The clock ticked away in the same threatening yet sombre pace, standing high and armored with oakwood that suited the elegance of its position. It remained still, and silent but loud at the same time, seemingly appearing to fortune read on what was to come.
Nick hated the damn clock.
Always ticking, spreading its boredom or wisdom like Johnson would call it to resolve the argument.He deeply sighed and looked away.
"You know that you've tgot all the evidence you asked for. I don't understand what gold plated invitation you are waiting for now."
Nick rolled his eyes hearing what the other male had said.
""Shutup Mark" he replied.
Mark walked in, clad in a dress shirt tucked in his pressed pants. Nick wondered if his cousin had to go somewhere later.
"Formalities,,, Formalities "
Mark sighed, shaking his head with disapproval
"I'm your elder brother, at least respect me as a person you stupid"
Nick sighed hearing that and looked out of ther window where he could see the concrete and glass jungle swarmed with clouds.Mark plopped next to him on the couch and pulled a box out frim the bag he had brought.
"You know what? The day you finally decide on agreeing, that what I'm saying is the most sanest idea. Im opening this Reserved Celebratory Champagne that I brought from Paris "
He looked at Nick with excitement in his eyes.
"to celebrate your freedom, as a free man"
"I don't know how, i I'll be able to do that. I,, "
Nick sighed groaning into his fingers.
"Enlightenment will find you young one"
Mark rolled his eyes but smiled neverthelesly as he got up from his seat. Oh he was mad, MAD,, but Mark knew better than projecting his anger on the victim.
"Now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to put away this champagne so it will suit our tastes"
Mark turned on his heels and went back to the kitchen.
"Why my apartment though??"
Nick asked.
"Celebrations of this kind should be celebrated in the same place that you look upon as abad memory. Replace it with good memories."
Nick heard Mark speak from the kitchen.
Nick scoffed, wondering if the man in his house really was the man he knew. Mark really scared him sometimes. He would be all giggly and sunshine but if his mood would drop, which was rare infact. Nick would secretly have to pray that he wouldn't have to testify in the court.Nick knew that Mark was mad at him at the moment. He wouldn't blame him. Any friend who witnesses the emotional downfall of their friend because someone,,,,, fuels their anger.
Nick was snatched away from his thoughts when he felt gis phone vibrate. He unlocked his phone and swiped across to see a loads of unread texts.
"My Love 💕: I swear next time, we have to go to Italy together. There were so many fun things to do.
My Love 💕: I'm just upset you couldn't make it. I even talked to your stupid manager to let you have a break and fo allow you to come along with me but he had kicked me out that day, I'm still upset about that. Can you ask Johnson to apologize to me? He really hurt me and with all the people that were watching. I just couldn't believe that bitch had the audacity to do that to me.
Nick shut his eyes and looked away.
Exhaling deeply. He pursed his lips tightly as he quickly changed the name in the format and continued reading her texts.
"Zara: anyway. Let's not talk about him and ruin our time. Anyway I'm coming home today. So I was wondering if you could take me to the ' Elite Route' for a dinner date.
"Zara: It had opened last week and yesterday I heard that Oliver Arthur and his girlfriend dined there.
"Zara: I mean its Oliver Arthur, So I'm sure the setting and the food is gonna be awesome.
Zara: I would wear something sexy if you'd ask. What do you say?? Hmm???"
Nick scoffed and looked away with disbelief.
She really thinks he is clueless.
"What are you laughing for?? "
Mark piped up as he sat down next to the younger male.
"She,,, she thinks I'm clueless."
He laughed but he felt the numb pain in his heart. It wasn't as bad as last week. But it was still there.Nick tossed his phone to Mark who began reading their texts. Mark clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"This bitch"
Mark murmured. Nick looked at Mark with disapproval.
"What???? You can't stop me from being verbal when you damn well know that you've jumped in my boat"
Mark protested.
"Sorry it's just old habits clinging onto me. Call her what you want. I don't care anymore"
Nick shook his head ane leaned back into the couch. Mark smirked and handed his phone back.
