Chapter 56

Latisha shook her head, unable to explain the turmoil she was feeling. She was worried about Nikita and desperate to stop her from racing.

Nikita sighed and sank onto the sofa. She picked up an orange from the coffee table and looked at Latisha.

"Have you told him you're pregnant?"

Latisha froze, then shook her head.

"Why not?"

Because she was afraid he wouldn't want it, that he would make her get rid of it, just like last time.

"So you're not divorcing him, but you're not going to tell him about the baby either. How long do you think you can hide that?" Nikita tossed the orange from hand to hand, a wry smile on her face.

Latisha remained silent.

Nikita asked her again, "Do you want to leave him?"

Latisha twisted the fabric of her shirt, her resolve wavering. Even if she left with Nikita, she would just be trading her dependence on Clifford for a dependence on Nikita. Nothing would really change. She wasn't capable of surviving on her own. Sensing her hesitation, Nikita stood up and put a hand on her shoulder.

“Latisha, I'm not like a man. I'm not fickle, and I'm never getting married. If you come with me, you'll be happier than you ever were with Clifford."

Latisha looked up at Nikita, whose smile was bright and dazzling. *Why me?* she signed. *Why do you want to take me with you?*

Nikita raised an eyebrow and gently pinched her cheek. "Because I have a good heart and I can't stand to see a beautiful woman suffer. And because I hate Clifford. With those two reasons combined, is that enough for you?"

Nikita's hatred for Clifford was well-founded. The rich kid who had died in that race all those years ago had been her childhood friend. Even there was no romance between them, the bond they shared from growing up together was stronger than any ordinary friendship.

And although the accident wasn't Clifford's fault, he was the only one who had walked away. The family and friends of the deceased needed someone to blame, and there was no more fitting target than Clifford.

Latisha said nothing. "So it's really just the second reason," she thought. "The only real reason is that you hate him."

Seeing her silence, Nikita added, “Don't overthink it. I'm not trying to take you away as some kind of revenge against Clifford. I'm not that kind of person. I just genuinely consider you a friend."

Something flickered in Latisha's eyes as she looked at Nikita, unable to respond.

Nikita smiled. “Anyway, it's up to you. If you want to stay, stay. If you want to go, I'll take you."

“Come on, let's go watch my race.” Nikita grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the door.

Latisha was caught off guard and found herself on the back of Nikita's motorcycle before she could even process what was happening. Nikita Put a helmet on her head, revved the engine, and shot off down the road.

Just as the motorcycle lurched forward, a car pulled out from a side street. Nikita's

eyes widened, and she slammed on the brakes.

But they were too close. The motorcycle collided with the side of the car.

It all happened so fast. The next thing Latisha knew, she was on the pavement, a searing pain shooting through her arm and wrist.

She looked up. The car door was dented, but otherwise undamaged. The motorcycle had lost a mirror. Nikita was just scraped and bruised.

The driver's side door of the car opened, and Clifford got out. He stood there, looking down at the two of them as they scrambled up from the ground.

A storm was brewing in his eyes.