Chapter 3 Misunderstanding

"Funny running into you here, Salvatore. I thought you were hiding from me." Matteo joined us, and the energy completely shifted.

"Since when do I need to hide from you, Matteo? Besides, you're on my property, so I guess you want me to be around you all the time." Nikolas gave him a sharp smile.

I glared at Matteo because I just realized the purpose of this 'golf club date.' It wasn't to bond with his fiancée or get to know me. It was purely based on the fact he wanted to run into Nikolas to rub it in his face about his soon-to-be defeat. He just wanted to let Nikolas know that he was the one winning the war.

"Well, since you're already here, I want you to meet my future wife. I was surrounded by some important guests at my engagement party that I forgot to introduce you guys. This is the daughter of Pietro Sinclair and my fiancée, Aurora." Matteo said with a wicked smile on his face.

As much as I hated the fact that his introduction about me was based solely on my father's name, I was terrified of what Nikolas was about to say next. Based on how angry he was earlier at me, I'm pretty sure my cover will be blown in a few seconds.

"Nice to meet you, Aurora," He extended his hand towards me, and I grabbed it cautiously. "I'm Nikolas, but you can call me Niko." He passed a small smile.

I was surprised that he was being cooperative, but I knew that I shouldn't trust him so soon. He must be planning something else in the devious mind of his.

"Well, we are getting married next week, and I will send you the invitation, Niko." Matteo exaggerated.

"Call me that again and you will never see the light of day ever, Matteo." He then turned to me and smiled again, "Goodbye then." He was only doing this to irritate Matteo and I couldn't help but smile.

Then Nikolas suddenly left, ignoring the hell out of Matteo. As much as I have my differences with Nikolas, I was thrilled to enjoy the look on Matteo's face. He was flabbergasted and rightfully annoyed that someone just insulted him in front of his fiancée. I'm pretty sure his little ego is bruised.

"Don't mind him; he's just like that all the time. He's jealous of my achievements, you know." Matteo was trying to do the damage control. "It's a business-related thing. You won't understand it, but just remember he's a very dangerous and evil man." I rolled my eyes at his comment.

"Yeah, sure, but you do whatever you were doing; I'll be back from the restroom."

Without even waiting for his reply, I turned around and started walking.

I'm not sure what I was about to do, but I wanted to follow Nikolas because we need to talk. I fear there is some kind of misunderstanding between us that I have to resolve.

When I stepped inside the building of the clubhouse, I saw its beauty for the first time, which I didn't earlier. Matteo was ruining everything for me now. But this building is elegant and sleek with tons of amenities, like a club at the right corner occupied by a group of a few older men.

The club also had private rooms and a game room.

I don't even know why I'm here inside of this building when Nikolas must be long gone. It's foolish to look for him right now as it's too risky, but at the same time, I don't want to go back to Matteo and listen to him degrade me and my honor. Just when I was about to leave, I heard a cough behind me.

"Miss. Aurora." Someone called my name, and I turned around.

"Do I know you?" I was unfamiliar with the man standing in front of me.

"I'm Carlo Vitale, assistant of Mr. Nikolas Salvatore. May I help you with anything?" He asked politely.

"Hey Carlo, I'm looking for Nikolas. He just came here a few minutes ago. Have you seen him?"

Carlo gave me a look that I couldn't understand, but I didn't think he was going to help some stranger find his boss.

"I just need to talk to him. If you can-

"Right this way, ma'am." He started walking towards one of the elevators in the corner.

I was caught so off guard by it but continued to follow him to the VIP elevator. This is a really bad idea. Aurora, What are you doing? What if someone recognizes me? Or what if I'm gone for too long and Matteo notices?

"So how do you know me?" I tried to make a small conversation with Carlo inside the elevator.

"Lots of Research." His answer was precise and honest.

This was the only information I got from him, and my thoughts came to a halt when the elevator doors opened. Carlo went up to the only room present on the top floor. Something inside my head screamed this is bad, but it was too late.

"What are you doing here?" Nikolas asked me as soon as the door opened.

