Falling apart

Olivier frowned upon that. "I don't think that's ideal." I narrowed my eyes.

"Why not!?" I raised my voice a bit.

"I don't see why you would want to help me. Karolia and I have a motive that is solely driven by our vengeance. How would you fit here? And how can I trust you too? If this was a month back then I would have accepted your offer but now I'm not exactly sure Watson."

"Who said anything about me helping you? I'm doing this to get Karolia out of this and end her suffering. I just don't want her to be involved in this mess."

"Your right. I don't hope you can help me." Olivier snorted. "But think again Watson, will Karolia be happy if you get involved in her mess? I'm pretty sure she is a brave and confident girl who wants to deal with her problems. I can assure you she wouldn't agree for you to take her spot in this. I saw the fire in her eyes that day. The burning needs to avenge her parents' death. That won't be satiated until she does it on her own, Logan." Olivier said with a smirk. His face showed his satisfaction, thus thrusting a conflict in my mind.

"So what do you suggest, Olivier? For me to sit back and watch you both get into a burning hole and praying God that no harm will happen to my woman during this stupid revenge game?" I asked him, feeling exasperated.

"No, I don't expect you to do that considering your personality, Mr.Watson." I ran a hand through my hair when I started feeling restless.

"But what if I tell you can play a very crucial role in this?" My eyes narrowed at Olivier who had a knowing smile on his face.

"I offer you this role and if you accept, we three can proceed forward but if you don't then I'm not sure how bad this is going to end for all three of us too. So are you in?" He asked me finally after narrating the plan he had in mind.

I stare blankly at him. Not knowing what I have to select between the two words. It's a simple yes or no, but I know that one word can change everything as well. I looked up at him when I made up my mind.

Seems like I have a lot of planning and work to do from now.

After two hours, I finally left the room, completely out of energy. To be honest, I still don't know how this will end, but I'll make sure Karolia is protected at any cost. For that, I have a lot of things to do.

"William," I called out my bodyguard who was silently walking behind me.

"Yes sir?"

"I need you to bring Karolia to the mansion first thing tomorrow morning. She'll be staying there but don't tell her that, I'm sure she will decline so say her I just wanted to talk to her. And ask Hudson and Mathew to pack her bags once she leaves the apartment."

Karolia's POV:

The Watson mansion loomed proudly under the blue sky, the snowflakes dewed the top layer of trimmed grasses and plants. Three guards were walking around the premises, a pistol attached to their belts. Even though the house looks the same, with all these extra securities, now I'm definitely getting billionaire house vibes which I haven't felt earlier. I can't blame him though. Someone tried to kill Grecia, i.e, someone is behind Watson's family. Well, it's because of me actually.

I noticed a few expensive cars were parked in front of the mansion and I frowned.

"Is there any function going on here?" I asked William as he circled the vehicle around the circular driveway.

"I heard Mr. Watson arranged some business meetings at his house rather than at the office," William informed me and I nodded my head. Once William stopped the car, I got out after thanking him.

Today morning, when I was about to get the much-needed sleep I might add, William knocked at my door and told me that Logan ordered him to bring me to the mansion to talk. At first, I was confused, considering the way he stormed off my apartment yesterday night I thought we won't be talking for at least a day. But then I concluded that maybe he decided to talk after reading several texts from me pleading him to talk to me or at least tell he regrets dating me so that I don't have to keep that unnecessary hope he will still accept me. But he never did that even though he read all the messages, he never replied. But now it gives me the same hope as I stand in front of his house. I mean, then for what else he asked me to come here?

There was silence around me when I entered the foyer. I stood there, not knowing where to go first. Should I meet Grecia first or Logan!? William said Logan is in the middle of a business meeting, so I don't want to disturb him. But still, he called me here to meet him right, well to be exact, he asked William to bring me. Ugh...I will just see Grecia first.

I first walked towards the kitchen, hoping Grecia would be there. True to my instincts, I saw Grecia sitting on the barstool, drinking something greenish from the glass. I also notice two other people - one is Rebecca, Grecia's home health nurse, and the second lady who was washing the dishes is someone I haven't met before. Grecia's face scrunched up into disgust as she drank up the entire glass.

