Chapter 21: One Step At A Time

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Nikolei groaned as he stretched his slightly sore body. He opened his eyes slightly, adjusting his eyes to the bright surrounding. The sun rays penetrated through the curtains of the windows, filling up the room with its bright light.

He slowly got up from his position and leaned back into the plush sofa. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he remembered what had happened last night. He remembered it all, and for once in his life he felt contented after the long gloomy years of sadness he had to endure.

Last night, he had fallen asleep in Alexandra's arms as he held tightly onto her. He never want to let go, and Alexandra held him tightly in her arms trying to calm him down during his break down. He knew Alexandra had carried him to the couch in her office and laid him onto it. Slowly, his fingers grazed the soft texture of the blanket in his hand as he smiled cheekily reminiscing about the event last night.

His eyes stopped at Alexandra who was sleeping comfortably on the cushioned armchair situated in front of him. She was curled into a ball, with the yellow blanket draped over her that seemed to want to fall on the floor anytime soon. Her soft snores left her parted lips as she snuggled more into the armchair.

Nikolei loved the sight he witnessed in front of him at the moment. It reminded him of the times she used to sleep over his house when he was ill with sickness. She was there every time he was weak, and never leave his side for once. She was patient with him, and she took a great care of him until he was better from the flu or fever he was having.

As he continued to watch Alexandra, Nikolei slowly approached her and squatted down just beside the chair. He propped his chin onto his arms resting on the armrest of the chair and smiled. Alexandra's unruly red hair had him chuckled amusedly and the soft snores which escaped her parted, plump lips had his heart thumped loudly.

How he longed for her soft, sweet kisses.

Suddenly, Alexandra moved vaguely in her sleep before opening her eyes slightly. As her eyes adjusted slowly to the bright light in her office, a sight of Nikolei smiling faintly at her reached her retina. She rose her head from leaning against the seat and blinked twice.

"What time is it?" Her groggy voice filled the room.

"Almost eight, sleepy head." He teased.

She quickly got up from her seat and turned towards the window. Sighing loudly, she walked out of her office followed by Nikolei. The bakery was still closed and it usually opens at half past eight. Any minute now, Rae would unlock the entrance to the bakery like she always do.

Nikolei watched as Alexandra hastily packed her things and slung her sling bag over her shoulder. A slight panic arose in him as he stood there silently watching her every move. He cleared his throat, "Where are you going?"

"Uh, we should head home before one of my workers come. I need to freshen up before working. See you around, Mr. Machiavelli." Alexandra said as she started to head towards the back door. "Oh, before I forget. Do change the bandage on your hand, okay?"

His panic metre rose when Alexandra started to walk away from him. He was not ready for her to leave yet. Call him greedy but last night was not enough and he needed more time with her. He needed her to be with him by his side, always.

So, he did the one thing that appeared in his mind that moment.

"I-I don't have a ride." He blurted out immediately.

Alexandra turned abruptly, just as she opened the door wide open. Her left brow shot up as she parted her lips slightly. "Okay, come. I'll drive you home."

Nikolei's face morphed into a cheerful expression as he grinned widely. He took fast steps towards the awaiting Alexandra and followed her to the parking lot after she locked the back door. They got into the car together and drove away.

The car ride was silent, only the song Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips filled the background. She was so focused on the road that she didn't realise Nikolei was humming to the tunes softly. A minute after, Alexandra's phone rang loudly from the inside of her bag.

"Hello."

Nikolei stopped moving and humming as he too focused on the road in front of him. His ears perked up all so sudden when the next sentence came out of the woman's mouth caught his attention.

"How's your talk, sweetie? I bet the handsome lad like you intimidated the new residents." She said cheerfully.

The man seated beside her couldn't help it but to feel the burning, searing pain etched on his heart as he listened to the conversation Alexandra was having on the phone. He knew very well who was calling her, and jealousy started to fill the void in his heart very rapidly as he listened to them. His body was tensed as he turned his head dismissively to his side of the window.

She used to call him sweetie too.

"Okay. Love you too. Bye." With that, Alexandra ended the call.

Half an hour later, Alexandra halted her car right in front of Nikolei's big gate. She pulled the handbrake and faced Nikolei on her side.

"Here we are!" She uttered excitedly.

A faint sigh escaped his lips as Nikolei stared at the gate in front of him before facing towards Alexandra who was smiling cheerfully at him. He chuckled, just seconds ago she was all sleepy and woozy and now, she's smiling from ear to ear with that happy aura around her.

That, was when his smile faltered when he realised what's the real reason was behind her happy smile.

That good morning call from Grant Carson.

He grunted and faked a smile, "Uh, thank you for the ride. See you around."

Alexandra nodded her head and watched him as he got out of her car. Soon after, she drove away from the mansion and made her way to her apartment. Nikolei stayed and watched as she drove away from the neighbourhood. He made a guttural sound as he took step by step towards his house.

It's Saturday and Nikolei knew that his late entrance and yesterday's absence would raise a brow on the members of his household faces, especially Maria and Gayle. As for Boris, he would always zipped his lips and never spoke a word about it unless there was something really important.

