A Love Restored

Nico is ignoring me. He’s sitting at his desk, typing away at his laptop, while I stare at him, seated in front of him. I wring my hands in my lap. watching him.

He didn’t reply to my hi when I came into his office. But note this, he did reply to his assistant when he told him that his lunch meeting had been cancelled,

“I brought donuts. I say for the second time.

He doesn’t say anything, but he looks up and spares me a glance. Its glacial. I’ve never seen him this mad at me. It hurts and feels strangely momentous.

“I made them myself.”

Nico smiles, mirthlessly. At Dante’s?Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.

He’s so difficult, “No. At my place. Come on, it’s your favourite.” I open the box of donuts and place it on his table, and Nico eyes them. I made chocolate frosted donuts with a raspberry cream filling, because I know Nico loves them. I won’t take the whole credit for them, because Gabriel helped a lot. He’s

great cook.

“Just eat it.” I urge. “You don’t have to talk to me

He thinks for a nanosecond, then grabs a donut and takes a huge bite. I stare at him, silently. Nico looks at me and rolls his eyes. Breaking off a piece, he extends his hand towards me. I gladly take the bite. I’ve never been very fond of raspberry cream, but it tastes good

“Nico. I sigh. “Say something.”

“I don’t want to.” He replies. I’m glad he’s at least started speaking with me.

“I know I should have told you. I’m sorry. You’re my best friend.” I say, “If it is any consolation, I really, really wanted to. I almost did. But Julian and I hadn’t really decided if we were ready to be official yet.”

Nico’s features twist – in pain, in anger, I don’t know, “Julian.” He says the name like it’s something dirty. “Why don’t you call him Dante like literally everyone?”

1 shrug. “I don’t know. It’s just how it’s always been.”

“Are you official now, Ginny?”

1 nod, a shit eating grin spreading over my face, despite the situation. “Yes. He asked me last night. Oh Nico,” I sigh, “He’s just wonderful.”

‘I bet he is.”

My smile fades at his sour tone. “I’m sorry, really”

“You think I’m mad that you didn’t tell me, Ginny?” His voice is soft. Nico never yells. Nico is…sweet. Soft and patient. Tm mad because you’re dating him despite me telling you over and over, that you shouldn’t. One thing I asked, Ginny. One thing.”

He didn’t just say anything that he hasn’t before, but the venom in his tone brings tears to my eyes, I blink. “I don’t know why you say that. I’ve always loved Julian. You know that. I thought you’d be happy for me.”

Nico stands up from his chair and kneels in front of me. Softly shaking his head, he takes my hand in his “Please, stop crying.” He says, “I can’t see you crying.”

I wipe away at my cheeks with the back of my palm. “Then stop being so cold with me. You know that you’re more important to me than Julian is. You always will be. Just please, support me, for however long this lasts.”

He nods. “I’m sorry. I’m overwhelmed. I’m overreacting. I’ll get over it. I’m just worried about you. I know what kind of a guy he is. And Ginny, he won’t have the freedom to marry whoever he wants. And Ginny…” he trails off, deciding not to say whatever he had thought.

“What?” I

ceti know bins. You like the thought of him, this image you’ve conjured up in your head since you were

going to king him, Nico. I know I will love him for real. I just kieny

frowns but doesn’t comment further on it. “Whatever you say, Ülnny”

1 vinile softly. Thank you. I dont kisnu what bil de il you left ↑

“I would never leave you, Ginus. You know that “

I grab a dont from the box and feed it to Nico, who then proceeds to eat twat moone. “This is really goal. Tell Gabriel thanks.“

I gape at him. “Excuse me? I made these.

New cocks his eyebrow at ine. Tye kirow you

years, ti, Yost can’t make this,

them”

He chuckles. Tim same you did!,”

“So, um,” I hesitate. “I think it would be a good idea for the three of us to hang out together so we can g at my place, tomostow night. We can watch football and eat food.”

get used in this, So, maybe you can come or

ONE!

Nico freeres for a moment, then shrugs, “Sure, I’ll be there,”

“Mr. Rivera?” Nicos assistant, Mare, knocks at his door, interrupting us. He straightens up, “Cuene in, Marr.”

“There’s a package for you Mare informs, and leaves a box wrapped in brows paper on his desk,

Did that go through security?” I stare at the bux. “It could be a bound,”

“Nah.” “Nico shrugs. “No family would dare to do such a direct attack on ns.“

I nod. Understandable. Since Don Marlano had come to power, we’d been exceptionally strong.

“Should we go see a movie?” I suggest. I want to more than that.

i spend time with Nico, make sure he’s fine. Make sure were l

line. There is nothing that m

matters to me

“Maybe tonight. He says, “Then we can get Thai food.“–

Sounds heavenly. It would be like old times and we would not even mention Julian,

Nico grabs the package that came for him while I grab a domit. He tears at the packing, revealing a red satin cloth, and wrapped inside it, a short, thin steel chain, and a black rose petal.

I gasp inaudibly

Nico looks at me, enraged. His jaw is set and his eyes filled with rage.

I cannot believe Julian would do this.

That fucking asshole.