My fingers repeatedly type on the phone as I dial Christopher's number again for the hundredth time. I have been desperately trying it since he left the house in frenzy, abandoning my mind in complete havoc. What happened to his phone? Why is it switched off? Where did he go? How am I supposed to find him? What should I do now? A fountain of unbridled tears streams down my pale cheeks as my blurry eyes stare at the phone screen, thinking about possible ways to reach out to Christopher.

Why did he leave like that? What did I do to make him so angry? Is it really my fault that I wanted to know the truth? Is it really my fault that I wanted him to be honest with me? That I wanted to know the reason why he lied to me and broke my trust like that? Is it too much to wish for a relationship built over trust? I don't think so.

I just simply assumed that I would try to seek answers from him and in return, Christopher would tell me the truth, assuring me that I have nothing to worry about, and then we'll sort out everything easily and get back to the way we were living before. But I guess things didn't turn the way I thought they would. And I partly blame my behavior for it because I feel like I really got carried away in the flow of my anger. I regret not initiating a calmer approach with Christopher, which could have been helpful in this case as it was a sensitive matter for him to talk about. I should have given him some time to think and react instead of lancing a series of terrorizing questions at him like a madwoman. Maybe then the situation wouldn't have been as worse as it is right now.

All that my mind could think about right now is the last visual of Christopher marching out of the door, absolutely resembling a destructive hurricane. It seems immensely hard for me to forget the blazing fire burning in his intense eyes when he stormed out of the house. His all riled up face, ready to engulf anything coming in his way, flashes in front of my eyes making me shudder again.

I don't know what had gotten into him the moment he looked at that picture. All of a sudden, his body was fuming with anger. It was surely something unusual to witness because I have never seen him like this before. It threatens my soul to the core when I think about what that outrage led him to reveal. The resentment at the moment seemed to affect him so deeply that he was forced to confess his crime. The crime that he had been hiding from me. The horrible truth which I was dreading to have an encounter with. A sickening sensation erupts in my chest, thinking about Christopher doing such a thing. I don't know why, but my heart never allowed me to believe the fact that he could ever commit such a terrible crime.

But Why did I believe so? Why have I kept these expectations? Why did I expect him to be a good person when I have known it from the very beginning that he was a criminal? For god's sake, Nicole, try to think rationally for once. You saw this coming from day one, and yet you decided to choose the path of ignorance. You were well aware of where he came from and what he was capable of doing still you let him hurt your feelings. You knew that he was a bad guy, a gangster, yet you did the mistake of keeping your faith in him. You knew he was going to break your trust, eventually. Then why is it so painful for you to face it now?

As much as I try to restrain my mind from not caring about him or much less thinking about him, but I feel like I can't prevent myself from doing that. It's impossibly difficult for me to not care about him. Because I know I can't deny the truth that I like him. Whenever I had been with him and the moments I have spent with him, I have always seen the good in him. That's the reason why still a part in the corner of my heart feels that Christopher isn't as bad as Richard is trying to depict him.

But to be honest, leaving everything aside, the only thing that's bothering me right now is the way Christopher left the house. He surely didn't look to be in his sane mind, and I don't even want to imagine what he might be capable of doing in such a state. I shouldn't have let him go like that. What if he does something which he shouldn't do? No...I need to find him.

I call him one more time but again get disappointed when it ends up reaching to a voice mail. What the hell? What am I supposed to do?

"Fuck!" I grunt and throw the phone on the other side of the couch. I stare down at the floor, keeping my shaking hands over my head. What do I do now? I feel like I might end up being sick because I couldn't catch even a blink of sleep all fucking night. My body is aching like a bitch and I know I am tired as hell. Despite that, the only thing that's in my freaking mind is the concern of Christopher's whereabouts. I don't know where the fuck he is at the moment. What if he went to see Richard? Fuck...no! He wouldn't do that because he knows that I wouldn't want him to get into any trouble. I just hope he is safe. But how do I get to know that?

Then I suddenly remember something. Without wasting any time, I pull out the paper slip from my pocket. Instantly jumping onto my phone, I dial Colby's number.

I patiently listen to the caller tune until Colby finally picks up the phone.

"Hey, Colby. This is Nicole." I greet him with a brief hesitation.

"Hey, Nicole. How are you?" He responds by asking in return.

"I..I...am fine. I just called you to ask if Christopher is with you?"

"Uhhmm...No, he isn't with me." He sounds confused saying that. "Why? Did you talk to him?" He then asks.

"Yeah. He was here a while ago." I sigh, massaging my temple and answer. "As you said, I did ask him about what Richard told me earlier."

"And?"

"And it ended up into a fight." I pause for a moment to let out a heavy exhale and say. "Then he left the house without saying anything. He looked really furious, Colby. I don't know...I am just worried about him now."

"Oh, I am sorry, Nicole." He says sympathizing with me, letting me know that he understood what I meant. "I'll look for him. If I'll get any information, then I'll call you." He says.

"Thank you, Colby."

"Don't worry, Nicole. I am sure he'll come back home soon." He assures me, sensing the worry in my tone.

