Burning Passion

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: SHE PRESUMES?

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Nikki searches on the internet; on how to wash a suit that was stained by coffee. She found some hacks video about easy steps to make them impossible and turn into a miracle disappearance. She studied the clothes. They were too big for her. Having a height of 5'4 feet, the long white sleeves could be her long dress.

Wait a minute. What is she doing? Nikki shook her head. 

Suddenly she felt embarrassed at this craziness she was doing. Nikki placed Theo's clothes on a wooden hanger and hanged at the clothesline at their apartment's small veranda. She secured it first before she headed out; it might fell on the floor after the wind blew it away.

Nikki is on her way to the hospital when her phone receives a message once again. She wants to ignore it, but then she opens her Instagram and blocked the account.

She can't believe that someone will make fun of her. Did she do something wrong to someone? She was sure that none.

Oh, shit!

Nikki realizes she has plans to get information if whoever this person is bothering her. Now, it's too late. She already blocked the user.

How stupid am I!

She scolds herself. But there is a reason for this; Theo Shang occupied her mind because of what happens this afternoon.

She is determined to report this to the police, whoever this person is pestering her. She honestly admitted that she would not treat respectfully wearing skimpy short pants and a tank top, which showed her navel and abdomen.

She was just confident wearing something like that as her apartment building was close to the store. But this experience gives her an idea, as well as learns that someone was stalking her.

'And if it is so, who might that be?'

Who's someone who lost his mind and is now trying to harass her? She can't think of any yet. But could it be possible that one of her suitors who she let down and rejected to be his girlfriend?

It seems there is a huge probability. Now she better be careful, and she should mention this with Chris soon. If her stalker followed her around, then maybe Chris could help her search this person around their neighborhood. Might there is someone suspicious enough. They could easily recognize a stranger in their neighbors as they almost know all the residents.

"Nikki?"

"Humph!" she gasps when someone lightly pats her shoulders. "Theo?"

It truly surprised her to see him once again: twice in the same day.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that. I was calling you at the parking lot, but you did not hear me."

"You are? Ah, I'm sorry. It occupied me with some thoughts, and I noticed nothing."

"You surely do," Theo widened his smile.

Nikki just realized that Theo was still wearing the clothes they bought a while ago. She is supposed to pay for it, but Theo firmly refuses and is kind to her instead.

"I'm glad I haven't carried any hot liquid right now." She intended to sound a joke, and Theo laughed at it.

"Yeah… that's why I approached you because I know I was safe this time," Theo returned the tease.

Nikki is the one who laughs nervously while her face blushes upon recalling her stupid act. "I am really sorry about that. I hope you didn't get any burns?"

"Hm, don't worry about it. I used to swim in a hot lake, so it was more like it. Just something that smells."

"Ah, yeah... I felt too embarrassed."

"I could see that," Theo teases her.

"Oh—" she touches both of her burning cheeks. "Can you not mention it? I feel bad until now."

"Ah, I didn't mean to, but I will collect my coffee soon." He has a playful smile on his mouth while saying this.

Remember her promise, her eyes spark, "Oh, thanks for reminding me!"

Nikki finds herself comfortable around Theo Shang. She usually chooses who she would talk with and the men she would be around. And particularly of those close to her is she was only this easy to talk with...

In Theo's case, probably because he is a friend of Lawrence's and Doctor Ben. They are the men she trusts.

Nikki and Theo halted in front of the elevator and waited for the lift. Once it arrives, they step aside to make way for those boarded, coming out from the box.

"Lady's first..." Theo gestured at the elevator once it emptied.

Nikki came back to her senses, hearing Theo speak out. "Ah, thank you!"

Startled, Nikki made a long step inside the elevator. At her age as nearly 25, she can't believe that her chest is pounding this way. It was like having a crush for the first time.

"Which floor are you?" Theo asked her after he pressed the 10th-floor button.

"Oh, I will go to the 10th floor..."

"Hm? Aren't you on the 7th floor?" Theo gave her a confusing look.

Did he figure out she was stopping at the other floor? Nikki thought. Hmm, how did he know that? Did they ever get to ride together before, by chance? She could not recall any.

Wondering, Nikki just replied to Theo. "I have something to give to Doctor Ben. I will head to his clinic first before I go to my mother's room," she explains.

"I see. You and Ben seem close." Theo commented.

"Kind of... they were already dining at our noodle store during their Junior High and Senior High days. That's why I am very familiar with them, until now, they never forgot to stop by the store.

"Hmm... that explains. But Ben is taking his Medicine in the US."

"Yup. But I haven't seen you around before?"

"Ah, yes. I was living abroad almost my whole life, and so I rarely come here."

"I see..."

Thus, the silence between them until they reach the 10th floor. Nikki steps out first, but they were going in opposite directions.

They separate ways as she heads to Doctor Ben's clinic, and Nikki thinks Theo must be going to this patient named Jeremy, who is staying on this floor.

"Nikki, I'll go this way."

"Oh, okay. Thanks."

"Bye, Nik..."

"Bye, Theo!" she waves her left hand.

Her heart flutters hear Theo calling her this way. It sounded more like an endearment to her.

What are you thinking, Nikki? You now began assuming over nothing? She scolds herself.

After she drops the documents, Nikki heads down to Lucy's room using the staircase. She caught Chris and Mae visiting her mother. She suddenly felt alarmed. Pray, that Chris mentions nothing to her mother this afternoon.

Chris thought Theo is her boyfriend, and she doesn't want this to reach her mother's ear, and then she will believe it was true.

She must correct this to Chris, who was giving her a meaningful gaze.