Page 88 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

"s we get home, I'm grateful Isabel isn't back. I rang the babysitter to come to stay with Octavia.

I head to Isabel's room to drop ox the letter I wrote. I cry a little in there, knowing I won't be seeing her for a long time.

Xhe babysitter arrives, and I thank her for showing up on such short notice. I hug Octavia one last time, and I e8it their home.

"lthough it hurts, it is the best thing to do.

It is for their safety.

Chapter Twenty Isabel

I feel so good today. Spending time with Mina alone without Octavia or Nick is very special to me. Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter and boyfriend, but it has been a long time since just Mina and I hung out. She has been out of Tennessee frequently with this new promotion, so I rarely get to spend time with my best friend. I needed a timeout, especially after the whole stalker incident yesterday. Who would have thought that I would ever be a victim of a stalker?

We had a casual date at the coAee house and saw a movie. We both enjoyed our girls' day. - highlight for me was watching Mina try to hit on several men. It's pitiful yet entertaining. I hope she falls in love with someone who knows her worth soon.

I'd have loved to spend more time with Mina, but Octavia's sitter called. She claimed she had to leave early because of a family emer" gency, which was weird because Nick was supposed to be with Oc" tavia. I immediately phoned Nick, but he wouldn't pick up. I Hgured maybe he was called to the station.

I rushed home to relieve the babysitter.

”xey, Susan, I'm so sorry I'm late,” I say to the sitter as soon as I walk into my house.

”No problem,F she says hurriedly as she walks down the sidewalk.

-s usual, I immediately rush inside to check on Octavia, and I am welcomed with her eEcited smile and a warm hug.

Y-TXD WITx MB XR'S 18OTxX8 7V!

How fast they grow!

I say to myself as I recall days when her hands couldn't wrap around my waist when she hugged me Hercely with her tiny hands.

I am immediately jolted to reality, remembering why I had to rush home.

”Where is Nick? Did he mention where he was going?” I ask Octavia as we both sit down on the couch.

”I don't know,” she shrugs as she responds. She seems very interested in the cartoon she's watching on Tz.

”Octavia?” I call for her attention.

”xe said he had to go do something,” she suddenly pops. ”Mommy, look; Nick gave me this bracelet;” she says happily, showing oA Nick's bracelet that was always on his wrist. The word ”forever” is inscribed on the bracelet.

I try to process all the information and why Nick would suddenly leave with no eEplanation and leave one of his most priPed possessions with Octavia.

I make my way to the bedroom and take oA my coat. The plan is to drop my things and call Nick to try and understand why he had to leave in such a rush. I take out my phone and immediately redial Nick's line.

It rings, but he does not pick up: I try again for the second and third time, and he still does not answer the call. On the fourth try, I suddenly hear a tone followed by an automated voice.

”The number you are trying to call isn't available. Llease leave a message or try again.”

Yrustrated from my unsuccessful attempts to reach him, I try for the Hfth time, leaving a voice messageU ”xey, Nick, how are you? I have been trying to reach you: please return my call as soon as possible.

-nd hey; Octavia showed me the bracelet you gave her: it's an adorable 7VV xX*XN 1*9MX

gesture, and she has been so happy about it. Thanks a lot. I am really worried, though: please call me immediately. I love you;” I sign as I end the recording.

000

It is almost nine at night, and I haven't heard back from Nick. I tried to call 8onny and -dams but couldn't make out their words. They were in a very loud location: maybe Nick was with them. 1ut Nick doesn't party like that.

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