His Beautiful Addiction

Tiana watched the iron gates open on their own accord; this was her second time of being here, but it still felt new, maybe because this time, it was day. Earlier, she got a bouquet for grandma and medicinal tea bags for grandpa, Nicklaus watched her hold the gifts on her laps but he didn't say a word.

He never bought anything for his grandparents; he had not even thought about it, but she just did without even caring about the hatred she had for him.

As the car drove into the compound, her heart slammed against her chest. These two weeks would be hell for her, she knew it.

Nicklaus stepped out and held out his hand for her to come out; she placed her hand on his indifferently and stepped out of the car; her face up with a frown. The guards took out the gifts from the car and their luggage from the trunk as they waited for Nicklaus' command.

As Tiana stepped out of the car, Nicklaus gaze remained on her for a few seconds, suddenly, he pulled her close to him, such that her face was just a few inches away from his; Tiana gulped in shock, her eyes wide.

Nicklaus raised his hand and shifted some strands of hair away from her face, his gaze locked on hers;

''I don't think we would need that frown on your face from now onwards. '' He said, still gazing into her eyes as though searching her inner thoughts;

Tiana was surprised by his sudden behavior; they haven't even gone inside yet and she was already feeling repulsed.

''You can let me go now. '' She whispered curtly with a small smile on her chin; Nicklaus's hands weren't eager to leave her just yet. He liked the feeling of her body against his. Just when Tiana could not take it any longer, she heard someone call from the front pouch.

''Nicklaus? ''

When Nicklaus heard the call, he raised his eyes to the person and Tiana used the opportunity to free herself.

''You came… '' Douglas walked towards them, an unbelieving expression on his face. His gaze shifted briefly to Tiana, at the same time, Nicklaus slid his hand around her waist, pulling her close to him.

''Yes, Uncle, why wouldn't I come, it's grandpa's birthday. ''

He replied curtly;

''Beautiful, let's go in, shall we? ''

He turned to Tiana and spoke lovingly as though they had been couples for years.

Tiana's ears stood erect at his statement;

Beau.. beau what?!!

Her face flushed red, but she knew better than to make Nicklaus' Uncle know that everything was just a pretense; raising her eyes briefly to Douglas, she nodded slightly and followed Nicklaus into the house, the guards walking behind them with their luggage.

Tiana needed a private space to breathe, but that was not coming anytime soon because as soon as they entered the house, they met the over-joyous grandma.

''Nicklaus! Tiana! Come on in! '' Grandma walked to them with her face beaming with smiles;

''Take their luggage to their room, quickly!''

She ordered the maids, who were standing by the side, and they took the luggage from the guards.

''Grandma, it's so nice to see you. '' Tiana exclaimed as grandma pulled her for a quick hug.

''it's good to see you too, you're prettier than the last time I saw you, it seems my grandson is really treating you well!''

''I think he does, grandma, I got something for you. '' Tiana turned around and spotted the guard holding the gifts and she took the bouquet and the tea bags from him.

''Is it for me? Tiana, this is so sweet of you! '' grandma exclaimed as she smelt the flowers.

''I don't know if you'll like it… ''

''Oh, I love it. ''

Grandma smiled, she was beginning to like Tiana. Unlike many women she had come across; Tiana carried an innocent aura, devoid of all forms of hate and cunningness; a woman like that was hard to find.

The house was finally full. Everyone returned the day before and doubted that Nicklaus would come; Douglas and Michelle had concluded that he would never come because he didn't want to expose his fake girlfriend, but now they were here, she imagined the shock that would be on their faces.

''Brother, it's nice to see you. '' Richard, who was sitting on the couch; walked to Nicklaus and greeted, a warm smile on his face. His eyes swept past Tiana and as though he realized something, he turned to her again, his gaze remained on her face for a while; Nicklaus naturally didn't want to reply, but when he saw that Richard was gazing intently at Tiana, he spoke.

''Nice to see you too '' Richard jerked out of his trance when he heard Nicklaus' voice and he nodded briefly. He didn't expect him to reply, he never did, but he didn't think much of it though.

''Grandma, mom says I should go pick her from the saloon; I'll be stepping out for a moment. ''

''Alright, drive safe. ''

Richards's gaze turned to Tiana again before he walked out through the door.

Tiana was puzzled by his stare, but she didn't think much of it.

For screaming out loud, there are other women! Why is everyone suddenly interested in Tiana!

Nicklaus cursed in his head but he did well not to show his displeasure; he felt like covering her face with a piece of cloth to prevent any man from seeing her. Richard should do well to know his boundaries because he won't even think twice to deal with him if he comes after Tiana.

Richard had not given him a cause for concern, but he was still the son of his Uncle Douglas, so he was as deadly.

''Your Aunt Elizabeth stepped out for a moment with her husband; I think they'll be back before dusk. Diana has a movie shoot tonight, I don't think she'll be coming back today and… ''

Grandma wanted to continue, but she quickly stopped; there was no need telling Nicklaus about Michelle and Douglas, he probably wouldn't want to know.

''So, go up and freshen up then come down for dinner and I had almost everything changed in your room because of Tiana; I wanted to welcome her home properly.''

She concluded with a smile.