Stand for Love Ch. 08

That brought both pain and joy at the same time. How can two emotions ever take control of his body like that, he thought, giving a gloomy sigh as tears began building in his eyes? He had to do something real quickly before he goes to insane.

Nicholas' memories were disturbed by a loud knock on the door. He almost jumped out of the bed but he gathered himself and hid the necklaces in his drawer. He quickly went to the mirror and checked that his face looked completely alright.

Then he slowly walked to the door, gripped the knob and slowly opened it. His heart began racing, sweat forming on his skin and his brain just froze when he saw Victoria, Noah, Emily, and Arianna at his door. He had no idea what they wanted but it couldn't be any good, could it?

"We would like to talk to you." Noah muttered, sounding so sad and depressed.

Without saying any word, Nicholas gave a gloomy sigh, opened the door widely and went back inside. He sat on the bed and watched as they all entered his room. Victoria and Noah sat by his side while Arianna and Emily grabbed some chairs.

They sat there looking at him without saying anything. That got him worried. There was no way those four would coincidentally come to his room. He knew something important was up. He took a deep breath, smiled faintly and asked them a question,

"What's up?"

Emily sighed before she started talking.

"We really have something important to tell you." She said, extending her hand. She held on to his hand and squeezed it tightly.

"I'm all ears,"

Nicholas said that but he couldn't help but worry about what exactly they wanted to tell him. His heart was racing and his skin was getting colder by the second. He really had a bad feeling about that particular meeting. But what could he do? He had no choice but listen to whatever it is that they had to tell him.

"Well...we...I..." Noah paused, taking a deep breath.

"Are you alright?" Nicholas couldn't help but get worried.

"I'm fine," Noah smiled sheepishly, tapping on his back. "It's just that...err..."

"You need to divorce Adrian." Arianna announced.

That thing left ringing in Nicholas' head. The only word he could hear was, 'divorce.'

No! What the fuck, Nicholas cursed. Why the hell did he feel like that after hearing about divorcing Adrian? His heart pounded painfully in his heart, his brain was out of control, thinking and imagining all kinds of things and his hands began shaking terribly. He quickly got them away from Emily and shoved them into his pocket.

He wondered why he had felt that way. Adrian had betrayed him after all. He was supposed to be jumping with joy that he'd be released from that boy's clutches. What else was still remaining when everything that had happened was a total lie?

"What?" Nicholas gasped. His voice was trembling. "But...well...I..."

"We know you love him," Emily sighed, putting her warm hand on his thigh. "But there is nothing that we can do. I used to love him but after finding out about his true intentions in your life I don't know if he can be trusted. Who knows why he is back in the house?"

Victoria looked at her sister and smiled, bringing her gaze to her son. For the first time in a long time her sister had agreed with her. As soon as Nicholas agrees then...it'll all be finished, she chuckled inwardly. There was nothing sweeter than seeing Adrian leaving the house.

"My sister is right," Victoria said, squeezing her son's shoulder. "The only way to protect all of us and the wealth from that shameless boy is to divorce from him. That shameless boy needs to leave this house as soon as possible."

Nicholas was hurt. He was deeply hurt but maybe they were right. That was what he needed to do to make sure that he released his poor heart from heartbreak. But why was it so painful when he thought about it?

"I think we should all..."

"Do you still love him?" Arianna asked, dropping her face to the floor.

Yes, Nicholas said in his heart. He had never loved anyone as much as he loved Adrian before. Divorcing from him was gonna rip his fucking heart out.

"No!" Nicholas mumbled, tears building in his eyes. He stifled them but he could still feel them. "I don't love him anymore."

"That's the spirit," Noah chuckled, bringing him closer for a hug. "So do you agree for this divorce to be proceeded?"

Nicholas quickly looked away as a tear dropped to his cheek. He removed his hand and slowly rubbed it. Once he agrees to that he knew that their marriage would be as good as dead. But what could he do?

"I know it hurts you," Emily sighed, squeezing his thigh. "But it is for your benefit and..."

"Did you see the way he came back in the house," Victoria said angrily, clenching her fists. "He had nothing to hide anymore. The way he talked to us was scary and oh," Victoria gasped, nodding her head in sad astonishment. "I wonder where he got the money to buy everything that he came with. Last I remembered, he left the house with nothing and he's back with a lot. Who knows whether he has been stealing from us?"