"That bad?" I chuckled as I walked towards her. Grecia's head snapped towards me before her face brightened up. I noticed the big gauze that swathed her forehead stitches were replaced by a strip bandage.

"Karolia!" she said cheerily before she grimaced. "Don't ask," she said, referring to the drink. "Remind me why I'm drinking this and why Rebecca is always behind me, annoying me with these foods." Grecia rolled her eyes and I laughed heartily. Rebecca's lips also curled up, but she tried to keep a straight face.

"You need to take up proper medications and foods to heal your body," I say seriously and she made a face that made me chuckle. I took a seat beside her.

"So, who is she?" I asked Grecia about the new lady who looked to be in her early twenties and also she looks Asian.

"She is Daniella, the housemaid Logan assigned," Grecia said before she leaned forward and whispered, "It's only for temporary...you know how I don't like appointing any maids permanently." I nod my head in understanding. Grecia has once said to me how Charles was the only butler they appointed permanently. The other servants who clean the mansion and trim the garden only come twice a week.

"Oh hi, Daniella. I'm Karolia" I waved at her. She smiled back, nodding her head.

"Karolia is Logan's girlfriend," Grecia announced and I blushed slightly. Oh, how I'm being delusional about Logan being done with me. The girl who is responsible for making him almost parent-less. But I should stay optimistic, hoping he actually called me here to talk things out between us and we can go back to being normal.

"Speaking of Logan, where is he?" I asked Grecia.

"He's in his home office conference room, holding some meetings with his business mates."

"But he usually holds these meetings at his actual office right?" She nods her head.

"He usually does. But nowadays he doesn't go much to the office, as I'm in this condition, or so he says." Grecia again rolls her eyes. I nodded my head in understanding.

"Also I'm happy you decided to stay here for a few days." Grecia smiled but I frowned slightly. Staying here?

"What?" I was confused. Grecia's eyebrows scrunched up in confusion.

"Logan informed you'll be staying here as you want to look after me and spend time with me, at least that's what he said." I noticed the confused expression on her face turn into a bit of disappointment when she eyes my reaction. I shake my head, chuckling awkwardly.

"Oh NO, I'm p-planning to stay. Sorry, I just heard it wrong." I lied. I smiled when Grecia's face brightened up.

"Great! Your presence here is necessary, for me as well as for Logan" she smiled, placing her hand on top of mine. I nod my head again, my heart slowly breaking. I'm happy to stay here, but the fact that Logan didn't tell me about this decision is hurting me as well as angering me. I was hurt to know he wanted me here not for him but Grecia. She wanted my presence not him. Although I'm not mad about the decision it didn't sit well with me how he took this decision for me. No matter what situation we're in, Logan knows very well how I hate when someone decides things for me. I should talk to him.

"I'll go upstairs now. Do you need any other help?" I asked Grecia.

"If you can help me finish this tasteless food, then, please. Or else you're good to go." Grecia said. I laughed at her playfulness. Grecia sometimes acts like a child and it's very cute to see. I leaned forward to kiss her cheeks before getting up from my seat. "Naah, I'm good. Maybe Rebecca can help." I wink, making both of them chuckle. I then left the kitchen, a smile still on my face. But the smile soon disappeared from my face when I saw a guard bringing my suitcase from the foyer.

He saw me standing at the bottom of the stair and nodded his head at me. "Miss Kingston. Where should I keep the suitcase?" He asked.

"Give me, I'll take it from here," I reply, extending my hand. But the guard shakes his head.

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Miss. This is my job and I'm afraid Mr. Watson wouldn't appreciate it," he said, silently pleading to agree with him, or else he might lose his job.

"Alright. You can keep it in the guest room, the third one down the hallway." I say to him. Logan and I still needed to talk, until then I think it's better I stay in the guest room. He nodded his head in gratitude before he ascended the stairs, with my bag. Shaking my head, I also followed him upstairs. But instead of going to the guest room where I will be staying, I decided to check Logan's room, just in case, he is there to take rest or something. But to my dismay, there was no one in the room and the bed was made perfectly. I pout slightly before turning around, deciding to meet him once I take a much-needed nap to make up for my lost sleep yesterday night. Did Logan also not get much sleep last night because of our fight or is it just me?

