Nothing could have prepared us for the words splattered across each page detailing a life that once existed. It's tragic how fragile our souls are despite being encased by flesh that has vulnerabilities of its own. There is truly nothing we can do to control how we die.

As I watched the little innocence left in Nicky reduce further in size as he read that file I knew he wished he could have controlled what happened to his father.

He withdrew himself as a way to cope to the discoveries of the boogeyman hiding in plain sight. What to do or where to go were the questions seeping into every space of our home that turned cold. It wasn't easy watching him in a state of unease; it seemed nothing would pacify him.

Leo and Daniel told me to give him time, to allow him a moment to process the massive change in his life. Stuck in a grey state I opted to stay busy with my book. I would be there opted to be there whenever he needed to speak. And that state had lasted for days such that I was apprehensive, waiting with pins poking my side when he asked me to be his date at the Governor's ball. In as much as the issue was placed before us we had to keep up appearances.

On the night of the event I was a bundle of nerves, running my hands over my sides to rid the sleeveless dress of any wrinkles. The designer dress combined with the extravagant jewellery on my neck would have made me feel like a queen if it weren't for the underlying dread binding itself to me.

Placing a hand on my belly the gesture a form of comfort a mother sought from their unborn child the sound of footsteps entering the bedroom had me taking my eyes off the mirror to greet Nicky.

The immaculate tux fit him perfectly showcasing the outline of his impressive stature. The only other accessory he had was a ring his father once gifted him. It was a simple gold ring with an emerald birthstone that sat proudly on his right middle finger.

I hardly did notice it in the beginning stages of our relationship but as I got to know him on a profoundly deeper level I learnt the sentimental value behind it, "You ready?" nodding at the question he raised his hand out to me.

After accepting his warm hand we ambled out of the room where some of his men were waiting. With everything that had transpired so far the security had been tripled. I couldn't just go anywhere on my own anymore. And I bear no grudge against him when it seemed there was no one to really trust.

We arrived at the place described as the epitome of luxury in Manhattan, the Luther Hotel known. A hotel known to host celebrities, political dignitaries and royalty. It was the most suitable place to host a party for New York's finest and the success of Nicholas' legitimate businesses meant that he embraced many identities one of them being a savvy businessman.

With his arm securely wrapped around my waist I felt at ease having a familiar face in that place. And with the blaring lights a single tremor in one's smile was akin to a drop of blood in a sea full of sharks. Needless to say I was on high alert completely conscious of the eyes on us.

Used to such attention he ushered us to a table and the second I landed on the seat I took a look around feeling sheepish, "I don't think I'll ever get used to this."

Looking off to the side grimacing at the guests, others mingled whilst others took to the dance floor he peered back at me, "You should. There's a lot I plan on showing you," he said catching me unprepared for a side to him that reminded me once again of what made falling for him all too easy. But I didn't allow my face to show it and instead say it. "I almost forgot you had a sweet side," seeing his gaze drop to the ground I knew that eventually we would have to address the discoveries that began to affect his outlook on everything.

When he opened his mouth to speak I knew he felt it too. "I know I've shut you out..." he murmured keeping his eyes trained on the same spot flushed with shame on his habit to not share his thoughts, "If you know it then why do you keep doing it?" I asked grasping his chin firmly making him look at me.

Grabbing my hand he stood up pulling me gently out of my seat making me grow a bit exasperated at his refusal to let me in. His face grew soft all in an aim to appease me to not rebuff him, "I know at this point I can do nothing but thank you for being patient with me, but with all that I've learnt..." he stopped short taking in a shaky breath giving a slight view of the inner turmoil boiling inside him, " I just need a moment to figure this one out," he murmured pulling me in close, "dance with me, it's the only thing that'll give me some ounce of comfort."

Sucking my teeth the urge to smile gnawing at me, I had to remain patient with him. It was hard to come to terms with all we knew at the time and I followed his lead once we were on the dance floor where we began swaying to the music.