Victoria was hoping that was enough to ignite a fire. She wanted to make Nicholas angrier and more determined to divorce Adrian. She looked straight at him and noticed that his mood had changed to whatever he was feeling. She was just hoping that he got her point.

"Mother is right," Noah said, literally rubbing the back of Nicholas' head.

"Yes," Victoria said softly, rubbing her hands together. "And the way he spoke to us got me worried. At this point he can do anything to us so before he does it you..." She paused and then gulped. "...you know what is right to do. The choice is yours."

Nicholas got all the points his family were putting up for him. It was a fact that he was not ready to divorce Adrian but it was also a fact that Adrian was miraculously back with a big bag and looking radiant when he left with absolutely nothing.

As he was about to answer, the door opened and he raised his face. It was George standing in the door way looking as sad as ever. He'd never seen him look like that, ever. What has Adrian done to his family? Maybe the right thing to do is divorce him, Nicholas thought, eyeing his friend as he came closer.

"They are right," George lamented, dropping his eyes on the floor.

He couldn't raise his face. Not after being the one who had convinced Adrian to accept the marriage proposal. He felt he was just as guilty as Adrian himself. He had never felt such pain in his life. For the first, ever he had contributed to his best friend's pain and he felt he needed a punishment, any punishment.

"I'm sorry," George apologized, getting closer as a tear fell down his cheek. "I couldn't help but overhear the conversation you were having in this room.

For George who praised Adrian so much to act like that it was pretty clear he was deeply hurt. Everyone was telling him the same thing, Nicholas thought as a headache made him even more hurt. It was splitting, pumping in his head, his veins literally exploding. It was so painful.

"Please," George came near and touched Nicholas' hands.

He slowly sat on the bed and broke Nicholas' heart once he raised that once handsome face. His eyes were red but not from crying. Nicholas could tell that he had been thinking a lot. He was such a great friend, Nicholas thought, raising his hand to rub his tear.

"Divorce him," George muttered.

Nicholas didn't want to. Everyone kept telling him to but his heart was in contrast. It was telling him the same thing over and over again. His brain and heart were at war again, bringing him more pain and he almost screamed out in pain.

His breath became violent as his heart beat painfully, literally ripping out of his chest. His blood was painfully passing through his entire body. It was like his heart was torturing him by pumping poisonous blood in his system. His whole body shuddered, making him give out a low groan which he was sure no one heard.

"It's what's best for you, son." Victoria mumbled, rubbing his thigh.

"I think you are all right." Nicholas chuckled as pain and hatred took over. "He's done nothing but bring me pain and anguish, more pain than I ever thought existed."

Nicholas slowly rose from the bed and stood up. He took a few painful steps from everyone and stood with his back to them. His heart was still pounding and it was still painful. He knew what they were telling him was the truth. He'd fall in love someday with someone who'd love him back. It was now time to let go of Adrian and his troubles.

"I'll do it," Nicholas said softly, tears building in his eyes.

"What?" Victoria practically screamed, rising from the bed.

She was hyperventilating, her heart beating in excitement as shivers took over her body. That was really beautiful news coming from her son. Now Adrian would soon leave the house.

"You'll...divorce him?"

Nicholas sighed and reluctantly nodded his head, feeling the warm tears flood his face. It was really painful but it was also for the benefit of his heart.

"I'll divorce him!" He said softly.

Victoria gasped, tears of joy running down her cheeks. Hooray! There was no escape for Adrian now. It was time to pack and go...forever. Her son had finally done it; he'd accepted divorcing Adrian, paving a way for Jake. Victoria was one hundred percent sure that it was the end for those two.

Nicholas' tears kept flowing. The pain he was experiencing was unbearable. Why'd he have to suffer like this for love? Wasn't it enough that he'd lost his loving father and grandfather? Did he have to be used by someone he loved like that?

Nicholas felt a strong force take control of his body. Then he felt anger and hatred flowing in his body like water. Shaking in anger, he brought his hands to his face and furiously rubbed his tears. Then he dropped his hands, clenching his fists so hard, feeling his body shudder.

