His Broken Angel

Women wish to have a husband like Nikaulas King. Clearly, the man was madly in love with his wife for only a person who is madly in love would wed a crippled woman.But was it the truth?Angela Hernandez and Nikaulas King were married for two years. Angela loved him with all her heart but he was in love with someone else, Leah, his best friend's wife.Despite that, she hoped that one day he would take a look at her. One day he will take her name while being inside her and that one day he will reciprocate her love but what she ever got in return was heartbreak and his ignorance because, one she was crippled and second, his heart was already taken.But what would happen when one day she would reject his touch and demand for divorce?This is the story of his broken angel.The story of rejection and obsession

Nikaulas King

Only love can make you grin like a fool.

Lily was gazing at her reflection in the mirror, grinning from ear to ear. The dreams of her bright future glowed in her eyes as she fondly caressed her bulging belly. Today she was going to get married to the love of her life and next month she was going to give birth to their first child. It all felt like a dream come true.

“Are you ready, Lily?” her mom sauntered in with a wide smile on her face followed by her father. Lily nodded.

“My child, I am so proud of you,” her father embraced her in a fatherly hug and kissed her forehead. Her mother wiped the lone tear and joined in the family hug. Lily silently thanked her lucky stars for favoring her with their kindness.

“You can’t be doing this without me,” Glen, her brother who had just entered the room faked being hurt before joining the hug.

She was standing outside the door. The door behind which the love of her life was awaiting her. She was a little nervous for the new beginning but she wanted it more than anything.

“Ready?” her father whispered. Lily took a deep breath before giving a nod with a wide smile.

The door opened.

There he was standing. Heath Mcguire, the love of her life waiting for her at the altar.His caramel chocolate eyes only for her. Her eyes moistened and warmth spread through her being at his sight. They were childhood sweethearts. Back then she hadn’t thought they would come this far but they did and were still crazily in love with each other. Heath was also staring at her with a dazed expression. His eyes were also wet and full of love just like hers.

Lily walked down the alley with her father and stood in front of him at the altar.

“Am I dreaming, Lily?” Heath whispered with a hint of excitement in his voice as he held her hands in his. It sure felt like a dream.

“No, this is for real,” Lily replied, grinning. The priest cleared his throat and before starting the ceremony.

“Do you, Heath Muller takes Lily Weber as your wedded wife?”

“I do,” Heath replied without missing a beat and squeezed her hands. Lily couldn’t help but smile at his eagerness.

“Do you, Lily Weber takes Heath Muller as your wedded husband?” The priest asked. Her eyes sparkled.

“I….” a booming bullet shot interrupted her. Panic gripped the room instantly and guests began to run here and there, screaming and crying. The exit was blocked by a bunch of goons. Their humongous frame was as fear-striking as the loaded gun in their hands.The old priest, gripped by fear, clutched his chest before falling to his death. Lily, stunned, looked around the chaos in confusion. She was shaking. Heath grabbed her hand and pulled her behind his back.

The goons marched forward shooting down anyone coming their way. Very soon the red rose petals scattered on the alley were bedecked by big red blotches of blood. The view was breath-taking. A piece of art.

The guests backed into the wall as the group of murderer stalked further.

Heath’s alert eyes swept over the men, trying to figure out their intention.

“Who…who are you?” Heath asked, keeping Lily behind him. He didn’t want their attention on Lily.

The group parted in time to reveal an extremely handsome man in a black suit. He wasn’t as beastly built as the others but surprisingly, his aura dominated everyone else’s in the room. Dark and lethal. The man aced the definition of tall, dark, and handsome with his dark hair and striking features. From his sculpted brows to chiseled jaw. His eyes were veiled by the dark shades but one could tell they must be stunning for nothing less than perfect could go on this handsome face. His aristocratic nose complemented his defined cheekbones which were carved down to a basalt jaw. The only soft feature he possessed was his bow-shaped lips. The lower lip was slightly fuller than the upper. Kissable was the only way to describe them. It seemed that God had sculpted him with his own hands or maybe the devil himself.

The man was all strength and power with his spartan shoulder and broad chest. His branded white shirt strained across his expansive chest, allowing a peak of his hard masculinity. One could only imagine what was hiding beneath that white shirt.

No wonder, everyone was spellbound by him until the bride’s father trotted forward. His expression was horror-struck for he knew the monster hiding behind that handsome face. His expression was one of disbelief. His death had finally caught up to him.

The attractive man’s luscious lips tugged up into a devious smirk. He took off his shades unveiling his eyes, framed by long and thick lashes.

His piercing silver eyes were intrusive. They appeared to have the power of seeing through one’s soul and owning them as his slave.They were stunning but not harmless. They resembled silver fire, cold but destructive.

This man was effortlessly attractive. The women secretly simped for this mysterious man wrapped in a dark dangerous aura. And that sexy smirk was a welcoming addition.

