Chapter 2:

"You won't do it, I won't let you!"

Lt. Steven Albright was yelling furiously at a young, attractive woman standing next to him in his apartment. She was wearing a white robe, and Steven was naked to the waist, holding a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"Just look at me, Steve," she snapped defiantly, grabbing the clothes off the chair. Steven took her hand hard and looked at her sharply with his blue eyes.

"Listen to me carefully, Maria. I never gave you false promises. You knew from the beginning that I was in a serious relationship and that I was planning to get married. This is just a physical relationship between us and I don't know why you are angry?"

Maria snorted angrily and tore her hand away from his.

"You're such a bastard! I feel sorry for your fiancée who must adore you and can't wait to marry you, while you're actually sleeping with other women!"

Steven scowled but kept his composure.

"Don't you ever say that again!"

"Oh, can a man whore like you be hurt by other people's words?

He flared up and suddenly slapped her, almost knocking her off her feet. Then he took her hands and pulled her closer to him.

"Why did you sleep with me when you knew I was sleeping with other women? Who are you to judge me? Remember, if I hear you say anything to Natalie, there will be no hole for you to hide in! Now, get out of here!"

Having said that, he shoved the last piece of clothing into her hands and practically kicked her out of the apartment. Then he went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror.

"No one will ever know about this," he told himself. "No one ever!"

Adrian Monk wandered aimlessly through the city, alone and sad, as usual, only this time his sadness had a name and a surname. Natalie said she would come to dinner, as she often did, and he decided to take a walk to clear his mind. In the last few months, he rarely touched the objects around him, and now he completely ignored them. He kept his hands in his pockets and moved down the street, while the cold October wind blew. He imagined that Natalie was there with him, that she was holding his hand and that they were talking. How he missed those moments. He didn't know how much longer she would work for him and he wanted to make the most of every moment with her. That's why he hurried home, aware that he should not avoid her, but show her how he can be a completely different man than what he was. He suddenly stopped, colliding with a woman, who dropped the bag she was holding in her hand due to the force of the blow.

"Oh, sorry," he said. "Are you fine?"

He picked up the bag from the floor and handed it to her, but then he was left in shock. The woman standing before him was Leyla Zlatavich! He stared at her in astonishment, and she was also surprised. She looked almost the same as when he last saw her. He immediately remembered their acquaintance, when she worked as an immigration consultant and was the main suspect in the murder of the taxi driver who massacred her family.

He was the only one who believed that she was innocent. Natalie then told him that he had fallen in love, but he didn't want to believe it. He was comfortable in Leyla's company, they danced together and talked about various topics. In the end, they could not understand each other. She left, leaving him in a depressed mood. He didn't believe he would ever see her again. Leland mentioned her that morning, as if he knew...

"Monk?" she asked, looking at him in disbelief. "Detective Monk?"

"Former detective," he answered quietly.

"I can't believe it!" she said. "I'm Leyla Zlatavich, do you remember me?"

Adrian raised his hands in the air and tilted his head slightly.

"I'm a man who remembers everything. It's a gift and a curse."

"Weirdo," she said with a smile, and he nodded his head, also smiling.

"I'm glad to see you, really. It's true we didn't part in the best of spirits, but I hope you're not angry with me."

"I thought you were mad at me," he said confused.

"I admit, I was a little hurt, but it wasn't your fault." She looked down and paused. "My mother killed that man and there was no justification for it."

Adrian nodded his head in understanding.

"I thought differently at the time, but now I can say I understand her a bit. By the way, is she out of prison?"

"After two years. She is still alive, but has decided to return to Zemenia."

"Isn't there a war there?"

"They established a temporary peace." Leyla then shook her head. "My mother is a very stubborn woman and I couldn't possibly convince her to stay in San Francisco."

"I remember that woman," he whispered. "Do you know that then I was looking for her in that refugee home? I was actually looking for a sad stick."

Leyla laughed heartily, and so did he.

"You really are a brilliant detective, or rather, a former detective."

"Former, former detective."

"How do you mean?"

"It's a long story."

Adrian looked at his watch and realized it was time to go.

"I should go."

"Wait, aren't you going to tell me something about yourself?"

"I'm not an interesting person," he replied ruefully. "My life is monotony."

Leyla waved her hand and took out a business card from her bag.

"I work as a personal assistant off an Italian fashion designer. This is my business card and if you want to talk to someone who will understand you and who won't judge you, you'll know where to find me."

"Thanks. Wait a minute, what about the consulting business?"

Leyla raised an eyebrow. "I turned over a new leaf in my life. This is a job that really fulfills me."

"I'm glad for you, really."

Suddenly, Leyla touched his left hand. "I hope this is not the last time we meet. You seem kind of worried to me. If you need any help from me, even just a simple conversation, please call me. It's the least I can do for you."