"I'm not an expert but I can say you are finally ready to let go. Changing the cringey name you had kept for her in your contacts is a sign of progress."
Mark smiled.
"You keep cringey names too,"
Nick said closing his eyes.
"Yes, but for everyone unlike you. I kept you 'Nick Nick' with two hearts"
Mark laughed while the younger groaned.
"The girl I hooked up with in Malaysia thinks you are a girl and my love interest. "
"Oh,, come on Mark,,,,, shut up!"
Nick groaned. And laid still, trying to welcome sleep.
"Come on Nick, I'm trying to cheer you up" Mark groaned.
"I know, I,, I just dont feel cheered up cause I'm downright feeling depressed."
Nick replied.He heard Mark groan loudly mumbling something to himself. Nick thought Mark would leave him alone but oh boy,, he was wrong. Mark pulled him by his hands and trigged him over to make him stand straight and look into his eyes.
"You Are The Great Nick Sullivan, okay?? You are that motherfucker so you better act like it."
Mark instructed, his hands on Nick's shoulders.
"So what if your girlfriend was whoring around?? So what???".if there's anything I know. You ve got millions of fans who would kiss your feet if you would ask them to would stay loyal as fuck to you and here you are, trying to settle with something so low and cheap. "
"Humor me again Nick when was the last time Zara even considered your happiness?? And no, the text message saying that she would have taken you to Thailand is not a a part of the discussion."
Mark paused to see Nick fumbling for words.
"I,, I,,,"Nick sighed.
"See,,?? She doesn't even care about you man. Ever since you handed over your Black Card to her for whatever dumbass reason I don't want to know. She literally wilding off on your hard earned dreams just to rub it off on your face!"
Mark emphasized mercilessly.
Mark sighed as he looked at his cousin.
"Listen Nick,, I'm not gonna lie to you. If I were dating somebody like you, trust me I would have worshipped them instead of making them feel like shit. You deserve at least that much of happiness and trust me when I say. Zara isn't for you."
Mark scoffed.
"I'm damn sure she isn't for anybody and if she is.,, God help them. "
He snickered and Nick smiled a little.
"You deserve better Nick. And you won't find it in her "
Nick sighed exasperated.
"You're right. I need to get my game up""
Nick slapped his shoulders with exceeding happiness and excitement while Nick groaned.
"The world calls you a heartthrob and the devil of the Screen. You might as well show Zara the reality. That it is not her, you need but it is you she need and she is easily replaceable."
Mark grinned.Nick smiled. Feeling the confidence flow through him as be walked back to the couch, taking his phone in his hand.
"You've got some words there Mark"
Nick chuckled.
"Ahh, what can you say when I'm spending more time with Johnson these days. I swear the man's got a whole another level of intellect when it comes to words."
Mark replied as a matter of fact.Nick smiled.
"You've got any plans for tonight???"
Nick asked and mark looked at him with confused gaze.
"Don't. You have plans for tonight?."
Mark asked back.
"No, not really. I don't think I'll have any more plans set up from that side anymore."
Nick smiled as he looked at the caller ID that was ringing in his palm.Nick picked up the call and held it against his ear as he looked at Mark.
"Yes Zara.,,, yeah,,, I'm here. No, no,,, its nothing. I'm just a little busy and I have to go somewhere later. If it's possible can you come to my apartment in Dallas?? I've to talk to you about something. Okay,,, okay bye."
Nick cut the call with a small smile as Mark's eyes gleamed.
"I'm gonna go keep more ice "
Mark said as he rushed to the kitchen with a maniac laugh and a little bit of victory dance on the way.
Oh this was gonna be eventful. Nick thought.
◾◾◾
It was exactly 4pm when the doorbell rang and pain lurched in his heart, but Nick taked his best smile as he walked towards the door.Nick was damn good at faking smiles.He got away with the photoshoos, the interviews, the reporters, his grandfather,,,, and Zara.
He can do it again. For one last time with Zara.
