Chapter 8 NIKOLAI HAS FOUND LOVE!

LIORA'S POV:

I made my way downstairs, searching for something to eat. I’m a junk food enthusiast, but that doesn’t mean I can’t cook. The things you do for love...

When I was with Leonard, I remember cooking for him every single day. I’d wake up early to make breakfast, then lunch, and finally dinner. Those were the days when love seemed to wrap itself around me, blinding me to everything else but right now, all I feel for him is hatred.

As I walked into the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon greeted me. There, I saw a beautiful woman in an oversized shirt, busy making breakfast. My presence seemed to catch her attention, and she turned toward me with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Liora," she greeted warmly, her eyes sparkling with friendliness.

"Morning," I replied, feeling a bit hesitant about my original plan to scavenge for snacks.

"Confused? My name is Audrey. I’ve been waiting a long time to meet you. Finally, you’re here in the flesh. Trust me, your brother has said so many things about you," she said, her smile never wavering.

"I hope they’re all good things?" I smiled, a touch of suspicion creeping into my voice at what Nikolai could have uttered about me.

"All cute things, trust me," she chuckled, a light, musical sound that made me feel at ease.

"I made breakfast for you," she continued, dishing out a third plate with a flourish.

"Tasty Bacons are my favorite, for breakfast" I remarked, watching her pour syrup over the golden, fluffy stack.

"Like I said, Nikolai has told me a lot about you," she winked, adding a playful touch to her words.

"Good morning, ladies," Nikolai greeted as he walked into the kitchen, his presence filling the room.

"Morning, babe," The lady replied cheerfully, looking at him with unmistakable affection.

"Hmm, babe," I whispered to myself, amused.

"How was your night?" he asked, leaning in to kiss her, completely ignoring me for a moment.

From the look of things, they had a long night. And she’s wearing his dress...

"I guess you’ve finally met the famous Liora," Nikolai said, glancing at me with a mix of pride and amusement.

"Yes, I did. She’s so cute and pretty," Audrey said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Aww, she’s nice, I thought to myself.

"Liora, meet my girlfriend, Audrey Graham," Nikolai introduced, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement, but I masked it, hiding my surprise behind a calm facade.

"Okay, let me take your breakfast to the dining area," Audrey said, picking up two plates and leaving. I could sense a bit of shyness in her, unlike the other women I’ve seen my brother with. It was endearing.

As soon as she left, I reached for the third plate, knowing it was mine. The Bacon looked delicious, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

"Say what’s on your mind, my dearest little sister," Nikolai said, walking closer, seeking my approval.

"She’s tall, beautiful, and seems nice," I listed my observations, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"And?" he prompted, urging me to go on.

"She called you ‘babe’?" I said quickly, smiling at the oddity of it.

"Yes, am I not worthy of being called ‘babe’?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"No, it’s not that. It’s just... this is the first time you’ve introduced a lady as ‘your girlfriend’," I rephrased, emphasizing the rarity of the situation.

"All the ladies I’ve seen you with had no label," I said, laughing at the memory of his numerous flings.

"Trust me, she’s different and intelligent, unlike my numerous acquaintances," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

"Guess what?" I whispered, leaning in conspiratorially.

"What?" he asked eagerly, his curiosity piqued.

"I like her too," I whispered back, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

"Sorry to interrupt the sibling moment, but the food is getting cold," Audrey said, laughing as she re-entered the kitchen.

"Yes, sorry about that. I held him back," I said, smiling at Audrey, feeling a warmth towards her that was unexpected.

"Aren’t you joining us?" she asked, looking at me hopefully.

"Are you sure I won’t be interrupting your moment?" I asked, glancing between her and Nikolai.

"Trust me, we don’t plan on doing anything at the dining table," Nikolai said mischievously, laughing as he playfully patted his chest.

I think my brother is in love and seems happier.

I was heading towards the dinning area when my phone beeped.

On checking, a painful reminder of my predicament set in. A message from Leonard saying, " I'm giving you forty-eight hours to submit all your designs or you kiss your lifetime savings goodbye".