The pleasant chirping of birds outside chimes in my ears, waking me up to a good morning. It's indeed a good morning because I just realize it's my freaking birthday. Damn! My eyes feel heavy as I slowly force them to open. I don't know why but it feels like I couldn't get proper sleep last night. Wait! Why am I so exhausted for no reason? Then suddenly my mind clouds with all the midnight memories. Memories of me and Christopher being together. Memories of what we did in his hotel room.

Fuck! I could still feel goosebumps in the back of my neck when I think about how good Christopher made me feel. It has only been a few hours since Christopher dropped me back home and I already crave to have his lips on my body again. Despite my protest of not intending to leave his hotel room, he still strongly insisted to drop me back just because he didn't want to get my family worried about me. My heart warms thinking that he cares about my family just as much as he cares about me. How adorable is that? I guess he just keeps giving me new reasons every day to love him more.

We haven't been together since the night Christopher told me everything about his accident. I knew how traumatized he had been after that encounter with Richard. And with everything going around, it was obvious that sex would have been the last thing on his mind. I was mature enough to understand his mental condition and not pry him into doing something which he doesn't seem to be interested in at that moment. I knew sex could wait because we had bigger problems to deal with. And Christopher also needed time to heal from everything that has happened. In fact, I noticed he was doing better since we arrived here.

It was my decision to cheer him up by showing him around the city on Sunday, and it actually proved to bring a wonderful change to his mood. Later that evening, we went to meet my father. We started working with him soon after it. For the last three days, we have been spending most of our time at my dad's office, trying to put all our efforts into planning Richard's downfall.

And at nights when we went back to Christopher's room, we used to end up cuddling together in the bed before me going back home. It was sweet, and I was happy that Christopher was getting back to normal. I was assuming the same routine to occur yesterday, but the kiss we shared last night changed everything.

At first, I was reluctant because I wasn't sure if Christopher wanted it, but after seeing the desire in his eyes, I knew I couldn't control myself. And that's why once we started we really couldn't stop ourselves after that. Sex wasn't new for us. I had been with Christopher before, and it had always been amazing. But today there was something special about it. It felt different on so many levels. It wasn't just sex. It was a declaration of Christopher's love. He made it slow and blissful for me. He was being extremely sweet and gentle as if he wanted me to feel how much I mean to him. I could feel it in every touch and kiss. The way his rough fingers roamed my body. The way his mouth worshiped my body. I wonder if there's any part of my skin that his expert lips have not kissed. The way he coordinated his thrusts, keeping a smooth rhythm. They were gentle and extremely pleasurable.

I shut my eyes as I feel tingles down my body with Christopher's thoughts. He made me realize the difference between having sex and being made love to. I could see it in his longing yet caring eyes. The kind of love they held for me. It was pure and passionate both at the same time. I guess it was the major reason why the entire experience became so different for us.

I smile when I sit up, and my eyes fall on the locket around my neck. It's so beautiful and the words engraved on it keep reminding me to fall in love with Christopher again and again. I can't forget that he is the reason why I gained my faith back in love. He is the reason why I decided to let go of my ego and pain and give my father another chance. He brought me close to my family. He captured my heart and made me realize that I wouldn't be able to fall for him if I kept harboring the hate for my father in my soul. His goodness made me discover that my love for him was bigger than the hate that I had for my father.

He taught me to let go of the bitterness that I kept building in my chest. So, I let it go. Just for him. I would do anything and everything to have a future with Christopher. Now that we have come this far, I think I can't even imagine a life without him being in it.

My dad didn't seem to be thrilled having him around in the last few days, but I am glad that he is still trying to help us. I just hope we would be successful in time with our plan and make Richard pay for what he has done. He needs to be behind bars, not freely roaming around, intending to ruin other people's lives for his sick intentions, as he did to Christopher.

My phone suddenly buzzes, pulling me out of my thoughts, and I reach for it on the nightstand. I smile when I see the notification. It's a text from Christopher.

Happy birthday, baby! Looking forward to having you back in my arms.❤

And yeah, also to make a promise not to let your day end without a surprise.

A wide grin appears on my face, looking at his words. Before I could hit a reply, my phone begins to ring and I see Emily's name flashing on it. I pick it up to hear her singing the birthday song in a high-pitched voice with Becky and Sam's chorus in the background. I laugh and push the phone away from my ear with how ridiculously loud they all are singing. What are they doing together so early? Did they just get together to wish me? My eyes almost get teary and I feel so happy to know that they remember my birthday. They are so precious to me. I don't know what I would have done without having such amazing friends in my life.

After talking to Sam and Becky, I get back to Emily again. I ask her about Frosty. I had left him at her house before we came here. I feel so bad that I couldn't bring him with me. We weren't in a situation to carry him, so it was in his best interests to let him stay at Emily's. I know he loves being around Emily as much as she does. Dismissing all my worries, she immediately sends me a picture of Frosty and I look at it in surprise, noticing that how big he has grown by now. How is that possible? It's been just 4 days, and he already looks so big. Okay, maybe it's not true. I guess I am just being ridiculous. After a few more minutes of chit-chat with my friends, I hang up the call.

