Chapter 36
Summary
- Juliana contacts Nisha late at night to inform her that her son is okay and that Juliana will visit him daily until Nisha arrives.
- Nisha revels in Aleks's natural scent and enjoys the comforting presence he provides.
- In Aleks's apartment, calm and minimalistic, Nisha feels at peace and finds solace in the lack of clutter, which reflects Aleks discipline and style.
- For Nisha, it's a new experience to sleep in another man's bed since her separation and she cherishes the physical and intimate connection with Aleks.
- Nisha acknowledges that sleeping in Aleks's bed feels luxurious after long without such closeness.
- Aleks and Nisha share a deep and raw intimacy, and she feels a strong magnetic attraction to him.
- In discussion about Nisha's ex, Carl, and the diamonds, Andrea worries about Nisha's future and security without bargaining power.
- Sam, Andrea, and Aleks discuss Nisha's plan to hand over the shoes to Carl, emphasizing caution and the need for a signed settlement first.
- Nisha ensures that the compromising shoes are kept in a safe place, not disclosing their location.
- Aleks offers to be in the vicinity to support Nisha, and Sam volunteers to accompany her to meet Carl.
- Sam and Nisha drive to the Bentley hotel in the camper-van, and upon arrival, a silence reflects Nisha's anxiety.
- As Nisha and Sam wait in the staff changing room, Sam reflects on the gravity of Nisha being away from her son while dealing with Carl.
- Outside for a cigarette, Nisha is tense and insists on scouting the hotel lobby to strategize their seating for the meet.
- They spot Carl with the businessmen and his bodyguard already in the hotel lobby, which shocks Sam.
- Realizing something, Sam leaves abruptly to fetch an unspecified item, despite Nisha's disbelief and protest.
- Following Sam's departure, Nisha vents to Aleks in frustration that Sam ran off because she was scared. Aleks offers support from the kitchen.
- Nisha retrieves the shoes from Aleks's locker and prepares herself for the tense meeting with Carl.
- Aleks reassures Nisha and kisses her passionately in the kitchen, expressing his belief in her success.
- Nisha tries to calm her nerves with cigarettes and by fixing her appearance several times before the crucial meeting at noon with Carl.