ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 103

" Hello , Father. "

Nicholas was staring out the window in his large spacious corner office at Volkouv Enterprises , feeling an odd sense of loneliness and almost despair building within himself. Emotions that he wasn't used to and that he didn't understand. He put it down to the fact he was burying his nephew today. It was not going to be a big open production. Just a very private and quiet funeral at a small Catholic church nearby with a discreet burial afterward. He didn't want to attract any attention especially with the other funeral today, Eric Fletcher's. It was bad enough The Reign was running regular anti him and Roman editorials every day. He probably should have Duncan and Associates draft and send out a cease and desist to Reese Malden and Rebel but probably not as well. He couldn't completely fault the husband for his campaign against him. Not really. If he had discovered the same details about the killer of Jenessa he would do the same thing really.  Actually he would do far worse. He would set out to destroy the culprits he deemed responsible. And, was Reese Malden lying about him ? No. Not really. He sighed deeply before turning around. Then he blinked his pensive green eyes in amazed wonder at the sight of his middle born son Maxim standing before him in a simply cut black suit.

" Max ! What are you doing here? I assumed you and the family were moving here next month. Is everything alright, son ? "

Max stepped forward. He was his always quiet and very careful child. The sensitive and intellectual one really. More like Nigel than Alexi. His green eyes examined his father's face with great care as he said in his very heavily British accented voice," It's just me right now. Natasha is back home with the boys. I know you said it was not necessary my being here for the funeral because it would not be a big event but Natasha and I both thought I should come. " He came closer to his father and touched him on his shoulder. " For you. I don't know Nigel well and he is in hospital anyway. And , Alexi.... well , we all know he is too self involved to be truly helpful. I wanted to be here for you. You were devastated at Jenessa's funeral and now..... How are you, Father? "

Nicholas smiled faintly. His son who resembled him so much physically but was really too much like his mother Irena. He hadn't realized until now how much he missed him. " I am fine. I thank you for coming. It will be as you said a small event. I think that is appropriate considering the.... circumstances of his passing. I don't think there will be many in attendance. "

Max was quiet for several seconds before speaking once more. " I never liked him. Neither did Alexi. Most was jealousy on our parts because you considered him to be a son. Like Nigel. Only... Nigel is your son. But you did love him. It's alright to love him, Father. It's alright to mourn him. "

Nicholas wanted to laugh. " Is it? And , did I really love him ? I'm not certain I did. I took him in because he was my sister's child. Your lovely sweet aunt. I tried my best with him but it was never good enough. I gave him everything I gave you and Alexi. That I'm trying to give Nigel. I love the three of you but I don't know if I truly did love Roman. "

Max said softly," You did your best, Father. "

Nicholas smiled in a strained way. " Did I ? "

Then his door flew open and in strode Matilda Swan in a perfectly tailored black cocktail suit and designer high heels, her blonde hair pulled up in an elegant French twist. She came over to Nicholas for a kiss on both cheeks and a warm hug. " Hello, Nicholas, darling, I know you said it was not necessary me coming but I couldn't allow you to go through this awful day alone. "

Max stood back and watched the unknown woman embracing his father in such a familiar manner. And, he wondered.