Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 94

Ria's POV:

The events of the previous evening replayed in my mind like a broken record. I tried to convince myself it was just a stupid coincidence that Nikolai had shown up right outside my flat where Jack was supposed to pick me up for our third date. Nikolai hadn't known where I lived for years, not since everything had gone down at Ivy University. Layla had never breathed a word about me to anyone, especially not to Nikolai. I'd made it clear to Layla and my sisters, , why I had broken up with Nik back in senior year. It had nothing to do with feelings and everything to do with Vlad's threats. Vlad had made it perfectly clear that if I didn't comply, Nik's life would be in danger.

Layla and I had been very open about what happened, especially during our last year at Oxford. The danger Vlad posed was something we both took seriously. Layla and my sisters knew the truth and, out of respect for that, they'd never told Nikolai where I was or what I was doing. The last thing anyone wanted was for Nikolai to track me down and disrupt the life I had fought so hard to build away from his toxic shadow.

I shook off the anxiety that had clung to me since the incident and focused on the task at hand. I had rescheduled my date with Jack-understandably so, given my state of mind from last night. I couldn't very well go on a date when every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was Nikolai's cold, unfeeling gaze.

Now, I was walking the charming streets of Oxford, a part of the city I'd come to love. The buildings, the quaint cafes, the cobblestone streets-it all felt so comforting. Today, I was meeting with a real estate agent to discuss the building Layla and I had our eyes set on for our clinic. Layla and Jamal couldn't make it because they were off to go wedding cake tasting, which sounded like a lot of fun, but I was glad to have some quiet time to focus on the clinic.

I approached the local Starbucks, where the agent had suggested we meet. The building we were interested in was a beautiful old structure with a lot of potential. It was perfect for what Layla and I envisioned for our therapy clinic. I had been going through the numbers, plans, and possibilities for days, and now it was time to see how things would unfold in person.

As I walked, I noticed the small details of Oxford-the flower boxes hanging from the windows, the gentle chatter of people enjoying their day, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the cafes. It was a lovely day, and despite my earlier troubles, I was determined to focus on something positive.

I entered Starbucks, the familiar hum of conversations and the comforting smell of coffee immediately enveloping me. I scanned the room for the real estate agent, hoping I wouldn't be too late. The agent had suggested we meet near the back of the café, where it was quieter and more private. He told me he'd sit in the back in a white shirt and black trousers, so I'd recognize him.

My heart was still a little heavy from last night's events, but as I approached the back of the café, I pushed those thoughts aside. I had to stay focused on the task at hand. Layla and I had worked too hard to let anything-or anyone-distract us from our dream of opening our own clinic.

When I stepped into the Starbucks, I scanned the room for the real estate agent. The place was bustling with the usual afternoon crowd, but I quickly spotted a tall man sitting at a table in the back, just as he had described. His broad shoulders were visible even from behind, and his white shirt clung to his back, revealing his tan, strong arms. I felt a twinge of relief, thinking this was going to be a routine meeting about the building.

But as I got closer, the world seemed to slow down. I noticed the familiar profile, the sharp jawline, light blonde hair, and the way he held himself with that unnervingly calm, controlled demeanor.

It was Nikolai. My stomach sank, and an involuntary groan escaped my lips. Just as I was about to turn and walk out, I felt a firm grip on my arm. Nikolai's voice cut through the noise of the café. "Sit down, Victoria."