Stole My Heart 💕

20 - The promise

The morning sunlight poured gently through Nick's window, casting a warm glow across his room. He stretched lazily, still caught in the aftershocks of yesterday's events. The weight of the situation with Jessica lingered in his mind, but nothing could prepare him for what was about to unfold. Nick had just grabbed his coffee and settled into his usual routine when a soft knock on his door broke the quiet.

When he opened it, he was taken aback to find Candice standing there, her face calm but her eyes betraying a trace of worry. She stepped into the room and, with a gentle voice, broke the silence.

"Nick, can I talk to you?"

Nick nodded, setting his mug down and gesturing for her to continue. She hesitated for a moment, her hands twisting nervously in front of her.

"I... I want to ask you not to report Jessica," she said, her voice soft, barely above a whisper.

Nick's eyebrows shot up, disbelief washing over him. "What? Candice, she tried to kill you!" His voice held an edge he couldn't hide.

"I know," she said, her voice steady but pained. "But she made a mistake, Nick. If we report her, it'll ruin her life. I don't want that on my conscience."

Nick's mind reeled. How could she forgive Jessica so easily? His heart still burned with anger at what Jessica had done, yet Candice was asking for mercy. Her kindness was undeniable, but it was a kindness that left him torn. She was willing to risk her own safety, to protect someone who didn't deserve it, and Nick couldn't let that happen.

Taking a deep breath, he met her gaze, firm but tender. "I'm sorry, baby doll, but I have to do what's right. Jessica's actions have consequences, and she needs to face them."

Candice's shoulders slumped slightly, but she nodded in quiet resignation. "I understand, Nick," she said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The strength and grace she showed, even in disagreement, took him by surprise.

Later that day, Nick made the difficult decision to report Jessica to the principal. The verdict came quickly—Jessica was expelled from college. A part of him felt a weight lift, knowing Candice would be safer. But another part of him couldn't shake the memory of her plea for forgiveness. Candice had a way of challenging his beliefs, making him see things through her compassionate eyes.

As the evening fell, the warm glow of the setting sun bathed the college parking lot, casting everything in golden hues. Candice stood beside him, her arms wrapped around herself as if warding off an invisible chill. She seemed distant, hesitant, unsure of what to say next.

"Nick," she began softly, breaking the quiet, her voice full of sincerity. "Thank you."

He turned to face her, raising an eyebrow in playful confusion. "For what?"

"For everything," she said, her tone genuine. "For standing by me, for protecting me."

Her words caught him off guard. Before he could respond, she spoke again, her voice shifting with a hint of guilt. "Nick... I'm sorry."

His frown deepened, confusion written across his face. "Sorry? For what?"

Her gaze dropped to the ground, and her words seemed to stumble out. "For making you angry yesterday. For... for asking you not to report Jessica. I shouldn't have put you in that position."

Her vulnerability struck him like a punch. She looked so small, so fragile, and the way she pouted slightly, like a child trying to make amends, softened the edges of his frustration. How could he stay mad at her when she looked so adorable?

He couldn't resist teasing her a little. "You did make me pretty mad," he said, his tone light.

Her eyes widened in panic, and she quickly scrambled to explain. "I didn't mean to, Nick! I was just... I thought..." Her voice trailed off, and Nick could see the first tears gathering in her eyes.