KINGSLEY'S POV

After Nicole hung up on me, the room felt like it was getting smaller.

She had never done this before, hang up on me. I dropped the phone onto my desk and sighed as I leaned on the chair. Her words had cut deeper than I wanted to admit. After all these years together, how had it come to this?

Why was she being so dramatic, I had explained myself to her.

But what else could I have done? Claudia got hurt on her way. I Couldn't just ignore it, she had no one and as her friend I had to take care of her. She was like family and family always came first. The pack always came first. I thought Nicole, of all people, understood this because she was betrothed to me and was still going to marry me.

I sighed and picked up my phone. An unknown number had sent me a message. I glanced through it and saw pictures of Claudia and I, of her being injured. My jaw tightened at the pictures sent because they focused on her and me. I almost hated the one where she was lying on a stretcher, and I stood there all concerned and worried.

I ran my hand through my hair. Everything seemed out of hand, but it wasn’t my fault. Claudia needed me, and I couldn’t just abandon her because of the wedding. We could always reschedule after all we've waited years so what's a few more days.

Still, the guilt gnawed at me. I canceled our wedding ceremony for Claudia and now Nicole was furious. I could’ve handled it better, I shouldn't have run out from the altar and left her there all by herself. I should have called her first and asked permission to cancel. Or maybe had explained better and not just messaged her as if the wedding ceremony meant nothing. But what was done was done, and I had to deal with the fallout.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called out and Liam stepped into the room with his usual calm expression. He closed the door, watched me before he sat across from me. If there was anyone I could count on to help me make sense of this mess, it was him.

“Kingsley I heard what happened,” he started and I already knew where he was going”

“Yeah. Nicole is pissed.”

Liam raised a brow while leaning back on the couch. “Pissed at you for doing your job, she should know by now that Gerald's put family first and frankly she isn't yet family”

His words made me run a hand down my face.

"I canceled the wedding Liam, she has every right to be upset.”

He shook his head, unbelieving of Nicole's reaction.

“She might be upset, but you did what you had to do. Claudia was hurt. You’re basically the breadwinner of the family. Your first responsibility is to make sure everyone is safe, especially when they’re injured.” Liam explained.

“I know that. But Nicole… she doesn’t see it that way. She thinks I’m choosing Claudia over her." Liam's expression softened as he heard my words.

“Kingsley you didn’t choose Claudia over Nicole. You chose the family over everything. That’s what being the head means, you have to make crucial decisions and sometimes forfeit your own happiness. Nicole knows that deep down, even if she’s angry right now.”

I clenched my fists as frustration bubbled inside me.

“I know she does, but it feels like I’m losing her. I’ve been so focused on getting everyone in the family to align, it was a hassle to even get them all in the same place for the wedding that I didn’t even have the time for her.”

“You’re not neglecting her, Kingsley You’ve got responsibilities that most people will never understand. Nicole is upset, but she’ll come around. You’ve always been there for her, and she knows that.”

I didn’t respond and just stared at the window. A part of me knew Liam was right. Nicole had always stood by me, but lately, things felt different. I felt like we had grown distant from each other.

Liam must have sensed my inner turmoil because he continued. "You’re doing the right thing, Kai. Claudia has always been part of the family, since she lost hers she has no-one except you,so you have to take care of her. Nicole would understand once she calms down.”

I looked at him, still doubting.

"You really think so?”

"I'm sure of it. Don't stress over it, it's nothing. Nevea’s hurt right now, but she’ll realize” Liam assured, calming the storm in my heart and I nodded.

I had been so caught up in my guilt and frustration that doubt started blinding me of what was going to happen with my relationship. I was doing the right thing and couldn't be in two places. What I did for Claudia is what anyone would do for family. I couldn't leave her injured and alone.

“I just, I don’t want to lose Nicole,” I whispered.

“You won’t. She loves you, that’s why this is hitting her so hard. But she’ll come around. You’ve been together so long to be ruined by just a simple injury."

I let out a long breath, feeling some of the tension in my chest loosen. Liam was right.

“Thanks Liam, I needed to hear that.” He smiled with eyes full of glint.