With my eyes on the carpeted floor, I didn't notice the person in front of me. I slammed into a chest, making me stumble backward. I let out an oomph, pain emitting from my forehead due to the collision with the hard chest.

"I'm so sorry. Are you hurt?" I heard someone asking in a very thick Italian accent before I looked up to meet a man in a well fitted black suit with a bow tie. His blonde hair was gelled back into perfection and had a beard as well. I noticed his eyes were hazel and he had a button nose.

"Are you alright, Miss?" he asked in concern. I nod my head, still rubbing my forehead.

"I'm so sorry. I was in a hurry." the Italian guy, I believe from his accent, reasoned.

"Don't be. I should have been aware as well." I smiled awkwardly. From his attire, I presume he's one of Logan's business partners who came to attend the meeting.

"I'm Elijah Romano." he introduced, extending his hand.

"Karolia," he smiled before he frowned when he noticed I wasn't the one who said my name. I looked behind Elijah to see Logan coming, no more like charging, towards us. His face displayed slight anger and something else which I believe is possessiveness. It's hard to read an expression from this man who had a stone-cold face most of the time. Elijah also turned around hearing the deep voice.

"What're you doing here?" Logan asked Elijah in a cold tone. Logan was wearing a black suit and black trousers that fitted him perfectly and defined all his edges. The attire made him look ten times hotter, as always.

"Oh, I was searching for the office," Elijah chuckled. "This house is confusing," he added. "That's when I met this pretty girl. Is she your sister?" Elijah asked cheerily. My mouth curled up at his statement even though I was shocked by his boldness to call me pretty in front of Logan.

I noticed Logan's stiff shoulders before he gritted out angrily. "No, she's my girlfriend."

Elijah's face clearly showed surprise as well as disappointment. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Logan then turned around to face me before he grabbed my neck and bent down slightly to press a small kiss on my lips. I was caught off guard and surprised but I didn't like the kiss even one bit. Mostly because through this kiss, Logan was claiming me as his possession to Elijah and it's definitely not because he wished to kiss me or anything. If it was the latter then I would know because that is not at all the way he kisses me when he really wants to.

Logan immediately pulled back and turned around to face a dumbstruck Elijah. "Fourth room after you take the first turn across the hallway. The office" Logan said to me. He nods his head before he politely walks away.

"You didn't have to do that," I say to him. He turned around with raised eyebrows but didn't reply. His eyes scanned my face thoroughly and he didn't even try to hide it. When I couldn't stand the intensity of his gaze I looked away and cleared my throat.

"We need to talk," I say to him with my serious face.

"I'm busy." He took a moment to answer it.

I scoffed. "Logan, you can't do this. First, you stormed out of my apartment without saying anything, and then now you brought me here, without even asking for my permission. Do you have any idea how many calls and messages I left for you? Did you even bother to reply to me?" I asked him in a hurt tone. Logan's jaw clenched and his lips were pressed tightly.

"Go to your room," he instructs. I narrow my eyes at his authoritative tone. Do I look like a freaking pet dog to obey all his orders!? I hate it when he does this.

"What if I don't wish to?" I retorted. Logan balled his fists.

"Karolia, my business mates are waiting for me to resume the meeting. I don't want to create a scene here."

"Oh, as if we have solved all our previous problems immediately" I roll my eyes. I'm angry at him. Without even solving our issue, he's jumping into another action. It's annoying. I want to talk things out and solve everything between us but he's not giving me an ear. I know he may regret meeting me or even worse he is already done with me at this point. But I need him to tell me that to my face, at least then I could stop holding on to this unnecessary hope.

"F*** this," he said and walked away, leaving me dumbstruck. My eyes welled with tears of sadness and frustration. But I didn't let them roll down my cheeks, instead swallowed it down. I take a deep breath, finally coming to a conclusion. Maybe what he needs right now is space. Space from me. I'm ready to give him that. But it might be difficult now that we are again living under the same roof.

