《CEO鈥檚 REDEMPTION》


 DOUBLE TRAGENDY

    I switch off the rm on my bedside, kick the nket aside, and get up. With the kind of bed I have, you wake up even more tired than you were when going to bed. Damn this lifestyle! I take a quick cold bath, change my clothes, and walk to the kitchen to prepare tea as fast as possible. I don¡¯t want to face my mother this morning. When the tea is ready, I put mine in my small sk and dash out with my small basket.  I don¡¯t want to hear her yelling after what happenedst night or force me to buy something that I have no budget for.


    I have been shuffling my legs for about thirty minutes, and here I am now, shock stered on my face. Did I miss the directions to my store? No, right? This is where I have been reporting to work for thest year. This is where my small store was. Yes. Was, because it¡¯s not there anymore. My small basket falls to the floor and my mind goes nk. This can¡¯t be seriously happening to me. My store is demolished, and these people are putting up a foundation for another construction, I suppose. Why was I not issued a notice to vacate? What kind of inhumanity is this? I drag my shaking legs and the whole body in general to the one ordering the constructors. I¡¯m trembling, and I am sure everyone can see that.


    ¡°Sir, excuse me, sir?¡± I am trying so hard to hold back my tears. ¡°Sir, just a minute, please.¡± I plead because he is ignoring me.


    ¡°Sorry, we don¡¯t employ women. Now stop wasting my time because, as you can see, I am busy.¡± He turns to leave, but I run in front of him. Busy, my foot! I also should be busy mopping my store and arranging it as I wait for customers, but thanks to you animals, my store is no more.


    ¡°I am not looking for a job, okay? I just want to know why you demolished my store without letting me know. I have always been paying rent on time. So why do this to me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are talking about. I am sure you were not paying rent to any of the faces here, right?¡± I scan through the workers and the crowd that is watching from the sides, but I can¡¯t seem to find the man who rented the store to me, iming it was his. ¡°Go look for that person who rented you the store. Maybe if you find him, our boss will reward you because we are also looking for him. We are suing him for illegally building on a piece ofnd that is not his. Excuse me.¡±


    Holy crap! God,e to my rescue. I should ask him why they destroyed my stock too, but I decide to save that energy. His exnation won¡¯t change the fact that all my stock is destroyed, and given his argument, I don¡¯t stand a chance forpensation. Holy God, please don¡¯t mess up with me like this. I will be doomed forever. What kind of trouble is this? Grabbing my basket from the floor, I remember I once took my payment to that man¡¯s house, Mr. Emilio, if that¡¯s his real name. I maneuver through the people and run in the direction of his house. It¡¯s not so far from here. Where did you get the nerve to screw me like this, Emilio? If I knew this was what you had done, I would have chosen to continue hawking my fruits on the roadside. I increase my pace, running like a mad person, tears flowing down my face.


    I get to the house that I knew belonged to this Emilio, who turns out to be a con, and start knocking on it angrily, shouting his name. With a few knocks and screams of his name, the door opens, and I take a step back. I hope he clears this up. I can¡¯t afford all this.


    ¡°Are you crazy or something? Who are you, and what do you want?¡± That¡¯s not the voice of a man. I look up at her face. Behind her stands a man with a scary, tall height. He is not Emilio. But I am sure this is his house. Unless, no. No. No! I better not jump to conclusions. ¡°Are you suddenly deaf and mute?¡± Thedy barked again. Doesn¡¯t she know how to speak with a low voice?


    ¡°I am sorry, madam. Where is Emilio?¡± I ask, struggling to keep my breathing steady. Maybe they are his rtives? His family, maybe?


    ¡°There is no Emilio in this house. It is only my husband and me in this house. Unless he is the one you are referring to as Emilio.¡± She points to her husband, who can never be the Emilio I am looking for. I shake my head.


    ¡°We just moved in three days ago, miss. You might be looking for the previous tenant, whom we don¡¯t know. Excuse us.¡± The man behind thedy speaks with a heavy voice. At least he answered in a more clear and direct way, not like his wife here.


    ¡°I am sorry for bothering you. Excuse me.¡± I say, and I turn to leave.


    ¡°What a crazy girl.¡± I hear thedy murmur, but I don¡¯t me her.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Why won¡¯t I be crazy? Why won¡¯t I be mad? The store was my whole life. We entirely depend on it. And now it¡¯s gone? In the blink of an eye, it¡¯s all gone. How are we going to survive? How am I even going to start exining this to my mother? I am dead. Completely dead.  The bills are due this week, and the money I have on me is not even half enough for the house rent alone. What will I do? I wish they took out the stock and kept it safe for me. I would have returned to hawking again. But now, the stock is all destroyed, and I have no capital. Where do I start? Where do I turn? Is this my end?


    ¡°Watch out!¡± I snap out of my thoughts to hear the voices of people shouting and cars hooting endlessly, their lights blinking on me. Before I could react, I was hitting the ground with a thud. Everything happened way too fast for me to narrate, but all I know is that I have been hit by a car. I try to lift my head from the ground, but all the cells in me give up, and I give in to the darkness covering my world. Everything turns ck. Maybe I was right. This really is my end.

 MRS. McCALL

    White ceiling, blue-themed room. I blink a couple of times. ¡°I am alive,¡± I murmur to myself. Thest thing I remember is falling in the middle of the road after a car hit me. I thought that was the end of me and my miserable life, but it seems my time is not up yet. I don¡¯t know whether to be happy about that or not, though. Wait. Where am I? This sure is not a hospital bed. This heavy-duty mattress-how many inches is it anyway? And this expensive white bed-I think it¡¯s what they call king or queen size?


    Did I wake up in paradise, or am I in the afterlife? My head hurts, but I pull myself up and sit up, leaning backward to support my bandaged head. I am d I don¡¯t have fractured bones, but a side of my hip hurts, alongside my bandaged head and arm.


    The door opens, which is quite a distance from the bed because this room isrge enough to amodate five more beds of the same size. A man walks in. American height, medium-sized body, and finest jaws. This is a bit confusing now. If I got into an ident, wasn¡¯t I supposed to wake up in a hospital or in my house? Who is this cold, rich guy? His eyes are cold enough tomand anybody to submit to whatever sin he may summon, and I bet his voice would hold such demeanor too. His stand andposure speak of confidence and authority.


    Where am I again?


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I ask as he walks to stand beside me, giving me the honor of breathing in his richly sweet scarlet scent. I have never smelled something as sweet as this, which is why the butterflies in my stomach are surprised.


    ¡°Your husband.¡± His voice is as I expected-icy, cold, but sweet.


    I swallow hard. First, I have never had a boyfriend, let alone a lone husband. Second, even if I were to be married, it would not have been to this fine, upright man. I cannot fit in his world, and he can¡¯t stoop so low to my own. We are like water and paraffin, or two parallel roads, or better yet, heaven and earth. Thanks to that expensive joke he just pulled there, I am smiling bitterly. My husband¡¯s left foot!


    ¡°How long have I been dead?¡± I ask, looking into his dark brown eyes.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! If I am married, that means I am in the afterlife. I did not have a boyfriend, not to mention being married before I got into that ident.¡± I say this, looking at this beautiful but confusing stranger. How can he say I am his wife?


    ¡°I am not a bad person. I just did what I had to do. What I felt was right.¡± He speaks his cold tone of voice as calm and soft as it can ever be, presumably.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± He pulls out an envelope from the drawer beside the bed and hands it to me. ¡°What¡¯s in it?¡± I ask without showing any interest in epting it. These rich people are annoyingly weird.


    ¡°Check it.¡±


    I kick the blue duvet aside and get out of bed, grabbing the envelope from him and slightly limping to the table near the window. I empty the contents of the envelope on the table, and the first thing that catches my attention makes my heart skip a beat. My mother¡¯s ID? What is happening here? Did something bad happen to my mother?Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why do you have my mother¡¯s ID? Where is she? Is she alright?¡± I rant nonstop at the stranger. My heart feels so heavy all of a sudden. ¡°Tell me she is okay.¡±


    ¡°Rx. Your¡­ mother, is perfectly fine. I just kept that as part of the agreement until you wake up so that I can confirm that she really is your mother.¡± calming exnation, but more confusing.


    ¡°She is my mother.¡± The shock on his face, huh? I smell a rat here.  What just happened in the few hours I was unconscious? I am starting to tremble. Man! I hope she didn¡¯t screw you too! Yack! ¡°Why? What did she do? And why am I here? Who are you, and what is this ce?¡±


    ¡°Everything is well exined in that contract.¡±


    ¡°Cont¡­ co-what?¡± What does getting hit by a car and waking up in a strange house with a strange person have to do with a freaking contract? It would have been self-exnatory if I woke up in a police cell, mistakenly being used of intentionally getting myself hit by a car so that I could demand somepensation. I would also have understood it if I woke up in a mental hospital because I am sure I looked like a crazy person on the road yesterday. But here? What can exin all this?


    ¡°Please read it and understand every use in it. It is important. Your mother signed her part. But it¡¯s entirely your decision to agree to sign yours.¡±


    Whoa! I have a very bad feeling. What did you do, mother? Why do I feel hurt already, even without knowing what this damn contract is all about?


    ¡°You know what, Mr.? My head is aching so much, and my vision is a bit blurry due to the pain. I may not be able to see well.¡± I lie. The pain is not even severe in my head. It is in my heart where the real pain is. I am so scared of what is in this contract. My mother has always had bad intentions for me, and I don¡¯t know the intensity of her hatred. I know she can¡¯t sign me off for anything good. ¡°I suppose you know the contents of this contract. Tell me what it says. Exin it bit by bit and in the simplest way possible. What did you and my mother agree upon?¡± I look straight into his ice eyes, and he does not even blink as he does me the honor of giving me the shock of my life. No, actually, the heartbreak of my life!


    ¡°It¡¯s a contract stating that you will be officially my wife for five months. I am paying you a hundred million for the five months you will stay with me.¡± Period.


    The sky must be turning red for the very first time, which is why even the air I am breathing right now is not full of normal oxygen. This one is suffocating. It¡¯s choking me.


    Someone bring me back to earth because I doubt it¡¯s where all this nonsense is happening. Since when did people¡¯s lives have a price tag on them? Who in this era has such a huge amount to just give away like that? And who at this age and era buys a wife? What? Doesn¡¯t he know how to court a woman? From his looks and the amount he is offering, he must be freaking stinking rich. So why can¡¯t he find a woman to marry? Is he a shape-shifting vampire that no woman can stand? Wait, who brought about this absurd idea?


    ¡°Who between you two came up with this brilliant idea?¡± I ask, my eyes maintaining their stare at him, and him being as icy as he looks, he doesn¡¯t blink still.


    ¡°I did.¡±  Well, at least it wasn¡¯t my mother. Now I feel relieved, and the air is fresh again. But did she have to agree? That alone hurts, but it¡¯s less painful than¡­ ¡°Your mother proposed a different kind of deal first.¡±


    Shit! Wait, double that shit! She had a different kind of deal at first? I should probably not bother, but the urge is so strong.


    ¡°What did she propose?¡± I shoot at him.


    ¡°Are you sure you want¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I cut him off. ¡°What kind of deal did my mother propose to you about me?¡±


    ¡°A million for your life. She wanted me to take you as whatever I wanted, for just a million!¡± Everything stands still, and I forget how to breathe for a minute. What.. the.. hell?!


    One drop. Two drops. Three drops. I have two streams of rivers flowing with tears down my two chubby cheeks. What? I had a feeling this was going to hurt, but I didn¡¯t know it would be this much. I have gone through so much pain-the pain of her hatred, the pain of her insults, the pain of her ps, the pain of always being on the losing end-everything has been painful for me in general. But this pain surpasses every other pain I have felt before. Even all of my pains mixed together cannot equal this one.


    My mother sold me off to a stranger? And just for a mere, one million?


    She was busy trading me like a mare object while Iy unconscious on the hospital bed. I am sure she didn¡¯t even care to find out who this man was. I was lying unconscious on the hospital bed, and all she was thinking about was how to get rid of me. What did I ever do to this woman? Trading me like garbage is thest straw. She doesn¡¯t want me. She wants me out of her life. I am also tired of her. I am done hoping and wishing she would change. I am so freaking done trying to be a good daughter that I will never be to her. This is the highlight of all your hatred towards me, Mother! I am so done crying for you. I am done caring for you.


    Today, you have given me enough reason to do what¡¯s best for you and me.


    I wipe away the tears and look at this stranger. I don¡¯t think I have words for him right now. What my mother has done is the only thing ringing in my head right now. I take the pen from his shirt, and he is shocked at that, but I don¡¯t care. I open the contract, but he grabs my hand.


    ¡°Hey! If you don¡¯t want to go through with it, I won¡¯t force you. You still have the chance to back down. I will pay your mother what she asked for so she won¡¯t cause trouble.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t they say that parents, especially mothers, always know what is best for their children? This is what my mother thinks is best for me. I am an adult, and I have no objections whatsoever. I am correcting her decision. I want this!¡±


    ¡°You are angry.¡±


    ¡°I am sober. I want this, so let me.¡± He let go of my hand unwillingly, and I signed on the spaces left for me. I close the contract and put it back in the envelope, returning the pen where I took it from. I hand him the envelope. ¡°When can I get the first half?¡±


    ¡°By this evening,¡± he says.


    ¡°Good. I will go see my mother the day after tomorrow. Is that alright?¡±


    ¡°Sure. No problem,¡± he says.


    ¡°I need some rest.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. The doctor will being to check on your woundster on in the day.¡±


    I nod my head and walk to bed, while he makes his way to the door.


    ¡°Wait, my husband,¡± I call before he can walk out, and he turns around. ¡°What should I call you?¡±


    ¡°Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall. Call me Jerol from now on, Mrs. McCall.¡± I nod my head, and he walks out, closing the door behind him.


    ¡°Mrs. McCall,¡± I murmur to myself as I get under the blue duvet again.


    Mrs. McCall, it is. For five months!

 A TOUGH DECISION

    It reaches a certain point in life when you are too exhausted from everything. That point when you can¡¯t even recognize who or what you are anymore. That point where everything and everyone stinks. That time when you can¡¯t even decipher when or how things got this far. That point where you are certain that things will never be like before again. That is where I am right now. I don¡¯t know what anyone in my shoes would choose to do in such a situation, but I have chosen to end this toxic rtionship between me and this woman, whom I call mother. She doesn¡¯t want me, and I don¡¯t need her.


    Call me bitchy. Call me stupid. Call me childish or ungrateful, as she calls me, anything, but I am so done with her. I endured all her insults; I made peace with all her yelling, castigating, and outrageous beatings all my life. I understood all her shorings as a mother because I knew nobody is perfect, but she never cared from the beginning. I wasn¡¯t looking for perfection in her, no. I just wanted her to treat me like her own child. But for eighteen years and two weeks now, I am far from earning her affection as my mother.


    I have miserably failed to be the daughter she probably wanted. Not only doesn¡¯t she care about me, but she loathes me. I am like a she-devil to her. Why is that? I don¡¯t know, and I don¡¯t care anymore. I am done. I¡¯m after nothing now but my peace, and my peace is being as far away from her as possible. I am shutting down this chapter with her and starting another one as Jerol¡¯s wife, thanks to my thoughtful mother. This thing she did to me just now surpasses every other crazy thing she has ever done, and I can¡¯t forgive her for it. I will always remember her for thisst act of hers.  After these five months, I will start another chapter all alone. At least, I will not need to be a hawker anymore. I will be filthy rich then, and I will have afortable and happy life.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± My husband inquires,ing from the bathroom, dazzling like a diamond in his expensive three-piece navy blue suit.


    If there is something I have divulged for the past two days I have been with him, it is that he is a troubled soul. He is doing his best at concealing it, but it¡¯s evident anyway. If not so, then he must be a temperamental nuisance devil. I don¡¯t know which is which, but I am a temporary wife after all, and I shouldn¡¯t overstep the boundaries. I should mind my own business and not meddle in his. I will deal with my problems and his demons.


    ¡°Do you really have toe?¡± I query, just to make sure, because I don¡¯t see the point of him escorting me to my mother¡¯s house. That ce is not for rich tycoons like him.


    ¡°I need to. You are my wife, remember? I have to apany you everywhere, and vice versa applies too.¡±


    ¡°Why such charades? Trying to make someone jealous?¡± I rant out, but I regret opening my mouth because of the outburst I receive as a response.


    ¡°Can you quit asking silly questions? We are wasting time unnecessarily. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Whoa!


    What a temper! I said it. Maybe this is why women can¡¯t stay by his side, and he has to buy himself a hopeless one like me. Dah!


    I grab the envelope on the bed and walk past him without saying a word, but he catches up with me just two stairs down. He wraps his hand around my waist, and I don¡¯t dare say a thing.


    We walk past the gigantic sitting room, which equals a hall, with servants doing one or two things here and there. I haven¡¯t had the time to explore this castle. One, because I was on bed rest, but I am d since I can now walk slowly with ease. In two or three days, I will have my bandages removed, and I will be perfectly okay. The second reason is that I know this is temporary. I don¡¯t want to make memories here or get attached to things around here. I am taking precautions.


    Sauntering out of the door, Jerol leads me, and we walk to the ck limousine waiting for us near the gate. He holds the door still for me to get in, and after mming it shut after making sure I have settled in, he walks to the other side and settles in beside me. Why the trouble? He should have told me to make some space for him instead of going through all that unnecessary trouble. All the same, the ck tilted ss separating us from the driver goes up, meaning it is just me and my husband at the back of thisfortable limousine. The rich have a different lifestyle, I tell you. Even the air they breathe is ipatible with what people like us breathe.


    The drive is quiet. We are both lost in our own thoughts, me ring at the envelope I am holding and reflecting on how my mother is going to react and this husband of mine here staring at space. I steal a nce at him through the corner of my eyes. Aside from his cold demeanor and not-so-bearable temper, he is the epitome of beauty. I wonder what they would look like brimming with joy. They sure must be the most beautiful ones.


    ¡°We are here, I suppose.¡± He says this, snapping me out of my short exploration of his eyes. I look at how he opens the door on his side, and I do the same to mine.


    Stepping out, he walks to my side, locking my hand in his again, and we walk side by side towards the house.


    As always, there are people indoors every single time of the day around here. Catching a glimpse of such an expensive car must have demonically called the attention of everyone, because now everybody is out, peering at us in bewilderment like we are aliens, or better yet, wolves in the territory of humans. I can see some murmuring to each other, and others¡¯ jaws are rolling on the sandy ground; their mouths will probably never be able to close again. I can understand their shock because, personally, I feel like this is a dream. A dream that I wouldn¡¯t want to wake up from.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I lost my shop and everything that kept me sane just two days ago. I was left with nothing. I almost lost my life too. But today, I am ady of high pedigree. Apart from having this rich tycoon as my husband, I have a whole fifty million lying in my bank. I have been checking through my phone almost every hour since Jerol transferred the cash to my ount, just to make sure the money hasn¡¯t disappeared. The anxiety it¡¯s giving me, though, lol! I still can¡¯t believe it. Life is undoubtedly a total turn of events. Today you are poor; tomorrow you might wake up rich. Don¡¯t criticize people because of who they are today.


    I knock lightly on what used to be my house and wait for the owner to open. This isn¡¯t my house anymore. This is thest time I am setting my feet in it. This house and everything in it-we are partying today. Funny how I¡¯m not sentimental about this. It¡¯s like I never belonged here, presumably because my existence was never valued at all. I don¡¯t know if I will ever miss this misery of a home.


    I nudge the door slowly since no one seems to bother to get it. I hope she was decent enough not to keep a man in this house up to this hour because Jerol notified her that we would being today. The embarrassment will be too much.


    I open the door, and since Jerol does not show any indication of waiting for me outside, we walk in together, to the suffocating panorama of my mother chewing a man¡¯s lips on the pathetic, loose, and torn couch. It¡¯s even eliciting some screeching sounds as her butt is grinding the man¡¯s thighs, or hell knows what.  Oh well, I guess I was toote to make a wish. Isn¡¯t this one of the uses of a bedroom, which is just two steps away from where they are fornicating? Jeez!


    She stops, acknowledging our presence, and she annoyingly smiles at Jerol as she hovers over the old dog, straightening her dress. The term shame has never been in her vocals, really.


    I should bow down with chagrin because of what greeted Jerol the first time I brought him to my house, but I keep my head high and have a straight face. If there is one thing I am ashamed of, it is being associated with this outrageous, immoral woman, and since I can¡¯t change that, I will not beat myself over it. It doesn¡¯t matter where onees from, but what matters is what we be without having to be defined by the people we grew up with or the ces we grew up in. This despicable woman here is not going to determine who I am or who I will be, and whoever wants to judge me based on her can go to hell for all I care. It¡¯s said that you should not judge a book by its cover, and I believe in that saying. Fuck the one that says that the apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree. I have nothing inmon with this woman.  I am nothing like her, and I will never be.


    ¡°Hi, son-inw! I hope you brought good news. Have a seat, please.¡± She opens her dirty, stinky mouth.


    See her hatred? She doesn¡¯t care about me. She does not even care to hide it. No greetings, no wee, no how have you been? No nothing! Sometimes I tend to think she didn¡¯t give birth to me. IMAO!


    ¡°Nobody is sitting down.¡± I burst out because I can sense Jerol¡¯s difort and because I don¡¯t intend to stay here for more than ten minutes. ¡°I just came down here to give you your hard-earned share of the deal and ask you just one thing.¡± She moves her gaze to me, and I look her in the eyes. I have never confronted her before. Never have I ever questioned her. I never dared talk back at her or raise my voice at her. Despite all the wrongs she did to me, I was always a respectful child. Honor your mother and father, right? I followed that to thetter, but it all ends today because life has taught me that respect is earned, and if you cannot respect yourself, then no one will ever respect you. And this woman here has never even tried to earn that respect. How can she, if she doesn¡¯t even respect herself?


    ¡°I hope you were not greedy enough to take out even a single cent from it, Angeline. I hope you brought the full amount that we agreed upon.¡±


    ¡°First tell me, mother. What do you deserve? What do you think you deserve for being a parent-a mother, to be precise, huh? An award?¡±


    ¡°Watch your tongue, youngdy! Just because your husband is here with you does not give you the right to disrespect me. I am still your mother.¡±


    Mother, my foot! If only she knew the meaning of being just a parent, not to even talk of being a mother! For goodness sake!

 CUTTING TIES

    ¡°And that gave you the right to trade me off to a stranger like I am mare garbage? Selling me off like trash? You could have asked me to leave your house if you did not want me here anymore. That would have been perfectly understandable. I mean, it¡¯s not like you ever wanted me from the start. But this, mother? What gave you that right? What gave you the audacity to do this despicable act, huh? Tell me. Is it money? Wasn¡¯t I the one who has been feeding you ever since?¡±


    ¡°Shut your trump, you who¡¯re!¡± She shouts, cutting me off. Whore? She must be referring to herself, not me. Her face is burning with anger. The truth hurts, huh? That is just great to know because I intend to spill all that she has made me feel throughout the years. Nothing will be left unsaid. We are lying about it all here. She points a finger at my face. If it were before now, I would be cowering in, trembling with fear, but not today. Today, my guards are all on. ¡°What am I to you, little witch? A child that you can talk to however you want? Better shut up before I do it for you. You are right; I don¡¯t want you. I never did. Now hand me my money and get out of my sight.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you tried so hard to starve me to death when I was just a baby until I had to learn the means of survival when I was barely four years old? Is that what mothers do? And you ask me what you are? Do you want to know who you are? You are everything they say you are, Gracia! Every single name they call you outside, you are exactly that-even worse than that. Thank God I respect myself; otherwise,  I would have called you all those names right now. You know what? There is something else very important that nobody has dared to tell you, but I will do the honors. I want you to hear it straight from me because I believe I am the right person to tell you this. You don¡¯t deserve the title of a mother. You are a disgrace to both parenthood and motherhood.¡± I close my eyes, waiting for her wellunched p tond on my cheek, but her hand must have been hooked somewhere in the air by some kind of magic because her palm has note into contact with my cheek.


    I open my eyes, only to see Jerol holding my mother¡¯s hand. Oh, wow! Husband defending the wife? Savior of the oppressed? I don¡¯t know which is which.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to hurt my wife in my presence. It¡¯s uneptable.¡± His voice is calm but cold andmanding. It holds such authority that nobody would want to dare defy or question it, except this woman.


    ¡°Then tell your wife to show some respect to her mother! Don¡¯t tell me you like how she is talking to me. Or worse, do you believe what she is saying?¡± She finishes fuming, and Jerol lets go of her hand, his eyes on her. He might be thinking this is a live soap opera, but little does he know, this has been my life.


    ¡°What I believe doesn¡¯t matter. As she said, I am a total stranger to both of you. Maybe you can rify if there is any truth in what she is saying.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°I have nothing to rify. This girl is a snake. A dog that bites the hand that feeds her. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you. You better be strict with her if you don¡¯t want her disrespecting you like this.¡± She nevercks something to bark about. Is making me look so bad her hobby?


    ¡°Until you can confidently prove that all she is saying is nothing but lies, then don¡¯t waste your time telling me how to handle my wife.¡±


    Oh, wow! I think I got the best husband in the whole world, huh!


    ¡°It¡¯s your call.¡± She murmurs.


    ¡°You and I know that you don¡¯t deserve even a single cent from me because you have done absolutely nothing for me aside from bringing me into this world. For that reason alone, I have tried to be as generous as possible. Here,¡± I hand her the envelope, which she grabs roughly, ¡°five hundred thousand, aspensation for giving birth to me and torturing me all my life.¡±


    ¡°I knew it.¡± Sheughs sarcastically, then she turns cold at once. ¡°Your greediness couldn¡¯t let you give me my full amount. You are such an ungrateful bitch. And you,¡± she turns to Jerol, who sneaked his hand around my waist without my knowledge until now. ¡°Didn¡¯t you make a promise to me that I would get the full amount? What is this? What happened to your promise? All you wanted was for the deal to go through, huh? You fooled me!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me this on my husband. He made sure to give me your full amount, but it¡¯s only me who knows your worth. Thank God I didn¡¯t bring that envelope with nothing inside but your pathetic ID because that is what you deserved-absolutely nothing!¡±


    She rolls her eyes, ncing at the nipoop rxingfortably on the sofa. If she thought she would automatically be rich by trading my life, she better think and think again. I can be such a fucking bitchy when I am pushed to the wall, which is exactly what this woman did.


    ¡°What exactly do you expect me to do with this change?¡±


    The audacity of this arrogant,, ungrateful woman! Forgive me if I go overboard with words for this woman today. Did she say change? She opens her mouth and regardss a whopping five hundred thousand as mare change! May thunder fire her mouth! May she break her tongue if she ever repeats that? LMAO! Has selling her body earned her even a quarter of this ¡°change¡± all her entire life?


    ¡°I don¡¯t care whether it does something or nothing for you. Make a life out of it or waste it on alcohol, as you have always done. Better still, buy yourself a sex toy and stop disgracing yourself by being fucked up by penniless street dogs like the one behind you. All the same, whatever you choose to do with that change is your freaking business. It does not matter to me anymore. What I want is for us to part ways. I am giving you what you have always wanted-to get rid of me. You never wanted me, and you still don¡¯t want me. I also don¡¯t need you, Gracia Motero. There is no need for me to stick around anymore.  There is no need for us to continue hurting each other anymore. I am done forcing myself on you. This is where things end between us. I don¡¯t ever want to see you in my life again. Thank you for nothing, and goodbye forever.¡±


    I look at her, and for the first time in my entire life, I think I see her eyes soften, but I cannot fall for deceit. She knows I have money now. I am stinking rich. She might try to deceive me with a few crocodile tears. Before that happens, I pull my husband out, and we walk out, his hand holding me by the waist. I don¡¯t know what he makes out of all this insanity, but someday, if I get a chance, I will exin.


    ¡®But he is your temporary husband, Angeline! Why do you need to exin anything?¡¯ My mind screams at me, and I mentally smirk at myself.


    We pass by the people again. They haven¡¯t retreated to their houses, and I know some even eavesdropped on us, but I don¡¯t care. I rummage through them as we pass by. For those who treated me like a street dog, I don¡¯t look at them twice. For the ones who helped me once, twice, or countless times, I can still manage to spare them a smile despite my heavy heart for what happened back inside. I said I didn¡¯t care, which is why I haven¡¯t shed even a single drop of tears despite all that. And thismp stuck in my throat. I will keep pushing it until it goes down my throat.


    We get back to the car, and the car turns around, speeding off, leaving this cursed ce and all its memories behind.


    Goodbye to the old, and hello, to the new!

 THE IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND

    Walking in through the entrance of the Great Westview Mall feels like walking through the gate of heaven. Deep inside, I feel so cheap walking on the sparkling tiles. I don¡¯t remember the year Ist walked into a mini supermarket, and I have never set foot in a mall, not to mention a ssic one like this.


    I grip tightly to Jerol¡¯s arm, and we make our way in to shop for the event, which is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. I am yet to know what kind of event it will be because Jerol said he would tell me all about it tomorrow and what I have to do. Considering his temper, anger, or whatever his reaction can be termed, I opted not to insist. I respected his decision, just like he respected mine when he asked what the deal between me and my mother was, or rather, was, and I told him I didn¡¯t want to talk about that subject, and he understood. He didn¡¯t push it.


    If we are going to have this mutual understanding and respect for each other, then the five months will pass by smoothly, and we will part ways in peace when it¡¯s time. I would love that.


    Going through the clothes section inside the mall, the admirable dresses that Jerol is rmending are everything that beauty and mour define. All of them are extremely beautiful, but there is one thing heartbreaking about them. It¡¯s even said that the most gorgeous people are the most dangerous and heartless heartbreakers in the world. In the case of these dresses, it¡¯s the price. Jeez! What are we buying? Some piece of a plot? Goodness!


    He is showing all that he thinks will go well with the theme of his event, I suppose, and I love them all, but because of the figures, I keep shaking my head at every single one of them that he suggests.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the dresses? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t like them.¡± He says that his voice is soft, but anger can still be detected in it.


    ¡°Have you looked at the prices? It¡¯s just too exaggerated. How?¡± he covers my mouth with his hand, making me shut up. He walks close to me, whispering in my ear.


    ¡°Look around us.¡± I do as he asks while he drops his hand from my mouth.


    Well, I did an exemry job of embarrassing him with that outburst about prices because now everybody is gawking at us. Some are even mocking me with sarcastic smiles. I feel awful-not so much for myself because I am fucking serious that I can¡¯t pay all these notes just for a single dress, but for this man with me. He perfectly fits in this ss of the rich and famous, the high and mighty tycoons, but not me. I don¡¯t belong here. Don¡¯t ask me what he is famous for, because I am yet to know. But given the way people look at us as we pass by and the kind of people I have seen him shake hands with, not to mention the kind of thousands of calls he makes in a day, he is most definitely a ¡°guru.¡±. Call me nosy or a busybody, but that one I have to find out. I need to at least know who I am married to, of all the things.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for embarrassing you like this. I don¡¯t think this ce is for me.¡± I say to him, looking away, shame washing my face.


    Out of the blue and without a clue, I feel his arms wrapping around my shoulder, pulling me for an unexpected hug. I was about to be frozen by his action, but before I did, the sixth sense knocked. The charade has been on for five months.


    ¡°A wife should be wrapping her loving arms around her husband right now, don¡¯t you agree?¡± He reminds me with a whisper behind my ear.


    Before I can melt down because of his hot breath or turn into ice because of the rich scent of his ck sapil cologne, or is it his pheromones, I move my hands under his armpits and wrap them around him. I can win the award for best actress because I am even crossing my eyes and caressing his back. I must show my worth for all the millions I am being paid for this job, right? I can¡¯t afford to fail on such a simple task as this one.


    We pull away, dropping my arms fully from his masculine body, but his remains on my shoulders.


    ¡°What now?¡± He implores, but I am so not ready to waste a dime on these dresses that I shake my head. ¡°Come.¡± Wrapping his hand around my waist, he pulls me to an area that looks like a changing area.


    We wander through them, him knocking on each door to know if there are people inside, until wee to an empty one. He guides me inside the clean and huge room, making me sit on the ck leather sofa while he stands in front of me. He runs his palms from his chin upwards to his hair. A sight that is both admirable and alluring-an innocent opinion, though.


    He must be pissed off at me. Maybe he is regretting closing me as his temporary wife. I can¡¯t me him, you know.


    ¡°Maybe we should go somewhere else?¡± I say, breaking the silence and his cold stare before he ps the hell out of me. He looks like he has mentally pped me like ten times, and I don¡¯t want to wait for him to go physical. I am beginning to get afraid here. The way he is sternly gawking at me is questionable.


    ¡°Help me to understand you. So, the problem with those dresses we have seen is just the price.¡± He inquires, shoving both hands in his pocket and standing straight. His height is,mendably, every man¡¯s dream. I nod my head. ¡°But I am the one who is paying, not you. So what¡¯s the deal?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who is paying, Jerol. The prices are madly inted. One hundred nonsense words for a single dress? I¡¯m sure we can get the same dresses somewhere else at a thousand and one percent lower price.¡± Okay, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s so funny about my suggestion that got the cold Jerol to smile. I like his beautiful, cold smile, though. It¡¯s the kind that can charm anydy to smile back except me because it¡¯s annoying me. It¡¯s enough that he brought me to this ce of the high and mighty, where I don¡¯t fit one bit. It¡¯s also enough that I made a total fool out of myself back there when Iined about the prices. He doesn¡¯t have to add more to it byughing at my suggestion, which is reasonable, by the way, ording to me only because his smile says I am uttering nothing but pure shit. Dah! I am just being honest and realistic here. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± I ask with an irritated voice.


    ¡°The fact that I don¡¯t know how we are going to cope like this for five months.¡± Straight to the point.


    I knew it. He is tired already, but I can¡¯t me him. We are just so different. We have nothing inmon. There is nomon ground at all. We are the exact opposite of the poles that can¡¯t attract each other. We are from two very different worlds. Even his aura is something that will take me a while to get used to.


    ¡°There is still time for you to find someone who will match your standards, Jerol. I am just not fit for this role. I will end up embarrassing you every single time.¡± I state this with all honesty.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote for that.¡± He says this, crouching on one knee in front of me and resting his hands on my thighs. His touch on my bare skin is giving me a feeling that I can¡¯t quite decipher. What do I know about men and what do they make you feel anyway? Nothing. I presume this is how it feels when any man touches you. ¡°We can easily settle this. I will ask you two questions, and you will reply with a yes or no. Nothing more, okay?¡± I nod my head in agreement. ¡°Do you like the dresses?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Well, of course, I do. I mean, who wouldn¡¯t? They are awesome. I am confident everybody would look dazzling in them. But..


    ¡°Angel?¡±


    ¡°Angel?¡± I mimic him. Nobody has ever called me Angel, and I didn¡¯t expect that from him of all people. Angel? What am I? A teenager?


    ¡°Angeline is too long for me. And Tessa? Tessa, Tessa. Not bad, but I prefer Angel, for some reasons that I will not say. But for the formalities, I will use Tessa McCall. So, Tessa McCall, do you love the dresses?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And the only problem is only the prices, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Wait here.¡± He stands up, making his way to the door.


    ¡°Wait,¡± I call, and he turns around. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Well, I have no problem with the price; only you do. So I¡¯ll be the one to get the dress for you.¡± With the slight smirk reced by the cold demeanor, he ms the door behind him again. I can feel his heavy steps on the floor as he picks up his pace.


    Does that mean it¡¯s the same dress he is going to get? No way!


    I stand and hurry to the door. I have to stop him because there is no way we are spending that much on the damn clothes. I tried twisting the lock, but my bad! The jerk locked it from the outside. Wow! Brilliant, Jerol! How dare he lock me in here? Is he a psycho or something? So, we will be arguing in the bedroom, and then he locks me in the bathroom? Oh, my goodness! I knock on the door, but no onees to my rescue. If he is a psycho, I better remain sane and not join him in his insanity.


    I defeatedly walk back to the seat, making myself asfortable as I can. Comfortable, my foot! That¡­ that¡­ what should I call him? I have no insults for him today.


    After about ten minutes, the door ws open, and he stands outside holding the door ajar, calm like a cucumber and not like someone who just acted so insane a while ago. How many dresses did he just buy? And wait, I thought you only got the shopping bags after paying for whatever you were buying. It seems things here work vice versa-just like rich is the vice versa for poor.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He says this, still holding the door ajar.


    ¡°Am I not fitting the dresses?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll do it in the house.¡±


    ¡°In the house? What if¡­¡±


    ¡°Tessa?¡± Whoa! That made even the people passing by shiver, and they passed a distance from him. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Right now!¡±


    Mister Paranoia is fuming with anger. Thank God, his anger can¡¯t allow him to look at me, because I don¡¯t want to imagine the look in his eyes. He is better off as a wolf or a vampire than a human. Screw his anger and temper! His reactions are exactly what I read about how those creatures behave when they are enraged.


    I raise my hands in surrender, and I walk out past him without saying a word, him following suit and, of course, his arm going to my waist.


    Wee to the world of Jerol, the weirdo psycho!

 THE REHEASALS

    ¡°Alright. Your brain is better than I thought.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°Are you trying to be rude or insulting right now?¡±


    ¡°No. Alright, sorry. Let¡¯s go over it one more time.¡±


    We are sitting in our bedroom-yes, ours, mine and Jerol¡¯s. Don¡¯t look at me like that, Sha! It was his idea, or, should I say, one of the rules. As a married couple, we should sleep in one room and on the same bed to avoidpromising issues. I didn¡¯t see any point in disagreeing, because he promised never to touch me or disrespect me in any way. How can he do that when the first rule of the contract is that no one should fall in love with the other? I guess that puts me on the safer side. Yeah. No love, no romance. No love, no touchy touchy. Sleeping beside him isn¡¯t such a big deal. I don¡¯t think he is as dangerous as a dog to bite me while asleep.


    We have been going over this for thest couple of minutes, and his mood today is no different. Arrogant, or rude, should be his middle name.


    ¡°When and where did we meet?¡± He asks again.


    For the third time, I give him the same answer. ¡°Nine months ago, at a hotel in town.¡±


    ¡°When did we be a couple?¡±


    ¡°Six months ago.¡±


    ¡°When, where, and why did we get married?¡±


    ¡°Just four days ago. We did a civil wedding because, well, we both knew what we wanted. We are sure of our feelings, and we didn¡¯t want to waste any more time. Why a civil wedding and not a church wedding?¡± I guessed that was his next question, and he nodded his head. ¡°Church weddings take a long time to prepare, and we couldn¡¯t wait that long. We wanted to live together immediately, so instead of just moving together like that, we opted for the civil wedding as we started preparing for the church wedding. There, are we good now?¡± I ask because, honestly, my back is starting to burn from sitting for too long.


    He stares at me for a while. Maybe he is now convinced that I have memorized everything?Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°And who am I? Aside from being your husband, who is Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall?¡±


    Well, good question! Who is he? Who are you, Jerol? Because, as far as I know, you are a stranger that I know barely anything about other than your name. I just met you five days ago, and you turned my world upside down.


    ¡°Who are you? I don¡¯t remember you telling me anything about yourself.¡± I say, and his look at me turns from cold into a confusing one.


    ¡°You have no idea who I am?¡± I shake my head. ¡°You have never heard of the name Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall before?¡± I shake my head again, and if this is the confusion I am seeing on his face, then mine is shock written on my face.


    Am I supposed to know him? Why? Is he known for possessing some superhero powers or something? The dark look in his eyes fades a little, and he stands up.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± He says this without looking back, and like an obedient puppy, I trail behind him after locking the door.


    We start ascending the long, sparkling stairs, the servants standing a distance away from us, some bowing their heads like it¡¯s their master passing, while others turn their faces away as if it¡¯s a devil they are avoiding. Who really is this man? He doesn¡¯t say a word to the servants, who are shaking in fear just because of his presence. He doesn¡¯t even spare them a nce, and I do the same. We walk to the third floor, which is the next floor from our bedroom. He opens the only door there on the left, ushering me in. I walk in, and he does the same, mming the door behind him.


    My eyes catch the attention of the framed photos hanging around on the white walls of what looks like a study. This man in all those photos is the same one towering over me from behind. I walk closer, scanning each one of them. Even between other elegant men, I can still make out his face. There is also onemon name and title on all these photos. I know the name; it¡¯s the same as my husband¡¯s, but this title? You have to be kidding! CEO of the multi-billion ROYAL FUEL AND GAS COMPANY?


    What the freaking hell is happening here?


    I understand there might be a coincidence in the name, but him? Why is he in the photos? And why is that name appearing everywhere on him? I turn my shock of a face to him, my jaw rolling somewhere on the floor. I look at him, with no expression at all on his face, then I look to the wall again, to that photocopy of his on those photos. I am in an exam room doing thepare-and-contrast test. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t seem to find any contradictory points between the two.


    ¡°Are¡­ you¡­ the owner of the Royal Fuel and Gas Company?¡± I ask in absolute shock, my eyes on him, while my left-hand index finger is pointing to the wall. Not in a specific photo, I am sure, because even my hand is shaking.


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s me.¡± And he is saying it so tly as if he is admitting to owning a kiosk or a simple milk bar?


    Someone shoot me!


    I pull the swivel chair down and sit down because my legs are giving up. What kind of joke is this?


    I not only married a stranger, a weirdo, but¡­ This can¡¯t be happening to me.


    ¡°What else do I need to know about you?¡± I asked after studying him for a couple of minutes. It wasn¡¯t my intention; my mouth just ran dry with words, and I decided to put my eyes to use. I mean, who is this stranger that my good-for-nothing mother sold me to?


    ¡°I own the majority of shares in the central bank,¡± said more shock, ¡°and I have shares in the Royal Insurance Company, which is owned by my parents.¡± I¡¯m out of words. My throat is even cracking out of dryness. I swallow hard the little liquid in my mouth, which doesn¡¯t help much. ¡°Here, he hands me an iPad and says, ¡°Everything you need to know about me is all there.¡± I took the iPad, or so I thought, but the next thing I know, it¡¯s hitting my ankle.


    ¡°Ouch! Shit!¡± I bend to collect the iPad, but Jerol happens to be quick to react.


    ¡°Let me.¡± He says, taking the iPad and returning it to the table while I massage my ankle.


    Damn me and my shock!


    I try to stand, at least to ease the pain. Darn! I still have those freaking heels to wear tomorrow, not to mention that it will be my first time wearing heels. And now I am adding more injuries? Wow! Just wow! I stagger, and Jerol catches hold of me before I embarrass myself any further. I didn¡¯t even know I was heading to the door, and I swear I didn¡¯t n on walking out on him when I stood from the chair.


    ¡°What is so scary about what you have just found out about me? What¡¯s wrong?¡± He asks, and I push him away from me. I stand a step away.

 BREAKING POINT

    ¡°Nothing is right here in my heart, Jerol.¡± I brat out; tears are beginning to fall, and I don¡¯t know why. ¡°Everything is just a shock, you know? I left home in the morning five days ago, only to find my shop all demolished and all the stock destroyed. That was the only thing that was keeping me sane. My mind and soul crashed the moment I learned that I was not going to recover anything. While I dragged myself back home that morning, I got into an ident. I thought that perhaps all my miseries hade to an end. But no. I woke up here, in a strange house with a total stranger, as a wife to someone I don¡¯t know at all. And why? Because my own mother sold me. She had found a perfect way to get rid of the sticking garbage in her house. And now? Now I just learned that my stranger husband is what, a trillion¡­ whatever? This is excellent, right? It¡¯s so okay for all this shit to happen in such a short period of time, right?¡± I facepalm my face, covering my tearful eyes.


    I didn¡¯t know I was holding so much. I thought I was strongly okay. I knew I was strong. So why all this drama? Why do I have to break down like this in front of a stranger?


    I feel the familiar arms wrapping around my shoulders, and I let my forehead rest on his chest, keeping my sobs at bay. Oh, dear, what a nice way of showing how broken I am! Like magic, the soothing sound of his arms rubbing my back calms me down, and I stop sobbing. I pull away, and I start drying the wet parts of his shirt with the back of my hands.


    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± He asks, bending backwards, creating space between his chest and my hands.


    ¡°Drying up the mess I made on your shirt.¡± I say it softly, looking anywhere but his face. I know I look like a mess myself.


    A shit, to be precise!


    If life was a y, huh? How many twists in just five freaking days?


    ¡°Wipe these instead.¡± He says this, drying the tears from my eyes, and I get a chance to look at him. ¡°You know, Tessa. I don¡¯t know what you went through before our paths crossed. But my advice to you is this:. Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. Take this as a second chance to live, and try to be happy in any way that you possibly can.¡±


    Well, that was the n since I cut ties with my mother. It still is. I don¡¯t know what just got into me a while ago. I am choosing happiness and peace.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    I take the iPad carefully from the table and start taking small steps towards the door.


    ¡°You are right,¡± I say to him. ¡°I promise you won¡¯t see these tears again for the five months that we will be together. Plus,¡± I stop and half-turn to him, ¡°I bet the wife of a trillion¡­ trillio¡­ wait, what am I supposed to call that? You are more than a billionaire.¡±


    ¡°I am just Jerol to you, Tessa. The rest isn¡¯t important.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right! I will find that out.¡± He smiles. No. Is that a smile or a smirk? ¡°I suppose Jerol¡¯s wife should be tough and strong. I will try to level up.¡± I drag my foot again, walking forward. ¡°And your smirk is annoying, by the way.¡± I shout, picking up my limping pace again.


    ¡°And your limping sucks.¡±


    Shit!


