Chapter 5: Chapter 5

<Third Person>

"What happened to your deal with Mrs. Cortez? I trusted you with that contract, Lanvin. Mrs. Cortez was mad about what happened. This is the first time you've disappointed me," Robert said, his voice tinged with anger.

"I'm sorry, I'm trying to set up a meeting with her, to give me another chance," Nick responded.

Robert shook his head.

"It's been two months, Nick; I thought you were prepared for this. You've been working on that product for the past two months, and now I find out that you didn't deliver. I had high hopes for you."

"Robert, stop scolding my grandson. After all, I owe him a lot," Grandpa interjected, entering the scene.

Robert shook his head again.

"You better talk to that young man; he wasted a big opportunity," Robert said, placing his glass of wine on the table and leaving the room.

Grandpa tapped Nikolai on the shoulder.

"You did a great job," Grandpa cheered his grandson.

"How's your marriage with my granddaughter?" The old man asked, inquiring about their relationship.

"Still the same. I didn't expect Azaria to be so stubborn and spoiled. But Azaria is starting to listen to me and understand the consequences."

Grandpa looked out the window of the building.

"You've done great things for our family. I love my granddaughter, and please take care of her. Azaria's parents have given up on her. We've been giving her too many problems. It's partly our fault for spoiling her."

Grandpa sighed and looked at Nick.

"That girl has no fear. Just look at how she ended up in jail," he chuckled.

"She won't learn from life easily. Our reputation is also being tarnished because of her actions, but thankfully, you're here to fix the problems she causes in the company."

"Azaria is kind and sweet," Nick defended her.

It had been six months since Nick returned from abroad to manage the family's businesses.

Grandpa's face turned sour.

"Tell me about it. She brings nothing but problems."

“Thank you for saving our family,” grandpa added.

Grandpa poured himself another glass of wine.

"Don't let that girl deceive you because she'll just manipulate you," grandpa warned him.

"I can handle her," Nick replied.

"That girl is out every night in bars. She even sold one of my estates and squandered the money abroad. The investors in her parents' company left because of her. Every day, someone comes complaining that Azaria flirted with their boyfriend. Her parents no longer trust her in their own company because of her actions. And now, I found out that she has been involved in numerous scams," the old man narrated.

"Her mother wasn't like that. I don't know where she inherited such behavior. She surpassed even the men when it comes to being a drunkard. When I try to reprimand her, I would later find out that she's in another country spending money on bags and other luxuries," he continued.

Nick listened attentively, remaining silent.

"Her life is heading nowhere. I can only pray that she straightens up before I die," grandpa added.

"I'm wondering why you want to marry Azaria despite her attitude," grandpa asked.

Their conversation was interrupted by Nick's secretary.

"Sir, excuse me."

They were interrupted by Nick's secretary.

"There's a call for you at home," the secretary said, handing the phone to Nick.

Nick frowned. What happened at home?

"Sir, ma'am has been crying since earlier. She refuses to stay," Marie informed him, her voice filled with concern.

Worry immediately flashed across Nick's face upon hearing that his wife was crying.

"Damn!" Nick muttered under his breath.

"Check on her!" Nick replied and ended the call.

He didn't bother asking what had happened, as he was now worried about his wife and in a hurry to get home. He would find out what happened to her once he reached their house.

"I'm sorry, Lo, something happened at home. I need to go," Nick hastily bid his grandfather farewell, not waiting for a response. He quickly left the company.

He drove home swiftly.

**

<Azaria>

"Hail," I sobbed, uttering her name.

"My god! Azaria!? Are you crying again!? What happened to you, you crazy girl!" Hail exclaimed.

I tried to stop crying, but my tears wouldn't cease.

Hail's voice made me cry even more.

"I haven't heard from you in days, and now you call me crying," Hail expressed her concern.

"Hail," I sobbed.

I feel lost.

It's only now that I realize I haven't done anything good in my life. My life has become a waste.

"I don't have a single penny," I cried to her.

"Get a job, or ask your grandfather. Or even your parents. Your family is wealthy," she suggested.

I lay down on the floor, clutching one of my expensive clothes.

"I don't want to be given anything by that old man. And where will I find a job? I was fired from the agency, remember?" I said, referring to my previous job. I started my own business because I had no other source of income. Due to all the issues surrounding me, I was let go. I wanted to prove to everyone that I could make it on my own.

"You're so foolish," she sighed. "If you had been kinder, you would already have so much money and your grandfather would have given you his estate."

Here we go again. She's lecturing me once more.

"I don't want to be in this house anymore! I'm suffocating. I can't go out because I don't have a single penny. I don't even have a car. Where will I end up?" I whined.

"I don't know about you. You have too many luxuries!" she exclaimed.

Instead of helping me, she just berates me. I also don't want to borrow money from Nick because my pride is at stake. I hate that man.

Hail's words hit me hard, and I cried even more.

Little did she know that I was already married. I haven't told her yet that I tied the knot.

I got married without any grandeur. No wedding gown, no cake.

I cried even harder.

My wedding was far from my dream wedding.

"Hail, I'm going broke," I said, filled with worry.

"Well, you still have food on your plate, and you have a place to stay. Borrow money from someone who can provide for you. And besides, you're with your parents, so I'm sure they'll give you what you need if you ask," she agitatedly remarked.

Her words made me cry even more.

She didn't know that I was already married. I haven't told her that I've suffocated myself in this marriage.

I got married without any fanfare. No wedding gown, no cake.

My tears kept flowing.

"Hail, I'm running out of money," I said, overwhelmed with problems.

"Then go spend more. Travel to make your sadness go away, and cry your heart out," she sarcastically suggested.

I sobbed uncontrollably. I miss traveling.

It has been a week since I last traveled. I'm feeling depressed.

"Hail, my favorite brand just released a new bag," I cried, sharing another problem with her.

"What the fuck!"

I looked towards the door as it suddenly opened.

Nick and I locked eyes. My tears stopped when I heard him curse.

His face showed concern, and his appearance was disheveled.

He quickly approached me and stood me up.

"What happened? Who made you cry? Are you hurt?" Nick asked, worriedly examining me for any signs of injury.

"I have paperbags!" I shouted and pushed him away.

"Why did you step on it!?" I cried and wiped the paperbag clean.

He lifted me and sat me on the bed. I continued crying in front of him while clutching the paperbags. The scattered receipts covered the floor.

He glanced around the room, taking note of the scattered receipts on the floor.

He sighed.

"Why are you crying?" he calmly asked me.

I just cried even more in front of him. I forgot to turn off my phone.

"Azaria, tell me why you're crying! Damn, you're making me worried!" he shouted, his jaw tensing.

I didn't speak and continued crying.

"If you don't tell me the reason behind your tears, I'll take those bags away from you," he threatened, tapping the paper bag I was holding.

"I lost everything," my voice cracked.

He took the paper bag away from me and set aside the scattered clothes. I didn't care about my phone, even though I had just bought it. There was a new release of iOS, and that's what I wanted.

"And why is our room a mess?"

I didn't answer.

"Azaria!"

"Why are you shouting?" I asked in fear. I moved slightly away from him. His jaw tightened, and his breathing grew heavier.