“Have mercy, don…Today is ma.my daughter’s wedding,” the man accepting his fate slumped at his feet and put his head on his shoe for mercy. He knew what this man was capable of. The man’s gaze swept across the hall and rested on the bride and groom.The groom was shielding his bride from him. The gangster was amused.

“I’ll give you the tape but please let my family go,” the older man pleaded.

The gangster sat on the chair which one of his men had brought for him just now. He leaned back in the chair like the King. The hall was almost empty now. The guests had fled leaving only the family members in the room.

The gangster cocked his head fixing Harvey with an icy gaze.

“You put your family in danger the moment you decided to tape the video,” his deep voice resonated in the room. His voice was calm and measured but carried an undertone of danger. Harvey hung his head in despair. He hastily dug into his trouser’s pocket and fished out the tape. He offered it to him with trembling hands. The gangster smirked but didn’t bother to take it from him.

“You can keep it,” the gangster said in an even tone. Harvey’s eyes turned wide in horror and he began shaking his head.

“No…no…I am sorry….Let us go..please..I’ll do whatever you ask me but let my family go,” Harvey joined his hands and pleaded.

“Anything?” gangster tapped his fingers against the arm of the chair. His metallic ring clanking, amusement dancing in his cold steely eyes. Harvey nodded vigorously.

“Will you suck my men’s cock then?” gangster asked with a sardonic grin. Harvey paled. The goons shared a good laugh at it whereas his family gasped in horror.

“ Ki..King, please…Forgive me,” Harvey pleaded.

“Or you can let your daughter do the honor for you?” gangster briefly glanced at his heavily pregnant daughter before fixing his gaze on Heath to see his expression. He said it to provoke him. The groom was trembling in rage.The gangster smirked at him, enjoying his helplessness. Some may call him sadist but he gets a thrill out of people's helplessness. The way they would beg for their life and their loved ones.It makes the killing more fun. If he wanted he could bring Harvey’s bitch on her knees and have each of his men fuck her mouth. Her groom wouldn’t be able to do no shit about it. But..but…but…his men deserved better than a bloated bitch.

Harvey was a famous journalist who was known for doing sting operations on big names. This time he chose Nikaulas king, to his misfortune. The man was on the run since Nikaulas’ man started harassing him but Nikaulas finally found him. The reporter wept powerlessly at his misfortune.

“No..please..let us go..i wi..”

“Suck my men cock for your family,” gangster repeated dangerously. In that moment, Harvey deeply regretted calling Nikaulas King an “overrated cocksucker he was going to expose” in a news programme.

“You are free to kill him if he fails to please you,” Nikaulas added with a diabolical smirk.

Harvey, with his head hanging low, crawled on his knees towards his goons. The first man was quick to unzip his pants and pull out his hard on.

His family sobbed as Harvey begrudgingly opened his mouth and the man pushed his hairy cock into his mouth.

Harvey’s wife fainted right then. Lily averted her gaze and hid her face in Heath’s chest, sobbing. Heath’s eyes were filled with disgust as he glared at the German Mafia King who was casually scrolling down his phone as if nothing atrocious was happening in front of him.

.

“What a disappointing piece of shit,” his man cursed after some minutes while zipping up his now soft flesh. Before Harvey could even plead for his life, he was shot dead. A loud thud followed the sharp hiss of the bullet. Harvey’s lifeless body was lying on the floor and the disastrous tape was now painted in blood.

“Dad..No,” Glen and Lily screamed at the same time. Nikaulas smirked at his kid’s reaction before getting to his feet. Ignoring their cries, he adjusted his jacket and casted a glance at his rolex. He had a meeting to attend in half an hour.

“Burn the whole place down and release the video,” Nikaulas commanded his right hand man, Stefan.The world ought to know who is the real cocksucker.

“No one should survive,” He added while glancing at Lily’s bulging stomach.Stefan followed his boss’ line of sight and hesitance crossed his features when he realised what he meant.

Stefan nodded reluctantly knowing better than to defy him.

Nikaulas simply turned and left. The agony filled screams of Webers and Mcguires tore through the church before it was set on fire.

Nikaulas didn’t like involving himself in trivial issues like this but this son of a bitch had incurred his wrath by dragging Leah into it. No one harms Leah.

Nikaulas was a total beast when it came to protecting the love of his life.

………….

His employees bowed their heads to him while mumbling the greeting as he walked by. As always their boss didn’t acknowledge them. His strong posture and dominating aura always attracted eyes. No matter how divine he looked, everybody knew what a bastard he was. Nikaulas king was not the one to indulge in useless conversations with his employees.

His secretary was already in the room when he entered.

“Good Morning, sir,” she gave him a small greeting as Nikaulas strode towards his desk in wide easy strides, ignoring her as usual. He sat in his chair and leaned back. Closing his eyes, he motioned for her to recite his schedule.

