Chapter 11-2:

Zack's POV: 

Who knew that making a young girl happy, would actually make me feel better? I personally was seeking for her acceptance because I knew that Nadia considered her as more than a sister. However, I didn't even think that a small gesture like buying a tiara and a pink dress would make Sam like me that much. Heck, she kept hugging me and kissing my cheek until Nadia asked her to take her gifts to her room.

I was honestly afraid that she would dislike my gifts but seeing the look on her face when she saw the Tiara, threw my concern out of the window and totally changed my mood from mad and angry at Nadia to happy and relieved.

When Nadia left the parking lot, I stood there glaring at the stupid creature standing in front of me for few minutes, questioning myself 'Who was he anyway? Why did Nadia care so much about his opinion? Or even worse his feelings? Why did he seem familiar?'. Nevertheless , I couldn't leave those thoughts control me because I had to find Nadia.

Trying my best to keep my composure, I looked away and I started walking to my car but I stopped when I heard Col calling my name. I turned slowly my head, to find him walking towards me with a clenched fist which soon enough flied my way but I was faster and I stepped back immediately and straightened again.

"That was your best shot?" I smirked at him but his darkened look didn't go away, it became darker and intenser.

"Look, if you even think of hurting her, you'll die" He hit my car with his clenched hand then headed away without adding a word, as he knuckles bled because of the impact with the solid

'What was wrong with him? Did he actually think that I would lower myself to his level and fight with him?' I personally wouldn't fight with anybody without a convenient reason which I hadn't so why would I bother myself and try to get what the hell was happening from him? I'd rather ask Nadia instead. But did I really want to know? Why did I even care about it? Did I have the right to even claim answers?

I found myself puzzled after Col walked away because I was honestly confused about everything I was feeling especially the new sense of protectiveness which consumed me the moment I saw Nadia in pain earlier that day when she started crying in my arms like she couldn't handle holding the weight of her tears anymore. I felt a desperate need to release her pain and be there for her although I knew very little of the reason of her agony.

I noticed that she was distant from her mother because of her dry conversation with the latter in the wedding, and it bothered me since there were a lot of people who didn't even have mothers to look after them while Nadia was giving the older woman who was obviously trying to make an effort, a hard time.

Notwithstanding, I realized that there was so much onto the picture than I saw in wedding. That's why I didn't want to push her for explanations or answers and just held her in my arms, reassuringly until she felt at ease again and she could finally breathe normally.

I personally had no idea what a young girl would like so I called my secretary: Leila and asked her to order something from the nearest gifts' shop to the Mathews' Mansion and to send me the address right away. After less than twenty minutes, I was already in front of the big gates which leaded to the Mansion.

Although I was still in College, I had an office in my grandpa's company, I was trained during summer by one of my grandpa's most trusted men to be the leader I was supposed to be. That's why I hired Leila who was also studying in NYU, she needed a part time job so I offered her the position; she was only asked to help me with my schedule during summer and whenever I needed something quick to be done, just like that day.

Sam's tug on my shirt brought me back to the present, she was still blabbering about how amazingly awesome I was. Nadia didn't state it but she looked surprisingly amused and pleased at the sight in front if her, based on the lopsided smile that formed on her lips.

After what seemed like fifteen minutes, Ann barged in and asked Sam to head to her room in order to change her clothes. Sam took away her gifts and headed up stairs after thanking me for what looked like the hundredths time in less than a minute. I was starting to love her already even more than most of the kids mom and I used to visit before.

"I'm surprised that she warmed up to you that quickly" Mr. Mathews stated as a matter of fact, taking a sip of his dark coffee "She couldn't hide the fact that she disliked you for taking away Nadia"

"Yeah she was throwing daggers your way" Nadia suppressed a chuckle as she proceeded talking "She only liked you before because she thought that we'd be living here"

"Uh, now I get it" I moved closer to Nadia and pulled her to my embrace "Can't disagree with her, at the end of the day, I took her amazing sister, I'd be as angry as she was if someone tried to snatch you away"

"Cut the act" She murmured under her breathe even though I couldn't miss the shade of a blush on her cheek.

