chapter 47

As consciousness slowly trickled back to Nikki, she found herself lying in a familiar, opulent bedroom, her senses gradually coming into focus. Disoriented and groggy, she struggled to piece together the events that had led her here. Panic surged through her as she realized she was alone and her baby was nowhere to be seen. Frantically, she began searching the room, her heart pounding with fear and desperation.

Just as her panic threatened to overwhelm her, the door swung open, and Alexander stepped into the room, his expression a mix of concern and apprehension.

"Nikki, you're awake," he said gently, his voice a calming presence in the chaos of her mind.

Nikki's eyes darted to him, her voice trembling with urgency. "Where's my baby?" she demanded, her words laced with fear.

Alexander approached her slowly, his hands held up in a placating gesture. "Nikki, please, calm down," he urged, his tone soothing. "The baby is safe. I would never harm your child."

Relief washed over Nikki, mingling with the confusion and apprehension that still lingered. "Where is he?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander sighed, his gaze softening as he regarded her with a mixture of regret and longing. "He's being cared for," he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "But Nikki, there's something I need to tell you."

Nikki's heart skipped a beat as she watched him, her instincts on high alert. "What is it?" she asked, her voice cautious.

Alexander took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers with unwavering intensity. "I missed you, Nikki," he admitted, his voice raw with emotion. "I fell in love with you, and when you ran away, I didn't know how to cope."

Nikki's mind reeled at his confession, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions swirling within her. Part of her wanted to believe him, to let herself be swept away by the possibility of a future with him. But another part of her remained wary, her heart still raw from the pain of their past.

"I don't know if I can trust you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alexander reached out to her, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed a lock of hair from her face. "I understand," he said softly. "But please, give me a chance to prove myself to you. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."

But she also feel in love with him