“You have a meeting with the board of directors in half an hour.….” his secretary recited to him his schedule while keeping her eyes on the tablet.

His table was neat and well organized. A laptop was set in front of him and there was a photo frame on the right side of the laptop. It had a picture of him and a woman. The woman was very pretty with her black hair and brown eyes.

“And…..Dr. Becker had called….she said Mrs. King’s ovulation will start tomorrow,” The secretary finished meekly knowing very well how much the mention of Mrs. King displeases him.

Nikaulas’ eyes peeled open and his jaw clenched when he heard the last line.

Angela King

It is said that people are usually the opposite of their names but not for Angela. The woman like her aunt was the definition of innocence. Well, maybe not as innocent as her aunt as Angela had a mischievous streak too but nothing evil. She was innocent in a way that she believed love can heal broken hearts. Call it her innocence or stupidity, she still swore by this quote which she had read in some cheesy romantic novel in her teenage.

“Madam, you didn’t have to trouble yourself,” Alvira smiled awkwardly at Angela as her mistress entered the room. The maid had just birthed a healthy baby boy yesterday and was now resting in the hospital.

Angela’s driver pushed her wheelchair towards the bed.

“I get it. You were planning on gobbling down these muffins all by yourself. How greedy,” Angela narrowed her eyes playfully at the lying woman. Her driver chuckled at her comment and so did Alvira. Their madam has a way of making people feel comfortable around her. Despite her high status she was unassuming to a fault. She wasn’t just the queen of the German mafia but also the owner of “Alma” a successful jewelry brand which she had built from scratch with the help of her uncle. Women like her are not expected to be modest but Angela was different.

“I know you have made them for me. Stella told me,” Alvira replied feeling grateful for having her as her madam. Angela was the one who had given her shelter and food when she was wandering the street with a bulging belly and no home.

“So, how is it?” Angela asked, her doe eyes grew in curiosity

“As always delicious,” Alvira remarked, smiling. Angela gave her a tight-lipped smile remembering something. Pain flickered in her eyes.

The maid also couldn’t help but feel bad for her madam. She could see the pain hiding behind her bright smile. Her madam had many qualities but her best quality was mending others while being broken herself. She was a broken angel spreading smiles everywhere while hurting from inside.

“He is so cute,” Angela caressed the newborn’s cheek and smiled fondly.

“What are you going to name him?” Angela asked while stroking the baby.

“If it’s not too much to ask I wanted you to name him,” Alvira confided hesitantly. Angela looked up at her with mild surprise. She asked her if she was sure about it. Alvira nodded in affirmation. Angela had come into her life like an angel and she wanted her boy to get blessings from this angel. If not for her she would be long dead. Angela lowered her gaze to the baby.

“Niel,” her voice thick with emotions when she pronounced the name. There was a hint of longing in her tone as she caressed the baby. Alvira knew why. Her baby would be in her arms today if she had not miscarried some months ago.

The miscarriage had widened the chasm between her and her husband. Nikaulas never said this but it was clear he blamed her for the miscarriage. She had hoped he would stay a little longer with her and mourn the loss of their child together but the man didn’t have more than a day to spend on her. He had left the very next day without even saying goodbye like always.

That was the first time her resolve to melt his cold heart had wavered.

Her eyes moistened but she hastily wiped away her eyes and pasted a smile on her face.

“You don’t have to worry about your son’s future, Alvira. I am taking his responsibility till he stands on his feet and makes you a proud mama,” Angela flashed an angelic smile to Alvira. The maid’s eyes welled up with tears of gratitude.

The dog ran towards her with his tail wagging and tongue hanging out the moment he saw Angela entering the mansion. He stood up on his hind legs and slobbered all over her face. Angela laughed as she felt ticklish.

“Who is a good boy?” she kissed his snout and scratched behind his ear. Ollie barked, claiming he was the good boy.

Angela had adopted this golden retriever about a year ago. The terrible loneliness and loss of their child had almost pushed her over the edge. During one of the conversations, her doctor had advised her to adopt a pup. She was glad she listened to her doctor.

Nobody knew that Angela King and Nikaulas King didn’t live together. They both lived in different cities. Nikaulas would visit her only once during the time of her ovulation to produce an heir or when someone important visited like someone from his family or hers. Although Angela was young Nikaulas was already in his thirties and his parents were pressuring him for an heir. His dad had already given him an ultimatum. If he fails to give him an heir within this year, he will be disinherited.

Their marriage was just like any other mafia arrangements. A marriage of convenience what they call. It was arranged from his side but from hers it was love. She had fallen for him the moment she had seen him in her childhood and so when one day when Killian came home cursing Christoph-the then mafia don- for proposing an arranged marriage between his son and Angela, the girl’s happiness knew no bound. She didn’t know why Killian was against it but she really wanted to marry Nikaulas, after all he was her first love. She didn’t have courage to face Killian so she confided in Ara about her feelings and nagged her to persuade Killian. The Spanish don was too besotted by his wife to deny her commands.

