32.

Nikki

Do you ever sit and wonder how the hell you got into the position you're in? Where did it all go wrong? That's me right now, listening to every word Chantel is telling me. How did things get this bad?

They are going to arrest Damien for murder, I won't be able to live by myself if that happens. Charles will be devastated; they are planning a wedding, and then all of that has to come to a halt. Xander probably won't take it well, either I'm getting his dad arrested.

"Nikki, are you listening?" she says, giving me a concerned look.

I nod, "Yeah, yeah, but why would they want to arrest Damien, he was protecting us, protecting Xander. How were we supposed to know she was pregnant?"

Chantel sighs, "That was my argument, but they won't hear it, that's why I called you here. You know our countries' history, if this goes to court, it'll turn into a racial case, and we won't win it Nikki, we won't stand a chance." 

I looked down at my now cold coffee, I didn't have an appetite anymore, maybe it was the baby or stress, or both.

"Okay, what do we suggest we do?" I speak.

"I think we should have a one-on-one meeting with the board, take them out for coffee, you know, finesse them."

I knew what she meant, and I agreed with her, it was the only way out of this situation. I couldn't let Damien get his license revoked, he saved the life of my husband. It was a risk I was willing to take, but I know it’s gonna cost me a lot.

"Okay, sounds good. Just make sure you leave no trace, usual transactions, and everything. Scrub it clean because we can't have any more trouble."

"Of course." She sips on her coffee and looks at me, it felt like she was examining me for something, she puts her cup down and her eyes widen.

"You're pregnant."

My eyes widen, "What?"

"You're with child, Nikki, and don't even think of lying to me."

I groan, "How come everyone can tell I'm pregnant and yes, I am. Please don't be mad at me for not saying anything."

"For starters, you're glowing, you've put on a little weight, plus, every now and again, you're putting your hand on your stomach, and you don't do that."

"You need a life, Chantel, a boyfriend, maybe."

Chantel laughs, "I've got both, actually."

I gasp, "Don't tell me Chumani asked you out."

Chantel nods with a smirk, I squeal, and the entire restaurant turns to look at our table again.

"Now, look who's embarrassing us." 

I giggle, "Girl, when did this happen and how was the date?"

Chantel swoons and that's not something she does over a man, "He is phenomenal Nikki."

I wiggle my eyebrows, "Oh, sounds like y'all did more than just have a first date."

Chantel laughs as she smacks my hand playfully, "Girl, you are nasty and yes we did."

"Girl, you and I need a girl's night in, wine, a movie."

"Yes, yes, yes! Invite Charles too." 

"Of course, I will. I'm sorry for not telling you babe, it's just been a roller-coaster of emotions."

"It's okay, baby, I understand."

I sigh, "Thank you."

Chantel squeals, "I'm going to be a godmother."

Everyone in the restaurant turns in our direction and I cover my face, "Chantel, stop."

She catches herself, and she blushes, "Sorry, I'm just so happy for you. How is Xander taking it?"

I sink into my seat and groan.

"Nikiwe, you haven't told him," She whispers harshly.

"I know, I will. Things have been so chaotic, and he's just been reunited with his family, and I don't want to seem like I'm stealing the limelight."

"Stealing the limelight, girl is you insane, that's the legacy of Nikki and Xander Forsythe, he or she is going to steal the limelight, regardless." Chantel says, "You need to tell him, babe, he deserves to know."

I sigh, "I will, I promise you I will."

She squints her eyes and hums, "Good, and if you don't, I'll get Charles to do it because I know he knows."

"He does."

Chantel gasps, "You are unbelievable."

I groan, "God has forgiven me."

The rest of our date goes by with me discussing baby names and gender reveal parties. My conscience was eating me alive about keeping this baby a secret. It wasn't fair to Xander or the baby. I am terrified about how he'll react, is he ready for a baby? Are we ready for a baby?

Knots form in my stomach and I think of the time I was once pregnant, it was with Aiden's child because of stress and Aiden, I lost the baby, and I didn't want to risk it with this baby. I hope it's a girl, I know Xander would love her to pieces, probably look like him too.

Chantel walks me to my car and gives me a hug and a kiss goodbye. I got into my car and started the engine. I drove out of the parking lot and my phone rang; it was Xander.

"Hey babe, what's up?"

"Where are you, baby?", he says worriedly.

"I just left my meeting with Chantel, what's wrong?"

"There is something I need to tell you, it's really important."

"Okay, I'll be there in five minutes. Are Charles and Damien there with you?"

There is scrambling on the phone, and it sounds like two people arguing. I guess they are, then. These men, I'm surprised they haven't killed each other yet.

"Sorry about that, babe, Charles was being an ass, like always."

I chuckled, "It's okay, if he wants to talk to me, he must call me."

Xander chuckles, "He should. Anyway, I'll see you soon, baby. I love you."

"Love you too, baby."

He hangs up the phone and I drive as quickly as my Ferrari can take me, I get to the front gate and my mother's car is parked outside. What is going on?

I park my car in the garage and make my way into the house, I walk into the kitchen and my mother, Xander, Charles, and Damien are all whispering about something. Charles probably told him; girl, get ready for an argument.

"Hello everyone." I greet.

Xander's face lights up, "Babe, you're home."

"What's going on?"

"We are moving to America." Xander grins.

What the hell did he just say?