    Yeah, I know that, you filthy rich jerk! Even my walking style alone can¡¯t be anywhere close to being good. What happens when I am limping? Anyway, I don¡¯t walk to impress; getting where I am going is what matters to me. As long as I can lift my legs from the ground and alternate one leg after another, I am good.


    I feel him behind me, and he puts his hand on the doorknob before I do. I try to turn, but I bump into his face from behind me. Heck!


    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± I ask, trying not to turn to him because he is so close.


    ¡°We are going to massage that leg of yours because I don¡¯t want any mishaps tomorrow. Hold this.¡± He hands me a first-aid kit, which I take.


    ¡°And who is going to do the massage?¡±


    ¡°Your husband, of course. Who else?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you. I will do it myself.¡± I reach for the doorknob, but before I know it, I am in his arms. I even screamed because I didn¡¯t see thating. ¡°Put me down, Jerol,¡± I say, and I am dead serious about that. But who am I daring? The dare devil himself? He is about to emit fire from his eyes to burn me.


    ¡°Open the door.¡± His cold voice echoes through my ears, and his icy eyes dare me to say or do otherwise. I twist the nob, opening the door.


    He walks out with me, bridal style, in his arms, while I am dying of embarrassment.


    ¡°Does he have to camouge like this? Jeez! He looks so ugly and scary when he is cold. Is this how rich people behave?¡± I murmur to myself.


    He halts on his feet, gazing at me with a murderous look. His eyebrows are raised, making his semi-almond eyes appear bigger than usual.


    ¡°If you say one more word, I will drop you, and I will not even care about your screams as you roll down these stairs. Do you hear me?¡± He speaks so loudly that even the servants in the sitting room hear it.


    They all disappear to the kitchen in a hurry, and I am d there is no one else on the stairway. Does he beat them, or why do they fear him so much? What am I even saying? His authoritative andmanding voice is enough to scare anyone.


    ¡°Then you will have no fake wife to present to your family and your rich guests tomorrow. I dare you!¡±


    ¡°Shut. Up. Tessa!¡± He is shutting his eyes tight, speaking between gritted teeth, his lips trembling with anger as he speaks, and I opt to stop my childishness at this point. It¡¯s best for me.


    ¡°Sorry, hubby. Carry on, please. I won¡¯t talk again.¡± I finish, and Iy my head on his chest as he picks up his pace again.

 THE WEIRD HUBBY

    ¡°Wow, wow! I don¡¯t know whether to be proud of my work or be jealous of your beauty, madam.¡± My make-up artist says, stepping away from me.


    I stand up to have a good look at the woman in the reflection because I doubt it¡¯s really me. My, my, my, Tessa! Is this me? I lift my hand to my face, well polished up with ponds and perfectly made eyebrows. I run my hands smoothly and with care through my styled hair. I guess it¡¯s really me, then. Tessa Angeline McCall! At least I¡¯m not that ugly to embarrass my rich, handsome husband. Speaking of him, where is he?


    ¡°Thank you so much for this. You are really a great makeup artist.¡±


    ¡°Well, thank you, madam. I¡¯ll take my leave now. Enjoy your day, madam, and if ever you need my services again, I will be happy to lend them to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I sure wouldn¡¯t look somewhere else. And please, call me Tessa.¡±


    ¡°Alright. See you again, Tessa.¡± She walks out after packing her belongings in her makeup kit, while I am left to admire myself. I don¡¯t think even that woman I used to call mother would recognize me if she sees me now. What a transformation! Even my husband might not recognize me.


    The door opens, and Jerol walks in, his jaw-dropping on the floor the moment his eyes fell on me. Well, I hope I will impress his guests just the way he is impressed. For a moment, he forgot how to close his mouth and how to blink, and I am sure he was holding his breath too.


    ¡°Does this look fit the title, Mrs. McCall?¡± I speak, and his face changes all of a sudden, turning cold.


    What is wrong with this guy, though? His mood swings are worse than those of a depressed pregnant woman. Is this how he has been or is something bothering him? He seems so unhappy for a money guru like him. Living in a castle, swimming in all the money and wealth that he has, and not having a nagging wife beside him, shouldn¡¯t he be the happiest bachelor? What could be his problem?


    ¡°You look just fine. Let¡¯s go? They are all waiting, except for my parents, but they are on the way.¡± He is, atst, so t that his words kind of hurt, just a little. I mean, he has a clear picture of what a pest I was a few days ago, and I am also certain that he can see the beautiful transformation; it¡¯s not like he is blind. A marepliment wouldn¡¯t cost anything, jeez! He is so mean and stingy when ites to words. And a pain in the ass when ites to attitude. I take my purse from the bed as he walks to me to offer his hand-one thing he is so generous about.


    ¡°Just a second.¡± I say before we start walking out, and he stops, turning to me with a frown that says, ¡°What now?¡±? ¡°Don¡¯t you at least need to keep a cool face for this to look a bit convincing?¡± I ask because if this is how we are going to look, it will take just a minute for people to know this is nothing but a show.


    He half-smiles and opens his mouth to speak. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I want this to look more real than you can imagine. And since I know you didn¡¯t read the contract, I will let you know that we are going to do everything that a real married couple does in public. The chemistry between us should both be seen and felt.¡±


    ¡°Wait. What do you mean? What else does this entail?¡±


    ¡°Ever heard of romantic hugs and kissing? Don¡¯t think I am going overboard when you feel my hand squeezing your thighs under the table.¡±


    I don¡¯t give a hoot about squeezing my thighs and giving hugs; I can handle that. Let me get one thing clear about this kissing that is already making my blood cold.


    ¡°By kissing, I suppose you mean a peck here and there?¡± I am shaking as I ask, my gaze stern in his eyes. Now that we are so close, I think I like the coldness in his eyes. They hold this powerful attraction that is so devilish but weirdly charming. Powerful enough to lure anyone into their dark world. They speak nothing but pure, sweet sin. My, he can be such an irresistible charm if only he can work on his attitude.


    ¡°And where is the reality of love in a mere peck?¡± I mean real kissing.¡±


    Shoot me!


    How on earth am I going to kiss him in public when I have never kissed anyone, not even in secret?


    ¡°Well, I have never kissed anyone. I might embarrass you there.¡± I say, looking away. He lets go of my hand and grabs my purse, throwing it on the bed, and he stands right in front of me. He tilts my head with his finger so that I face him. He studies me for what feels like a decade, and next, he wraps both hands around my waist, keeping his eyes on me. He closes the small gap between us, erupting fire in my body.


    ¡°Your hands are on my chest.¡± He orders, and I obey, struggling to maintain eye contact. This is all new to me. Being this close to a man, with our bodies touching like this and looking at each other like this, I have never experienced this closeness with a man. That is why I am sure my cheeks are as red as a tomato right now. I don¡¯t know where his thoughts have wandered off to just now, leaving his eyes on me, his stare making me ufortable. So ufortable that I am starting to tremble.


    What is he thinking about right now? Or perhaps, who is he thinking about? What is bothering you, Jerol? Why do I feel like behind this cold man is a vulnerable person suffering from the inside? For a man of your pedigree to be like this, you must be in some deep sh*t, Jerol.


    I patted his chest gently. ¡°Hubby?¡± He snaps back from Wondend. ¡°It¡¯s not right to zone out on your wife like that, is it?¡± He smirks, faking a smile.


    ¡°Forgive me, my dear wife.¡± He says this, rubbing his thumbs yfully on my back.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s next?¡± I ask.


    His eyes fell on my lips, and I stared at them for a while. He leans in, levelling his lips with mine but leaving a small gap between our lips, and I tense. He is going to kiss me? I am going to have my first kiss. I feel some Deja Vu. I can¡¯t wait to feel the magic of a kiss. I close my eyes, my heart beating ten times its usual speed, and I wait for his lips to crash on mine.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Instead of him kissing me, he speaks, and I open my eyes, meeting his cold ones.


    Apart from their usual coldness, there is something else in them, something I can¡¯t fathom. Is it guilt? For what? Is it fear? Why? Is it remorse? I don¡¯t know.


    ¡°You will just need to move your lips in rhythm with mine when that happens. But don¡¯t worry. I will try to limit the romance as much as possible.¡±


    I have no words to say to him, so I just nod my head.


    He has a demon hunting him, I suppose. He takes my purse from the bed where he threw it some minutes ago, and then he sneaks his hand around my waist, pulling me closer to him. We walk out, him carrying my purse like a romantic hubby, and me walking beside him with a mega smile on my face like the happiest wife in the world. I love this game.


    We have spent almost thirty minutes saying hi to guests and Jerol introducing me to some high-profile people like the CEO of Etiq Bank, which is the top and most highly rated bank in the country, the chairmen and managers of the Royal Insurance Company, which is owned by his parents, some of the managers of the Royal Fuel and Gas Company, which is owned by Jerol, andst but not least, Jerol¡¯s close friends, who are the total opposite of him. I am tempted to think that this cold side of him just surfaced recently. He couldn¡¯t have been able to blend with these talkative, jovial guys if he was this icy and temperamental from the start. Anyway, I should stop beating myself over something that is not my concern. What I am wondering about right now is when we will get to sit down because my ankles are beginning to hurt.     Shit! How do people manage all day with these annoying heels?N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Jerol asks, pulling us a distance away from the multitude.


    ¡°My ankles are beginning to hurt. I don¡¯t think I can stand for long.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, okay. I don¡¯t know why my parents are taking too long. They are the only ones missing. I¡¯ll just give them a call. If they are nearby, I¡¯ll just call everyone to the dinner table, okay?¡±


    I nod my head, and he moves to my side, wrapping an arm around me while fishing his phone from his pocket with the other hand. However, before he could even finish unlocking his phone, a voice from behind startled us, and we turned around.

 AN UNWELCOMING GUEST

    ¡°Father.¡± Jerol salutes the man, whom I presume is in histe sixties, and they embrace in these quick manly hugs that do notst even for a second. They appear not to have so much inmon in terms ofplexion except for the eyes and jaws. However, that is not a problem in any way. What baffles me is the elegant woman who wasgging behind this man. Her eyes have not left me since she saw me, and I am getting nervous. If it¡¯s an assessment she is doing, I highly doubt I will pass. The look she is giving me is not anywhere close to liking or approval. It¡¯s a look of disapproval. I don¡¯t like it.


    ¡°Wee, father. Mother!¡± Jerol takes a step to hug his mother, who glitters with adoration the moment his son speaks to him.


    ¡°Hey, son!¡± She says this, enveloping her son in a motherly hug.


    If only I knew the feeling, I would be able to know how exactly Jerol is feeling right now in his mother¡¯s loving arms. But I never received a hug from my mother in my whole life, so I can only imagine the feeling. It must be sweet.


    ¡°Mother, father, I want you to meet someone.¡± He announces this after they pull away from the hug thatsted for far too long. He gently pulls me to him, his hand going around my small waist. The four eyes in front of us shoot at me, scaring the hell out of me. One pair of these eyes is open to anything. I can see through them the enthusiasm of knowing who I really am for the man right beside me. But the other pair of eyes is filled with questions and discontent. I bet she is hoping against all hope that I am not what she thinks I am. ¡°I would like you to meet my beautiful wife, Tessa Angeline McCall.¡±


    Boom!


    My cheeks turn red due to that sweet intro from my fake husband, and the smile that appears on his father¡¯s face warms my heart. However, I paralyse the moment my gazends on his mother. I knew she wasn¡¯t impressed with me for some reason. I guess you can¡¯t hide everything with just a makeover, right? She might have sensed something odd behind this beautiful attire and make-up.


    But honestly, does she have to be so harsh and so obvious? She is strangling me with her eyes.


    ¡°What a beauty you got for yourself here, son! I didn¡¯t know you had such great taste!¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on, father!¡±


    ¡°I am dead serious. I am tempted to think that you got her from one of these stupid dating sites because, as I know you, Jerol, you don¡¯t have time for anything but work. But then again, her beauty and everything else about her tell me that she is too descent and well reserved for such crap.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to scare my wife away, father?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, son. I am happy that you finally, finally, found your missing rib. Now I see why it took you almost forever, huh? You were mining for gold. Good job, son, and wee to the family, my dear.¡± He pulls me for a hug, and after we pull away, he offers me his hand for a handshake. ¡°I am Adriano McCall.¡±


    ¡°Ni.. nice meeting you, Mr. McCall.¡± I mumble with a broken voice.


    ¡°Come on now, my daughter. You are my son¡¯s wife, and that practically makes you my daughter. Just call me father; that will make me so proud.¡±


    ¡°Well..¡± I spare a nce at Jerol, and after he slightly nods his head to me as a yes sign and an assuring smile appears on his face, I turn to his father, who still has my hand in his. ¡°Alright. Father. Thank you.¡± He smiles, and I snuggle back into Jerol¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Sweetheart.¡± He turns to his statue of a wife, who looks so bored even before the party begins. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say anything to your daughter or even your son about this big step he has taken?¡±


    She looks at her husband and fakes a weak smile that is so obvious, and she turns to me, offering her hand. ¡°Wee, Tessa Angeline¡­? Sorry, I didn¡¯t get your sir¡¯s name. What was it again?¡± She says, and my hand just got hooked on the air by some kind of magic. We stare at each other, our hands waiting for the handshake, her eyes challenging, and her expression growing impatient with waiting for an answer.


    ¡°I.. I..¡± I swallow hard and avoid her eyes for a moment. I don¡¯t want to see a look of disappointment in her after what I am about to say, because I can feel it is way below her expectations.


    ¡°She is a McCall, mom. That is all there is to know.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Saviour! I was about to grin until her mother challenged me.


    ¡°I know that, son. But which family does shee from? Where does shee from? Who are her people? I think I have the right to know, right, son?¡± Her hand falls on the side of her thigh, the sound of the invaluable bracelets on it being the only sound that can be heard around us.


    I look up to Jerol, and from the look of things, his silence, and the confusion on his face, I am sure he wasn¡¯t expecting this. He looks clueless about what to say, and because I hate lies, I decide to let out the truth. Besides, there is nothing to be ashamed of, whether I have a surname or not.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a surname, Mrs. McCall. I was just Tessa Angeline before I became a McCall.¡± I say, and her eyes turn cold at once.


    ¡°What?¡± You don¡¯t have parents? You never had parents. Who raised you? Where did you grow up? What do you do then? What have you specialized in? Are you¡­.¡±


    ¡°Mom, please! Is this some kind of interrogation or something?¡± Jerol shouts, cutting his mother off and shocking both his parents with his outburst. I don¡¯t know whether to be d that he came to my rescue before his mother could choke me with her questions or feel bad for him almost yelling at his mother just to defend me. I¡¯m sure this woman will have more reasons to hate me now.


    ¡°Well, I am sorry. But forgive me, son. I just can¡¯t ept anyone in this family without a thorough check on their background. This world is full of fake people. People who are experts in nothing but taking advantage of every chance they get. So, who exactly is this woman, Jerol? I need answers.¡±


    God, please! I can¡¯t be the reason for this family to fight on the first day I meet them.


    ¡°This woman, mom, is the woman I love. She is my wife. No more questions, and that¡¯s final.¡± He tried to remain as calm as he could, but his eyes were smoking fire. I reach for his hand and intertwine our fingers, squeezing it a little in an attempt to calm him a little.


    ¡°You are so damn wrong, Jerol, if you think I will ept her just like that without knowing her real identity. I will do whatever it takes to know her every single detail.¡± She warns.


    ¡°Do whatever you want, mother, as long as you don¡¯t involve us. Whatever your findings will be, don¡¯t bother us with them. If you don¡¯t mind, we have kept the guests waiting for far too long, and it¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s have dinner, please.¡±


    We all stroll on the red carpet to the red-themed dining table with white tes and clear sses well arranged.


    After a moment of chit-chatting and inaudible whispers, the servants bring the food to the table. Everyone is teasing Jerol about having a beautiful girlfriend. One even made a joke that he would snatch me away from him, but just one single re from Jerol was enough to make him take his words back.


    The aroma, my God! It¡¯s so rich. I swear, I have never smelled something so good in my entire life.


    ¡°What can I serve you?¡± Jerol inquires when it¡¯s almost our turn to serve ourselves.


    I¡¯m almost drooling!


    Wait¡­


    What do I know about rich people¡¯s foods? Nothing. These people are soplicated in just everything. Chicken to them is not the ordinary chicken the poor people know. They have different kinds of chicken depending on how it¡¯s cooked. That is what I learned from a servant here, and since I can¡¯t even differentiate between roasted and grilled chicken, I tell Jerol to serve me whatever he is having.


    Soon enough, a te of chicken and brownish rice that¡¯s mouth-wateringy under my nose, and a bowl of soup aside. I run for the piece of chicken on my te, but before I cany my hands on it, some clicking sounds startle me.


    I looked around the table, and that¡¯s when it hit me. I am not back in the ghetto, where almost everything is eaten with hands. I am with the rich and distinguished, and I have to behave like them. Jerol must have discovered my distress, and like he said before we left the bedroom earlier, I feel his hand squeezing my thigh under the table, probably asking, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±  because I am sure I look damn tense.


    I look at him and then at the small knife and fork on my te, but he gives me a questionable smile.


    I clench on the new eating tools and try to prove my fitness in this ss of the rich, but I fail miserably. Even holding the small knife properly is an issue, not to mention cutting the damn meat, which seems so slippery for the knife. I try again, and again, and again, until I bitterly take a break, releasing a sigh of frustration.


    This is so framing, not my style!

 UNFIT

    People are almost halfway through their meal, but I have not touched mine, and the aroma is not doing any justice to this situation. I take a couple of sips of the juice first, hoping it can calm my nerves. I throw a nce at Jerol from the corner of my eyes. His food is barely touched too, perhaps because he has been watching me fight with this damn knife and fork. I put the ss of juice down, and I grabbed the stupid tools again. Just one more. They have to work! They need to.


    I angrily try, but the result is the same. I put them together and toss them aside, mentally murmuring a thousand curses to them. I grab the chicken piece with my hand and munch on it. I will do things the best way I know how to. I can¡¯t force myself to be what I am not. I chew the meat in my mouth, and I tell you what? It tastes heavenly. It¡¯s so good, and¡­


    ¡°Oh, my goodness! What the heck?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I know that voice. I heard it earlier, and I don¡¯t need to look in her direction to know how she looks right now.


    ¡°This is so embarrassing!¡± She murmurs between gritted teeth, I suppose.


    I look around, and wow! Just wow! All the uncountable eyes are on me, except for the one person beside me who I don¡¯t want to look at right now. Ever been in a situation where you have food in your mouth but you can¡¯t swallow it because it¡¯s not chewed and, for some reason, you can¡¯t continue chewing? That¡¯s where I am, and spitting it out is the most embarrassing thing I can¡¯t afford to do right now.


    God! Why did you bring me here?


    ¡°Miss, the knife, and the fork are used for cutting the meat.¡± Another damn voice of ady echoes.


    Yeah, right! As if I don¡¯t fucking know that.


    ¡°Maybe this is all new to her.¡± That was a woman¡¯s voice again, and Jerold had to spare this specific one a nce while I bowed down with shame.


    I am not ashamed of who I am, but embarrassing Jerol is what is eating me up. What do they think of him now, huh?


    ¡°Jerol?¡± Her mother calls, calm but furious.


    ¡°Yes, mom?¡± He asks, his voice so t. There is no anger in it. No nothing.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you teach your wife some table manners? What sort of embarrassment is this?¡± The way she is saying it and the way she is pointing at me, she is really pissed off, and I wish the ground would just open up and swallow me alive right now.


    ¡°What¡¯s so wrong with what she is doing, mother?¡± Like everybody at the table, my eyes travel to him. ¡°Has it ever been a crime to use hands to eat?¡± He dared anybody to answer, and nobody dared to. They just stare at him with dismay, and I feel bad because I know deep inside he is not pleased with this behaviour. He is just trying to defend me. To make me not look so odd and unfit in his world. But by doing this, he is embarrassing himself more.


    ¡°Oh, please, son!¡± Her mother retorts back, and his father is trying to calm her down to no avail. I presume she is the only one who can dare his son.¡±How can you stoop so low, son? No wonder she even doesn¡¯t have a surname!¡±


    ¡°No surname?¡± A couple of voices ask in unison.


    ¡°As early as now, Jerol, take this garbage where you picked it from because she is not fit for you, nor for this family. SHE CAN NOT BE YOUR WIFE, SON!¡± His mother states, stressing every word of thest sentence.


    ¡°She already is, mother, and I am not here to ask for anybody¡¯s approval. My heart approved her, and I love her just the way she is.¡± He leans in to peck my cheek that¡¯s on his side to prove his point.


    ¡°But I am telling you¡­¡±


    ¡°THAT¡¯S ENOUGH, MOTHER!¡± He ms the table so hard that the sound echoes throughout the entire ce, and his high-ttoned pitch adds more. ¡°I didn¡¯t bring my wife here for interrogation or judgement. I simply invited everyone here today to introduce her to you, not to seek anybody¡¯s approval either. I don¡¯t want to hear any more questions directed at my wife, whether directly or indirectly. Nobody has the right to question my wife like that.¡± He turns to me after taking his eyes around the table, confirming if his message has been made clear to everyone. ¡°Babe? You are not doing anything wrong, okay.¡± He says with a sweet charming voice, taking my cheeks in his palms, making me look at him.


    If only this were real, I would be melting under his touch right now. But I have a very strong guard to always remind me that all this is just for show, and it willst for just five months. I wonder what he will tell people after we end the charade and part ways.


    ¡°You want to eat with your hands? That¡¯s fine. What¡¯s more?¡± His thumbs are caressing my cheeks, his eyes boring into mine. ¡°I will join you. I think it¡¯s more sweet and enjoyable this way.¡± He takes the piece of meat from my hand and gives me a bite, adding to the one that¡¯s rotting in my mouth. He then takes a bite, and I have to look at him as he confidently chews it, and I travel with it down his throat as he swallows it. Too bad I didn¡¯t see where it rested in his stomach because his Adam¡¯s apple got my eyes glued to it. I don¡¯t even know what I was thinking staring at it like that, but I am d when he spoke again, snapping me back.


    He hands me my meat back, pulling me for a forehead kiss. Turning to his te, he takes his fork and the small knife and throws them on the table, munching on the chicken from his bare hands, shocking everyone.


    From the look of everyone, I think they are thinking he has gone insane. Nobody seems to believe that he is doing this. Not even me. Nobody asks any more questions, except for her mother who can¡¯t stand to watch her son acting like a psycho. She pushes her te of food aside, grabs the ssy handbag and stomps out. What shocks me the most is that her husband doesn¡¯t bother to stop her or follow her. He continues eating like his wife didn¡¯t just walk out in the middle of the dinner infuriated.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I say to Jerol as we stand on the sink washing our hands, him behind me like a romantic couple.


    ¡°For what?¡± He implores, resting his chin on my shoulder.


    ¡°Are you serious? For embarrassing you in front of your guests like that. And not to mention I am the reason why you are at gross with your mother, and the reason why she walked out like that is still me. I feel awful.¡±


    He turns me around to face him after we dry our hands.


    ¡°There is nothing to apologize for. Don¡¯t ever feel bad for being just you. As for my mother, she wille around. Don¡¯t worry, alright?¡±


    ¡°What about you? Do you still think you can manage me for that long? Aren¡¯t you pissed off already?¡± I ask, keeping my voice as low as possible.


    ¡°Do you honestly want to know what I think?¡± He cups my face.


    ¡°Mmh?¡± I nod my head.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t been convincing enough to these people.¡± He says, brushing my lower lip with his thumb. ¡°Forgive me for this, okay?¡± He whispers with his eyes closed, leaning so dangerously close to my lips, closing the gap between us. Before I can answer his question, his lips crash on mine, for our very first kiss ¨C my first kiss. As his hand moves to the back of my neck to hold me still and support me, mine moves freely to his chest, holding on to his shirt for support.


    ¡°Wow! Cheers to the lovebirds.¡± I think our kissing took longer than we both intended until the people decided to remind us that we are not in the bedroom. As if anything will ever happen in that bedroom, dah! Nobody should know, though.


    We pull away and saunter back to the table, him smiling and I blushing, taking our sses and clicking them together.


    He even stole a peck!


    ¡°To a happy marriage, my son. Be happy.¡± That is his father. I can tell he has a good heart.


    ¡°Thank you, father. Cheers, everyone!¡±


    We raise our sses again and then take a sip. As people sink down to their seats again to enjoy the cold drink on a cold night, Jerol pulls me for another slow kiss, and men, is he sweet? I don¡¯t know about that, but the kiss is generally sweet. The butterflies in my stomach are attesting to that.

 SOMEONE MISSING

    I sprawl my weary vigors and haul my lethargic ass out of bed. Empty space? Where did he go this early morning? He didn¡¯t tell me he was going somewhere.


    Damn my unbearably painful ankles! Those stupid heels! And Jerol had to get me all these five pairs? There is no way I am putting my feet in these torturous hell of heels ever again! Never! Just when my hip had healed, now I have to hobble again all because I was trying to impress some people who weren¡¯t impressed at all. To hell with them! After all, what did I get in the end? I was mocked for not having the freaking surname, as if it¡¯s a bad omen. Sigh!


    I was treated like an outcast because no matter how much I had struggled to cover the truth, I just couldn¡¯t hide it. The truth came out in the end ¨C the truth that I am not like the rich. I couldn¡¯t fit in their ss, and I wish I had not tried. Wasted effort!


    I shuffle back from the bathroom and change from my pyjamas, then I walk with caution down the stairs. I peek at the dining area, but there is no sign of Jerol. It¡¯s eight in the morning, did he leave for work? Anyway, I wouldn¡¯t be astounded. He runs a bigpany that needs a lot of management. It would have been nice if he notified me though!


    How does he even manage such a hugepany?


    Shrugging my shoulders, I turn to walk to the kitchen, but three steps away, I make a stop after hearing somemotionsing from the outside. I pay attention, just to be sure. It sure is noise. And that voice, that cold authoritative voice!


    Jerol?


    I turn around, aborting the kitchen mission. I stride out to the parking where I heeded the noisesing from, savouring the fresh air for the very first time since a week ago when I came to this house ¨C when I be Jerol¡¯s wife. I was eagerly waiting for the day that I will be able to set my feet out and explore the beauty that surrounds this humongous beautiful castle, but today isn¡¯t just that day. The scene out here is blurring every beauty there is in thispound. It¡¯s even disrupting the peace.


    ¡°Your husband did a mistake, and I just did what I had to do. If you can¡¯t stay here without your beloved husband, then pack and go too. You are also FIRED!¡± The enraged Jerol fumes at the elderly woman crouching before him, and he stomps away, without even sparing a nce at the pleading woman. Her cries are falling on his deaf ears and stone heart.


    ¡°Jerol..¡± I try to stop him, but he nudges me away like someone he doesn¡¯t know. He matches inside, mming the door behind him. If I thought he was cold before, then I have no idea who the man who pushed me like that just now is. Maybe an icy scary beast.


    I take slow strides, still at loss for words to decipher what Jerol just did, and walk to the woman who is uncontrobly weeping. The other servants are trying to calm her down, but their efforts are in vain.


    Isn¡¯t it too early for such drama? What just happened?


    ¡°Madam, please!¡± The woman says upon noticing me. She entangles herself out of herforter¡¯s hands and runs to me, falling on her feet before I can even ask her anything. ¡°If it¡¯s not too much, please ask sir Jerol to pardon me. My husband and I depend entirely on our jobs.  He has fired my husband already. What is going to happen to us and our children if he fires me too?¡± She begs, her sobs never minimising.


    ¡°Get up first, please.¡± I say, holding her by the shoulders and helping her to stand on her feet. ¡°What happened that got Jerol to fire your husband and react like that?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Sir Jerol asked my husband to look for someone three days ago ma¡¯am, but until this morning my husband had no luck in finding thetter. That is why sir Jerol fired him, saying he is ipetent. I just came to plead with him to pardon my husband, and he just fired me too.¡± She pauses to dry tears from her eyes. Poor woman! Who is this person that Jerol is looking for? It must be a very important person. Is it someone who works for him? Why would a missing someone make him react like that? Did someone steal from him, from hispany? Oh, no! I hope it¡¯s not something that serious. ¡°Please, madam. Talk to sir Jerol for me, please. I will do anything just to keep this job. If we both be jobless, our children will not be able to continue schooling. How will we even feed them? Please¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Stop crying now.¡± I say, patting her on the shoulder.


    These are women who are deserving of the title of mother. She is willing to do anything for her children. They are her priority. I hope they are proud of her. If only God blessed me with such a mother, I wouldn¡¯t be here dealing with a beast I don¡¯t know how to handle. I would be in college right now pursuing my dreams. But here I am, a form four dropout and without parents, because there is no way I am reconnecting with that woman, unless¡­ I don¡¯t know.


    ¡°My.. husband is so angry now, nanny Sonia.¡± I read her name on the tag. ¡°I don¡¯t know if he will listen to me at the moment. Do one thing. Go to your room and rest, okay? Don¡¯te out until I call you. When my husband has calmed down, I will try and talk to him, but I am not promising anything. It¡¯s still his decision if he wants to keep you or not. I hope you understand, nanny Sonia.¡±


    ¡°I do madam. But I also know he will listen to you because you are his wife.¡±


    Yeah, right! His wife! That is the problem. I am his temporary wife. He has no reason to listen to me. Heck! I even have no right whatsoever to meddle in his business. But nobody knows that, so I have to behave and act like the wife that people think I am. ¡°Don¡¯t worry so much, nanny. I will do my best to convince him to let you stay. Now go and rest, and please don¡¯t leave your room, okay?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t madam. Thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± I say and turn to the rest of the servants. ¡°Please take her to her room.¡± They bow slightly and apany nanny Sonia back into the house.


    How do I face that beast that seemed so furious like it could devour anybody that dares to talk to him? Oh, dear!


    ¡°Ahh.. excuse me, ma¡¯am.¡± I turn around to the voice of another servant whose name I am reading from the tag just now. How many servants are here, huh? fifteen? Twenty? Gosh! I might leave this ce without being familiar with half of them.


    ¡°Yes, Terry?¡± I say.


    ¡°Aah.. I¡­¡± she pauses to clear her throat and continues stammering again. ¡°You see¡­ madam¡­ aah¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°Terry! Whatever you have to say, say it at once. what is it?¡±


    ¡°Aah.. ma¡¯am, you see.. I know sir is your husband but.. I just wanted to tell you kindly to be¡­ a bit careful around him ma¡¯am. We don¡¯t know what sir is going through but he has turned violent this past three weeks.¡±


    ¡°So he wasn¡¯t like that..¡±


    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am. Did you say something?¡±


    ¡°Huh? No.¡± I am d she did not hear that. She might have wondered whether I don¡¯t know my husband. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Terry. I know how to handle my husband. But thanks all the same for your concern.¡±


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m sorry for taking your time. I will take my leave now. Thank you.¡± She bows and walks away.


    Is there something fishy here or am I overthinking? On one hand, some stranger is missing that Jerol is trying so hard to locate. The person didn¡¯t go missing long ago ording to my own understanding, and Jerol wasn¡¯t this temperamental from the start. He changed just weeks ago? Has one thing got to do with the other? If yes, then what is it? Who is this person that is driving him nuts?


    An employee?


    A business partner?


    Just who?


    Before I go entric trying to connect dots that don¡¯t concern me, I shuffle my legs inside. I was nning on resting but when I didn¡¯t find Jerol in the room, I decide to look for him. He might be taking his anger out on someone else or something else. Perhaps punching a wall? I heard that¡¯s what most men do when they are irated.


    Standing on the door of his study, I hear him yelling. I was right. He is vetting his anger on someone.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, Mike, you hear me? Turn this fucking world upside down if you have to. Move heaven and earth if possible. Just find her for me, man. Bring her to me in one piece. I need her before I lose my mind. She has to reappear!¡±


    He goes silent, and I, the eavesdropper, can¡¯t believe my ears.


    So all this madness has a name. The term of all these, is a woman? She is the reason for him acting like a psycho? A full CEO acting like this because of a woman? Just who the hell is she that is driving him nuts?

 DEPRESSED

    I am woken up by the melodious sweet chirping of the birds. I groan, stretching my muscles. My eyes fall to the space beside the bed, like they always do every single morning. As always, today is no exception. Jerol is not with me. This is what has been going on for thest month. Yes, it¡¯s one month down since I married him, and three weeks after that morning saga ¨C the day his life took aplete turn.


    He wakes up at the crack of dawn and locks himself either in the study or in the gym room. He barely talks, and sometimes I am forced to beg him to eat. I don¡¯t know how hispany is doing at the moment, but I doubt it¡¯s running smoothly because Jerol has not left this house for a full calendar month. I know he has managers who supervise the work for him, but still, he needs to be there for hispany. It¡¯s a multi-billionpany for freaking sake! How can you entrust such a hugepany to some people? As the saying goes, money is the root cause of all evil, and so do I believe.


    I fling the covers off me and get out of bed. I walk to the table near the window, my eyes falling on the set of three broken phones lying on this table. They are all Jerol¡¯s, and their condition right now is a result of his uncontroble temper. Last week, it was hisptop that suffered the consequences. I can¡¯t recall how many cups or tes he has broken. His hands have scars all over as a result of vetting his anger on the wall. His condition is getting worse day by day. He has fired six servants already, just because of slight mistakes or small misconceptions. Like yesterday he fired two of them, only because he walked on them discussing their boyfriends. He ruthlessly kicked them out, as if they had fornicated on his bed.


    Wondering why all this happening?


    It¡¯s because of that woman who has turned into a ghost, disappearing into thin air. There is not a single day that goes by without him making these strange calls to enquire about that ghost woman, and every time, the results are always the same, presumably, otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be like this. Did I say a day? Pardon me, every time he is on phone, he is always enquiring about that woman.


    Sometimes I wake up at night to find him staring at his phone, perhaps her photos, or just sitting down engrossed in thoughts ¨C deep thought! It¡¯s worrying me to see him like this. It¡¯s worrying everyone, his parents being the most worried. Thest time they came to check on him, he didn¡¯t even open the door for them. It pained me to see them leave so worried and heartbroken.


    You must be wondering where I stand in all that is happening, and if I am doing anything to help. Huh! I am just filling in the gap of being his wife in front of everyone, but keeping a safe distance from his personal issues.


    Why?


    It¡¯s not that I¡¯m not troubled. It¡¯s not because I don¡¯t care. No. I tried once to y the role of a concerned wife, but that got me a scar on my face that hasn¡¯t healedpletely. He was yelling on phone that day, in his study, and I was going to check on him, making a very stupid decision to wait behind the crossed door until he finishes his conversation. I don¡¯t hear hisst words, only a loud groan followed by the sound of objects falling on the tiled floor and a loud roar. I opened the door, only to meet with a flying fork in the air,nding on my face. The most painful part was how he yelled at me, warning me not to badge on him like that ever again. So from that day, I chose to stay on the safer side. I don¡¯t want to die while trying to help someone. I don¡¯t want to leave this ce as a cripple after my stay is over. I want him to be okay, yes, but not at the expense of me getting hurt.


    If I had a way to help him find this woman that is making him lose his sanity, I would, even if it means dragging her ass back to him if she doesn¡¯t want to return to him. Can¡¯t she just show up? If she intended for all this ¨C to hurt him and mess him up, I would have her know that she seeded. She deserves a crown. I would also let her know that it¡¯s time to put an end to her games before this man turns into aplete psycho, that is if she still cares for him. I know it¡¯s very difficult for a man to show his weakness like Jerol is doing. Good thing is that it¡¯s only me who knows what¡¯s eating him up. Everyone else is in the dark.


    I bet he would kneel and kiss the ground that ghost walks on just begging her toe back to him. That is what his condition says, not me. What happened between them anyways? I mean, for her to go away and ghost him like that? It must have been so intense. Was there even a goodbye? You know, like, dude, I want out because of one two three? Or, like, I just don¡¯t love you anymore, I found someone better?


    ¡°Madam! Ma¡¯am! Ma¡¯am! Where are you?¡± I turn to the door, the same time Terry almost falls inside. She is one of the few lucky ones who haven¡¯t tested the wrath of Jerol, but for how long?


    ¡°Terry!¡± I exim, wondering why she would shout my name and badge into my room like a ghost is chasing her. Wait, don¡¯t tell me she has been fired too? ¡°Wha is it?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you need to go to sir Jerol.¡±


    That alone gives me a bad feeling. I start walking towards her slowly.


    ¡°Why?¡± My voice is shaky, but I try to act strong.


    ¡°He is hurting himself, ma¡¯am. You have to do something!¡±


    Shit!


    I run out of the door without a second thought and start ascending the stairs, jumping two staircases in a go.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± I ask the servants who are standing on the balcony with shock on their faces.


    ¡°In the gym, madam.¡± They all chorus, and I increase my pace up to thest room of this castle ¨C the fourth floor.


    I get to the gym, my legspelling me to give up but I plead otherwise. Through the clear window, I see Jerol, blood oozing from his hands but he is still punching the wall angrily, his shirtless back on me. I shout his name, but he can¡¯t hear me, or maybe he can hear but doesn¡¯t pay attention. His anger has gotten to the best side of him. He can¡¯t feel the physical pain, because the internal pain is in control. I try pushing the door open, but it¡¯s locked from the inside.


    ¡°Jerol! Hon!¡± I call,  knocking on the door countless times but to no avail. ¡°Hon, please open the door! Please!¡± The only response I get is his groans as he hits the wall harder. ¡°Hon¡­¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, here is the spare key.¡±


    Thank heavens!


    I grab the key from Terry and the first aid kit. She seems to be the only one with a brain amongst the uncountable bunch of idiots parading themselves as servants. I open the door and walk in, mming it shut again. I don¡¯t want anybody walking in to witness how I can¡¯t handle my husband.


    ¡°Jerol!¡± I call, dropping the key and the kit on the floor and running to him. He doesn¡¯t turn nor say a word, nor does he stop his business.


    I time one of his hands, grabbing it mid-air to prevent it from hitting the wall.


    ¡°Stop this, Jerol, please!¡± I plead, because I know I can¡¯t hold him like this for long. As if to prove my point, he yanks his hand forcefully, but I refuse to let it go. The impact of his pull makes me stagger toward him, and I take the chance to stand before him.


    He has tears in his beautiful eyes.


    ¡°You will get hurt if you keep meddling, Tessa. Just stay off.¡± He speaks.


    ¡°And what kind of a wife will people think I am, Jerol? Come on! Is she even worth all this?¡±


    ¡°You know nothing, so just shut up.¡± He roars.


    I would like to argue. I would like tofort him. I would like to tell him that I am not judging him. I want to let him know that I understand what he is going through, but the look in his eyes forbids me to say anything on this matter.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Alright. My lips are sealed about this matter. Just let me treat your wounds, please. It¡¯s the least I can do.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t object, and we sit down on the floor. I disinfect his wounds and bandage them all in absolute silence. I am concentrating on his wounds, and he mentally is, perhaps, searching for his beloved somewhere. When I am done, I stand to leave, but I don¡¯t want to leave him here all alone.


    ¡°Can we go now?¡± I shoot my shot, and the only thing I get for a moment is snapping his mind back from wondend. He does not respond, but to my surprise, he stands too


    ¡°Tessa.¡± He calls, so soft that I had to look at his lips to prove that my name really rolled from his lips. ¡°As your husband, I am ordering you to stay away from me anytime you see me like I was a while ago. Is that clear?¡±


    How on earth can I do that, huh?

 MISTAKEN FOR THE GHOST WOMAN

    The royal fuel and Gas has been one of the best stable and reliablepanies in this country. With its numerous fuel stations and gas points countrywide, offering the best fairest prices and the best quality gas, it¡¯s ranked the best in terms of quality, fair prices, best most reliable, and best services in the country. That, I read from different sources, has been possible by its young owner and CEO who has tried so much to keep his face off the camera. But as the owner of such a bigpany, unless you hide underground, your footsteps on the surface of the earth will be traced in one way or the other. And so, Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall has been recognized for being the brain behind Royal Fuel and Gas.


    What¡¯s shocking is that people thought he would join his parents in the family business in the field of insurance but he shocked everyone. He didn¡¯t venture into something rted to his family business. He went out of his way, out of what seemed to be obvious, and dived into something so different and spectacr. Ten years now since he started thepany at the age of neen, immediately afterpleting his master¡¯s degree, thepany has never faced a crisis. But that was, or is, until now.


    About three days ago, The Royal Fuel and Gas were put in the limelight for the very first time with an adverse review since its birth. Rumours has it that the management of thepany is bing poor which is causing the problems in thepany. What remains a puzzle is why the management is quiet about the issue.


    The headline of today reads, IS IT THE BEGINNING OF THE FALL OF THE ROYAL FUEL AND GAS? Nobody seems to understand what happened all of a sudden, and it is happening so fast.


    This hurts, so much. It hurts to see apany that was built with a lot of sweat, apany that has been standing for years, start to crumble. What¡¯s more painful is the thought that the owner, Jerol, doesn¡¯t seem to care. He doesn¡¯t care about anything. Nothing at all. Depression has hit him really hard, rendering him clueless and emotionless about everything else that is happening to and around him.


    I must admit, I was so pissed off those times he let out his anger on objects and hurt himself. Those days he snapped and yelled at everyone, I got angry, and even though I was good at hiding it, it angered me. But now, those days were better. At least I could tell when he was angry. At least he could calm down even just a little after breaking some objects or punching a wall. The case is so different now. He has gonepletely mute. He doesn¡¯t talk. He doesn¡¯t yell. He doesn¡¯t eat, unless when he feels like hunger is about to strike him dead. He stopped making those calls about that ghost woman. I don¡¯t know what really happened. He might have given up on her search, but his mind and soul have left this ce to go look for her, because he can¡¯t live without her. This right here is just his body.


    ¡°Jerol.¡± I call softly, setting the tray of food in the empty space on the bed. He is staring at the empty ceiling, like he always does most of the time during the day. ¡°It¡¯s time for your meal.¡± He still remains in the same state, his hands crossed on his chest, not blinking, not moving, not saying anything. He is just there, like a cabbage. I wave my hand on his face, and he turns his head to my side, so slowly like someone who is carrying all the problems of the whole nation. ¡°Eat something, please?¡± He doesn¡¯t even spare a nce at the te of food I brought him.


    Like other times, he just flips on the side, turning his back on me, and pulling the duvet to his neck. I get the memo and move the tray to the table. I take the magazine from the table. Maybe it will trigger something when he sees it. Truth is, I¡¯m freaking out not being able to understand him. I would rather he get mad, hurt me, yell at me, and fire people for no reason. just anything as long as he shows some reaction. At least that way I¡¯ll know how to handle him.


    I kneel on the side of the bed he is facing, and show him the magazine with today¡¯s headline about hispany. He looks at it, for a second, and that is just it. He closes his eyes to the less important things, things that don¡¯t matter. I move my hand to his unkempt hair, digging my fingers into them. I take a close look at his face. The beards long than their usual size. He looks so peaceful while asleep. I know he is asleep, otherwise, he won¡¯t have let me touch him. These lips kissed me once, and that was hisst day of being the real Jerol that I knew. He changedpletely the day after, or should I say, he got tired of hiding his pain. Or maybe he didn¡¯t even know when he lost it. I don¡¯t know if he can hear me, but I feel like I need to tell him something. So, I begin, massaging his temple with one hand.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°You know, Jerol, a lot of things are happening that you are not aware of. Yourpany need you the most. I want to help you, but I don¡¯t know to. It¡¯s so difficult to help someone when you don¡¯t even have any idea where to begin, or what to say or do. I need you to help me help you, Jerol. Stop punishing yourself like this, please. It¡¯s hurting everyone, even your parents. I¡­¡± I stop when I see tears dropping from his eyes. Does this mean he can hear me? I wipe them away. ¡°I need you to be okay, Jerol.¡± I say, and for some very weird reasons, I am crying too. I close my eyes, and put my lips on his forehead, giving him a soft kiss. I rest there for a minute praying that he gets well.


    I attempt to walk out, but his hands wrap around me, so tight like they will never let me go.


    ¡°ELLIE.¡± He whispers behind my ear, pressing me to him.


    Ellie? That is her name? I mean, the ghost woman who is responsible for this torture he is going through right now.


    Ellie is a beautiful name, but why did she have to act like a devil and punish a man like this?


    ¡°Stay, Ellie. Don¡¯t leave me, please.¡± He says again, tightening his arms more around me.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Jerol. I¡¯m not leaving.¡± I respond, ying with his hair.


    I don¡¯t care whether you call me Ellie or Helena, Jerol. I just want you to be okay. I will be okay with just you being okay.

 DARING TO HELP

    The sound of my bed buzzing disrupts me from thefort of this bed. If I had some busybody nosy friends, I would have probably rolled my eyes and ignore the call, or act like a pompous bitch and switch the damn gadget off. But that is not the case ¨C never has been. I have no buddies at all. This call can only be either from Jerol¡¯s parents or his friends who have been calling to ask how he is doing.


    I pull myself away from my Jerol cautiously, without rming him. The peaceful sight of his cute face when he is sound asleep like a toddler is something that the ordinary eyes of a normal woman can¡¯t fail to appreciate. I would stare and even droll over him the whole day like this ¨C if only he can remain this peaceful all the day through. How I wish.. ooh just, how I wish¡­


    He slept soundlyst night because he thought his Ellie was with him. Ellie! Ellie! Ellie! Wherever you are,e back to this man¡¯s life. He is losing his sanity.


    I grab the phone and check the identity of the caller, my face turning dull after checking it.