“Anytime, that’s what I’m here for.”

I stood up from my chair, feeling a little lighter than before. The conversation with Liam had helped, but I still had a lot of work to do to repair the damage between Nicole and I, but at least now, I didn’t feel like I was drowning in guilt.

“I’ll talk to her later. Maybe by that time, she would be calm"

“That's a good idea. Nicole has a soft spot for you, so use that to your advantage.” He assured me and we walked to the door together, and I felt more prepared to face whatever came next.

Liam clapped me on the shoulder. “You’ve got this, Kingsley, just don’t forget that you’re not alone in this.”

“Thanks, Liam.”

After Liam left, I hurried to the Guest house in the mansion. It was where Nicole stayed. We were going to move to one of my other mansions after the wedding. The wedding that I cancelled.

I had to make things right with her. I arrived at the house and let myself in. I called her name but there was no response. After searching the whole house, it felt empty for some reason and I noticed some of her things were missing. I opened the closet to find all her clothes were gone.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest and slowly sank to the floor.

Nicole's POV

I had never thought I would pack my things from Kingsley's mansion. I had already assured myself that this place would be home but not anymore. I didn't expect packing my stuff to be this hard.

Every item I shoved into my suitcase felt like tearing pieces of my life with Kingsley. The life I had imagined would last forever.

I bit back tears when I stared at the empty closet. I couldn’t believe this was happening. How had we come to this? We were supposed to be together for life. But instead, here I was, about to leave. I wiped my tears. Now was not the moment to be weak. I was worth more than this.

My phone vibrated, it was Liam. I had ignored his first call but he was still calling, I sighed finally deciding to answer.

“Nicole, please don’t make any rash decisions. I’m sure Kingsley would fix this. He is just a little busy. Give him time to make it up to you.” I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"Fix this, how could he, where was he? He canceled without thinking twice. He didn't even think of me. But I have to be the one to understand him," I hissed and ignored Liam.

I shoved the last shirt into the suitcase, trying to forget about the supposed mating bethroted marriage. I had dreamt of walking down the aisle with both our families watching.

But today, when it was supposed to happen, Kingsley's eyes went to Claudia, who faked another injury. I couldn't count how many times she had done it and how blind Kingsley was about this.

"Damn them!" I cussed zipping the suitcase and grabbed the rest of my luggage, and went out. I never told anyone, not even auntie Layla or any of my family members still in the mansion who loved me a lot.

The Uber I booked was already outside waiting. I rushed to stuff my things inside the car's trunk and went inside, instructing the driver to leave. I stared out the window with a heavy heart as each passing street reminded me of the life I left behind. I had fought for so long, but now I was done. I was taking back control, even if it hurt.

Soon, I arrived at my old apartment, I couldn't go home now, they would just drag me to marry Kingsley. I stared at the building before going in. I had lived here less than a year, and it felt like home, comforting but painful. I wished to become the old me, full of hope and love for Kingsley.

I dragged my suitcase, the weight felt lighter compared to the heaviness in my chest. When I reached the bedroom, the small space felt foreign to me, but I welcomed the change. As I unpacked, I tried to push thoughts of Kingsley, but they kept creeping back in. It would be hard to erase five years together and I knew.

Just as I was setting up my bed, my phone vibrated again. I hesitated before picking it up, thinking it would probably be Liam again calling to convince me to be understanding. But when I saw the name on the screen, my heart began to race

It was Kingsley.

I held my breath as I answered the call.

"Nicole, please. Can we talk, I need to see you." Hearing his voice itself sounded nostalgic. I stayed silent, my heart pounding.

Did he really think he could just fix things with a call, after everything. The embarrassment was still fresh in my memory.

My voice came out small and shaky,

"I don’t think it’s a good idea right now." I sighed and hung up, but before I could even put the phone down, it rang, he was calling again. I hesitated, my finger hovering over the decline button, but something stopped me. I took a deep breath and answered.

“What do you want, Kingsley?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Nicole, it shouldn't go this far. Let's talk about this, please," he said his voice filled with desperation.

“Why, so you can cancel again. So you can tell me how much you care while still prioritizing Claudia?” My voice rose, anger flaring up again.

