Episode 12

Pov Nicolas.

A new day has come and there's an idea that keeps wandering in my head.

"What are you doing?" Maritza asks as she sees me packing my belongings.

"I have to go back to New York, I have urgent matters to attend to."

"It's not fair," she says as she looks at me with pleading eyes and tries to hug my neck, but I dodge her embrace. "I thought you would at least stay to see my performance once. You know that figure skating is my life, and yet I feel like you don't support me."

"I'm sorry, but I really have to leave," I say as I close my suitcase. "You can stay here, I'll cover the expenses."

"It's because of her, isn't it?" Her tone of voice is somewhat annoyed, and I don't like that. I'm not used to giving explanations and if Maritza has been by my side for so long, it's precisely because she understands. In fact, I even considered my future with her. I don't believe in love, to me it's absurd to emotionally depend on someone else, but I'm aware that at some point, certain aspects of my life will have to change, which is why I considered her as someone to start a family with.

"What?" I put the suitcase aside to look at her intently.

"Do you think that the media spreading the news all over the country is not enough for me to find out? How could you get married?!"

"I am getting a divorce," I say bluntly.

"So, I'm supposed to be satisfied with that vague explanation? Look at me, I'm talking to you!"

"I'm sorry, I know it shouldn't have happened, I understand if you want to step away, I won't stop you."

"I'm worth so little to you," she asserts and sighs deeply. Tears roll down her eyes.

"I don't understand what you want me to do."

"I want you to explain to me, I want your explanation to be convincing, tell me it was a blackmail or that you were drugged, but tell me something!"

"I did it because I wanted to, I won't lie to you, it wouldn't be me."

"When will the divorce be final?" she asks, wiping her tears.

"I don't know yet."

"Let's formalize our relationship," she says with some pleading in her voice.

"For now, that's not possible, I'm trying to keep my image from being involved in more scandals and that would only add another one to the list of the past few days," I turn around and look for the exit.

"Don't leave like this, let me be with you one more time," she says, hugging me from behind.

"I think it's best for you to stay away from me for a while, I don't want to hurt you."

"You'll hurt me more if you leave. Don't end it with me."

"I'm not." I free myself from her grip and continue on my way.

I leave the hotel and get into the van where two of my men are waiting for me.

"Good morning, sir," they both greet, and I simply nod.

"Are we going straight to the airport?" the driver asks.

"No, we're going to the laboratory first."

"The same one?"

"Yes, the same one."

The journey feels endless, I don't know why I have a feeling that I could've been set up. If that's the case, whoever it is will find out who Nicolas Thompson is.

When we arrive, I get out of the van, enter the building, and go straight to the elevator, pressing the number four. As soon as the doors open, I quickly and confidently make my way to my destination.

"Good morning," I greet the woman who previously assisted Anna and me.

"Good morning, Mr. Thompson."

"I see you still remember me."

"Of course," she nods with a smile.

"I need a copy of the test results for my wife. It seems that I entered the wrong email address and that's why we still don't know the results."

"I see, this cannot be done without the express authorization of the patient," she looks at me with disappointment in her eyes.

"What a shame, I wanted to know. My wife is out of the country and that's why she can't come," I sigh. "I was so excited to finally find out if I'm going to be a father."

She looks somewhat hesitant.

"I'll make an exception, after all, she's your wife and you both came together. I just hope I don't get into trouble."

"You won't," I affirm with a smile on my face.

She looks up the system and prints out the result.

"Here you go, Mr. Thompson. Have a nice day."

"Thank you," I smile again and leave.

Once in the van, I read the documents. My eyes lower to the part where the word "Positive" is highlighted. A smile forms on my lips, quickly fading as I confirm that that silly girl lied to me. Does she plan on getting an abortion without telling me? My fists clench and my jaw tightens.

I take out my phone and call Fabricio, my assistant. On the other side of the line, I hear his voice.

"Good morning, Boss."

"Good morning, Fabricio."

"Boss, the crew is ready to take off."