    I don¡¯t want to wake him up yet, so I tiptoe to the balcony.


    ¡°Good morning, father!¡± I greet the moment I press the receive button.


    I am used to this kind of calls by now. The load on his parent¡¯s shoulders is way too heavy making them restless. I pity them.


    ¡°Good morning, my daughter! How are you?¡± The hoarse voice of Mr McCall silently echoes from the other end.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, father. How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°We are doing here. How are things over there? How is my son today?¡±


    Even the tone of his voice at this point fluctuates. He sounds so troubled. I can¡¯t surmise what they are going through seeing their son like this. Every parent would be feebly bothered by the situation. An honorable business guru, now looking like a cabbage.  So defeated and lifeless. It¡¯s dead worrying!


    ¡°Well¡­¡± I just can¡¯t tell him that his son slept soundly because he was hallucinating about his lost fiance, right? Besides, Ellie doesn¡¯t exist to them. They know nothing about the ghost tormentor,  and I also am bound by the contract to not say anything that will contradict Jerol or my rtionship with him. ¡°He is still sleeping, father. At least he sleptst night.¡±


    ¡°Did anything happen?¡±


    ¡°No. Not that I know of, father.¡±


    ¡°Alright. We areing over after breakfast. I think my son needs a doctor. I will be bringing one with me today.¡±


    ¡°Okay, father. Whatever you think is best.¡±


    We say our goodbyes and I end the call.


    I hope this will not trigger another hysterical episode from Jerol. What if he doesn¡¯t want to seek medical advice? I can¡¯t stand to see him lose it in front of his parents. The pain in their eyes will kill me, and seeing him like that will hurt me more, like it always does.


    I tour my eyes around the back view of the eye-catchingpound. The beautiful flowers blooming with so much life under the morning sun. The environment outside feels so tranquil. The morning breeze calming every single nerve. What an ironical mockery, right? Everything outside is so full of life, but inside this castle, everything is so dull and lifeless. This castle is filled with so much tension, fear, and worry. Justparing the mood outside with the one in here, an idea crosses my mind, and I dash back to the room in a hurry.


    An empty bed greets me, making a frown immediately appear on my face, the weight of the eye bags adding to it.


    Huh! He woke up already?


    I was about to tell myself that he probably is in the bathroom, but seeing the bedroom door a jar gives me apromising cold chill that runs down my spine.


    I walk out, and up the long staircase to look for him in the two rooms he usually goes to when he walks out of our bedroom ¨C the gym or the study. If you ask me, I prefer him going to his study than that other cursed room. I don¡¯t know, but there seems to be something that triggers his anger more in that damned gym. Every time he goes there, he ends up hurting himself. There seems to be a bloodthirsty evil spirit roaming in that fucking gym and I havee to hate that room.


    Standing at the door of his office, I knock slightly, and when no replyes, I push the heavy mahogany door slowly. At least it¡¯s not locked, and that isn¡¯t a bad sign. From the first time he locked himself in the gym, I took it upon myself to ensure his safety and collected all the spare keys of the possible rooms he can go to, including the kitchen, and kept them with me, just in case.


    There he is.


    Closing the door behind me, I stride to where he is standing at the window, his gorgeous back on me. He is staring through the closed window. I stand beside him on the left, and though he doesn¡¯t turn to me, I can sense that he acknowledges my presence. Today he does not look so bad as a human, but for a man of his pedigree, he looks terrible.


    I open the big window, the fresh air pping our faces with force due to the heavy breeze. He closes his eyes. This must be feeling so new. He hasn¡¯t left the house in weeks now.


    ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± I ask in a soft audible whisper, and he opens his eyes, throwing me a quick nce before turning to look outside through the open window. ¡°You know, it¡¯s said that a fresh environment is good for our health. A fresh environment helps you rx.  It calms you down and refreshes your mind. Don¡¯t you want to feel that magic ¨C you know, just a little change?¡± He keeps quiet after my lubies for what felt like an eternity, and I was about to open my mouth again when takes my breath away with his sweet voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine here.¡± He is not looking at me, but he is talking to me.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    He is talking?


    Apart fromst night when he thought he was talking to his Ellie, I haven¡¯t heard his voice for more than two weeks. Before that, all I heard from him for days were nothing but yelling and shouts. That is how long he has been mute. I can¡¯t help but stare at him, and him not staring back at me gives me the courage to stare more.


    He talked!


    I should be jumping up and down with a ¡°you are finally talking¡± expression or even saying it to him, but I don¡¯t want to make him feel worse than he already is.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say you aren¡¯t.¡± I say with a slight faint smile, trying so hard to keep my real feelings from surfacing because my heart is doing a twerk dance inside its rib cage. How emotional of me, Huh! But this is normal, right? I mean, worrying this much, and being concerned about him? Yeah. Humanity is caring, and I am human! His eyes are on me,manding words out of my mouth. ¡°But you will feel better if you get outside. Just for a while.¡± I finish with a slight pleading nod of my head, my eyes glued on his.


    Surprisingly, he turns around like an obedient zombie, walking out, and I trail behind him. I can spot the servants peeking at us from the kitchen, and since I don¡¯t want Jerol to feel like an alien in his own castle, I distract him by wrapping my arm around his. He looks at me but says nothing. I think he still recalls I am his wife.


    At the middle of the beautiful captivating clean garden, there is a bench and a table. We settle down, and I can see how his body warms up to the fresh environment. He leans back on the bench, closing his eyes to take in the freshness, allowing the sweet morning sun to bathe him. His face is shining bright under the direct sun rays,  his hands crossed on his broad chest. I look at the scars behind his palms. They have healed, but the marks are still there. They will take time to disappear, like the wound in his heart will take time to heal. Just like I nursed the wounds on his hands, I will do what I can to help him heal the one in his heart. If not for anything, just for the simple reason that he is the saviour of my life. My ck messiah. I don¡¯t know where I would be right now if he didn¡¯t buy me. A weird encounter it was, but good all the same.


    I stand and wander to the back of the bench behind him, hesitant to do what my crazy mind is urging me to do, but I kick my fears aside. In this life, you have to be bold in anything that you put your mind on. If you doubt yourself, then nobody will believe your actions no matter how true or right they are. My miserable life until weeks ago taught me that, and I learned it the rough way.


    I gently put my palms on his head, caressing his skull, moving them slowly in a soothing motion until I reach his temples. I stop there, massaging them slowly. He needs to rx. This head needs to loosen up.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± He asks, holding my hands with his, and looking up at me.


    ¡°Rx, Jerol. It¡¯s just a normal massage. It won¡¯t hurt or bite.¡± I show him my most innocent pleading look that sends his hands down to his chest again, shifting his gaze from me, and I take that as a ¡°go ahead¡± sign.


    I continue massaging his head, resting it perfectlyfortable on my chest as I reach for the temples.


    I swallow hard when I realize my eyes are scanning his face. He looks so peaceful when his eyes are closed, but who knows what kind of a monster is roaming in his mind. Ooh, Jerol! Come back to life! Come back to your senses!


    What do I need to do to bring back the old jerol?

 THE RAGE

    We have been sunbathing on this sun for hours ¨C close to three hours to be precise, but he still does not want to go back inside. It depicts rigorously how much he missed this. How much he needed this sun. I am so rhapsodic that I chose to poke my luck and talk him into stepping out.


    ¡°Are you sure you still don¡¯t want to go inside? The sr is pping hard.¡± I inquire again for the ¡­ nth time, and just like heretofore, he twirls his head, and I don¡¯t contend anymore.


    I don¡¯t mind, you know! If this will help him in any way, however subtle it might be, I am willing to have my skin turned pale white by this savage sun. I don¡¯t mind nursing sunburns at the end of it. That is how much I have learned to care for him. That is nothing corrted to what I am willing to give to see the obsolete Jerol ¨C the Jerol that was before a certain fucked up bitch decided to torment him. Or perhaps the Jerol that I met weeks ago because he was able to uphold his sanity. He had everything in control back then.


    I lift my hands to his chest, unbuttoning his shirt, and his hands plunge from the torso to give me ample ess. He might ckout from being under the merciless sun for far too long in a cotton shirt. The humidity is bing savagely high.


    At the hold of the fourth button, just when my eyes had started gobbling his perfect six-pack, he pins me to him, his tight grip squeezing the breath out of me. His eyes are closed tight, like he does not want to wake up from the nightmare he is having. I¡¯m breathless and dumbfounded.


    ¡°ELLIE!¡± He murmurs, just at the exact time I hear the gate open.


    His parents are here!


    They can¡¯t find us in this posture for hell¡¯s sake! Moreover, given the way he roughly scooped me from the bench, my dress has ridden up way too high. It will be so embarrassing if they walk on us like this. They might think we decided to have our morning glory in the garden. Beh!


    ¡°ELLIE, DON¡¯T GO!¡± He contends when I attempt to entangle myself from him, elongating his arms around me further. He is choking me, but he doesn¡¯t know. Just like he doesn¡¯t know his Ellie isn¡¯t here either, and she probably is not thinking about him.


    I nce behind my back, and I see his parents stepping out of their car.


    He does not know what he is doing. It¡¯s another nightmare about her. Fuck that bitch wherever she is!


    I swallow hard the clot pilling up in my throat and try to do something to save us from this forting embarrassment.


    ¡°Jerol!¡± I call him, and I think he reckoned that maybe that isn¡¯t his beloved Ellie¡¯s mellifluous voice.


    His eyes shoot naked at once, scaring the hell out of me. They are a mixture of ice and fire, and I shudder in his arms. I look away from them, but I am knocked back to my senses when he throws me off hisp. If I was not holding on to his shirt, I would be kissing the ground with my batt right now.


    Damn!


    I clung to it, impelling myself to snuggle up to him again which I manage just by sheer luck. He opens his mouth to chastise me, but I put my index finger on his lips, barricading the words before they leave his lips.


    These lips, huh!


    When I sense hisposure, I withdraw my finger before I make a fool of myself before him and his parents.


    ¡°Rx, okay!¡± I soothe.


    ¡°Get off me!¡± He roars, way too loud that I had to drape his mouth with my hand, shocking him.


    ¡°shh. Listen, Jerol. We have guestsing our way right this minute. Act normal, okay?¡±


    He furrows an eyebrow, and I plop my hand from his mouth. He is a bit rxed. I guess that nightmare in the name of cursed Ellie has left his mind for a while, that is if she ever does. Nheless, I start to drop down from hisp because I don¡¯t know what exactly is going through his mind right now. He isn¡¯t saying a word, and I can¡¯t help but worry that he might push me down any minute.


    ¡°Greetings, my daughter. Son?¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Darn! I guess I was not really quick enough to save myself from embarrassment, huh! They still found myzy ass wandering on Jerol¡¯sp.


    I shyly respond to Mr McCall¡¯s warm pleasantries, helping myself down from Jerol¡¯sp, my face heating up with shame. Goodness!


    ¡°Greetings, father. Hello, mother.¡±


    I greet back, but instead of retorting to my salutations, their eyes flicker to their son who is standing on his feet, his murderous gaze somewhere behind his parents.


    We all follow his gaze, stopping at the bold doctor who is walking towards us. I slowly take my eyes back to Jerol.


    His hands are clenched into fists, his eyes spewing mes of fire. His broad chest is heaving up and down with rapid breathing. A very cold shiver almost paralyses my spine, but I force myself to remain calm. I had an impression he wouldn¡¯t like this, but I could not stop his father. I was right because he is about to burst with rage, and I try calming him down by taking a hold of his arm, caressing it.


    Who am I kidding? I am a trembling mess yet I am trying to calm an enraged beast down? What hell!


    ¡°Whose brilliant idea was this?¡± He fumes when the doctor stands before us.


    We all keep quiet. Dead quite! Nobody dares to respond to him, and that is aggravating his anger.


    ¡°Was I not audible enough? I asked a damn question and I believe nobody here is deaf or dumb! What¡¯s going on?¡± He implores again with forced calmness. He is restraining himself from barking, but I swear this calmness carries a lot more anger than a roar would.


    ¡± You need help, son!¡± Her mother exims, the only brave person who ever challenges him, but always, always, she loses in the end.


    ¡°I am not sick! I am not insane if that is what you think!¡± He bitterly defends the lies that he wants to believe in.


    ¡°Maybe, but you are not yourself, Jerol. You need help, son. Please, let us help you. We¡­¡±


    ¡°I do not need any help!¡± He ms the table, pulling his other hand away from me. I stagger back, and if I thought his parents were confused by his outburst, now they are thunderstruck, including his father.


    Ipose myself and stand straight beside him. It is the only way I can show everybody that I am his wife, and my role as his wife is to be beside him in good and in bad times. Whether he is hurting me or not, I have to show my capabilities as a wife who adores her husband.


    ¡°Rx, man.¡± The doctor mumbles, and I must salute his balls for having the guts to open his mouth again after the deadly re that Jerol is giving him. ¡°Nobody thinks you are not okay, alright? I just want us to have a manly talk. There is no harm in that, right?¡±


    ¡°Go fuck yourself, but do it out of my sight and out of mypound!¡±


    Whoa!


    The three pairs of eyes before us stare at each other in pure perplexity. We all are bewildered, except the beast himself. Her mother¡¯s mouth is hanging agape. Even I can¡¯t surmise he actually said that in front of his parents. What¡¯s more, he doesn¡¯t seem remorseful at all. He is still firing nces at the poor doctor who is also squirming like the rest of us.


    ¡°In case you want me to break it down in a simpler way that you canprehend, I meant you get the fucking hell out of mypound.¡± He roars again, and at this juncture, everyone looks at me, questionably? Pleadingly? I really can¡¯t decipher their gazes, but I do what I think is right. I nod to the doctor, motioning for him to leave, which he does after excusing himself.


    ¡°Son? You¡­¡± His father starts, but Jerol cuts him off in the most defiant way. He walks out furiously, and their gazes defeatedly shift to me the moment he disappears inside the castle.


    I bow down to their questionable gazes, because I am also incapacitated just like them. But they can¡¯t understand. The questions in their eyes say it all.


    ¡°Well? Can¡¯t you do anything as his supposed beloved distinguished wife?¡± The ferocious mocking voice of Mrs McCall makes me lift up my head, almost bing paralyzed by the situation.

 THE ACCUSED

    ¡°I will try and talk to him.¡± I respond elegant Mrs McCall who is about to assassinate me with her stern murderous looks.


    ¡°Try? Why? Can¡¯t you handle your husband? What sort of a wife are you?¡± She fires deadly, stopping me on my trunks.


    If it weren¡¯t for the thoughtful husband of hers who held her arm to stop her from bombarding me with questions, I would be deaf by now from her unwarranted outbursts.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Can she give me a break for hell¡¯s sake? I understand her sentiments but,e the fuck on! If Jerol can bark at them the way he did, then who am I? Does she even know how much I am bearing? What sort of a wife my freaking foot! I am the kind that bears the pain even when it¡¯s not right! I did not sign up for this to start with. I should probably scream this at her, but I restrain myself.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± I walk away after McCall nods his head with a slight smile.


    I don¡¯t understand this decorated cow of a woman though. I understand that she doesn¡¯t approve of me for his beloved son. I understand that she disdains the fact that she doesn¡¯t know anything about me. But, for hell¡¯s sake, can she try and understand the hell I am going through with his son? I mean, what they just witnessed today is nothingpared to what I have gone through in weeks. I am enduring so much, you know!


    Damn!


    This is not part of the agreement. Or maybe I did not read through that damn document well. I did not know this was the kind of hell I had to through for the fucking five months. How much more time is left again? Fuck! How much more do I have to bear apart from the scar that is healing on my forehead, huh? Broken bones? Do I have to wait until the next object he throws at me drills through my eye? Good grief!


    I walk inside and bump into these gossip-monger rats in the title of servants peeking up to a certain room upstairs. These fools are all nuisance! Maybe Jerol should fire them all, IMAO! What¡¯s their work again?


    ¡°May I know what is going on here?¡± They turn to me upon hearing my reverberating voice, shaking with fear.


    How many are they again? They are making this castle look like a bonding house, especially when they cloud together like this. That is why they have more than enough time to gossip even about their boss because they have no work to do.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t anyone hear me or are you all dumb?¡± They shudder again as my voice echoes through this humongous sitting room.


    ¡°Sorry, madam! Sir Jerol just went to that room again. I mean, the gym.¡± One of them whose name reads some stupid Agatha, gathers the courage to vomit, her lips trembling with every letter.


    ¡°And so?¡± I fume with fury.


    Did he go there again? In the gym?


    ¡°We.. We¡­ thought¡­ that¡­ he might¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you being paid for any of this?¡± I cut her annoying fucking spammers off, and they all shake their stupid empty heads at together. ¡°Pay attention carefully because I speak only once. As the madam of this house, I have the mandate to order and fire any busybody that I feel like. Go back to your designated posts of work and make yourself useful before I kick yourzy asses out of this ce. One more thing. The next time I find anyone eavesdropping or gossiping about me, my husband, or this family in general, I will fire that person instantly and without anypensation or pay. Am I clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam!¡± They chorus together, heads bowed down.


    ¡°Off to Your posts, and you better stick your asses to your job for your own good. I will not show any mercy to anyone who defies my orders or behaves like a freakingzy ass!¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam.¡±


    They all run off and vanish in different directions, while I pick up my pace and run upstairs to that cursed gym.


    I run inside without knocking. Fortunately, he forgot to lock the door today, but, true to my hypotheses, the evil monster meandering in this cursed gym happens to have taken control over him again. He is discharging his anger on the innocuous hard wall again, roaring like an angry lion. His hands are covered in blood.


    Like I always do, like a caring wife, I run to his aid, pulling him from the wall, but once again, another freaking time, I suffer the consequences. He entangles himself from me, sways me at aplete degree, and ms me to the wall.


    I hit the wall with my face.


    ¡°Aaahh!¡± I cry out, a very cold liquid oozing from somewhere above my right eyebrow. I cover my eye to prevent the red liquid from entering, and I groan in pain as it runs over my hand, drops of it falling to the red carpet.


    Another pain!


    Another wound!


    Another scar!


    ¡°I have cautioned you a million times to keep your distance from me! Is it so fucking hard to do that?¡± He roars between gritted teeth behind my back, and I slowly turn around, my hand still covering my eye. ¡°I won¡¯t be responsible if something¡­.¡±


    The guilt cuts off his tongue the moment I fully face him.


    I look at him, tears plummeting as fury moulds in me.


    ¡°Go on! You should also probably ask me if I have a death wish.¡± I fume at him.


    He remains thunderstruck for a couple of minutes, just gawking without even flickering. Maybe it¡¯s the powerless angel in him pleading for a press conference with his demons. They are destroying him, or maybe they have already destroyed him.


    I don¡¯t think I can deal with this anymore. It is so difficult to denote when the demons will strike again. It¡¯s inconceivable to control him when he turns this monstrous without me getting hurt. I don¡¯t..


    ¡°I asked you to stay away from me in times such as this, Tessa, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Ooh, wow! He found his voice, but can he give me a break too? What the heck was I deemed to tell his parents? That I can¡¯t handle his son?


    I dry the tears from my eyes.


    This guy needs someone to p some sense in him. He needs to hear the bitter truth before he does something more tragic and since I am the one he is closest to, I think I should do him the honours before hemits suicide. That is where he is steering to if he does note back to his senses.


    ¡°You are right, you know. You did tell me that and I am not deaf. I heard it, but I was just adequately foolish and gullible to think that I can help you, Jerol. But guess what? This,¡± I uncover my eye and shake off the blood from my hand, ¡°this is the height of everything. It stings me to say this to you but I think you need to hear it. You are a lost case, Jerol, and since I don¡¯t want to be here to witness your end, I am calling this fucking deal off! You can go ahead and kill yourself if that is what you want, but I will not be here to take the me.¡±


    ¡°You can not back out!¡±


    ¡°Watch me!¡± I start walking out, but I think I should leave him with something. ¡°Ooh,¡± I turn and look him in the eyes, ¡°I don¡¯t know how you choose to end this misery, but before you breathe and blink yourst, please take a second to ask yourself if the fucking bitch that you are dying for is worth all these rubbish. Once you have the right answer, you can choose to take yourst breath and leave those greedy pests in yourpany to squander all your hard-earned wealth, ore back to your senses, back to reality, and try to save what is left of your empire. The choice is yours.¡±


    It hurts. It breaks my heart to say that to him, to hurt him like that, but I am just so pissed that he is allowing a fucking bitch to ruin him like this. What does she have that he can¡¯t find in other women?


    It sucks!


    She fucking sucks!

 ANOTHER SCAR

    Getting to the door of our bedroom, I find this gross woman by the name of Mrs. McCall pacing back and forth.


    Upon noticing my presence, she halts her movement to peer at me, and her jaw plummets to the ground at the sight of my fresh wound and the blood washing one side of my face.


    Stillness befalls between us for decades. I allow her topute just how much misery I am bearing as her beloved son¡¯s wife. Maybe this will give her a clear image of the kind of woman I am. For those series of moments of pure scrutiny with disbelief, I thought that perhaps the sight before her will elicit some sense of sympathy in her, but that is until she opens her mouth, and all my hopes crumble.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s clear enough that you could not do a thing to make your supposed husband talk to us, right?¡±


    If this was the first time I was meeting this woman, I would exonerate her barking and assume that she is blind and that she can¡¯t see just what I have got in less than five minutes of attempting to speak to his son. Is her hatred towards me this deep that she doesn¡¯t care what her son does to me? Dah! She is his mother for fuck¡¯s sake, yet she can not even get close to him. I deserve some credit, don¡¯t I?


    ¡°I am sorry, Mrs¡­¡±


    ¡°Your worthless sorry is not what I need. You have proven yourself worthless for the thousandth time in the few days I have known you. Now listen to me carefully, Angelica or whatever your name is. I want you to get in there, pack all your trash, leave my son in peace and go back to that dumping site you came from. Your presence disguts me, because you are the reason my son is drowning in misery.¡±


    Wait! What exactly is she insinuating?


    ¡°What exactly do you mean, ma¡¯am?¡± I query, blocking my fury from being so evident.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y naive with me, young girl! You have absolutely nothing of interest. You have nothing inmon with my son. You are a ghost that invaded my son¡¯s life to torment him. Everything about you is a misery, and you have turned my son into a mystery himself. You can not renounce that everything started during that party. I don¡¯t know what you want for my son, I mean, for you to bear all this, you must be in for a mind-boggling catch, but you certainly can not be his wife. There is nothing like love between you two else my son would not be hurting you like this. I don¡¯t know what games you are ying, but I am not going to sit down and watch you ruin Jerol more than you have already done. Don¡¯t wait for me to drag you out of this castle!¡±


    You know what? I have had just enough, especially with woman! I am done being nice and naive. If she wants me to be a devil then a devil I will be to her.


    ¡°First of all, my beautiful name is, Angeline. Second, I don¡¯t give a fuck where you are obtaining all this garbage about me from, but there are two truths I want you to understand. One, is that I don¡¯t freaking care what the fuck you think of me or what you damn want, and second, whether you ept it or not, I am Jerol¡¯s wife. We love each other. This castle is our home and you, Mrs. McCall, have absolutely no freaking right to order me in my own home, you get that?¡±


    ¡°How dare¡­¡±


    She swirls her right handunching a p, but I hold her hand mind-air, the same time her husband appears from her back.


    I allowed my mother to p me anytime she felt like it, but I can¡¯t allow any other woman.


    ¡°DELIA! What the hell are you doing? Cut the girl some ck will, you?¡± Mr McCall roars, his voice reverberating the whole of this floor.


    I let go of her hand as she redirects her fury to her husband albeit with calmness.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see? This girl is driving our son insane. I felt it the very first day I saw her. She is a bad omen for my son and I won¡¯t allow her to spend even an extra minute tormenting my son.¡± She turns to me, looking like a she-devil. ¡°Young girl, do you want to leave peacefully on your own, or should I call the guards to throw you out like a stinking piece of trash that you are?¡±


    ¡°My duty as a wife, is to stay by my husband for better or for worse. I still stand my ground, madam. I am not stepping foot out of my home just because my husband is going through a crisis. Again, you do not have the right to kick me out of my home and my husband¡¯s life. I am not moving an inch from here until and unless Jerol himself asks me to.¡±


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s see about that!¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have toe to this, Delia!¡± Her husband tries to intervene, but this Delh is uncontroble.


    ¡°GUARDS! GUARDS!¡± At the count of two screams, a battalion of guards stands before us, and I squirm. There is no way I can win against these six men.


    ¡°Yes, madam!¡± One of them speaks on their behalf.


    ¡°Take this woman out of this castle and throw her out of the gate. Make sure she never steps her foot past the gate again. Do I make myself clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam.¡± They chorus as they start striding to get me.


    I look past them to the ground floor, and I spot the maids watching the charade too. Themotion must have called them from their posts. Embarrassingly Ironic, right? I was threatening to kick them out of the castle just a few minutes ago, and now it seems like the tables have turned on me.


    I won¡¯t eveny my eyes on Jerol for thest time.


    Life is such a screw!


    I swallow hard at the humiliation I am about to suffer, as two men stretch their hands to drag me out.


    ¡°NOBODY TOUCHES MY WIFE!¡±


    Everybody, and I mean, everybody, turns to a statue, except me who has the balls to turn around to confirm whether that voice is really his.


    I watch as he matches towards us, his eyes glued on mine, and he finally halts beside me, wrapping his arm around my small waists.


    The idiotic guards step back, bowing to the calm lion before them, and I feel likeughing at their faces right now. Foolish scoundrels!


    ¡°Leave us.¡± He says to them, and the six fools coils their tails between their legs and stride out. He eyes the next bunch of fools downstairs, and they don¡¯t even wait for him to utter a word. They understand the gaze of their master perfectly, and disappear in haste to where their asses are supposed to be.


    ¡°Jerol, son..¡±


    ¡°You too. I am asking you both nicely to leave. And mother, I think I remember telling you to leave me and my wife out of your business?¡±


    ¡°She..¡±


    He cuts her off by raising his free hand to her face. She cowers back, and he drops his hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to be disrespectful, but I will tell you again, leave my wife in peace. You two should leave.¡±


    One thing that is evident in this woman, is that she is one high-and-mighty arrogant woman. She doesn¡¯t wait to be intimidated and she doesn¡¯t beg.


    She pulls herself from her husband¡¯s hold, and she vividly stomps out. Did I also say that she is hot-tempered? That is so obvious.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Son, this is not the way to handle things. What the hell are you doing to yourself?¡± His father queries.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dad. I will be fine. Promise.¡±


    Okay! What happened? I mean, I have never heard him acknowledge the fact that he is not okay, nor promise that he will be fine. All he has done for two months isfort himself with the lie that he is fine. What¡¯s with the sudden change, huh?


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that, son. Wake up and fix yourself while there is still time.¡±


    He nods his head, and they embrace in a slight hug, refusing to let go of me.


    ¡°My daughter, take care, okay?¡± Mr. McCall says as she hugs me, still Jerol¡¯s hand on my back. Did he leave his brain back in that cursed gym or what? As if this is real, pss!


    ¡°I will, father. Take care too.¡± I say when we pull away from the hug, and he walks out after saying goodbye to us.


    Without a word, this weirdo tugs me to him as he guides me to our bedroom.


    He kicks the door shut the moment we walk in, and I pull away from his hold. The show is over, right?


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the first aid kit. I will dress your wound.¡± He mumbles, walking to get the kit but my voice stops him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ll treat it myself.¡± I fire.


    ¡°You are my wife so¡­¡±


    ¡°Your wife?!¡± I bark at him. ¡°Do you know how ridiculous you sound right now?¡± We re at each other like two furious lions ready to tear each other into pieces. I don¡¯t what¡¯s there in what I said that is stroking his demons, though.


    His wife my foot!

 THE KISS AND THE STRANGE CALL

    ¡°I don¡¯t give a fuck how absurd it sounds to you, but the fact remains that you are my wife! Now sit your ass down and let me treat your wound.¡±  He howls back, suppressing his fury between gritted teeth.


    He dares to order me around after everything? And he only remembers I am his wife after hurting me or when he wants to prove himself in front of people? Screw this broken jerk!


    I yank his hand away from me.


    We should stick to the charades and this isn¡¯t part of it. The fake shows are not necessary inside this room.


    ¡°Stop being stubborn and sit down!¡± He yells again, almost making me deaf, something he regrets after hearing the echo of his roar.


    ¡°You need the bandaging more than I do, don¡¯t you think? And stop pretending as if you care about me now.¡± I yell back in defence, and turn to walk to bed. Crap! This damn wound is making my whole face hurt like hell. ¡°You should have grown some conscious before hurting me!¡± I murmur as I sit on the bed.


    I don¡¯t know whatnguage this man understands though, because he is walking to me with a chair and the kit.  I mean, is he deaf or is he a stubborn jerkass?


    ¡°If you know what is good for you, Jerol, don¡¯t even think of touching me.¡± I warn, but who am I acting all tough and rough to? This¡­ this¡­ nkt!All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to ask for permission to touch my wife!¡± He says, as if he knows the meaning of that phrase. Bitter sigh!


    Wife my foot! He can go look for that Ei ghost of a woman or whatever her freaking name is and order her around. She is the one he loves, right? He should leave me the hell alone.


    I p his hand hard, and the cotton he was going to wipe my wound with falls to the floor.


    He stares at me like I am psycho for a moment that is too long for my liking. The chills his res are spewing in me are so unnerving too. Isn¡¯t he the insane one?


    ¡°I guess I will have to do this the hard way, then.¡± He stands up, walking to the walk-in closet.


    What does he mean? What is he up to?


    I sustain my gaze on him, afraid to even blink. A TIE! He grabbed a tie?! Oh, no! This psycho might strangle me in the name of treating my wound. I would rather go back to my miserable life than die here!


    RUN!


    My mind screams, and I obey.


    I head for the door, but, dang!


    Halfway, he grabs my hands and holds them in one hand from my behind.


    ¡°Jerol! Don¡¯t do this, please!¡± I beg, but he doesn¡¯t talk. He doesn¡¯t stop either.


    He ties my hand with the tie and turns me around.


    ¡°If this is what you want us to do things, then fine.¡± He says, a slight smile on his face.


    He conforms a real psychomaniac!


    ¡°You have lost your mind!¡± I whimper, shuddering with fear of the beast before me.


    ¡°Maybe. But there is still some humanity left in me. That is why I need to treat your wound.¡± He says, eyeing my wound.


    What sort of humanity is there in tying me up this way? I thought humanity entails respecting other people¡¯s wishes, which is the opposite of what he is doing. Humanity, huh!


    A minute passes! His eyes are glued on my wound, but his mind has travelled miles away. He is not here, clearly, and I can¡¯t wrap my mind around where he has wandered off to now.


    How will I cope with this weird psycho?


    ¡°Are you going to treat my wound or stare at me the entire day?¡± I snap him from his wondend.


    He breathes out a sigh, a heavy one, and wraps his arm around my shoulder guiding me to the bed.


    I don¡¯t object. I don¡¯t know what else he will do if I y rebellious.


    ¡°I will let you treat my wound. Just untie my hands.¡±  I plead.


    ¡°I¡¯m not buying that. Sit!¡± He says, reaching for the spirit.


    ¡°Come on! I won¡¯t try anything funny. Promise.¡± I plead again.


    ¡°If you do, I will tie even your legs this time around.¡± He warns, and ooh, I know that won¡¯t be a deal to him. Is he going totally insane or what? Or maybe he was cloaking this psychotic side of him all this while?


    ¡°Whatever. Just get this freaking tie off me. It¡¯s giving me a very scary feeling.¡± I mumble, trying to dig my eyes through his.


    He leans in, his chin resting on my shoulder as he unties my hands.


    He is smelling nice. He always does.


    ¡°I am not a murderer, you know?¡± He says when he is done, throwing the tie to the floor.


    I rx. I was really scared! I am still am scared of this beast.


    ¡°But you are a psycho!¡± I murmur as I crouch on the bed, and he settles on the seat in front of me, my legs caged between his. So close for my liking, but I dare not try anything funny.


    I am caged between him, meaning I have no way of escaping if he goes all psycho on me. I better shut my mouth before I get myself into trouble.


    ¡°You are the one driving me insane!¡± He says, lifting his hand with cotton soaked in spirit to the direction of my wound.


    I know how much this shit hurts! I hold his hand.


    ¡°Oh, really now? Me or Ellie? You might be confusing.¡± o brat out.


    Darn!


    The look in his eyes makes me regret my words. Curse my big mouth! I let go of his hand.


    ¡°Close your eyes.¡± He orders, flouting my uncalled-for remark.


    I do as he says, but I find myself holding on to his arm as the cotton brushes my wound.


    ¡°Aah.¡± I cry out, tucking my lips inside to prevent the painful screams from escaping again.


    He wraps his free hand around my neck, his faceing so dangerously close to mine.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you done yet?¡± I ask after about a minute, wiping the tears from my cheeks with one hand while the one is clenching on to him.


    Hey, I am not crying, okay? It¡¯s the effect of this damn spirit that is making me tear up! It freaking hurts!


    I breathe out deeply, holding on to his Tee on the chest, and out of the blue, he crashes his lips on mine.


    What? Thest time we kissed was during that introduction party. Besides, this isn¡¯t part of the contract.


    I try to pull away, but he is so strong on me. His sweet scent of pheromones is dominating, coaxing me to stop fighting this.


    I give in, and let the magic of this madness take over. I feel his hand leaving my shoulder, and in the fear of him breaking this sweet kiss, I tighten my grip on him, pulling him to me. He doesn¡¯t object, and our tongues find their way into our mouths, savouring the warmth inside, exploring every corner.


    I think he is enjoying it more than I am. How can he be so sweet and cold at the same time? He tastes like chocte.


    The dancing of our tongues is cut short by our shortness of breath. We pull away, and it¡¯s now that I feel his palms cupping my face.


    Ooh, dear! Why did he do that? Why did we kiss? Now I can¡¯t even look at him.


    ¡°Did that help?¡±


    ¡°Yes..¡± I shoot my eyes open, meeting his dark glowing blown ones. ¡°Sorry, what?¡±


    It¡¯s time for making fun of myself! Why do I feel so good but confused, huh?


    ¡°Did that ease the pain?¡±


    Pain? What pain?


    Wrinkles! Wrinkles!


    Dang! Yeah. My brain just started functioning. He was disinfecting the wound. This is embarrassing.


    ¡°Aah¡­ yeah! You¡­ can¡­ continue now. I am good. It helped. I even forgot the pain.. Well, until now.¡±


    The grin on his face!


    Huh! But what am I ranting about?


    ¡°Now you are the crazy one.¡±


    He says, shaking my head yfully. His hands slip off my face, leaving a burning sensation. He takes the kit and walks back to the table with his chair.


    What? He doesn¡¯t want to treat my wound anymore? What did I do? I didn¡¯t initiate the kiss. Crazy? He is the crazy one! Aplete psycho!


    I lift my hand to my face to wipe off the evidence of my excitement of that kiss, and the confusion about this weirdo.


    No. I am the weirdo!


    Why am I feeling a bandage on my wound?


    I dart my gaze at the mirror in the closet, and, boom!


    I am actually bandaged!


    ¡°Huh?¡± I mumble.


    That was, magically fast! How long was I lost in that kiss, again?


    I smirk at myself!


    I decide to steal a nce at this weirdo, only to find him staring back, smirking. Jerk!


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask for my help?¡± I ask, breaking the awkwardness, trying to hide the blush on my face.


    His wounds are a hundred times worse than the one he was treating on my face. Jeez! Those hanging plunged skin. The wounds are so deep. These are the worst he has incurred so far. He needs to see a doctor, but I know he wouldn¡¯t agree.


    ¡°I can manage.¡± He says.


    ¡°I am not buying that. It¡¯s time for your sweet little wife to order you and when I say I am treating your wounds, that is final!¡±


    Before I make my way to him, my phone buzzes from under the pillow, and I grab it.


    Mr MCcall? He wants to know how his son is doing.


    I receive the call, but the voice isn¡¯t his.


    This woman? What the heck does she want? To know if I already left his son¡¯s house?


    ¡°Don¡¯t hang up on me, Tessa, please!¡±


    Ooh, please! Please? Where did he borrow humility from?


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I query, and Jerol shoots his eyes at me.


    ¡°To talk. About Jerol. I¡¯m sorry for how I spoke to you earlier. I hope you understand where I aming from as a mother.¡±


    Yeah! As if she understands where I stand as a wife! Give me a break!¡±I am listening.¡±


    ¡°Dinner tonight.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t make it today,¡± I state.


    ¡°Tomorrow, then? At nine.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°One more request.¡±


    Huh! Eye roll!


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bring Jerol with you, and don¡¯t let him know that you will be meeting me.¡±


    Yeah, woman! As if I trust you? What if you are nning to get rid of me, huh? I will disappear without a trace?

 THE DARE

    I stand in front of this unfamiliar bungalow, fear gushing all over me. I might be getting myself into a den of a hungry lion and I don¡¯t know if I wille out of it alive. What¡¯s worse, Jerol doesn¡¯t have an idea where exactly I am right now. I had to sneak out, all glory to his mother because she asked me not to tell him that I will be meeting with her.


    Well, I couldn¡¯t fib about meeting a friend because I told him from the start that I don¡¯t have friends. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have been so open to him?


    Back to the matter at hand. I know this woman hates me. My mere presence angers her to the core. I know it will probably take ages for her and me to get along, that is if there is any chance, but I know even if she wanted to get rid of me she wouldn¡¯t do it in her house, right? Thispound is so beautiful to be stained in any way.


    I take in a good amount of the fresh and calm aura in and out, and knock slightly on the door. I should have been here like forty minutes ago, but curse the traffic!


    My heart is pounding in my chest however hard I am trying to be strong. This woman stirs my blood every time we crash. What¡¯s more today when I am in her territory? I hope Mr McCall will be around during our ¡°supposed¡± talk.


    Eyes roll!


    The huge door opens, and her face pops in front of me, almost sucking the breath out of my lungs.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Come in.¡± She mutters, expressionless.


    She invited me here, and I sneaked out of my house toe and meet her,  but she doesn¡¯t even appreciate that. There are even no greetings? Just great! Fantastic!


    I saunter in and stand just an inch away from her as she closes the door, and for a moment I get lost in the breathtaking beauty of this bungalow. The decor is just top-notch! I never knew grey can look so good on the wall. It looks a bit dark but peaceful at the same time.


    The family photos are part of the decor in the sitting room, adding more beauty. I dart my eyes around them. They are such a beautiful rich family, so admirable. I was about to end my tour, but I stop myself, glueing at the photos again.


    Forgive my curiosity but¡­


    I have met these three members of the McCall family- Jerol, his mother, and his father, but what about this other guy? He is in all the photos meaning he is part of this family. Howe I haven¡¯t met him yet?


    Like a curious zombie, I shuffle my feet a bit closer, my eyes not leaving the photos. Hisplexion resembles that of Mrs McCall. He is a real copy of her. So, he is Jerol¡¯s brother?! Howe he wasn¡¯t there even at that party? And he has note over to the castle to see his brother even just once?


    ¡°He is my other son, in case you are wondering.¡± I plunge my face down immediately. I turn around to her.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± My unquelled curiosity spews out.


    ¡°Somewhere in the world having fun.¡±


    The humorous irony of her riposte, though!


    Having fun? I spare a nce with a raised eyebrow at his figure on the wall again. In the middle of all this chaos? Amid his only brother¡¯s deteriorating condition? Doesn¡¯t he know what happened to his brother? I mean¡­ It¡¯s strange, isn¡¯t it? So weirdly strange


    She starts to the dining area, and I follow behind with my curiosity stroking me. We settle down and she serves us a ss of juice each which I dly ept.


    ¡°I asked around my big circle of friends and business partners but no one seems to know you.¡± She states.


    Huh? This again? Didn¡¯t wee here to talk about her beloved son?


    ¡°That is because you are looking at the wrong ces.¡± I retort.


    ¡°And that is what I don¡¯t understand, Angelica. If you are not from our ss, what are you doing in Jerol¡¯s life? Where did you meet my son?¡± She queries.


    Angelica? Does she know how annoying that name sounds? What am I? A seventy-year-old granny?


    ¡°For the second time, ma¡¯am, my name is A-N-G-E-L -I-N-E. If it¡¯s too hard for you then just call me Tessa.  I met Jerol in a hotel.¡± I respond, feeling pissed off.


    Sheughs sarcastically, meaning she doesn¡¯t buy that.


    ¡°Supposing that I buy that lie, can you exin what exactly is going on between you and Jerol? My son can never fall in love with a nobody like you. You are not even fit to be his maid not to talk¡­ ¡±


    ¡°Hold on right there, madam!¡± I cut her off, cing the ss of juice on the table. It¡¯s even tasteless. Just what did she blend, huh? Raw thorn melons and cassavas or what? Jeez! ¡°I did note all the way here to be insulted.¡± I state, and I freaking mean it.


    ¡°I am stating facts, Tessa! If you feel like I am insulting you then start enlightening me on what the deal between you and my son is.¡± She fires back, not even apologetic.


    At least she took my suggestion and trashed that annoying name.


    ¡°The deal is that we fell in love. In as much as we are so different, our hearts fell in love. That is the bitter truth that you can¡¯t bring yourself to ept.¡± I say.


    ¡°Love, you say?¡± She mocks. You should see the disgust on her face right now.


    ¡°Yes. The kind that doesn¡¯t care about boundaries or social standard differences. That is what we feel for each and¡­.¡±


    ¡°You call this,¡± she points at the bandage on my face, ¡°love? You are telling me that Jerol is the way he is right now because of love? Do you think I am dumb to buy that show you both are putting up?¡± She squeals.


    Shit! Does she have to be so keen? Can¡¯t she just act dumb even if she isn¡¯t? Beh!


    ¡°What? You are defenceless now?¡± She challenges.


    ¡°Jerol is going through something. I don¡¯t know what it is but I have faith that my husband will pull through. My role as his wife is to be by his side and help him in any way that I possibly can. Even if that means bearing this pain. Wouldn¡¯t you do the same for your husband?¡± I query.


    ¡°You are not the one asking questions here. You have no right, at least not until I can consider you as my son¡¯s wife.¡± She damn knows where exactly to drill through.


    ¡°And until you can consider me your son¡¯s wife, you and I have nothing to talk about.¡± I fume, and stand up with my pulse. ¡°Goodbye, Mrs McCall. And for the sake of everyone, this meeting never happened.¡± I turn on my heels.


    I can¡¯t stay here and give her the satisfaction of humiliating and mocking me. Who the hell does this woman think she is huh? Calling me all the way here just to insult me? The temerity!


    ¡°FIX. MY. SON!¡±


    I halt on my feet, heeding to the stinging echoes of her tone as they band my ears with heavy rebounds.


    I turn around slowly and wait for her to walk to where I am standing, her demeanour so demeaning and daring.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get you.¡± I mumble, refusing to be intimidated.


    ¡°If what you two have is really love, then I dare you to prove it. Love conquers everything, right? Use all that love you im to have for Jerol to fix him. Bring my old son back!¡± She dares.


    This is a tough one!


    I look at her.


    Deep inside, I feel like she will win because there is no love between her son and me. I am trying to help Jerol but I don¡¯t know how. The only way I can help him is by finding that ghost woman. But if she reappears, then his mother will take all the glory for knowing all along that Jerol can not love me. That what we are doing is fooling people. But where possibly can I even start looking for this ghost bitch, huh? If Jerol has tried to no avail, who am I?


    ¡°What? You can¡¯t do it? Are you scared because you don¡¯t even have a way ofmunicating with my son? I was right, all along! You are useless! A pathetic nobody in Jerol¡¯s life! Leave my¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to prove myself to you or anyone! You have judged me already and nothing can change that. However, I will help Jerol recover and he surely will. I will do whatever it takes to see him well again not to prove myself nor my love, but because more than you, his mother, I want my husband to be okay! Jerol will be okay, that I swear.¡± I fume out of the blue.


    ¡°Good luck. I¡¯ll hold to your word.¡± She mocks once again.


    I turn on my heels, and stroll out.


    Two months!


    I have about two months before the contract expires. Before then, I will dedicate everything, my all, to ensuring Jerol gets better. I owe him that much at least.

 THE PROMISE

    I am frigidly squirming as I saunter inside the castle as the clock ticks quarter past ten. I am a nervous wreck right now because I didn¡¯t tell Jerol that I was gonna be thiste. Heck! I didn¡¯t even tell him that I was going out! I wasn¡¯t intending to stay out thiste, honestly, but the traffic was just savage. If only I knew¡­


    Locking the door behind me, I sigh in relief when I don¡¯t find this nosy big-mouthedzy asses loitering around. They must be snoring in their rooms. I dash upstairs albeit with shaky legs. My heart is bing heavy with every step, and I am even forgetting how to breathe at my age. Fear is taking full control.


    Ipose myself when I get to our bedroom door, and take in a good amount of oxygen to try and calm my nerves. What awaits me inside this room is scaring me, because I can¡¯t tell what his reaction will be. All the same, I summon my courage, and push myself inside.


    Emptiness! That¡¯s what greets me. There is no one in this room except the paralysing screams of lull. Jerol isn¡¯t here. I swallow hard and dry.


    I walk to the bathroom, but no sign of him. I peek at the balcony, but still nothing. A cold shiver cuts through my backbone, almost making me numb.


    ¡°Where are you Jerol?¡± I mumble to myself as my pouch slips out of my hand and falls to the floor.


    The only idea that flickers through my medu oblongata isn¡¯t a good one. It¡¯s more scaring the hell out of me, but the good thing is that it fuels my legs, and I find myself running out of the room.