All I wish is for Logan to come around at least before I breakdown before all my hopes disappear into thin air.

********

Hours later, it was finally dinner time. Grecia insisted that we all have dinner together in the dining room. Logan first opposed this idea saying he has a lot of work to do that surely tells me he's trying to avoid me. But Grecia was persistent and Logan finally had to give up.

Daniella had made classic steak along with roasted potatoes and peas. Grecia was sitting at the head of the table and Logan and I was sitting opposite beside her, facing each other. Rebecca was sitting next to me and then Daniella since Grecia insisted everyone eat together. The food for the guards will be given earlier.

There was no conversation between us as everyone ate their food in peaceful silence, except for occasionally asking each other to pass the salt and pepper. I would discreetly glance at Logan at times and I know he also does the same. You know the feeling we get when someone is staring at us, yeah that's what I was feeling during the whole time.

After our main course, Daniella collected all our plates and went to clean up while Rebecca went to get ready with the tests and medicines that are to be administered to Grecia before her sleep. The three of us, Grecia, me and Logan were sipping our drinks, light conversations flowed between us. Mostly it was about my winter vacation in the University that started yesterday before my finals and some other random stuff. Also, Logan and I haven't spoken to each other since morning which is making this situation more awkward to us. But thankfully, Grecia is oblivious to these things.

"So, Karolia" Grecia started. "Why are you staying in the guest room?" I froze at the question.

"Uh…" I was racking my brain to come up with an excuse. Logan was sipping on his drink, scrolling through his phone. But I know he's listening from the way his upper body stiffened from his slouching posture. His body also leaned forward a bit, just a tiny bit. Blame it on me who studies all these minute details about him.

"You don't have to worry that I wouldn't appreciate it if in case that's what you were thinking. Honestly, I don't mind, you both are grown-ups now." Grecia said seriously. I stayed silent, not knowing what to say. I mean what can I say!?

Sorry Grecia, your son and I are not on good terms right now. So we're avoiding each other. Yeah No.

"Uh Grecia, that…"

"No more excuses to fool me. You'll be staying in his room. Tomorrow I'll ask Daniella to shift your things. Alright." All I could do was nod my head. I looked at Logan through my eyelashes. His jaw was clenched with his eyes on the table. I felt a pang of pain in my heart. He doesn't appreciate it.

Rebecca came with the medical equipment to check up on Grecia. I decided to leave the place as I have a weird fear of these syringes and seeing them brings knots in my stomach. Also, I can go to sleep before Logan arrives, so that I don't have to face him after this. It hurts me to see us in this state of the relationship. But the more I thought about the situation, the more I convinced myself it's for the betterment for everyone. Now that Logan doesn't bother to talk to me, I realized it will be easier for me to execute the plan with Oliver. The fewer lies spoken, the less is the heartbreaks.

Speaking of Oliver, he hasn't picked up my call since noon and I fear the worst. He told me he will call me once he finds a clue to take down the Boss. But every passing day, it's making me restless.

After taking a quick shower, I pulled loose pajamas onto my body before climbing into Logan's bed. Logan is still downstairs, helping Grecia. Even though my body feels tired, my eyes didn't. It was wide open, staring into space.

Minutes later, I heard the sound of the door opening before I heard footsteps. I quickly shut my eyes, pretending to sleep. There was silence for a second before I heard him walking towards the washroom and closing the door.

I kept my eyes closed even when he came out of his quick shower. Then I heard his footsteps walking towards me before I felt him standing beside the bed, watching me sleep. My heart was pounding in my chest and I thought any moment I would feel his fingertips caressing my face. But it didn't happen as his footsteps faded away before I felt the bed dip beside me. I was facing the wall, making it impossible for me to see him. Is he asleep yet? Or is he staring at me from behind? I swallowed heavily, my throat closing in. This is just painful. If it was any other situation, I would have forced him to spill his thoughts. But now I can't, no I won't. Because I fear for his response.

I squeeze my teary eyes shut, tightly gripping the necklace hanging around my neck that he gifted.

Oh, Log, what is happening to us?

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