It was a light jazz tune such that despite being reluctant to do so in very little time we fell into a slow rhythm that was in line with the music.

Focusing on his face, a gentle smile relayed my way making the rest of the world melt away, "So tell me more about what you plan on showing me?" I inquired running my fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck. He chuckled, the sound music to my ears after being deprived of it for so long, "France, Greece... Spain," a naught grin appeared at the first place he mentioned. I narrowed my eyes on him playfully, "You want to take me to the City of Love?" I asked the flutter in my belly a reaction to the confession I had yet to say.

"I saw you holding that book in the library, figured its only right we go there," he admitted and though he had tendencies that could often frustrate me his attention to detail in the moments we shared meant a lot to me. It was proof once again that he took our relationship seriously. As I licked my lips contemplating whether to say those words the spotlight was snatched away from the sound of a boisterous voice calling Nicky's name.

Turning in the direction to find the voice belonged to none other than Mayor Tenner. He was a stout man just shy of fifty whose liberal views landed him into the office. Following close behind him was Sonny and I felt Nicky's body grow tense at the unexpected interruption. In order to ease him I leaned forward wittingly placing my lips against his earlobe, "Relax," I whispered.

"I'm glad to hear you're back, Lord knows this man is too weak to keep the businesses afloat," Tenner joked coming up to us clapping Nicky in the back an action that made his frown deepen at the unwanted gesture. But the politician missed the look when his eyes switched over to me, "And you must be Aaliyah, Sonny has told me quite a bit about you," he grinned reaching out to grasp my hand placing a kiss upon it.

Smiling politely despite the unsettling feeling that burst forth inside that Sonny was talking about me. I tried to brush it off and greeted the two men. "How's the election been going?" Nicky asked. Tenner's cocky grin gave me a clue as to how it was going before he verbally confirmed it, "I can't complain and with Sonny's generous donation it's only inevitable things will work in my favor. You know if your..." he paused mentally searching for the appropriate word to use to describe the gruesome business Nicky lived in, " lifestyle ever grows too tedious for you, you should consider a career in politics," he suggested making the man on my arm chuckle at the idea that to him struck a chord as being nothing more than absurd. "I don't think so," he replied shaking his head profusely.

However, Tenner was having none of it waving his hand dismissively, "Nonsense, with your fresh young face, charisma you already have an edge and not to mention you'll score more points for," he quickly glanced in my direction wearing a smile that was a bit off putting especially when he said, "diversity."

Immediately irked by the remark that had Nicky stiffening I decided to excuse myself no longer bothered to try be a part of the conversation, "If you'll excuse me gentlemen," I muttered leaning forward pecking his cheek lightly to mumble against his skin, "I'm off to the little girl's room." He nodded his head allowing me to slip out of his grasp and I walked off mentally blocking out the Mayor whilst already drawing the conclusion he was a bit of a prick.

***

I walked out of the bathroom after touching up on my make-up. I was secretly hoping by the time I'd come out that Tenner was gone as I sauntered towards the main room.

Taking a quick look into my clutch to ensure I hadn't left anything I hadn't been able to see where I was going when I smacked into a chest.

Stumbling a bit I gained my footing apologizing profusely at not watching where I was going, "I don't remember you being this clumsy, Ali."

It had been a surprise, a true shock coming face to face with Donovan again when I had concluded I'd never see him again. I had no idea what to say, he looked the same yet I got the sense that he was different. "Well, a lot has changed since we last spoke," I shuffled on my feet and I took note of his eyes dropping to the bump that was more noticeable now, "Yeah... I can see that."

It remained quiet for a second or so. We were both unsure of what to say and which passage from which to begin in the stories we were in. "How have you been?" he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

I released a nervous chuckle that had me looking around the room in search of an appropriate answer that would summarize the crazy times. Falling short on what to say I chose to give a simple, "Good, there have been bad days but overall I've been good."

Nodding his head his eyes landed once again on my bump and I could see the wheels visibly turning in his head. Rolling my eyes I placed my hands on my hips no longer able to bear it anymore, "Just spit it out."

