The Billionaire Mafia’s Slave

CHAPTER 54: HE IS MINE

LILY’S POV:

After that conversation with Galina and finding out who Elena was to Nikolai and how he may or may not be over her, I left Galina’s room and went wherever my feet can take me. I entered the library room which holds thousands of books but my mind was already occupied, I wasn’t looking to read.

I went to the window and stood by the balcony, noticing a large flower garden. It was pleasant looking, I didn’t think twice, I left the library and hopped downstairs, out of the doors and to the backyard where I saw the flowers.

As I walked through the garden, I saw really pretty flowers that caught my eye. They were light pink color, white and even red and had lots of tiny petals that looked like they were dancing in the wind.

They grew in bunches and smelled sweet. The way they swayed back and forth was so graceful and free, it made me feel happy inside.

I came down here because I was feeling overwhelmed and needed to clear my head, hoping to get some relief from the sudden frequent thoughts about Nikolai and his ex-girlfriend, Elena, that had been playing on repeat in my mind.

As I walked along the path, the delicate petals and sweet scent of the flower filled the air and I felt my tense muscles start to relax. The flowers’ peacefulness seemed to seep into my soul, calming my racing thoughts and slowing down my heartbeat, and for a moment, I was able to forget about all the drama and just be present in the beauty of nature.

“These delicate flowers have been a part of our family’s history for generations. Not only are they breathtakingly beautiful, but they also hold significant symbolism…”, I tensed when I heard Nikolai’s voice behind me.

‘When did he get here that I didn’t know?’, I wondered. I didn’t think I could face him like this but I turned around to face him and he had a faint smile on his face that was almost invisible. I felt pained, I wondered where he went to so early without telling me.

‘Maybe he went to meet with his old lover’, my inner thoughts said.

“In Russian culture, hawthorn represents love, hope, and protection. My mother tends to this garden with love and care. The flowers are used in traditional medicine, and the berries are made into jams and teas. But beyond their practical uses, they remind me of the strength and resilience of the women in my family”, He continued explaining and I was no longer interested in the flowers, I looked at it one more time and I sighed silently.

“Nikolai…”, I called him as I wanted him to stop talking.

“Why are you out here all by yourself?”, He asked.

“I needed some fresh air”, I replied and that was the truth, inside was so suffocating.

“You should have asked Galina to stay with you or maybe a maid”, He said and I scoffed. I can’t believe this guy! He really thinks I’m trying to escape?

“If you’re scared that I will run away, don’t be. I’m not familiar with anywhere here and I don’t want to get lost”, I said to him, almost shouting. He furrowed his brows like he was trying to figure out why I was offensive.

“What is wrong? Are you not feeling well?”, He asked in pure concern but I didn’t care, I walked away leaving him there but he caught me by surprise when he grabbed my hand and I struggled.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Behave. We are supposed to be a couple remember?”, He whispered to me, reminding me of our supposed relationship status. I calmed a bit and he took me by my waist to the room.

***

We had a back and forth argument. Nikolai tried to make me talk, he tried to see what was making me paranoid but I couldn’t say it. How was I supposed to tell this guy that I may be developing feelings for him, he might think I’m stupid. How was I to tell him I was jealous of Elena and what he still feels for her.

“Do you still like her? Are you still in love with Elena?”, I finally found the courage to ask. Whatever happens, happens.

“Why must you know?”, Nikolai asked and I almost laughed. Was he completely unaware or just pretending?

“BECAUSE NIKOLAI!!… I don’t know, I just want to know. That’s all”, I said even though that wasn’t the case.

I could already start to feel the tears at the back of my eyes.

“I have not completely forgotten about Elena and I might still like her–“, He started and I already got my answers, there was no need for me listening to him anymore, my heart was hurting but I nodded and tried to walk out of the room, Nikolai dragged me back and made me look at him.

As I stared into his eyes, I saw something. Something different from the usual darkness or chaos, something new. It was as if his eyes has finally found its light.

“Lily, I’ve been drawn to you since the day we met. Your eyes are stunning, your hair is beautiful, and your smile lights up the room. But it’s not just your looks that I love. Your personality, your kindness, and your positive energy are all things that I adore. Your laughter is music to my ears and your smile makes my heart skip a beat. You’re a breath of fresh air in my life, and I can’t help but want to be around you. I wantto be the one you rely on, the one who makes you feel safe”, Nikolai said in one go, not once looking away from me.

I was totally shocked and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. My eyes went wide and my heart started racing like crazy. I couldn’t think straight and felt like I was in a dream. I couldn’t move or speak – I just stared at Nikolai in disbelief.

‘Am I dreaming?’, I asked myself.

It was like my brain had frozen and I couldn’t process what was happening.

His words made me realize that I had feelings for him too. My heart was beating fast with excitement and a little bit of fear. I felt like I was taking a risk, but I was ready to see where this new feeling could go. It was like we were in our own little world, and nothing else mattered.

“Do you mean what you just said?”, I asked just to be sure I wasn’t hallucinating.

“Yes Lily. I know I have been horrible to you in the past, hurting you verbally and physically but all this is new for me. I’m not trying to make excuses about how I treated you in the past, I just– I just want you to know how I feel”, He said and my once shocked expression turned into happiness.

“You don’t have to feel pressured about anything, I only–“, I couldn’t let him finish, I was scared he might take back what he said. I pulled towards him and crashed my lips to his.

“I like you too Nikolai”, I pulled away and said too. His face lit up and he smiled genuinely, he kissed me passionately without any warning and bit my lip to gain access into my mouth. Our tongues intertwined and danced together for a while before we pulled away, gasping for breath.

We stared at each other, trying to make sure all this was real and not a dream, I felt shy as the blush creeped in.

“You are blushing”, He stated and I wished the ground would just open and swallow me whole, He didn’t have to say it out.

“Yes captain obvious”, I hit his chest lightly, trying to break free from his grip. I wanted to dig a hole and hide.

“You look beautiful. Red is now my favorite color”, Nikolai said when he noticed my shyness but that made things worse.

“Stop it”, I said and he held me in place, he stared at me like he was trying to imprint my face in his heart, forever.

I blushed the more and he pulled me into a tight hug and sighed, like he was finally satisfied.

I can’t believe Nikolai Vladimir is mine now.