Upon their first meeting, she fell all over again when he took her in his arms bridal style and carried her to their table. Chivalry had never looked this attractive. But what followed next had her heart shattering into pieces. He told her to break off their engagement as he was in love with someone else.

She asked him why he didn’t marry the woman he loved to which he smirked ruefully and told her that she was already married. Angela felt terrible. She was heartbroken but she felt worse for him. He must be heartbroken too. The urge to soothe his pain bit her. She couldn’t even imagine him marrying someone else and he saw her exchanging vows to someone else. It must have crushed his heart.

He must be feeling so lonely. In the world of mafia, no one is lonelier than the mafia king. She had witnessed it with her own eyes. Killian would have been lonely if not for Ara who eliminated his darkness with her light. Her love had changed him into a happy man.Taking inspiration from their love she decided something. The naive woman didn’t know that Killian had made Ara burn through hell before losing his heart to her. But Nikaulas didn’t have a heart to give. It was already taken.

She decided she would marry him. He was broken and needed someone who could help him piece his heart together. She will be that someone for him. She will love him so much that he will forget all about his pain. She will fill his life with her light. After all there is nothing love can’t mend including a broken heart. She thought she didn’t want to hurt her, that's why he was refusing to marry her. Naive.

One more reason was that their marriage will strengthen German and Spanish ties. She owed this much to Ara and Killian.

The marriage proposal was like a God sign for her. What were the odds that Christoph would choose a cripple orphan like her for his son? The God up there must be pulling the strings and she was a devotee just like Ara.

Honestly, these all reasons were just an excuse. The truth was she wanted to marry him because she loved him. Loved him a little too much.

“Madam, Sir Nikaulas is arriving tonight,” Mrs. Muller, the head maid, informed her in an inanimate tone breaking her chain of thoughts. Angela nodded expecting this and instructed her to remove all the orchids from the house. Her husband was allergic to orchids.

Marriage Of Convenience

Angela sighed while staring out the window. He had his number yet he never bothered to inform her about his arrivals. She would always hear it from servants.

Despite his coldness, she was still enamored by him. Her stubborn heart was still fixated on this guy. His indifference only made her crave his attention more. She believed she was just what he wanted; he only had to take a look at her. Just one real look.

The news had sparked a silver of hope inside her.

She rose from the wheelchair and made her way towards the bed with the help of the wall. Her features twisting in pain as she forced her legs forward. She could feel sensation in her legs now owing to the numerous surgeries she underwent in past few years but walking was still an arduous task. The doctor had advised her to take physiotherapy and practice walking to strengthen her muscles. She had a few more surgeries to undergo. There was no guarantee the surgeries would heal her properly but Angela wanted to give it a try.

Although she used a wheelchair in public to not cause anyone inconvenience, when home she preferred walking around on her weak legs.

She cleaned her room and put a new bed spread on the bed. She sprayed the lily scented room freshener in every corner of the room remembering how Nicholas had inhaled the scent deeply last time. He liked it.

The woman shaved her body and used scented oil in the bath. She wanted to smell good. During the handful hours they had spent together she had figured Nicholas had a thing for scents. After taking shower she returned to her room. She threw a glance at the clock. She still had two hours. Nicholas always came around 11.

After dinner, she took her antidepressants and began sprucing herself up. The woman donned a yellow knee-length dress that brought the green in her eyes. She kept her wavy hair loose and applied light lipstick. Her heart was thudding in nervousness all along.

The time ticked away as she waited for his arrival with bated breath. Her gaze darting towards the closed door every now and then. She straightened her spine and rubbed her hands together to ease some of her nervousness.

The door suddenly opened and her heart skipped a beat just like every time he came in front of her. His intoxicating cologne dominated the room’s air instantly. Her eyes were lowered and her heart was racing. He affected her too much.

She heard his footsteps as he walked into his room. The room was originally his before he left the mansion. His footsteps were steady and solemn as if he had entered an office to have a meeting with his business partner and not to share some intimate moment with his wife.

She mustered up her strength and lifted her heavy lashes to look at him through the mirror. He was standing in front of the nightstand removing his rolex. Only he could make such a simple move this appealing. His side profile was just as breathtaking. She watched as his lashes kissed his cheek every time he blinked. A few strands of his hair were falling over his forehead. His straight nose looked even more chiseled and jaw sharp like a razor. She also noticed his hair had grown a bit since last time.

She was seeing him after a whole month. A whole month. Why he likes to torment her so much?

