Chapter 10 Tearful Goodbye

Cherry POV

Is Nick insane? I live on the second floor!

I quickly open the window, hissing, "Are you crazy? What are you doing here this late?"

Nick gracefully climbs in, his movements fluid like a black panther. He's wearing a black casual outfit, his jacket spotted with raindrops. "I couldn't sleep without an answer, mia cara," he says, his voice low and intimate in the silence of my bedroom.

I step back, trying to maintain some distance between us. "You can't just climb into people's bedrooms! What if someone saw you?"

His eyes focus on my face as he reaches out to gently wipe away the tear tracks I didn't realize were still visible on my cheeks. "You've been crying," he states matter-of-factly. "Who upset you this time?"

I instinctively turn away. "No one. It's just... allergies."

"Allergies?" He raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "And that red mark on your face... Is that an allergic reaction, too?"

I remain silent. There's no point in telling him what happened. He wouldn't understand, and he can't stop it anyway.

He sighs. "Tomorrow, I'll take you out. Help you clear your head."

"I can't," I shake my head firmly. "I have to stay home tomorrow. I need to rest." I'm meeting the Salvatores the day after tomorrow, which means tomorrow will be filled with endless etiquette training. There's no way I could sneak out again, even if I want to.

"Fine," Nick moves closer, his tone softening. "Then have you thought about what I asked you?"

Before I can answer, heavy footsteps echo down the hallway, followed by my father's voice. "Cherry? Who are you talking to?"

Panic floods through me. If Father finds Nick in my room, I can't even imagine the consequences. "Quick, hide in there!" I frantically push Nick toward my walk-in closet. "Don't make a sound!"

I hastily straighten my nightgown, take a deep breath, and try to look calm. "Just reading aloud, Father. I'm about to go to sleep."

The door opens, and Father's sharp gaze sweeps the room. "I heard another voice. A man's voice."

"Maybe it was my phone? I was watching a video."

His eyes narrow as he notices the open window. "Why is the window open? It's late, and it's raining outside."

"I like the sound of rain..." I lie. "It helps me sleep." All the while, my heart is pounding so hard I'm afraid it might give me away.

Father closes the window firmly. "You can't afford to catch a cold," he says. He surveys the room slowly, his gaze finally settling on my walk-in closet. "How are things coming along with your outfit?" he asks, reaching for the closet door.

"Father! Wait..." I blurt out. "I... I'm having an issue with my dress."

He stops with his hand on the knob. "What issue?"

I improvise quickly. "I think the dress is too tight. Could we maybe get another one? When I meet Vincent, I want to make a good impression..."

Father has zero interest in discussing the tightness of dresses, and he abandons his inspection of the closet. "Whatever. Don't stay up late. Get up early tomorrow; we still have etiquette training to do." With that, he leaves the room.

I exhale slowly, leaning against the door. Nick emerges silently from the closet, his expression both amused and serious.

"So," his voice has suddenly turned cold. "You're meeting someone? Who is this Vincent?"

I nervously explain, "It's an arrangement my family made... I don't have a choice."

Nick steps closer, cupping my face between his hands. "You always have a choice, Cherry." He gently backs me against the wall. "Are you really planning to marry a man you've never even met?"

I tremble as I respond, "It's a family decision... I must..."

Nick interrupts me. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you want Vincent instead of me."

I avoid his intense gaze. "I... I can't say that..."

His tone softens. "Cherry, I know this is sudden, but since that night, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you." He caresses my cheek gently. "I've never felt this way about any woman before. It scares me... but it also makes me certain."

"Nick..." I'm shocked by his vulnerability. This powerful man, who always seemed so commanding, is showing me a different side.

He leans down and places a soft kiss on my forehead. "I want you to be my woman, not just for one night, but for a lifetime."

My mind races. He must be someone important, possibly with a dark side... but the way he treats me makes my heart flutter.

"I need time... this is all happening too fast," I say, avoiding a direct answer again.

Nick smiles, seemingly satisfied. "One day. Tomorrow, stay home for your etiquette lessons, and think about your future. Whether you want to be with someone you don't love, or with me."

Worry creases my brow. "If... if I were to choose you, would I be safe? What about my mother?"

Nick's promise is solemn. "As long as you're with me, no one will harm you or anyone you love." With that, he gracefully climbs back out the window, disappearing into the rainy night.

I spend another restless night, my mind a battlefield of emotions.

The next day passes in a blur of harsh etiquette lessons. As I listen to Father and Grandmother lecture me, I learn that the Salvatores have contacted Father, confirming they definitely want me to marry into their family.

Back in my room that evening, I sit alone with my thoughts. I realize that no matter how powerful Nick might be, how rich he is, how many connections he has with the Salvatores, he couldn't possibly stand a chance. What would happen if they discovered he was trying to steal their marriage alliance partner? How miserable would his fate be? I don't want him to fight that battle for me. My last fantasies crumble as I decide to follow my family's arrangements.

That evening, Nick doesn't bombard me with messages as usual. Only late at night does he send one simple inquiry: [Have you made your decision?]

With tears streaming down my face, I type my response: [Nick, after careful consideration, we're not compatible. Please don't contact me again. This was all a mistake.]

After sending the message, I block his number again, then collapse into gut-wrenching sobs. I feel like I've torn away a piece of my soul.

I know I've fallen in love with Nick, but I can't be with him. Marrying into the Salvatore family is the only way to protect myself and my mother. And Nick.