Okay Onimosity, I was going to save my review for the very end where I planned to review the story and characters as a whole (how they've changed, etc) but after reading this chapter I could not not review.

You know that scene outside of Sunny's apartment where Nikki is just standing there and the two barely say anything to one another but just have a moment where you can practically feel their sexual tension and how much they want each other in the air? Yeah, that scene was brilliant.

I love both of these characters; even Nikki, bless him, because as wrong as he was for doing what he did to Sunshine's dad, I can understand why he'd do anything to keep the woman he loves in his life.

Brava on this chapter chica! The story seems to get better and better with each update. I can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter!

-Claire

Sergei, Sergei, Sergei... And so his quiet obsession continues. I am looking at the contrast between Sergei and Nikolai. Nikolai has become a better man for having Sunshine in his life, while Sergei seems to have learnt very little and therefore has not gone beyond the point of wanting her and so he has not allowed their 'friendship' to be a positive influence. Yes through her urgings, he is now getting an education (is he still going to school now that he is in Nik's doghouse?), but that seems to be the sum total of his enrichment process. What a surprise he and Nadia are no longer an item. Yeah right...

And what does he mean by he felt bad about being happy that Sunny and Nik broke up (I note Anatoly is the one who used the word bad, not him). After reading this I just had to revisit the last chapter and found no indication that he felt any form of remorse about being happy at an inappropriate time. What hits me as well is his lack of loyalty for the man who has done much for him. Any fool can see that Nik is not finished with Sunny and vice versa. Yet for years he sits in wait, under the guise of friendship waiting for Sunny who with time is getting more involved and deeper in love with Nikolai. I know I am fixating Sergei but I cannot help it. He is coming off as such a slime ball. Is he ever going to reveal is 'true' feelings to Sunny or is he going to remain opportunistic in his exploits of their situation.

As for Nikolai, he continues to struggle to be the person he has become under Sunny's influence. Onimosity, you have been able to show his conflicts and pain so clearly as he wars with himself to continue to do the right thing and not be dragged back into the darkness. But I have one favour to ask my dear gifted writer, please do not make Nikki succumb to the darkness now. For him to do so now will surely make me cry... You have been able to show him as a strong, disciplined, strangely principled character thus far; a man of many complexities. and because of this he has won some hearts though he operates in a world that shakes the average person’s mortal foundations. Because of his insecurities he committed an act that only a person of great strength could forgive. I couldn’t help but be reminded of John Legend's 'This Time' after this chapter…

Ah, that was much better. Still sad, but better. There was a little ray of sunshine peaking through Nikki's dark clouds.

I never thought I'd say that I feel sorry for him the way that he is suffering. But... he is maintaining control, considering getting to know her again, date her. He remained calm and restrained; but he's still Nicholai though. Tie her to his bed. LOL. I loved that whole scene of him sitting alone in his dark study, eating his dumplings, and indulging in his crazy thoughts. Poor Nikki.

Sunshine is growing, too. Scholarships and internships and jobs. Sounds like she is preparing for a career. Wait 'til that makes it to the negotiation table.

I loved the scene between Anatoly and Sergei. LOL.  

Anatoly cradled his head in his hands. “You moron, you moron. Mother will kill me because he will kill you. What were you thinking?”

Priceless. Anatoly really lit into the little shit. And he made perfect sense. Sergei did delight in Sunny's misery, attempting to make a move on her.

The problem is, little brother STILL isn't listening. He's gotten rid of Nadia, been severly demoted, and is now meeting Sunny for a movie "date." She's thinking "friend" while he's still hoping to put the moves on her while looking out for security. Fool doesn't realize that he might not even know who has replaced Vasily or that Vasily has been replaced.

I'm patient and hopeful.

Aww my poor Niki! I felt so bad for Niki, and I could feel his pain and remorse. Please Niki, stay in the light, go in to the light. LOL

I am happy that Sunny has someone like Jeta in her life, she needs someone who makes her laugh.

I said it in one of my earlier review (between 2 and 6) that one man would change for the better and the other for the worst. I liked Sergie, but his obsession with Sunny may cause him to betray Nikolia.

I've said it before, but I really like Anatoly, he is a man with wisdom. He's not perfect, and he won't always do the right thing, but he seems honorable and that is something his brother is not.

