Chapter 201

Nicolas stopped, gazing affectionately and eagerly at Thea in his arms. Her eyes were dazed. "Is this enough to show my feelings for you? Thea, I like you."

Thea hadn't anticipated this, but even so, Nicolas's words felt unbelievable. She felt as if she were dreaming. Resisting the urge to flee, she demurely asked, "When did this happen?"

Nicolas considered this seriously for a moment, then said casually, "Let me tell you a story. After you hear it, everything will be clear."

The story was simple. Five years ago, he'd gone to Yurtinas on a mission assigned by Stefan. He'd been ambushed, offending a mysterious organization and becoming a target.

Nicolas continued, "The situation was critical. My right-hand man, Vergil Ralap, died protecting me. I escaped to a cruise ship, but was discovered again. I couldn't swim and jumped overboard. Just as I was drowning, a girl pulled me from the sea. That girl was you, Thea… Perhaps you don't remember."

Thea was astonished. "I couldn't swim either. I remember saving someone—a dirty, little mute. I'm surprised that person was you." She hadn't seen his face clearly, and his silence led her to believe he was a pitiful, tragic figure.

"Perhaps it was fate," Nicolas smiled. "After I was rescued, I investigated you, secretly followed you, and ensured your safety. I didn't want to disturb your peaceful life; I only hoped for your happiness. I never expected… my unwitting nephew." He'd wanted to protect her from behind the scenes, yet she'd sought him out and become his wife.

Thea listened, her heart a mixture of emotions. For five years, someone had secretly helped her, repaying her kindness. Rumors circulated that Nicolas had a woman he couldn't forget overseas, that he was waiting for her. Thea never suspected that woman was her.

"In Yurtinas, kind people saved me several times," Thea said. "I thought I was lucky. Now I know it was you." She laughed. "Do you still wonder why someone was even more suicidal than me, and why I suddenly didn't want to die? Do you think we saved each other?"

Nicolas took her hand, as if making a solemn vow. "I won't let you suffer like that again." Knowing he pitied her past, Thea smiled and changed the subject. Then, she asked, "You mentioned Vergil Ralap? Stephanie and him…"

"They're siblings," Nicolas said, his expression becoming solemn. "That's why I took care of Stephanie."

Thea nodded, her gaze steady. "Then what about Ms. Ralap's pregnancy?" Even in love, she wouldn't ignore potential threats.

"You already know?" Nicolas was surprised.

His reaction made Thea nervous. She clenched her fists, waiting for his answer.

Seeing her possible misunderstanding, Nicolas stated bluntly, "You don't think Stephanie's child is mine, do you? Thea, I promise, I'm only caring for her on Vergil's behalf. Besides, you're the only one I've ever…" This was unexpected for Thea.

"So, what happened with her baby?" she asked.

Nicolas sighed and explained Stephanie's unscrupulous deal with a producer for a role. Thea realized she'd fallen into Stephanie's trap. Stephanie's methods weren't brilliant; she simply pretended to be Nicolas's beloved before their confession, thus pushing the self-assured Thea away.

After a moment, Thea said, "Nicolas, I understand your desire to repay the favor. I know you're loyal and wouldn't ignore Ms. Ralap's situation. But that's not an excuse for others to interfere in our love. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I'll take care of it."

"Of course, I believe you, but I'll still give you time. Let's review our relationship for a month. I don't want your kindness to stem solely from my saving you. I hope we understand each other better. Then I'll tell you a secret. How about that?"

Nicolas readily agreed.

Thea continued, "Joyce needs company. I'll stay with her at a hotel tonight. I had a car accident leaving the villa. The tow truck's been called." She added, "I'll apologize to Dad tomorrow."

Nicolas nodded. "I know you've signed with Corey. He's not a good person; try to avoid him. But I won't interfere without your permission. Just be careful. Perhaps… you could rely on me instead."

He seemed expectant. Thea smiled and agreed.

Before exiting the car, she kissed his cheek and whispered, "Good night, my… sweetheart."

Before he could react, she left, entering the hotel with light, sexy steps. Their earlier intimacies had occurred while she was drugged; she had no memory of them. Now, as his wife, she was occasionally mischievous, exercising her rights.

Chapter 201 (Continued)

In the Maybach, Nicolas recalled their moment, a slight ripple in his eyes. His mouth curved into a smile. He thought, She's so bold in love…

Thea felt relaxed and carefree with Nicolas, as if before the nightmares of her youth. This was a feeling she hadn't experienced with Jake.

At the hotel, Corey and his men were gone, leaving only Joyce. Seeing Thea's good mood, Joyce teased, "Looks like you had a good chat downstairs. Why didn't you enjoy a passionate night? Why are you back so soon?"