"I know, tell them there's a change of route."

"Change of route?"

"Yes, as you hear it. We're heading to Moscow."

"To Russia?" He asks, surprised.

"Yes, to Russia."

"Understood, Boss."

"One more thing, find out which hotel Anna Brown is staying at."

"Should I make a reservation at the same place?"

"Not necessary, I'll be staying with my wife."

I arrive at the takeoff zone and the crew of my private plane welcomes me.

Before taking off, I receive a message from Fabricio, informing me that Anna did indeed travel to Moscow, but she cancelled the reservation she had made and there is no record of her in any other hotel. I read it and put away my phone. Where did you spend the night?

I take out my phone again and call Fabricio.

"She's doing business with Ivanov, find out where she is, don't contact her until you have an answer."

"Understood."

...***...

Anna's POV.

As I wake up in the morning, I stare at the ceiling, feeling really lost. I place a hand on my belly while the other tangles in my hair. I didn't sleep well last night. I can't wrap my head around the fact that I'm pregnant, not at this moment in my life. And even though I want to have that little person inside me, I'm scared. How can I be a good mother? No one has taught me how, and I would hate to disappoint my child's expectations. I shake off my thoughts, get up, get rid of my pajamas, go to the bathroom, and submerge myself completely in the tub. After a while and thoroughly washing my body, I decide to get out of the bathroom. The meeting is in two hours and I don't want to be late.

I dress in a white shirt, tight beige pants, a matching blazer, heeled booties, and a brown bag. Simple accessories and makeup. I leave my hair in loose waves.

Upon reaching the ground floor, I run into one of the employees who escorts me to the dining room where Ivanov is waiting for me.

"Dobroye utro, ty ochen' krasivaya. (Good morning, you're really beautiful.)"

"Thank you." I don't speak Russian fluently, but I know the basics. I started studying it once the possibility of doing business in this country arose.

Ivanov pulls out a chair for me next to him. Quickly, an employee brings breakfast and leaves.

"What is this?" I ask when I see the breakfast, which is a kind of arepas accompanied by milk.

"Sirniki, the main ingredient is Russian cottage cheese. I hope you like it."

I drizzle some honey on it and take it to my mouth. I must say, it's really delicious, so much so that I have seconds.

...***...

We are at Ivanov's Company. They are high-end vehicle manufacturers, and we are betting on being the ones to transport their parts and accessories to our country. The presentation would be in English since most of the people present spoke it. In any case, there is someone in charge of translating both languages.

Good morning, my name is Anna Brown, and I am representing Fast Shipping...

...***...

The proposal presentation went smoothly, fortunately, I was able to address all the concerns of the people present. Now, I just had to wait a couple of days for them to let me know the answer. Tomorrow, I'll be heading back to Los Angeles.

Exiting the company, I do so alongside Ivanov, who offered to give me a tour of the city. His driver awaits us near the main exit. In front of Ivanov's vehicle, there is a black armored van with tinted windows. The driver of this van gets out and opens the rear door, revealing an imposing male figure. The man, dressed elegantly and wearing dark glasses, is none other than Nicolas Thompson, who approaches with firm steps but without losing his air of serenity.

Ivanov puts his hand on my lower back and guides me towards the encounter with Nicolas. Everything seems unreal.

"Thompson," Ivanov greets in an authoritative voice.

"Ivanov," Nicolas replies in an equally confident tone.

I see them and realize the tension in the air. It is Nicolas who breaks the silence.

"Anna, get in the van," he says. I look at him in disbelief. Who does this man think he is giving me orders?

"Anna, do you know this gentleman?" Ivanov asks.

"Yes, I know him."

"Do you wish to go with him?" he asks again. I shake my head, I would have accepted if he had asked politely. "You already know the lady's answer," he says, turning to Nicolas.

"Anna, you owe me an explanation," Nicolas ignores Ivanov's voice and, in a colder tone, addresses me, taking off his sunglasses. His gaze sends chills down my spine... He already knows.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***