    I get to the gym, the evil room, clenching on to my chest, beseeching with my heart not to leave its rib cage. It¡¯s pounding heavily, my gust rapid and loud. I peek inside through the transparent window, and my heart stops pounding for a second to do a small dance when I don¡¯t see him inside. Nheless, I pick up my pace again in the opposite direction, this time around, at a slower pace. At least, I don¡¯t expect the worst.


    I knock on the door of his study. I can see mes of the orange light at the base of the door, meaning he is inside, but he doesn¡¯t answer. I push the door open and straddle inside, holding my breath.


    There sits the statue! I don¡¯t know whether I should be happy, worried, or should I pee on my pants because of his state.


    He is just here, resting his bandaged hands on the table, and his head at the back of the swivel chair. His broad chest is heaving up and down with deep breathing. His face appears so dull under the lights.


    I shuffle my legs further and stop a step away from the table, and murmur his name, but no responsees from him. He is gazing at the white ceiling, lost. So deadly lost.


    I walk to where he is, tapping him gently on the shoulder.


    ¡°Jerol!¡±


    ¡°YES!¡± He bursts out, snapping from his statue state as if an electric shock jerked him, making me leap back from him.


    Ghosh! Where was he? He seems like he was chasing a ghost or he was lost in a dark jungle with demons. I get it, it was his ghost again. It¡¯s always about her.


    I look at him as he stands up, starting towards me and I take another step back.


    The way he is ring at me, the slow steps he is taking towards me¡­ He is like an angry lion taming its prey. I don¡¯t want another scar. Not another wound on top of the one I got yesterday. Not another pain. The only way to save myself is to obey his order- to stay away from him when he is possessed by this demon. He is not himself and this weird side of him is so new to me.


    RUN!


    My brain screams, and I promptly half turn to run for my dear life, but I halt on my steps when he speaks.


    ¡°ANGEL!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a scream, but a pleading roar that massaged through the delicate walls of my ears and my heart. Everything stands still, except the slow movement of my body as I veer back.


    I turn around to find his eyes closed, his head bowed down. He stopped on his feet, perhaps when I attempted to run away.


    Angel? He called me¡­ that¡¯s not what he calls me.


    ¡°Jerol?¡± I mumble softly, making his eyes open. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I force myself to ask despite the fear and confusion.


    He doesn¡¯t answer.


    He lifts his face to face me and he opens his arms wide. In a flicker, I am engulfed in his hands in a tight bear hug. I¡¯m thunderstruck! I am trembling with a mixture of a thousand feelings and questions. He is choking me with his tight embrace, but instead of pushing him away, I find my hands sheathing around his back, caressing his wless straight back in a soothing motion.


    What on earth is happening? Or what happened? This reaction is new!


    ¡°I thought you left too!¡± He mumbles behind my back, pressing me to him more. He might choke me to death with his strong arms, but for some weird reason, I am closing my eyes to savour this moment. I can¡¯t exin the feeling. I guess I am excited because he isn¡¯t mad at me.


    ¡°Sorry I went out without letting you know.¡± I mumble, and he pulls away slowly, as if my words touched his heart.


    My hands drop from him, but he keeps his on my shoulders, scanning my face, his eyes looking a bit lively today. Or maybe it¡¯s the effect of the lights and my confused self.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± He explores. His cold eyes are soft as he pleads, giving them a small glow that I have never seen in them.


    ¡°I¡­ I..¡± What do I say, huh?


    ¡°You thought I wouldn¡¯t let you?¡±


    ¡°Maybe. And I also didn¡¯t want to bother you.¡± I lie.


    ¡°You are never a bother. Next time, at least go with a chauffeur. That way I wouldn¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Was he worried about me? He thought I ran away? Maybe he thought I was serious about that threat I made to him yesterday.


    ¡°Were you really worried?¡± I ask, but he looks away.


    ¡°I am not a beast. And I am not mad either.¡± He mutters, shoving his bandaged hands in his pockets.


    ¡°Who said you are?¡±


    ¡°Everyone thinks I am. You should stay away from me, though, until¡­ I am not like this?¡±


    I think that sermon I gave him yesterday made an impact on him. That is the only thing that can exin why he is this way, well, except for that kinda romantic hug though. I am not proud of talking to him that way. But if it will help him wake up from this nightmare, then I am willing to do it again.


    ¡°Married couples stick together for better or for worse. You are my husband, Jerol, and until our contract expires, I will be here. I am not leaving you.¡±


    He looks at me for a decade, and he starts walking back to his swivel chair without saying a word. I get it, maybe that¡¯s what that bitch, Ellie, used to tell him. That she will never leave him, h, h, h, but in the end, she left. And here I am, a stupid girl who knows nothing about couples promising nonsense. I should evenugh at myself. Sigh!


    I grab his hand to stop him from walking to his chair. Does he even know what time it is?All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Can we go to bed now?¡± I ask, as if I am expecting anything to happen under the sheets. Beh! I just want him to rest.


    He nods his head, and we walk out together hand in hand. We get to the bedroom, and we tuck ourselves under the cover like a couple, and we drift off to sleep.


    I still don¡¯t know how, but I have to help him. I want to challenge that mother of his andugh at her face when Jerol regains his sanity again. Let¡¯s see what she will have to say then.

 DESIRE TO FORGET

    I smile unbelievably at the breakfast I have made, of course, with the help of Terry. I really have a lot to learn about this modern life and the ways of the rich. Basically, everything about the rich. First, I have to familiarize myself with this kitchen. The cooker, the ingredients, oh my! I only knew about ginger and garlic, and dhania. This others huh? I might need to have a booklet about their uses. Sigh!


    I arrange everything neatly on the try and walk out with a big smile on my face. Don¡¯t ask me why. I am just in a cheerful mood this morning. Why wouldn¡¯t I? I woke up to the sight of Jerol snuggling up to me, and the rays of the bright morning sun were smiling at us. His face didn¡¯t look so dull today. It seemed like the ghost allowed him to sleepst night. I even remember ogling his peacefulplexion for some minutes, and my heart even jumped with ecstasy before I decided to make us breakfast.


    I open the door slowly and walk in kicking it shut with my foot as I proceed to the table near the window. I plop my tray gently. The smile is still evident on my face. This excitement is bing weird now, though. Or maybe it¡¯s the aroma. It must be the effect of these delish chicken burgers. I mean, I have never smelled anything close to this.


    I pull the curtains aside, and walk to Jerol. He still has his eyes closed, but I know he is not asleep. I sit beside him, resting my hand on his head.


    ¡°Jerol.¡± I call softly, and he opens his eyes.  ¡°I brought breakfast.¡± I say, and he sits up, his shirtless chest on disy, and my hand drops to his shoulder.


    He closes his bottomless orbs, resting his head on the bed, and pulls his knees to the chest. Huh? I thought he was different today. I thought he was better than other days. I guess I was wrong.


    Come on, Jerol! I badly want to help you. The clock is ticking way too fast. In about two months I will be leaving this ce. I can¡¯t leave you this way. I don¡¯t want to. My heart will not be at peace at all. I want to¡­


    I didn¡¯t know I was caressing his chiselled jaw until I felt his bandaged hand plucking my hand away from his face. I look at him, his eyes on anywhere on my face but my eyes.


    ¡°How are you?¡± I greet, to break the awkwardness. As if I shouldn¡¯t have greeted him the moment I called him from sleep earlier. Cha!


    Anyways, his response has always been the same ¨C silence. He never responds to my greetings, and I understand. However, I would appreciate it if he tells that he is not okay. That he wants to be okay. That he needs my help. But this silence hurts. So so much. I wish¡­


    ¡°How are you?¡±


    Wait. That horse cold voice? It isn¡¯t mine.


    My eyes drop to his lips. They are slightly parted, giving me a disjointed feeling, but that aside. He really asked me that? Did he really greet me for the very first time in our three months together? Even before he fell into this depression, greetings were out of the question. I guess I was right then. He is different today.


    ¡°Jerol¡­¡± I start, but his hand travelling to my bandage on the head stops me. He caresses the delicate skin around the bandage with his thumb, the only part of his hand that doesn¡¯t have bandages.


    I look at him as he scans my forehead. The scar of the previous wound is still visible, and I can feel his gaze on it.


    ¡°What else have I done to you?¡± He implores, his eyes full of remorse and hurt. His voice filled with so much bitterness and worry.


    Looking at him, I feel like he is regretting this ¨C hurting me.  He feels awful about it.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I mumble, our eyes locking.


    He is still caressing me with his finger which I am sure he doesn¡¯t he is doing.


    ¡°I am sorry, Tessa.¡± He shuts his eyes and his hand leaves my face to drape around my neck, identally pulling my face to his. Our faces are just an inch apart. I shiver as I scan his face. ¡°I¡­¡± He opens his eyes, and his mouth goes dry.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Jerol. You didn¡¯t know what you were doing. Don¡¯t worry. I am fine.¡± My voice has never been this husky, and my heart has never beaten this fast. The closure is affecting me in a great way. His breath is burning my face, and when he rests his forehead on mine, he takes all my breath away.  My face is shaking against his. He is feeding me something so strong and dominating. I am losing my senses.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± He hums on my lips, his breath making my lips part a little. His warmth from his face is burning mine, and his thumb caressing my cheek is adding more to the fire.


    He doesn¡¯t know what he is doing. He probably thinks this is Ellie ¨C that I am his Ellie. In as much as I want to help, I should stop this. It¡¯s not part of the agreement. He doesn¡¯t want this with me, I am sure. He is insane, but I am not.


    ¡°Tessa!¡±


    A moment of mind-boggling silence.


    I open my eyes and scan his, my hands on his bare chest. I can¡¯t decipher the look in his eyes. It¡¯s kind of a magical look with a very strong spark. I want to hold my gaze longer but I can¡¯t. As I shut them again, his wet lips seductively brush mine, setting my whole body a ze. His other hand travels to my waist, pulling me to him, pressing his lips hard on mine.


    Before Ipile the little energy left in me to react, my lips are moving in synch with his in a slow-burn kiss, my nails digging into his chest,pelled by something so strong to allow this. His sweet tongue slips into my mouth, and I push mine in his, and they start to dance together in rhythm as we explore each other¡¯s mouth to the furthest corners.


    This feels hot and sweet. Savage but tender. He states like cream.


    A soft moan echoes in my throat when he attempts to cut this mind-blowing adventure short. My hands move to his back, pulling him to me, begging him not to stop, righting this wrong. I am a needy mess ¨C needy of his kisses. He abandons his mission, and embarks on the kiss again, and I rx with ecstasy, kissing him back with the same hunger and passion, snuggling more into him.


    This feels like magic. A sweet magic. Something that can turn into an obsession in a glint. I have never felt this way, and neither did I ever imagine such a sweet feeling exists. I am burning with a fire that I don¡¯t want to get out of. I am lost in him and I don¡¯t want to be found. I desire him, and I don¡¯t want this desire to end. I¡­


    He pulls away slowly, and this time, I know we both need this break. We are huffing so heavily as we rest our foreheads against each other.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°ELLIE. OOH, ELLIE!¡±


    Ellie? Fuck!


    I thought he knew it was me he was savagely kissing? It¡¯s me in his arms and not that..


    I try opening my eyes and pushing him away, but I am roughly pulled back to his mouth again, chewing my lips in a more heated hungry kiss. Gosh! They sure will be swollen by the time he is done, and the problem is, I am caged to him and he is so strong.


    He shoves his tongue to the furthest corner of my mouth, and then pulls it slowly, biting my lower lip softly as he cups my face. I don¡¯t have the strength to meet his eyes so I keep mine closed.


    ¡°Tessa!¡±


    Now that made my eyes open as he nts a soft peck on my lips, and starts brushing my lower lip with his thumbs, still keeping my face in between his bandaged palms. His eyes are closed, his sharp nose brushing mine.


    Who can understand this weird psycho, huh? ELLIE, TESSA, TESSA, ELLIE¡­ Is this how it is going to be? Why can¡¯t he understand that she is not here? I am not her. I can never be her. She and I can never be the same. Jeez!


    ¡°I know this is you, Tessa. I want to forget her. I want to get her out of my mind.¡±


    AMEN!


    It¡¯s like he is dreaming, though, because his eyes are still closed as he mumbles, but when he opens them, they speak nothing but the sincerity of what he said. Maybe he is done waiting for her. Perhaps he is tired of this situation.


    I raise my hand to his face and pull him for a hug which he doesn¡¯t object to. I love how sometimes he behaves like a baby, doing what I want him to without saying anything.


    Well, then. It¡¯s time to help you forget that bitch, Jerol! I will be the happiest when that happens.

 OFF-LOADING

    ¡°I¡¯ll take this to the kitchen. I¡¯ll be back.¡± I mumble to Jerol as I pick up the tray, but he grabs my hand, stopping me.


    I turn to him, trying so much to mask the smile and the blush on my face. Smile, because today is exceptional. He ate a decent portion of the meal. Not exactly what is expected of a man like him, but a hundred timespared to other days. And a blush, because that heated kiss we had earlier is tickling me. The fact that he knew it was me he was kissing hits differently.


    ¡°We have a team of nannies around us. Just let them do their work.¡± He says, standing up and giving me another reason to blush.


    Ahem! Ahem!


    He is wearing nothing but a boxer ¨C a white one which is doing enough justice in disying the tent between his legs. This meat that looks so charmingly huge. It is mind-bewitching. How would it feel to even just feel that tent, you know, even just running my hand on it? Would he even react to my touch? My! Before I make a fool of myself slobbering on this beautiful tool of his, I pull myself from Jim and walk to the closet.


    I pull out a pair of jeans and a tee and hand them to him. He pulls them on without saying a word. He doesn¡¯t even seem bothered that he was standing in front of me almost naked. I know I have seen him like that countless times, but at least today he seems to be in his senses, and I like him this way. Yeah, almost sane, and covered.


    The first thing I need to do when he and I part ways is probably to get myself a man. Yeah!


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± He speaks again.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡­ I¡¯ll just take this to the kitchen.¡± I need some fresh air after what I have just seen. I need to get his manhood out of my mind.


    I start turning away from him, but he doesn¡¯t allow me. He holds my hand again and walks with me back to the bed, pressing a bell on the wall.


    Huh? I have seen that bell since he brought me here but I never bothered to ask what it was meant for.


    We settle on the bed, and he pulls my hand, resting it on his thigh. He starts ying with it, his mind travelling somewhere afar, but not for long as a slight knock on the door distracts him.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Come in.¡± He orders, his bulky voice louder than I have ever heard. Well, except when he was yelling. It echoes with so much authority still.


    Terry walks in, bowing her head a little to us. She is standing quite a distance from us.


    ¡°At your service, sir!¡± She mumbles, her head still bowed down. A real picture of a servant before her master.


    ¡°Clear the table.¡± Jerol orders.


    ¡°Okay, sir.¡±


    She walks to do what she has been ordered to do. In a glint, she is starting her way out again.


    Wow! So, this is how simple life is here, huh? My!


    I turn my gaze to Jerol after Terry walks out, and I find him still looking at my hand again. What is going through his head?


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± I ask, cing my other hand on top of his. I should change his bandages and check on his wounds today.


    He looks at me weirdly and I begin to shiver. He is just browsing my face without saying a word.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I call.


    ¡°At least, not¡­ Her. I am not thinking about Ellie.¡±


    Good! Bravo! I hope that is true.


    ¡°Then what? Or¡­ who?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Why did you stay even after I turned this way?¡±


    Where did thate from, huh? Has he forgotten we are bound by a contract?


    ¡°Because I was bound to be here. I still have two months left to be here, right?¡±


    ¡°But, this was not part of the agreement, Tessa. I was not supposed to hurt you. You didn¡¯t deserve to get hurt. You should have just left.¡±


    He is feeling guilty. Today the beast has left him and I hope it never returns.


    ¡°Listen, Jerol. I wanted to stay, okay? I am still here and I am not leaving until my time with you is up. I wanted to help but¡­ i¡­ just didn¡¯t know how.¡±


    Ahem! Stare challenge again.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He mumbles after a long silence, and I shudder. ¡°For bringing me back to life.¡±


    What?


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± I whimper.


    ¡°Come.¡± He stands up and pulls me with him out of the door.


    I am stunned and delighted at the same time, but unlike other days, at least today I feel safe around him. There is no sign of violence in him and I hope this is a start to the journey of his recovery.


    I follow him without a word, and he leads me to the gym ¨C the room that I detest the most in this castle. I¡¯m sure my expression changed the moment I have set my feet inside. Even the aura in this room is awful.


    ¡°You always wondered why I turned into a demon whenever I came to this room, right.¡± He queries.


    His voice is so soft, making me curious and worried at the same time. I stand in front of him, nodding my head, urging him to speak.


    His eyes take a tour of every corner of this room before turning to me.


    ¡°This is where everything started, and also where it all ended.¡± He closes his eyes, heaving deeply.


    I wait patiently for him to get ready. I am sure this is a huge load he is about to offload. I know it¡¯s difficult for him to do this, especially confiding in a total stranger like me. But like I promised, I am going to be here every step of the way until he gets better. And this, this is my best way to help ¨C to listen to him whenever he feels like talking.


    He breathes out a heavy sigh, opening his eyes, and I take his hands in mine, pressing them, letting him know that I am here for him.


    ¡°This is where she said yes to me. This room since then became our pleasure room. It was her crazy idea and I fell in love with it. She said that sex in this room was the best. We made ns here, a lot of ns and big dreams. This is also where she gave me the best news. That she was carrying my child. But it is also where she broke me into pieces that night she left, after telling me she lost the baby. She med me for not being there for her, and for the reason why our baby was dead. But I swear it wasn¡¯t my intention, Tessa. I was in a meeting when she called and by the time I was returning her call¡­ Everything was just gone. Everything ¨C our baby, and her love for me. I¡­¡±


    He can no longer speak. He just closes his eyes, but he was toote if he was trying to hide the tears. A tear drops, and he attempts to turn away from me but I stop him. I pull him in for a hug, and he copses in my arms.

 A NEW DEAL

    I am appalled at the things Jerol has been keeping to himself. We have been sitting on the floor of this gym for almost an hour now and all I can is, his story is quite a deep and confusing one. Then things he has told me are saddening.


    Apparently, he has been yearning to marry for the longest time but women leave him because of a condition. Ever heard of low sperm count? I hope I said it right because I know nothing about it. You know, the real miss dumbass. I have never even gotten this close to a man before so how am I supposed to know about sperms and all the sex stuff? Don¡¯t tell me about biology because I think I burned my school memory together with my notes the day I said goodbye to high school. That aside.


    So when Ellie epted him despite his condition, for him to be sure that his marriage will not have problems, they opted for an IVF before marriage. It was a sess, and he felt the world in his arms when they received the news. Unfortunately, Ellie suffered an ident a monthter that led to the miscarriage which she med Jerol for until her disappearance. Cruel, right.


    He hasn¡¯t given the details of the ident and why she med him to a point of leaving him, but I understand. There are things that are too personal to tell me right now. I respect that.


    He has lost all hope of holding a baby in his arms, an heir to his multi-billion empire that is now copsing due to negligence. He lost the love of his life. It seems like he has no reason to live again. I understand his dilemma and state of hopelessness. I understand his pain, but he has hispany to keep him going. Besides, it¡¯s not like he ispletely impotent, right?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, for all that Jerol, honestly.¡± I mumble.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Thanks for listening.¡± He murmurs.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. It¡¯s nothing. On the contrary, thank you for opening up to me.¡± I sce.


    ¡°I¡¯m not weak, okay. I just¡­¡±


    ¡°Sshh¡­¡± I shush him, cing my arms on his thighs. ¡°You are strong, Jerol, without anypromise. It¡¯s just that there is always too much of what one can bear. Your story is quite a sad one, but it¡¯s not the end of the world. Shutting yourself off isn¡¯t the solution.¡± I console.


    ¡°What is left for me, Tessa?¡± He hopelessly implores.


    ¡°A lot more. Your empire and¡­¡±


    ¡°An empire? What is the use of all this wealth and luxury if I can not have even a single child to inherit it? Why¡­¡±


    ¡°For yourself, Jerol! And who said you can not have another child?¡± I implore, climbing to hisp and cupping his face.


    He stares into my eyes, and I stares back sternly, reading the pain in his. It¡¯s so evident. I wonder how he was able to hide it for so long to a point of breaking him this much.


    ¡°Jerol, I¡¯m sure there is a woman out there who will be willing to go through everything with you. You still have a chance.¡± I say.


    ¡°It is not easy, Tessa. There is no guarantee even for that process. I am tired of women walking away from me after I exin my condition. I can¡¯t handle it.¡± He bitterly confesseses his worry and pains.


    ¡°The right one is out there, Jerol, and you need to find her. The one who will love you for who you are. Don¡¯t dwell on those who left. And stop being so negative.¡± I plead.


    ¡°You sound like an old philosopher.¡± He whimpers.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    That made me chuckle. Old? How old am I?


    ¡°Philosophy never loses meaning.¡± I state.


    He sighs without saying a word. He is not convinced at all, but I am d he doesn¡¯t look so uptight. The load was taking a toll on him.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we make a deal?¡± I query after a moment of silence, earning his attention.


    ¡°We are already in a deal.¡± He states.


    ¡°You made that with Gracia. This one will be between you and me.¡± I say.


    ¡°Okay. What is it?¡± He asks.


    ¡°You know, the millions that you paid me are still lying in my ount. I still don¡¯t know what I¡¯m gonna do with it, but it will change my life for good ¨C Forever. You changed my life, Jerol. I will never know poverty again all thanks to you. For that reason alone, I want to make a change in your life too however small it might be. Let me help you heal from this. Please.¡± I plead.


    ¡°You¡¯ve already done too much, Tessa. I have put you through hell for the longest period you have been here. I can never repay you for that pain you bore. And what¡¯s worse,¡± he pulls my hands from his face, taking his to my face instead, ¡°these scars, they¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s put that behind us, Jerol. There is no need to dwell on this. We get scars once in a while. Some go away, and some don¡¯t. Simple.¡±


    ¡°What if yours will not, Tessa? They will always remind you of this beast.¡±


    ¡°Not if the pain will be worth it in the end, Jerol. There are what we call beautiful scars. And I want mine to be exactly that type.¡±


    He stares at me for minutes as if I have lost my mind. I know exactly how I sound. Like a lunatic, right? But I swore to help in any way.


    ¡°Nothing can justify these, Tessa. What possibly can make them be beautiful scars?¡±


    ¡°If you let me help you. If I manage to bring back the old Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall that everyone knew, the real Jerol that I have not yet met, then I will be a happy soul. My scars will be worth all this pain.¡±


    ¡°Alright. But even if you don¡¯t manage to, I want you to know that you have done way so much for me. I will never forget you, Tessa McCall.¡±


    McCall! He will never forget me? As just Tessa Angeline or Tessa McCall?


    ¡°Even when I drop the borrowed title?¡±


    ¡°The title doesn¡¯t change a thing about you, Tessa Angeline. With or without it, you will always, always, be remembered.¡±


    I nod my head, looking away because his gaze is about to make me start blushing. It¡¯s the effect of us being this close and free with each other. I was used to him pushing me away everything I attempted to touch him. Or snuggling to me only when he mistook me for Ellie. I never thought he would ever talk to me so openly and freely.


    ¡°Thank you for that scolding you gave me, by the way. It was harsh, but it knocked some sense into me.¡± He speaks as we stand up, standing face to face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to yell at you like that.¡± I apologise with all sincerity. I am of the opinion that men should always be respected no matter the circumstances. Unless, of course, they themselves behave disrespectfully.


    ¡°I deserved it. I realy needed it.¡±


    ¡°I still feel bad about it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Okay. So, deal? I swear not to fail?¡± I tease, straightening my right hand to him for a handshake.


    He smirks, offering me his which I shake just slightly to avoid hurting his bandaged wounds.


    ¡°Deal.¡± He affirms.


    ¡°And the deal starts now!¡± I tease, pulling him out of the gym with me. He doesn¡¯t object or say a word. Like a submissive boy, he follows beside me.

 TANGLED BEGINNING

    ¡°Done!¡± I mumble after bandaging his wounds. They are healing just fine, dly. At least none of them looks infected or adamant about healing. In about a week he should be fine.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He asserts as I amble back to him after returning the first aid kit.


    I angle myself in front of him, scanning for any trace of change in him, and sure, he doesn¡¯t look dismal and dull like he has always been since I met him. The cold look on his face is still so permanent, but I think I have been with him enough to distinguish his physical features from masks. The icy demeanour is his nature. A beautiful one, I must say. It exudes both ice and fire. It exhibits boldness and authority. I am d that the masks are not so evident right now, and I hope they fade awaypletely and for good.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He implores after noticing my stern gaze on him for a while.


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± I ask.


    I think before I impose all the crazy childish ideas to aid his recovery on him, I should at least know what he likes and what he wants, right?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He murmurs, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m okay here.¡± He says, his tone of voice low and cold.


    Nothing? Come on now? How can I help him if he acts like this?


    I kneel between his legs, resting my elbows on his thighs. I sense his difort, but I am not here for some naughty stuff, not even for a kiss like the one lingering in my head. I am here for the business I signed up for.


    ¡°Listen, Jerol. If you want to get out of this, you must make an effort. I need your help to be able to help you.¡± I state, staring up at his face as his gorgeous features tickle me from a few inches above mine.


    He averts his gaze from me, turning to the side, but I cup his warm face, tilting it in my direction. Our eyes lock, mine pleading for him to warm up to my aid, and his pleading for something else that I can¡¯t quite decipher. He looks susceptible, like he is afraid ¨C afraid to start again. I understand his fears and uncertainties, but I promised to be here every step of the way, as long as he allows me to.


    ¡°Hey. You know, your eyes tell me that you are a strong gentleman. Show me the strong Jerol. Toss this fear aside and try to move on. I¡¯m certain greater things are awaiting you ahead, Jerol.¡± I utter, caressing his cheeks with my thumbs to soothe him.


    I frankly never thought that a man can be broken to this level. I thought this stone-hearted gender don¡¯t break down. But after meeting Jerol, and discovering all his torments and predicaments, I just realised that before anything, they are humans. They have feelings. They are bound to get hurt and feel the pain, and just like us, there is just a limit to what they can take too.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to but,¡± he massages his neck with his palms, ¡°it¡¯s just that there are things that don¡¯t interest me anymore.¡± He breathes out a sigh, boring into my eyes again.


    ¡°What are they?¡± I plead, still cupping his face and reading thenguage of his eyes. I love how they look when they melt like this. The dark glow in them sparkles with mes of fire. A very alluring sight that I would stare at the whole day and even get lost in it.


    ¡°The gym was my only hobby aside from work.¡±


    That got me to smile real broad, releasing a small chuckle.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What?¡± He queries.


    ¡°I never in my life heard of work being a hobby. I¡¯m hearing it for the first time.¡± I state, standing up because my knees are beginning to hurt.


    ¡°Well, it was for me. Maybe still is. A lot has happened. I just don¡¯t know where to start. I¡­ am¡­ afraid¡­¡± He looks down.


    Afraid? That is his empire. He built it. I understand that it has suffered some losses and the investors might be not wee him with a broad smile. But he still is the owner. Everyone goes through some crisis at some point and it was his time. They have earned profits all the years. They can not crucify him for just this one time. It¡¯s not like thepany haspletely copsed. There is still enough time to reform it, and I strongly believe he can get the empire back on its feet if wants to.


    I part his legs with mine, and position myself between him, making him look up at my crazy gesture. I sit on hisp, wrapping an arm around his broad shoulders, while the other one goes to his perfectly shaped jaws. Well, I should enjoy the benefits of being his wife as long as theyst.


    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± I query.


    ¡°Facing them. The mess is just too much. It was so unprofessional of me and I have no justification for that.¡± He exins, and I can see the weight of his fears through his eyes.


    ¡°Listen, Jerol. That empire is yours. The board might be angry right now but I am sure they wille around. We are bound to fall at some point, even countless times, but the most important thing is us rising every time we fall. You¡¯ve stayed on the ground for so long, but nobody has the right to question you for that because no one knows the pain you had to deal with. You are getting up, you are starting again, and that is all that matters. Nothing else.¡± I rant, as if I were a motivational speaker. Meh!


    I wish I had someone to encourage me like this in my life. Maybe I would have gone a little bit further in life. Maybe I would have be somebody in life. But all is gone now, all the same, I am d that I have been given a chance to do what no one ever did for me ¨C to encourage someone. If this works, if I manage to restore Jerol, I will be a happy soul.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    I ce my index finger on his moist lips to stop him. Doubts will not help. He needs to believe in himself.


    ¡°No buts, Jerol. You will do it because you can. I believe in you, and you should do the same. Believe in yourself, Jerol. And I will be right beside you whenever you need me.¡±


    He breathes out a deep sigh eyeing me, his hands encircling my waist.


    ¡°Whenever I need you?¡± He implores, and whether that has a hidden meaning or not, I don¡¯t care. I know what I mean, and I can bear the weight of my words.


    ¡°Whenever, Jerol.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡± He winks, his features glowing a little.


    He looks dangerously handsome when he is like this. A harmless opinion, though. This ice in his eyes sparkles with a strong spell one of fire when he smiles.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never back down.¡± I affirm.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He murmurs. He is so appreciative.


    I don¡¯t understand the gesture in his hand drawing circles on my thigh. It¡¯s tickling me weirdly and since I don¡¯t know whether he is aware of what he is doing, I pull away from him and stand from hisp.


    I clear my throat. My idea of sitting on hisp was probably not a good one. I feel kind of weirdly hot all of a sudden, and him kidnapping my hands and holding them this tight is not doing me any good. The effect of not being this close to a man ever, I suppose?


    ¡°Aahh¡­¡± Ahem! Ahem! I clear my throat once more, trying to pull my hands from him slightly but he doesn¡¯t let go. Since I don¡¯t want to seem awkward, I give up trying, and give him the satisfaction of holding them. ¡°Can we go out after lunch?¡± I query before my breath runs out on me.


    ¡°Where?¡± He asks, standing up and towering in front of me.


    ¡°Anywhere. Wait,¡± an idea just crossed my mind. He arches an eyebrow, curious to know what I have in mind, ¡°how about you show me around the castle?¡±


    He needs to first familiarise himself with his ce once again. He has shut himself in for far so long. I doubt he recollects the mour of this castle. He has be like an alien in his own surroundings for those three months he has been caged in depression. I am eager to tour the castle, but this is more about him than myself.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He mumbles.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go set the table.¡± I ecstatically whirl around, but a step away, he pulls me to him with force.


    I turn around, crashing into his chest as he pulls me to him. He drapes his strong arms around me and buries his features on my shoulder, epassing me so tight that I am finding it difficult to breathe. The scent of his pheromones makes me close my eyes as I savour their rich seductive odor. They smell like scarlet andvender. They scream nothing but a sin call.


    ¡°Tessa!¡± He whimpers in my ear, his breath tickling my sensitive skin.


    I wrap my hands around him, stroking him gently.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Jerol.¡± I whimper back.


    It feels surreal to hear him mumble my name. I love how it sweetly rolls out of his mouth those few times he has called me.


    He pulls away gently, still pressing me to him and resting his forehead on mine, his eyes closed. I¡¯m in awe, and that is why despite all these weirdbo of feelings, I am maintaining my gaze on him, even now as his lips brush mine.


    It¡¯s getting too hot and intense in here, but I promised to be here whenever he needs me. I know he wants to forget the kissing of that bitch, Ellie, and am right here for him. A kiss doesn¡¯t hurt, right? My virginity is still intact and as long as it¡¯s not touched, I am in for anything to help this man that is putting my walls in shambles.


    His lips are stranded on mine, but I give him the go-ahead signal. I peck him, and he wastes no time in returning the favour with a heated kiss that leaves both of us trembling and breathless.


    He holds me steady after, supporting me until I regain my strength back. He pulls away a little, cupping my cheeks and lifting my face to his, his gorgeous eyes on mine.


    ¡°This wasn¡¯t part of the deal either.¡± He mutters.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± That is all I can afford to whimper, my gaze surrendering to his alluring one.


    ¡°Are you okay? I¡¯m being too selfie.¡± He states.


    I cup his face too, pulling him to my face until we are an inch apart.


    ¡°No, Jerol. I¡¯m okay. We are in this together.¡± I assure him.


    ¡°Are you sure, Tessa?¡± He implores, his thumbs printing traces of fire on my cheeks as they caress them.


    I nod my head, unable to utter a word. The heat between us is just too much and I am finding it difficult to breathe. It¡¯s weakening my bones.


    ¡°Onest one?¡± He pleads, and I nod my head to whatever that means.


    As he pulls me gently for another slow-burn kiss, I find myself dangling on his neck for support, and he pulls me with him to lie on the bed.


    I must have lost all my senses in this kiss because even as he hovers on top of me, I don¡¯t move a muscle to object. All I can think of is the sweet taste of his mind-blowing kisses and the sensation of this fire that¡¯s erupting in me. I am burning.


    ¡°Mmh¡­¡± I didn¡¯t mean to, the soft moan just escaped my lips, worshipping his kisses, righting this wrong!

 BAFFLING COMPLIMENTS

    ¡°I must concede that the castle is more beautiful than I surmised. It¡¯s amazing.¡± I air my candid opinions as we halt our tracks at the swimming pool more than an hourter since Jerol started showing me around this beautiful castle.


    I have seen every important room in it, except for the gym. I have had a bang of that cursed room, and Jerol also seemed weirdly disinterested in going to it too. In a way, I was enthralled by his hesitation to walk in that damned gym. All the same, the huge rooms are incredible. Mental note, I need to go back to the library and steal a portrait of him. Well, not necessarily stealing, just taking, but without his knowledge.


    He might wonder why I need to keep a portrait of him. I am wondering too. But¡­


    ¡°Thank you. It felt more beautiful today because I had you beside me.¡± He states, turning to me.


    The rosiness on my face drags my eyes to the turquoise waters of the pool, averting his gaze for a moment. I wonder how it feels like to be in a swimming pool especially with the sr shining savagely above you like this. My! I have never been to a swimming pool. Heck, I don¡¯t even know how to swim. I better trash that stupid idea.


    ¡°You want to taste the waters? It will be cool!¡±


    Huh?


    I dashingly drag my eyes to him. Was he reading my mind?


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t even know how to swim.¡± I state, and I don¡¯t feel anything wrong with me being so free and open to him.


    ¡°I could teach you.¡±


    Damn! Is he pulling my leg right now? Me and him in the pool? I don¡¯t think I¡­


    ¡°Oooh!¡± I cry, and suddenly my short cry gets cut. Guess where I am?


    Under the water!


    He is such a¡­ Did he just push us both into the pool?


    I spring up from the water, him doing the same. Under the scorching sun and inside the cool waters, we rack before each other, both of us trickling wet. Well, if there is any time I have ever seen an irresistible sin beckoning so close, it is now. Gosh! He looks like¡­


    I shake my head, hopefully, the sight of water percting on his features and the tight muscles on disy would be shaken out of my innocent mind, but who am I kidding? He is right here before me!


    ¡°You are gonna pay for this, Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall!¡± I try to break the awkwardness, but I think I made it worse.


    ¡°Make me.¡± He hoarses with his beautiful cold voice, closing the tiny gap between us.


    I¡¯m sniffing the heat of his pheromones. At least that is what I can make out. Why is he beginning to affect me like this, huh? I should probably stop the kissing? Yes, probably. Maybe that way I will stop feeling this hot whenever he is this close. He is not still in his right mind. I should be the one to act sane for both of us. Mostly, for my sake.


    ¡°Someday, just not now.¡± I state, harmlessly beaming at his cuteness when he acts this sane.


    But on third sense, he isn¡¯t.


    He wouldn¡¯t be ogling my lips like this if he was totally sane. And probably that heated kiss in our bedroom earlier wouldn¡¯t be tickling me like this if he was not being so¡­


    I flinch as his hands grab my waist under the water, epassing me to him. I ce my hands on his chest in a defensive stance, or so I was my preliminary inkling, but that idea circumvents my mind the moment his lips tickle mine. Everything crumbles, and I find myself only dangling to his soaking wet shirt as our lips dance in rhythm.


    The kiss is absolutely sweet, like those few others we have shared, but I am fearful that I might be addicted to this. I didn¡¯t know kisses could taste this sweet and addictive. I start walking back, perhaps hoping to break this albeit with reticent, but that too hit a hard rock as he starts walking forward, and I keep going until I hit the wall marking the pool, giving him the satisfaction of caging me between him and the pool wall.


    I quit fighting. I quit pretending that I am not exhrated by this. As my arms encircle his neck and pull him more to me, I block every other sense from my mind and savor this.


    They say that you should grab every chance to be happy in life whenever and however it allots itself, right? Well, this is mine. This is my phase to be happy. As long as he is getting a kick out of this, as long as he permits this, I will relish it. Maybe I need beautiful memories to pack in my mental basket when we part ways.


    Hush, now!


    We pull away atst, both of us panting heavily for breath, and he pulls us for a hug as we steady our breathing.


    Peeling my eyes open, I am greeted by some six pairs of eyes of the security guards gawking at us behind him. These ignoramuses who almost lugged my ass out of this castle that day at the order of his mother. These now ostensively bbergasted monkeys! May the devil lick their asses! I should probably summon by bitchy mode and show them my middle finger, but I just snuggle up close to my Jerol.


    This feels so heavenly. We should probably do this often, if not always. Mental eyes roll! But I have the rights as his wife, right?


    He pulls away after a long while, and I was almost slumbering on his habitable shoulder. He cups my face, browsing it for a while. What seems to be catching his attention this much on my face, huh?


    ¡°You are beautiful!¡±


    Hello, cloud nine! Did you call me?


    I swallow hard! What was that?


    ¡°So¡­ sor¡­ Sorry?¡± I hum softly with a broken voice.


    ¡°You are amazingly beautiful, Tessa Angeline McCall! Do I need to always say your name so that you believe I am talking to you?¡± He strokes my cheeks, bolstering my blush and disarray.


    I am trembling. My face has assumed a different colour. I¡¯m burning red from the ears to the nose due to hispliment. Is he this sane now to flirt? How can he find me attractive?


    I¡¯m beautiful? And I had to hear that for the first freaking time in my life from him- Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall? How can my bones not weaken like this, huh?


    ¡°Me?¡± I implore, unbelieving that he actually said that to me.


    ¡°Why, does it sound like impossible to you that someone finds you attractive?¡±


    Wait, he is serious!?


    ¡°Well, uum. It¡¯s not just anyone telling me that, but it¡¯s you, Jerol! You expect to believe that?¡± I mumble, sounding as soft as anyone could ever be.


    ¡°Why?¡± He queries, and suddenly his eyes turns vulnerable. ¡°I get it. I¡¯m the crazy Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± I cut him off. I didn¡¯t mean to sound like that. ¡°No. That¡¯s not what I meant, Jerol. You know I can¡¯t insinuate something like that.¡±


    ¡°What is it then?¡± His eyes turn to their usual icy demeanor again.


    ¡°It¡¯s you, Jerol ¨C a multi-billionaire. And me? I am a no¡­¡±


    ¡°I am just Jerol, and you are simply Tessa. And you are truly beautiful both inside and outside. Don¡¯t let anybody deceive you otherwise, okay?¡±


    Ooh, well! I guess I am beautiful then. That hits so weirdly differently. But it¡¯s natural for someone to feel this way after a hot rich guy like Jerol utters such heavily sweet words to them, I suppose. I nod my head, and he leans in for another kiss, but I stop him.


    ¡°They are looking at us.¡± I murmur, referring to the fools behind him.


    The maids have also assembled them to enjoy the sight of their boss kissing someone in the open. More to their awe must be him getting out of the castle for the first time in almost three months. What do they think of us?


    ¡°Those lethargic arses? Do you mind them?¡± He queries, not even minding to spare them a peek.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you?¡± I retort.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Why should I? I am their fucking boss. I should probably fire them for disturbing my precious moments with my wife.¡± Aha! His wife! That tops the blush on my face. He might be salvaging his sensespletely given his talks. ¡°So, do you mind your servants, Mrs McCall?¡± And that sounds so heavenly.


    ¡°No. Because I am with my husband. Nobody has the right to question me.¡± I mumble, and as if driven by a certain spirit, I drape my arms around his neck possessively. I pull him to me, and kiss him as if I have all the legal rights to be entitled to this.

 THE PLEA

    I¡¯m humming a hymn as I finish preparing dinner for me and Jerol after that lengthy talk in the pool. We stayed in the pool for the better part of the evening chatting about everything and honestly, it was a fantastic moment. He has loosened up a lot. If this continues, he will be back to normal in no time. That would be nice.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡±


    I turn to Terry, stopping the hymn. ¡°Yes, Terry.¡±


    ¡°I just want to congratte you, ma¡¯am. You¡¯ve done amendable job in changing sir Jerol. We were all so scared that he might not recover.¡± She states, helping me pack the dinner in the tray.


    The grilled chicken smells so sweet.


    ¡°Thank you, Terry.¡± I mumble.


    ¡°Sir Jerol is really lucky to have you, you know.¡± She adds.


    Huh? Why would a multi-billionaire like Jerol be fortuitous to have a poor soul like me?


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± I query.


    ¡°Nobody would havested even a minute by his side given his condition and temper, ma¡¯am. You must love him a lot, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Huh! Love?


    Ahem! Ahem!


    ¡°This is marriage, Terry. You don¡¯t leave when things go south and return when everything goes back to normal.¡± I state.


    ¡°But still, ma¡¯am, you wouldn¡¯t have borne all these without love. Your love is exceptional.¡±


    Huh! This girl is bent on talking about this love.


    ¡°Thank you, Terry. Of course, I love my husband. And I know he would do the same if I was in his ce.¡±


    I swallow a bitter lump at that.


    ¡°Wow! You and sir Jerol will make me fall in love, ma¡¯am. I hope I can have a heart like yours ¨C a heart to love unconditionally.¡±


    If only she knew¡­


    ¡°Alright, Terry. Some advice though. When you find true love, give it your all.¡±


    As if I know what true love is. Pss!


    ¡°Copy that, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Now help me set the table, please. I¡¯ll go get my husband.¡± I say.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, ma¡¯am. Alright. I¡¯ll go set the table.¡±


    I amble upstairs to my room only to find Jerol perched on the table beside the window. I left him to take a shower, which he seems to have done, but why is he like this? I stroll to him, standing before him. He looks down.


    Okay. Something is wrong here.


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s up?¡± I query.


    He perks his head up, taking in an adequate amount of oxygen. This is deep. What just transpired in that short period I was in the kitchen?


    ¡°Jerol? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°We have a huge problem in thepany.¡± He exins.


    ¡°What is it about?¡±


    I may not know anything about managing businesses, but I know it will help even by listening to him. Even if I can¡¯t offer any help or opinion. I will be okay with just him letting the baggage off his shoulder.


    ¡°The sales have gone so down. Two stations have already closed down, and investors are pulling out.¡±


    Shit! I hoped things with hispany won¡¯t get this far.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. But I know you can still do something. You still have time, Jerol.¡±


    ¡°Why do you trust me so much?¡±


    Shoot! Why do I?


    ¡°Because you don¡¯t look like a person who let¡¯s go easily. You are not a loser, Jerol.¡±


    He nods his head slightly, and turns his head to peek at the darkness outside through the window.


    ¡°So, what are you going to do?¡± I ask, and he drags his gaze back to me.


    ¡°Resume my responsibilities. ept my mistakes. And try to fix what I can. That¡¯s what you have been advised to do me all along, right? Even when Iy helplessly like a useless cabbage on that bed, you never stopped talking to me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but, I didn¡¯t know if my voice could prate your ears. I thought I was inaudible to you all along.¡±


    ¡°How could I not have heard your sweet voice.¡± Huh? Sweet voice? My heart skips several beats as I gawk into his eyes to understand whether he really meant that. He grins faintly, wiggling his head once. ¡°I did hear you, always, but I¡­ I had lost all hope.¡±


    Did he really found my voice to be sweet? He still does?


    Hold your irrational thoughts, Tessa Angeline! The guy had almost lost his mind. He still isn¡¯t well, remember?


    My sixth sense knocks, snarling me from the world of illusions and dragging me back to the world of reality. This man isn¡¯t well! That¡¯s one thing I should register in my mind.


    Ahem!


    ¡°That aside. So, what¡¯s your n now? Where do you begin?¡± I break the boredom.


    ¡°I need to call for an urgent board meeting asap to address the issue.¡±


    ¡°Good. You should do it now.¡± I mumble exuberantly, but him, he doesn¡¯t look enthusiastic at all. And the way he is stroking his neck with his bandaged hands, he might inflict some marks on his neck too. Gosh! I grab his hands, pulling them down and sping them into mine. ¡°I didn¡¯t know the great Jerol O¡¯Brian would be afraid of facing people.¡± I mumble.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that, Tessa! I¡¯m afraid of losing my cool in front of them.¡±


    ¡°You can control yourself. Whenever you feel like snapping or yelling, take in a deep breath, and give yourself a few seconds to rx. You can do this, Jerol.¡±


    He buries his eyes into mine. Given his worrisome gapes, I bet I just sang a luby. I don¡¯t think I spoke any sense at all.


    ¡°Yes, yes. I will, if you¡¯ll be there with me. Come with me to the meeting, Tessa. Please?¡±


    Help me smirk at that!


    I now am sure he is not in his right mind. He doesn¡¯t know what he is saying. Imagine I, a high school dropout, attending a board meeting of the most eminentpany in the country, The Royal Fuel and Gaspany. What the heck will I do there? Dust their tables? Polish their shoes? Clean the floor? Or guard the door? Forget guarding because I¡¯m sure they have a G4S security. Cut me the crap, Jerol!