The BVLGARI perfume hits his nose as soon as he opened the door and was met with a warm hug. Nick thought that it was ironic for the warmness form the hug when he was basically hugging a snake. But he smiled nevertheless.If this was going to be a show. Nick was gonna put his best into it. He was a challenger, and he would never quit the game.
"Hi baby"
She leaned in to kiss his lips but Nick moved his head away, leading Zara to kiss his cheeks instead. She kissed him, but then looked at him, a little dazed from what happened since nick would always let her kiss on his lips.But when Nick dragged her in with her wrist all ber doubts washed away.
"Its been so long since I came here. What are you doing at this apartment anyway?? "
Zara asked looking around.
"Ah,, I've to a recording and monitoring somewhere around and Johnson thought it would be better for me if I'm closer around the hood"
Nick explained.
"Besides i bought this apartment for myself. Is it wrong if i stay here?? "
Zara tilted her head as she looked at Nick trying to figure out what was going on his head.
"No"
She answered with a smile but it soon faltered as she saw Mark walking out of a room.
"Do you want something to drink??"
Nick asked looking at her.
"Um, can you get me some juice??"
She asked hopefully with a deceiving smile.
"Sure, mark, can you look over Zara for few minutes??"
Nick asked and the other male nodded as Nick left to the kitchen to prepare her drink.
"Ugh,, you" Zara snarled.
"Same,, I can't even imagine what's it like being you"
Mark groaned with disgust
"You look like a three year old molded cheese that isn't even cheese but basically shit painted yellow and white."
Mark fake gagged as he shokk his head to take his seat on the chair.Zara fumed gripping her white dress.
"You call yourself a fashion icon and have the audacity to disgrace Louis Vuitton's newest summer collection that i bought. Just like that. You are a shame to the fashion industry."
Mark folded his legs and crossed his fingers as he looked up to see Zara.
"Firstly, you bought that dress off Nick's money. Secondly, I feel bad for louis Vuitton fashion line to have wasted an entire collection on the most shittiest person on the earth."
Zara was outraged but she had to keep reminding herself that Nick was around and he could certainly not afford him knowing this side of her.
"I don't touch men that beg to be touched by other men. Infact the whole idea disgusts me so it's a no for me as well"
Zara commented with an evil smirk.This wasn't the first time he heard this. Oh he heard it multiple times coming from multiple people but he knew better than letting their words get to him.Mark smiled.
"I'm the B in the LGBT Zara. I'm saying that just in case if you had forgotten because of your premature brain."
He chuckled.
"Oh and when it comes to begging, we both know who files dentist- oh wait, my bad, Dick appointments for that"
Mark watched Zara with an amused grin as the colour from her face began draining.They both heard Nick's footsteps heading out of the kitchen but they didn't stop staring each other.Mark gave her a short smirk and mouthed "oh I know". Zara cleared her throat and looked away from his piercing gaze. She smiled at Nick who walked in with glass filled with freshly made orange juice. She thanked Nick as she sipped the juice and sat on the couch.
"So,, un,, how was your week???"
She asked ignoring Mark with all ber force.
"It was great, uhh,,I had practice then a photoshoot"
Nick shrugged.
"Oh and how long had Mark been here??"
She asked with a fake smile on her face.
"Oh, he came in just this moning."
Nick replied The silence filled in and Zara could figure something was wrong in the air. She got up from her seat.
"Baby I'd love to stay, but I've to go somewhere right now. We can see each other later tonight at' Elite Routes."
She turned around to leave.
"Wait Zara"
Nick called and sighed softly. Zara turned around to face him where he stood with his hand stretched.
"Ohh"
She smiled sheepishly and blushed a little.. Zara grazed her fingers over Nick's and the male nudged her hand away.
"My card. I need it"
Nick explained and Zara's face burst from embarrassment.
"Oh, right I'm sorry.".
She fished his card out from her hand bag and gave it back to him.
"Thank you for lending to me"
Nick nodded in approval as he slipped his Black card in his pockets.
"Zara,, stay ".
His tone a little different but it excited Zara nevertheless as she stood there instead of leaving right away.
