A Beautiful Lie

Part Thirty- three

Why didn't you tell me you two are brothers?" Nicole asked as she watched Eric intently. They were in the cafeteria drinking some coffee.

An hour after Nicole arrived, she hurriedly went to Ethan's room and checked his condition. She was devastated to see how vulnerable he looked, but she was relieved to see he was recovering. The doctor said that he has not gained any consciousness yet and that sets her to panic. However, they informed her that it was usual but just to make sure they would run another test to identify any indications of coma.

Nicole was jittery to hear the news, but she could not thank Eric enough for being her life support. When her limbs started to shake, he readily aided her to sit and soothe her. During this whole ordeal, Eric was extraordinary and grateful to have him.

She also went to the precinct and formally reported what happened, the interviews and questions exhausted her, especially since she had relieved the trauma she went through. She was glad that it was finally done, and the police would take care of it from then on. Further investigation will be conducted against Christopher Smith to see his involvement.

While Ethan was still under observation Eric and Nicole decided to talk and distract their minds a bit. She sips another coffee while she waits for his reply.

"I honestly don't know that you knew each other..." He answered back. "Now that I recall, it was my ignorance that betrayed me. You led me to the garden that night because you wanted to get away with Ethan." He narrated, much more talking to himself.

Nicole choked. "I am so sorry about that Eric. It was not my intention to use you as a scapegoat or something. I just really needed to get away and when I saw you, I grabbed you unintentionally." She explained.

Eric smiled. "No need to apologize you made me happy that night." He stated calmly. "Anyway, how did you two meets?" he asked curiously.

Nicole smiled. "Now that is interesting..." She began to narrate how Ethan and she met and how even from the beginning their fate had already been intertwined. She also shared the deal that their parents started and how it messes everything up.

She laughed at the memories they had in the Caribbean. She recalled the time spent on that beautiful island and how she thought that it was the end of their story until their paths crossed again.

Eric listened to her intently and the more details he knew the more his heart sank deeper. He did not realize that he would fall in love with this girl and even though his heart was breaking into pieces he couldn't tell her to stop.

Even before he met her, there was never a chance that she would see him as a man. Even then, her heart already belongs to his brother.

He smiled sadly; however, Nicole was oblivious. When she was done talking, Eric was momentarily stunned when Nicole touched his hands and smiled.

"Thank you for saving my life. I would not be here if not for you." she genuinely said.

He smirked. "Anything for my sister-in-law..." He jokingly answered. They laughed together loudly. Their first true laugh since the whole charade.

The next succeeding days passed, and Ethan's condition had not changed. It was as if he went to a deep sleep and never wanted to wake up.

Nicole insisted on staying and watching over Ethan, which gave Eric a chance to go home and grab some stuff.

Kate also visited Ethan in the hospital and Nicole was relieved to see a familiar face.

"How are you coming up?" Kate asked concern was evident on her face.

"I don't know Kate... It has been days now and Ethan has not moved a muscle. The doctor says to give him time, but I am scared. What if he won't wake up? What if he won't return to me?" Despair resonates in her voice.