He moved closer, attempting to pull her into another cuddle.
Smack!
Nicki slapped his cheek.
"Ouch!" Fabiola exclaimed, immediately touching the spot. "Why did you do that? I just wanted to cuddle. You didn't have to slap me."
"You're unbelievable!" Nicki scolded. "After everything that just happened, you still want to cuddle?"
She folded her arms and stared at him.
"You heard what your father said, didn't you?"
But Fabiola didn't seem bothered by her lecture. All he wanted was to get close to her.
"Forget my dad," he said casually. "He's just an old man."
Nicki rolled her eyes.
"You're impossible, Fabiola."
He simply smiled, completely unfazed by her irritation.
"Who cares what he says?" Fabiola scoffed. "I only care about you, and that's all that matters. Why are you acting like this? You should be grateful that I defended you."
He attempted to move closer, but Nicki pushed him away, causing him to stumble to the ground.
"Get the fuck out of my sight, you fool!" she snapped. "You should be ashamed of yourself."
She shook her head in frustration.
"You know what? I'm done with this relationship. I can't do this anymore. I'm out of here."
Nicki quickly picked up her dress, put it back on, and stormed out of the house without looking back.
Fabiola watched her leave without making any attempt to stop her.
"She'll come back to me," he muttered confidently as he settled onto the couch.
"Nicki can't live without me."
He leaned back, completely convinced that she would eventually return.
***********************************
Royal Gold Mine
Fifteen minutes later, Alvin arrived at his multi-billion-dollar company in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia.
Royal Gold Mine was an enormous, modern structure that dominated the surrounding skyline. Its sleek glass exterior and sophisticated steel framework gave it an imposing yet luxurious appearance.
"Good morning, boss."
Josh, Alvin's personal assistant, approached him with a polite smile.
"I hope your night was productive?"
He reached for Alvin's briefcase, but Alvin declined and continued toward his office with a visibly troubled expression.
Josh watched him disappear down the hallway.
His reaction didn't surprise Josh. After working with Alvin for years, he knew exactly what the man was like when something was weighing heavily on his mind.
A few minutes later, Alvin pressed the intercom.
"Josh, come to my office."
Josh immediately entered.
Alvin pointed toward a brown envelope and a briefcase resting on his desk.
"There's a check for one million dollars inside that envelope. I need you to take it to the bank and have it cashed. Use the briefcase to secure the money afterward."
Josh nodded attentively.
"Fabiola isn't available at the moment, which is why I've chosen you for this assignment. I don't want any delays or excuses. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Leave immediately. My chauffeur will take you there."
"Okay, sir. I promise I'll be back as soon as possible."
Josh picked up the envelope and briefcase before leaving the office.
A few minutes later, the company chauffeur drove him toward Ozone Bank, located only a few miles from Royal Gold Mine.
Neither Josh nor Alvin knew that this seemingly simple assignment would soon set off a chain of events that would change all their lives.
Josh held the briefcase firmly in his right hand as he confidently made his way toward the manager's office to cash the check.