"Mark can you get me the reserved Celebratory Champagne you bought from Paris??"
Nick looked at Mark, who nodded with excitement as he rushed to the kitchen.
Nick looked at Zara as he tinged her hair behind her ear"this calls for a celebration"He smiled.Mark came back iin quickly with the Champagne bottle and three flutes.
"May I do the Honors??"
Mark grinning and Nick nodded his head in approval.Mark popped open the bottle, internally squealing on witnessing the day he had prayed for. He poured the golden sparkly liquid in the three glasses and offered the couple.Zara gingerly held onto the base of the flute and looked at her boyfriend.
"To freedom "
Nick said looking at Mark and them smiling down at Zara.Mark joined in and the three clinked their glasses, Mark sipped the Champagne first,followed by Nick and Zara. Zara looked up at Nick.
"Baby,,, to freedom??"
She questioned with her eyebrows furrowed
"What are we cerebrating??"
Nick pulled his lips apart from the glass and looked at her. A fond smile on his lips.
"We are celebrating our official breakup"
Mark sipped his Champagne as he hummed with acknowledgement.
"Nick z?? What kind of nonsense joke is this????"
Her eyes wide.
"Oh, but it's not nonsense, or a joke"
Mark chimed in with a grin.
"What did tou tell him you lying shit??"
She snarled at the man.
"What I've been telling him from the beginning. Well he finally started seeing what I've been talking about, so, its about time you pack your bags"
Mark smirked.
"Mark???" Nick interrupted.
"Yeah??"
"Can you give us a moment??"
Nick asked looking at him.
"With pleasure"
Mark smiled raising his glass to Nick and walked into the kitchen.
"What is this about Nick??"
She asked, ther tone wavering.
"You tell me what this about. You Tell Me "
Nick repeated.
"Obviously Mark is lying. You how he,
"This isn't about Mark. You tell me what this is about. I want to hear it from you or do you want me tell you about it??"
Her silence caved in as she began crying infront of Nick.He couldn't believe how ridiculous Zara was at the moment.
"Is this about Derek??"
She asked, her voice small
"I,, I swear i didn't,,, do anything.He kissed ne,,, and,,,, and we w just kissed,, I,,,,,"
"You kissed my friend! YOU KISSED MY FRIEND!"
Nick snarled
"And,please no. Dont come here with your shit saying that ke kissed you because his boyfriend, was there and he watched it and he is already giving a hard time to Derk for not letting him murder you. "..
Zara's eyes widened.
"He is gay????"
. "Is that what you're worried about right now??"
Nick deadpanned.
"It isn't cheating. It was a just a kiss. You were ignoring me at that time and i was feeling lonely.".
She protested.
"Lo,, LONELY???"
NICK YELLED but then scoffed in disbelief
"Okay Zara, the what about your recent Dentist appointments??"
Nick asked.
What about them?? ".
She retorted.
"Your frequent visits??? Should I say the odd hours you chose to visit tour Dentist gor the Dentist appointment?? Or should i say your dick appointment???"
"Are you spying me??"
She yelled angrily.
"Oh so you're not disagreeing with the fact that you did have dick appointmens with your Dentist. Way to go Zara. You're officially a hoe."
Nick clapped humorlessly while mocking her.
"I've got better things to do tha spying on you, but do you want to know who told me?? Hmm?? Johnson. The same bitch that you wanted to apologize to you saw you making out with your dentist. He told it to me while hou were in Italy.. And honestly I could finally understand why he had kicked you out the other week."
Nick snickered.
"Why,, tell me, did he have perfect teeth Zara?? Did your 30 year old something,, Dentist look more ravishing to you??" Did he say that he would treat you better, or did he just whip out his junk infront of you?? What did he have that I didn't?? "
Nick was fuming now.
"And Italy, don't even talk about how beautiful Italy was when you weren't even in Italy""
Zara looked up with a horrified look on her face.
"Ask me how I know"
He snarled. ASK ME".
"Ho, How do you know??? "She stuttered.