    ¡°Are you backing out on your promise to me?¡± He implores.


    Well, no, but I didn¡¯t think of a situation like this when I made that promise of being by his side anytime he needs me.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°No, Jerol, but I think I should revise that phrase.¡±


    ¡°Why, Tessa?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯te with you to ces like those?¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you? I need you there, Tessa! You can pinch or p me whenever you sense me losing my temper. I need you by my side, Tessa.¡±


    ¡°But Jerol, it¡¯s a board meeting. I don¡¯t fit in that circle. I am not even supposed to be there in the first ce. I¡¯m a nobody. Or have you forgotten the shame I put you through during the introduction ceremony?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever again call yourself a nobody, Tessa! The wife of Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall, can never be a nobody. I need you there with me, and I will not let anyone point their fingers at you. That much I can promise, Tessa.¡±


    Ohh, when he pleads like this¡­ And when he looks at me like this¡­ Can I refuse him?


    ¡°But, Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°Please, Tessa! I know I am in no position to ask anything from you because you¡¯ve gone out of your way to help me, but just this, please. I¡¯m not confident that I can trust myself if I am provoked. So, please?¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯lle with you. But¡­ Mmh!¡±


    Shit! I mean¡­


    ¡°Mmh!¡±


    Double shit!


    Damn these kisses! Damn how sweet they always taste! And damn this sweet feeling of trembling and melting his arms! Lastly, where did I learn to savor feelings and moments like this? Where and when on earth did I learn to moan like a horny bitch? Goodness!


    He finally pulls away before I crumble in his arms, but he decides to kidnap my red face and cage it between his arms, his deep gaze stimting the redness.


    And why do I feel like this? Where is all this fire radiating in meing from? Why do I radiate like this in front of him, huh?


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He whimpers, nuzzling my cheeks with his thumbs, a gesture that is almost making my eyes close to the sweet soothing sensation.


    I suddenly lose the ability to speak. Someone should remind me how to respond to a simple thank you.


    He kisses my forehead, and drops his hands on my shoulders. My tongue is still somewhere stuck in my lungs.


    ¡°Go serve dinner. I¡¯ll be down in a few.¡± He says.


    I clear my throat. Here you are my tongue. I thought you disappeared from my mouth all this while.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take long.¡±


    Huh! See me blushing like a sweet thirteen as I plead. Thanks to my blushing, I got him to smile.


    ¡°I won¡¯t. I¡¯m dying to taste you.¡±


    A moment of stunning screaming silence for the love anthem! Did I hear that right or is my brain messing with me? He¡¯s dying to taste¡­


    ¡°Kidding. I meant, your food. I¡¯m excited to taste your cooking.¡±


    The smirk on his face definitely betrays him. He did that on purpose. He is probably taking pleasure in messing with my mind and watching my face turn red.


    I smack him gently on the shoulder.


    ¡°Stop teasing me like that, will you?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t promise I will stop. I am enjoying it. You look like a sweet ten when you are teased like that. Plus I have all the right to pull your legs all I want as your husband, Mrs McCall.¡±


    I see. He is extricating pretty well if he can remember the rights of a husband to his wife.


    ¡°Whatever, Mr McCall. Just don¡¯t take too long so the food won¡¯t get cold. And, don¡¯t also be too excited about the meal. I¡¯m not a good cook.¡±


    ¡°As long as you prepared it, it definitely will be sweet. Just like you.¡±


    He must have been a sweet flirt before he lost his sanity. I better get going before I start blushing again and turn to a sweet five this time around. Meh!


    I turn on my feet, and only turn at the door to catch a quick glimpse of him.


    He looks happy. He is happy. I¡¯m sure it is just a matter of a short time before he returns to his usual self. Too bad, I won¡¯t be here to celebrate his recovery and achievements for long. The clock is ticking too fast. Way too fast!


    A wink from him sends me downstairs to wait for him.


    I didn¡¯t mean for this to happen. I didn¡¯t want this ¨C to get attached to him so much. Why is he beginning to get into me this deep? Why is he beginning to feel like a part of me? This will fade away, right? We will still part ways in peace without anyone getting hurt, right?

 NEW TITTLE

    My face is all red as I wait for Jerol at the dining table. It¡¯s weird how I¡¯m enthralled by a simple thing as sharing dinner together. I am at the blink of rapture with euphoria. It¡¯s our first time sitting around this beautiful dining area. I also know that I shouldn¡¯t be this enthusiastic, but I am, and I can¡¯t contain my enthusiasm. Maybe it¡¯s hispliment back in the room that is arousing me like this. All in all, I can¡¯t conceal this feeling.


    As I grapple between hampering the adrenaline rush and emotional catastrophes, his tall adorable frame appears from up the stairs. All my exertions to keep calm hit a hard rock. What¡¯s more fascinating is no longer the idea of us sharing dinner like a real couple that we will never be, but the grin on his lips blooming the entire cattle as he strolls downstairs.


    For the first time since I came here, the castle seems lively. The aura changes, and why wouldn¡¯t it with the way the knight in shining armour is twinkling?


    I didn¡¯t know I was biting my lip, and I didn¡¯t even know why I was doing that, but I¡¯m snapped from my weird actions by him pping his hands as he halts at the sitting room.


    My eyes capture his arms. He took off the bandages? I doubt his wounds havepletely healed, but that aside. What is he doing pping his hands continuously like this?


    I spring to my feet, worried that he might be suffering a strange episode, which I hope isn¡¯t the case. I sprint to him, but before I can ask a word, all the servants align in straight lines before us. I hold my apprehensions.


    I¡¯m thunderstruck! He was summoning them? Well, that sounds like a mafia sign. Sigh! And here I was about to pee on my pants thinking that he has lost his mind. I should go back and leave him to address his servants.


    One.


    Two steps away.


    He grabs my waist, pulling back to him and sheltering me beneath his tall frame. I try as much as possible to rx and wait to see what he has in mind.


    ¡°Greetings, everyone!¡± His cold voice echoes in the living room, making the servants bow their heads.


    ¡°Greetings, sir!¡± They all chorus together.


    ¡°I want to take this opportunity to introduce to you my wife, Mrs McCall!¡± He starts with all the ears before us paying attention to their master. And me, I don¡¯t know what to feel. He didn¡¯t have to do this, especially because this is temporary. He adds. ¡°She will be the queen of this castle from now on and in charge of you all. Any form of misconduct, disobedience, or disrespect towards my wife will not be tolerated from anyone. Do I make myself clear?¡±


    What?


    The queen of the castle? I had to snap my eyes and my confused face at him. How¡­


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Their loud bad echoes to all the corners of the castle as they respond to their master, but it doesn¡¯t move a muscle from me. Not even his voice as he dismisses them off.


    ¡°That¡¯s all. You can all go back to your posts.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± I hear their familiar chorus again and their heavy strides as they disappear in different directions.


    ¡°And you, my beautiful wife, why don¡¯t you stop ogling me and serve me that delicious meal, huh? I¡¯m starving already, and the sumptuous aroma isn¡¯t helping.¡±


    I¡¯m too thunderstruck to react to a point that he has to pull me with him to the dining area. He pulls a chair for me, and I drag my confused self and plop my butt on it. Again, that adrenaline surges down my spine.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that, Jerol.¡± I state as he sits across me.


    ¡°That title is yours. I should have done that the day you stepped inside this castle.¡± He responds.


    Yeah? But for less than two freaking months now! It was of no use at all.


    ¡°But, Jerol, you and I know what this is. What will you tell them after¡­¡±


    ¡°We will worry about how to cross that bridge when we get there. For now, you are the queen of this castle. All that battalion of servants is under you, and above all, you are my wife. Period!¡±


    This is all sweet and exciting. My heart is thumbing up with all these new things but¡­


    ¡°But, Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°Hubby! It¡¯s hubby, baby. And can you please serve me this delish already?¡± He cuts me off.


    Like a sweet obedient wife, I serve him the food I made with so much love, and I can¡¯t just decipher the feeling when I see him sniffing it. He takes the first bite, and I cross my fingers with the hope that he likes it, and get lost in his lips as he chews the food.


    Ghosh, me! No, my brain!


    ¡°Mmh! I knew it!¡± He says after swallowing the first bite.


    ¡°What?¡± My curiosity snaps.


    ¡°I knew your food would taste as sweet¡­ as¡­ you.¡±


    Yeah, right! As if he has tasted me. Sigh!


    ¡°Thanks for the flirtery, hubby.¡± I giggle as I serve myself a te.


    ¡°Who said I¡¯m flirting?¡±


    Ooh, no?


    ¡°How would you know that I am sweet?¡± I ask, tucking the loose strands of hair behind the ear, exposing the blush on my face.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have stayed by my side even for a day if you weren¡¯t. You are sweet. Caring, andpassionate. You are exceptional.¡± Thest part came barely a whisper. He adds. ¡°I¡¯m indebted to you.¡± He says with his eyes glued to mine.


    An awkward moment of silence passes, our eyes disseminating in anguage that only they understand. As he leans across the table to meet me, I turn into a statue by his gesture, only to be snapped by his hand fondling my cheeks, and the only thing I can do is lean to his palm in the savory of his touch. I am melting in his touch, and I know he knows it.


    As he cups my face nuzzling me with his thumbs, his face is just so dangerously close to mine. I¡¯m burning in my seat. Everything in me is calling for him. His sweet alluring phones are irresistibly so strong. I close my eyes, and drink in the sweet aura. When I feel his moist lips brushing mine, I don¡¯t waste any time. My urge and desires are that demanding, and he doesn¡¯t object either. We kiss ¨C a sweet kiss thatsts for minutes, until I can¡¯t breathe anymore.


    Sensing my weakness from the kiss, hees to my side, and sits beside me as we steady our breathing. A ripple of perplexing chills erupts in my body at the realization of how deep I am sinking into this. As he scoops me in his arms, burying his face in my hair, I rest on hisfortable chest, relishing his sweet scent, and wondering what is happening to us.


    ¡°Thank you, love!¡± He whispers after a while, nuzzling my back with his hands and kissing my hair.


    Love?


    I lift up my head to him, meeting his glowing dark orbs.


    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± I say, reminding him that this is not Ellie in his arms, but¡­All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Of course, I know it¡¯s you, wifey!¡± He gives me a broad smile that leaves me grinning broader than him. Ooh, how sweet that feels! ¡°It¡¯s you from now on!¡± He adds, sounding seriously sweet, but adding to my list of confusions.


    ¡°Jerol¡­¡± I whimper, but he cut me off with a kiss that leaves me trembling in his tight embrace, and speechless, except to coarse my eyes to keep glued into his.


    ¡°Hubby! It¡¯s hubby, love!¡±


    I slightly nod my head, lost in words, and snuggle back into his chest.

 AWAKENING OF THE BILLIONAIRE

    I angle myself in front of the dressing mirror all dolled up for the meeting. The meeting I am not supposed to attend, but I have to, for the sake of Jerol. I am a nervous wreck right now. I have never been to any meetings, not to talk of a shareholders meeting of a multi-billionpany. The inferiorityplex is savagely surging in like a flowing river. What if I do something that will embarrass Jerol?


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Jerol speaks appearing from behind me in his three-piece custom-made tuxedo.


    He plops his strong arms on my shoulder, giving me a gentle squeeze which I relish in the hope that it will relieve the anxiety.


    My eyes plunge on the scars on the back of his palms on the reflection. We took off the bandages, but the scars are so conspicuous. Even with this rich makeup that he insisted on me, the scars on my forehead couldn¡¯t be hidden either. The recent one is the most conspicuous. I hope people will mind their business and not bother with our private lives.


    ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ I have never been to any ce like an office, Jerol!¡± I state, veering around to him. ¡°What if I embarrass you there? I did it once, remember? And it¡¯s something that worries me to date.¡± I implore.


    ¡°Forget what arose at that dinner. I didn¡¯tin, did I? know you won¡¯t, wifey! So, chill before you wreck my cool too.¡± He retorts, fondling with my cheeks.


    ¡°But what if I do?¡± I insist.


    ¡°Then I will just kiss you in front of the board.¡± He responds, calmly, but with a slight smirk before adding. ¡°You just need to be by my side, Tessa, nothing else. You won¡¯t even talk so you have nothing to worry about.¡±


    I slightly nod my head, urging a small grin.


    ¡°And you, hubby? Are you ready?¡± I ask, fixing his cor and resting my arms on his shoulders.


    ¡°As long as you are here, with me, I¡¯m all good.¡± He deeply mutters.


    Why does he sound like I am his strength? What have I to offer? Beh!


    ¡°Okay. You will do good, Mr CEO! I have faith in you.¡± I say.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you, Mrs CEO!¡± He whispers, loud enough though.


    That sounds, sweet, I guess?


    ¡°Shall we? We can¡¯t afford to gette.¡± I state, and he nods his head.


    I hem my arm on his, and we stride outside. We get into the back of his Lamborghini and settle beside each other as the chauffeur starts the engine.


    An hourter, we get out of the car at the parking of Victoria courts, parnds ¨C the ce of the rich. The aura is so cool,promising my moods. Now that I am here, I am bleeding anxiety and panicking like hell. The people I am going to meet are beyond my ss. All the way here I have tried to act like the wife of this man but all in vain.


    All the same, albeit my restlessness, I follow Jerol to the lift.


    ¡°Why are you tense again?¡± He asks the moment the lift closes.


    ¡°Can you me me? I don¡¯t belong to your circle, Jerol. I¡¯m finding it difficult to keep calm.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Last I checked, you are Mrs McCall, Tessa! My wife! That alone should make you walk with your head held high!¡± He exins, rubbing my back with his free hand.


    ¡°Just for show, Jerol! But the reality is so different, and it¡¯s killing me.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t utter another word. The lift is filled with a startling lull all the rest of the way up. We alight the lift, and he pulls me out to the reception.


    ¡°Morning, sir!¡± The receptionist greets, standing up to knowledge the presence of her boss.


    ¡°Call my P. A to my office right now.¡± Jerol orders.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± She replies and turns to the phone, while Jerol pulls me past the reception area.


    After Dodging a few corners and long hallways, we saunter inside what I presume to be his office. Beautiful, and calm. I would love to ricochet my eyes around it and capture its beauty, but his silence is worrying me.


    ¡°You are awfully quiet. Did I say something wrong?¡± I ask.


    He gawks at me for a while after parking his bag on the table, and then he sits at the edge of the table, beckoning me to get closer. I drag my legs between his and rack before him.


    ¡°I want to ask you for a favour.¡± He mutters, encircling my waist with his arms.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I curiously ask.


    ¡°Stop demeaning yourself! You are worth more than you think.¡± He states.


    Demeaning? I¡¯m just affirming facts here. We tried this game with his family, but we couldn¡¯t deceive everyone. I not only embarrassed myself that day, but him too, and that broke the rivalry between his mother and I. What if I do the same today too? I don¡¯t think I can fit into his ss, and I can¡¯t embarrass him one more time.


    ¡°It¡¯s so hard to fit in your world, Jerol. I¡¯m okay with being around you, but other people? I just¡­¡±


    ¡°Sshh!¡± He cuts me off. ¡°Don¡¯t mind other people if they bother you so much. Don¡¯t even look at them. My handsome face is charming enough to keep you busy, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Are we joking now? Kidding aside though-he is quite an allure. A real charmer! I would stare at him the whole day and still desire to look at him the next minute.


    ¡°Whenever you feel nervous in there, just steal a nce at this guy here, and all your problems will vanish.¡± He adds, and winks.


    Funny enough, I think that¡¯s all I need. Just a nce at him, and I am relieved. Just like now. You are bing so dangerously addictive to me, Jerol! So addictive! This was supposed to be so simple, but we are diving deeper into hurdles as days go by.


    A slight knock on the door disrupts us. My innocent thoughts tell me I should break away from this cage made of his tight embrace, but he doesn¡¯t show any signs of letting me go.


    ¡°Come in!¡± He says, and a man strides inside.


    ¡°Good morning sir, and wee back!¡± The nice guy greets and turns to me. ¡°Mrs, McCall, good morning!¡±


    ¡°Good morning to you.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Is everything set?¡± Jerol asks.


    Huh! Isn¡¯t he being rude to the poor gentleman? I mean, no riposte to the gentleman¡¯s greetings? Now that I remember, he also didn¡¯t respond to the receptionist. Cold boss, huh?


    ¡°Yes, sir. They are waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I will be there in five. Arrange a chair for my wife next to me.¡± He orders.


    Ahem!


    ¡°Right away sir.¡±


    The gentleman walks out, and I am left here feeling¡­


    ¡°You are my wife. That alone should give you confidence, Mrs McCall!¡±


    He might have sensed the perturbations surging in me again. I give him a weak smirk as I master more courage.


    ¡°Okay, husbae!¡± I whimper.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± He queries.


    ¡°Husbae! Don¡¯t you like that?¡± I tease, nuzzling his jaws.


    ¡°Mmh, it sounds so sweet.¡± He responds with a deep voice, a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Just like you, love¡­ Uumh¡­¡±


    Shit!


    Hang on!


    What am I saying?

 A MIND-BLOWING ACTION

    Breathe, Tessa. Just breathe! I mentally murmur to myself for the fifth time.


    Calming myself down doesn¡¯t seem to work no matter how much I try, but there is no choice for me either.


    We are seated in front of these opulent affluent men in the boardroom. Their eyes are blinking at us like we are aliens as Jerol prepares to inaugurate the meeting. I can tell they are afraid of their boss, but they are angry as much and more confused with my presence too.


    ¡°Greetings, gentlemen!¡± Jerol¡¯s voice echoes in the room, summoning everyone¡¯s attention.


    A faint chorus echoes in the room in response to his greetings.


    ¡°First, I would like to introduce to you all my wife, Mrs O¡¯Brian McCall!¡± Jerol says, interlocking our fingers together under the table.


    That calms me down a bit, and I stress on his hand, acknowledging how much I appreciate this gesture.


    I sh a nce around, voyaging my smile around all the individuals in this room, finally resting on my husband. He trades a small genuine smile with mine, embarking on the main agenda. This wasn¡¯t part of today¡¯s agenda. It shouldn¡¯t have.


    ¡°Thank you all foring. I would like to begin by apologizing to you for how thepany¡¯s problems have impacted you. I¡¯m also sorry for leaving the huge burden which I was responsible for in your hands. I¡¯m here to correct my mistakes and make it up to you all, and to revive thepany that means a lot to us all here.¡± He casts a nce at everyone.


    After being satisfied with their stringent attention on him, he resumes his speech.


    An hour goes down, and they are still discussing the way forward for thepany, while I pretend to blend. Big lie. Jerol has offered to pay off the losses that thepany has incurred for thest three months. A show of ountability, and ratifying his mistake. An ountable leader ¨C Bingo!


    I am also moved because he has handled himself well despite the discussion getting heated at some point. He hasn¡¯t lost his cool even once, and that means he is on the right track. Perhaps better than he or I knows. Bravo!


    ¡°Havinge to an agreement, I would also like to point one thing out. I have the records of everyone in thispany. I also know that some of you were responsible for the losses. If you know you stole even a cent from mypany, don¡¯t wait for me to reach out. You won¡¯t like it. My office will be open for the next couple of hours and if you don¡¯te to exin yourself before the office closes, you will be sorry. Thank you!¡± He closes hisptop ready to leave, but an old man speaks, disturbing Jerol¡¯s cool.


    ¡°This was exclusively a board¡¯s meeting, Jerol. What was the need of bringing your wife here? She isn¡¯t part of the board.¡±


    Correct! I knew someone would worry about my presence, but I didn¡¯t expect Jerol to be this calm even after being questioned.


    ¡°She has all the rights because I made her part of the board!¡± Jerol responds calmly.


    What? My stomach formed countless knots after his words.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The same man implores again.


    The aged fe seems to be the bold one to speak.


    ¡°I transferred some of my shares to her. From now on, she will be part of the board.¡±


    Simple. Clear. But confusing!


    How is this part of the agreement? How necessary was it? Making me part of hispany?


    While contemting the possible meaning of this, I¡¯m being pulled out of the room by Jerol. I¡¯m too dumbfounded to even match his slow pace, or ask anything until we get to his office.


    As he perches himself down on his swivel chair beside the shining mahogany desk, I dumbfoundedly rack before him on the opposite side. Why did he do that? Doesn¡¯t he realize that this is already too confounded? And he has made it worse with this.


    ¡°Why?¡± I implore after noticing his baffled gaze on my thunderstruck face.


    ¡°Why¡­ what?¡± He implores with a t expression.


    Like nothing happened. Like he hasn¡¯t made his contracted wife a part of him by transferring his shares to her.


    ¡°You know what I am talking about, Jerol! Or did you make that up?¡± I ask, my heart thumping in my chest.


    He pulls an envelope from his drawer, handing it to me. I refute epting it. Thest time he handed me an envelope, it embodied the shock of my life. I am afraid this might be another shock.


    He rests the envelope on the table after I fail to take it, and he jerks up from the seat and strolls to me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t make anything up, Tessa. I knew that you being in the meeting would arouse questions. This was the only justification I could think of.¡± He exins as he towers before me, taking my hands into his, standing more closer than I would have preferred.


    ¡°I could have just stayed in this office. You didn¡¯t need me there. You were fine. You handled yourself pretty well.¡± I state, hoping he realizes that this was totally unnecessary.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you were there. I held onto your arm the whole time because I needed to feel your presence with me. I don¡¯t trust myself. I needed you there, Tessa. I need you.¡± Thest part came out barely a whisper, but it echoes with a bang in my ears.


    Why is he sounding so intense? Why are his words making my heart thumb like this? Why are his words sinking into my bones like this?


    ¡°Jerol¡­¡± I whimper, but he cuts me off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything, please.¡± He closes his eyes, inhaling a good amount of air and releasing it in small quantities.


    Maybe he is also feeling the connection developing between us? The sense of deja vu is also impacting him?


    Connection, huh?! Slow down, Tessa Angeline. Rule number one, no falling in love. He made that rule. There is no way he would break it. And you agreed to the terms, you are not stupid enough to break them. I swallow hard!


    ¡°How much is it?¡± I ask, and he fixes his bottomless orbs on mine.


    ¡°Twenty-five per cent!¡± He says, like it means absolute nothing to him.


    My hands slip from his hold. I forget to breathe for a moment. Staring at him seems the only thing I can manage to do, perusing theyers of his deep pools one by one, hoping that he understands how deep this ship we are sailing on is sinking.


    We have close to only a month before the contract expires. Things should be getting lighter and easier, but on the contrary, everything isplicating everything. We areplicating everything, and I am afraid that it¡¯s toote to get things back on track. Can we stop this? Can I stop myself from feeling like this?


    And him ¨C I thought all along it was his brains ying games with him. That he was not okay. That¡¯s why he kissed me so passionately the way he did and flirted with me the way he did. I thought it was his way of forgetting her. Getting that bitch out of his system. Why does he seem to be sinking in with me now that he has almost recouped?


    What¡¯s the meaning of this? Is this exactly what I see it or am I getting the wrong ideas?

 INCREDIBLE PROPOSAL

    I put on my night dress and climb onto the bed beside my husband. My husband for the next one month or so. He helps me get under the duvet with ease,ing so close to me as I rest on the soft mattress. So close that his sweet whiff is nuzzling my nostrils, or better still, I¡¯m breathing in his warm pheromones, and my fears out.


    Our faces are wlessly in alignment, and our features are sweetly outlined under the illuminations of the orange and redmps. I can feel his eyes digging through the delicate skin of my face, but I evade his gaze. For the first time since I came into his life, I am scared of meeting his eyes. I feel a weird kind of fear since his announcement in the meeting this morning.


    This is odd. And baffling.


    I start closing my eyes, to try and sleep over this new feeling, and also because I have nowhere else to conceal my trepidations. I am sure by now he knows I am averting his gaze. I am that obvious. I know.


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± His sweet cold voice rings so loud in the silence between us, urging my eyes to peel.


    I blunt my gaze to him, our eyes strutting in each other¡¯s under the beautiful lights for a moment.


    Am I mad at him?


    This was not part of the agreement. Sentiments and attachments were out of bounds. Love, if at all this is it, will be against the agreement. We are bound by a consensus that we both assented to, and none of this is part of that agreement. Then again, should I be angry at him? Should I curse myself for allowing things to get to this point?


    I was the sane one. I should have been in total control. I shouldn¡¯t have allowed this. But I did what I swore to do to help him, to make him feel better, and he needed all that. So whose fault is it?


    ¡°Love? What¡¯s wrong? You have been awfully quiet since we left the office. Talk to me. Please?¡± He pleads, his arm sneaking over my hip, talking agged tour up and down my back.


    I think I now know what the problem is. This. Him being so romantic. Speaking to me in this cold but soft tone that melts my heart. His concern for me is adding to the intricacies. I should have been the one to care for him because he wasn¡¯t well, not him. This is not right. This is the problem.


    I sneak my hand under the duvet trailing his on my back. I clench onto his, deterring him from further burning my back with his touch. I want him to stop, not because this doesn¡¯t feel good at all, but because I want him to realize this is not part of our agreement. That this is all wrong in all senses. That this is what is bringingplications, and until this stops, we will continue sinking into this ship that has no destination nor direction.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± He hoarses when I attempt to yank his hand away from my back, and his fingers dig into the so tinyyer of my satin dress, the sensation making me wince.


    ¡°This is not right anymore, hub¡­¡± Shit! How deep have I sunk into this madness?


    Hubby?


    ¡°Stop being so resistant. You are used to calling me that and I am notining. I like that. Why refrain yourself?¡± He asks, embarking on his tour around my back, jerking himself forward to press his front on me.


    His hard rock chest is tightly pinched on my soft one, his sweet echoes of the heart like a lull to my pulsating one. I am caged in his strong grip. I am breathing his air and him mine. My aqua orbs are bored deep into his dark bottomless ones, scanning for something that even I don¡¯t know.


    ¡°You are okay now, Jerol! You know the rules and this, all this is no part of the rules.¡± I whimper when I finally find my voice.


    I feel his arm abandon my back, and I breathe out a sigh of relief. Finally, the emotional fire is about to stop. Then, I feel him sneak it between us, and it brushes my chest as it makes its way further up. I tense, confused about his actions.


    ¡°We made the rules, right?¡± He queries as his hand rests on my chin, fondling with it.


    We? No ¨C it was him. He made the rules and I consented to them all. But even if we did make them together, what disparity would it make? The fact still remains that we are bound by that contract.


    ¡°No, Jerol. You did. You made the rules. You drew that contract. And I agreed to the uses. We both know¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my point, Tessa! I made those rules. So we are answerable to no one else but ourselves.¡± He cuts me off in a whisper, and even he is scared that he is actually saying that.


    Meaning what?


    Wait¡­


    So what if we owe no freaking human being any exnation for this? The rules still stand. The contract still stands. It¡¯sying somewhere in this room. How can we overlook what we signed up for, and for what?


    ¡°Can we just, forget about that contract for now, please?¡± His fingers are sketching something on my cheek as he queries.


    My lips plummet to mumble something, but it seems like I swallowed my voice. I forget to even breathe for a minute. All I can do is stare at him, pondering on the weight of his words.


    Forget?


    For now?


    ¡°W¡­ h¡­ y?¡± I muster my voice after a decade of screaming silence. ¡°What will happen once we forget about the contract?¡± I add, my pulse racing with zeal.


    ¡°Tessa, I know that I can¡¯t pay you back for everything you have done for me so far, but I still want to do something for you in return. Just¡­ a show of gratitude.¡± He says.


    A show of indebtedness?! What could be more than the fifty million lying in my bank ount and the remaining fifty that I will be getting in a month? He has done more than enough with that. What¡¯s with this?N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°You have done more than enough, Jerol. I am not asking for anything else. I don¡¯t have any right to demand anything.¡± I exin as simply and calmly as I can be.


    ¡°But I want to, Tessa. The millions I am giving you are nothing corrted to the kindness, care, and love that you¡¯ve shown me for these few months. You didn¡¯t limit yourself to the money and the damn contract. You risked your safety for my recovery. You¡¯ve borne and sacrificed so much for me. Please, let me do something. Please!.¡± He exins, and at this point, he is cupping my cheek, his thumb caressing my lower lip.


    I feel bad seeing him beg like this. I should say no to him. I should stick to what is right but something strong ispelling me.


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± I implore.


    Another step into the deep sea ofplications. We are not safe at all anymore.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Something¡­ unforgettable!


    Ahem!


    Unforgettable?


    ¡°I am sure you¡¯ve already imprinted a mark in my life. As early as now, I can sincerely tell you that I will never forget you, Jerol.¡± I say, a small grin flickering on my lips.


    ¡°As the insane Jerol. The weak man who couldn¡¯t handle a simple break-up. The lunatic beast who hurt you countless times. The scars I have inflicted on you are a good relic. I know.¡± He says.


    Who said that?


    ¡°Wrong! As the man who changed my life. A cold but sweet billionaire.¡± I brat out.


    ¡°Cold but sweet, huh? Still, allow me just one chance. I promise I won¡¯t ask for more after that.¡± He pleads once more, and I think I just ran out of opposing points.


    Then what will happen afterwards? Regrets? Self-me? Then we loathe each other due to the aftermath? Can I ept this? Is this okay?


    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. Forget the damn contract for now. Just say yes, please? I promise to make it worthwhile.¡±


    The way he says it tops my eagerness. What on earth is he nning?


    ¡°You won¡¯t regret anything after?¡± The words just rolled out, and I guess that means I have already put one foot in the grave.


    ¡°No. Will you?¡± He responds.


    Me? I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s in his wild mental pot.


    ¡°I honestly, don¡¯t¡­¡±


    I am silenced with a deep kiss that scatters my brain, and sets my whole body a ze.


    As our lips dance to the chimes of our obligatory desires, as I tremble in his arms and flip my hand to his jaw to hold him still, I am thinking of nothing else but this sweet addictive kiss. I yearn for nothing but this moment of insanity. Melting in his arms like this is the sweetest sin that ever exists.


    He roughly pulls away after a very short moment ording to my horny self. Gasping for air, I lick my sore lower lip. The imprints of his savage kissing make me brush. I swallow hard the sweet chocte taste of his taste, and I love how it goes down my throat, making me yearn for more.


    ¡°I will make sure you won¡¯t regret it. Promise.¡± His icy tone echoes with so much tickling vigor that sends jolts through my whole body.


    As he leans in for another kiss, I wee him with every single ounce of me, and with a passion equal to or more than his, but no less. To wherever this insanity drives us to, hail sin and pleasure. I have sunk too deep to resist anything!

 MOANS IN THE CAR

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me what surprise you are preparing for me.¡± I air my anxiety to Jerol as we settle into his car this bright morning of Friday, a bright smile noticeable between my ears.


    It gives me so much euphoria to see this version of him. Happy andposed. He is no longer the ¡°about to burst¡± bomb he was. He has changed a great deal, especially in the past one week.


    He has resumed work and taking care of hispany has now be his priority and life in general. I can see just how much work enthrals him. Now I feel like an idiot forughing at him that day when he said work was his hobby. It indeed is. We leave the castle for the office early in the morning and return at night, and he still spends hours buried in hisputer after.


    All these times, I have not left his side. How can I when I am part of the board? There is nothing much I do, though. Actually, all I do is just sit beside him as he gives directions about hispany. He never leaves me behind despite my chronic avowals that he is now okay to do things alone. Makes me wonder if he really needs me this much.


    ¡°If I tell you, it will no longer be a surprise, right?¡± He says, resting his arm around my shoulder.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t need to surprise me, you know. I won¡¯t refuse. Whatever it is you can just tell me.¡± I plead, turning to him as I fix his cor.


    Funny how free we have be. He feels like an incredible friend to me. Or more¡­


    ¡°Whatever it is? Are you sure?¡± He asks, grabbing my chin carefully and forcing my face up, almost brushing his.


    I cross my arms on his shoulder while his drops to my waist, and I feel those stickling sensations as he starts drawing circles on my belly, his eyes daringly staring into mine.


    ¡°You¡­ are not nning anything naughty, are you?¡± I whisper on his lips as I drink in his sweet scent.


    This cologne of his bleeds a rich allure of sin. It makes you want to close your eyes and just get lost in its odor. It makes you want to snuggle more and take more of it. It¡¯s irresponsible and intoxicating.


    ¡°How naughty is your naughty?¡± I snap at his voice, and realize that I am parked on hisp, my arms encircling his neck.


    Huh! I told you this scent of his is intoxicating. How on earth did I¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± He warns after noticing my struggle to flee from hisp.


    He sps his hand tight on my waist, iming me for his body, and I am powerless to resist or do a thing. I let the warmth exuding from his body gash over me as I drink more of his intoxicant.


    ¡°So, how naughty is your description of naughty?¡± He repeats, his hand moving to my cheek, his thumb wandering to the tiny space essible, and I can feel my face reddening.


    How naughty?


    How naughty!?


    Even this is naughty. Admiring him like this is so immoral. Him ogling me like this is still naughty, and perhaps this should serve as a warning to his surprise.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I¡­.¡± Well, seems like his charm is taking effect.


    My brain and my mouth are drained. I am getting weak in his embrace. I am exploding in spades of fire yet I am basking in being gobbled by his fire like this.


    He smirks, and I swallow hard, declining my hands from his neck. I try to act normal, but with my right hand mming on top of his zipper, nothing can be normal again. I feel his small bulge twitch a little, his beast getting a kick out of my touch. I yank my hand away quickly, hoping he didn¡¯t realize it, but it was toote. I mean, I guess, there is no way to avoid such a sensitive trigger. His smirk widens, and he looks away for a second, while I cower in his arms like a shy puppy.


    Damn me! I should have watched where I was taking my hand. On his zipper, really? And now of all times? Ooh, hell!


    Minutes pass. I am feigning fiddling with my fingers while in reality, that twitch of his bulge is ying in my mind. I am avoiding his eyes like a bullet shot at me, and he is taking the chance to drink in my features. I bet he has mentally made a good sketch of my countenance and modified it several times.


    I almost leap when I feel his hand caressing the side of my neck. Thanks to his possessive stance on my waist, I only managed to twitch, closing my eyes.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?¡± He finally breaks the silence, whispering in my ear, summoning my eyes to peel.


    ¡°Sorry for¡­.¡±


    For touching your tool? How am I supposed let that out of my mouth? I look away, trashing my apologies.


    ¡°You once said you never had a boyfriend. Was that true?¡± He queries.


    I drag my gaze back to him.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I respond and look away.


    ¡°That means you have never had sex?¡±


    My! Goodness! How awkward can this ever get? Why is he interested, huh?


    ¡°No.¡± I respond after scanning his eyes for a minute, and the shock I see on his face is just incredible.


    He is now the one suffering from loss of words. Why? Don¡¯t I look like a virgin? Or is it a crime to be a virgin at twenty?


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, snapping him from wherever he was lost in.


    He shakes his head a few times, urging a smile before partying his lips.


    ¡°You are so¡­¡± He stops to just stare.


    ¡°I¡¯m so¡­ what? Say it! So..¡±


    ¡°Pure and sweet!¡± He cuts me off, taking my breath away.


    I thought he was going tough at me for insinuating that I am a virgin. Why does he seem to be so moved and delighted about it?


    He leans in, pulling me closer.


    ¡°You are so different in all aspects, Tessa! You are a perfected portrayal of beauty.¡± He murmurs to my ear, making me whimper as he licks the delicate flesh below my ear.


    ¡°Aah!¡±


    Shit! I didn¡¯t mean for that soft moan to escape my lips.


    ¡°You like that?¡± He asks.


    ¡°Ooh!¡± I moan in response as he nts another wet kiss on the side of my neck.


    ¡°I love your moans, baby.¡± He says, his hand sneaking to my boobs, giving each a painful hungry squeeze and this time, it¡¯s not a soft moan that echoes at the back of this limo.


    I cry out loud with a painful hail of pleasure, aching my chest to him, and my head falls back to allow him more ess. My head slopes on his shoulder, my both hands buckling his on my chest, pleading with them to pour their sweet magic on my breasts again. I cross one leg over the other to suppress the throb of my pussy. My breathing is heavy and loud, and my eyes close to the pleasure as his hands go wild on my breasts.


    I have never experienced this ¨C this pleasure and desire, I didn¡¯t know they existed. I want more. More of him and this pleasure, but then¡­


    ¡°Stop!¡± I whimper, and I curse myself for releasing that word as the pleasure is cut short.


    I release a moan of disappointment. I don¡¯t dare open my eyes because they will betray me. They will reveal how much I want what I am stopping. He will know how much I am craving this sin the moment he looks into me.


    ¡°We can¡¯t, Jerol.¡± I say still with my eyes closed and my hands pinning his to my boobs.


    How ironical! And I say I want him to stop? He must be smirking at me.


    I peel my eyes, and jerk my head from his shoulder to see what style he is using to mock me. I meet his eyes. His bottomless pools are an inferno of raging fire. No sign of a smirk on his face. He is just cold ¨C colder than I have ever seen him, and I find him so irresistible this way. My heart echoes with thrill.


    ¡°The contract?¡± He grunts, fixing his dangerous eyes on my weak ones.


    I nod my head, wishing that we weren¡¯t bound by that piece of paper. For the first time in four months with him, I wish there were no fucking rules in that damn shit of a contract.


    ¡°FORGET THE FUCKING CONTRACT! YOU. ARE. MY. WIFE!¡±


    His words echo in all the corners of this limo. Before I can disseminate my confusion, I¡¯m being jerked up by his strong arms, facing my back on him, parking my butt on his front. He doesn¡¯t give me any chance to argue. It¡¯s not like I have anything to say anyway. His savage pinches on my breasts are enough to drive me wild, and if there is anythinging out of my mouth, it¡¯s countless moans giving prominence to the pleasure he is giving me and how much I am relishing this sin.

 CHAPTER 32

    INTENSE


    The whole of the day has been awkward. Totally awkward! I didn¡¯t know, and I still don¡¯t know, how to behave around him since that fervent moment in the car this morning. Every time our eyes meet, I am reminded of the fire I saw in them this morning. His closure is a reminiscence of that scene in the car. His touches, his sweet savage kisses, they are all freshly stuck in my mind like they happened the past second.


    It¡¯s been hours, yet I feel the redness of his touches on my cheeks. The electrical sparks of his caresses are still tickling my sensitive skin. His beautiful words are still echoing in my ears.


    ¡°YOU. ARE. MY. WIFE¡±! He said, and disregard thest part toplete that statement. ¡± ON. PAPER¡±. Whether he did it on purpose or whether that important part slipped out of his mind is something I haven¡¯t been able to figure out the whole day.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I snap at his voice as he halts before me with a small package in his hand.


    He doesn¡¯t seem bothered by the morning escapade at all, or he is just excellent at concealing it.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I lie, because I don¡¯t even know where I would start exining my diforts.


    Was it the absurd part where I wish his words were true, that I am his wife? Or the shameful deration that I relished that short-lived heated moment? Shocking still, the way I yearn for that sinful moment again, the way I yearn for him. Everything is so wrong, but I crave it anyway, and I have no control over this building desire in me.


    ¡°Here, then. Go and change.¡± He says, handing me the small satchel in his hand.


    I reluctantly jerk myself up, and take the small souvenir, ricocheting my eyes and plight inside to see what it is. I can¡¯t really make out what it is, but it¡¯s a white fabric.


    He said, I change. So probably it¡¯s a dress. He got me a dress? And if I am changing, it means we are probably not heading back home. He has no intents to stop confounding this, does he? I think to myself as I stroll to his office dressing room.


    I get rid of my clothes one by one, still wondering where, when, and how this will end. And in a month? We should be saying goodbye to each other in a month, yet here we are, getting so invested in each other. Desiring each other in ways we are not supposed to. Wishing that that contract was not there, but it is. Things have really taken a wrong turn.


    I pull down my white short dress, which is way too short for my liking that I have to pull it down countless times in the gamble to stretch it a bit, but I don¡¯t know what shit of a material it¡¯s made of because I am only wasting my time. It¡¯s not stretching. The way the cold aura of the befalling twilight kisses my ass as I put on the matchingceless rubber shoes that came with the dress depicts the shortness of this piece of material in its extremity.


    I feel naked. I am really naked. This dress covers only my forbiddens. I have never worn or dreamt of wearing something as exposing as this. And him, what will he think of me dressing like a¡­


    My anger and diforts hikes my legs outside, strolling to where he is buried in hisputer. That¡¯s good, because at least I had the time to tiptoe and sink into the seat before he sees my beckoning thighs. I should have probably put back my descent dress on.


    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t walk out like this.¡± My diforts speaks for me, jerking his head from theputer.


    His smirk as he jerks himself up from the swivel chair is more annoying than this dress.


    ¡°Stand up!¡± He says when she finally racks a step in front of me, the smirk broadening, earning a raised eyebrow from me.


    I presumed that perhaps he missed my height when purchasing this dress, but his facial idiom ascertains how dead wrong I was. He knew it would be this short. Is he for real? Why would he want to walk with me almost naked?


    ¡°Tessa? Stand up. Please?¡± He adds, scratching his chin to cloak his tion.


    I could have squawked, but I find myself on my feet, but averting his gaze at all costs. Then, I don¡¯t hear anything from him for a long moment. Nothing at all. I am tempted to think that he is even holding his breath because men, the silence is echoing with so much bang!


    Is he even here?


    I take my gaze in his direction, and oh, hey, fuck! His jaw is rolling somewhere on the floor. He seems to have taken in enough of the nudity before him, his eyes camping at my cleavage. He isn¡¯t blinking, and I was right, he forgot how to breathe a couple of minutes ago.


    At least he now knows that I can¡¯t walk out like this. He is a perfect criterion of how much attraction I will attract out there, and how ufortable I will be. Goodness!


    I look away for a minute to gather the courage to speak, but he beat me to it, making me snap at him.


    ¡°Tell me why you can¡¯t walk out in this.¡± He points to my dress.


    Hello? Wasn¡¯t he the one who couldn¡¯t even breathe a few seconds ago?


    ¡°Are you seriously asking that, Jerol? You were so engrossed in devouring me just a few seconds ago and¡­¡±¡±I have all the rights to ogle my wife all I want. Especially, if she is so hot.¡±His wife! Underline that. We shall revisit, but for now, there is no way I will humiliate myself walking naked to wherever he is taking me.


    ¡°It hugs your curves more than I expected. You are so perfect, Tessa!¡±Where did my voice go?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, baby? We are gettingte!¡± He adds, and that smile, ooh this smirk on his face!


    An hourter!


    A candle-lighted, breathtakingly decorated room greets my vision as we make our way inside a certain five-star hotel. I hold my breath, snuggling close to his arm with dismay. Aside from the screaming silence, my dismay deepens after I fail to spot even a single soul in this room as we stroll deeper inside. It¡¯s dead quiet, and unfortunately, I am not a werewolf to scent blood from afar. That way I would know if there are people in this whole luxurious hotel.


    ¡°Wh¡­ at¡¯s the asion? This looks like an enormous hotel but why is no one here?¡± I ask as we enter the lift.


    ¡°Because we don¡¯t need disruptions.¡±


    Ahem! What?


    I look at him to ask something, but he doesn¡¯t look like he is up for a debate. He turns quiet all of a sudden. Weirdly quiet.


    We get out of the lift and he wraps an arm around my waist, still saying nothing. I follow his lead to the balcony which outlines the view of the vast beautiful capital city. It¡¯s an eye-catching view with all these modern tall buildings illuminated by the streets lights, but the tension between us doesn¡¯t allow me to get lost in its beauty.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I ask, walking to him.


    He is eying the city, but lost in something else. I can clearly analyse his expression even under these lights.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He lies after a moment of thinking.


    Of course, there is something. And there is only one thing that wrecks his peace like this.


    ¡°Did you remember her?¡± I mumble, hoping that I am not invading too much.


    ¡°Ellie?¡± He slightly smirks, turning to me and boring his eyes into mine. ¡°No.¡± He adds, with a strict persuading tone that makes me want to believe that she is not in his mind.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I ask just to be sure.


    ¡°Will you never believe me whenever I say I am not thinking about that woman, Tessa? I wasn¡¯t obsessed with her if that¡¯s what you think.¡± His cold voice possesses a tinge of softness in it, making me regret my question.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I close the gap between us, cupping his face. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything, okay? I just wanted to make sure I am doing my job right.¡± I say, caressing his jaws, and loving how rough they feel on my soft palms.


    I feel his hands epass my waist, pulling me to him possessively, making me tremble.


    ¡°You seeded a long time ago. Tell me, Tessa Angeline McCall. When I have you with me like this, when a pure and gorgeous goddess like you is with me, how can I think of someone else? Why would I disrespect you by entertaining a worthless memory of a person who didn¡¯t, doesn¡¯t care?¡±Huh? This is the first time he is talking about that woman like he doesn¡¯t care at all, but me, he cares for me? It¡¯s not possible, right?


    ¡°But, Jerol, I will not be with you for long. What will happen when I am no longer here? Will you rpse because you don¡¯t have a distraction anymore?¡± I query, and he closes his eyes.


    ¡°You,¡± he peels his eyes, pulling us closer as he speaks, ¡°you are not a distraction to me, Tessa. You are, my wife ¨C my beautiful priceless wife. Nobody should ever tell you otherwise, and I forbid you from thinking otherwise.¡±Wait. I don¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t get it!


    ¡°The contract will¡­¡±


    ¡°What contract?¡± He cuts me off.


    Did he lose his mind again or what?


