Burning Passion

CHAPTER 115: THE DOOR OF THE PAST OPENS

* * *

"Did you find out about my past?" He's eager to know since his family. If he did not find his sketch pad in Nikki's care, he would not discover that Nikki is part of his past. Now, the door of the past is opening for them both. He will take all the opportunity to uncover everything, even if it was painful or hurt him and Nikki. He wants to become whole when the day comes, he will face Nikki and confess everything.

"It was dad who told me the truth, that it was Nikki who was the girl from that incident. President Shang, your father, requested to hide yours and Jeremy's identity. Madam Shang did everything to cover all the news. It was brother Rudolf who did that; same thing to the news with yours and Min Xi's scandal in hotel incident."

"Also, you are like dying at that time. So, your family prepares themselves. However, they did not give up yet but sought the help of brother Shun's Medical Research Facility. There is one thing though the Shang's have been supporting The Voice Foundation, Madam Shang requested mom to look after Nikki. But we did not watch Nikki because of the generous amount she provided to the Foundation. Even without the amount, we would take care of her like how we help other people that are strangers to us. Nikki's parents are wonderful people, and they are part of our colorful, youthful days. We can't ignore what happens to her father," Matt added.

Theo cannot believe everything he heard. All this time, he's family protecting him. Also, it touched him how Nina showed kindness toward Nikki. Their lives have become entangled because of an encounter in the past. Meeting once again is fate as what Matt mentions a while back.

"I think it's better not to tell Nikki everything yet," Matt went on. "Her father's death becomes a big crisis for them, and she might blame herself for the cause of her father's death."

"What do you mean, Matt?"

"Uncle Seth tried to seek justice for what happened to Nikki ten years ago. Nikki is not the first victim. Other families approached uncle Seth, and he helped them by cooperating with the case to solve. However, that day when they filed the case and set to start the trial, Uncle Seth was murdered by them."

"Wait, Matt. What happened to us ten years ago, are the same people murder Nikki's father, is what you were saying?"

"Yes. These are the evidence we got. The girl you and Jeremy with that night is Nikki, and it pointed to other murders."

"Nikki learns about this?"

"Yes. Brother Shun told her already, so she can prepare once the case is open and news all over the TV and social media."

"Then it was the reason Nikki feels down. It worried Mama Lucy because Nikki acted strangely. But it looked like she hadn't told Mama Lucy yet, Nikki was planning to go to Remy Town in the next few days."

"What? She should not!"

"Could it be possible that they would still harm her?"

"Brandon Hale is in the country. It's better to keep Nikki inside the city. You should tell Aunt Lucy— no, she will wonder why. We can't tell her yet, but Nikki has to decide about that matter. We should find an excuse that Nikki must not go to Remy Town, nor to step in Hanford City."

"Matt…"

"Hm? You have a plan?"

"Don't tell me, Brandon Hale, is one of that gang who almost killed me ten years ago?"

* * *

A few hours later.

Nikki has to calm down and even finish having a lunch break. Even if her mind is lazy to eat, she has not to skip a meal when she is pregnant.

"Hello!"

Greetings from a man. Despite his age, he appears well-built and handsome, wearing a brown leather jacket from the usual coat and ties who are coming to this hotel. To scan his entire appearance, everything he wore is from known brands. He doesn't look just an ordinary person, but even intimidating to other guests, especially female ones.

"Good afternoon! May I help you?" Nikki asked the guest.

"I called for a room reservation this morning," said the guy with a smile on his face.

"Kindly, give me your name, sir?" asked Nikki, browsing the computer screen in front of her.

"Kevin..."

Nikki waited for the guy to give his last name. She found five guests booked in the hotel with the first name Kevin.

"It's Kevin Hale," the man replied.

Something is ringing in her head, but she must be confused with something, mixing up from the news she learned today. She tried not to think about the past, but it disturbs her a lot of now. Nikki focuses on her job, shrugs off her emotion. She looked up at their new guest, and she confirmed the room reservation and prepared the papers. "Please sign it here, Mr. Hale."

"Kevin... You need not be formal with me, Nikki." the guy said to her,

If she doesn't wear a nameplate, she would wonder where the guy knows her name. She did not reply a word but smiled to maintain a welcoming atmosphere to their guests.

"How are you? It's been so long already."

She looked up at the man. Why does he talk to her like he knew her in person?

"I'm sorry, sir, but did we meet before?"

Kevin chuckled. "Ah, you've forgotten. Hmm. How many years since then? 12 years?"

Something is ringing her head, but she was not in the mood to talk about stuff from the past other than her father's death, plus Theo's statement broke her heart. But she politely smiles.

"I wished I could remember, but I recall nothing. I'm sorry, Mr. Hale."

"Ah, right! I saw you in an article, the reason I remember you. I thought you were a model? It surprised me to see you at the front desk of this hotel. Kevin Hale widened his smile. "I was lucky to have a glimpse of your beauty. You were already cute back then. But look at you! You bloom this beautiful."

Hm, what a generic act. She won't buy this lame bluff. "No. I'm just an employee, sir."

"I told you, Kevin is fine. Anyway, that's a wonder. Is it your boyfriend doesn't agree with the idea?"

The guy keeps talking to her like he does know a lot about her. It confused Nikki rather than surprised. "You are right, Mr. Kevin. My boyfriend doesn't like that I work as a model. Besides, it does not interest me. Here is your receipt and key card. Please enjoy your stay!" She smiled and bowed at Kevin. She hurried the process so that this guy would disappear in front of her. His presence only irritates her, but she has to remain polite and cheerful.

But another thing she is uncomfortable with. Someone is glaring at the front desk.

'What is his problem? Why does he act like I should not talk to another guy when he is just using me to free from Min Xi?' Nikki mumbles to her head.

"See you around, Nikki." Kevin pushes a meaningful smile on his mouth before he leaves the desk and heads to the elevator.

"Boss, the guy in the picture." Neil, Kevin's right hand, whispered to his boss.

"What picture?"

"The article where Miss Nikki in it and the Chinese guy with green eyes."

"What about him?"

"He was in the lobby, glaring at us."

"What?" Kevin halted in front of the lift. Casually, his eyes traveled to the entire hotel lobby and paused at the man Neil describes as a Chinese but has green eyes. Neil is right. The guy is glaring at them. Kevin smirks. "What is his name?"

"Theo Shang is what the article mentioned, boss."

"I see. He must be Garry Shang's nephew. Speaking of that old man, has he arrived already?" asked Kevin after they stepped inside the elevator.

Neil presses the button for 15th-floor where the room they will stay in days before he answers. "Yes, boss. He's already waiting for us."

"Good.." Kevin Hale smirked.