Maya's POV

Was I too harsh? After all he was looking out for me cause I'm hundred percent sure Nik means me no harm. But it still hurts, how could he take such decision without consulting me? Yes, I know my family is the epitome of evil but forcing them to remove me out of the family register? Wasn't that too extreme?

I would've loved knowing my family removed me from the registry themselves - how comforting. It would give me a reason to hate and want nothing to do with them, than hearing Nik took over the whole procedure from where they stopped.

It felt like a betrayal.

I spent a lot of time thinking and decided to put myself in Nik's shoe. If I was the one who found my love - umm, scratch that, my wife to be, sprawled on the cold floor and unresponsive , I'll probably do the same - after giving her a heads-up.

But who am I kidding?

Nik is one domineering and tyrannical man! Asking for permission? Pfft, how absurd! Any Day he does that, I'll dance in front of him in nothing but a bikini.

But as a matured adult, I decided to go and fix things instead of acting childish and ignoring him.

So I began to search for him cause I couldn't find him in his favorite spots until I saw Amanda leave the kitchen with an aggrieved expression on her face , so I put two and two together, figuring out that the only person that can make someone's face contort to that level was either Nik or his daughter.

But I bet it was Izzy, after all what would Nik be doing in the kitchen? If not for his scheduled morning coffees, I don't think he would know the direction of the kitchen in this large house of his. Moreover, the last time Nik handled a kitchen knife, he almost amputated his fingers.

Unfortunately, Izzy being in kitchen too was highly suspicious and another mystery to be solved . I wondered what cruel prank she was up-to this time.

So I slowly sneaked in , intending to catch her red-handed but when I saw this tall figure standing with his back to me and an apron tied around his waist, I was momentarily confused.

WTF

What was Nik doing? cooking? No way, my eyes must be deceiving me! So I squinted like a bag of nails in order to get a clearer look but the scene was still the same.

Oh my God, I chuckled inside.

I slowly took out my phone, silenced the shutter sound and took a picture of him. Wow! I gasped starring at the photo with a dreamlike fascination, even his back looks so sexy.

God is so unfair. Nik was definitely created on a Sunday. I mean look at him, God must have taken a good rest, refreshed and fed before deciding to sculpt him - Jealous me.

Jeez ! what is that sweet aroma? I inhaled deeply.Nik was so concentrated in his cooking cause all the noises I was making didn't reach his ears nor make him turn at all.

So I slowly approached him and hugged him from behind, resting my face on his back - I would've tried his shoulder if I was tall enough. At first he stiffened but slowly relaxed when he recognized my scent.

He dropped whatever he was doing and swiftly turned around, drawing me towards him and enveloped me with his arms.

"I'm sorry " I said against his bare chest - Yes, you heard me right. His upper body was with no clothes which I'm kinda used to. Aside from wearing clothes when going to work or accepting visitors, it was not a secret that

Nik loves to bare his skin as much as Judas Iscariot loves money. Sometimes, I wonder if he's a werewolf or something.

" No, I should be the one apologizing " He refuted, running his hands through my hair. Gosh, this feels like heaven. I seriously wouldn't mind falling asleep now.

" No, I was being a pain in the ass too, even Though everything you did was for me " I countered and looked up, while my hands absentmindedly began to draw circles on his chest.

"Fine, we both were asses, satisfied ?" He asked jovially and we both chuckled.

I concurred " Yeah, we both were asses"

Suddenly his expression turned serious and my brows drew together, as I wondered what went wrong.

I slowly drew back to get a clearer view of his face "What? " I asked.

" Why do you stick by me though I'm one hell of a difficult man to understand ? " Came Nik's cryptic question.

My eyes twitched, what in the world is he talking about? I shook my head " I don't understand"

"Why do you stay with me even though I said I was never going to love you ? I'm not the best man and hell! there are many men out there who would love you the way you've always wanted. Come to think of it, I'm rude, arrogant ,domineering, possessive, sometimes selfish and -"

"Sarcastic " I added on my own accord.

"Well " He shrugged those broad shoulders and gave me a wry smile " You've said it yourself , Maya. So why do you still stand by me? I only promised you dedication and care, and I'll definitely wouldn't beat you if you decide to leave . So why haven't you walked away for all you care? "

"Hmm" I breathed, pursing my lips thoughtfully "Well" I said, leaned closer and flung my arms around his neck.

"I'm not going to lie to you , but I've thought about it and I've been searching for the one "

For someone talking about letting me go If I wanted to leave,his expression said otherwise; He looked like he would murder any guy who dares to approach me.

I went on "Truthfully Niklaus, I've found him " His grip on my waist tightened to the point of hurting which I'm sure he hasn't noticed.

But I continued nevertheless " And to tell you the gospel truth he's the best out there. He is

187.96 centimeters in height " I described, looking at him from the head to the sole of his feet while his hand on my waist loosened, confusion now apparent in his eyes.

"He has this silkiest of hair that I just want to run my hands through all day " I said, acting out my word as I raked my hand through his soft chocolate coloured hair.

" And these sharp straight brows " I said tracing his brows " His long lashes " I traced it too - his lashes could make a woman jealous.

"And his lips, attractive and irresistibly kissable " I said and gave a short smooch on his lips " I love everything about him "

"As hot and distracting as you sound right now Maya, I still need the truth " He stated once he realized I was referring to him.

"Simple, you gave me your word and you're doing your best to keep to it."

" May-" Nik tried to argue but I didn't give him the chance.

" No Nik , let's tell ourselves the truth 'How many years does the feeling of love lasts in a marriage? Eight? Ten? Eleven? no, tell me? " I questioned and I saw his mouth open and close helplessly.

"But then what keeps those marriages going after the feeling of love expires is the dedication, commitment, promise, trust and care they have for one another.These days, even the most perfect couples made in heaven break up and divorce." I said firmly. It was time to pump some sense into his head.

"So next time you begin to question my decision in staying next to you, be sure to remember these very words ' we are in this together ' " I summarized.

Nik didn't say anything but just gazed into my eyes with this fathomless expression I couldn't describe so I looked away, his gaze was penetrative and burning.

"Moreover" I added with a silly smile "Who would want to leave a mogul like.... "

My lips was sealed with a fiery kiss that left me disoriented.This was nothing like the other kisses we've shared , it was as if he was pouring out his soul to me.

But just as I was about to respond to the kiss, two stainless pots were banged together, the noise scaring me out of my wits.

Who in the world did... oh.