NICOLE'S POV

It's been a week since I refused to go out from this very room. By now, every single student knows what happened to me. I was lucky ... but ... Mary, she's not. I blame myself for forcing her to attend that party. Who would've thought Chris would ... he would ...

I hear someone knock on the door a couple of times before opening the door. "Nicole?"A voice calls out before I feel an arm wrap around my neck from behind. "How are you today?" She asks. She’s not giving up on me, huh? I've been the worst kind of person towards her this past week, and yet, she's still coming to see me. "I bought you something." She lets go of my neck and places a huge box of flowers in front of me. They’re white roses and there are a lot as well. "I see you haven’t even touched your food again."

I ignore her comment and hug my knees.

"Nicole, it's been a week. Please, let's go out for some fresh air. We can have lunch at the balcony, too."

I shake my head no.

"Or do you prefer we go somewhere else. Outside of Maestropolitan?"

I rest my forehead on my knees. "Hows Mary?" I ask.

"Traumatised but I sent her to one of the best hospitals in the world. She should be fine."

I'm glad to hear that.

"Don't blame yourself for someone’s mistake. I don't like that."

I hear the chair next to mine move, and by then, I know she's sitting next to me.

"Do you want me to cook? What do you want to eat? Or would you want me to surprise you?" Ava asks.

I shake my head no.

"You need to eat though. I know, I'll surprise you, okay?" She's been doing this for a week now. I know she's busy with her work, and I'm being selfish right now. But, ... I’m just ... I'm scared...

"I .." I look up from my knees and face her. I am surprised to see her glowing like that.

"Sorry. I came here as soon as I was done with some photo shoot."

I smile. "I want some Chinese. Can we go to a Chinese restaurant?"

She nods. "Let me get change into decent clothes." She suddenly calls out for the maids. "Tend to your mistress." She says before walking out of the room.

To my surprise, the maids help me up; undress me and even help me bathe since I feel too ... lazy to do it myself. They take care of everything even putting on my underwear for me.

When I'm done being pampered like a spoilt brat, I go out of the room to meet Ava, and she’s on the phone with someone. She smiles when she sees me, and she hangs up. "I just made reservations." She informs me as we go inside the elevator.

The trip to the restaurant is awkward. This is my first time seeing the outside world after Ive isolated myself from it. It's refreshing though. When I feel the car stop, I know we have arrived at the destination.

"Welcome." I am taken aback when a member of the opposite sex opens the door for me. I shake my head and go out of the car to Ava's side.

"What's wrong?" She asks.

I shake my head before she leads me through the hallway to meet a hostess.

"Mrs Grimaldi? Right this way please."

This is some fancy restaurant. Well, this is Avalynn after all, she never eats somewhere not decent. The hostess leads us to our table and places a menu in front of us.

I think I'm in the mood for noodles. We order, and as we wait,, Ava asks for their best wine.

“Say, Ava, why do you always drink wine with your food?" I ask.

She shrugs. "I like the food after taste complimented with the wine I guess."

Should I tell her about my desire to quit university? I don't see myself going to the university ever again. People will talk, and I hate it.

"Ava, I want to quit my study." I say out loud.

She takes a sip of the water before nodding her head. "Let me ask you this. Do you really want to quit or you just don't want to deal with the drama?"

I ... don't have the answer for that question. I want to succeed but ... with the things happening around me, I don't think I can go on like this.

It is not long after that the food comes, and I’m actually feeling hungry for the first time. "I informed your school about your absent so don't worry about that. Your lecturer did say you have to open your email. We will be going somewhere peaceful for a change."

What does she mean by somewhere peaceful? "Where are we going? We just came back from an island for Vero's birthday. Do we really need to travel again?" I feel like my whole life has been passing by while I'm inside a plane or a yacht nowadays.

"I have some work to do, and I thought you might like some peace of mind after what happened. It won't be long. Only for a week. Once we get home, I'll ask the maids to prepare the luggage for you. Don't worry about a thing. You should enjoy this trip to the fullest."

Now that she says that, I can't protest any longer. If she wants to do something, she will always get what she wants. I sighed mentally. "Where are we going? Overseas?"

She nods while eating her food.

"Where?"

She smiles and places a finger over her lips. "Maybe I should give you a hint, huh?" She winks.

Why does she have to be so annoying! "Just tell me. Will you?”

She chuckles. I watch her move and wait patiently. "Hmmm. We're going to an island."

Island? Can she be more specific than this? "What island? Which part of the world is it located?" I ask.

"Philippines. We're going to Asia."

***

I have to admit. This is one beautiful island. "Wow.."

I hear Ava chuckle. "Having fun?" She asks without looking up from her paperwork.

Now that she's the head of the family business, she seems so busy all the time, but she always has time to listen to my crappy life story as well. I don't know if she's being kind or she just has to listen to me because I’m ... her wife.

"Welcome to the Balesin Island, Philippines."

