The Billionaire's Arranged Wife (Book 3)

Chapter 2

"Love is heavy and light, bright and dark, hot and cold, sick and healthy, asleep and awake-it's everything except what it is!"- William Shakespeare/ Romeo and Juliet

Nico's POV.

"Good morning papa" I greeted in Greek, placing a kiss onto his frail cheek as I sat down at breakfast.

"Nico mou." He replied weakly reaching for my hand, "When did you get in?"

"Last night." I replied as I continued eating.

"You look so well." He commented light heartedly, "Reminds me of myself back then."

As I stared into familiar icy blue eyes, bright and sharp as ever, some of the tension around my chest immediately loosened. Despite his failing health and weak features, those eyes which mirrored mine shone with so much love and affection towards me.

Placing my hand atop his, I grasped his slim fingers, "You look good papa."

"Do not lie to me Nico mou." He scolded mildly, "You are very lucky I am wheelchair ridden otherwise I would have taken away most of the girls from you."

A laugh escaped my throat at his witty response as his eyes shone with mirth.

"I will count my luck then." I told him as the laughter subsided.

"Do not tease my son." My mother said as she came towards us at the table placing her hands onto my father's shoulders.

Gazing up at her loving he replied, "Latria mou, I am sorry. You are the only woman I will ever want."

Even at such an advanced age my mother blushed at his words. It was endearing to see them both like this, especially given the circumstances.

"Son." My father said to me tightening his hold on my hand, "I now live the rest of my limited days on deathbed."

"Papa!" I interrupted.

"No Nico mou, let me speak." He cajoled, "I have lived a long, wonderful life. The best of my days spent with you and your mother. Just like you I had my endless fill of women ...until one day I met your mother. Only for so long you can change a bed partner but it gets dull after some time. You have everything imaginable and you are so young and accomplished. I am very proud of you. You are my pride and joy. The greatest gift I have ever gotten. You have immense wealth, knowledge and looks that women fall for but you lack love. It is the most important thing in life. I want you to have both the physical and emotional connection. I wish you marry and fall in love. I wish you one day very soon experience the joy fatherhood brings. I want you to marry Athena and build a life together, make a home and fill it with happiness. You have a very beautiful house already...but it is not a home. It is a building and only a woman could turn a brick structure into a loving home. Allow yourself to fall in love with all the love I have passed on to you. You must understand son, the right woman will bring love and affection with her whenever she goes. Home is not necessarily a structure but a pure heart which gives you safety and security. She will love you and that will be your greatest strength. When she smiles at you, your heart will swell with pride and when she cries you will feel as if your soul is breaking. Love is a beautiful experience and I want you to experience that with Athena. She is perfect for you. Always remember Nico mou, a man who has not loved or felt love is not a man who has lived at all."

"We just want you to be happy Nico." Mama said softly.

"I am happy mama." I told her as emotion welled in her deep brown eyes after listening to papa's words.