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:
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.