She finally looks up from her paperwork when the plane is about to land.

Kelly suddenly appears out of nowhere when we land.

"Kelly?"

She smiles. "I hope you had a pleasant flight." She greets me before meeting Ava.

"Boss, this is your work schedule. I did add some alone time with the Mrs, but, since this is a business trip, I can't insert more alone time except for your bedtime."

Ava looks up from her phone.

“All right. Did you prepare the four maids for her to tend to her needs while she's here?"

Kelly nods.

Tend to my needs?

Ava offers her hand to me when we're about to leave the plane. "I almost forgot, we will be spending the last day in the capital city, Manila. I'm sorry that while we're here I won't be here much, but I promise we'll spend some time alone in Manila."

I smile. I can't complain much. She has a responsibility to attend to. Ugh, since when did I have the need to be with her always?

She wasn't kidding when she prepared four maids for me. They all bow as we walk passed them.

"I'm sorry but I have to go somewhere. Please follow the maids okay? Again, I'm sorry." And just like that, she goes to work. We just arrived after such a long flight, and she goes to work without any rest.

"Mistress, where should we go? Do you wish to rest or ..."

I hold my hand up. "How about the beach?"

They all smile when I suggest the beach.

When we arrive at the beach I can feel the heavy burden on my shoulders go away with the calming wind that hits my whole body. I close my eyes as I enjoy this feeling before a maid calls for me.

"Mistress, will you please follow us to the place where you'll be spending your stay? The Balesin Island Royal Villa."

My mouth hangs open. This is the place where I'll be staying for my vacation?! For real?! Geez Ava.. you went all out, huh.

"Mistress Ava rented the whole villa for you and herself only. So, you don't have to worry about meeting other guests of the island." The maid informs me. "Don't worry about the differences in the food that will be prepared for you. Mistress Ava even brought the cook and a butler for this trip. Everything is taken care of." She adds.

For real? Wow. Just wow.

"Shall we? You can rest up at the outdoor sitting area that overlooks the ocean from the villa as well."

I nod as they lead me towards the villa. This is the most extravagant villa I've ever seen!

"Maybe I'll change to something more comfortable. Can you please bring out the swimsuit from the luggage when we arrive at the villa?"

The maid nods. "Of course, my mistress."

I know I should be getting use to this kind of life, but seriously,, just how much did she spent for this trip? She's working like a dog while I'm here having fun like a queen.

"Aww." I hear the maid seems to be fascinated with something. "Your one lucky woman, mistress Nicole." The maids chuckle.

What on earth are they talking about?

Flowers again? This is one way to spend more money.

"I'm sorry for leaving you alone for this trip. I promise I'll make it up to you.

With love, Ava."

I read the card out loud. This is one big ass rose bouquet. Come to think of it, this is the second time she’s given me flowers. The first time was a white rose. I smile as I literally hug the hug flowers because they are too big and heavy for me to hold with one hand. "Can we put every single one of the flowers in a vase? I don't want them to die on me."

The maids chuckle at my retort. "We will think of something to keep them alive, don't worry about it, now, which swimsuit do you prefer, my mistress?"

I shrug. "Surprise me. Hold on. Maybe something that will make Ava feel uneasy. I want to send her a picture of me relaxing.” Why do I have to need to do that for her?

"Hmmm. Good point. Maybe something revealing? Like this for instance?"

I never recall packing those swimsuits before.

"Or this!"

Again, I never packed that!

"Or something modest perhaps?" The maids smile.

Oh my God! These are not my swimsuits at all.

"I'm sure mistress Avalynn will love this one!" They all agree for me to wear something that only covers my nipples and my private parts!

"That looks like a slingshot!"

They chuckle. "It is a slingshot bikini after all. Mistress Avalynn's mother design them."

Seriously, What was going on inside that woman's mind when she created this. “I’d look like Borat if I wear that."

"Since mistress Ava is one hell of a sports woman, maybe learn how to play sports? She's exceptional in archery. She won the championship for 3 years in a row now."

Wow, I never knew that part of her life. She’s always so cold and acts like a diva.

The thing is ... "I'm horrible at sports." I used to be one of those NEET. I sigh.

"Hmmm. What do you like to do in your spare time?" One of them asks.

Hmmm… "Play online games, play console games, watch a movie ... fangirl over a fictional character?"

Their face tells me that I am such a shut in. "Seriously? You never go out and have any particular hobbies?"

I shake my head no. I am one of those dull people actually.

***

I am enjoying the night view after dinner when I hear the door being open by someone. I thought it was the maid with the beverage I asked for earlier, but instead, it's Ava with a tray of food. "Oh, hey, you’re home?"

She nods as she places the tray on the table near my seat.

"You haven't had dinner?"

She shakes her head no.

"Are you mute now?"

She chuckles. "Sorry." She shows me her tongue, and I notice a pill on it. "I was taking some soar throat medicine. It was bitter so I just let it go down my throat." She's sick?