“Did you eat?” she asked by habit, already knowing his answer. He hummed without sparing her an acknowledging glance. She watched as he took off his jacket and started removing the cufflinks. She stared longingly at his callous hands. How much she wanted them to caress her. Tender sweet caresses that would speak of his love for her. The corner of her lips twitch into an unconscious smile.

If only she could eliminate this frustrating distance between them. She was desperate to be a part of his life.

“Umm….how was your flight?” she asked to stretch the conversation. Nicholas clenched his jaw before replying a curt “good.” He didn’t bother to look at her once. She nodded.

“I had a meeting with my doctor today, she said…..” Angela trailed off as he strode into the bathroom and closed the door shut. Clearly, he had no interest in her life.

Her heart pricked but she ignored it.

She drew a sigh and managed to reach the bed. She took the lubricant and applied it. He exited the bathroom in time. Fully dressed he made his way towards the bed. She admired his silver eyes that were currently studying the new details in the room instead of studying his wife. She wondered how long she would have to wait to see love for her in those eyes. Gray had become her favorite color since the day she had seen those eyes. She wondered what his favorite color was. She hoped it was green.

As he came closer, he turned off the light. Angela wasn’t surprised but it didn’t mean she wasn’t disappointed. He always did it and it always made her doubt her appearance.

Her breathing turned irregular when he lifted the cover off her. More than the sex she enjoyed his closeness. His spicy aftershave that would intoxicate her senses as soon as he came close. She wanted him closer. Close enough to share breaths. Close enough to whisper love confessions to each other. Close enough to touch each other’s soul.

He sat between her legs.

She heard the metallic sound as he undid his belt.

In one swift motion he penetrated her. Angela, who had already expected the pain, bit her lip and clutched the bedspread as he began pounding into her. There was no gentleness, no passion, just a need to get over it. Her soft walls hugged him close despite the pain he caused. He was too big and painful. Their irregular breathing echoed in the room as he thrusted in and out of her. After a dozen thrusts he came inside her. She clenched her eyes shut feeling his warm seeds claiming her womb.

His tight grip on her thighs loosened as he pulled out from her. A moment of silence followed before she heard him zipping up his trousers and moving off the bed. She didn’t want him to leave just yet. Can’t he just stay a moment longer? Tears moistened her eyes as she heard him collecting his stuff and leaving the room. The door clicked shut and right then a tear trickled down her left eye as she opened her eyes to boundless darkness.

He didn’t look at her tonight either.

She felt somehow lonelier

……………………

The next morning she had her breakfast in the room. The nights with him would follow by dull mornings. She would feel emotionally drained. Angela very much believed in vibes and energies. She didn’t want to give her bad energy to others in the morning so she would spend most of her morning in her room and come out only when she felt better.

Mrs. Hamilton entered the room after one knock. Angela greeted her with a smile. Mrs. Hamilton greeted back and placed the tray on the nightstand.

“Mr. King..”

“Has left already..I know..He had some commitments so…,” Angela completed the sentence with a fake smile. It was the record, he wouldn’t stay a minute in the house after finishing the job. That was the norm and she wasn’t surprised even a bit.

Mrs. Hamilton gave her a sad smile feeling bad for the little girl.

Exotic

Two Weeks Later

“The man refuses to speak but I think they are planning to attack her again,” Stefan suspected, frowning slightly.

Nikaulas didn’t seem as affected by the news as him. His expression was calm and cool as he dismounted Roar, a brown stallion. Stefan was standing some steps away. Currently, they were at his barn. Nikaulas owned a stable full of horses and he liked to spend his free time here. Horse riding was one of his favorite hobbies coming second only to shooting.

Nikaulas' taut muscles were out on display as he tended to his horses. His tanned skin glistening like fine gold under the light of blazing sun. His biceps flexing deliciously as he stroked the horse. The servant came rushing with a bowl of food for the horse.

“ They think they will have you by your throat if they manage to get her,” Stefan added in a solemn tone. Nikaulas rolled his eyes and continued to play with his pet. His enemies were dumb and boring. A part of him wanted to let them catch her so that he could destroy their confidence.

Apparently, a rival group had attacked Angela when she was going back home from the hospital. The woman was rescued in time though. She had suffered some injuries.

“She needs protection,” Stefan asserted in all seriousness. The firmness of his tone caused Nikaulas to turn his attention towards him. He arched his brow in question. His right hand clearly had a soft corner for his wife.They had met just once and he had already joined the group of her admirers. And It came as a shock to Nikaulas as Stefan was as impervious as him. Stefan wasn’t the one who could be charmed, fooled, or impressed easily, at least not in just one meeting.

He wondered what people saw in that woman. Yes she is pretty, he will give her that but for him she was nothing more than just a disable. And a whore’s daughter.

He smirked, wondering if his right hand was into his wife.