I get out of the shower and put on a baby pink blouse with a pair of black jeans. Just when I am putting a bit of makeup on my face, I get a knock on the door. I walk towards it and open the door.

"Happy birthday, Nikki!" Charlotte and Francis chime as they jump on me together, hugging me.

"Awww thank you! I love you guys so much." I say, hugging them back. After they pull back, Francis retrieves something from behind him and gives it to me. It's a box wrapped in shining gift paper.

"OMG! you don't have to get me anything," I say, but I am already reaching to unwrap it. "A box of assorted chocolates!" I scream in excitement, widening my eyes.

"Thank you!" I say as I open the box.

Before I can taste one, Francis stops me, placing a hand on it. "Wait, Nikki! Let me just check if it's good." He says in an utterly serious tone. He then opens his mouth and signals to me to put one into it. Charlotte rolls her eyes and I laugh, doing as he commands me to do. We both know our brother and his ridiculous tricks.

"Mhmm...Yeah, you can eat them now. They are really good." He certifies munching on the milk chocolate that I just put into his mouth.

"You seriously had to do that?" Charlotte sighs in annoyance and asks him.

I laugh and watch my little brother and sister get into another silly fight, as usual. As I am about to say something to make them stop, my phone rings.

I pick it up and hear a lady's voice from the other end. "From the reception desk of the Paradise Hotel. Is this Nicole Johnson?"

"Yes," I say, recognizing that it's from the hotel where Christopher is staying. For a minute I grow worried thinking whether everything is alright there and then the woman speaks again.

"Happy birthday, ma'am!"

"Thank you," I reply to her, a bit hesitant. I wasn't expecting that. How does she know?

"Mr. Jordan Davis has planned something for you on the occasion of your birthday." She says. I frown when I hear that unfamiliar name, but then I realize that's the name under which Christopher has checked into the hotel. So basically she is referring to Christopher. "He would appreciate it if you could make it here in about an hour."

"Okay, I'll be there. Thanks for informing." I tell her. Wow! This is kind of exciting. I didn't know Christopher has already planned something for me.

"Have a nice birthday ahead, Ms. Johnson." She says.

"Was that from Christopher?" Francis asks curiously when I hang up. I look back at them and see Charlotte narrowing her eyes at him.

"Do you guys know about it?" I ask them, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. From their expression, I could say something is up with them.

"No, not at all." Francis shrugs it off awkwardly. "We know nothing about the special date that Christopher is planning for you. Nope." He blurts out, and I give him a surprised look. At the same time, Charlotte stares at him in disbelief.

"Francis!" she screams, looking all riled up. I guess she was trying to keep it a secret, but Francis just ruined it. It's not a new thing for us. He always does that.

"What? Why do you look like an angry bull?" He asks innocently, taking a step back from her.

"I'll tell you why the heck I look like an angry bull." She grits her teeth before grabbing him by his ear and pulling him. "I'll take care of this idiot. Bye Nikki, enjoy your day."

I laugh, shaking my head, and then walk to get downstairs. They are really crazy, but I love them. When I get to the kitchen, I watch my dad and mom sitting together at the table. My dad says something to her, and she laughs in return, and that's when I realize how adamant was I to not see my mother's happiness when she was with dad. What my father did would always be wrong in my eyes, but at least his decision to come back to us has brought a smile to my mom's face. How could I be so blind to not see it?

When their eyes fall upon me, they give me a glowing smile. I walk towards them.

"Happy birthday, dear." They both sing in unison before my dad stands and reaches to kiss my head.

"Thank you," I say.

"Take a seat, Nicole. I'll get your breakfast." My mother says, making her way to the counter.

"Actually, I am heading out with Christopher, mom." I put a strand behind my ear and look up at her. From the corner of my eyes, I could see my father tensing up.

Mom stares at me for a moment and then smiles. "Oh. That's great honey. I hope you'll have fun."

I smile back at her. And when I turn around, I see my dad straight looking at me. "Be careful, Nicole." He speaks in a serious tone, and I nod my head in agreement.

"And try to get back home before dinner." My mom calls as I walk out of the kitchen.

"I will," I assure and head towards the door.

It takes me less than half an hour to get to Christopher's hotel. When I get to the reception, the woman behind it signals me to the Audi waiting outside. I guess she is the one who called me. First, I think about going to Christopher's room, but then I realize he wouldn't have asked me to get in a car if he was still there. When I reach near the car, I wonder how I didn't notice it while going to the hotel. Has Christopher arranged it for me?