"I hope so. Bye, Colby."

"Bye. Take care."

I end the call, putting the phone aside, I stare in front of me not knowing what else I can do in this situation. The clock ticks ten in the morning, indicating that it's time for me to go to work. No matter what, I couldn't afford to skip another day of my work because it's the only thing that keeps me sane on my worst days. So, I head to my room to get ready for my clinic.

---------------------------

"No, don't do that. Please don't hurt Bunny." The little girl tugs at my scrubs as I make the syringe of painkiller ready. I look at her and see that her beautiful auburn hair has been pulled up into two cute high ponies. She gazes at me innocently with her big blue eyes, making my heart melt instantly. She looks no older than 5 or 6 wearing a tiny blue floral frock. Her cheeks are covered with a slight hint of pink, which makes her look more adorable. Awww, she is cute!

Her mother catches hold of her arm and pulls back, giving me an apologetic look. "Baby, it wouldn't hurt. Rather, it would help in easing his pain." She tells, trying to convince her.

"Your mom is right. It would relieve his pain. Intravenous delivery gives instant relief than oral medication." I smile and reassure the kid, even though it looks like she didn't understand what I said to her. She glances at me with confusion on her face and I let out a small laugh, looking at her cute reaction.

"Will Bunny be okay, Miss?" The little girl asks me as she stands behind her mother and peeks timidly while I inject a painkiller into her pet rabbit. It's cute to know that she named her pet rabbit Bunny because it is indeed a bunny in real.

I grin at her and say. "He'll be fine. I'm going to prescribe some meds. And you have to make sure that you give it to him regularly." She nods as I instruct her. "Then he'll be fine again."

"Will he be able to hop after me again?" She asks, widening her eyes expectantly. Before I can answer her, she throws another curious question at me. "Will he be able to chase me through the garden?" Her eyes gaze at me hopefully as she says. The innocence in her tone and the concerned look on her face spreads a gush of warmth through my heart as I look at her.

"Yeah! You guys would be able to do all those things that you were doing before.." I say patting Bunny on his back and carrying him towards the girl.

"Your little friend Bunny would be able to play with you again." I pinch her nose playfully bending forward to hand her the rabbit. Bunny instantly jumps into her arms, making all three of us smile.

Her mother then turns towards me, looking a little embarrassed as she says. "I am sorry. Jenny is just a little protective about her bunny. That's why she is annoying you by asking so many questions."

"Oh no, she isn't annoying at all." I shake my head and defend her. "It's really a nice thing to care about your pets. She reminds me of the time when I was a kid just like her." My eyes gleam with happiness as I look back at her.

"I love him so much," Jenny says, snuggling her bunny affectionately.

I laugh and say. "He loves you too."

After telling Jenny and her mother more about taking care of Bunny in a better way during his recovery period, they leave. With their exit, I lean on my chair and relax. The decision to go to work has indeed proven to be a good distraction, because now I don't feel as anxious as I was feeling in the morning. Suddenly my phone rings, making my face beam with immediate happiness. I hurriedly take it out from my pocket anticipating it to be Christopher's call, but my smile falls instantly replacing it with a frown as I see Peter's name flashes on it. This was the last thing that I wanted right now. Oh, god! Please help me in this situation.

I take a deep breath before pressing the receive icon. Because I know what it's going to be about.

-----------------------

I get out of the cab and walk towards the huge building in front of me which has Smith enterprises embedded on it in bold silver letters. It's their prime office. I have been here once when Becky had a meeting with one of Peter's employees, so it's not a place unknown to me. The lobby seems extremely quiet with a few people around as I make my way towards the reception.

I shift on my legs and tap my fingers on the desk impatiently as the receptionist makes a call. I feel highly crazed and nervous right now, probably because I am going to meet Peter after a long time. And also because of the fact that it's the first time when I am meeting him here in his office. I don't even know what he wants to talk about with me. But I am low key hoping that it doesn't have to do anything with Christopher. Oh, come on, Nicole! What else do you expect him to talk about? He freaking saw you dancing with Christopher or maybe worse than that; he saw you kissing him and still you think that he would call you to talk about the fucking weather outside? Damn! This is fucking terrible!

I get to know from the receptionist that Peter's cabin is on the fourth floor. Without making any delay, I stroll towards the elevator. On reaching the floor, I get out of the elevator and walk towards the lady on the assistance desk in front of the only cabin present on that floor. She doesn't seem at first to pay attention to my presence being in front of her as she keeping typing something on her laptop. I awkwardly clear my throat to make her look at me and tell my name to her. Yeah, I am definitely not good at initiating conversations with new people. Thanks to my socially awkward ass. The moment she gets to know my name, she greets me with a bright smile on her face. Okay, that was weird.

"Mr. Smith told me that you'll be here." She says standing from her seat and leading me towards the door.

She knocks on the door and after getting permission in return she peeks in, slightly opening it, and says. "Ms. Johnson is here to meet you, sir." I see her nodding in the other direction and then she turns towards me, her face still plastered with a pleasant smile as she says. "You may go in now."