“You like her or do you pity her?” he moved his attention to the horse. The question threw Stefan off guard. His eyes flared in surprise. Nikaulas seemed completely casual. He didn’t seem offended or curious, just amused. The muscular man quickly schooled his features to blank.

“ I respect her,” Stefan replied in all honesty.

“Whatever,’ Nikaulas remarked, having already lost interest in the topic.

“Make sure the news doesn’t travel to Spain,” Nikaulas instructed and turned to fix him with a serious gaze. Stefan nodded, knowing very well what would happen if Mr. Serrano found out about this. He will have Nikaulas’ head if something happens to Angela. The only person Nikaulas feared was Kilian Serrano. That man was lethal when provoked and deadly if his family is brough to harm.

Nikaulas couldn’t let this matter slide. Angela was the string that was holding Spanish and German the two most powerful mafia clans together. She was the essential factor and he had taken the responsibility of safeguarding her; more like the responsibility was forced on him but still. Besides, she was the queen of the German mafia. Her name was associated with his. A scratch on her would be a scratch on his pride. And his pride was something he cherished dearly.

“Get the jet ready,” he instructed Stefan while patting his pet. He was flying back home. He will have to take the bull by its horn.

Stefan left at once.

Once the horse was full, Nikaulas climbed the beast and rode towards unknown.

“You must have already heard from many but let me say this you are truly gifted, Mrs. King. Not many are endowed both with talent and beauty,” Henry, a businessman admired her with a knowing smile. Angela returned his smile with her own.

“Why Thank you, Mr. Aicher. But I believe more than talent it takes dedication to succeed and beauty is quite temporary, don’t you agree?” Angela replied amiably. Mr. Abney who was standing beside Mr. Aicher let out a chuckle.

“Didn’t I tell you Mr. Aicher, Mrs. King is quite a charming lady,” Mr. Abney told Mr. Aicher while flashing Angela a good-natured smile.

“Quit charming indeed,” Mr. Aicher eyed her with deepened interest.

“You flatter me,” Angela continued to smile for the sake of politeness.

“I speak the truth, Mrs. King,” said Mr. Aicher with a smirk.

“See you soon, Mrs. King,” Saying that, Mr. Aicher and Mr. Abney walked up to their respective tables. Angela turned her face forward and released a sigh.

“Are you alright, madam?” Graham, her CEO asked in a concerned tone. He knew she wasn’t fond of social gatherings. Angela nodded and gave him an assuring smile.

Currently they were sitting on the front row of a charity event. She usually avoided events and all but the chairman of NGO had specifically requested for her presence.

It wasn’t the first time Angela had received a compliment on her beauty or talent. She was called beautiful, talented, skilled, and many other things but unfortunately, all these qualities even if put together can’t outweigh her one lacking. Her disability outranked her every quality, every talent. She was the owner of Alma but she was more known for being the lucky disable who got married to Nikaulas King.

At the time of her wedding with Nikaulas she had seen headlines flashing.

The heartthrob took a disable as his wife

Who wouldn’t want a man like Nikauas King. The owner of King Enterprises doesn’t care if his wife can’t walk.

Nowhere they had mentioned her name. For them she was just a cripple who had hit a jackpot. It seemed as if her whole existence had boiled down to her disability. Angela appreciated the fact that Nikaulas wasn’t bothered by her invalidity but at the same time she was saddened that her most highlighting feature for the world was her disability. She would have heard more about how lucky she was for getting married to a handsome business tycoon despite being a disable if Killian had not stepped in and threatened the media.

But that wasn’t the first time her disability was mocked. She had been enduring harsh comments since her childhood. First in school where kids bullied her for being lesser than them. They would snatch her bag from her and drop all her things on the floor and she would watch them doing it with helpless eyes. And sometimes they would carry her to the upper floors and leave her there. It would take her hours to crawl downstairs where her bullies would already be waiting to laugh at her.

Angela wasn’t a timid girl though. She fought back wherever she could. But it was tiring. She was tired of proving to others that she wasn’t lesser than them. For how long would she have to do this? Not only the children but elders too. They didn’t bully her like other children but the pity in their eyes would reiterate what she was fighting; that she was lesser than them.

The worst time of her life was when she entered her college. By that time she had learned to ignore rude comments.

She has no idea how did they find out but they did find out and from then on she was mocked for being a whore’s daughter. It was written on classboard, on the desks, in the last page of library books, everywhere she could see. That had hurt like bitch. Like a final punch, it had shattered her. Her already cracked spirit had broken to pieces and she had no one to piece it back for her.

She wasn’t ashamed of being a whore’s daughter what pained her was the way people described her mother as. How they could be so heartless? She was gone. Can’t they show some respect?

The worst thing she did to herself was to bottle up her feelings. Angela never breathed a word to Ara and Killian no matter how hurt she was. She already felt grateful to them and didn’t want to add to their trouble. After high school, she moved to another state for her studies despite Ara’s disapproval. Ara was like a mother hen who wanted all her kids around her all the time.