The huge mahogany door creaked slightly as he pushed it open. He sighed, thinking that would bring some attention to him and he was not wrong. Maria strutted out from the kitchen and paused midway as she silently stared at him for a while.

He sighed, "Yes, Maria?"

"As much as your father tried to cover up for you last night young man, I know the excuses he used were not it." She said softly, with her hands on her hips. "Judging by the neatly wrapped bandage around your hand, I assume there are more to the story."

"Where's Gayle?" He asked instead.

"He's in the theater room with Boris watching some cartoons. You haven't eaten, have you? Come, I'll fix you some hash brown and roasted baby carrots."

They walked into the kitchen and Maria scooped up the food onto his plate. She slid the plate carefully towards him and leaned against the marble counter.

"Now, explain yourself young lad."

"I fell asleep at a bakery last night and the owner drove me back here." He said.

Maria raised her brows, "Bakery? How?"

"It's Alexandra's. After all the mysteries unraveled yesterday, I was so down and mad at myself, so I refused to let myself rest. I walked and walked, which ended up with me standing in front of her bakery." He uttered, not once did he moved his gaze from his plate. "She was alone, and she noticed me when she turned around. Then we talked while she fixed up my cuts and bandage. I broke down and she comforted me in her arms till I fell asleep."

"Nik dear, it's not my place to say this but wouldn't her fiancé become mad if he knew about this?" She asked with concern.

"He's not around for a week. So, I think last night event will not come to his attention."

She sighed loudly and tilted her head to the side, "Nikolei, she's happily engaged. I know you love her still, but coming in between two persons who are very much in love is not a right and noble thing to do."

"I know I did her wrong for too many times back then, but that doesn't mean I'd give up now!" He said sternly before his expression softened. "I love her so much, Maria, and it didn't change for one bit. I know I acted stupid last time but I am ready to make amends now. I'm not ready to let her go yet."

"But she's with someone right now, Nik! It's very wrong for you to be the thorn in their blooming relationship. It would be unfair to both Alex and her fiancé. You need to let her be happy for once with the one she loves. Yes! You love her, but maybe she's no longer yours to hold."

His fists clenched very tightly as he listened to every words that came out of Maria's mouth. He'd come to think of it like what she had said, but as he thought more deeply into it he realised that maybe, just maybe, his sudden meet with Alexandra that night at the ball was a sign that The Almighty had sent to him telling him not to give up just yet. They always say everyone deserves a second chance at everything and probably this was his second chance in making things right.

So, he accepted it and he was determined not to back down now.

He grunted once again and got up from his seat. All of a sudden, his appetite had lost and the food in front of him didn't seem to be that appealing to him right now. His ears blocked Maria's voice from entering as he walked away from the kitchen, leaving her behind despite of her calling for his name repeated times. He admitted that him making an impulsive move like this was uncalled for him, but a healthy competition with the famous Grant Carson wouldn't hurt, right?

***

Arranging the tea cups on the shelf, Alexandra had her back towards Rae who was cleaning the cash register. Rae cleared her throat once and turned towards Alexandra once she finished cleaning the register.

"So... I found this one trench coat in your office this morning." She said hesitantly.

Alexandra turned sideways and stole a glance towards the woman with curly hair. She smiled and cocked her brows, "And?"

"Heh, just wondering who does it belongs to? I wanted to guess it's yours but it looks like it is more of a male's than female's."

"Well, if this satisfy the need of your curiosity, last night a man stood in front of the shop. I invited him in and last thing I remember I let him sleep on the couch overnight." Alexandra explained coolly.

Rae hummed teasingly, "And I'm guessing the blanket on the armchair is yours?"

Alexandra chuckled and nodded her head twice before going back to arranging the cups on the counter and shelves. Meanwhile, Rae on the other hand had her eyebrows raised and began to tap her left foot against the floor.

"Is Grant okay with this?" She asked curiously.

"Yes he is. Why wouldn't he be? Don't worry, Rae. I love Grant very much and nothing happened last night. The man's probably just miserable after a bad day and all I did was helping him to calm down." Alexandra chuckled and continued, "Besides, I told Grant this morning about every thing that happened last night. He even told me that he wishes to be there to witness it."

"Oh, wow. Really? How did he react to it the first time?"

"He chuckled and eventually laughed. Then he talked about having dinner together once he comes back from the States." Alexandra muttered and shrugged.

Rae just shook her head playfully and chuckled as she walked towards the tables and booth, arranging the boxes of tissues while the customers were still absent. By the time the clock struck one in the afternoon, the bakery was mostly filled with adolescents who were hanging out with their peers. There were some old couples too, drinking milkshakes with their other halves.

Rae was by the register, managing customers' orders when the bell to the entrance rang. She looked up and saw a tall, lean man with jet black hair entered the bakery with a big bouquet of calla lilies in his hand. She recognized the man from the other day, who came by the bakery with a cute little boy holding onto his hand as they sat together with a woman and a man of much older version of him.

She raised her left eyebrow and blinked repeatedly. Something in her mind was telling her that the man Alexandra had mentioned earlier in the morning was this man. Boy, she wasn't wrong when she greeted him.

