Yours, Until Needed
Chapter 110: Savior

Chapter 110: Savior

NICHOLAS

This was not how Nicholas imagined his confession to be. Eliana deserved something way better than this.

But he didn’t have that kind of luxury. Nicholas had to take whatever he could get. And that’s what he’s doing now in the middle of this unassuming convenience store.

Eliana’s already wary of him, so keeping his intentions to himself would just make her more guarded.

"Sorry, you what?" Eliana asked, her face scrunched up like she usually did when giving someone a second chance to change their statements.

But there was no way Nicholas was going to change his statement.

Not after waiting so many years for an opportunity to talk to her again.

"You heard me. I’m not planning on doing anything crazy. But I’m telling you so you know. Maybe it would help appease your worries."

"Appeasing would be stretching it because I just got more confused." Eliana’s beautiful face flashed with different emotions, which was amusing to watch.

"Maybe you’re mistaking me for someone else, but wasn’t that the first time we met? You’re not saying this is some sort of love at first sight, right?"

She looked exasperated, but Nicholas expected something like this since she wouldn’t know.

Nicholas chuckled as he watched her grip the cup noodles for dear life.

"I’m not that idealistic, nor do I believe in love at first sight. So no worries."

"Then care to explain why you’d say that? Have we met before?"

"I probably should, so you’ll understand where I’m coming from. But that may have to wait for next time. Since someone’s looking for you."

Nicholas could see Lucian from where he stood, and the guy was more than just power-walking towards the convenience store, so Nicholas knew he had barely any time left.

"I promise to tell you some other time. But I hope you’d be less worried now that you know."

Eliana’s brows furrowed, like someone who was left with a cliffhanger.

Let me have this little thing. I’ve been on a cliffhanger for so many years, after all. Nicholas thought as he grinned at the dumbfounded woman.

"Nicholas, you realize I’m married, right?"

His heart clenched as she called him by his name. It was improper, and she was probably angry enough to suddenly drop the honorifics, but Nicholas loved hearing his name on her lips.

"And? I merely told you how I felt. It’s a feeling. Even if I die, it won’t change the fact that I feel that way. And just because you signed a document doesn’t mean I can magically turn off my feelings."

"Sure, but I don’t think announcing it like this is proper?"

"You’re right. This really wasn’t proper. You deserve a much better venue, sorry."

Eliana choked upon hearing that.

"No, I meant it’s not good to announce your feelings to someone already married. The venue isn’t the problem here!"

"I don’t particularly think so. Would you prefer I buzz around you without making myself clear? Lying isn’t that hard, but would you rather speculate about hidden agendas than know the truth?"

"And mind you, I loved you before he did. That is if he ever would. I don’t think we’re competing in the same league." Nicholas flashed her a giant grin.

He knew that to be the truth. Because Lucian loved no one, heck, he probably didn’t even love himself.

So what if they were bound on paper?

And so what if it looked improper?

He already lost so much by waiting properly. He would’ve been the one with her if he hadn’t wasted all that time trying to ensure a good starting line.

So this was something he had to take with his own hands.

"Enjoy your snacks. I’ll see you next time," Nicholas said as he left before Eliana could gather her thoughts.

It was a difficult decision, as he finally had her before him, but this was no place to start a brawl. Not in a place where Lucian reigned.

With Lucian’s towering height, spotting him amongst the exiting crowd was easy. He was probably hating the size of the building now that he missed his opportunity for confrontation.

Next time. There’s always a next time.

Lucian’s anger was palpable even from this distance, and Nicholas knew it was because Lucian was possessive of his things.

Never mind emotions; it was just the principle of it that Lucian couldn’t imagine.

But that was just it.

Lucian could only offer this much.

But Nicholas was different. He could give her everything he had and more, and he would love her as she should be loved.

Lucian doesn’t deserve her.

And Nicholas still had debts to pay.

After all, he owed her everything that he had right now.

Eliana was right about meeting Nicholas for the first time, but that was because he hadn’t always been Nicholas for the earlier parts of his life.

He was Daniel. An unfortunate kid who happened to have enough brain power to get into St. Andrews International School as a scholar.

That sounded great to everyone who learned about it. Who wouldn’t want to go to the country’s most prestigious academy?

The scholars.

Scholars don’t make it out of there with intact minds. But like most of them, he had no idea that something so bad existed in such an honorable-sounding school.

It was at that point he regretted being smart enough. Maybe had he been a little dumber, he wouldn’t have dealt with relentless school bullying. Maybe he could’ve saved himself years of intense torment.

When rich kids were bored, their cruelty knew no bounds. But at the same time, it was there that he met her. The only person who would take the time to free him from being locked inside locker rooms. And the only person who would chase away the bullies.

That was how he fell for her.

Eliana was there before he regained his rightful place as the heir to the Bernard’s fortune.

She was there before someone discovered the true circumstances of his birth. And it was she who helped without expecting anything in return.

She went all the way to the Principal’s office, trying to deal with his problem. And that was to think she had her own issues to deal with.

This was how Nicholas knew of Alexa. And for better or for worse, he hated her too.

So, why allow her in?

Because this would be the best place for him to watch over her machinations. And because having her here would make Eliana take a second look.

It wasn’t the best option, nor did she want this bitch here, but it was better to directly see what she was doing rather than have her destroy more of his plans by accident.

Eliana didn’t really have to worry about Alexa. Nicholas had a way to deal with her once he’s expended her use.

But he’d do that once he’s leveled the playing field.

It was unfair for Lucian to hog all the advantages. He didn’t even have to fight tooth and nail for his life while he did everything just to get to this point.

He figured he also deserved a shot at Eliana’s heart.