Adrian nodded, thankful that he was able to hold back the tears.

"Thank you, Leyla, I'll keep that in mind."

When he returned to his apartment, Adrian realized that Natalie had already arrived, as the door was unlocked. A pleasant smell was coming from the kitchen, and two plates were placed on the dining table. He walked slowly to the kitchen and found her finishing dinner; she was so beautiful, so tiny compared to him, and she was humming some vague song. How could he be so blind all those years? Although, even if he knew his feelings earlier, the question is, would Natalie reciprocate them? She has loved him, that was a fact, but could she ever love him as a man? He pushed that thought away and came quite close to her.

"Mmm, what smells so good?"

Natalie jumped and looked at him in shock.

"Mr. Monk, you scared me!

Adrian smiled and leaned against the wall.

"Am I really that creepy?"

She returned the smile and covered the container in which the lunch was being cooked.

"Sorry, I'm a little nervous these days."

"Of course."

"You got the wedding invitation, didn't you?"

"Yes, I am," he replied quietly.

She picked up a cloth, intending to transfer the dish from the stove to the table, but he offered to do it instead. She looked at him confused, but didn't say anything.

They had meatballs for dinner, and Natalie was shocked to see that Adrian hadn't separated the food on the plate, but she decided to change the subject.

"How about the invitation? Do you like it?"

He swallowed his food and took a sip of water.

He didn't know what to say to her. He remembered Leland making him promise not to tell Natalie. He wouldn't say that, of course. But that didn't mean he could remain indifferent. So he said the only thing he could: "Yes, I like it."

As he expected, Natalie smiled and touched his arm. It was so common, but this time the simple touch made his blood boil.

"Are you okay?" she asked, seeing how he suddenly blushed.

He nodded and reached for the glass again.

"Natalie," he began gently, which was quite unusual for him. "I want to thank you for everything you did for me."

She also took the glass and took a large sip.

"I know our paths will soon part ways, so I wanted to tell you how incredibly lucky I am to have had the opportunity to have someone like you as my assistant."

"Oh, Mr. Monk," she said through tears, "I never thought I'd hear those words from you."

Adrian also cried, but he took a handkerchief and wiped away his tears.

"You're crying," she stammered. "Mr. Monk, what's happening? I can't believe you are so sad that I'm leaving you."

"Of course I'm sad," he said, pressing a soft kiss to her hand. Her ring flashed and cut him like a knife blade.

"It took me a long time to realize that you really are a wonderful person. You've been by my side all these years, put up with my selfish behavior and never gave up on me even when everyone else did. Natalie, forgive me for everything..."

Saying that, he wept even harder.

"Mr. Monk, don't," she said gently. "I understand you. I have never judged you, even though you have managed to make me angry at times," she smiled through her tears. "I know it's hard for you that I'm leaving, but don't worry, I can organize a competition and find you a new assistant, according to your taste."

"No," he shook his head firmly, "I don't want another assistant. I wouldn't be able to get used to it. You know how I am."

"I don't agree with you," she objected. "I noticed tonight that you haven't separated the food on your plate. You haven't touched the objects around you for a while, and a little while ago you kissed my hand. The change in you is obvious."

"You noticed that?", he was surprised.

"Of course I am. Mr. Monk, your condition has really improved since you solved Trudy's murder and found Molly. You have no idea how glad I am about that."

"You're probably right," he agreed. "Maybe I don't need an assistant anymore."

Natalie wiped her lips with a napkin and looked at him with her beautiful green eyes.

"I'm so happy for you," she whispered. "Can I tell you something?"

"Whatever you want."

Natalie paused for a moment. Seeing her indecision, he decided to encourage her.

"Natalie, tell me what's the problem?"

"Everything is fine," she replied, "I just...I wanted to ask you if you would do me a favor and walk me down the aisle on my wedding day."

Adrian stared at her, eyes wide. Did he hear correctly? Natalie wanted him to walk her down the aisle? He couldn't possibly do that. Wasn't it enough that he decided to show up at the wedding? It would kill him to have to hand her over to another man, to have to watch their happy faces while he was falling apart inside.

"Mr. Monk, did I say something wrong?"

Her expression was worried. He shook his head.

"No, just... What about your father or brother?

"My father and Jonathan are in Europe, negotiating with some foreign investors regarding the family business. They won't be able to attend the wedding." Saying that, she looked down sadly. "The only thing left for me to do is ask Leland or Randy, but I really wanted you to be that person."

"Oh, Natalie," he sighed. "I'm really flattered, but I…I can't do it. I'm sorry."

Her green eyes suddenly flashed. "Why?"

"Because..."

Whatever Adrian was about to say was interrupted by the sudden ringing of his doorbell. Maybe he would tell her what he was expressly forbidden to say, and maybe he would make up something, but that would have to wait. Especially when he saw Randy's smiling face through the peephole.