I just stared down at her few seconds totally neglecting Mr. Mathews' presence. She was acting casual in front of her grandpa but I could see in her eyes that she was still angry because I got myself evolved in that stupid staring contest with Col and because I didn't even follow her immediately after she left us and walked away.

Little did she know that I could read her unspoken words only by a look in her chocolate brown eyes. They betrayed her but I couldn't say that it was a bad betrayal since it made her special and vulnerable.

Nadia in the other hand, she was obviously blind and oblivious on my new interest in her, if I even could call what I felt toward her that way. Damn, it took me one look at her to realize that I was growing to like her, and it freaked me out because I wasn't supposed to feel that way. I was supposed to dislike her.

Nadia locked her eyes with mine for a while, uncontrollably leaning further in my arms, her shoulders relaxed and her fingers instinctively brushed the skin of my arm in an electrifying touch. I was drown because of our intensity and the charged air. I couldn't stop myself from moving closer. I was so close to close the gap between us but the sound of the bell jerked us apart.

As if realization seeped in her, she looked away and moved out of my personal space and stood up immediately without even glancing my way. She seemed hesitant but when the ring bell rang again, she straightened herself and started walking slowly toward the hallway leading to it, tugging at the hem of her shirt possessively until her knuckles turned white.

I didn't even realize that I kept starting at her back until Mr. Mathews cleared his throat and pulled my attention to him. He had his legs crossed as he put on his glasses and reached for one of the books that were on the wooden table. He seemed amused of what just happened between Nadia and I.

"She has her grandma's and dad's eyes" He chuckled lowly, looking at nowhere as if he was recalling a memory "I remember how those practical eyes, used to captivate me, I used to feel drown because of their intensity, I could read my wife's feelings because of them. And I can now see that you're just like me"

"You're reading my mind. Sir" I smiled at him politely when he opened his book and looked for the page he was looking for "So I get that Nadia is just like her grandmother" 

"Yeah more than you can ever imagine" He lifted his head few inches and stared at me "They have the same character, I knew that you'd realize that she's more than a pretty face and a strong women"

"Thanks for having faith in me, and I know she has more to offer than people think she has" I suddenly felt so bad for lying at him like that while he trusted me beyond boundaries.

"I'm glad you do, but I have to warn you that you're about to see another part of Nadia" He lifted three fingers on the air and he started counting "In three-two-one"

Before I could ask him about what he was talking about, the sound of laughs and giggles filled the Mansion as nine kids appeared behind Nadia who was holding a little boy in her arms. She leaned her head back and started laughing at what the kid in her arms was telling her in her ears. While the others all looked at my direction.

They all threw their hellos at Mr. Mathews and me before they ran to the garden except the little boy who was cuddled in Nadia's arms. Her eyes were fixed on him as if he was a precious jewel and she feared he'd break. They seemed to share an amusing conversation due to the low chuckles and sparkling eyes they were sharing. While I just watched them, silently until Mr. Mathews's chuckle made me turn my head to face him. 

"She loves him the most" He gestured at the boy who was then running to the garden.

"Don't run, you might hurt yourself" Nadia yelled at him but the little boy didn't seem to give her any attention as he hurried to his direction. 

"Yeah I can see that" I commented, drawing my attention back to Nadia who started walking back to the couch and sat beside me. 

"He's so stubborn" She sighed, dramatically "He'd cause my death someday" 

"Who's he?" I asked casually but the second the question was out of my mouth, she stared blankly at Mr. Mathews who just shrugged his shoulders and answered. 

"Jake, he's... our friend's son" He said, eyeing Nadia.  

"And Sam's friend at school" Nadia interrupted him, quickly, and changed the subject "So how are you dealing with work lately?" 

They were hiding something for sure. But I couldn't point out what it was. 