"Yes, what can I get for you?" Rae asked suspiciously.

He hesitated, "Is Ms. Rakers here?"

Rae squinted her eyes and slowly nodded her head. She then excused herself and went into the kitchen. Her eyes caught Alexandra just in time, who was busy putting the already baked chocolate filled cinnamon rolls onto the display plate.

"Hey. Someone outside is asking for you, with a big jumbo bouquet of calla lilies if I might add." Rae stated, pointing her thumb towards the door to the main area of the bakery. "I'm guessing he's your sleepover buddy from last night."

Alexandra cocked her brows and turned around, "Jet black hair? With bandage around one of his hand?"

"Yes and not so sure. See! That's how big the bouquet is. I can't even see his hands." She teased Alexandra who was rolling her eyes playfully at her.

Alexandra quickly followed Rae to the front of the bakery with a plate of freshly baked cinnamon rolls on her hand. Her eyes caught the sight of the man Rae had mentioned and her guess was correct. It was the man from last night, and she was wondering about what brings him to the bakery after last night. Carefully, she placed the cinnamon rolls into the display case and casually wiped her hands onto the her slightly stained waist apron.

"Hey. It's a right timing for you to come by. You forgot your trench coat in my office last night." She said.

Nikolei turned sideways with a big smile on his face as he held the bouquet of flowers he specially ordered from the famous florist in town. He approached her, and she unconsciously took a step backwards at the same time. Nikolei's smile faltered slightly, but maintained his cheerful facial expression as he neared her a bit more closer. His hand extended forward towards her, handing out the bouquet to Alexandra waiting for her to accept it.

When she didn't make a move to accept it after a few seconds, Nikolei's smile disappeared, scowling in process as he projected his eyes downwards at her.

"Are the flowers not to your liking? I can buy you a different kind if you want." He mumbled.

"Oh no, no, no. That won't be necessary." Alexandra said, as she hesitantly took the flowers from his hand before handing it to Rae who stood by the cash register. "Thank you but what's with the flowers?"

"As my thank you gesture to you for last night. I really needed it." He smiled.

"Okay... thanks! Why don't you take a seat and have a cup of tea? It's on the house. Have a seat and I'll ask Rae to pour a cup for you together with the cinnamon roll."

Alexandra began to turn her back towards him and that made him acted so quickly before he could think. He had grabbed her wrist and stopped her in her tracks. She turned around with a slightly shock look on her face before tugging her wrist away softly from his grasp. He wouldn't lie, it pained him a bit that she had pulled her hand away from his grasp like it burnt her but he kept a smile on no matter how fast the pace his heart was beating at the moment.

"I-I," He stuttered. "I'm sorry."

Alexandra shook her head and slowly rubbed her wrist, "It's okay. Anything else you wanted to tell me, Mr. Machiavelli?"

"Right. Uh... I was hoping that I could treat you to dinner tonight? After the bakery is closed, of course." He stated.

"Oh, no. It's okay, you don't have to. The flowers are enough. Thank you." She declined politely.

"Please, I insist. It would burden me if I didn't repay you for your great help last night. Just a friendly dinner, nothing more. I promise." Nikolei persuaded.

Alexandra sighed and slowly nodded her head. She smiled faintly, "If you insisted then. I don't have anything planned anyways."

"Great! I'll pick you up at eight. Just write me your address." Nikolei grinned.

Alexandra quickly wrote her address on a piece of tissue and handed it over to him and instructed Rae to serve him a cup of tea and cinnamon roll before excusing herself from the front of the bakery to go into her office. She took a sit on the armchair and grabbed her phone out of the pocket of her apron.

Punching in the number, Alexandra waited as the call connected. A seconds after, a husky, deep male's voice was heard.

"Hello."

"I'm sorry if the call disturbed you."

"No, no. It's fine. I miss your voice very much anyway. It feels so cold on the bed without you by my side."

Alexandra chuckled, "I miss you too, Grant. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something."

"Hmm? I'm listening, sweetheart."

"Nikolei Machiavelli just asked me to dinner to thank me for last night a few moments ago. It's hard for me to decline him since he was so persuasive, but if you didn't want me to go, I'll decline his offer."

"Go. I don't mind, really. Besides, that offer sounds more interesting than your night plans of watching the reruns of Downton Abbey. Plus, another bright point is that you get to have free expensive cuisines." Grant teased, chuckling as he finished the sentence.

"Are you sure? I don't mind to decline his offer, and Downton Abbey is a great show by the way."

"It's just dinner, Alexandra. You know it takes a lot for a man to cry in front of a woman." He laughed and continued, "I'll fly back in a few more days and I'm getting impatient already."

"That's great! Watching reruns of the tv shows is not the same when you are not by my side to snuggle with. Okay then, I have to go. I'll call you again after my dinner. Love you." She made a smooch sound into the phone.

"Bye bye, sweetheart. I love you too." With that, he ended the call.

"I guess I'm going to dinner then." Alexandra muttered to herself as she stared at her phone with split feelings.

A/N:
Next update is on Saturday.

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