He rubbed the back of his neck feeling sheepish I'm sure at being caught openly gawking, "Sorry, just shocked. I knew you always wanted a family but I didn't think it would happen so soon," he explained, I nodded my head in agreement at the fact I often found myself struggling to wrap my head around it.

"I didn't think it would happen so soon either so join the club," I responded peering his way to see him wearing a serious expression that had me growing serious as well thinking back on the past. "And how's the writing thing going?"

"I'm getting published soon, so that's exciting," I beamed.

"Although you have to admit it's not as exciting as having a child... you know it's funny I used to think the only way my children would come into this world was through you," he said bringing the issue that caused our friendship to fall apart. Looking away in order to cope with the precarious feeling springing to life to constrict my chest I tried to do my best to not make the situation any worse, "Donova -"

"Look you don't have to explain yourself - I get it. As much as it hurt I can't hold that against you because at the end of the day you were a good friend who was only trying to be honest with me. I may have not liked it," he sighed rubbing the back of his neck, "but I have to respect it. All I can truly hope for is that you get treated right," he concluded, the sincerity heart-warming.

I knew it wasn't easy for him to admit but I was glad he had made an effort to say it and hadn't thrown a cold shoulder my way over the sour ending. "Liyah," glancing back I saw Nicky making his way towards me. The sight of him nearing making my heart race, turning back to find Donovan still waiting before I bid him farewell I replied, "It means a lot that we can end on better terms... and I am being treated right," he smiled gently responding with a simple, "Good." He turned away to walk off ultimately out of my space and out of my life as that would be the last time I saw him.

Feeling hands encircling my waist I turned in Nicky's arms to find him eyeing me with curiosity over what happened. "Just had to catch up with an old friend," I mumbled grazing his cheek with my fingertips whilst he nodded his head.

"I think I've just had about enough of this place," he grumbled escorting us towards the main room where we were on full view for the people to see. "Are you suggesting we ditch?" I teased eliciting a smirk from him; it was the same one that had caught me all that time back. "It's what we do, remember? And I feel like if I spend another second in this place I'm bound to do something I might regret," he grumbled.

I must admit he had a lot more self-control than me. Armed with the knowledge Matt gave us I wouldn't have been able to stomach being around certain individuals like Tenner quite the way he did. But there we were walking out of that place heading back to our safe haven.

Unfortunately the second we walked into the hotel that led to the penthouse our steps faltered at the individuals in the lobby. Before I had any more time to process anything guns were drawn from both sides with the head of the group crazy enough to challenge Nicholas in the first place emerging wearing a hard scowl on his face.

He was quite tall with expansive shoulders to survive the massive weight of a man I could only describe as being made up of solid muscle and flesh. With dark brown hair swept back to reveal silver eyes that could cut you with one look, he was handsome no doubt but no one would be able to hold a candle to Nicky. "I thought it was only best I see you," the man said keeping his eyes trained on us. Masking the fear coursing through my body I discreetly squeezed his hand to withstand the sight of the guns cocked from not only our men but the mystery man's goons.

"We have nothing to discuss, Lucien," Nicky grumbled unwittingly answering the question of who he was to me.

I had always heard about him causing nothing but trouble and with him standing inches away I was just about ready to end that interaction as quickly as possible. However, Lucien wasn't having any of it. He made a signal that had the men on his side lowering their weapons. Amove I admit that was surprising considering he was opting to lose level ground. "I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think it was important."

"What the fuck do you want?" Nicky bit out growing impatient. He hadn't made a move to tell his men to stand down but after all that's occurred I couldn't really blame him.

"My father..." Lucien replied and that was all it took for Nicky to reluctantly move towards him after scrutinizing him for a moment or so before signalling his men to relax. I knew he didn't want to entertain the man any further.

However, I grew concerned with what Lucien's father had to do with anything. But in a short space of time all the questions would be answered revealing the dead carcass lying just beneath the once serene land we occupied...