I thank her in return and lead my way into the office. As soon as I enter the cabin, I see Peter sitting behind a mahogany table wearing a navy blue suit. He seems to be engrossed in writing something on a paper resting on the table. When he lifts his gaze and looks at me, a beaming smile instantly graces his lips, highlighting his handsome face.

But then suddenly his brows knit together, switching it into a frown. He stands, leaving what he was doing, and proceeds towards me with a concerned look on his face. A faintly musky scent lingers around us as he stands in front of me.

"Nicole, you look sick. Is everything okay?" He asks, scanning my face worriedly. I give him a confused look, being unsure about what he was asking, but then I realize that maybe the heavy bags under my eyes can be the reason behind leading him to ask that question.

"I am fine, Peter," I tell him, shrugging and trying to sound convincing enough, but he simply ignores my answer.

"Come, sit here." He says placing his hand behind my back and guiding me towards the chair in front of his desk. He hands me a glass of water kept on the table as I sit down.

"I am really fine, Peter." I laugh and say.

"Are you sure, you are good? Because you really don't look like." He suggests glancing at me.

"Just a bit tired due to work. Nothing else." I reason and try to get to the crucial matter. I just want to get out of here as soon as possible because I don't know why, but I am not having a good feeling about staying here for long. "You said you wanted to talk?" I ask him.

"Yes," Peter says, looking at me. "I haven't got a chance to see you since the party night. I am glad that you came." Peter declares in a soft tone, giving me an indication that he still didn't forget about it. Fuck! I am so ashamed for being such a terrible friend to him. But what else could have I done at that moment?

Embarrassment immediately takes over my face, changing it into a flush as I look down, unable to meet his sad eyes. "I am so sorry, Peter. I shouldn't have left from there like that. But I had to because..."

"You left with Christopher, right?" He interrupts before I can make an excuse, making me choke on my words. What the fuck? Okay, I wasn't prepared for that. My popped up eyes flicker over his face in bewilderment before settling onto my fiddling fingers. I try to look everywhere but his face. Shit! I don't know what to do now? What should I tell him?

"Do you know him?" Peter asks, sensing my sudden discomfort with the reference of Christopher's name. I don't say anything as I keep staring at my lap, trying to avoid his gaze.

"Answer me, Nicole. Do you know him?"

"Nicole, say something." He leans forward trying to catch my attention. "Look at me. If you are in any trouble, please talk to me. I'll help you." I shift back in my seat uncomfortably hearing him, still not being able to come up with an answer.

"Is he threatening you or your family?" He breathes roughly and his green eyes search my face in distress. "Did he force you to do something for him? Please, Nicole, say something." He asks raking his fingers through his smooth hair in complete vexation. "I am so freaking worried. I have been worrying about you since the night you left with him."

"No, he didn't do any such thing," I respond angrily in Christopher's defense. And also instantly regret my behavior after feeling bad for snapping at him like that. Why am I being rude to him when I am the one who has to be at fault? I made him freaking worry about me for no reason. Jesus, I seem to be a total bitch right now.

"Then why did you leave with him?" His hoarse voice emerges with exasperation. "You have no idea how much it was driving me crazy to know that you were ignoring my calls. Please, Nicole, tell me... What is going on?" He lets out a tortured breath, peering at me with his anxious eyes.

I know I can't hide this from him. I have to tell him about Christopher. It's the right thing to do at this moment. I take a deep breath and look into his eyes. "I know Christopher."

"What? You know him?" His eyes widen in shock as he stares at me.

"I left with him that day because I live with him, Peter," I answer him, trying to keep myself calm. Because it feels like I could freak out any moment.

"Why?" He gasps in horror, questioning me again.

"I don't know. I just can't explain it to you right now, it's complicated." I breathe out, looking away. I guess I have already been freaked out because I don't know what I am talking about anymore.

"Nicole, look at me." He cups my cheeks and makes me look at him. "Do you know what you are saying? I don't understand this?" He pauses for a moment, closing his eyes briefly, and says sucking in a breath. "He is a dangerous man, Nicole. You can't risk your life by getting involved with him." His fingers gently caress my cheeks.

For a minute I close my eyes, trying to process his words, and then I snap my gaze at him. "Then why are you working with him?"

"What?"

"You are working with Christopher on a project, right? You said he was your investor? Then why would you want to collaborate with a dangerous man?" I quirk an eyebrow, prying at him.

He becomes slightly agitated, listening to my question as his face grows dubious. "That's business, Nicole." He implies with hesitation in his tone. "It's different. You can't compare this with it." He shakes his head in disapproval and says.

"I don't understand how is it different? If he is so bad, then why would you agree to work with him, Peter?" I ask with irritation seeping in my tone.

"You don't understand, Nicole. You don't know him." His eyes brim with agony as he states. " This is not business, this is your life. You can't trust him with your life, Nicole."

"Enough." I protest and stand from my chair, making Peter stumble a bit. I can't have this conversation anymore with him because I know what it might lead to. Before I can turn around to go, Peter grabs my arms and pulls me towards him.