"Are you okay? You probably worked too hard. We just arrived and you went to work instantly. Your body needs to rest as well."

She smiles. "I'm fine. This is nothing. When I was a model, there was a time when I was going to Paris and London back and forth for three days. I didn’t even have enough sleep."

I watch her eat her food. Like always, there's a glass of wine accompanying her meal.

“How was your day? Fun?" She asks.

“It was fun. I got to bathe in the ocean for once. How about you?" I ask her back.

She swallows her food before thinking about her day. "It was okay. I supervise an important shoot before spending my remaining time in the office."

That's so not fun.

"I saw the picture you sent me. You and the maids look like you were having a time of your lives. I'm glad." She smiles before sipping her wine.

"Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely."

Again, she smiles. "I'm glad you like them."

The maids come with my drink and excuse themselves. I take a sip before looking at the night sky. I can't shake the thoughts of her words not long ago. Maybe, it's fun to have this kind of life. Being spoil and pampered by someone, maybe ... maybe there's no harm in revoking the contract. Love can be build while we are getting to know each other, right? But, does she even see me as someone she’s willing to love? I don't know her true feelings for me. What if all of this is just to satisfy her own needs and not because she has feelings for me? What if she's just using me for her own desire? Like Chris did.

"Hey, you look like you’re arguing with yourself there." She has finished her meal and now she's drinking her wine.

"I thought you have a soar throat."

"Wine is my medicine."

"But you took a medicine earlier. Will you be okay with alcohol?"

She laughs. "It's just a lozenge. I'll be fine." She turns to face me. “Say, Nicole, how about tomorrow you follow me to work? Just for a day, okay?"

Follow her to work? I nod. I wonder what she does all day as well.

"Since you said you'll be quitting university, maybe working with me is one way to spend your time.

How about that?" Working with her, huh? Maybe it's a good idea but I don't have any experience dealing with her kind of work. All I do was creating things with a pencil and a paper. I'm a designer.

"Since you’re a designer, maybe you should try being a clothing designer. We can even build your own clothing line if you want." She suggests. "The industry needs fresh talents like yours. I've seen your designs. If you could adapt to clothing, that would be great."

Did she just compliment me?

"I almost forgot." She reaches for something in her jacket. "Here."

She gives me a box of ... chocolate. "What for?" I ask.

"Seriously?"

It seems like I'm forgetting something.

"It's your birthday."

Wait, really? It's my birthday?

"Happy birthday."

She gave me a box of chocolate for my birthday... my eyes begin to have such fuzzy vision. Who fucking put the 'onion' near me?! "You gave me a gift ..."

she chuckles.

"Even after I'm being so ... mean to you.. you still treat me like I'm worthy of something."

She leans in to me before she kisses my cheek. "I understand what we been through. But, there's no harm in understanding each other from now on, right?" She leans back before finishing her wine. "I know it's a dull birthday for you but, when you walk inside the bedroom, I'm sure it's all worth it."

Huh? The bedroom? "The chocolate is enough for me Ava. What more could I ask for?"

She smiles. "Hmmm. I don't know. Something normal perhaps. You should see it for yourself." She winks. Whenever she winks, it's never normal for me.

I stand up and go to the bedroom. I know I went inside the bedroom before going out to the balcony. There was nothing here when I left.

"It's nothing much. Just some daily essentials like shoes, bags, accessories, clothes. Hope you like it."

Like it? It's a Chanel! I have to love it! It's too fucking expensive to even buy the little wrist strap.

"Oh, I bought you a set set of traveling bags as well." She points at the supposedly empty closet but now, it's filled with bags.

"I hope you like the brand. We match." She points at her suitcases below. “Look. I bought you these things because you’re my wife. There's nothing wrong for a wife to buy something for her loved one."

Did she just say 'loved one'? I blush.

"To be honest, I never dreamed of wearing; using or even eating something worth more than my whole existence."

Ava smiles. "Well Nicole, that’s going to change now. You'll be living with me and with my lifestyle. Don't worry, it's fun." She winks before she goes to the bed.

"I hope the sizes match. Honestly, I’ve never shopped for somebody else."

She picked the whole thing herself?

She suddenly stands up and goes to the bathroom. I was just looking at the gift when her phone starts to ring indicating that she received a text. I know I shouldn't be nosy, but ... I am curious. I take her phone and thank God that she didn't put any password on it. When I read the text,, I never thought that my heart could even explode with jealousy. Why is this woman sending a picture of herself in bed to Ava?!

I hear the flushing sound and immediately place her phone down and pretend to look at the gifts again.

She goes back to the bed and opens her phone. Her expression changes a little before she locks her phone again. "Such nuisance." She mumbles, but I hear her clearly.

Nuisance? Me? Or that woman? Who is that woman? Did she have an affair behind my back? I thought she love me. Is this my punishment for dating Christopher even after we're married?