Page 41 of Allure

“Niko, it’s so wonderful to have you here,” she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. “We’ve been looking forward to getting to know you better.”

Niko grinned, his eyes shining with appreciation. “Thank you, Jia. I’ve been excited about this dinner ever since Lore told me about your famous cooking.”

My father, Silas, stepped forward, his tall frame and strong presence a comforting sight. He placed a hand on Niko’s shoulder, a gesture of acceptance and respect.

“We’re so glad you could join us, Niko,” he said, his deep voice filled with sincerity. “We want you to feel at home here, like a true part of the family.”

Niko nodded, a look of relief and gratitude washing over his face. “Thank you, Silas. That means more to me than you know.”

As we made our way to the dining room, the conversation flowed easily. My parents asked Niko about his new job as a sports anchor, genuinely interested in his passion and accomplishments. They shared stories of their own unconventional path to love, how they had defied societal expectations to build a life together based on respect, trust, and unwavering support.

I watched as Niko’s shoulders relaxed, his laughter coming more freely as he listened to my parents’ tales. It was a side of him I usually saw when we were in private, a glimpse into the carefree, unburdened man he could be when surrounded by love and acceptance.

As we sat down to eat, my mother’s culinary masterpiece spread out before us, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of love and gratitude. The table was a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. My mother had prepared all of my favorites - Tom yum goong, pad thai, and massaman curry - each dish a testament to her skill and love.

Throughout the meal, my parents engaged Niko in conversation, asking about his hopes and dreams for the future. They listened intently, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. I could see the impact their support had on Niko, the way his eyes glistened with emotion as he realized that he had found not just a wife, but a family who embraced him wholly.

As the evening drew to a close, my parents hugged us both tightly, their love and acceptance enveloping us like a warm blanket. Niko’s smile was brighter than I had ever seen it. His eyes filled with a newfound sense of belonging.

On the drive home, Niko reached over and took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. “Thank you, Lore,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “For giving me this, for showing me what a real family can be.”

I smiled, my heart overflowing with love. “You deserve it, Niko. You deserve all the love and acceptance in the world. And I promise, I will always be here to remind you of that.”

As we settled into bed that night, wrapped in each other’s arms, I couldn’t help but pray that soon his relationship with his parents would heal. He needed them more than he was willing to voice aloud.

A FEW WEEKS LATER…

It had been a few weeks since Lore and I had stepped into our new beginnings full steam ahead. We had gotten so damn busy, we had to reschedule our celebratory dinner a few damn times. But, due to how busy we both were, neither of us was able to be too pissed.

Lore had to get her pieces together to be shipped to London for her big moment and I was learning the ropes of being a sports anchor. I thought it just consisted of talking sports like I used to with my brother and that was it. Man, this shit was something entirely different and challenging, which only made me like it more.

This was yet another thing that I would need to work to prove I was worthy of my spot. The first day was tough as fuck. I had never felt like I didn’t belong until that day. I knew it was because I hadn’t had much time on the job yet. Every anchor let me know it was all part of the process and that they made their fair share of mistakes too.

My phone rang throughout the car and my brother’s name popped up. I had been avoiding him and my family since catching him with a female in my house. Lore and I had gotten into quite a few arguments about me not addressing this problem with my family head on.

When we had dinner with her people, I just wished that I had the same thing with mine. At least it used to be that way before fame warped their minds, which was why Lore and her people were so refreshing to me. I glanced at the screen, allowing it to ring before finally answering.

“What’s up?” I answered.

The line was silent before the clearing of his throat came through.

“I-I didn’t expect you to answer,” he said.

“Well, would you like me to hang up and not answer the next time?” I asked, smartly.

“Come on, Niko. You know that’s not what I meant. I was calling to apologize and I mean apologize. I fucked up and I realized it the moment it happened. I don’t want to make an excuse because there are no excuses for the shit I pulled.”

He paused like he was trying to get his words together.

“Can I ask why you or this family show me little respect?” I asked.

“It’s not that we don’t respect you, Niko. I’m not gon’ sit on this phone and lie. I didn’t think you were serious about this whole wedding thing. Not to mention, I never imagined you leaving the league. This shit felt like a mid-life crisis and you’re young as hell. I can’t give a reason for your father or anyone else, but what I can do is tell you I’m in rehab; this drinking shit has gotten away from me. This is part of the steps I need to take to get better and I know you deserve my genuine apology. If you give me the chance to fix this shit, I won’t fuck it up this time.”

I pulled my truck over into the nearest parking lot. I couldn’t believe half of what I was hearing. I was beyond shocked because I didn’t notice the signs, so I felt just as fucked up as he was. I just thought this was the life of a bachelor enjoying the fruits of his labor. I never expected him to say he had a problem with drinking.

“I don’t know what to say. How did I miss that?” I asked.

Kole chuckled on the other end before answering.

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