“ I would like to invite Mrs. King on the stage for sharing some words with us,” the announcer said and the room resounded with applause. Angela felt a great deal of discomfort when she steered towards the stage. There were eyes judging her. She hoped she was being judged for her professional acheivements and not for something she had no hold over. She made her way towards the stage only to find there was no way for her to go up. Her face reddened with embarrassment.

The chairman smirked and shared an amused look with her husband who was Angela’s rival.

The room was dead quiet, everyone was watching her.

Angela didn’t let her smile waver and decided to try her luck. Graham quickly rushed to her side to help her. Angela calmly held his hand and climbed up the stairs on her shaky legs. She kept her smile despite feeling humiliated to her core. She let go of Graham’s hand and decided to walk to the dias by herself just to show her enemies. People watched her with their mouths hanging open as she staggered forward without support. Every fiber of being was twisting in pain but her resolve was firm. She walked a few steps but unfortunately her legs were not as strong as her heart. They couldn’t bear the burden of her resolve for long and gave away. In a second, the woman fell down to the floor causing a collective gasp to erupt from onlookers.

More than the physical pain, she was hurt internally. She failed. Embarrassment washed over her. Angela felt the tears of humiliation stinging the back of her eyes. She had successfully made a caricature of herself. She inwardly cursed herself for refusing Graham’s support. She was a fool to think that she can do it on her own. That she could walk a small distance without anyone’s support. With her hands planted on the ground, she pressed her eyes closed to keep tears from falling. She heard Graham climbing up the stairs and towards her. She raised her hand for him to take and pull her up but instead she felt him bending and then it hit her.

Unconditional Love

Pine and Cedarwood. Exotic and soothing.

Her eyes flung open on their own as he swooped her up in his strong arms. They popped out in surprise to see the face she had least expected to see. Nikaulas. She had questions but right now she just wanted to live in the moment and admire his handsome hero. It was not every day her husband swooped in to rescue her. And what visuals. His firm jaw looked more defined from here. Without delaying she looped her arms around his neck. She watched him, dazed and confused as he carried her towards the dias while keeping his gaze ahead.

In a second, they were in front of the mic standing before hundreds of people. He carefully put her down and interlaced his hand with hers. She grabbed the dias with her free hand and leaned forward. A big grin on her face. She was nervous no doubt but for some reason, Nikaulas’ presence had calmed her frantic nerves. His large hand was now wrapped around her small ones and she felt…assured. Also she wanted to impress him. So there was no room for mistakes today.

“Thank you very much for having me here, Mrs. Becker. We often underestimate the importance of “little.” A small act of kindness can make someone’s life. Just a little bit of hope is enough to bring about the change………..” Angela gave her speech while wearing an affable smile.

“...........Love can make the impossible possible. Love pulls you back to your feet when others try to tear you down due to their jealousy…,” she added, referring to her husband, a soft blush tinting her cheeks. She was ecstatic. She was glosing from within. Nikaulas didn’t share her sentiments though. But at the same time he didn’t look as deadly as he usually looked.

“This world needs a little bit of love to get better and know that people pull you down only when you are above them,” Angela finished. The crowd rose in acclamation and hall resounded with applause, more so when Nikaulas bent and hoisted her up in his arms. She was blushing hard.

Nikaulas brought her down the stage and towards her seat. Graham was staring at Nikaulas with his mouth open and eyes wide as he sat her down. He was working for Angela for a long time to figure out her marital situation.

Nikaulas didn’t sit with her. He left.

……..

The sunlight filtering through the gap between drapes woke Angela up. Her doe eyes shone like a morning dew on a green leaf under the soft light of the sun. They were wild and yet so serene just like a forest. Her lips twitched into a soft angelic smile as she snuggled deeper into her pillow. She was feeling lazy today. The entirety of her last night was spent grinning silly while reliving the memory her husband had gifted her all of a sudden. How many times she had gone over it. The way he had held her, saved her. It was a memory she was going to cherish forever.

It was an ordinary practice for a husband to hold his wife like that but their marriage was far from ordinary.

Maybe it was the beginning of her happily ever after.

She dared to hope that perhaps her days of pining had come to pass. Maybe the God above had finally listened to her prayer. She quickly sat up and joined her hands in prayer. She recited the lines Ara had taught her years ago and finished the prayer with a heartfelt thank you and a flying kiss to God before going about her life.

Nikaulas didn’t come home with her last night so she was certain that he had already left. Why he showed up last night she was still not sure. But she was taking it as a good sign. After all, he did come to save her last night. After taking her shower, she came out of her room, humming a tune.

Her bodyguard, Jonas, smiled when he saw his madam smiling and singing.

“It has to be a special day today,” Jonas commented, smiling. She had a very friendly relation with her staff.

