The CEO's Bride

Jude barged into Nicholas's house, his face flushed with anger and disbelief. "What the hell, man? What were you thinking? You slept with Charlotte? Of all people?"

Nicholas, his demeanor calm and collected, rose from his chair and poured Jude a glass of wine.

"Sit down, Jude. There's more to it than that." He handed Jude the glass, then sank onto the couch next to him.

Jude took the wine, his hand shaking slightly as he brought the glass to his lips, his anger simmering just below the surface.

Nicholas, his expression unreadable, took a seat next to him. "I know you're upset, Jude. But hear me out."

Jude's eyes narrowed, his jaw set in a hard line. "I'm listening," he growled.

Nicholas leaned back, his gaze drifting towards the ceiling. "It wasn't supposed to happen. I went to my home after work and found Charlotte waiting for me. She... initiated things."

Nicholas spoke slowly, his words measured and controlled. "I didn't plan on sleeping with her, Jude. I tried to stop it. But..." He trailed off, his eyes locking with Jude's.

Jude let out a low snort of disbelief. "But what? But you couldn't resist the temptation? You think that's an excuse? "You're an adult, Nicholas. You're supposed to have control over your impulses."

Nicholas shook his head, his hands clenched into fists. "You don't understand, Jude."

Jude's shoulders slumped, his posture radiating frustration and disappointment. "I do understand, Nick. I'm your best friend, remember? I've seen what Charlotte has done to you in the past. I know how manipulative she can be. That's why you need to stay away from her. She's nothing but trouble."

Nicholas scrubbed a hand over his face, his exhaustion showing through. "You're right, Jude. I know you're right. But it's not that simple."

"I can't explain it, Jude," Nicholas said, his voice rising with frustration. "There's something about her, something that keeps pulling me in. I know it's dangerous. I know she's trouble. But when she's near, when she looks at me... it's like I can't think straight."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know this is going to end badly. But I can't seem to stop it."

Jude leaned forward, placing his wine glass on the coffee table.

"I thought she was out of the country!" Jude exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Last I heard, Charlotte was working on some project in Europe. What the hell is she doing back? And completely naked on your bed, no less?"

Nicholas let out a deep sigh. "Yeah, I was surprised too. Apparently, she decided to come back and didn't bother to let anyone know. Just showed up in my bedroom without a stitch of clothing." He shook his head, the memory still fresh in his mind.

"She really knows how to make an entrance, doesn't she?" Jude muttered, his lips curling into a wry grin. He leaned back against the sofa, his brow furrowing as he considered the situation.

Nicholas was silent for a long moment, his fingers tapping restlessly on the arm of the couch

"Any word from Miranda?" Jude asked, his voice low and concerned. "You haven't heard from her , have you?"

Nicholas shook his head, his gaze distant. "No, nothing." He sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging. "I'm starting to lose hope that she'll ever reach out."

Jude placed a comforting hand on Nicholas's shoulder, his voice gentle and reassuring.

"Hey, don't give up hope just yet. I can feel it in my bones that she's going to reach out soon. ."Nicholas let out an exasperated sigh, rolling his eyes at Jude's words. "Please, Jude. Your 'feelings' in your bones aren't exactly scientific evidence that Miranda's gonna reach out."

Jude shrugged, unperturbed by Nicholas's cynicism. "Hey, you never know. And besides, Might as well believe in a little hope, right?"

Just as the words left Jude's mouth, Nicholas's phone chirped to life, the sound echoing in the silent room. His eyebrows shot up as he glanced down at the caller ID, which simply read "Unknown Number."

"Who the hell's calling you?" Jude asked, his curiosity piqued.

Nicholas shrugged, shushing Jude as he brought the phone to his ear. "Hello? Who's this?"

The voice on the other end was soft, hesitant, almost like it didn't know if it had the right number.

"Hello? Is this Mr. Nicholas?" the voice said, a tinge of uncertainty coloring her words.

Nicholas's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the voice. It was Miranda.

"Miranda?" he said, his voice cracking slightly. "Is that really you?"

"Yes, it's me," she replied, her voice growing more confident with every word.