Chapter 9 WORRIED

Meanwhile, in Nick's mansion...

He sat in his study, looking at Haven's test file which was brought to him by his assistant. Her reports and her vitals were stable. Her confirmation of purity was written right there...

He had read them countless times...

He hadn't touched any of his meals. His staff noticed, but no one dared ask.

Dean, his closest friend, stood quietly by the door.

"You didn't call her, Nick? It's been over 48 hours.."

Nick shook his head. "No. I told her I'd give her time."

"And if she never calls back?" Dean asked.

Nick looked up slowly.

"Then it means she made her choice."

He closed the file and leaned back..

"But I really hope she makes the right choice"...

"And I hope you ain't falling in love with this mystery girl. I have never seen you think about a lady like this. You even skip meals these days. What's happening, bruh?"... Dean complained.

"In love? Can never be me, though"... He said while he sipped from a cup of coffee.

***********

Back at Haven's place. She had invited Dr. Nessa to discuss with her. The door bell finally rang..

She jumped up.

But it wasn't Nick.

It was her doctor, Vanessa.

"Girl, you look like you've seen a ghost," Dr. Nessa said when she arrived.

"Maybe I have," Haven mumbled, hugging her knees on the couch.

She told Dr. Nessa everything. From the checkup, to the slap, to the walkout.

Nessa's jaw dropped. She was surprised.

"You mean Nick asked you to sleep with him? And he didn't tell me?".. sadness written all over her face but she tried to hide it perfectly.

"You even slapped a billionaire?! Haven! Are you mad?!"

"He said he wanted to sleep with me! What was I supposed to do?! Clap for him?"

"No! But... maybe ask what he meant? I mean... this is Nick we're talking about. Nick Kingssss!! Cold, rich, mysterious Nick. And he opened up to you? You must mean something to him."

"Well I don't know anymore."

"Wow!"... Nessa replied, as she turned her face away from Haven. Blinking back tears.

They sat in silence. Then Nessa said slowly, "Maybe you should just talk to him. Ask him what he really meant. You deserve answers."

Haven sighed.

She hated how much she agreed...

************

The following day came and passed.

And not a single word from Nick yet.

Not a text. Not a call. Not even a "Ok, I'm sorry. Let's talk."

Haven kept checking her phone like every ten minutes. She even restarted it twice, thinking maybe her network was messing up.

But still, silence.

She paced around her room like a mad woman.

"What kind of man says something like that and then vanishes?!" she screamed, tossing her pillow against the wall.

She couldn't eat properly. Couldn't sleep. She was always looking lost..

Her mum noticed...

"You alright, baby? You look stressed. Is there something bothering you?"

"No, no. Mummy, I'm fine," Haven lied with a smile, but her insides were boiling.

She remembered how Nick had stared at her with those calm, confident eyes and said it with no shame at all.

"I want to sleep with you, Haven."

And then she slapped him.

Not a small slap. A dirty one. One that echoed.

And he didn't even flinch.

Just gave her that cocky smile and said, "Take your time. Let me know what you think."

"Who says that after being slapped? How could he be so coldhearted?"

"Ugh!" I screamed, placing a pillow over my face.

"I don't understand this man and his schemes. Is this some kind of trap?" she whispered, holding her pillow to her chest.

She couldn't take it anymore. She needed to speak with him.

That same evening, she reached out to Andrew, Nick's driver.

"Can you take me to Mr. Nick's house tomorrow morning?"

"Of course, ma'am. 9 a.m.?"

"Perfect. See you tomorrow, thank you."

That night, she stayed up practicing in front of her mirror.

"Hi, Nick. I thought about what you said, and I've decided..."

No. Too direct.

"Hey... I think we should talk about... the other day."

Ugh. Still awkward.

"Hi..I'm sorry I slapped you. I was just feeling overwhelmed"..

No, too embarrassing and emotional..

She sighed.

The next morning, she wore a simple white gown. Nothing fancy. But neat and clean. Hair tied up. Light makeup. She wanted to look composed even if her heart was racing.

Andrew picked her up. The ride was silent. She didn't even bother with telling him to put on the music. Her hands were sweating.

By 9:45 a.m., they arrived.

The gate opened slowly, revealing Nick's tall mansion.

He was standing in the front yard, dressed in plain black joggers and a gray shirt, sipping something from a mug. He had just returned back from the gym.

Their eyes met.

He gave a half-smile.

"Well, well... She finally returns." He mumbled out loud.

Haven stepped out of the car. Heart pounding. Lips dry. Then walked up slowly to him.

"Can we talk?"

He nodded and led her inside.

The living room was nicely decorated. Not too bright, not too dull. Just like a man's house should be. Nothing girlish.

She sat on one end of the couch. He sat opposite her.

"So? Have you made up your mind yet.."

She looked at her fingers, then back at him.

"I've made up my mind."

Nick raised a brow. "Okay? I really need to freshen up"

She swallowed.

"What you said the other day... about... sleeping with me."

He didn't say a word. Just looked at her, calm and unreadable.

"I... I want to do it."

"Mmmm. That was easy though"..

"Meaning?"...

"Oh.. did I say that aloud? Never mind. I was only bluffing"..

Her ears rang from the words he just uttered.

"I bet. This is not a good idea"... as she stood, picked her bag and was about to storm out.

But Nick held her back.

"I was only joking with you. Don't be so paranoid. You ain't even pregnant yet with all this drama".. Nick spoke slowly and softly like he can't hurt an ant.

"So are you sure about this??"

She blinked. "I thought about it a lot. I'm scared, Nick. I've never done this before. I don't know if I can trust you that much with my body."

"Then let's do this right. No rush. I'll make it special."

"When?"

Nick smiled. "Tomorrow night. I'll take you somewhere beautiful. Then... we'll come back here."

She nodded. Heart thumping...