Now that he was ready to divorce Adrian he felt so much anger take control of his body. That anger was also a part of his vengeance. He wanted to hurt Adrian so much that no one would recognize him but then...just like a flash...the pain went away leaving him shaking in fear.

Why did that always happen, Adrian thought? Each time he thought of hurting Adrian something, an external force took all his anger and strength away. It was like it was trying to keep him away from Adrian even though he was dying to.

Nicholas quickly turned to see his mother right in front of him with tears in her eyes. He wanted to rub them off of her but he also didn't have the strength to hold and soothe someone else so he just watched her.

"I'll help you get it done with." Victoria said, rubbing her tears off. "I'll make sure that the boy doesn't bother us anymore. He'll be out of our lives soon."

"Thanks, mother." Nicholas gulped, his pain getting worse.

Victoria was trembling. She had no idea what to do with that joy which she felt. She went in closer, cupped her son's cheeks and then planted a hot kiss on his forehead. It was long, emotional, and beautiful and everything Victoria had dreamed of. The problem in their lives would be leaving their house next day. She was gonna surprise Nicholas by bringing the divorce papers in the next morning.

"Thanks," Nicholas groaned softly.

She smiled and left the room followed by everyone else except for George. Tears were at the verge of coming out. He smiled sheepishly as pain took over his body.

"I'm glad you've made this decision." George smiled. That was a really painful smile. George never smiled like that.

Nicholas nodded, brought his face closer to George. Then with a gulp he gripped George's neck and held him tightly. The hug was warm, cozy and beautiful. George felt himself getting weak from that hug but he remained strong for his best friend.

"I know," Nicholas whispered, a tear falling down his cheek. "Thanks for being here for me."

"What are friends for?"

"Thanks a lot."

"I know you want to let it out," George sighed, breathing in his best friend's aroma. "My shoulder is always here for you."

That was like a key for Nicholas. It was like a key had just opened a door for his tears to come out. He felt them slipping on his cheeks as his heart hurt badly. Then his skin felt cold, colder than before. His breaths became violent and his sobs became uncontrollable. Why did Adrian have to betray him the way he did?

"It's so painful," Nicholas cried, holding George's neck tighter. "I love him so much."

George's heart broke to a thousand pieces. This was the second time he'd seen Nicholas cry so much. It was affecting him and his duty was to make his friend feel better. He knew how to do that, just let him cry it out like the way he had done it at the beach three days ago.

"Just cry," George sobbed, patting on Nicholas' back. "But promise me you'll let everything go and start all over again,"

"I don't know," Nicholas cried. "I feel like I'm being tortured. I have never felt such a pain whole my life,"

George didn't have anything to say as he had tears in his eyes too. The appropriate thing to do was let him cry and probably help him do so. Crying was the only way George knew Nicholas would let everything go and live a happy, normal life.

George's tight hug was like heaven. Somehow he felt better but he couldn't stop crying. He held on tightly to George and cried, sobbing uncontrollably. He knew he was safe in George's arms and when he heard George sobbing...he cried, holding on tighter as he felt George's hands slowly rubbing his back.

"It's okay."

The two guys held each other, crying and sobbing.

****

Adrian opened the door to his room, getting his head out to check if anyone was in the hallway. He slowly got out and closed the door behind him. After staying in his room, arranging the clothes and thinking about his plans, he got hungry and he decided to go to the kitchen to grab a snack. He was not ready to cook anything for the night so a quick snack, whatever he'd find in the fridge would be nice.

Careful so as not to meet anyone while going down to the kitchen, Adrian slowly walked to the elevator. He pressed the elevator button and waited for it to open. Then his mind took him to his husband and what had happened a few hours ago.

He couldn't help but think about the whole event. It had been painful but not as painful as being framed for something he had absolutely no hand in. First he was gonna make sure Victoria pays then he was gonna reconcile with his husband after showing Victoria who really owns Nicholas.

He was suddenly interrupted by the elevator opening. He carefully entered the elevator and went downstairs. Once there he took quiet, short steps to the living room and he was able to breathe when he found out that no one was there. They probably had dinner and were already in their rooms.

That surely would give him enough time to search the kitchen for food.

Adrian quickly rushed to the kitchen. Finding no one in there he quickly went to the fridge.

"God, I'm starving," Adrian whispered as he gripped the fridge handle, quickly opening the fridge.