*sigh* This is probably one of the best stories I've read...sometimes it takes me a while to get through a chapter because of all the emotions it brings forth...I can't say how happy I am that you've posted this story...And although I like Sergei, I can't help rooting for Nikki, *sigh* Can't wait until the next post :)

He's trying! That should mean something to her right? She's gotta see that. What Antolly was saying to Sergi is true, loving someone should make you better and you should want what makes them happy not yourself. Nikki seems to be working to that place. Yay for Nikki! Please keep Sunshine strong from the rebound. No bouncing with anyone but Nikki. He'll lose his mind. Terrific job. Can't wait for the next update...

This update is breaking my heart all over again...I know the separation is just and so very necessary...but I can't bear to read of them longing for each other so...yet not being able to be together...trust is such a fragile thing...and loyalty is priceless...yet Nikolai violated Sunny trust in him by doing what he did...and this act of disloyalty has cost them both...I'm just so incredibly...sad...just sad I tell you...

The darkness that Nikolai battles every moment of his life is quite frightening...but he does it because he knows that he can't allow it to consume him if ever wants to have another chance with his Sunshine...and that's what she is...his...every bit as much as he is hers...they make each other better than they ever dreamt they could be...

I'm at a loss at how he can ever make what he did 'right' for her...he has known all along how much Jacob's destructive addictions have hurt Sunny...yet he facilitated his ability to continue to go on hurting her infinitely...it really struck me when Sunny mentioned to Jetta how people who claimed to love her caused her the greatest pain...and it's so true...first Jacob...now Nikki...for the first time since her mother...Sunny had someone in her life that she thought loved her simply just for her...not because of what she brought into their lives...yet Nikolai destroyed her security in love...oh, I just wanna cry now...I hurt so much for them both...

So Nikolai reassigned Sergei...got his own brother to 'teach him a lesson'...yet he still is arrogant enough to still have hope that he has a chance with Sunny...still playing a very dangerous game...knowing how thin of a thread he's hanging on...going out on 'dates' with her...mouthing off to Nikki...he really is obtuse...guess he figures if he hangs around long enough he'll wear Sunny down and get out of the friend zone...he keeps this up and he might not live long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labors...

This is really a heartwrenching, emotionally complex tale...I absolutely love it...I sometimes get scared to read on...but I'm almost compelled to forge on...that's praise to your prowess as a writer...thank you so much for sharing...can't wait to read more...the good, the bad, and the ugly...

As much as I hate to see them apart, it might be best for them both to see what feelings they really have for each other.  It's also good for Sunny to realize that she missed being taken care of with her dad and that's part of what Nikki gave her.  Also, Nikki is going to have to truly let her go before she can come back on her own.  He can't make her.  Now Sergei.  I worry about him, because he might be in love and he knows he is doing stupid stuff where the boss is concerned.  I hate to think what might happen when Nikki finds out he and Sunny went to the movies together. 

I like the idea of the date thing and getting to know each other in a real relationship. Sergei can wait until he's old and gray and will never get a chance with Sunny.

He broke up with Nadia. I still don't believe she existed. Awesome update!!

Awww even though Nikoli hurt Sunny, I feel so bad for him. He really loves her and she loves him. Those 2 are hurting without each other. Nikoli needs to work hard to get Sunny back. Awesome chapter. Loving ths story its just wonderful.

Your a meanie and the only reason I still read this is because you are a super writer.

I can't believe I was afraid to read this chapter. But I see a glimmer of hope. Nikki is suffering. Sunny is suffering. And Sergei is RECKLESSLY FOOLISH. She don't want you fool.

Sunny might be softening a bit, but it's going to be a long road for them. Nikki makes me want to cry. But his dark thoughts scare me. The bright side is that he hasn't acted on them. But will he continue to keep them at bay? I so hope he takes this time to make some needed changes in his life.  awww, Sunny misses him. And nobody "bounces" like Nikki. That was too funny. 

OK, I think I can make it through without wailin' but who knows what the next chapter will bring.

This was an emotional chapter, but I didn't feel the despair I felt during the break-up; so that for me is a good thing. I don't think I could've handled it. You are striking the perfect balance. I can breathe for a while. Thank You.

I love this story. <3

"Team Sunshine" is a perfect way to phrase all of this.  Finding out that as soon as Jacob was out of rehab Nikki had sent over the stack of cash and flyers?  Her reaction was exactly what I've come to expect out of Sunshine. 

I also loved Nikki's interaction with Ben in the previous chapters.  I just realized I haven't yet mentioned Ben in a review yet, but I think beyond anything else in this story his relationship with Sunny is my favorite.  Maybe I appreciate it being a big sister myself, but the siblings' love and loyalty to each other is wonderful.  The way you write both of them just adds an incredible depth to the story.

I can't wait to see where you take this story next.