I just can't wait to see him anymore, so I thrive in excitement and get in the backseat. I saw the driver in the front seat already but I am still disappointed when I don't find Christopher in. Of course, if he is not here, then he would be waiting for me at the destination where he wants me to get. I get a thought about calling him, but I stop myself from doing that. If he wanted to inform me himself, he would have called me before. Why would he ask the receptionist to do so? I guess he is trying to keep it as a surprise and I have no freaking right to ruin it. Have some patience, Nicole. I lean against the seat and tell myself.

Then I turn towards the driver and ask, even though finding that name weird for Christopher. "Did Jordan send this?"

He just nods. I keep looking through the window with a smile on my face. But as it takes more time for us to get to the place, I get anxious. The car stops abruptly before I could run my mind. Suddenly the doors fling open, startling me. I frown when two men who I've never seen before, get into the car. Fuck! They sit sandwiching me between them. Dread takes over my body when I look at their scary faces. My heart thumps harder as I realize this is not the car that Christopher sent for me. This is so fucking not right.

I know I have no way to run, but I still make calculations in my head on how to dodge this situation. Before I reach to pull my phone out, one of the men covers my mouth with a cloth, and all I could see is their faces blurring in front of me.

I get ready after stepping out of the shower. I look at the dress that I got for Nicole lying on the bed. Yesterday after I had the discussion with Charlotte I sneaked out of their house to get it without Nicole getting a hint about it. One glance at the dress and I knew Nicole would beautifully rock it. I am pretty sure from my judgment that it would fit her curves perfectly. It's a short black dress with thin straps. It's quite sexy and I can't wait to see her put it on for our date. I just hope she likes it.

I went to the reception desk earlier today and asked if I could hire a car. The receptionist agreed, but she was too persistent to know the reason for wanting one. I don't know why she was being so nosy, but anyway, I told her briefly that it's my girlfriend's birthday and I needed it to surprise her. As we talked, she suggested to me about one of their restaurants on the beachside and insisted that she could get the reservation done for me if I want. I was more than happy to receive that piece of information because it just eased my burden of finding one on my own.

After I got back to my room, I texted Nicole, letting her know about the surprise that's waiting for her. It's her birthday and I am so excited to make this day special for her. I button my shirt up and glance out of the window. Suddenly something unusual strikes my eyes. I focus on my vision and see Nicole walking down the road. What the fuck? When did she get here? I was supposed to pick her up from her home. Then what is she doing here? I wait for her to enter the hotel, but a big frown appears on my face when she walks to a car standing at the corner and gets in it. What the fucking hell? Before I have the time to process what's happening, the car speeds off.

I don't waste any time and rush down the elevator, having a dreadful feeling down my stomach. Before I could stride out of the hotel, the receptionist stops me.

"Mr. Davis, Ms. Johnson was here. I showed her to your car." She smiles at me. I frown, unable to understand how does she knows Nicole's name. I never mentioned it to her before.

"Sorry?"

"You don't know? Your friend informed me about the change in plan." She asks, furrowing her eyebrows.

"My friend?" I ask her. What the hell is she talking about?

Looking at my confused expression, she answers. "He was here about an hour ago. He asked me to cancel the booking of the car as he was able to fetch your car with him. He told me to inform Ms. Johnson about it." She looks at me and says. "So I told her about your black Audi waiting outside."

I take a while to process her words, and it's not too long when I actually realize what has happened. Fucking no! This can't be happening. I could already feel the rage building inside my body. I close my eyes, trying to compose myself, and then I see his face. It's fucking Richard!

I snap my eyes open in anger, and the woman behind the desk looks at me worriedly. "Don't worry, I didn't say anything. The surprise is still on for her." She half-smiles, trying to reason. Fuck! Does she think that I am angry about her ruining my surprise? She fucking doesn't know what a blunder she has committed. I curl my fists in anger, controlling myself from lashing out at her and remind myself that it's not her fault.

A ping on my phone distracts my attention, and I take it out of my pocket.

There is a text from an unknown number along with an address shared. I clench my jaw in anger as I read it.

I don't need to explain anything, do I? You saw it with your own eyes. Get to the given location right now. And I hope you would be smart enough to get here alone if you want to see your pretty little girlfriend alive.

I let out a frustrated sigh and storm out of the hotel, ignoring the receptionist who is calling me behind now. I knew we were taking this thing too lightly and now it has all come upon us. I knew how dangerous Richard was, yet I believed I could get away with it without having this encounter. But deep down, I knew it was going to happen, sooner or later. He is fucking Richard and he wouldn't settle for an easy loss. I was just being stupid to not realize it. Now he is here. I think it's time for the showdown.

I am gonna end this. I am ready to go and take that fucker single-handedly, but the only thing that scares me is Nicole's safety. She is my life. She is my everything. And now when he has her, I fear losing her the most. No, that's so fucking not happening. I am not going to let anything happen to her. I might lose my life, but I won't let that bastard harm her.

Nicole, I am coming for you.