I got that sunshine in my pocket

Got that good soul in my feet….

She replied in song, grinning while moving her upper body in sync. Jonas chuckled. It was a rare sight to see her this happy. But then she stumbled, causing Jonas to sweep forward to catch her. However, she caught herself before Jonas could help her.

“Do you want me to fetch your chair?” Jonas asked in a concerned tone. Angela was obsessed with walking on her legs in her house but too much exertion could strain her muscles. Whereas, Jonas seemed all concerned and Angela was grinning. Standing for this long was a feat for her but she had managed so far no matter how much it hurt. That was the drill. If you stay patient and keep your energy positive no feat is impossible, including love.

Come fly with me, let’s fly..let’s fly.. She switched to classic. The traces of concern flitted away and wonder filled Jonas’ features. Her madam’s spirit was inspiring. He had never seen a girl this vivacious and positive. She must be the only woman on earth singing through her misery. Chair bound, abandoned by her husband and having lost her child. That charming smile had hid so much. She was a devotee but God was yet to favor her with his blessings.

Still humming, walking and stumbling, she managed to reach the kitchen. Jonas went in the direction of her room to fetch her wheelchair.

“What are you making, Carla?” Angela asked excitedly as she walked in. Carla quickly left the work in hand and rushed to her to help her. This time, Angela accepted the help as the pain had intensified.

“Here,” Jonas came in time with the wheelchair.

“What would I do without you, Jonas,” Angela lowered herself into the chair and smiled gratefully at Jonas.

“You give me too much importance, ma’am,” Jonas replied, smiling.

“No, seriously. I would be six feet under if not for you. I can’t tell you, Lina, how bravely he fought the enemies. Very tough. guy,” Angela knew Jonas conceived an affection for Lina and Lina also had a thing for shy Jonas. Lina was a cook working under Carla. They both were too shy to admit their feelings for each other. Angela had taken the responsibility upon herself. Lina and Jonas both were blushing.

“It’s my job, ma’am,” Jonas shyly scratched the back of his neck. Angela was enjoying their flustered state.

“We..we are doing the special today as Mr. King is home,” Lina changed the topic. The revelation caught Angela’s whole attention.

“What? He is here?” Angela exclaimed, astounded. Lina nodded, fighting back a smile. Everyone in the mansion knew just how much Angela loved him.

Her forest green eyes shone with ecstasy and a gleeful smile claimed her lips. She quickly steered her chair towards the counter.

“Carla, I will make breakfast today,” she stated and attempted to rise.

“Ma,am..you don’t have to trouble yourself I can..”

“It’s not a trouble, Carla. This is something I want to do,” her voice was vibrant and lively. Nikaulas never stayed long enough to eat in the mansion. She had always longed to cook for him just like a dutiful wife. She also wanted him to fall in love with her food.

“Get me the vegetables,” she instructed Lina. Jonas left. She chopped vegetables while sitting. No matter how much the maids offered their help, Angela wanted to do everything herself.

She had cooked apple pancakes, potato omelete, hoppelpoppel, and his favorite black coffee without sugar. She had crushed the beans herself as he drank only freshly crushed coffee. The maids watched her with a smile on their face.

Once done, she asked Carla to call him and Lina to serve the food. She would have served herself if she could. The woman checked her appearance in the glass door.

“You are looking beautiful, ma’am, as always. Sir is going to love both your food and you,” Lina stated warmly.

“You think so?” Angela asked with hopeful eyes. Angela never told anyone anything but the servants had eyes and they had noticed their master’s indifference towards their madam. Lina could never understand why Angela was still putting up with him. She belonged to an influential and loving family, was independent, and any man would love to have her.

Every morning I wake up with two thoughts in my mind. One, the God above and…..him. No matter what, I can't give up on my God and I cannot give up on him.

She had said those lines to hers. Lina had felt her truth in her words. Her love for him ran deep. It was unhealthy like a moth’s for a flame. The moth knows the flame will burn him but it doesn’t deter him. He gladly dies for it.

Unrequited love is beautiful. Tragically beautiful.

She held him on the par with God. But he was no God. He was the devil who took pleasure in people’s suffering.

Angela sat beside the head chair and waited for him to come down. She smoothed her hair with her fingers while feeling her insides vibrating with adrenaline rush. Her heart was impatient to jump out of her chest. Her eyes were quick to whip towards the stairs when she heard the footsteps. Disappointment flickered inside her when she saw Carla descending the stairs with a small frown. Angela looked at her expectantly.

“He told to bring his breakfast to his room,” Carla answered, feeling bad for her mistress.

“Oh,” her heart flooded with disappointment and her shoulders slumped. She took a moment to overcome her disappointment. She willed her lips into a fake smile and asked Carla to do as he said.

Angela did her breakfast all alone in the dining room.