Bravo 🤍

Twenty-Six

Nikki smiles at Théo as he enters her office. "Théo, what's up?"

He sighs, taking a seat in front of her with a frown. "Nikki, we need to talk..."

"Okay..." She shuts her computer softly as she stares at him apprehensively. "What's the matter?"

"Your employment here is contingent on your work visa." She nods her agreement as he sighs. "You forgot to renew your visa. I'm sorry, Nikki. But you can't work here without a visa. Once you get it resorted, you can come back... but we can't have you working here until you do."

She groans, resting her head on her hands on the desk. "Oh no, it completely slipped my mind. I just moved a few months ago, and I must have misplaced the renewal notice. What do I do?"

"I don't really know that much about it. Talk to a lawyer. But I think you'll have to go back to the US until you get it sorted." He stands up with a sigh. "I'm really sorry, Nikki. I wish there were more I could do." She only nods as he hesitates before leaving her office.

***

Lucas watches with François as Nikki enters the apartment, slamming the door as she does. She doesn't say anything, kicking off her shoes before approaching them on the couch, crawling into Lucas's lap. He wraps his arms around her tightly, holding her against his chest. "What is it, doll? Why aren't you at work?"

"I essentially got fired." She sniffles, tears beginning to streak her cheeks as him and François look at her confused.

"What?! Why?"

She pulls back to look between them. "Apparently, I forgot to renew my work visa. What do I do, François?"

"Oh, sweetie. I'll have to look at your paperwork. You'll probably have to go back to the US and re-apply."

"Can't I stay here, and do it?"

He sighs, reaching toward her to grab her hand. "I'm sorry, sweetie, it would actually be better if you go back to the US and re-apply. If you overstay your visa, they can permanently ban you from getting a new one."

She frowns, looking back at Lucas as he rests his head against hers. "I don't want to go back."

"It'll be okay, doll. We'll work it out. François will help." He sighs, bringing his hands to her cheeks, kissing her softly as François gets up to walk away. "I'll be in an out of the US over the next few months anyways. You can stay in New York and re-apply, and we'll figure it out, okay?"

"But... I can't leave you."

"It is only temporary, doll. Don't fret. Unless you want to get married."

François spits out his drink behind them, coughing and clearing his throat as they both turn to look at him. He holds his hand up to them until he regains his composure. "You would still have to renew your visa every year for four years until you could apply for French citizenship. Doesn't really solve anything short term."

Lucas sighs, shrugging. "Well, there you have it."

Nikki scoffs, standing up from the couch as François watches them. "As if I want to get married simply to stay in the country. I want to marry you because we want to get married. I want a real proposal and a real wedding, not whatever that just was."

Lucas laughs, following her into the kitchen, caging her in against the counter. "You will have all that. I'm sorry. Okay?" He smirks as she frowns, looking away from him at the wall. "Don't pout." He squeezes her sides, dipping down to nip at her neck as she giggles.

"Fine!" She wraps her arms around his neck, resting her head against his chest. "We'll figure it out."

***