    What contract? Seriously?

 CHAPTER 33

    THE TALK


    We park ourselves at the table as we wait for our dinner to be served. Tonight feels phenomenal. Everything about today feels so special. And of course, perplexing. I don¡¯t understand why he is circumventing talking about that contract, but I think I will go with this flow even though I know it¡¯s all wrong. I am getting the vibes of being his real wife, and I am getting a kick out of it.


    The feeling is incredibly sweet. Then again, when has him being like this ever not been sweet? Never!


    My misconceptions are cut short by the memory of the first time we sat around the table like this with his family and friends. I really embarrassed him that day.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jerol asks after noticing my sad face, leaning across the table and his faceing so close to mine. ¡°Do I really suck this much?¡± He adds, earning a confused look from me.


    ¡°What? Why do you say that?¡± I implore.


    ¡°I brought my wife out for dinner for the first time but I haven¡¯t seen a smile flicker on her face. I must be a terrible husbae!¡±That exhorted a small flush of a grin on my face.


    Husbae!


    ¡°You don¡¯t suck at all. You are terrific, husbae! Sorry, I was thinking of something else. That day of our fake introduction. I embarrassed you big times, didn¡¯t I? I thought that would be the end of our deal. I thought you would without a second thought send this disappointment back to the slums immediately.¡±He takes my hands, sping them I¡¯m his.


    ¡°It¡¯s been four months since. You¡¯re still bothered about that?¡± He asks, his thumbs soothing my hands, sending waves of heat all over my body.


    It¡¯s night. And too cold. I understand why I am reacting like this.


    ¡°Of course I am. I felt like an idiot. I was so furious with myself for embarrassing you that day. I saw how disgruntled your mom was with you, and I understood where she wasing from. You had stooped so low below ss.¡± I state, searching his eyes, and him doing the same.


    ¡°ss? Since when did love entail to ss and all?¡± He queries, and I swallow hard.


    Love?!


    ¡°Honestly, if I thought this was what this deal entailed, I wouldn¡¯t have assented to it.¡± I state with an endeavor to flee my hands from his, but he doesn¡¯t flee me.


    He instead tightens his grip on them, making sure I get the memo. He is aware of this. He wants this.


    Jeez! Why am I sweating?


    ¡°Then I am d you didn¡¯t read through that shit of paper. And I am d that I sumbed to Gracia¡¯s madness.¡± Jerol says.


    I scowl at the mention of that name. Ever since I cut ties with that woman, I haven¡¯t heard anything from or about her. It¡¯s not like I cared to ask anyway, and she didn¡¯t either. Why would she, anyway? She must be drinking from the cup of liberty for getting rid of this detested seed from her life.


    ¡°Was she really your mother?¡± He adds, snapping my mind from my sad tales with that woman.


    ¡°Yes. But she never treated me like one from the start. And I presume she is now living on cloud nine since she doesn¡¯t see my face anymore.¡± I respond without even a tinge of sadness.


    ¡°And you? Are you okay without her? Don¡¯t you even miss¡­¡±¡±No. I meant it when I said I was done, Jerol. If nothing ever assuaged her all those years, I don¡¯t intend to try anything else. I shouldn¡¯t even beg for her to ept and love me in the first ce, right?¡± I ask.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I don¡¯t get, Tessa. Haven¡¯t you ever contemted the probability that, maybe she might not be your biological mother? I understand it¡¯s normal for once in a while brawls and discords between children and their parents. I fight a lot with my mother and you have seen that. But the feud doesn¡¯tst for long. But what you and Gracia had was something inexplicable. Sorry to put it this way but, she practically sold you off to a stranger she knew nothing about, and for some mere cents. No parent would do that to their own child.¡± He says.


    ¡°I asked myself so many questions about why my own mother treated me the way she did. I asked myself the same questions over and over again and again. Am I really her daughter? But what basis did I have to doubt that? Nothing. And I don¡¯t care anymore.¡± I state, hoping that we now change the topic.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there anybody who ever told you something? Anything? If¡­¡±¡±Jerol?¡± I cut him off, but just softly. ¡°That woman has done more than enough ravage to me since I was young. I won¡¯t give her the pleasure of ruining this peaceful life I have now. Whatever reason there is, I don¡¯t wanna know.¡± I state, and he nods his head, signifying that he understands and respects that I want to close this topic.


    ¡°Okay. Alright but, smile, please? You are not alone, you know? At least this psycho is here with you.¡±I smile.


    ¡°Did I ever call you a psycho?¡± I query.


    ¡°You did once. That day my mother dared to force you out of the house and out of my life.¡±Yeah! How can I forget that day? I was about to go through the shame of my life. That woman!


    ¡°But you stood against your mother for me. Again. Why?¡± I didn¡¯t mean to ask because I know I do not have the right, but it just rolled out.


    In as much as I am itching to know, I don¡¯t want him to think that I am putting so much meaning into this.


    ¡°Because she had no right to do that. She has no right to infringe on my life like that. She has no right to insult you or order you around. And also, because I wanted you to stay. I saw how you cared for me when no one did and even though I wanted you far away from me to avoid you getting hurt, I knew I would be shuttered without you.¡±Whoa! That melts my heart. He wanted to keep me.


    ¡°Thank you, for being there even when I was a total jerk! Thank you for caring for me even when you didn¡¯t have any reason to. Thank you for redeeming this broken wreck, Tessa. I owe my life and sanity to you.¡± His hand travels to my cheek, and I clutch to its wrist with my free one while the other one remains epassed in his.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    What are we doing again? These gestures. This feeling. This spark in his eyes. The way he is looking at me. Is there a message he is trying to convey?


    ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough, Tessa, but there is one thing I can do to¡­¡±¡±You don¡¯t need to do anything, Jerol.¡± I cut him off, my gaze on him bing so weak.


    His too. We are both getting intoxicated by this.


    ¡°Yes I do, Tessa! And I will. Please don¡¯t say no to me. Please?¡± He pleads faintly, his thumb nuzzling my lips, our lips only separated by his thumb.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Please, allow me to treat you the way you deserve. I want to treat you like my wife ¨C like the sweet wife you are.¡±That took away my breath, but when I feel his thumb leaving my lips, his lips brushing against mine, I knew I had to speak despite the heat andck of breath.


    ¡°Jerol¡­¡±


    He cages my face between his warm hands as he cuts me off.


    ¡°You won¡¯t say no to me, Tessa, right? Let me do this. Please? Please!¡± His lips crash on mine as he finishes his plea, leaving me with no chance or way of contending.


    No part of my body even wants to resist him. As we indulge in this slow-burn kiss, I know that things are just about to get messier, but I don¡¯t mind, because I know I can¡¯t stop this at this juncture. Even he can¡¯t.

 CHAPTER 34

    A NIGHT OF PASSION


    My face is all rosy as we stroll into our room. Every step we take, every pulse, and every breath, is hiked by the sparks of the dominant mes of longings spewing in us. As soon as the door shuts behind us, I am immediately pinned on the bed, his lips caressing all the delicate sports of my upper body.


    Pushing him away in contention to this is not in my mind. I¡¯m so lost in the pleasure he is giving that I¡¯m almost ripping his shirt off, urging him to tend to this fire we both are swimming in ¨C the waves of the desires surging in us. I am So lusted that my walls are twitching with an agonizing sensation of prolonged or refuted needs. My pussy is throbbing, howling for him, and my pant is all soaked wet, bolstering a smooth pration for him. I want him in a way that I never imagined until now. The fire is savagely setting me aze.


    As he suckles on my neck, his breath a sense of allure on the wet imprints of his kisses trailing down, I drape my hands at the back of his head, guiding him through, urging him to keep going.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    As he delineates the sharp tips of my nipples under the dress, I am undoing his shirt buttons. Our hysterical breathing are echoing through the room, our eyes glowing with lust in the shades of the red illumination.


    Our clothes finally kiss the cold floor, and thenterns flicker on after a sec, shimmering the entire room. He kneels in front of me on the bed, sitting on his legs, taking in the nude portrayal before him, his eyes exploring every part of me from down up. He finally parks his orbs at my chest, my nipples relishing his stern lustful gaze.


    It¡¯s the first time in my twenty years being nude in front of a man. I should feel shy, but something strong ispelling me otherwise. My eyes are fixed on the bewitching site of his bulging forbidden tool. Its machismo gives it an irresistible eye-catching look that no female gender would ever resist. Its tip is so sweetly sore, making me wonder when I will feel it slip into my wet entrance, and feel it alleviate its soreness on my walls. Or perhaps, slipping in my mouth. I wonder how that would feel.


    ¡°Come.¡± I snap to the balky voice of Jerol, and I waste no time in clutching to the hand he is offering.


    He aids me to hisps, our bare skins against each other, my legs hugging his hips. I flinch as his tool aligns with my pussy, its tip tickling me. My painful hard nipples brushing his chest aggrevates the feeling, and him reacting to it makes the feeling surrealist.


    A kiss on my lips drags my miserable gaze to his dangerously dark glows. My soft arms drape around his neck, nuzzling it with love, while his strong ones encircle my waist, glueing us together.


    ¡°Wifey? I don¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t think I can go through with this.¡± He says, stimting a surge of fear in me.


    I push a very bitter lump down my throat before I choke, my hands falling to his neck.


    ¡°W. h. y, hun?¡± I query, trying as much as I can to hide the tinge of letdown.


    ¡°I am being so selfish. I feel like I am using you too much.¡± He states, his hands rummaging around my back.


    ¡°I agreed to this, Jerol. You won¡¯t ditch me at this point, right, hubby?¡± I plead.


    ¡°But, Tessa, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Wifey, love.¡± I correct him, and add. ¡°I want to be your wife tonight, and I want this. We both do.¡± I say, massaging his jaws.


    ¡°Are you really sure, baby? I am trying so hard to hold myself back because I don¡¯t want you to look at me with regrets in the morning. I can¡¯t stand that ¨C you regretting this, or me hurting you. I can¡¯t bear that, Tessa!¡± He says, and his eyes denote just how much he doesn¡¯t want that.


    I cup his face.


    ¡°You are not forcing me, right? I want to do this. Whatever the consequences, I will bear them, and you will never hear a singleint about tonight ever. I want to know how it would feel to be your wife tonight. Even if it¡¯s¡­ just this once, Jerol. Make me yours.¡± I plead, and before I can go on, he crashes his lips on mine, iming every inch of my mouth with his tongue as I do the same with mine, our hands exploring every inch of our bodies.


    As he gently nudges me on the soft bed, his beast is hungrily sorting my entrance, almost forcing its way in until I twitch, almost pulling away from the kiss.


    Shit! That tinge of pain¡­


    He snaps his eyes, breaking the kiss, and boring his eyes into mine. No smile on his face, but pity is written all over him.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, licking his sweetness from my lips.


    ¡°The first time always hurts, love. But I will try to be as gentle as I can, okay?¡± He says, stroking me with his tip.


    I swallow hard, and force a smile to soothe his worries.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I mumble, and he embarks on his sweet kisses again, while his glorious tool starts inching in me inch by inch, the pain excruciating with every inch it goes in.


    I knew this was going to be painful, but I didn¡¯t reckon it would be this much. What¡¯s more worrying is that the pain is getting worse with every drill he makes. It¡¯s bing unbearable every single second. His kisses have lost their magic, failing to prevent this pain.


    I dig my ws into his chest in an attempt to push him away because I can¡¯t take the pain anymore, but he has turned into a beast. Instead of the gentleness he promised, he is going wild on me, thrusting in me so hard and inching deeper.


    I feel tears streaming from my tightly shut eyes, and I let them flow. I would scream if I could, and howl out for him to stop, but his lips are iming me wholly, leaving no room for any word to escape. I am choking on my suppressed sobs, but he doesn¡¯t notice, or perhaps he is getting the wrong impression. I let the pain take over.


    I thought this thing was supposed to be sweet. But it¡¯s hell. Why didn¡¯t anyone ever tell me that it¡¯s this torturous the first time, huh?


    After moments of condemnations to this pain, I finally feel myself start loosening up bit by bit. I peel my eyes to the magic that¡¯s arising, and I meet with these beautiful pair of eyes looking at me. I can¡¯t tell whether it¡¯s the dark glow in his eyes that urged a small smirk from me, or the idea of us staring at each other like this while he is pounding on me. Ooh, I know. It¡¯s the fact that the pain is fadingpletely, and pleasure is recing it. My muscles are all rxed, and my walls are hugging him, iming him, possessing him, relishing how he is sweetly stroking them.


    ¡°Is it gone?¡± He finally speaks, drying my tears away.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I respond.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, love. That could not have been avoided.¡± He says, his breathing bing husky.


    ¡°Okay.¡± My breathing is heavier than it has ever been, and my pulse is so savage.


    ¡°Ready for pleasure now, wifey?¡± He asks, pinning my hands over my head while kneeling between my legs, my legs resting on his thighs.


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t tear my walls, give me your all, baby.¡± I murmur.


    ¡°You will never forget this, baby. You¡¯re so sweet! Can I go until morning, baby? I don¡¯t think I will have enough of you tonight.¡±How is that even possible? Sex, the whole night?


    I think to myself as moans start escaping one after another, my eyes shutting to the pleasure.

 CHAPTER 35

    BAFFLEMENTSN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    The sweet chants of the early morning birds summons my senses from my delightful sleep, making me growl, turning around, actually, chancing to turn around, but in terrific vain. I am buckled up to the warm and possessively dominant arms of Jerol behind me, our raw flesh against the other. He is virtually stifling me with his tight grip and I can¡¯t tell whether he knows.


    I close my eyes, the waves of the glorious recalls ofst night cruising through my mind, reminding me of that moment of raw confectionary madness and pleasure. Magical. Bliss ¨C it was pure bliss.


    I shut my eyes tighter, bitterly acquiting a tight-lipped chuckle.


    If any moment has ever been beautiful in my pathetic miserable life up until now, it wasst night. It was the only time the phrases ¡°happiness¡± and ¡°pleasure¡± had meaning in my life, and they came in handy. The night was so phenomenal that I can recall every single detail of it without straining a nerve. It was magical, and ooh, so holy. It¡¯s a night to remember. Memories for keeps.


    But¡­


    Yes, that ¡®but¡¯ is eating me up. What happens next? What are we now? A real couple? I would give the world for that to be true. But his Ellie¡­


    Ellie! Ellie! Ellie!


    A kiss on my neck erupts a nerval seizure in my fragile body. Yes, weak, fromst night¡¯s sweet madness. How long did we make love? It didn¡¯t go until morning as he had joked about, but it took hours. Long-sweet hours that now feel like seconds.


    ¡°Good morning, beautiful!¡± Jerol¡¯s sweet-bulky voice rings in my ears like a sweet arousal call, conjuring my senses, and arousing my sensitive hairs.


    That¡¯s how terrific the effect he has on me has be, and I think it grew more vitalst night. How couldn¡¯t it? We relinquished to each other as if it was the most right thing in the world. It felt like love ¨C like we made love, like we poured our all into that moment. Including our souls. Or maybe we really did¡­


    ¡°Tell me you don¡¯tnguish over anything, my love.¡± I didn¡¯t realize he was peering at me from behind, stretching his neck through mine to attain a raw scan of my face.


    My love!? Underline that, but leave it at that for now.


    I rotate around in his arms, and he permits me. We stare at each other, and I get the te to savor the look in his beautiful sparkling eyes. The look in his eyes depicts that he is wishing against everything that I do not regret whatever that happened.


    Why would I, right? Why would I regret having had such euphoria? I kissed cloud nine for the first time. Thanks to him, I know how it feels to make love. I was at the moon. I still am. Besides, I had vouched not to regret anything after. I feel no guilt. No remorse. Nothing but pure bliss. But this sharp stinging feeling called Ellie is like a thorn in my sporadic bed of roses. It won¡¯t just let me be even for a second.


    ¡°Do you still love her?¡± I mumble, my eyes meeting his, searching for the truth in them.


    Silence!


    He doesn¡¯t say anything for far so long for my apprehensively restless soul. I know. His silence says it all. It was so stupid of me to ask. I¡­


    ¡°No!¡± His voice echoes, halting my mind from drawing my own assumptions.


    That wasn¡¯t a vague hum that my ears would fail to catch especially given how close we are, but the authenticity of it is what I doubt, rendering me mute.


    No? He doesn¡¯t love her anymore? The woman who drove him insane? Really?


    I should perhaps be leaping with joy like my heart is coercing me to do, but I still find it difficult to believe the word I heard. How?


    I conjure my voice, and bolster my gaze on his.


    ¡°Whatever you feel for E won¡¯t change how I feel aboutst night, Jerol. So, please be honest.¡± I lie, because the truth is, I am wishing and hoping with all the bits that I am made of that he truly did let go of her finally. ¡°Besides,¡± I add when he showed no sign of speaking, ¡°I promised that we won¡¯t ever talk aboutst night ever. I meant that, and no, I am not regretting anything. So, talk to me. You still¡­ want her back?¡±He browses through my eyes one after another, and I let him find whatever he is searching for. Finally, finally, after ages of pure stare, his lips curve up, discharging the most sweetest words that strokes through my heart.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m done, honestly. I would be a fool to let a pure gold slip out of my hand while chasing silver.¡±Hello? We are on another called cloud nine, right? Or maybe in heaven. This is so¡­


    My gosh, oh, my God!


    He is finally free?!


    But wait. Gold, silver¡­ what was that?


    I mean, even if he has finally decided to let that Ei ghost go, it doesn¡¯t guarantee that we have a chance, right? I mean,e on! Me? Gold? Am I even assuming things right or am just carried away?


    ¡°Tessa?¡± He beats me to speaking first, summoning my full attention. ¡°E isn¡¯t in my heart anymore. I swear she isn¡¯t.¡± He says, nuzzling my cheeks, the sincerity in his tone making me tremble with wild hopes.


    Wild, yeah! Wild! I don¡¯t want to call it foolishness.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I am happy for you. I¡¯m sure you will find someone¡­¡± I almost choke on the nothingness I was battling to push down my dry throat.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He quizzes, rubbing my back, and snuggling me closer to him.


    He must have sensed my turmoil.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m okay if you are okay.¡± I whisper.


    ¡°What were you saying again?¡± He asks after giving me a slight smile.


    What was I saying again?


    I can¡¯t say it. The huge chunk of air has moulded on my throat again. I feel like I¡¯m about to choke again. I feel like I will start tearing up the moment I decide toplete that sentence. It¡¯s too early for the melodramas. He doesn¡¯t need this. None of us does.


    ¡°Tessa? Speak up! Talk to me.¡± He pleads, and I shake my head, taking a long blink before peeling my eyes past his ear to avert his gaze.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Jerol. Forget it.¡± I say.


    ¡°Your nothing means the world to me. Tell me what is eating you up, my love. You are avoiding my eyes, and that alone means you ain¡¯t okay. Please, please? Talk to me, please?¡±When he pleads like this¡­, I lose all my guards. Instead of my mouth talking, my eyes do him the honors. Drops of tears start dropping one after another. I can¡¯t control them. I can no longer control this.


    This longing.


    I said it ¨C we have dived in so deep into this. I have sunk to the rock bottom of these emotions.


    ¡°Tessa!¡± He whimpers, scooping me up carefully and epassing me in his lovely arms like a baby, feeding me his warmth as he soothes me. ¡°I¡¯m here, Tessa! Calm down. Hush now, baby!¡±He is here? For how long?


    Can he bless my heart with what it is howling for? Can he even understand what I am feeling right now?

 CHAPTER 36

    FREE


    ¡°Now, please talk to me. Please.¡± Jerol pleads as we pull away from the long unintended embrace.


    I take my time to scorch away the tears. Not like there are any, because he has taken the liberty to do that for me. I just feel awful and sheepish. Like this isn¡¯t what I wanted this morning to be like. You get it?


    I wanted it to be a happy one just like I had promised himst night. That what happened won¡¯t affect our rtionship in any way. That there will never be any regrets, and there aren¡¯t any, with all sincerity. Why I am feeling the way I am feeling is something beyond my control. Beyond exnation.


    ¡°You can ask me or say anything, you know.¡± He adds, sitting up and sloping his head on the bed just like me, his hand finding its way around my neck, still soothing me.


    Maybe if I know what exactly he still feels for that ghost woman, just maybe, I will be at peace? Maybe I will stop fussing and feeling this thing that I can¡¯t even decipher? Ooh, well, I think I know what it is, but I can¡¯t admit it.


    ¡°Do I have the right to ask anything?¡± I implore, looking at his beautiful eyes.


    ¡°You do. I give you that right, Tessa. So, feel free to ask me anything you want.¡± He replies with a tinge of honesty that scares him.


    No. Not scary, but, it made my heart skip a bit. I have some rights!


    ¡°Do you still love her?¡± I speak, opting to get this over and done with.


    I am not certain what I will feel afterwards with whichever answer he will give because I know there is no remedy for what I am feeling, but I just want to know. Maybe to know that after a month or so, when it¡¯s my time to leave, when we say goodbye, I will not have to worry about him anymore. That I will leave him better than I found him.


    As early as now, I can assert for sure that leaving him will be as difficult as hell. He has be someone that I care about so much. I have not only learned to care about him. No. If it was right, I would say that I have learnt to love him. He has sunk deep into my soul, and I crave him in a way that is beyond any bounds. I can¡¯t deny that anymore.


    But does he need these hurdles? No. Can he love me? Yeah, if only there was a civil ground for heaven and earth. But sadly, there isn¡¯t. He can¡¯t love me.


    ¡°E, was my greatest love. She is someone I loved and gave my all. I saw a future with her. We had lots of ns together. She isn¡¯t someone I can ever forget.¡± There came his reply. Just precise!


    His words flowed smoothly from the bottommost part of his heart. They flowed with so much repose as if he has them engraved somewhere in his heart.


    And my heart is downcast!


    I knew that. How much she means to him. I mean, for her to drive him insane the way he was, she ought to be an integral part of him. That part which he can¡¯t part with. She will always be there, in his heart. And me, I need to forget this¡­


    ¡°But she left, in a way that I don¡¯t certify, but she left anyways. Without caring. There is nothing that binds us together now.¡±That made me shift on my butt, facing him fully.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I implore.


    ¡°I let her go, Tessa. I am setting myself free. And you were right-she wasn¡¯t perhaps worth all that I put myself through.¡±I am trying as much as I can not to pull him to me and epass him in a tight bear hug or even kiss him. The honesty in his derations, the way he says them, is so heartwarming. My heart is twerking inside. I am afraid that he can hear the echoes of my heart from the short distance between us.


    But hey, even if he hears it, I will dly let him know that I am over the moon, not with him because I don¡¯t intend toplicate his life even just one bit, but rather, with the fact that he is finally free.


    ¡°Was that why you were worried? You thought that, I made love to youst night with the thought of her in my mind?¡± He queries, since my voice left me from his good news.


    Well¡­


    ¡°No, Jerol. I would have been okay anyways, as long as it made you happy.¡± I respond with all honesty.


    ¡°And you, Tessa? Were you happy? Will you ever forgetst night?¡± He asks, taking my cheek into his palm and stroking it in a soothing motion.


    ¡°It was beautiful. There is no way I will ever forget that, Jerol. Thank you¡­¡± He seals my lips with a kiss thatsts way too short for my needy self.


    Pulling away, he aligns our faces, our foreheads lounging against each other, our noses continuing the short-lived lip kiss.


    ¡°No. Thank you, Tessa. I owe you my life and everything that I am now.¡± He whispers to my lips, our eyes boring into each other, the intensity of his words taking my breath away.


    My mind is blown!


    I swallow hard, fighting this fire that is erupting between us.


    ¡°Tell me whatever you want and I will dly give it to you, Mrs MCcall!¡±This time around, it¡¯s the name. The title that makes me jerk my face away from him a little. Mrs MCcall¡­ How sweet is that name. Ooh, how sweet of that title. How sweet it is to be called by his name. But then, it¡¯s a borrowed title. I don¡¯t own it. And soon, I will have to drop it.


    I shut my eyes at the sharp dagger tearing through the delicate walls of my heart.


    ¡°Tessa?¡± He whispers after glimpsing my alteration of facial idiom, and I snap my eyes as fast as I can to fake my ¡®I¡¯m okay¡¯ expression.


    ¡°I want nothing, Jerol. You being okay and happy is more than enough for me. But, I would like to ask you something if you don¡¯t mind.¡± I mumble, holding my voice as strong as I can.


    ¡°Ask me whatever you want.¡± He says.


    ¡°Why did you marry me? I mean, there is nothing that was at stake that you badly needed a wife for.¡± I implore, because, yes, why?


    ¡°Getting a contract wife wasn¡¯t anywhere close to my mind even when I was at the blink of losing my mind looking for E. But that was until I knocked some girl on the road, and then I ran into her crazy mom. Sorry for that.¡± We both sigh at that. Crazy is even an understatement. That woman I called mother back then was entric. ¡°When she proposed the deal, I wanted to walk out of the room and leave her with her craziness. But I asked myself, what if she proposes the same to some other psycho? I was going psycho myself, but I didn¡¯t want the innocent soul that was lying on the hospital bed that day to end up in the hands of a more dangerous person.¡± He keeps quiet for a minute.


    ¡°So¡­ you just thought of buying? Just like that?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes, and also because an idea crossed my mind then. Maybe if¡­¡± Silence. He falls silence for quite some time, and I give him the time to gather whatever he has to say. Finally, he looks away, but opens his mouth. ¡°I thought that if she, E, learnt that I had married, she would show up. It was a way of calling her back to me.¡±Whoa!


    That was, super crazy! But all the same, I got a chance to meet him through his crazy idea.


    ¡°But she didn¡¯t. Do you think¡­ She will ever¡­ return?¡± I implore, with a broken voice this time. I couldn¡¯t control it.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°She has no reason to. And I am done. This is as far as she can hurt me.¡± He says, sounding as sincere as I have ever heard him.


    ¡°I¡¯m d, Jerol. I¡¯m happy that you are okay now.¡± I state, and he eyes me, scanning me as if he is searching for something. ¡°What?¡± I ask.


    ¡°What about you, Tessa?¡± He speaks, confusing me.


    Huh? Me? What about me?


    ¡°What about me?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Are you truly happy? Are all your sacrifices for this broken jerk really worth anything?¡± He speaks so softly.


    Are they?


    ¡°Yes, Jerol, and I have no regrets whatsoever for everything that I have done for you. I am happy that I got to help a great person like you.¡± I respond.


    ¡°But not everything was right, Tessa. You got hurt. So many times. You bore me so much for me. You gave so much asking for nothing in return. I feel¡­¡±¡±Sshh!¡± I ce a finger on his lips, stopping him from talking. ¡°I told you before, didn¡¯t I? These scars will turn into beautiful scars when I achieve my goal. Thank you for turning them into beautiful scars. I will never feel pain whenever I look at them. On the contrary, I will look at them with a smile, because they are a portrayal of my beautiful story with you, Jerol.¡±A tear drops from his eye, and this time around, I wipe it away, and give him a small kiss on the lips.


    ¡°Our story is beautiful, and will always be beautiful, right?¡± I implore as we bore into each other. I don¡¯t even know how I mbered to hisps, but I amfortably perched there, drinking in his sweet intoxicating warmth, our naked skin caressing each other.


    ¡°It is. And you have no idea, Tessa. Life with you is something that I would never want to lose ever.¡± He whimpers, arousing butterflies in my belly, and causing goosebumps as well. ¡°This, you, Tessa, are more than gold. You are my redemption! My life!¡±¡±Jerol.¡± I whimper, almost drowning in this fire. Too weak to itspelling power.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything, please. Just, let¡¯s go with the flow, okay?¡± He pleads, his eyes darkening.


    ¡°But, Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°Just trust me, Tessa. Trust this.¡± Before I know it, our lips are dancing against each other in a very familiar rhythm. Free, and slow, and passionate.


    As heys me back on the bed, as he hovers atop of me and parks himself between my legs, everything stands still, bowing to this so right moment. The moment we surrender ourselves to each other again in the most beautiful and free way.

 CHAPTER 37

    A SURPRISE GIFT


    It ticks nine at night. A few weeks since Jerol regained his sanity. And exactly two weeks before our contract expires. Before our time together is up.


    Time sucks! Really sucks!


    You might be wondering what has been happening for those weeks since he regained his sanity. Well, you know some ¨C you know, like, those two times we made love? Well, guess what, that wasn¡¯t all.


    Making love has be our ritual ever since then. Sex has be our daily desire, a dose that we can¡¯t do without. The urge has swelled up so intensely, and the passion has be insatiable. This bedroom, and this bed can attest to the memories we have created in thest couple of days ¨C memories that are beginning to haunt me now.


    In two weeks, we are supposed, yes, supposed to say goodbye to all that we have done together. To all that we have be. To everything that holds us together.


    I am ddened, totally in glee that he is finally the man that everyone knew before that tragedy that wrecked his sanity happened. Hispany has risen again and it¡¯s now the talk of the nation once again with the positive vibes. He is back to the Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall that his parents were so proud of.


    Everything is just in ce, except my heart. It¡¯s in shambles. It¡¯s bleeding. I don¡¯t even want to visualize that day we will stand in front of each other saying goodbye. How will I even look at him, huh? How will I live after that? Will all the memories I have built with him be enough to let me get by the days? No. They are no doubt beautiful, but not enough. Him only, is enough. I love him, so much more than I thought I would ever love someone. It¡¯s him I want, and no one else.


    I have tried asking him about us countless times. What we are? Where we are heading to¡­. but all he says is that I am his wife, and he forbade me from talking about that contract ever. But it had been registered in my mind from day one that after five months, I will cease being Mrs McCall, I will leave his side, and turn my back on this whole ce, and him too. Now that¡¯s something I can¡¯t scour out of my brain. I don¡¯t know how he does it, but I just can¡¯t.


    A slight knock on the door echoes, and I howl faintly to the one on the door toe in.


    These are the times that I really miss Jerol terribly. Staying all alone is something I hate. I should have gone to him to the office. He never minds. Actually, he says that those are his best days in the office.


    ¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am?¡± I turn to the familiar voice of Terry.


    ¡°Yes, Terry?¡± I respond, catching a glimpse of the small bag in her hands.


    ¡°The chauffeur is asking that you get ready and wear this, ma¡¯am! It¡¯s sir Jerol¡¯s orders, ma¡¯am!¡± She exins with a smile on her face, while I am stunned.


    I get up, and shuffle my legs to where she is, taking the gift hamper from her and peeking inside.


    Throughout this term, we have managed to keep the secret that binds us together with Jerol a top secret. Nobody has ever been able to deduce anything, well, except for his gross mother whom I would give the world to know what she thinks of this garbage, as she called me. From that night I was in her house, that night she challenged me, we have never met or spoken. I hope she knows I won, in case I don¡¯t get a chance to rub into her face.


    ¡°I prepared some chicken soup for you. You haven¡¯t eaten anything since morning and if sir Jerol finds out we are done for.¡± Terry says, summoning my gaze to her.


    Aah, that. I¡¯m just not in the mood for food. Besides, my husband is taking me out so I don¡¯t want to ruin my stomach with anything for now.


    ¡°Thank you, Terry, but¡­ it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll eat it some other time. Besides, my husband might be waiting for me somewhere. I don¡¯t want to keep him waiting.¡± I chirp, giggling a little.


    ¡°Well, okay ma¡¯am. I understand. You are so lucky to have a husband like Sir Jerol. I know I have told you this a thousand times but I will still say it again ma¡¯am. You two are my role models.¡±Well, she always tells me that every chance she gets. If only she knew¡­ If only.


    ¡°Mmh. Thanks, Terry. I¡¯ll freshen up now. Inform the chauffeur that I will be down in twenty.¡± I say, turning with ecstasy to get ready for my husband.


    ¡°Okay. Have a beautiful dinner, ma¡¯am.¡± She says, and I giggle a bubbly ¡°thank you¡± as she turns to leave.


    An hourter!


    ¡°Here we are, Mrs McCall! Your husband is waiting inside.¡± The chauffeur says after getting the door for me.


    I was so engrossed trying to call and text Jerol all the entire drive through that I didn¡¯t even heed where we were driving to. He decided to go mute on me on the worst day ever. Not even a single response to my almost ten messages and countless calls. My brain is scattered. And now as I tour my eyes around, I¡¯m in awe. Where in heaven is this beautiful ce?


    I imprint my heels on the brown marble floor, my white dress gown sweeping the floor behind me as I step from the car. My outfit matches up with the outside decor of the house standing before me. I clutch my small ck purse, sampling in the fresh and peaceful screaming aura.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave now. Enjoy ma¡¯am! You two deserve some steam after everything.¡± The chauffeur says as he gets into the car.


    What steam!? We have been having to have the steam for the longest time now. But all the same, I click my heels on the floor, and march towards the door of this mansion before me.


    Standing at the door, I knock slightly, and I was meaning to tour my anxiety around the breathtaking green garden once more but the door opened too sooner. I crane my neck inside scanning for the sight of Jerol but to no fruits. All in all, I stroll inside, and the door shuts on its own.


    White-themed house ¨C All white. Peace! The furniture, the painting, the ceiling, and everything. And me too!


    What¡¯s the asion?


    And where is he?


    There is no sight of him anywhere. I hurl my pulse on the leather setter, wondering whether to start climbing up the stairs to look for him upstairs or just m on the settee and wait for him to show up.


    Just when I was about to sigh out my frustrations, he clears his throat behind me, making me spin around.


    He is dressed in matching clothes like mine. We look like a real-life couple. A serial couple. A beautiful one. He always dazzles in anything he wears, but this colour gives him a more intense look.


    ¡°You look gorgeous. I wanted to stare at you for a while.¡± He speaks.


    Blush! Blush!


    Looking past him to hide the blush, I realize a stairway just at the right corner of this sitting room that I hadn¡¯t noticed. He must havee from there.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, dragging my gaze to him. ¡°And you look more handsome than ever.¡± I say.


    ¡°Really now? And I haven¡¯t even earned a kiss yet?¡± He cocks his face, faking a puppy face, and I giggle.


    ¡°Is my husband whining now?¡± I ask, stretching my hands to his chest.


    ¡°Your husband just misses you, Mrs McCall.¡± He whispers, and I reach for his lips, kissing him gently as he kisses me back with equal passion.


    I finally pull away, licking my lower lip slightly.


    ¡°Is that okay now?¡± I tease.


    ¡°It¡¯ll do. For now.¡± He responds, finishing with a wink.


    ¡°Mmh. So, what¡¯s the asion, Mr O¡¯Brian McCall?¡± I ask, peeking into his beautiful eyes.


    He smirks after eying me for a while as if there is something I am missing. Well, I¡¯m sure there isn¡¯t. Is there?


    No! No!


    ¡°What?¡± I implore, and his smirk widens, revealing his long shiny teeth.


    Well, he is happier than I have ever seen him, and I am happy about that, but why is he making me feel somehow oblivious about something?


    ¡°Close your eyes.¡± He says, and I raise an eyebrow. He nods his head, pleading, and I obey. I shut my eyes, and the next I know, he is scooping me bridal style in his arms, and he starts walking.


    This reminds me of the day he divulged his real identity to me. That day in his study, he ended up carrying me like this back to our room because I was limping. But today I am not, yet he took the trouble.


    After about a minute or so, he gently settles me down, and spins me around, and he stands behind me, his hands draping around my shoulders.


    ¡°Open your eyes, love.¡± He whispers to my ears, and I peel my eyes slowly to be greeted by a well-set table for two.


    A ck forest cake sits on the table. A white bouquet of roses. A bottle of champagne and two sses.


    I turn in the opposite direction. To him.


    ¡°Happy Birthday to the most beautiful angel in the world. Happy Birthday, Tessa Angeline!¡± He says, taking my breath away.


    For the first time, he addressed me by my name. Without the borrowed sir name. That aside. It was my birthday, and like always, it wasn¡¯t even in my mind. I don¡¯t give a crap about birthdays. But he remembered? Hold on¡­


    ¡°How did¡­ how did you¡­?¡±


    ¡°How did I know? You have been my wife for five months. I know everything there is to know about you, Tessa.¡± He responds.


    I keep quiet for a decade, just staring at him, wondering what a beauty he is.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t you like the¡­¡±


    I reach for his lips, iming them, and chewing them to my satisfaction ¨C our satisfaction, because even if I caught him off-guard, he relished the kiss just like I did.


    ¡°Thank you so much, hubby.¡± I whimper when we pull away, resting my forehead on his.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, love, but you are most wee. Now, I want to see you cut the cake. I¡¯m hungry.¡± He says, pulling me to the cake.


    ¡°Well, would you believe it?¡± I mumble. ¡°I¡¯m celebrating my first birthday ever with you.¡± I state.


    ¡°You don¡¯t celebrate birthdays?¡± He queries.


    ¡°No. This is my first in my twenty years.¡± I say.


    ¡°Well, then.¡± He cups my cheeks, stroking them as he speaks. ¡°Two things.¡± He says, looking deep into my eyes.


    ¡°What?¡± I implore.


    ¡°We make this day super special and memorable. And two, from now on, always do this on your birthdays. Always.¡± He says.


    ¡°Oookay.¡± I respond.


    ¡°So, the cake, or us first?¡± He queries, confusing me.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Do you want the cake, or me first? Which one do you crave the most.¡± He asks, and my brain goes haywire.


    Ahem!


    ¡°Ummh¡­¡±

 CHAPTER 38

    A BAD JOKE


    As usual, we lean in to kiss goodbye to each other as Jerol leaves for the office. It¡¯s our routine, just like we do every time we are retiring to bed. Actually, kissing has be a fundamental facet of all the times we are together, and making love has been our daily dose. We can¡¯t live without it. We are at the cliff of it. I even feel like pushing him to this bed right now for the second time this morning for a quickie before he leaves.


    My goodness! These yearnings are hiking way too high. I can¡¯t curb the urge nor mask it, and neither can he.


    For thest couple of days, we have lived like a real couple ¨C free with others like we are bound by true love and not just a contract. Actually, it is the first time I am remembering that damn shit of paper after so long. He forbade me to talk about it, and I obeyed, like his sweet obedient wife.


    For these few days, I feel like I really just had a life. I feel like I really lived. All the pleasure we have had together has filled up my archive of memories. I have lived in the beauty of life, and I can¡¯t just have enough of it. This is bliss ¨C pure bliss. And I am trapped in this bliss!


    ¡°I can spare some minutes to make my wife happy if she wishes.¡± He states, reaching for my lips, but I yfully evade him, earning a chuckle from him.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I know what you want when you ogle me like that, love. Missing me already?¡±Aah. I see. I forgot to also say that he now reads me like a book. He can tell when I am worried, or happy, and even horny.


    ¡°I know you are missing my cock.¡±


    Ooh yeah, and these are the times that he teases the fuck out of me. He knows how horny I get even just by hearing him go all dirty on me like this. Gosh! Fucking Yes, I freaking miss that gorgeous tool of his even though I was riding it barely an hour ago. The things he has taught me, though!


    ¡°I won¡¯t repudiate that, because I also perceive that your beast is bouncing with ecstasy to the inkling of having me sprawled beneath you once again, but Mr CEO, your empire is waiting for you. You need to go, please?¡± I say, faking a suppliant look.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    If only it were up to me, I would give the world to spend the whole day with him in this room. It doesn¡¯t matter what we do. Just feeling his presence beside me is even enough. That¡¯s heaven for me. But he has other crucial obligations. I can¡¯t afford to distract him.


    ¡°But my wife is much more important than anything else. You are my most precious thing, Tessa.¡± He whimpers, caressing my nose with his.


    Ahem!


    Sweet, right?


    I don¡¯t want to drive my mind through the reality road, so I opt to smile at his sweet hoax, or truth, or whatever it is.


    I pull my face away, looking into his intoxicating eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, husbae, but I am not going anywhere. I will be waiting on this bed when you return. Now, I order you to go and take care of your empire.¡± I say.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want toe with me, love?¡± He implores, sounding bored.


    I kinda feelzy ofte for no reason. As the days go by, I be morezy. Maybe because of our uncertain future. Until now, I still think that he shouldn¡¯t have made me part of the board. It wasn¡¯t at all necessary.


    ¡°Not today.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Tomorrow then? Don¡¯t forget you are part of thispany now. Your presence is important to me and thepany.¡± He exins, tickling my cheeks with his fingers.


    ¡°Okay. Tomorrow, love.¡± I respond, though unsure.


    ¡°Okay. Have a good day, baby. Make sure you eat well, okay?¡± He says.


    He always reminds me about almost everything. Makes me wonder who should worry about who?


    ¡°I will. Take care out there, ande home early, okay?¡± I reach for his lips for a small kiss.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He says after we pull away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that.¡± I stop him from grabbing his bag, and I do it for him. ¡°I¡¯ll see you out.¡± I add, and he grins broadly. ¡°What¡¯s with that cute smile, huh?¡± I implore as we head outside, his hand caging my waist as we descend the stairs.


    ¡°You are just awesome. I love you so much.¡± He says, struggling to pin his lips on my cheek, not even minding the countless eyes of the servants loitering around. It¡¯s not like he cared, and me, well, I don¡¯t care too.


    We say our final goodbyes outside, and he settles at the back of the car after another kiss. I hand him the bag, and step aside as the engine starts, our eyes locking. He waves me goodbye, and I wave back as the vehicle drives out of the gate.


    As I stroll inside, I feel nothing but emptiness in my heart. I always feel like these chasms whenever he leaves even though I know I will see him in the evening. It¡¯s¡­


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? What should I prepare for lunch?¡± The voice of Terry halts myzy self in my tracks. She is the mostpetent among the otherzyasses.


    ¡°Umh. Nothing. I don¡¯t know. I still feel too full. I will let you know when I feel hungry.¡± I respond, starting my way up again, but she speaks once again.


    ¡°But ma¡¯am, sir Jerol¡¯s instructions are that we should make sure you eat proper meals and on time.¡± She affirms.


    Okay, so? I just don¡¯t feel angry. Should I force myself to eat? Is it a punishment or what?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I won¡¯t eat, Terry. I only said I will tell you what to prepare for me when I feel hungry.¡± I exin calmly. ¡°But¡­¡± I think for a second, some idea stirring my intestines, ¡°you can prepare some liver for me for now. With lots of garlic and pepper.¡± I respond with glee.


    Now that is making me drool already. Gosh! And I said I was in no mood for food. Well, this has be my favourite dish for days now.


    ¡°Again, ma¡¯am?¡± She implores, using a tone that summons some bitchy side of me.


    ¡°What again, Terry?¡± I query, feeling a bit angry.


    ¡°You have eaten liver for more than five times in a week now, ma¡¯am.¡±I stare at her, bewildered.


    ¡°And so?¡± I fire.


    What exactly is wrong with that? What if I eat it ten times a week? Will that be another wonder of the world? Well, hello, we drink tea daily, right? Mental eyes roll!


    ¡°Sorry. There is nothing wrong with it ma¡¯am. I¡¯ll prepare it. Do you also want me to prepare the usual mango juice?¡± She asks, earning a small grin from me.


    Now she is really putting her brain into use other than being a¡­ not!


    ¡°Yes. Make it quick. I think you¡¯ve triggered my hunger with thatbo.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Okay. Right away, ma¡¯am.¡± She says, turning to leave, wearing a smirk that confuses me a little as I start on the stairs.


    Getting to our room, I throw myself on the bed. Jeez! Why do I feel sozy? I have always been athletic and active. But this past few days, my! I am a ridiculouslyzy ass! Is my worry about partying ways with Jerol doing this to me? Damn!


    About an hourter, the door opens after a slight knock that I didn¡¯t feel like responding to. The mouth-watering aroma of my liver summons my energy. I jerk myself up, almost salivating as I saunter to the table where Terry is setting the food for me.


    I grab the spoon before she can even ce it on the te of liver, and scoop the liver, taking it to my mouth, almost burning my mouth. My! I breathe out through my mouth to blow the steam, and resume chewing my luscious meal.


    Mmh! She is simply the best. She makes it just the way I like it. I continue digging and chewing and swallowing, taking sips of the mango juice in between.


    ¡°You like it, ma¡¯am?¡± Terry speaks, summoning my eyes to her as I continue chewing, the ss of juice well clenched in my hand.


    ¡°Mmh.¡± I respond, swallowing that bite and scooping another one. ¡°It¡¯s scrumptious.¡± I respond as I take the spoonful of the liver to my mouth again.


    ¡°Uummh¡­ Ma¡¯am?¡± I look at her. She won¡¯t just allow me to enjoy this delicacy in peace, will she? That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t even sat down. She would have left the moment she finished setting the food on the table for me, but no. She decided to stay back and watch me eat. ¡°Your appetite is not¡­¡±A simple re from me shuts her mouth up. What the heck is wrong with one? My appetite is not what? Normal? If I don¡¯t eat, she is horrified to death by the inkling of losing her job for not feeding me as Jerol instructed. If I eat what I feel like, it¡¯s no longer normal. Is she for real?


    ¡°Are¡­ you¡­ pregnant, ma¡¯am?¡±


    The ss of juice slips from my hands. Its broken pieces scatter on the floor while the juice spews to my feet and the floor!


    The first time I found myself in such a dilemma, was that day at the dining area with Jerol¡¯s guests. Food in the mouth. Unable to chew or swallow. Spiting it out isn¡¯t an option.


    I gather the courage to try pushing it down the throat, but only to end up choking my lungs out.


    Shit! Fuck this bitch!


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? So¡­ so¡­ so¡­ r.. ry! I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Shees to my rescue, rubbing my back which is in no way helping.


    ¡°Water!¡± I am losing my breath as I nudge her away from me. Air is running out fast on me as she hikes her way out to water.