"I am dealing with everything from here until you take over" He shrugged off and beamed at her genuinely "But not until you two take some time out, you are young and free, you have the entire world under your feet, and I'm afraid that after you both take over as CEO of your companies, that might change with the chaos of making your presence known as a power not some spoiled people who found everything on a golden dish" 

"It's totally true but please grandpa, nothing is wroth your health" Nadia stood up and kneeled in front of him then she put her head on his lap "I only have one year left to graduate but meanwhile, I will take care of some of your work, you have to rest" 

      Although her eyes were warm as she stared at her grandpa, I could notice pain and fear she was feeling, she tried so hard to hide it that it became a facade she got used to; Adam and Mr. Mathews, obviously meant the world to her, anybody with eyes could notice how much she cared about her family, and that always made me wonder if she really cared about them or was she just pretending just like she was pretending to love me? 

"She has a point, you worked hard so now it's your time to chill out and leave the youth take over" I added when he was about to protest "Things will turn into chaos but we're strong enough to take care of it, we're the grandchildren of two powerful men after all. We can do it" I assured him. 

"But, you have to keep your personal life aside if you want your flame to last forever" He started playing with Nadia's hair while she closed her eyes and seemed to enjoy that small gesture a lot "I can see that you both care about each other, and I don't think your work will ever cause you problems but be careful" 

"We will" Nadia muttered as she stood up and walked back to the couch but that time she sat afar from me, neglecting my gazes. 

      After that, we talked for a while about random stuff as Ann brought us coffee and various deserts that Mr. Mathews had no right to even land his eyes on because of his strict diet. However, Ann cooked a special cake for him which was his comprise with his doctor after hours of grumbling as Nadia mentioned. 

      Sam's friends didn't stay long, they only stayed for three hours before their drivers came to pick them up except Jack who went with Mr. Mathew's driver. Something about that boy, was mysterious. However, I had no idea what was it about because every time I asked Nadia about Jack's parents, she'd just shrug off and change the subject. And I didn't want to push the subject more because it was nonr of my business. 

       As soon as the door was closed, Sam ran through the hallway and headed to Mr. Mathews who was climbing the stairs to go have some rest before dinner. She tugged on the fabric of his pants and exhaled happily "Oh that was so much fun" Sam lifted her head and smiled at him "Thank you grandpa"

"Anything for my princess" He lowered his head and kissed the crown of her head. 

"Now where do you think you are going to?" She put one hand on her hips and pointed at him with the second one. 

"I will..." He lifted his shoulders in defense, totally speechless. 

"Come on you have to get some rest" She took his hand and walked with him upstairs but before they disappeared, she turned and winked at Nadia, who chuckled and returned the gesture. 

Mr. Mathews was wrapped around the little girl's finger. 

        The moment they were out of sigh, I moved closer to Nadia but she kept moving away. Nevertheless, she eventually reached the end of the sofa  therefore she gave up and turned her head to face me, sparkles in her eyes, probably of rage. 

"What do you want?" She snapped at me, angrily. 

What have I done? Yeah, I remembered, I was stuck with her friend when she stormed off. 

"Who is he?" I went straight to the point because hovering was only a waste of time.

"Oh! Why didn't you ask him when you were having the stupid staring contest?" She retorted as if she was ready to give me that answer.

"Yeah or maybe when he tried to hit me?" I spoke sarcasm evident on my voice but the look she gave, made me realize that she wasn't going to believe me. 

"He would never do that" She stared at me, skeptically. 

"Oh please, why am I even having this conversation with you" I threw my hands in the air, annoyed of what she said "You would never believe me so why am I bothering myself?"

        I waited for an answer from her but I didn't get any, so I just thought of giving up. After all I was still the boy she hated while he was her friend. Defeated, I spared her one last glance and was about to stand up, intending to go anywhere beside the same room with her. However, before I could move, her soft voice startled me and made me look at her. 

"Did he hurt you?" Her eyes traveled on my body like she was looking for a missing arm or leg.  