"No, damn it Nicole, I wanted to explain... I know that you are hurt. I understand it. This is not because of Claudia. I am her only family left. and I'm responsible for every member's safety. She is my responsibility."

I scoffed, shaking my head even though he couldn’t see me.

"Kingsley, she is always injured. Don't you find it a little odd?"

"Come on Nicole, anything can happen at any time. Claudia has always been fragile, you don't exactly plan accidents and get hurt any child could understand that," Kingsley said with irritation.

"Are you trying to say that I am childish, and Claudia getting injured all the time is not behaving like one?" I asked anger coursing through my veins.

"No, it's not like that. You have every right to be upset. We have been preparing for the Wedding ceremony for months. But you know we can never predict what will happen.He said. “Luckily, Claudia's injury was not that bad. She would heal in a day or two. We could schedule the wedding again, what is a day or two delay?”

“I can’t do this right now,” I finally said, my voice trembling.

“Nicole, please! I just need you to hear me out. Can we at least meet, just to talk?” Kingsley pleaded. But I knew there was no point. He wasn't even calling to apologise, only to make me understand his reason like what he didn't wasn't wrong.

“Talk?” I scoffed “About what, how you chose Claudia over me. You know what, I'm done hearing excuses."

“It's not an excuse, I just need a moment to explain everything. I thought you’d understand my position of being the house head. I'm a billionaire Nicole. People knew about Claudia and I in the past. If I ignore her, people will talk. This isn’t just about us.” He finally said the main reason. He always used the excuse about his public image getting ruined but I didn't think he would use it this time.

“So not taking care of your ex will make them talk more than leaving midway your wedding?” I asked.

“It's also my responsibility to take care of the family Nicole and you know Claudia is family”

“Right. Because your responsibilities are clearly more important than our relationship. I get it Kingsley, but that doesn’t change how I feel.”

He sighed, and I could hear the frustration in his breath.

“You’re right, it doesn’t. But I never wanted to hurt you. I just wanted to do what was best for the family. You know I care about you, don’t you?”

“Do I, because it sure doesn’t feel that way. You keep saying you care, but your actions tell a different story." Kingsley was about to argue about his responsibilities. He couldn't stop. I felt like a child he had to lecture because I couldn't understand what it was to be a billionaire and be the one controlling the family. I knew it was hard, having to please everyone and make sure they were all okay. I ended the call midway without replying. Kingsley called again, but this time I didn't pick up. Instead, I turned off my phone.

Kingsley's POV

Laughter and chatter made the house lively and full of energy. It was Liam's birthday party and we hosted it in the mansion. There were so many guests present and I began my routine of greeting.

“Mr Gerald!” Someone called and I turned to see an old woman I didn't know.

“Good evening ma'am i hope you are enjoying the party” i smiled politely.

“Of course, I'm in the Gerald mansion after all” she laughed and i smiled before excusing myself. It felt good to see everyone enjoying themselves. Liam's family were also present as well as mine. I scanned the house looking for familiar faces when I found Nicole standing at the bar, engaged in conversation but not entirely present. It didn't matter, I was glad that she came.

She was probably tired. She had been busy these days with work, and Liam mentioned she was not in the mood for a party. But here she was. That was Nicole, always doing the right thing and putting others before herself.

“Hi Kingsley!” A voice called interrupting my thoughts and I turned to see Claudia staring at me with her doe eyes.

“Could you please help me with these prawns and crabs? I can’t peel them with my arm like this.” she asked.

I hesitated for a moment because I thought of talking to Nicole. I glanced at her, and she was still talking to one of the guests. I would talk to her later. I couldn't leave Claudia hanging.

“Sure," I said, moving to sit beside her.

“Thank you, you’re a lifesaver,” Claudia responded with a bright smile.

I picked up one prawn and crab and began peeling them. This part of caring for everyone could sometimes suck, but it was a good thing that I was doing this for her. She was still understanding, other members sometimes could be demanding.

“You’re always so kind to me Kingsley, I don’t know what I’d do without you” she said leaning at me.

