Nicola's POV

It's been 6 months since Sarah's death. Everyone has slowly learned to adjust to life without her, even though it's still painful to do so.

The HGS gallery, where five of my paintings were showcased, had been a big success. I had finished three more paintings that had been made for order. Now I am ready to take my break.

The twins' birthday was coming up in three days, and I am starting my break by going to their place for their birthday party. It would be followed by summer holidays that the girls would come to stay here for. We were all very excited about it, and I cleaned up the whole entire house, getting it ready for them, as I would be bringing the girls with me after the party.

This would be the first time I would be attending their birthday party.

Sarah had never questioned me as to why I never attended. She knew something had happened between Gabriel and I, and since neither of us had told her anything, she had just given up and let it be. And considering how Gabriel's mother treats me, I guess she thought it better that I hadn't attended.

Now though, I can't miss their birthday, as they themselves are old enough to want me there, and it helped that Gabriel himself had called to invite me.

Things have become better between Gabriel and I since the day after the gala, where we hatched things up between us. I would always be uncomfortable around him, but we are able to talk to each other decently now.

Gabriel seems to have gotten the hang of being a single dad. He had refused to leave the girls and go out of town for any business, so his father delt with any overseas or out of town businesses. His father was especially agreeable after the mess that Helena had made.

Apparently, she had been drinking that morning and had behaved inappropriately to the twins and had fired the nanny when she had raised her displeasure about her behavior.

Gabriel had to go home immediately and send his mother packing and hire a new nanny. The nanny that got fired had left the twins with a drunk lady and hadn't even informed Gabriel about her being fired, so he thought it best to try to find a new one.

Emma, the new nanny was an absolute darling. ( I removed the nanny's name in the last chapter, as I really like this name for their nanny and didn't want it gone) I loved her even though I had only met her through the video calls I had with the girls.

She was fresh out of college. A sweet plump girl with cute freckles who was always full of smiles. She was very responsible but was fun. Perfect for Livy and Bella. The last one was too old and stiff.

Well, I will meet her soon enough as I am on my way.

My flight just landed, and I have collected my luggage and am on my way outside to get a cab. I had booked the same hotel that I had stayed in last time, so I will just go check in and head over to see the twins. I haven't seen them in six months, and I can't wait to hold them in my arms again.

Thinking about them, I hurried to get outside, but at the arrival gate, I came to stop as I saw a familiar figure standing next to a pillar in a gray blazer.

His dark brown hair was gelled and neatly brushed back. His eyes were hidden behind shades. His tall figure stood out amongst everyone, and his handsome features were attracting a lot of attention. Especially amongst the females coming out of the gate. But he seemed oblivious to it all as he stood talking on his phone.

What was he doing here? I stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do. I mean it would be terribly embarrassing if I went up to him when he might not actually be here for me, but on the other hand it would be rude of me to just ignore him and leave even if he is not here for me.

I was still debating on what to do when he glanced up and saw me. He ended his call and started walking towards me as I stood frozen to the spot as I had been in for the past five minutes.

"Hey," he said, reaching for my suitcase handle and pulling it along as he walked outside, leaving me behind.

I blinked, taking a minute to absorb what just happened, and when I looked up, he was already a few feet away.

"You coming?" he asked over his shoulder, walking fast, towards the exit.

I leaped into action, almost running to catch up with him. He had almost reached the outside gate before I caught up.

"What are you doing here, Gabriel? I can go by myself. I didn't need you to pick me up." I panted, out of breath from trying to catch up with his long legs.

"Yeah? So you could go check into a hotel again before you come to my house?" He asked.

"Umm yeah..." I said, eyeing him, unsure of what's going on and feeling like I'm walking into a trap.

"That's not happening." He said, still taking long strides towards the parking lot, with me strutting behind him with my short legs. What's with this speed walking? Are we in a marathon or something? I thought, annoyed with having to run after him.

"What's not happening?" I huffed out, trying to catch up.

"You, staying in a hotel." He said, reaching a black Bentley Continental GT.

"But where will I stay then?" I asked distractedly, admiring the beautiful car until he pressed the keys in his hand, and the car made a beep beep sound.

I frowned up at him, still wondering what this man was up to.

"At my house," he said like it was obvious, finally stopping and resting his hand on my suitcase handle.

My eyes widened, finally understanding the position he had very smoothly put me in by coming to pick me up.

"But.." I started weakly.

"No buts. You.are.staying.at.my.house," he said, taking slow steps towards me.

"And you are having your meals in my house. No staying in hotels and no starving yourself until you can go out to grab some food." He said, raising his sunglasses and letting them rest on his head, capturing me with his brilliant blue eyes, which instantly took my breath away.

"You are staying under my roof and eating the food I paid for." He said, pointing his finger at himself, while he continued walking up to me intimidatingly.

I didn't realise I had been walking backward until I hit my back against the car. We still hadn't broken eye contact. His eyes felt like it was piercing wholes through mine while he stood really close to me, waiting for me to respond.

I gulped, unable to find any words to say to him. Stay with him? In his house? Where there won't be any escape from the strong attraction I felt towards him. I can't do that! I couldn't live with it if he found out that I was still attracted to him.

"Gabriel.." I said softly, looking up into his eyes, trying to form the words to make him understand that I can't stay with him..

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Sorry guys, I'm leaving you hanging. But don't worry, the next chapter is coming soon..

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