***are you ready for Priest Nicholas? Buckle your seatbelts 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

NIKOLAI'S POV

“Shall the people of the Lord stand as we give our thanks?” My voice boomed across the hall, my gaze sweeping over the congregation.

She wasn't here.

I didn't know how that made me feelㅡ Happy because at least I wasn't tripping over my words during the sermon. Or sad because I ached to see her.

The congregation rose up, their heads bowed as they muttered their prayers.

But my eyes were openㅡ they always were. I never closed them during the prayers. I always searched for the timid woman who stayed at the back, I relished looking...