"No but who is he? Your best friend" I asked, looking directly in her eyes "your crush?" 

"You have no right to ask me" She protested which only meant that I had right, he was actually her crush, I could notice her body language when I lastly asked her. 

        I felt angry out of a sudden as rage was boiling in my veins. I didn't know why I felt so strange about it but it was eating me alive. 'What was bothering me? Why did I feel a sudden desire of going back with time only to disorder his face's features? Why was I hurt that she liked him while he obviously liked her back?'

       I didn't even think of voicing my thoughts because her last answer was a loud reminder for me to stop caring about people in her life, and just focus on spending the year, peacefully. Moreover, she didn't utter a single word after it and she didn't even move away, she just stared at her feet until Sam came back again and jerked us out of silence.

"Nadia, would you like to play with me?" Sam ran toward Nadia with a huge smile plastered on her face "I have a new set of tea, and Zack can join us too, can't he?"

"Zack has some phone calls to make" Nadia stroked Sam's hair gently "But I can always join you and the princesses for a cup or two of tea"

"Okay" Sam answered her, excitedly as she took Nadia's hand and started pulling her to stand up.

"You can stay in my room, you know the way" Nadia spoke before being dragged by Sam upstairs.

       After being left alone in the lounging room, I stood up and headed to Nadia's room. I recalled the first time I walked through that hallway and tried to remember which door it was because as soon as the stairs reached an end, a short hallway full of pictures leaded to two other long hallways.

        I didn't remember if I took the left or the right one before but I followed my inner thoughts and went thorough the right one. It was long and separated six rooms, two of them, were Nadia's and Mrs. Mathews. I wasn't sure if Nadia's was the last one or the one before so I just followed my instinct and opened a random one slowly and peeked inside.

       The sun rays shined through the light white curtains and provided the room with a warmth that made it cozy and comfortable as blue and white walls added a sensational effect of peace and comfort to the few pieces of modern furniture.

I found my destination. 

       Relived that it was Nadia's room, I scooped inside and closed the door behind me. The king sized bed, seemed so appealing with the blue duvet and white pillows therefore I walked toward it and threw myself back, to be instantly hit by Nadia's smell which was addicting and nerve-wrecking. 

Strawberry and Vanilla. I like it. 

        I inhaled deeply and filled my nostrils with the sweet odor which soothed me and made me relax as my eyes closed by their own, taking-in the moment and everything that happened that day, and I realized that Nadia had right, I should've kept my thoughts for myself and never questioned her about her friend because as we decided from the beginning of our agreement'We were nobody in each other's lives, we were pretending after all' 

       I enjoyed the silence of the room for few minutes, just staring at the ceiling before I jumped on my feet and analyzed my surroundings and her desk caught my attention right away since it was packed with books, an electrical digital photo picture frame and lots of files with the logo of their company that I didn't even acknowledge and focused on the books.

        She had an interesting taste in books since she had all genres of books, from Comedy and Romance to Action and Horror. 'She was unpredictable' I wondered as my eyes landed on the electrical digital frame.  I grasped the frame in my hand and tried to zoom the picture as I caught familiar hazel eyes. My mother's. She was smiling brightly at the camera while she was giving Nadia and Cecilia  tight side hugs. 

       However, my mother's presence wasn't the only thing that caught my attention, it was the heart necklace Nadia was wearing and clutching the pendent in her fingers as if it was an expensive jewel; because my mother used to have the same one; I remembered the day she came back  home with the necklace around her neck, she kept playing with it until I asked her about it  and she said that it was a gift from a friend of hers. Nothing more. 

'Was it even possible that it was the same one? And if it was, why would my mother have Nadia's necklace?' I put back the frame on the desk when the picture changed, uncertainly. 

       Nadia looked so happy in the picture, I could see it in the way her lips almost reached her ears in a genuine smile. She was surrounded by Adam, Mr. Mathews, Cecilia and two other people who I assumed were