Love Me One More Time (Nick and Alaia) novel Chapter 85

Alaia

We managed to sleep during the trip; we were exhausted. I opened my eyes and looked at my children, reflecting on these past two years, especially on the day he asked for a divorce. I remembered his look–there was the answer. I shook my head. How could I not have seen it? I gently stroked Alana’s curls and held Noah’s hand, the fruits of our love.

The flight landed in Los Angeles, and we went directly to Nick’s house.

My children were still asleep in the car. When we arrived, I hurried toward the door.

I pressed my hands together and wiped them on my pants. Damn, I was too nervous.

The loud chime of the doorbell echoed inside. I couldn’t see anyone, and my anxiety made me ring again.

My heart stopped when I heard footsteps and saw a figure through the etched glass, though I couldn’t see clearly.

The door opened, and I saw Sophia, who smiled kindly.

“Good morning,” I said, my throat suddenly dry. It was difficult for me to be this Alaia, the one who could no longer contain her emotions.

“Good morning,” she smiled faintly.

“The sir is not home. He hasn’t returned from his trip,” she said, knowing I had come for Nick.

My body tensed. What do you mean he hasn’t returned?

“That’s impossible. He got back before me,” I said, feeling confused.

She frowned. “One moment, please,” she said.

I nodded and took out my phone. I considered calling him, but no–he deserved more than just a phone call.

“Aly?” Ash whispered, and I turned to look at them.

I shook my head in response to their silent questions. Tino clutched his chest, making a sad face.

“Miss, we couldn’t locate him. I called, but he hasn’t answered any of the calls.”

“This can’t be happening,” I whispered, closing my eyes.

Heartbroken, I thanked her and turned to head back to the car.

I was about to step into the vehicle when I heard a word.

“Seattle,” Sophia said, and I turned to look at her.

“It’s his favorite place after you and the kids,” she said, and I smiled at her words.

“I don’t have the address. He keeps it closely guarded, and I’ve only been there once,” she explained, and I understood what she meant.

“Thank you. If you hear from him, please call me immediately,” I smiled sincerely.

“I will,” she responded, and I turned away.

I got into the car and headed home. The children needed a bath, something to eat, and rest.

The past few days had been exhausting for all of us.

They had lunch and then went back to sleep.

I made calls trying to locate Nick, even calling Will, but there was no response.

I sat on a chair in my room, lost in thought. The only thing I was sure of was that I needed to go where he was. My mind raced until an image came to me.

I called Cedric, but he didn’t answer, so I left a message and waited for him to call back.

The afternoon passed with no news, until my phone rang while I was with the kids.

“Cedric,” I answered quickly.

“Aly, are you okay? I barely managed to call you.”

“Yes, everything’s fine,” I said, wondering how things had ended.

“Everything is under control, so far,” he said, and I nodded even though he couldn’t see me.

“You asked for Dominic’s address in Seattle. I found the documents, and I’m sending you all the information,” he said, and I smiled, biting my lip.

“Thank you,” I said, almost breathless.

“Just go after that idiot. I’ll call you later,” he said before ending the call.

I put the phone down somewhere and went to the closet. I needed something to wear to see the man I loved.

“I found him!” I shouted to Ash and Tino, who were with my children.

“Oh, mother of love, this is so romantic. We’ll get the kids ready. It’s going to be a beautiful reunion,” Tino said as they all entered my room.

“My little darlings, you have to look very handsome to go see Daddy,” he said as they climbed onto the bed, giving him their full attention.

I chose a long, sand–colored knit dress and high suede winter boots. I prepared the coats for me and the children, and once we were ready, we rushed out of the house. I hugged my cousin and Tino at the door.

“Bye–bye, uncles!” my children said, waving their little hands.

“So adorable!” Tino melted and blew them kisses.

“You need to pull yourself together. The same girl has wrecked you twice. Though the first

time wasn’t her fault, that didn’t stop you from being dead inside for two years. Maybe it’s time to move on,” William said, crossing his arms as he looked at me.

Move on? How do I do that without her? How do I do that if I’m going to see her in another man’s arms?

I didn’t say anything to my cousin, but I appreciated that he was there with me.

“You can go back to Los Angeles,” I said, putting my fork down, untouched.

“And leave you here feeling miserable? No way, man. I’ll go for a walk around the city maybe, but I’ll be back,” he said, standing up and heading out. He showed me his phone before leaving.

I didn’t even know where my phone was. I just wanted to disconnect from everything and everyone.

I went up to my father’s room and started talking to him about my failed plan to win back the woman I loved. As usual, there was no response.

“Nick.” I turned to the door and saw my father’s doctor removing a scarf from his neck.

“Martin.” I stood up and shook his hand.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” he said, placing his things on a dresser.

“I needed to see him,” I said, and he nodded.

“I’m glad you came,” he said, turning on his iPad. “We’ve seen slight improvements.” The news left me speechless, so I just looked at him.

“His body has responded to the treatment. It’s a matter of time to see if we can achieve. significant changes,” he said, and I rubbed my beard, unable to believe it.

Martin examined my father while I felt a glimmer of hope.

“Everything is in order. If there’s any change, call me, and I’ll come immediately,” he said, preparing to leave.

“Thank you, Martin,” I said before he left the room.

I poured myself a drink and sipped it, feeling like a masochist as

I thought about the last night I spent with her. I remembered how her skin felt in my hands, on my lips. I just wanted to hold on to those memories.

I walked to the side window of my father’s room. The view overlooked the trees, and I watched the rain, listening to its relaxing sound.

I sighed, wondering, **How do you get rid of the pain?**

I took another sip and placed the glass on the dresser beside the window, closing my eyes.

“Daddy…” I thought I heard a sweet voice.