"One of my Guitarist friend, Albert called me and he was terrified on the thought if it was okay letting me know that he saw my girlfriend,, he paused,," ex- girlfriend walk into a room next to his in Thailand. He told me, he stayed up the whole night cause he wasn't able to sleep due to all the multiple inappropriate sounds that resonated against his wall".
Nick stared into the Champagne in his glass.
"However I was still doubtful on what Albert said,, so I checked your transactions well mine considering you spent a whole lot of fortune from my black card. And it was easier to figure that you were infact in Thailand being escorted by two men.
Nick looked back up at Zara who was crying, her makeup all ruined.
"Please Nick,,, don't do this. We,, we've been together for 3-4years.,, please,,"
"Yes you're right".
Nick replied.
"We've been together for 3,4 years but I surely see a lot more clearer right now and I'm a hundred percent sure that I don't want go spend another day, let alone a year with year."
"You wasted 3years of my life Zara."
He sighed.
"Pack up from the mansion, I'm a little generous rightnow so I'm giving you a week. I'm taking that house back."..
"Nick no! You,, you can't do this,,,".
"I can"
He cut her off,
I can do whatever I want to do when you are leeching off my money ".
Zara stood there crying, but caters a deep anger boiling inside her chest.
"You are heartless! No one, will ever love you the way I did".
Zara shouted drawing Mark out of the kitchen.
"Exactly, that's the whole point. I dont want anybody loving me the way you did. Using me for money, hoeing around, nope."
Nick shrugged.
"If you throw me away. I'll tell the whole world about what we had. Your fans will leave you. The only thing that keeps you going forward will hate you"
She threatend.
"You ma'am,, you are a whole another context of psycho. Reason 1001 why you should be definitely be locked up"
Mark piped in standing next to Nick.
"Yeah about that Zara. You see Johnson is a smart man and he always focuses on all the possibilities of what I'd to become in the future. Remember when he made you sign a contract 3 years ago in my presence??""
She furrowed her brows remembering what exactly the contract was about.
"The contract was about the utmost confidentiality and secrecy of our relationship, and if, in any circumstancs you would tell it go the outside world without my permission, you'd be sued. And you should know, my company takes Lawsuits very seriously."
Nick explained rocking on his feet.
"Mmmhmm very very seriously"
Mark repeated.
"They could end your dad's business on trying to pay Nick, who knows, maybe you'd have go donate few of your organs.".
Mark shrugged, Zara backed away.
"I'll get back at you for this."
She threatened as she grabbed her bag from the table.
"Okay, that's it, I'm calling 921.where's my phone???"
Mark said looking around for his phone as Zara rushed out of apartment.the door slammed and silence caved in.
"Hey man you okay??"
The older male asked looking at Nick.
"I did it"
He whispered.
I finally got rid of her!"
He looked up and grinned at Mark.
"I fucking did it"
He yelled.
"So what's on your mind right now?? What do you wanna do?? Celebrate?? Go to club?? I can call a whole party for you if you wish."
Mark implied.
"Nah, I'm getting a tattoo"
Nick grinned
"Of her name??"
Mark asked horrified.
"Who?? Zara??? Are you fucking kidding me??? No!"
Nick retorted. she asked me to get her name on me. But I denied it. But now that she is gone. I'm gonna get my first tattoo "
"And what are you gonna tatto??".?
Mark asked.
"No idea, but I'll have it on me by the end of this week"
Nick shrugged.
"I'm a new man"
Nick added.
"No dumbass,, you're a free man"
Mark chuckled sipping his drink.
"Yeah,, I'm free, and I'm not gonna be caged anytime soon."
Nick said.
"I'm sure your soul partner is waiting for you somewhere".
Mark said
"Soul partner??? What a rubbish thing."
Nick said with a smug smile.
"No man, believe,,, Each one has a soul partner. One day their paths will joints at a point. Believe me Nick, I've a feeling that you're ginna meet your soul partner soon"
Mark chimmed. Nick avoided him
◾◾
"Ohh No! They're gonna fire me"
Bella sighed and slumped his head on the table.