he was the one I saw.

After that incident, it feels too awkward greeting him. More of talking with him like nothing happens. I just had a shower, but sweat began forming on my forehead. Even breathing appeared hard to perpetrate with him in the same room, especially when his shower gel lingered under my nostrils and his scent all over this lift.

Please climb fast. I begged at the elevator.

Wait, are we going to the same floor? There's only one button lighting. It was the one toward sister Michelle's office.

Is he going there too? For business? Anyway, Shang Holdings has countless investments in any company, even Internationally. It is not surprising if they also have an investment in Lee's Company.

I tried to distract myself, but it seemed the elevator was too slow to rise. Not to mention it stops on each floor: employees get in and come out of the lift.

We stopped at the 25th floor, and a group of male employees took the lift, and it pushed me to the left corner, and my back pressed to the cold mirror wall. What surprised me; Theo quickly moved in front of me, and his huge body shielded me from the new passengers.

I glanced at these men. Having Theo's presence made them anxious, so they put a small distance from us.

Standing before me; allows me to have a full view of his back.

According to Mae, Theo caught my body after I lost consciousness, and even the one holding me throughout the trip to the hospital. It means his two strong arms had me until we arrived at the ER.

Yet, I haven't thanked him. Being reminded of the kiss caused me to blush out of the blue. By means, it's hard to restore our friendship with this awkwardness between us. I shook my head but engrossed myself in scanning his body.

Theo was this tall.

Like him.

Shot. Why am I comparing Theo with him and him to Theo?

I should stop having this kind of thought all over the place. Especially when I made love with him, my mind flew here and there, even thinking about Theo.

Overthinking every time, it was surprising I hadn't lost my head yet.

But might soon. Being squeezed inside this elevator made me dizzy, and it suffocated me to be pressed to the side. I need air to breathe sooner, but there are more floors before getting to the top floor of this building. 

My eyes widened upon meeting Theo's eyes. His gaze is gentle at the same trouble. All of a sudden, I have to hold onto his suit. I gulped while staring back at him.

If I hadn't held on to his back, I would have already lost consciousness. 'What's wrong with me?'

He turned his head the moment he felt my hand pulling him. Glancing at me over his shoulder, he's giving me a worried look. It surprised me when he handed me his handkerchief.

Confused, I took it from his hand. I cannot process it yet, but I asked myself what I should do with this handkerchief.

I lifted my head and looked at him with astonishment. I was dripping with sweat. Is it what he wanted to convey to me? I heave a sigh, then slowly dampened the cloth on my forehead and around my neck. I paused after I stared at my reflection on the mirror wall. Theo watched me rubbing his handkerchief to my face. It panics me to notice the desire in his eyes. Quickly, I withdrew my gaze and averted my eyes away from him. It seems dangerous to do it in his presence. Gladly, the rest of the passengers came out on the 35th floor and left us alone in the lift.

Finally, we arrived on the 40th floor, and I immediately headed to the receptionist on this floor and inquired about an appointment with sister Michelle.

"Hi, Mandy."

"Hello, Nikki."

"Um, can you get me an appointment with Miss Michele today?"

"Sure! She already told me to let you see her once you come."

"Oh, thanks."

"But the Chairman called for an emergency meeting with the Executives, so kindly wait until they finish the meeting?"

"Sure! No problem. Thanks, Mandy."

I turned around, and I bumped into Theo. Why is he standing behind me and even too close to me? There's a lot of space on the counter to stand around. No wonder Mandy was extra cheerful and sweet to me. Theo was standing just behind.

"Careful…"

He said which arm was holding my back. It was like a blazing heat exploded throughout my body, causing me to shudder.

"Excuse me," I said and hurried to pull my body from his hold.

Hurriedly, I strode toward the lounge with long steps and took a seat, ignoring him. Though I want to take him out of my system, his sexy voice plays in my ears. Great, Mandy sounded flirty when Theo gave his name and inquiring his appointment with the CEO.

But the most torturing part is when it has several empty chairs, but he takes a seat on the loveseat I am sitting at. What the heck? I scream in my head.

What is his deal teasing me like this!?