Chapter 398 Worries
He was adamant about not marrying Hayley.
Stefania shut up. She had had a lot to say, but now she couldn’t even say a word, so she looked to her husband for help.
Tobias frowned. “Why do you hate Hayley so much? At least give us a reason. Do you have someone you like? Or is it about something else?”
Stefania agreed. “Yes. You must have a reason, and don’t tell me it’s Gregory. I won’t accept that.”
Nicholas’ face fell, and his eyes were filled with impatience. If it weren’t because of the timing, he would have told his parents about his relationship with Tessa. However, it wasn’t the time yet. If he told them that, he knew they would attack Tessa. And so, he came up with an excuse. “I don’t like her. Is that enough?”
“You’ve never even tried getting along with her. Of course you don’t like her.” Stefania didn’t like this reason. “I say you should spend time with her. You’ll love her, I’m sure. Your father and I have been observing her, and she’s a really good lady.”
Nicholas’ patience finally ran out, and he said coldly, “I said I don’t like her. It’s late. I’ll get Andrew to arrange a driver for you guys. You should go home.” He sent them away despite their protests.
…
Tessa was in Vienna, and she didn’t know that Nicholas was being forced to marry again. Their contact had been infrequent lately, but she didn’t complain or disturb him. She knew he was busy and there were a lot of things he needed to handle, though she did miss him when she was alone at night.
Another month passed, and Hathaway finally confirmed the date of performance in Xerthania at the end of the month. She gathered everyone in the practice room to make arrangements. “Aside from the regular members, Tessa will be going with us as well.” She looked at Tessa lovingly. It had been a long time, and she knew Tessa must be missing her family.
Surprised, Tessa thanked her. “Thank you, Miss Hathaway.”
Hathaway smiled and talked about the other arrangements.
Tessa was looking forward to the day of her return. After she went back home and freshened herself up, she video-called Nicholas. She wanted to tell him about the good news and share the happiness, but before she could say anything, she was shocked by how lethargic Nicholas looked. “Nicholas, you don’t look too good.”
In the video, Nicholas looked awful. His face was filled with exhaustion, and his eyes were bloodshot, as if he hadn’t slept well for a while. “I’m fine. Just overwhelmed with work. And it’s raining a lot, so some old conditions are popping up. I’ll be fine in a bit.”
Nicholas was assuring her, but that still worried Tessa. She knew that his condition would keep him awake at night. “Did you ask for the doctor? Did he prescribe any painkillers?”
“Yes, and yes. Don’t worry.” Nicholas could see that she was worried, and he smiled at her.
Tessa knew he wouldn’t lie, and she felt more at ease. She knew it wasn’t the time to share her happiness, and she urged, “Well, you’d better take the meds and get some rest.”
Nicholas didn’t want to hang up so soon, but he nodded, lest she get worried.
Tessa was still worried even after they hung up. She was reminded of the meds Timothy used when it was raining. Maybe Nicholas can use them too. She then called her brother.
“It’s late, Tessa. Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”