    Ooh, God! Fuck her and her jokes! I will curse her and her entire generation if I die from this fucking choking!

 CHAPTER 39

    AN UNBELIEVABLE MIRACLE


    ¡°There is no harm in trying, ma¡¯am. I am not saying that you are, but just so to be sure.¡±Can someone please give me a very reasonable reason why I shouldn¡¯t fire this nosy bitch! Men, how annoying can people be, really? First, she made me muffle my lungs out with that ridiculous hoax she pulled back there. Freaking, right? After chasing her away to go get me a ss of water to ease my restlessness, she came back with this shitty thing she calls a pregnancy kit or whatever, insisting that I should test for pregnancy.


    I mean, who is she to insist on that? Who made her my doctor? Does she know the intensity of what she is insinuating? No, of course not, because she won¡¯t be here insensitively ranting, so forget that for now, but how can I be pregnant? For God¡¯s sake, what sort of a joke is that?


    I admit that we haven¡¯t used protection all those times we have had sex with Jerol but, he has a problem, right? Good grief! I am thankful that he is not even here to listen to this stupid joke of this bitch. I mean, can you imagine what he would feel? His reaction?


    ¡°For the millionth time, Terry, I say there is no need. I can¡¯t be pregnant.¡± I fume, everything, every single ounce in me wants tough at this joke, but then there is something so strong holding me back from doing so. Something worryingly strong and perplexing.


    That slight, ¡°what if¡±. But,e on, right? That ought to be the worst joke of the century. This can¡¯t happen now, especially not to me. If he hasn¡¯t been fruitful enough to sire anyone before through sex, then how can it start with me? It can¡¯t. Plus, just a single sign doesn¡¯t mean anything.


    Single sign?


    Aha! Well, how many are they? Damn! I can¡¯t¡­ No! This is simply not meant to happen. It can¡¯t. Simple. Period!


    ¡°But, why are you so sure that you aren¡¯t pregnant ma¡¯am when the signs are there?¡± Terry speaks again. She is bent on irritating my nerves.


    Why can¡¯t she freaking mind her own business, huh? What¡¯s her business with me for hell¡¯s sake!


    And yeah, I want to believe that I am so certain that I can¡¯t be pregnant, but what reason do I give her? That my husband has a low sperm count? Hell, she is not even supposed to be asking me questions to begin with right? I am here freaking boss!


    ¡°You know what, Terry, you maybe forget that I am your boss. If I say there is nothing like pregnancy here you should leave the fuck at that!¡± I state, sounding like a really bossy bitch.


    I know I have never spoken to her this way before, but she is making me do it. She is making my arse and my ears itch, everything, actually is itching! Real bad! I can¡¯t handle this anxiety and fear. I can¡¯t handle the notion of her joke turning into reality. That will be so damn messy!


    ¡°I¡­ am so sorry ma¡¯am! Sorry!¡± She says, apologetically.


    ¡°Good. You can leave now!¡± I say.


    She bows slightly, turning on her heels.


    ¡°Leave that here!¡± The words just rolled out, and I can¡¯t even tell why. ¡°And one more thing, this shouldn¡¯t get out of this door, are we clear?¡± I add.


    ¡°Clear ma¡¯am! Not even a word about this. You can count on me. I am so sorry once again.¡± She apologizes, hiking out.


    She swerves around, handing me the kit that she has been hugging in her hands for thest long minutes. I grab it with a certain bitchy attitude that I can¡¯t control.


    After she leaves, Izily stroll into the washroom, the desire to prove that bitch wrong spewing all over me. I can¡¯t wait to p the shitty kit to her face when it turns out negative.


    I try and follow the instructions she had given. I hope I did it right though, because I highly doubt I was paying any attention to her when she was ranting. All the same, I believe I did it right.


    Falling in love was not part of the agreement, yet we did. Yes, we, because I believe there is a good reason as to why he sleeps with me. The way he cares is the way he does. Why he doesn¡¯t want us to talk about that agreement. We broke the first rule. Sex wasn¡¯t supposed to be anywhere in close in our five months together. But here we are, having it like it¡¯s a basic need. Another rule down.


    There were not supposed to be any feelings attached to this contract marriage. But we are swimming in a quagmire of feelings. Deep feelings. This can¡¯t be yet another mistake topping the list. This will bepletely messed up. We can¡¯t drown in this. God, we can¡¯t. We can¡¯t.


    What would even Jerol think of me, huh? How would he take the news?


    Minutes flew fast, and I find myself standing in front of the kit after a very short moment ording to my anxious self.


    I mumble a short prayer, hoping that the heavens have their doors and windows wide open to heed to my plea.


    Two lines-positive.


    One line ¨C negative. That¡¯s what I want to see. One line. It must be that. I believe in miracles but not this time around. It shouldn¡¯t happen right now. Not this way.


    With shaky hands, I reach fo the kit, flipping it.


    Two dreadful red lines!


    Mistake! Big mistake!


    No!


    I choke on nothing! Purely nothing! My stomach forms countless knots. Everything in my belly turned into ice. Even my throat is turning icy. The air that I am breathing turns too icy for my nostrils too. Everything stands still, witnessing this wrong!N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I try to focus on these two possibly impossible lines I am seeing, hoping for a miracle to change whatever I am seeing. Seconds pass, turning into dreadful minutes of abo of fear and dread and uncertainty and everything negative.


    The lines appear more clearly than before, as if mocking me. There is no miracle happening, or maybe I am in reality staring at one right now! But a bad one! I take in a deep amount of air, and release it in a go.


    I am pregnant! I am pregnant for Jerol!


    No!


    Howe? Why? How?


    Why God?


    Isn¡¯t it enough that our situation is asplicated as it is? Why did this have to happen? How are we going to handle this? How will I even tell him? No, how can I even tell him? How?

 CHAPTER 40

    TORN BETWEEN DECISIONS


    Coming out of the shower, I stroll to bed, tucking myself under the covers without minding what Jerol is doing in the closet.


    Nothing has ever been so vexatious in my life before like this. I haven¡¯t sampled any drop of harmony during the day and there is absolutely no sign of it up until now. Not even in the near future.


    How can this be?


    Of all the people he had to beat his siring problem with, it had to be me? Ooh, hell! God, you really screwed me up real bad this time!


    I have mulled over options throughout the day, fathoming of his reaction the moment this news tickles the walls of his ears. Would he be ted? Would he be blown? Most likely, yes, because he has been longing for a child ¨C an heir for his empire. He had almost lost hope in holding a baby in his arms so of course, the miracle of the fact that he will be a father will blow his mind off the cliff! He will be over the moon. I can visualize the glow on his face and in his bottomless eyes when he learns of this.


    But it¡¯s me who is carrying his baby ¨C a nobody, his wife on paper, his contract wife, the one he is deemed to part ways with within a week. A freaking week! Now that sucks! The contract sucks! The rules suck like hell!


    What if he sees this as my ckmail to stay in his life? What if he doesn¡¯t see me as someone he can raise a family with? What will he think of me when I tell him this? What will happen after this one week? I still need to put that into deliberation, right?


    And what if I don¡¯t tell him? Will he be furious with me if he ever finds outter? But of course! Heck, I don¡¯t think I can even forgive myself for snatching away this pleasure from him. I can¡¯t take away the joy of him being a father from him. What sort of a human being would that make me? If he never gets to have another child apart from the one I am carrying for him and it happens that I kept it secret from him, even the heaven will be furious at me. I don¡¯t want to be selfish. I don¡¯t want to be mean. I want to do what is right. But what is right? Because I don¡¯t want to be med for this too.


    We were deemed to be governed by the rules. We broke them together, I know, right? But what if he mes me for this? What if he says is something like, ¡°I thought you were contraceptives¡±? Or, ¡°I thought you were taking the morning-after pills¡±? Gosh, I can¡¯t afford to see him look at me with questions that I will not have answers to. I don¡¯t want this to backfire on me. I want peace for both of us.


    ¡°Where are you lost?¡± His voice snaps me back from that wild jungle as he flips me around, buckling me up to him as we face each other.


    He is always so sweet. I love it here, in his arms like this. But will he still be like this after he learns about the news of me being pregnant for him? Will we still be okay after this?


    If only that damn contract wasn¡¯t there, this burden would have been a little bit lighter. But it¡¯s there. Here, actually. Somewhere in this room. And it¡¯s about to end in a week. And here I am. Pregnant.


    What a disastrous ending this is. If I deemed us developing feelings for each other was messier, then this has drawn us into a deep quagmire. And if felt like him making me part of hispany was a disastrous idea, then I don¡¯t know what to think of this pregnancy.


    It¡¯s a bond. An intense bond! A lifetime bond! A forever bond! I don¡¯t know what fate holds for us, but no matter what ensues after this one week, we will forever be bound by this child. He will forever be a part of me.


    ¡°Babe?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I snap. I was once again so engrossed. How can¡¯t I when nothing is right in my head nor in my life?


    ¡°You are making me worry. What¡¯s wrong? You are not yourself.¡± He states, nuzzling my cheek.


    He doesn¡¯t know it, but everything is so wrong, and I don¡¯t know how we can re-write these wrongs, nor do I know whether there is a way to right these wrongs.


    Come to think of it. We entered into this agreement erroneously. I was virtually bartered like a cheap merchandise to him by my ridiculous mother. First wrong! I had a golden chance to back out. Jerol himself offered me that chance, but I didn¡¯t take it. I consented to this no matter how absurd it was to me in all senses. Another wrong! His mother saw me as mere garbage. Another wrong, because no matter how awfully unfit I seemed in their eyes, she didn¡¯t have the right to mortify me that way or in any way. But I took it all in, for the sake of the sanity of this man with me. Another wrong, maybe?


    I bore so much for this man and gave way too much than I should have. The hurts, the pains, the humiliation from his mother and those guests from the introduction party, and I am notining, neither am I regretting a thing. Now, that, I don¡¯t feel anything wrong about it. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s wrong in the real sense, nor do I know if not seeing it as wrong is wrong. I can no longer at this point tell what is right and what is wrong.


    I¡¯m once again jump-jolted to reality by his lips massaging mine gently in a slow soft kiss. This too, is it wrong? Because I don¡¯t want to term it that way. It¡¯s a feeling that I don¡¯t want to part with. The way he cares, the way he looks at me, the way he calms me down, everything that he makes me feel is fascinating in every sense. Is that wrong too?


    Has falling in love ever been a crime? If it is, if ever this turns out to be wrong, who will bare the me? What will be the consequences? How severe will that punishment be?


    Ooh, I know, or at the very least, I can take a bitter wild guess. We both will bare the consequences, because we are both in love. And how severe will the punishment be? This innocent soul that I am carrying will lose the chance of having aplete family, of living with its father.


    And because that guilt and inkling alone are weighing so heavily on me, I will not talk about how shattered my heart will be from the day we part ways until the end of times. That is how much I love him.


    ¡°Talk to me now. What¡¯s eating up my beautiful wife so much?¡± He queries after we pull away from the kiss.


    Forgive me for this, hubby, but I need to sort my feelings out about this first before I can decide whether you should know about this or not. I need to be sure that this will not jeopardize anything for you. I need to know that you are okay and ready for this news.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, hubby.¡± I lie, conjuring a smile. ¡°I just missed you so much.¡±¡±But I have been here for a while since I came back from the office.¡± He argues, and I know, he isn¡¯t a fool to be swayed by my pathetically coerced grin.


    I close my eyes, burying my head in his chest, and murmuring on his skin.


    ¡°I just missed you like this.¡± I say, and I can¡¯t exin the bliss of what I am feeling.


    It¡¯s like I belong here, in his arms, and his life. Cliche, right?


    He tightens his hold on me, pressing me to him for a long moment before loosening his grip, making me groan.


    ¡°Does that feel better?¡± He asks.


    ¡°Mmh. So so.¡± I say, refusing to pluck my face from his chest.


    He chuckles.


    ¡°There will be moreter. For now, I want to share some good news.¡±Huh? Now that made me spring my head up enthusiastically.


    ¡°Tell me.¡± I bubbly chirp, looking into his eyes.


    ¡°My parents called. They are asking if we could have dinner together next Friday.¡± He exins.


    Shit! So, how is that good news? That Madam gross will have an opportunity to belittle me once again. Who knows what the color of her bucket of insults she will bring along this time around. Gross! Total gross!


    But, hey, at least I won her ridiculous challenge, right? I redeemed her son! I fixed Jerol and I bet he is better than he ever was. I¡¯m mentally tapping myself on the shoulder for achieving that. She doesn¡¯t have so much on me this time around. On the contrary, I am the one who has a lot to rub on her face. She better fuck off of my ass when we meet. Sigh!


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know what the good news is?¡± Jerol speaks. He must be seeing a confusing weirdo today.


    Well, at least he knows the presence of his mother can¡¯t in any way be good news to me. That woman is total gross! If she nned this, she sure has got a wicked n.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡± I say.


    ¡°I turned it into a dinner party. Like the one we had that first time.¡± He exins, perplexing me.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± I query.


    ¡°Because, I want to show the woman who redeemed me to the entire world if possible.¡± He whispers to my face, drawing me more into bewilderment.


    Hang on! I don¡¯t get this.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I implore, my voice breaking in the middle.


    ¡°That,¡± he cups my left cheek, ¡°I want the entire world to know that I love you so much, Tessa Angeline. I love you, Mrs McCall. I love you to the moon and back, my beautiful wife. You are a miracle that I don¡¯t want to ever lose.¡±I think I was bundled into cloud nine. I am burning from the impact of his beautiful words. I¡¯m simply melting from the warmth of his touch and sweet words. My heart is echoing to heaven with euphoric glee. I am blown! Totally blown!


    I guess this makes everything right? Or is it an additional wrong? Jerol-freaking-O¡¯Brian-McCall loves me? He finally confessed.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°But, Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°Jerol? What happened to ¡°hubby¡±, love? I know you love me and that we are both happy this way, right?¡± He speaks.


    I cup his cheek too, massaging his perfect jaw.


    ¡°Yes, hubby. But¡­¡±


    He pressed his thumb on my lips, preventing me from ranting further.


    Fuck me and this fucking buts? But don¡¯t me me, okay? It is my curious sixth sense being at work!


    ¡°I know what you are thinking, love. It¡¯s that shit piece of paper, right?¡± He queries. A shit of paper. I think that¡¯s what we should call it from now on. I nod my head. ¡°We will talk about it that Friday after dinner, okay?¡± He says.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I respond, feeling at the top of the world.


    ¡°But, babe?¡± I look at him as he intertwines our fingers, looking back at me. ¡°I promise that everything will be alright after this, okay? Trust this.¡± He says, like he likes putting it.


    Trust this! And I guess I should trust him and trust this too- what we feel. I guess that is what he meant all this while.


    ¡°I do trust you. It¡¯s time I trust this, too.¡± I mumble.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you down, baby.¡± He says, pulling me to him as we epitomize each other. ¡°I love you.¡± He whimpers to my lips.


    ¡°I love you, Jerol.¡± I whimper, getting an intoxicating sense of Deja vu.


    ¡°Say that again, baby.¡± He pleads, masking his thrill with a beautiful grin.


    ¡°I. Love. You. I love you so much!¡± I confess.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± That¡¯s all he whimpers before our lips crash on each other with ravenous hunger.

 CHAPTER 41

    THE BOND


    As usual, as nature has it, and as it has also been inscribed in the archaic books of history, time flies like wind when you are having the hang of life. Time is always against us during happy times.


    It¡¯s on a breezy twilight of Thursday, and I am on the balcony, savoring the raw aura and watching as darkness dominate the light. It¡¯s surging in with a screaming lull that tickles with dread, reminding me that the party is set for tomorrow night.


    Tomorrow!


    It¡¯s not so much about the party that baffles me! No. The day itself is the dilemma. Tomorrow marks the exactst, or is it our presumed,st day of the five months of the contract. The period is over. We are supposed to part ways tomorrow.


    Tomorrow?!


    Can you believe it?


    Because I can¡¯t!


    No matter how I try toe to terms,


    I just can¡¯t bring myself to embrace the facts, That this actually is the end for us.


    How can I?


    It was just yesterday we got bound and now today we are breaking the bond? The bond that has turned to be so sweet and intense that it broke all odds?


    Every single nerve in me is chastising this end! Every ounce of me doesn¡¯t want this ending. My heart doesn¡¯t want any form of ending for us. But then, I don¡¯t have a say. I have to wait and see what Jerol has nned. I need to trust him.


    I foddle with the ss of my mango juice which has be my favourite in my one month of pregnancy. It was affirmed by the doctor. I am one month down. I sneaked out between the week and chose to validate my fears because I felt like that it was fabricating things. My fears came to pass. I was proved wrong beyond a doubt. The kit spoke nothing but the truth, and Terry¡¯s misgivings were ascertained to be right too. I haven¡¯t even had the bravery to tell her that she was right and that I was stupid to overlook the signs and be in denial, and I also made sure I destroyed the kit and shed it in the bathroom to hide the evidence.


    I heve furthermore done a meritorious job at concealing the truth from Jerol however how much it maims me. Sometimes I can¡¯t even look at him right in the eye for the fear that he will see through my eyes, and also from the pain of lying to him. He doesn¡¯t deserve this, but I need to do this all the same, at least until tomorrow.


    This juice doesn¡¯t taste like my favorite vour today. It¡¯s awfully tasteless, that is why it¡¯s only just a sip down, but at least it¡¯s keeping my fingers busy from fidgeting.


    Yet again, tomorrow, a time like this, I will be perched among the circle of Jerol¡¯s affluent and reputable prominent family, friends, and business partners. Even employees, and the media in addition, because at thest minute, aste as this morning itself, Jerol decided to turn the titr intimate dinner into something as massive as this. Why that is, he said it¡¯s for me. For me. Yes, for me. And he forbade me from imploring further questions.


    A kiss was enough to shut me up. He knows very well how to work his magic on me. I had to let go, and trust him.


    But what transpires tomorrow? What is his n? These questions haven¡¯t left my mind since the night he talked about this dinner. What does fate have for us? What is our fate? What bes of us after tomorrow?


    I quake from the awe of his embrace as he swaddles his arms around me from the back. The ss of juice slips from my hands, denoting how engrossed I thought I was. It shatters on the floor while I turn into ice in his embrace, the juice gushing over my feet.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He queries.


    I guess I lost the meaning of that word a long time ago and I can¡¯t even tell when exactly. Even what is really okay doesn¡¯t seem okay with me anymore. Like this feeling. Like being in his embrace like. Feeling his warm breath warm my face like this. These are sweet gestures and feelings, but the thought that today might be thest time I feel his warmth like this makes everything wrong. It is not okay to even think that way. I should trust him, and I do, but, I just can¡¯t break down these anxieties and uncertainties I am feeling.


    I spin around in his arms, facing him.


    I slightly nod my head. Lying to him is bing like a norm for me these days. I hate it. It hurts me. But what can I do?


    He pulls me to the far end of the balcony where there is no juice on the floor, and he pulls out his handkerchief, bending his knees to my feet.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I implore, holding him back, but he doesn¡¯t let me.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let me.¡± He says, taking my left leg and drying the juice with his handkerchief.


    ¡°You are embarrassing yourself, Jerol! What if someone sees you?¡± I throw tantrums, because this site of him like this is embarrassing on my part, honestly.


    ¡°Since when has it been an embarrassment to care for my wife, huh?¡± He queries, finishing with my next second and helping me wear my saddles back gently.


    He tosses his handkerchief back in his pocket, but he doesn¡¯t get up. He isn¡¯t showing any signs of getting up. Now this is making me feel bad.


    ¡°Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°You took care of me when I had lost my sanity. You bathed me. Clothed me. Fed me. Soothed me to sleep. You took care of me like you would your own baby, Tessa. You never felt embraced about doing all those things, so why would I feel embarrassed by doing only just this nothing. I would even kiss your feet in public, Tessa, and still feel like it¡¯s nothing. You deserve heaven, but too bad, I can¡¯t even give you the world.¡±Ahem!


    What is he saying? Why is he saying all this? And why just tonight?


    ¡°Uumh, hubby? Enough with the teasing now. That¡¯s enough. Thank you for making me feel like I mean the entire world to you but you know what¡­¡±¡±You are my world, Tessa!¡± He cuts me off, taking my hands into his. I snap my eyes at him, our eyes dancing with each other under the corridornterns. ¡°I am nothing without. I love you so much. I need you in my life.¡±The stars and the moon are witnesses of my rapture. The heaven can hear the echoes of my heart from down here. I am at a loss for words, but I still battle to mumble something.


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t¡­¡± I whimper, my voice abandoning me in the middle, or is it the words that flew out of my mind, leaving my mouth agape. Or better still, it could be the thrill of his confessions and my assumptions taking a toll on me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to let you go. I can¡¯t let you go. Stay, Tessa, please! Let¡¯s build a life together. It doesn¡¯t matter whether we will have a baby of our own or not. You are enough for me. You love me just the way I am, right?¡± He implores.


    I am a hodgepodge of a lot of sentiments ¨C tion, contentment, awe, bewilderment, incredulity, and what else? I am about to explode! I don¡¯t know the phrase to this assortments, but this is what even the heaven can attest to.


    ¡°Yes. I love you with the whole of me, Jerol. I didn¡¯t intend to fall in love with you but it happened, and I don¡¯t regret it. I don¡¯t want to part ways with you. I want you beside me forever, until we both grow wrinkles and grey hair. I love you, Jerol.¡± I confess, and he nts a long kiss on the back of my hands.


    At this point, a tear drops from my eye! A tear of bliss. A tear of joy! It¡¯s true what they say ¨C that everything is made right at the right moment. I can now face his family and friends tomorrow with a clear notion of my exact ce in his life. May the heavens right this moment and make itst until eternity.


    This is what I want ¨C Him. He is all I want. I amplete with him.


    ¡°I promise to make you happy for the rest of my life, Tessa McCall, my beautiful priceless wife.¡± As if driven by magic, he brings his face and buries it into my belly while I massage his head, twitching at his gesture, especially when kisses it. His blood must be calling for him from my belly. Ooh, Jerol! Should I break the news to you and make this night super phenomenal?


    ¡°Jerol. There is something¡­¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± He whispers to my belly, arousing the sleeping butterflies.


    Freaking shit! He knows? How did he¡­


    I pull his face from my belly, jerking it to me in a stern stare. He doesn¡¯t look mad. He looks, vulnerable. So cool.


    ¡°Now that I am on my knees, love, can I ask you for a favor, please?¡± He speaks.


    I swallow hard, almost choking on the air.


    ¡°S¡­ ure! What is it?¡± I whimper.


    ¡°We will work on that shit of paper tomorrow after the dinner. We will burn it up, or tear it into the tiniest pieces and blow them with the wind, or whatever you will see as best fit.¡± He shifts in his knees, pressing my hand to his jaws with his as he adds. ¡°But until then, that paper doesn¡¯t exist, okay? Forget about it. We are now bound together by something beautiful and strong. We are bound by love.¡±And much much more ¨C a child, the very first fruit of our love, Jerol! The sign of this beautiful love.


    I breath out my tensions! So it was that, huh? And here I almost gave myself a superfluous heart attack thinking that he knows about my secret. Sigh!


    Tomorrow, then!?


    I know he has a surprise for me that is why he is keeping the major details of the dinner party a secret. So, how about I blow his mind and take him to cloud nine with the news of my pregnancy tomorrow? That will be fun, right? That way I will also have a surprise for him! I can¡¯t wait to see his face.


    ¡°I love your smile, baby, trust me, it¡¯s charming, but I need an answer, and I want it toe from your mouth in a believable voice. Tell me you won¡¯t think about¡­¡±¡±I promise, love, I won¡¯t! I will only think of you, and what we feel for each other. This sweet love that binds us.¡± I affirm, and he closes his eyes.


    I lean my face down, and nt an assuring kiss on his lips that turned into a long one. Pulling away, he remains facing up, searching the heaven with his glowing bottomless orbs.


    ¡°May it be certified in heaven that I this night vow to never let any harm befall you, Tessa. I will give you my all. Everything within my power and beyond, and I will never let anything tear us apart. That is my solemn vow!¡± He then draws his sweet gaze to me, taking away my breath.


    Such a deep vow!


    What am I supposed to say?


    Hang on first, well, there shouldn¡¯t be any fucking thing toe between us or I will wreck it into pieces and feed them to the devil! This gem is now mine! Forever! Until eternity! Let this be known to the world!


    I didn¡¯t know I was crying until I felt his fingers scouring my tears away.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything, my love.¡± He gets up with my aid, kissing my tears away, as I clench onto his shirt.


    ¡°I need to say something.¡± I smirk, slightly, and he smirks back too.


    ¡°Alright. What do you want to say?¡± He queries, his grin outshining the lights.


    Ipose myself.


    ¡°That, no matter what, I will always be here ¨C for you, and for us. I will never let you go, and I will never get tired of loving you, Jerol.¡± I know that doesn¡¯t sound anywhere close to his deep vow, but I tried, right? And I mean every single word!


    ¡°Even if I go crazy again?¡± He teases.


    ¡°I will still never give up on you, but I pray that you remain this way.¡± I respond, and under the moon, the beautiful stars, and under the beautiful heaven, we seal our vows with a beautiful kiss.


    Hello, tomorrow? Are you ready for this? We are gonna shake up the world with the news! Yay! I can¡¯t wait!

 CHAPTER 42

    BEAUTIFUL COINCIDENCES


    ¡°But of course! How can I forget how ridiculous I looked that day? Gosh!¡± I respond to Jerol¡¯s teases as we sip on our juices.


    ¡°You looked cute. I still remember how you looked with that chicken in your mouth unable to do a thing about it.¡± He says again.


    He is bent on making a good mockery of me tonight. I am not whining though. How can I when I want him to continue talking so that I can relish being in hisp for some more time? I wish this could go on until tomorrow. And another thing, it really thrills me to see him this happy. It brings me so much joy to speak with him like this.


    ¡°Yeah? I really looked cute, huh? Gosh! I looked like a balloon ready to burst.¡± I respond, punching him slightly in the chest as he cracks his ribs.


    Today the heavenly bodies can attest to the glee we are sharing, and we deserve it. We both do. I pray that thissts forever. As soon as now, I can picture my happy life with him and our kids. That will be such a joy and fulfilment.


    ¡°I found it cute, somehow. You seemed so innocent and unbelievably cool, and for a moment I wondered whether a person like you was ever in existence.¡± He says, drawing circles on my thighs with his thumbs.


    ¡°I see. So, you started falling for me that soon, huh?¡± I tease, cupping his jaws after settling my empty ss on the floor too.


    ¡°No. I just found you exceptional, and over the time you have really proved me right. You are special. A remarkable gem of a kind. I am a such a lucky guy to have been blessed with you, wifey.¡± His eyes are glowing as he speaks, holding mine.


    Between me, who he took from those disgusting pigpens and turned my whole life around, and him, with whatever little or much that I have done for him, who is lucky? I feel like I am the most lucky one. Where would I be, right now? I would be still suffering in my so-called mother¡¯s hands. Or I would have probably sumbed to those sufferings and given up on life.


    That beautiful tragedy that morning came at the most God-chosen time. I should probably visit that site and thank its new owner for demolishing my shop that morning.


    ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡± Jerol implores, snapping my mind back to him.


    ¡°No! I just thought of our encounter. I wish those fools who demolished my store back then would know what a beautiful tragedy they brought upon my life.¡± I whimper with a smile, and he smirks slightly too. Not the kind of smirk I was expecting, but nothing toin about still.


    ¡°Do¡­ you perhaps, know who them?¡± He queries, browsing my face.


    Maybe he is thinking what I am thinking. That those fools should make sure to never cross my path because I will feed them rotten shit! IMAO! On a sane thought, maybe I will just brush past them with my head held high and pretend that I really don¡¯t know them.


    ¡°No really. Just the grumpy fool I talked to that morning. The jerk was such an ugly rude bastard!¡± I spit with anger, and this time he smirks real broad.


    I know. I have never used such a naughtynguage in front of him.


    ¡°Would you like to pay the site a visit?¡± Huh? I snap my face at him. ¡°Maybe you will be lucky to bump into the owner this time around and pour all your anger on him.¡± He winks, a mischievous wink.


    I am grinning broadly like an idiot from his propositions. Is he crazy? How can he suggest that?


    ¡°Are you joking? It¡¯s toote, Jerol!¡± I state, but failing to curb the urge of the thrill of what he is suggesting.


    ¡°It won¡¯t hurt to try our luck.¡± He stands with me in his arms, my legs wrapped around his waist. ¡°What do you say, Mrs McCall?¡±Mmh!


    I peel my legs off him, signalling him to put me down which he does, but we remain in each other¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Bad idea, Mr CEO! I might lose my cool when I see that jerk and trust me, you wouldn¡¯t like to see my angry face.¡± I say, and he chuckles out loud.


    What¡¯s funny?


    ¡°What if that is exactly what I want to see, baby?¡± He queries, arcing an eyebrow.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to scare you away with it.¡± I tease.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be.¡± He responds, the smirk still on.


    He seems enthralled by this more than I am.


    ¡°Even if I punch that guy and break out a fight over there?¡± I joke.


    ¡°Even then. What¡¯s more, you don¡¯t have to worry because nobody would dare mess with the wife of Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall!¡± He ascertains.


    ¡°I see.¡± I say.


    ¡°So, shall we?¡± He queries, pulling me with him into the bedroom and out of the door.


    This feels so cheesy. Why I am still smiling ear to ear like an idiotic idiot even when this seems all crazy is more crazier. It¡¯s almost midnight for God¡¯s sake and we have a party tomorrow to prepare for yet here we are, acting like two sweet sixteens.


    About thirty minutes drive, we get to the familiar road. At that spot I got hit by this man beside me. I remember this ce so well. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t remember how his face looked that day after hitting me. I fell unconscious immediately, and I woke up in heaven. That is what his castle felt, what it still feels.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I keep my eyes on the road, realizing that that ce should be around here near, and I prepare to shout the ce for him once I spot it.


    I wonder how his face looked when he saw some kind of a ghost or zombie in the form of a young girl wandering on the busy road back then. Jeez! I must have scared the hell out of him. Good thing it¡¯s only me he hit.


    ¡°Here we are!¡± He says, turning to the ce that I recognize so well, but, wait¡­


    I mask the smile I didn¡¯t know I was exhibiting. He didn¡¯t ask for directions? I don¡¯t remember mentioning this ce to him. Sure, I told him about my store but I never mentioned where it was located.


    And men, did this ce change? The person who bought it did enough justice in beautifying the ce, but that doesn¡¯t justify the cruelty he did to me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to get out?¡± My husband asks as he holds the door for me, asking for my hand to lend me some aid.


    Too romantic, but I am notining.


    Ie out, still in awe of the beauty of the huge supermarket before me, but hey, if I was in awe of the supermarket, now I am about to conk out from what I am seeing before me.


    A newly beautiful petro station! I start to freeze as Jerol get clears the way to give me an explicit view of the shock before me.


    The name is inscribed in clear bold and huge letters that only a blind person would miss, but I, with my two eyes and strong vision power, the letters seem so blurry for my sight.


    I blink a couple of times, then drag my eyes from the name to the man beside me, and then I drag my shock back to the name again, connecting the letters one by one to what I presume is written.


    R-O-Y-A-L ¨C OIL-AND-GAS!


    I would like to believe that I am hallucinating things, that I am reading the name wrong, but the logo! The signature green colour! The slogan, ¡°best quality, right quantity, best service¡±, is also smiling at me. I can¡¯t be freaking reading and seeing everything wrong, right?


    I turn to him, and he is staring at me with a very serious face that I haven¡¯t seen in days.


    He was the one who bought this ce?


    ¡°Now babe, you have the pleasure of pping that person who destroyed your store, and turned your world upside down.¡± He says.


    No! He is¡­


    ¡°Boss?¡± A guy disrupts us. This one?! How can I forget this pumpkin head who spoke to me with so much disgust that day, huh? I remember him telling me that they don¡¯t employ women. He thought I was aborer. ¡°What brings you here sote?¡± He asks, shaking Jerols¡¯s hand, and ignoring me as if I am as invisible as the dirt he is stepping on.


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m just taking my wife for some rounds.¡± Jerol says, holding my hand, and the guy finally notices me.


    Maybe I am a dwarf to his tall figure because his grin doesn¡¯t suggest anything like him ignoring me a minute ago.


    ¡°Wow! Greetings, Mrs McCall!¡± He greets me, extending his hand that I shake without saying anything. I am still in shock.


    So, this guy caused two tragedies in my life. Two idents that same day!


    ¡°Do you need anything, boss?¡± He asks after realising I have no intentions of responding to his greetings.


    ¡°Nothing. Is everything in order?¡± Jerol speaks.


    ¡°Yes. Everything is okay.¡± The guy whose name I have not yet gotten nor am I interested to know says.


    ¡°Okay. It¡¯s alright then. You can carry on with our work.¡± Jerol dismisses him, and he turns to me.


    ¡°Well? I am waiting for those ps, and insults, and punches, and¡­¡±I reach for him, but not in the way he anticipated. It¡¯s not my p or my fist that greets his jaw, no! It¡¯s my lips crashing on his, sealing his lips, not even minding where we are, nor the pairs of thousands of eyes watching us.


    How can I p him? Why would I even p him? I don¡¯t know what orders he had given that day, but I also remember that monkey saying that the person who had rented me the shop disappeared into thin air when they started looking for him. He had built on an illegal property. I remember the words clearly as we dive into this kiss.


    If there are scores I need to settle with any freaking guy, it is that idiot that imed to be the owner of the shop, and this monkey that doesn¡¯t seem to remember me at all.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I expected.¡± Jerol remarks when we pull away, my face warming up in his arms as I clench onto his shirt.


    ¡°Nothing about us was ever expected, right? It¡¯s just one coincidence after another.¡± I retort.


    ¡°Beautiful coincidences.¡± He grins before adding. ¡°So, you are not mad at me.¡± He queries.


    ¡°Do I have a reason to?¡± I ask, looking into his eyes.


    ¡°I feel, yes.¡± He responds, sincerely.


    I shake my head!


    ¡°No, Jerol. Our love has made everything right. But I still feel like flogging that jerk!¡± I say, and he smiles.


    ¡°You have my permission. Trust me, he won¡¯t even have the balls to ask why you did that.¡± Be says.


    Balls, huh? He is getting dirty for the first time.


    ¡°Nah, baby! Let¡¯s just go home, my love. We are better off cuddling on our bed other than causing some scandal out here.¡± Speaking of which. I make the mistake to cruise my eyes around us. ¡°What the¡­¡±We snap our eyes at the multitude of people watching us from all corners, some having their cameras on us. How the hell didn¡¯t we see the shes sooner? Omg! We can¡¯t¡­


    I snap to Jerol leaning to my lips again, making me jerk away a little.


    ¡°Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s give them a captivating romantic view?¡± He whimpers to my lips, crashing his on mine, drawing me to yet another kissing episode.


    I can hear the cameras shing on us, the murmuring and cheers echoing in my ears from all the corners, and also howls from above attesting to this sweet moment ¨C a moment that nothing matters more than this. No voice matters but the voice of the echoes and desires of the heart.

 CHAPTER 43

    THE NIGHT COUPLE


    It¡¯s that spectacr day that the world is about to learn about the sweetest unprecedented love that ever subsisted. A love that crossed all boundaries and endured everything to flourish. The world will definitely tremble with this news, and I, I am blown, and I can¡¯t wait for that moment when the news will touch the ears of the earth. I can¡¯t wait for the tremor as the world shakes in awe.


    I¡¯m thrilled as it clocks 5 P. M.


    After giving myself a once-over look in the mirror as I idolize myself, I can¡¯t help but chuckle to myself. It is not about the mour of this dress that gives me a different kinda look, but how naturally beautiful I feel right now both inside and outside. I never bothered caring about how I looked in anybody¡¯s eyes, but today, today I feel just the way I wanted to feel ¨C beautiful, for my Jerol. I want to entuate him, my Knight, in most of the senses even if not all. I wanted to look spectacr for the man who means the world to me.


    Catching a glimpse of his breathtaking frame behind me in the mirror, I take a slow turn, but I meet him thunderstruck, the newspaper he went for downstairs dropping from his hands to the floor. I would have loved to flirter myself that I am such an enchantment to the point of turning my husband like this, but the photo on the front page of the magazine he was holding turned my wild presumptions into wishes.


    Shivers of ice sting my skin as I bend down to obtain the newspaper, unbelievably glueing my eyes to the two faces in my view. Wondering who? Guess what? It¡¯s me and Jerol. Yes! The photos fromst night have gone viral. We are on the front page and thankfully I haven¡¯t turned the tv on because I would be freezing.


    ¡°NIGHT COUPLE!¡±


    That¡¯s the headline of the story, and a beautifully captivating site of us lost in a deep kiss under the moonlight is crystal clear in the disy.


    Wow! Freaking wow! How news travel faster, huh!


    We seem so lost in this kiss, and I am wondering how long it took for us to re-discover ourselves. We look so beautiful, and in love, which doesn¡¯t exin his reaction to this.


    I know our lives are about to take a drastic shift today after his surprise, but I believe it¡¯s for the best. I believe in this ¨C in this love, like he has always urged me. So, why is he so, so, so¡­ Gosh! I can¡¯t even exin what he looks like.


    ¡°Jerol?¡± I snap a finger to his face, and a weird conny smile shes on his lips as he shakes his head. ¡°I am sorry about this.¡± I murmur, holding the newspaper steady for him.


    He smirks again, grabbing the newspaper and scanning it with his eyes, as if he had not seen it.


    An inted eyebrow from him evolves deep furrows on my face, soliciting him to kindly exin the gesture because I do not understand him at all.


    ¡°What?¡± He queries for me. I should be the one asking that from him, right?


    ¡°What?¡± I imitate him.


    ¡°Why are you apologizing?¡± He asks.


    Okay. He is not blind. He can see, right? And he hasn¡¯t forgotten how lost he looked a while ago, right? The damn newsletter even slipped out of his hands because he was so lost and shocked and now he acts as if there is nothing? As if he can¡¯t make out what is in the newspaper? As if the faces on the front page don¡¯t ring a bell to him?


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see?¡± I grab the damn newspaper, and point the images to him. ¡°This, Jerol! We are the talk of the nation now. Don¡¯t you get it?¡± I query.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°And you are worried?¡±


    Huh?


    Huh!


    Me or him? Wasn¡¯t he so sick worried that he didn¡¯t have a thing to say s minute ago?


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡± I implore, throwing the damn thing on the bed.


    ¡°Should I be? Do I have a reason to be?¡±


    Hang on! What sort of retorts is this guy giving, huh? Reminds me of our first dialogue right here in this room when my eyes opened after that ident. I found him so irritatingly annoying with his rudeness.


    ¡°Look, love.¡± He closes the gap between us, caging my face between his warm palms as he nts an unexpected kiss on my lips. ¡°I anticipated this toe out noter thanst night when the cameras shed on us. It¡¯s surprisingly took so long ording to my predictions.¡±Wait¡­ I am missing out on something here.


    ¡°You¡­ You knew this would happen?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Of course. I am Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall. A young billionaire whom people know nothing about except my family name and what earns me my billions. Being caught up in the middle of nowhere in such aprising situation would most definitely never be for nothing.¡± He exins, soothing my cheeks.


    And yet he did it? He even seduced me into posing for the cameras knowing well that we would make headlines?


    ¡°Then you should have avoided it!¡± I affirm, and he cocks his face.


    ¡°Why?¡± He implores.


    ¡°The hell, Jerol! We would have avoided this! We wouldn¡¯t be in the newspapers.¡± I exin because it¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t get it.


    ¡°We are not even only on the papers. The Tv stations, radios, and all the media channels are talking about us, Tessa.¡±Yeah, I know! There is no way you can appear in the papers and miss out on the media channels, right? But why is he now so cool? Why am I the only one fussing?


    ¡°Tell me the truth, Jerol.¡± I speak, boring deep into his eyes and hoping to get to their bottom which I know is so impossible. ¡°Are you sure this does not bother you at all?¡± I implore.


    ¡°When it is me and my beautiful wife whom I love with all my heart that the nation is talking about, do I need to worry or be happy?¡± He queries.


    Riddles! Just, riddles!


    ¡°Then¡­ why did I get the feeling that you were worried sick a while ago?¡± I ask, guessing that maybe I might have misjudged him.


    He smirks, but with a bitter smirk that draws me into a state of bewilderment.


    ¡°You saw the sorrows I had buried deep down in me when you were merely a stranger, Tessa. How did you miss it, today?¡± Huh? I¡¯m arcing an eyebrow to air my oblivion to him. And my heart is aching as he continues. ¡°How did you forfeit my gesture?¡±Okay! So, it¡¯s not about the photo. It is neither about the fact that the entire world knows about us now, presumably. What did I miss? And dang! It hurts to know that I got this all wrong.


    ¡°Why did¡­¡±


    ¡°Because, how can I maintain my breathing when my wife bleeds this breathtaking beauty, huh? I saw you and my mind started rolling under these sheets with you right away. That is what happened.¡±Dang!


    How wrong can I ever be?


    And how sexy is that? Without even casting a nce at my husband, I can take his breath away that easily. Ooh, my! And here I was kicking my butt for nothing! Silly me! Overthinking will kill me someday.


    ¡°Why are you smiling now?¡± He queries again.


    I drape my hands around his neck.


    ¡°Two things. One, I just realized how wrong I was, and second, I feel so hot after what you just said.¡± I say, pecking his lips.


    ¡°I see. So, do you want us to steal a minute?¡± He teases, but I know he would not miss that chance whatsoever.


    I love it when he gets so cocky, but today, today I want us to get under these sheets with clear minds. When we finally confess to each other, and when there are no more secrets between us. After the party. Then, we can roll under the sheets the whole night and day if possible. And I am ooh so waiting for tonight.


    ¡°I would love to, but hubby, I¡¯m sorry. I will have to say no to you for the first time.¡± I say.


    ¡°Damn! And you know how fucking first times hurt, right?¡± He cuts me off with tantrums.


    ¡°I know, baby, and I am sorry to hurt you today but, I will be all yours tonight. Let¡¯s just attend to the guests now, yeah?¡± I soothe.


    I love how he looks like a baby begging for ice cream right now.


    ¡°As you say, boss! But tonight, be warned. This castle will be crammed with nothing but your sweet endless moans of my name. The walls of this castle will tremble to your moans, baby.¡±Shit! That thought alone though! So alluring! So cheesy! So freaking dirty! Where will the servants be, huh?


    ¡°Then let¡¯s attend to the guests and the party already so that we can get back here sooner. I am already burning from that thought alone, husbae!¡± I meant to say something else so different. me this on my bitchy side.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then, my beauty queen?¡± He says, taking my hand at tucking it in his arm.


    ¡°Sure, hun.¡± I respond.


    Hand in hand, side by side, we stride out to meet the quests, the party mode activated!


    Let¡¯s party!

 CHAPTER 44

    THE BOW


    The sun is smooching the sky, saying goodbye to the day and ushering in the night. The first part of this party has been so good so far. Everyone is having fun and enjoying a kick out of the party to the fullest.


    I have mingled a lot with some of Jerol¡¯s distinguished guests, and his parents too. Everyone was nice, except for that gross woman he has for a mother. She didn¡¯t seem to be so delighted, but today though, she didn¡¯t seem to be so annoyingly antagonistic as before. I could not wrap my finger well around her mood swings during the few minutes we were together. I would also love to steal a nce at her from afar, but this ce is flooded with people. It¡¯s hard to spot someone except my husband who identally happens to be everywhere my eyesnd. How did Jerol even organize all this in just a day?


    Looking at my prince charming as he mingles with his people, I must say that I am seeing the most glossiest face on earth in him. I love the way he seems free and happy. That smile, is something I can¡¯t take my eyes off. Something that satisfies my heart.


    I would have loved to be by his side all the time till the end, but my lethargic pregnant self couldn¡¯t cope ambling around for so long. The heels are like a thorn in my feet as well, hence why I had to leave him alone for a bit and take a rest. I should join him now because being beside him is my duty and pleasure.


    OMO!


    Come to think of it¡­ How will I break my surprise to him, huh? I mean, I just can not grab the microphone and fix my eyes on his and howl to the world that I am carrying his baby, damn! Now why did I not think of a way to break this news? Or should I just whisper to his ears after he breaks his surprise for me? Gosh! What was I thinking? Hang on, ooh, I know. Maybe I should just ce his hand gently on my belly, and rub it around as I whisper the news between us? That sounds a little bit better, right? Yeah! But so old-school! Dang it!


    ¡°You seem so lost for someone who is hosting such a huge party!¡± A voice strokes my ears from behind me.


    Even without turning, I know that itching tone very well. I have mastered it so well. Hopefully, she isn¡¯t here to cause trouble. I am in an ecstatic mood today. I don¡¯t want anything to wreck this joy from me. But I also know this woman, and I also know that there is a threshold to what I can take. I should go to Jerol to avert getting into any trouble if I pay attention to this enemy of my peace.


    I stand up ready to leave. Thest time we spoke, the dialogue ended not so well. Since she has eyes and can clearly see that I redeemed her son, or should I say that ¡°I fixed her son¡±, as she put it back then, I should leave her to deal with her own issues alone. She brings nothing but trouble whenever she looks for me. I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t deal with her bitchy self today.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Turning around, I meet with her face racking right in front of my nose. The way I am dwarfed beneath her tall demoanor sucks more than the dismal expression on her face. There is no tinge of mockery ¨C the crown she always wears whenever she faces me. There is no anger, nor joy, and you know what, I don¡¯t give a damn what her problem is or what her moods insinuates. My goal is to escape her. She is like a chameleon ¨C camouging in a second. She is always a ticking bomb, ready to blow me up every time we crash. But not today.


