BIT

Chapter 9

Rebecca held her breath as Harvey suddenly bent down and looked at her from such a close distance that their lips almost touched. Their eyes locked silently until suddenly,

“She isn’t comfortable with that, so leave before I really call the NYPD,” Nicholas said, pulling Harvey away from Rebecca.

Harvey adjusted his tie, gave Rebecca a deep look, then turned and left the apartment.

“Are you okay?” Nicholas asked gently.

Rebecca didn’t answer. She just stared at the dining table blankly, still too shocked by Harvey’s sudden appearance. She suddenly felt very desolate, realizing that Harvey truly didn’t believe she had miscarried back then.

“I want to move to LA immediately.” Rebecca stated firmly.

Nicholas stared in shock. “Okay, but not right now, right?”

“Now, I mean in the next two or three days. I can find a studio apartment online, but I might need a bit more of your help to get there…”

Nicholas restrained himself from smiling at Rebecca’s words. He cleared his throat, “I already told you I would go with you to LA. I might need some time to adjust the branch offices here and there, so I’ll be flying back and forth,” he said casually, as if it was no burden at all.

“Thanks, Nic. Um, I think I need to lie down for a bit,” Rebecca said, suddenly feeling dizzy.

‘Sure, I’ll take you there!”

“No, I can-”

“Ssh, as long as I’m by your side, don’t do anything alone. Ask for help; it’s perfectly normal,” Nicholas said, pushing Rebecca’s wheelchair towards the bedroom.

Rebecca nodded, grateful that she had someone to rely on during her lowest moments. “Nic,” she called after Nic helped her lie down on the bed.

“Yes?”

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“I really want to leave New York soon. Can you arrange it for me? I’ll transfer the costs to you,” Rebecca asked, looking at Nicholas pleadingly.

Nicholas nodded. “Don’t worry, when you wake up, everything will be taken care of. Now close your eyes and sleep, you’ll feel better.” He raised his hand to stroke Rebecca’s head, and the atmosphere became awkward instantly.

Rebecca cleared her throat. “Thanks,” she said, hurriedly closing her eyes. The last thing she wanted was to get involved with another man; she wanted to focus on her healing. She knew revenge was unnecessary, but she had an overwhelming desire to prove to Harvey that she had indeed been pregnant with his baby and that on that fateful morning, she had been the victim of Alicia’s crime. Harvey had to know.

The next day,

“What time is the flight?” Rebecca asked, her hands busy spreading peanut butter on

toast.

“In three hours. Are you sure you’ve found a place? You know, you can stay at my apartment in LA for a while,” Nicholas said, still hoping Rebecca would agree to his suggestion.

Rebecca smiled slightly. “I want to learn to be independent. This wheelchair is no hindrance at all. Besides, Nic, seriously, you should reconsider your plan to move to LA I mean-”

“We’re not discussing that again, okay? I’m moving to LA, and that’s my final decision. I’m going to the office for a bit and will be back in an hour. Will you be okay?”

Rebecca nodded, feeling strange because their interaction was truly like a couple living together.

“Great! See you soon!” Nicholas exclaimed, bending down to kiss Rebecca’s head, but Rebecca stared at him in surprise. Nicholas chuckled, “Sorry, I got carried away, haha!”

Rebecca just grimaced, not knowing whether to be angry or laugh.

That afternoon, they flew to LA. Despite her body and soul aching, Rebecca hoped that LA would embrace her and piece back together her shattered self. But suddenly, she felt anxious. What if things didn’t go as planned?

“Hey, all good?” As if reading her mind, Nicholas turned to her, looking at her with

concern.

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“Yeah,” Rebecca replied, forcing a smile, unable to hide her anxiety. “This will make you feel better,” Nicholas said, grabbing Rebecca’s hand and holding it tight. “You have me.”

Rebecca knew she should be elated that Nicholas cared so much for her, but her heart said otherwise. Perhaps it was because she and Nicholas had only recently reconnected. or because her heart was closed off to other men?

They landed safely in LA six and a half hours later. “You’ll stay at my apartment tonight. and move to your new place tomorrow, okay? Nicholas said, pulling his suitcase as Rebecca insisted on wheeling herself without help.

“Nic, l’appreciate your kindness, but I really want to spend some time alone for now. I and haven’t really given myself a chance to grieve. That pregnancy meant a lot to me, –“Rebecca stopped her wheelchair.

Nicholas nodded. “Okay, okay. Take all the time you need and come back stronger. I’ll always support you, you know that, right?” he said, extending his hand to stroke Rebecca’s head, causing people around them to smile as they watched.

Thirty minutes from LAX, they arrived at Rebecca’s new, still very empty apartment, -with only one bed left by the previous tenant.

“We need to shop; you don’t have anything,” Nicholas remarked, looking around the studio apartment.

“Nic, this process of living independently is part of my healing, so please let me do everything myself. Besides, this apartment is very wheelchair–friendly,” Rebecca argued, not wanting her life to depend on Nicholas. Or maybe she just didn’t want to validate Harvey’s accusation that she had a special relationship with Nicholas?

‘Everything is always about Harvey… she muttered silently.

Nicholas looked disappointed but tried to smile. “Okay! Should we order food for dinner?”

“Nic, I just ate an hour before the plane landed. Um, I know this sounds annoying, but I really want to be alone,” Rebecca said, nervously twisting her cold fingers.

Nicholas took a deep breath, crouched in front of Rebecca’s wheelchair, and took both her hands. “Becky, I know you’re very hurt. Of course, that pregnancy meant a lot to you, but I feel like this is all about Harvey, right? If you let this feeling eat you up, you’ll keep being disappointed. I mean, look-” He released Rebecca’s hands and took his

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Chapter 9

phone out of his pocket, scrolling through the screen.

“Look! While you’re busy letting your wound fester, Harvey and Alicia have confidently appeared in public even though your divorce is still in process. Don’t let Harvey’s name linger in your head, Becky, and forget your revenge plans. Move on…

Rebecca took Nicholas’s phone with trembling hands and felt a pain in her chest as she

saw the photo.

*****