It was filled with almost every snack he could ever need. There was ice cream, cookies, nuts, fruits and other wonderful snacks. He knew cake wouldn't do him any good so he took cookies, some cup cakes and a large bottle of fruit juice.

That was gonna help him pass through the night. Having everything that he had to take he closed the fridge. He was about to take a glass when suddenly the door to the kitchen opened. To say he was surprised would be an understatement. He was overjoyed and his hormones were going bonkers.

He quickly put the food items on the table and went further to the door, enjoying the maid's eyes moving from side to side. It was the same maid who Victoria had paid to frame him. While, Adrian thought, folding his arms on his face as a wonderful, bright smile painted his face.

"Hey!" Adrian smiled, eyeing the maid. "I never thought I'd see you again."

He saw the maid shaking terribly and he gasped, touching his chest in total mocking astonishment.

"Don't tell me you're scared." Adrian gasped, touching his chest.

"No...sir," She stammered, dropping her gaze on the floor.

"What happened?" Adrian chuckled, getting closer to her. It was because of her that Nicholas got the idea that he had poisoned Victoria. "I thought you were confident the last time."

"I'm...I'm truly..."

"Well, I'm not," Adrian said, furiously dropping his hands. He went in closer and circled the maid. Poor thing was really scared of him. "So who paid you to frame me?"

The maid bowed in fear, dropping her left knee. "I told you I...I..."

"I don't wanna hear it," Adrian snapped, looking confidently and angrily at her. "You may try to convince me but..." He chirped, moving his left hand to her apron. "...it might interest you to know that I've found the one who had paid you." He adjusted the apron as he felt the maid shudder, her breath getting faster. "I just wanna know why you did it. Maybe I can show you some..."

"I'm sorry," The maid pulled away from him and ran out of the kitchen.

Adrian chuckled softly when he saw her running, making him wonder just how long she could run away from him. Together with Victoria and Jake he'll make sure that she confesses to her crimes. Geez! Those two really annoyed him a lot.

Nodding his head in frustration, Adrian quickly picked up his snacks from the table and headed for his room. From the time he got out of the elevator he had a feeling that someone was following him but he just chuckled when he realized who it was.

Ignoring to even look behind he entered his room and settled the food on a small table. Then he sat on the bed, pouring the juice in a large cup before...he heard the door opening. He didn't need to guess to know that Victoria and Jake had been the ones following him. Those two were really foolish whores.

"Welcome!" Adrian greeted, totally ignoring them. "I knew someone was following me and I wondered who it could be." He chuckled, getting up from the bed. "I should have guessed that it was you. Come to think of it," He took a few steps forward, standing firmly to block the two of them from getting any nearer. "To what do I owe this visit? Should I take it that you've realized your mistakes and came to apologize to...?"

"Never," Victoria hollered, gripping her hips firmly. "Why the hell would I do that? Actually it's contrary to that."

"Really," Adrian said confidently, rolling his eyes in disgust. "So you came to warn me instead, right?"

Victoria got pissed seeing Adrian. She quickly took her hand and got closer to him, slowly passing her hands through her hair. Somehow, doing that made her even fiercer. She was ready to interrogate the boy and ask him questions.

"Why did you come back?" Victoria bellowed. Her face frowned. Her voice was clearly harsh and deep. That voice could have scared Adrian but not...anymore.

"Why mother," Adrian chuckled teasingly, moving away from her. He went back to the bed and opened a packet of cookies.

Seeing that, Victoria got mad. The boy was trying to piss her off. She was talking and he was eating? And why the fuck would he call her mother, she cursed, feeling steam leaving her ears.

"Are you trying to act smart with us?" Jake asked angrily, pointing at Adrian.

Adrian looked at Jake and smiled. Surely, the guy was getting on his nerves but he couldn't do a thing because he was reserving it for later.

"No," Adrian said, putting a small cookie in his mouth. "Tasty!" He chuckled and looked at the two villains standing in front of him. "Anyway, you know that I'm back for my husband."

"He's not your husband..."

"Mom," Adrian gasped, slowly getting up from the bed. "When will you realize that Nicholas and I are still married? It's as simple as that. I mean I thought you were smart before putting up your plans. You should have filed for a divorce and I wouldn't have been here. Guess you don't hate me that much after all," Adrian smiled.