Chapter 6 Officially Became A Part Of The Moore Family

Nicole managed to keep her composure, but a flicker of surprise crossed her face. Concern threaded through her voice as she asked, "You're already out of the hospital? Are you sure you're alright?"

Analia's laughter was light, almost musical. "I heard Aidan's arranged bride was visiting today, so I thought had to hurry back. Honestly, it never crossed my mind it'd be you! You saved my life, and now you're joining the family? That's not luck-it's fate."

Off to the side, Lilah's hands curled into tense fists, her nails digging crescents into her palms. If this was fate, she wanted no part of it.

Analia's expression shifted as she suddenly remembered her earlier scheme to break this arranged marriage. She silently chastised herself, then turned to Nicole. "Has Aidan been treating you well? If he ever gives you grief, you come to me. I'll keep him in line."

Nicole hadn't expected this warmth. She'd been steeling herself for hostility, not kindness.

She gave a small shake of her head. "He's been... nice."

Analia visibly relaxed, her smile widening as she took in Nicole's serene poise and flawless complexion. "Nikki, I want you to feel like this is your home now."

Nicole gave a quiet nod. "Okay."

Turning to Lilah, Analia asked, "So, Lilah, where's Nikki staying tonight?"

The question landed like a blow. The gentle way Analia said Nicole's name sent a sharp pang through Lilah's chest.

She forced a brittle smile. "Ms. Wilson is staying in the guest room."

Analia's face darkened in an instant, her eyes flashing with disapproval. "The guest room? And what's with the 'Ms. Wilson' nonsense? She's Aidan's wife now. Call her Nicole."

A taut line formed along Lilah's jaw, but she pasted on another smile. "Of course. I understand."

"Good," Analia replied with a quick, dismissive huff. "Then move Nikki's things into Aidan's room. Let them sleep in the same bed like every other couple."

Lilah froze for a beat, teeth sinking into her lip as she hesitated. Eventually, she ventured, "You know how Aidan is. If we do this without letting him know, he won't like it."

Analia brushed the concern aside with a dismissive wave. "If Aidan has an issue, he can talk to me directly."

With the matter settled, Lilah turned on her heel and issued brisk orders to the butler.

Standing off to the side, Nicole shifted, clearly uneasy. Sharing a room with Aidan wasn't what she'd bargained for, especially like this. In a quiet voice, she started, "Madam, I..."

Analia cut her off with a lighthearted scoff, "Come on, you should be calling me Analia by now."

Taken aback, Nicole hesitated, lips pressed together before she managed a quiet, "Analia."

"That's better," Analia replied, her grin broadening, satisfaction written all over her face.

Nicole offered a gracious smile. "Let me go gather my things."

Analia gave her an approving nod. "That's smart. You've had a long day. Once everything's in place, go get some rest."

"Alright," Nicole replied softly.

Back in the guest room, she finally allowed herself to relax. Maybe, just maybe, she could make this work.

She had barely melted into the couch when her phone lit up, vibrating with an incoming video call.

Dropping onto the couch, Nicole answered.

Cloud Ortega's face filled the screen-late twenties, dark hair perfectly tousled, smirk already in place. He lounged back with the careless grace of someone who knew he looked good, stretching until his shirt rode up at the hem. His sharp eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, "So, how's life at the Moore place?"

Nicole's lips curled into a sly grin. "It's fine, aside from one resident blowhard who hasn't shut up all day."

Cloud took a slow drag, letting the smoke drift lazily past his sculpted features, drawing a few sideways glances from strangers.

He cocked an eyebrow and flashed a mischievous grin. "Want me to book a flight and silence them for you?"

Nicole's tone was breezy, as if none of it fazed her. "Not necessary. So? What's up-why the sudden call?"

Cloud steered clear of small talk, too wrapped up in his international business ventures.

His voice dropped, turning clipped and direct. "Someone's been sniffing around, launching investigations on you. My guess? It's tied to what happened five years ago."

Nicole paused, letting the silence stretch before answering, cold and unflappable, "They won't find anything. I made sure there's nothing to dig up."

Cloud wasn't convinced. "You certain? If something's coming your way, let me get ahead of it before it turns into a mess."

A flash of steel crossed Nicole's eyes. "It's alright. Oh-and any progress on tracking down the owner of that thumb ring?"