“It’s nothing. Just doing what I should."

As I continued peeling, Liam joined us, holding two drinks in his hands. He handed one to me and shot a knowing glance at Claudia.

“You really know how to make a guy feel useful, huh, what a gentleman," he teased.

I chuckled and handed another peeled prawn to Claudia.

“Just helping a family member who needs it.” Liam leaned against the table and glanced at Nicole, standing alone now. She had been holding her drink since she came, and it remained untouched.

“Hey, Kingsley, why don’t you peel some prawns and crabs for Nicole, I'm

sure, she would appreciate it" Liam insisted and I frowned. I didn't come here to be peeling plates of seafood. Nicole could easily do it by herself.

“Nicole is fine. She’s just taking a break,” I said, trying to convince myself and Liam raised an eyebrow.

“You really think so, she doesn’t look so happy.”

“Of course, she’s fine. She understands I’m here for Claudia because she’s hurt. It’s not a big deal," I forced a smile while glancing at Nicole, who looked irritated.

Claudia darted her gaze between us. She looked more concerned and worried than earlier.

“I hope I’m not causing trouble between you two. I wouldn’t want Nicole to feel like I’m trying to break you guys apart. She is your betrothed after all, Mr Gerald. She also deserves some attention from you," Claudia said softly.

“No, you’re not causing trouble” I replied quickly, but doubt crept in. I felt a gaze on me and turned to see Nicole staring at us, but she quickly looked away.

“She knows I’m just helping.”

I felt an odd tension as I handed some crab meat to Claudia.

“You’re such a good guy Kingsley It’s nice to see you take care of the family” she smiled and I shrugged dismissing the praise.

“It’s just what I do. You’re part of the family, Claudia. It’s my responsibility to make sure everyone is okay, including you” Claudia looked at me, smiled, and leaned closer to me.

“Still, you make it look effortless.” I couldn’t help but smile, my gaze drifted to Nicole. She had moved away from the group and crossed her arms as she watched us. I felt a pang of unease but brushed it off. She had to understand this was just part of being the family head.

As the main course was served, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with Nicole. She had never been this angry, this angry, She behaved differently and I couldn't understand why she made things difficult.

I finally developed courage and walked up to her.

“Nicole, want some prawns?” I called out trying to ease the tension.

She looked up, her expression neutral.

“No, I’m good, thanks,” she said, her voice steady but distant.

Before I could respond, Liam chimed in, “Come on, Nicole, don't stand there alone. You know how well Kingsley handles seafood.” Liam persuaded trying to help the situation.

“I’m fine really, I think I’m going to head home,” Nicole insisted with a small smile.

“Already, It’s still early” I asked, surprised.

“I’ve got work tomorrow and Liam, happy birthday ,” she replied, giving him a small hug before she turned to me. I had expected her to do the same to me but she just stared at me with eyes lacking that warmth before walking out.

“Wait, let me walk you out,” I immediately rushed to her side.

“There’s no need, I’ll be fine,” She rejected, her voice firm.

I felt a tightness in my chest.

“Nicole come on, we barely got to talk tonight. Can’t you stay a bit longer?”

“I can't. I really need to go,” Nicole said with a hint of frustration and walked out without even turning to look back, she left the house.

As I watched her leave my stomach felt funny like an inner pain. What was going on with her?

I turned and noticed Claudia looking at me with worry and concern such that she looked like she was about to cry.

“She seems upset. Are you sure everything’s okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine,” I replied, lying to myself.

“I can’t help but feel like I’m causing problems. I'm sorry that I had another injury yesterday. I didn't mean to come between you two. I'm sure she was deeply hurt that your wedding got canceled. I would feel the same way, too.” She sympathised.

“You’re not the problem Claudia and Nicole knows that, it’s just …..maybe she needs some time to think. I’ll just text her."

I pulled out my phone and quickly typed: <Nicole, let me know when you get home. We need to talk>

I hit send, and noticed it didn't tick twice, plus I couldn't see her display picture anymore. I frowned and tried calling Nicole, but it went straight to voicemail. I stood there, staring at my phone in disbelief. Nicole had blocked me.