"Can't you see? I'm here to communicate which you don't know how to do," I explained.

"There is nothing for us to talk about." He was still as grumpy as earlier.

Another voice came from inside the room,

"Where are you? I've been screaming your name for the past 10 minutes." A blonde girl peeked her head out the door in her bathrobe and wet hair. Nikolas immediately shut the door and I could hear him whispering something to her.

.

I felt like digging a hole and burying myself in it. I've never been stuck in such an awkward and uncomfortable situation in my life. Now I understand the purpose of this VIP room being the only room on the floor. I knew it was a bad idea coming here. I should have stopped myself when my brain was warning me. Now I have to get myself out of this weird situation because even Carlo is quite beside me.

"You know what, Carlo," I whispered to him while Nikolas was still talking to the girl inside, "On second thought, my fiancé is waiting for me, so I have to go. We'll try to make some arrangements next time."

As soon as I said it, I started walking towards the elevator as fast as I could. I just want to escape this embarrassing situation as soon as possible. But man, a golf club? Couldn't they have looked for a penthouse or a hotel? But then again, he owns this place, so he can technically do whatever the hell he wants.

"Where is she?" I heard Nikolas's voice in the distance when I was almost breaking the elevator call button. Oh god, why was it taking so long?

I stepped inside as soon as the elevator arrived, grateful as the doors started closing. That was until a hand shot in and stopped it.

"Damn it!" I couldn't help but be disappointed at the elevator for betraying me.

"I thought you would be elated to see me back," Nikolas smirked.

"I just wanted to talk, but we can do it later. You can finish whatever business you were doing, and Matteo is waiting for me anyway," I crossed my arms over my chest.

The elevator was finally about to reach the ground floor when Nikolas pressed a button and the elevator stopped moving. My heart rate escalated, and panic took over me, so I punched Nikolas in the arm.

"What the hell, man? You can't do that." Who was I even telling that to?

"I've built this place, so yeah, I can pretty much do whatever I want. But this is your only chance to talk since you've blocked my number, and I need an explanation."

My eyes went wide in surprise as I looked at him, completely confused.

"What are you talking about? When did you even call me?" I gestured with my arms as I spoke.

"I called you plenty of times, Aurora, and when you picked it up, did you forget what you said?" He explained.

None of this was making sense at all. When did he call me, and what did I even say?

"Damn, first of all, slow down. Secondly, you called me? Like you wanted to help me out?" I asked, and now he was the one looking at me with confusion.

"I called you five times on your burner phone as you suggested. And when you finally picked it up, I said I'm willing to marry you. But you shut me down by saying that it was just a test for Matteo and you would never betray him and your father. You said you were happy with the man you're with. Apart from that, you told me to never contact you or come near you ever again." He explained.

"This is impossible," I couldn't understand anything.

"I even tried contacting you on your real number. Aurora, I don't know what you want me to tell you. This is the truth. I thought that it was just a game for you, and it pissed me off. Now tell me what the hell happened." He asked hurriedly.

Everything started to make sense one by one. The speech in the morning of our father knows the best finally clicked. I was getting played from the start.

"I think what happened was that you talked to my older sister Eliana when I wasn't in my room. She must have known what I was up to when you repeated your words. She was the one who talked to you and blocked your number from both my phones." I explained in disbelief.

I can't believe my sister was trying to stab me in the back.

"I have to go right now, Nikolas, but I promise it was just a misunderstanding, and I waited for your call the whole week before giving up. I promise you I'll be the one contacting you tonight. Let's meet up tomorrow at the same time here." I paused, "Now get this thing running before I punch this elevator door open."

"You're only going to hurt yourself, princess." He pressed some other button, and it started moving again. "Let's talk real business next time. Your fiancé must be waiting for you."

The elevator door opened, and I made my way out before turning around for the last time.

"He's not my fiancé, and don't call me princess," I pointed my finger at him.

All I got in return was a smirk before the doors closed again. I was regretting my decision a few minutes ago, but not anymore. Now all I have to do is confront the person who I trust the most. Why did you stab me in the back like that, Eliana?

___X