    ¡°I will go to my husband.¡± I thought it decent enough to excuse myself. She should know that I am not a bitch as she sees me. She just provokes me.


    Trying to lift up my leg to evade her, she pins her hand on my right shoulder, stopping me. I know. She doesn¡¯t like intimidations. I had to y the obedient girl and take a step back, but deep down, I am like, ¡°What the heck now, woman¡±? I mean, she doesn¡¯t hate me that much to awaken my demons now, does she?


    ¡°Look here, Mrs McCall, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you at least force yourself to call me mother?¡±Heaven ising down to earth! What¡¯s that? Where did that evene from? Definitely not from her. But, she is the only person before me.


    Mother? She must be joking if not confused! I mean, does she know who she is talking to? It is me, for crying out loud! The girl she never liked from the very first day she set her eyes on. The same girl she has taunted and looked down upon over and over again and again ever since day one of our encounter. The one she almost kicked out of her son¡¯s house and life. The one she made it clear that she can never be part of this family. And now, this? Is she a joke herself?


    I was about to speak, to let her know that it is me, Angelica, like she annoyingly calls me, but she beat me to it.


    ¡°Congrattions, Tessa! You passed the test.¡± Huh? Test, huh? She throws a quick nce at Jerol, and I follow her gaze, staring at the criterion of beauty known as my husband. ¡°I have never seen my son this way. He seems totally a brand new person, all thanks unto you.¡± She drags her gaze back to me, and I fix mine on her as she adds. ¡°It¡¯s not in my nature to bow to someone, but I give you a bow today. You won this one, and I must say that I didn¡¯t believe in your capabilities even just one bit.¡±Of course! She didn¡¯t have to say that.


    ¡°And so, just because I redeemed your son, I have now reaped an emblem to be considered a McCall?¡± I ask, and she goes mute. So unlike her. I take the opportunity to add. ¡°Just so you know, Mrs McCall, I did not do it for you, madam. I didn¡¯t stay just to try and pass your test so that you can finally ept me. As I told you before, I do not need to prove myself to no one! Jerol¡¯s love alone is more than enough for me. At least for him, I didn¡¯t have to prove myself or anything.¡± I stop, and she drops her ss of juice to the table before speaking.


    ¡°I understand where you areing from, Tessa. But I need you also to understand that I was just looking out for my son.¡± She says, boldly as if she merits a medal for treating me like garbage before.


    So it was okay for her to throw all those insults and usations at me in the freaking name of looking out for her son? How¡­ nkt! The only thing calming my demons down right now is the fact that at least she is not calling me that old granny¡¯s name.


    ¡°Looking out for your son, you say? I am not a mother yet, but I think looking out for my son¡¯s well-being would mean considering and respecting his choices. I was Jerol¡¯s choice, but you didn¡¯t even bother giving me a chance to prove myself. Your son was a mess, yet instead of understanding what he was going through, you diverted all your attention to questioning his choice of wife. How does that sum up to looking out for your own son?¡± I query, and her face hunches down.


    Mrs High and Mighty? Bowing down? This is news, but I don¡¯t whether to call it good or bad news.


    She looks up after some seconds, her aqua eyes full of remorse and regrets and sorrow. I didn¡¯t even know she had such beautiful eyes.


    ¡°Look, Tessa. I am sorry, okay? I was just being a mother in my own way. Believe you me, I love Jerol so much even if I don¡¯t show it always. I apologize for all the bad things I said to you. I really am sorry. Let us leave bygones be, and start afresh. As a family.¡± She pleads.


    Family? Smirk at that!


    ¡°I still don¡¯t have a surname, Madam McCall. I will never have one, and I don¡¯t have a family like yours. As far as I recall, social standards and surnames matter to you so much.¡± I speak.


    ¡°Not anymore. I might not know you, but I trust in Jerol. There must have been something special in you that attracted him, and I believe I have seen it. Your forbearance, your vigor, your love and care, your strong will¡­ The list is endless. My husband wasn¡¯t wrong when he said that Jerol was mining a gold. You are the best thing that happened to Jerol. Wee to the family, Tessa Angeline, McCall!¡± She says, extending her hands wide open for something I find so hard toprehend.


    ¡°If I failed to redeem your son, would you have epted me?¡± I ask.


    ¡°The fact that you stayed and endured everything. The fact that you tried even when it seemed impossible and under all the pressures you were in, that alone is enough, my daughter. You are a true loving, caring, and dedicated wife. Wee to the family, my child.¡± Her hands are still wide open, a genuine smile stered on her lips.


    I fall into her arms, and she wraps them too tight around me. This feels so sweet and odd. Sweet, because I have never received even a single hug from my own mother. I never knew how it feels to be in a mother¡¯s arms. And this is odd because I had to experience this with a stranger. A total stranger!


    ¡°Wow! I didn¡¯t know there was a small party inside the main one. What¡¯s the asion?¡± Mr McCall startles us, and we break from the hug.


    I was about to tear up from that warmth. It is a feeling I can¡¯t exin. Sweet and warm and all so beautiful. Why did God have to give me such a mean mother, huh? Sha! That aside. She isn¡¯t worthy of ruining this day.


    ¡°I was just weing our daughter to the family. We should do a party at home to wee her properly, don¡¯t you agree?¡± Mrs McCall speaks, appalling even her own husband.


    ¡°Mmh. So, should I take it that you two have patched things up? No more bakering and¡­¡±¡±Hey, love! Come on! We have buried everything so don¡¯t take us back there. Don¡¯t be a killer joy!¡± She defends herself from her husband.


    ¡°Okay, my dear. I agree with the idea. And they should start preparing for the church wedding now, don¡¯t you think so?¡± Father says.


    The name father rolls out just on its own when ites to Mr McCall. He is such a sweet and understanding man from the beginning. Easy to blend with. That is why I don¡¯t struggle at all or feel odd addressing him as my father. I see a father figure in him, and I consider him a father that I never had. Fate is smiling at me for once in my life.


    ¡°You are right.¡± Mrs McCall chirps, turning to me as she adds. ¡°And they should start preparing to give us a grandchild soon. I can¡¯t wait to be a granny.¡±Ooh, my! She can¡¯t hide the rapture of that notion. Well, she will be. Sooner than she can know. Well, she already is since the seed is joyously growing in my belly.

 CHAPTER 45

    THE INTRUDER


    ¡°Are these two troubling you, love?¡± Jerol speaks emerging from behind me.


    He nts a kiss on my neck that arouses all the butterflies in my belly, causing jolts down my spine, and turning me into a shy sweet sixteen. Why wouldn¡¯t I feel shy? His parents are right in front of us for God¡¯s sake, and he had to do that?


    ¡°Just tell me if they are troubling you, baby.¡± He speaks again, turning me around to face him. A nice gesture so that I can hide my tomato-like face.


    ¡°What gives you the inkling that we are bothering our daughter, son?¡± Mrs McCall asks, earning a raised eyebrow from Jerol as he rubs my shoulders.


    ¡°You really are asking me that Mom? Really? You want an answer?¡± Jerol speaks.


    ¡°Come on son! Do you think so ill of me?¡± She pleads, and now I had to push my way to Jerol¡¯s side.


    ¡°No, mom. Not ill. I know that you do all that you do with good intents. But you know, Mom, there are better ways of tackling some issues.¡± Jerol says, calmly.


    ¡°I know, son. I came to my senses and I have apologized to Tessa, and Jerol. We are very much okay now, and I am certain that we will get along like mother and daughter. Actually, you know what? I so much wanted a daughter, but I couldn¡¯t bare one. But I am d now because God has blessed me with one.¡±Now that touched my soul, and I couldn¡¯t refuse my hand when she reached for it, caressing it.


    ¡°I¡¯m honored to have you as a daughter that I never had, Tessa.¡± She adds, still rubbing my hand.


    ¡°And I am so privileged to have a mother that I always yearned for, mom!¡± I said thest word in a whisper, which made her pull me away from Jerol as she enveloped me in a bear hug.


    I¡¯m loving this beginning already. I never contemted this miracle ensuing in the five months I have known this woman. The impossibles have turned possible.


    ¡°Thank you for giving me another chance.¡± She says when we pull away, both of us snuggling back to our partners.


    ¡°You are wee.¡± I whimper.


    ¡°Thank you both of you for patching things up. It means the world to me that the most important women in my life are on good terms.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°Anything for you son. I am sorry that I realized my mistakes sote, but I am d that I still have the opportunity to correct my wrongs.¡± Her mother adds.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Mom. The good thing is that you took the first step into this. It means a lot. My apologies to both of you for those few times I snapped at you.¡±I had to snap my head at him.


    Few times? Correction, countless times! And he did not just snap at them. He barked and roared and fumed at them like a disgruntled lion, and he finally shut them out.


    ¡°Okay, I know. For all those countless times I howled at you, I am deeply sorry!¡± He corrects after noticing my re.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright son. We understand you were not yourself. I apologize if we didn¡¯t understand what you were going through.¡± Father speaks.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, father. That is in the past now. Your son is back, all thanks to this beautifully wife that fate brought to my life.¡± He pecks my lips. Dang! Isn¡¯t he afraid of his parents? ¡°Our story is deep, and I have decided to let the world know about it.¡± He adds, smirking at me because of how red I look right now.


    ¡°You two made the news today.¡± Father remarks.


    ¡°That is nothing. Today I want to give them facts about our love story that will make headlines for at least a month and not just a day.¡± Jerol adds.


    ¡°What is the story?¡± Her mother curiously asks.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you settle down while I summon everyone to their seats too? It¡¯s storytime. This one will shock you, but if you have to get mad at someone, let it be me. Only me, but leave my wife out of it!¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°You are scaring me, son.¡± Her mother states, sounding exactly worried.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be, mother. Just have a seat.¡± We guide them to their seats, and then Jerol guides me to the podium on the red carpet. He takes the mic, and urges everyone to take their seats which they do with some blues ying in low keys in the background.


    I cling to him as the cameras start shing at us. The media was on standby, and I bet they knew when to summon their full attention.


    ¡°Greetings,dies and gentlemen.¡± He starts, and a cheerful loud roar of responses to his greetings echoes from everyone. He continues. ¡°It is my pleasure to have you all here tonight, and I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone for honoring our invitation at such a short notice.¡± He stops to clear his throat, while I dart my eyes around the multitude.


    Everyone seems so keen on what Jerol has to say, thenterns lightening the area amidst the falling darkness, the cameras unblinking on us.


    ¡°The theme of the party was to thank each and every person who stood by me when I was at my lowest. In whichever way that you stood by me, feel so much appreciated. The second reason for this party, was to talk about my redemption.¡± He drops his hand from my shoulders to my waist, pinning me to his hip as he addresses the crowd. ¡°They say that, when you hit the rock bottom, that is not usually the end. That there is always an angel who wille and grab your hand, and pull you up.¡±The next few minutes he elucidates about our encounter that left people with their jaws sweeping the floor with amazement. Of course, their reaction is warranted. Our story is unique in all ways. Jerol didn¡¯t exin the details of his past rtionship. He only said that the breakup left him so heartbroken, and I understand. Some things are too personal to be let out in the public.


    ¡°And like they say, love never knocks. It just strikes you. Before I could even figure out how that angel was able to pull me from that state of depression, I was already in love with her. And today, I want to show her to the world- the woman that means everything to me. The angel that rescued me from the blink of a quagmire of sorrows. The woman whom I love with all of my heart, body, and soul. My redemption ¨C my beautiful wife, because even if our contract has ended, our love is an unending contract, and I am never breaking this contract for whatever reasons. I love you, Tessa McCall! I love you with all of my heart and with everything that I have.¡±I am tearing up, while the echoes of cheers fill the entirepound. I am looking at him but I can¡¯t find the exact words to say. My mouth is wide open, but no words seem to being out, until someone decided to speak for me.


    ¡°What about me, Jerol?!¡±


    Everyone, and I mean every single head in this party turns in the direction of that voice.


    At the entrance of the garden where the red carpet starts, stands a beautiful woman. Her face is heavily polished with all kinds of makeups, and there is a familiar face of a man beside her. None of the aforementioned is even the issue. The thing that is about to bring me to my knees is the huge belly bump that she is caressing as if sending a message to someone in this crowd.


    Another perplexing thing about her is how she is sternly fixing her eyes on Jerol. She isn¡¯t squinting even just once, and that doesn¡¯t sit well with me. It¡¯s making me tremble with all sorts of feelings. Her belly bump is about seven months, presumably, and the way she is hugging it with her arms on the sides as she stares at Jerol who also, apparently can¡¯t take his gaze off the woman and her belly is threatening my cool.


    ¡°Jerol?¡± I whimper, grasping his hand in a possessive stance. ¡°Who¡­¡±Before I can even ask what I wanted, the heavy-weight pregnant woman states marching towards us with pride, everyone standing on their feet to acknowledge the intruder.


    As if she deserves any attention!


    I am holding my breath as she makes her way to us. By the time she racks before us, her male puppet beside her, I am missing out on air.


    I don¡¯t know how Jerol¡¯s parents got on the podium, but they are here, their eyes, like the rest of the people, are on the scene before us, but their gazes are darting from the woman to this other guy that I now recognize as Jerol¡¯s brother whom I saw in the portraits.


    If he is with this woman, then what is with her fucking question to my husband? What does she have to do with Jerol?


    ¡°Jerol?¡± I whimper, but suddenly today, my Jerol doesn¡¯t recognize me nor my voice, because he doesn¡¯t call my name.


    ¡°ELLIE!?¡±


    His utterance turns me into a stone of ice. Everything stands still ¨C the heaven, hell, and the earth, and everyone else in this party stands in awe of us. Even the ozoneyer has stopped releasing oxygen.


    ¡°ELLIE?!¡± I didn¡¯t mean to, but the disgusting name just rolled out from my mouth on its own.


    How this bitch snaps at me is annoying. The way she is strangling me with her gazes is more annoying. And, will her child fall from the belly if she stops hugging it like this? Everything about her is freaking me out! From her name, to the way she is conducting herself, every single bit of her strokes my core.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you introduce me, Jerol? Me and our baby!¡± She speaks again, shocking even Jerol¡¯s parents, while Jerol is yet to recover from this shock too.


    Baby? Their baby?


    She lost their baby before abandoning Jerol, right? Someone say yes, please!!! She lost the baby, right?

 CHAPTER 46

    SHE¡¯S BACK


    ¡°Son? What the heck is happening here?¡± Mrs McCall asks in utter confusion.


    Jerol has been a statue ever since times in memorial. I doubt if he can even hear his mother¡¯s voice. His eyes are not focused so much on this woman¡¯s face but on her belly, and I can¡¯t help but think that he is getting a kick out of thinking that he may be the father of Ellie¡¯s baby. I know how much he wanted a baby, how much he still yearns for one. I am cognizant that he also loved this woman with the whole of his heart. He went insane when she left, and that alone elucidates how deep he was into her. That is why I don¡¯t think he is even aware of his brother¡¯s presence. His entire focus is on the belly bump and I¡¯m sorry for what I am feeling right now.


    ¡°Umh¡­ baby?¡± I call in a low soothing tremor, and by good luck, I manage to snap him out of wherever he was lost to.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    The peek he gives me is a look of confusion, as if he has a zillion things to say and yet nothing to say at all. Or he just does not know where to begin and how to say it.


    I get his turmoil and loss of words. I mean, he deemed this woman a ghost for those few months now. He looked for her but all his efforts hit a hard rock. And just now, when he had let it all go, when he had forgotten her, when he had finally found himself again, just when he had learned to love me, the ghost just reappears?


    From where?


    And just now of all times and days?


    Why just fucking now?


    And, hang on¡­


    I snap my eyes at the two faces before us again. This one, I don¡¯t know his name yet, but where was he all this while? While Jerol was having a crisis, where was he?


    ¡°He is somewhere in the world, having fun!¡± Those were the exact words of Mrs McCall when I couldn¡¯t suppress my curiosity about this other son that not even Jerol mentions. It felt weird that he didn¡¯t care about his brother. I never saw him call Jerol even just once all my five months in this family.


    So, he was having fun? And he returned with this nightmare of a woman? Is she the woman he had been having fun with? They seem like two people who know each other well, ording to my urate conjectures, and that is, if I am in my right senses, right? I mean, she was his brother¡¯s fiance, so what can possibly exin what I am thinking if I am not losing it?


    ¡°Now, what the fuck are you staring at, you cheap whore?!¡± I¡¯m snapped from my stare cruise by the animalistic outbursts of this other brother who seems worse than a dirty-mouthed jerk!


    Son of a¡­


    I am sorry! I didn¡¯t realize I was browsing theyers of his gloomy disconcerting face all that while. But, what the fuck gives him the right to call me a whore?


    I was about to squirt all my beef at him, but I caught Jerol¡¯s sight. He just shifted his gaze to his brother for the first time, and I wish he would have just stayed unaware of his presence. The look he is giving his brother is a look of dread. His eyes are bleeding something more than death. Something that made their father stand between them.


    Something is odd! So odd between these two brothers. They seem like some kind of rivals ¨C mortal rivals, I would say.


    ¡°Cut it out you two, please! The media and the guests are watching!¡± Father pleads.


    ¡°Tell your beloved son to calm the fuck down. I thought he changed¡­¡±¡±One more word, Grego, and I will send you back to where you came from with broken bones and teeth less. And if you don¡¯t want to return back there in a filthy casket, you better respect my wife!¡± Jerol yells, and at this time, Mrs McCall had to speak to the media to stop capturing the scenario.


    What a mess! This was deemed to be the happiest day, but now, I can¡¯t tell how this will end ¨C how the day I was so anticipating will end. All glory to this bitch and her Mr arrogant.


    ¡°Wife?!¡± We all snap to that angelic voice of this Ellie, the ghost woman.


    Why is she astounded? Why is she creaking hurt, huh? What was she expecting? That Jerol was still waiting for her after that long and given the way she arrogantly left him? She must be¡­


    ¡°Yes, Ellie! My wife! Any problem with that?¡± Jerol rifies, and the bitch conjures a miserable face. She is even about you break down in tears, but I am getting a creepy sense of her actions. Maybe it¡¯s me and my possessiveness for Jerol that is refusing to see any good thing about this woman. Or maybe there is some sense in what I am sensing.


    ¡°How could you, Jerol?!¡± There. She is in crocodile tears, but she is making it so real and pitiful. ¡°What about me and our child?¡± She cries out, and now everyone is surrounding us. Fortunately enough, no one is taking videos or photos. It would be such a scandal if this leaks out. It will be a shame for such a distinguished family.


    ¡°What about you, Ellie?¡± Jerol fumes, trying as best as he can to remain calm. He is clenching my hand, the best way he knows to calm himself down, and this picture is stroking the arse of this pregnant contentious bitch. ¡°And the child? What fucking child are you talking about? The one you lost? The¡­¡±¡±I did not lose our child!¡± She barks, invoking a chilling lull in the area. I guess she just realized that her cloak was of no use. At least not the way she had presumably anticipated. She drys her tears, wearing a bitchy face ¨C bold, stered with pride. A look that ording to me says, ¡°I am here for a mission, and I ain¡¯t losing¡±.


    ¡°You told me yourself that you lost the baby. You even med me for that before leaving, remember?¡± Jerol speaks.


    ¡°I know what I said, but that is what I thought. I slipped and when I saw blood I got scared. I didn¡¯t have anyone to rush me to the hospital immediately and, you didn¡¯t return any of my calls when I needed you the most, Jerol. I thought all was gone.¡±Am I the only one who finds her exnations just stic, like her? The fact remains she is pregnant. Why did she leave then? Why did she lie?


    ¡°I suppose that you knew the child was safe when you got to the hospital. Then why did you return with a different story? Were you just looking for a way out by ming me and lying to me?¡± Jerol speaks.


    ¡°I wanted to teach you a lesson. To be a responsible man. I wanted to remind you of the promises you made when we began this journey. That you will never leave my side. That I will never miss your presence. Promises you hadpletely forgotten. You were so upied with work to the point of forgetting me and our baby.¡± She screeches.


    Ahem! I have nothing toment on that, but just a by the way, I feel she is just ying the victim here. I know Jerol, and I can attest to the fact that he isn¡¯t who she is depicting. Madam, crying baby!


    ¡°Still, whether I failed on my promises or not, nothing, nothing justifies what you did to me, Ellie! You of all people knew how much this baby meant to me, yet you had the guts to lie to my face and storm out of my life with my baby? You are heartless, Ellie! I can¡¯t even believe I loved such a cruel person.¡± Jerol discharges a bitter smirk, caging his forehead between his hand to massage his temples with his thumb and middle finger.


    He is bleeding inside. He is losing it. He is about to explode. I know him well. I hug his arm tight, soothing him, letting him know that his redemption is right here. He can¡¯t break down.


    ¡°I am sorry, love. I realized my mistake, and I am here to correct my wrongs. I brought your baby back to you, Jerol. See, we are here, me and your baby!¡±Can I p this bitch?


    She is here? With a baby? She brought the freaking baby back? That shit is she puking?!


    What about me? I may not be unting my pregnancy, it may be a top-secret, but I am fucking pregnant too, and heaven knows I can never do to Jerol what she did. So she is back? As what? His baby mama? Or does she expect to be weed back with open arms just because she brought the baby she denied him a chance to be with throughout her months of pregnancy? The nerve of this bitch!


    ¡°You are a father, Jerol! My love, we can start again ¨C you, me, and baby Jerol Jr. Here is the baby you so much wanted, my love.¡± The witch speaks, making my ears itch. I watch as she takes a step forward.


    My love!? The balls this insolent bitch has have gone through a sequel of refinement, I say. And she is stroking my demons really badly!


    I grab her hand before she reaches for Jerol¡¯s hand, holding her back. She fires at me with her devious res, and I fire back.


    I don¡¯t care what they had. I don¡¯t give a damn why she is back, neither do I give a fuck about anything, but disrespecting me is something I won¡¯t condone. If I did not let the High and Mighty Mrs McCall throw me out of Jerol¡¯s life when I had absolutely no grounds whatsoever to fight for my ce in Jerol¡¯s life, this whore must have no senses at all to think that she can just take my ce.


    I am the one Jerol acknowledges as his wife. I am the one who stood by him when everyone left, when she abandoned him. I am the one he now loves. The fact that I am the one he is holding on to right now is more than enough proof that I am the only one he wants. The one he needs.


    ¡°Let go of my hand, you¡­¡±


    ¡°I will, if you step away from my husband.¡± I cut the bitch off, my dominant tone peeling off her mask of bravery and it kisses the ground. ¡°And I will not think twice about pping some sense into your empty skull if you dare insult or disrespect me, Ellie!¡± I speak with so much bravery that scares even myself. I didn¡¯t know I had such vigor but thanks to this bitch, I now know and I will ooh use it and everything in me to fight for my ce and my right. I am not a pushover, you know? Never have been, and never will be!

 CHAPTER 47

    THE FEUD


    ¡°For such a cheap, filthy nobody, you got balls, girl! But you should know your ce!¡± She says as she yanks her hand away from me. ¡°I see you already know my name, but guessing from your actions I can tell you don¡¯t know who exactly I am.¡± She scoffs, and I smirk.


    I don¡¯t know about this witch? She must be meaning the other way around.


    ¡°You are the one in the dark.¡± I retort.


    ¡°Then enlighten me.¡± She retorts back.


    ¡°Are you sure? Because when I start describing who I know you are, I won¡¯t leave even just a single detail of what a rotten soul you are, Ellie Monzano! Should I start, or do you wish to cloak your evil and continue parading yourself as the victim?¡± I mock.


    She heaves out a heavy sigh, and goes mute. However, if looks could kill, I would be rotting six feet under from her deadly res. This means she isn¡¯t done with me. Her looks and the way she is fuming says it all. Well, bring what you got, bitch! I am so ready!


    ¡°I think we have heard enough of this charade, Jerol! What is this? What is going on here? Who is this other woman who ims to be carrying your child?¡± Mrs McCall speaks, sounding like the real authoritative Mrs McCall I knew before today.


    ¡°I think we should go inside. Take them in. I will release the people and join you in a minute.¡± Father says to his wife who motions us to head to the castle, while Father walks to the podium to address the crowd.


    Hand in hand, side by side like how exactly we walked to this gathering, we stroll inside the castle, but not in the bubbly mood I was in when I walked to this party earlier. I am a sad soul. Indeed sad.


    Why do all the parties that Jerol organizes for me end up chaotic? The first one didn¡¯t end well. Her mother even stormed out in the middle of the party. I was theughing stock of that party ¨C looked down upon, made fun of, and humiliated. And today, someone else came to ruin the party, and it had to be her. Again, the party ended in chaos. I feel like a bad omen, yet I don¡¯t want to believe I am, because if that is the case, that would mean I am not meant for Jerol. My heart says otherwise, that I am the one, the only one for Jerol.


    Nobody can love him the way I do. No one can understand him the way I do. And no one can give him what I have given him. Not this bitch, and not anyone else.


    My worry now is one ¨C this child that this witch brought. Jerol might love me, he does love with the whole of his heart and that I have no doubt whatsoever. But his child with this woman is an obstacle. I am sorry to call it that way, but that is how I feel. That is how I see it right now. No matter how much he hates this Ellie, no matter how much he loves me, he can¡¯t let go of his child. I can¡¯t deny him his rights to be a father. I can¡¯t be that mean to tell him to send this bitch to where she came from.


    Worst is, I have to watch as he admires this bitch¡¯s womb while mine is secretly growing in mine. I wish I told him earlier. I so wish.


    Even as we wait for Mr McCall, his eyes are on Ellie¡¯s belly. He is trying so hard to avoid it, but they end upnding there, and she is no amateur in seduction. The way she is hugging the belly, stroking with her thumbs and throwing evil gestures at Jerol is alluring. And she had to stand right in front of him to give him a clear view. And, can someone tell me why this Grego, that is his name, right? Why is he beside this woman? Why are they together?


    Sensing Ellie¡¯s bewitching gestictions, I stand in front of Jerol, cupping his face. The bitch is being too much, and my Jerol is mine alone.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I whimper, and he strokes my back, his eyes darting into mine, but that is all he can do ¨C just staring, but at least he slightly shakes his head, and I get the memo. I understand it too.


    Who would be okay? I hope this does not evoke a rpse. I would die if he rpses into that state again.


    ¡°I am here, alright?¡± I say, caressing his jaws in an assuring motion.


    ¡°I know, love. You won¡¯t leave me, right?¡± That was a silent plea that got me thinking.


    I don¡¯t want to leave. That had not even crossed my mind. But this woman, this Ellie? What if she asks to stay? She seems like the kind of a bitch that will force her way even where she is not needed and make herself the queen. How will I deal with that? How can I cope with another person trying to steal my Jerol?


    ¡°Everyone is gone. I have also ordered the servants to retire to their chambers. Now can you exin this, Jerol? Clear this misconception because I am lost.¡± Father speaks, summoning our attention as he takes his ce beside his wife who is more confused than anyone.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it clear yet, father? Your beloved son has two women fighting for him. One is carrying his heir and the other is, just, in. Are you still proud of your favorite son, father?¡± Grego spits, sounding like a jealous bitter soul.


    He seems like the ck sheep of the family. The outcast.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for your opinion, Grego!¡± Father roars for the first time since I met him, but he calms himself down after a second. He adds, calmly but authoritatively. ¡°You, have so much to exin, but wait for your turn.¡± At his dominant voice, Grego zips up, discharging a bitter sigh.


    As soon as now, I hate this Grego. He seems a dangerous oddball. I feel like he has yed a great role in what has ensued today. But what?


    ¡°I am Jerol¡¯s fiance ¨C Ellie Monzano, daughter of Senator Eliud Monzano.¡± We all snap at Ellie the bitch as she introduces herself. ¡°I left, but I am back to im what is mine. I am pregnant, and I can¡¯t ruin my family¡¯s reputation by having a child out of wedlock!¡± She finishes making her point which seems pointless to me.


    So she is the senator¡¯s daughter? I admit I did not know, but now that I know, so what? This is no politics game here. She won¡¯t have her way just because she is a senator¡¯s daughter if that is what she is thinking.


    ¡°But, Jerol is with someone else my dear. You left and maybe took so long to return. You know you just can¡¯t walk in and out of people¡¯s lives anytime you want.¡± Father tries to reason with this bitch, but just so you know she is a wicked bitch, listen to her next words.


    ¡°I do not care, Mr McCall! Your son is the father of this baby and I am not going to put myself and my family to shame just because your son chose a recement for me in such a short time! He has to take responsibility!¡±The way she says it, huh?!


    And she dares call five whole months a short time? And a recement?


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember saying I will abandon my child. So I don¡¯t understand why you are yelling!¡± Jerol says, pinning me to his hip as he stares at his ex. ¡°I am a responsible man, so I will cater for whatever that my child will need, including my presence.¡± He will?! The bright grin on Ellie¡¯s face is just, mind-boggling! It¡¯s like she won a jackpot.


    ¡°Thank you. At least we have an understanding.¡± She bubbly chirps.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rejoice yet, because there are conditions.¡± Jerol¡¯s voice cloaks her annoying smirk at once.


    ¡°What¡­. sort of conditions?¡± She asks, tossing her glimmers in her belly.


    ¡°First thing when you give birth, we will conduct a DNA test.¡± Jerol says, and even I had to look at him.


    Does he have doubts?


    ¡°You think I am lying about the baby? What insolent, Jerol?¡± Ellie defensively squeals. ¡°How dare you?¡± She adds.


    No how dare she?


    ¡°How dare me? And how dare you expect me to believe you after everything, huh? I have all the grounds to doubt you, Ellie, including returning with my brother. Who knows what else you two have been doing together?¡± Jerol fires, and the bitch swallows hard and dry, blinking twice as if there is some truth in what Jerol said.


    Or is there?


    ¡°I bumped into your brother by coincidence so stop making up stories?¡± She defends.


    ¡°Are you sure I am just making up stories? Do you even know why I stopped looking for you?¡± Jerol challenges, summoning my curiosity.


    Ahem! Why? Did he discover something? Like what?


    ¡°You are being so harsh and insensitive to the person who is carrying the only child you probably will ever have, don¡¯t you think?¡± Grego speaks, sneaking his hand around Ellie¡¯s back and pulling her back a little.


    Such a sweet romantic gesture to his supposed sister-inw, right?


    ¡°Ooh, I believe she can handle it and you too, jerk, know it!¡± Jerol barks, almost making me leap while Ellie snuggles to Grego. Jerol smirks as he speaks again. ¡°For some bitch who had the guts to cheat on me with my very own brother, she ought to be the most brave person in the world.¡±Hang on! I think I didn¡¯t hear that right. What the heck!


    ¡°You are so precarious, brother! An impossible jerk! We cleared that misunderstanding a long time ago.¡± Grego defends, but even the tremor in his voice sells him off. He is as guilty as charged.


    ¡°Yes, and I was a fool to believe you two rotten souls! But that was until my girlfriend disappeared mysteriously and I decided to look for her. My investigations on your trails lend me to Rwanda where you two have been fooling around like the disgusting immoral fools that you were from the start!¡±Silence falls in the castle. Jerol is murdering his brother and his ex with his murderous res, while Ellie¡¯s face is about to touch the floor from shame. His brother, well, he got balls. Hard balls. His head is hoisted so high as if he wasn¡¯t just ashamed for the jerk that he really is, while I and Mr and Mrs McCall are still trying to digest the news.


    What a betrayal!? People really are evil! And his brother did this to him?Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°The fact still remains that I am carrying your child, Jerol. And my baby needs its real father.¡± Well, the bitch doesn¡¯t know what defeat is.


    ¡°If the DNA¡­¡±


    ¡°I already have the DNA proving that this child is not Grogo¡¯s.¡± She fumes.


    Well, isn¡¯t she so prepared?


    ¡°It could be anyone else¡¯s for all I know. Whores of your type can sleep with any street dog!¡± Jerol says, and she raises a hand to p him which didn¡¯t get anywhere. He holds her wrist. ¡°You are no longer the woman I once loved, so be very careful how you conduct yourself around me. I might lose it and pour all the loath I feel for you, Ellie Monzano! And I swear on the baby you im to be mine, you would not like it one bit!¡± That was a deadly threat that these two immoral idiots should be weary of.


    I saw how he lost his cool and vented all his fury on objects to the point of hurting himself so badly. I wouldn¡¯t want to imagine him venting out his wrath on a living being. It would be death itself. I don¡¯t want to imagine.


    ¡°You know what I didn¡¯t expect?¡± Jerol asks when he lets go of Ellie¡¯s hand, and she embarks on soothing it. It must be paining, but I feel no pity for the bitch. She asked for it, and deserved more than that! She is the one who deserves some serious spanking and yet the arrogant bitch dared to raise her filthy hand on Jerol? The nerve!


    Before speaking again, Jerol darts his eyes between them one by one, as if searching for something. Something that even I am curious to know what it is. He seems to be gauging them, their thoughts, and perhaps, motives. He seems to sense something awful odd!


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that you two would have the balls to show your disgusting faces to me ever again in the rest of your pathetic lives! And since I am no more the fool you once yed with, I need an exnation as to what this sudden unprecedented grand return is all about!¡±Well, I also am curious! Was this nned? Did they know we had a party? They were not invited so why choose to return today itself of all days, huh?


    Enemies of happiness and peace! Is there a story behind this?

 CHAPTER 48

    BREAKING THE NEWS


    ¡°Think whatever you want, Jerol, but the fact is, I am here for the father of my child. This baby has the right to be with its father, and you of all people know how important this baby is, right?¡± Ellie speaks.


    So they are going to use his weakness to push their way into his life? How shameless can they be? How insensitive of them?


    ¡°This baby might be the only child you will ever have Jerol, so¡­¡±¡±WRONG!¡± I bark, scaring the hell out of her and everyone! ¡°You are damn so wrong!¡± I affirm, standing in front of this bitch.


    She needs to stay within her limits and I will put her right there and stick her butt with glue if possible.


    ¡°You shut up because you know nothing, bitch!¡± Ellie squeals.


    ¡°It¡¯s you who know absolutely nothing. Exin what you are ranting about Jerol not having another child!¡± I yell back. I am not the type to screech like this, but this woman is provoking my demons.


    How can she use her baby to ckmail Jerol and humiliate him at the same time?


    I feel Jerol¡¯s grip tightening on my waist, but I don¡¯t mind him. He must be wondering why I am asking this when I already know the answer.


    I¡¯m sorry, Jerol, you are about to get the shock of your life! I am sorry, but I can¡¯t stand and watch someone embarrass you like this witch is doing.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell your supposed wife that you can¡¯t have a child?¡± Ellie barks, expressing no tinge of concern whatsoever how this will make Jerol feel.


    After she drops the bomb, she cocks an eyebrow at me as if that was her most powerful weapon against me and Jerol!


    ¡°What!¡± Mr and Mrs McCall exim together, while Jerol clenches to me.


    ¡°Son? What¡­¡± Mother speaks, but I turn to her, rubbing her shoulder.


    ¡°Umh¡­ Mom, Dad, just don¡¯t mind this absurd woman! Jerol has no problem at all. She is just, insane!¡± I console and snuggle back to my shocked husband.


    ¡°Yeah? I have proof because we had to go through the IVF just so I can get pregnant. He is a deadbeat!¡±¡±Shut the fuck up!¡± Jerol fumes, sounding enraged.


    I hold his hand, squeezing it to calm him down as I turn to Ellie. This whore is just ridiculous! He is what? A deadbeat?!


    ¡°I also have sufficient proof that my husband is very much okay and capable of impregnating someone.¡± I brat out without even minding his parents.


    ¡°What proof?¡± Ellie asks, trembling for the first time. Her face is full of doubts and mockery and disbelief.


    ¡°Because I am so pregnant with his child ¨C a baby conceived in the most sweetest natural way!¡± I drop my bomb, and she swallows her tongue.


    ¡°Lo¡­ ve? Babe? What are you saying?¡± Jerol implores, turning in front of me to face me with disbelief. ¡°Tessa?¡±¡±You heard it right, Jerol! I am pregnant. I am sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to tell you this way but¡­¡± I am pulled into a tight bear hug, his arms squeezing the life out of me in possessiveness.


    ¡°Tell me you are not lying.¡± He whimpers to ear in a faint beseeching tone.


    ¡°No, love. You know that I wouldn¡¯t dare to make fun of something so intense. We are pregnant, love!¡± I whisper back, and even I can¡¯t help the glee. I am sure my face looks like the morning sun right now- blinding with brightness.


    He pulls away, taking my cheeks to his warm hands as he kisses my forehead. The smile on his face right now will be registered in my head forever.


    ¡°You¡­ You are lying! That can not be true.¡±We turn around to this doubting she-Thomas! She must be feeling like the real fool that she is, and struggling to find all sorts of basis to rescind my statement.


    ¡°What do you want, Ellie? A medical report from the doctor? An ultrasound? You can apany me to a gynaecologist and have all the tests done in your presence! That way you will admit that you know nothing about my husband!¡± I state.


    She stares for a brief moment, doubts being the only thing evident on her face, and then she wears her usual crown of arrogance back.


    ¡°Well, pregnant or not, that is your business! I still have my rights, and my baby does have rights too.¡± She fumes.


    ¡°Our child does, but you have no rights over me or anything whatsoever, Ellie! As I said, I need a DNA sample to confirm that the baby is mine. Once it¡¯s proven that I am the father, you can be sure that my child will neverck anything.¡± Jerol speaks.


    ¡°What about me? We spent years together and I also agreed to go through that long process just so I can bear a child for you and fulfil your desires of bing a father. I deserve¡­¡±¡±Nothing!¡± Jerol cuts her off. ¡°You deserve absolutely nothing from me, Ellie. You can go to hell for all I care!¡± He adds.


    ¡°You can¡¯t get rid of me Jerol! Not so easily, and not after everything we went through?¡± She sobs.


    ¡°After everything, you chose my brother over me! You made the choice, and now it is time to bear the consequences. I am so done with you, Ellie. If not for the possibility that it might be my child that you are carrying, I would have thrown you out of my house the second you walked in.¡± Jerol affirms.


    ¡°You can not get rid of Ellie Monzano that easily, Jerol! I am indispensable!¡± She fumes.


    ¡°I already did, Ellie! I stopped loving you months ago. I have a beautiful wife and a baby on the way, and even if she wasn¡¯t pregnant, you can never be a recement for her. You mean nothing!¡± Jerol ascertains.


    ¡°I will assume that you are ted with the news of having a baby through the natural way and that you wille to your senses in the morning. Because you know me, Jerol. I never lose. I do whatever I so fucking please and in the end, I still get whatever I want.¡± She says in her bitchy tone.


    ¡°Sorry, but your theory will not work this time around. You have lost already.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°I refuse to lose. We will talk in the morning when you are sober. In the meantime, I will be in our bedroom.¡± She starts swaying her hips as if she is in apetition, but Jerol¡¯s next words halt her steps, making her turn around.


    ¡°Who said you are staying here?¡± Jerol queries.


    ¡°You said our baby will not miss your presence, right?¡±This bitch is so wicked and maniptive, sha! She can use everything to her advantage.


    ¡°I can do that no matter where you stay. You don¡¯t need to stay here, Ellie.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°But I want to stay right where the father to my baby is. I want everyone to see me with my baby¡¯s daddy everywhere I will go. That is the only way to protect my image.¡± She affirms.


    What an autocratic bitch! Where did Jerol even get this one? What captivated him in her? Her arrogance? Her ego?


    ¡°What image are you talking about? The one you stained when you started screwing my elder brother?¡± Jerol says.


    Elder brother! So, Grego is his elder brother?


    ¡°Nobody knows that. And you have no proof to back up your absurd usations.¡± She defends.


    ¡°Ooh, I do. I did enough investigation and stored the evidence well in case of a mishap like this.¡± Jerol says, and Ellie can not believe her ears.


    ¡°What the heck do you mean?¡± She implores, while her male toy walks to her side. Jerol¡¯s news must have summoned him from his spot.


    ¡°I have enough photos and videos that can ruin you both if I leak them out. So, you better listen to me and do as I say.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°Whatever you say, I am staying right here if you don¡¯t want any trouble with my father. He won¡¯t take things lightly and neither will I, and you know he won¡¯t only attack you alone!¡± Ellie says after trading a nce with Grego.


    Is she serious? She still has the nerve to throw threats?


    ¡°Miss Ellie, I do not think you have the right to threaten us like this. It¡¯s not even necessary. You are an adult and you should be able to take responsibilities for your actions. What you are doing right now is wrong, my child.¡± Father speaks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you term this as, Mr McCall, but I am stating facts here, and there is nothing wrong with me fighting for my rights.¡± The bitch has answers to every question.


    And these are the people who are supposed to be her inws? The way she is speaking to them sucks!


    ¡°You can stay until we get the DNA results. If it turns out positive, then I will get you a house, but don¡¯t expect me to go anywhere with you. I will assign a chauffeur and some nannies to apany you where you will want to go and keep youpany, but don¡¯t expect me to be there. When the child is born, we sign a shared custody affidavit.¡± Jerol exins.


    ¡°You have millions of vacant rooms in this castle. Why bother renting another house outside for me? I could have rented one for myself if that is what I needed.¡± She fights back.


    ¡°Then go out and rent one, because you are not needed here. In case you didn¡¯t get me the first time, I said I would have already kicked your ass out of my house if it weren¡¯t for this baby you are using as a bridge. Don¡¯t think you are so smart, Ellie.¡± Jerol ps her with the truth.


    ¡°You will pay for this, Jerol! Wait until my father hears about the humiliation you are putting me through!¡±Ooh, Daddy¡¯s baby! I see she is a spoilt brat!


    ¡°Go tell your father I will be waiting for him, as long as he doesn¡¯t touch my wife, or my parents. Because if he does, heaven knows what I will do.¡± Jerol warns, then he adds. ¡°And if you are done with your cheap threats, find yourself a guest room, but don¡¯t even try setting foot in my bedroom or my study, and neither the gym. Got that?¡±¡±You will pay for this.¡± She spits as she walks upstairs.


    ¡°And you!¡± Jerol turns to Grego. ¡°You better get the fuck out of my house and never show your face to me again if you want your bones to remain intact!¡±¡±And not into my house, Grego!¡± Mr McCall adds. ¡°Once again, you have disappointed me. Don¡¯t show your face to me until you mend your ways.¡±¡±That¡¯s¡­¡± Mother starts, but Father raises his hand to stop her which she obeys.


    ¡°As always, I am always the bad guy, and he is a saint. I didn¡¯t expect anything less.¡± Grego scoffs as he marches out.


    ¡°Grego! My son?¡± Mrs McCall calls as she goes after his furious son.


    ¡°I think you two have a lot to talk about.¡± Father says to us.


    ¡°Sure. Sorry for this.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, son. I trust you will handle the situation well. If you need me, just tell me, son.¡± He says to his son.


    ¡°Thanks, Dad. Take care.¡± Jerol says as they hug goodbye.


    ¡°My daughter, be strong, okay? Ooh, and,¡± he snaps, ¡°congrattions on the pregnancy. I can¡¯t wait to be a grandpa.¡± He bubbly adds.


    ¡°Thank you, Father.¡± Jerol and I chorus together.


    ¡°Alright. You two be careful. I don¡¯t mean to scare you but, these politicians can do anything to get what they want. Jerol, protect her, okay?¡±¡±I will. Don¡¯t you worry, Father. I will take care of this.¡± Jerol assures him.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You have my full trust, son. See you guys.¡± He says and walks out, while I turn to Jerol.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything, okay?¡±


    ¡°How can I not when there are a million things to say.¡± I say.


    ¡°I want to cuddle my wife and our baby together and sleep over this nightmare. Will you give me that chance, love? I will figure this out tomorrow. Please?¡± He pleads.


    And how can I deny him that happiness and peace?


    ¡°Okay, love.¡± I respond, and he scoops me in his arms, carrying me to our room.

 CHAPTER 49

    THE INTERROGATIONS


    Ogling at my sexy husband as he hibernates this morning gives me a hybrid sentiment. Things really took a drastic wrong spin yesterday. Even though he slept soundly hugging me and our baby in my belly, I know that peace will be wrecked this very morning after he wakes up. That bitch is real turmoil. A pest. A pain in the core.


    Why didn¡¯t she just stay wherever she was? IMAO! They should have continued their immorality wherever they were and stayed the fuck off our lives.


    I slowly peel Jerol¡¯s arms off me, and after tapping my feet on the floor, I spring up, bending to kiss him on the forehead before wrapping a bathrobe on myself.


    This morning was deemed to be phenomenal after yesterday, and despite the fact all was ravaged, I still want to make it sensational ¨C for Jerol, me, and our baby. Like I anticipated, he was over the clouds with my pregnancy newsst night before drifting off to sleep. At some point, I saw tears of joy brimming in his eyes. He couldn¡¯t stop thanking me for this, as if I got myself pregnant, sigh!


    All in all, he knows that we are about to be parents. He does not want me to leave him and I am not pondering on that. Never! We are so much in love and we both need each other. And that is all that matters. I believe that that is more than enough to enable us cope with this sudden hell of a change. I believe we can still be happy through this.


    As long that bitch sticks her ass within her limits, as long as she does not infringe the peripheries, we will have no problems. It is for a few days anyway, then she can get her ugly face out of our house.


    ¡°Morning, ma¡¯am!¡± Terry greets me as I saunter to the kitchen while the other servants bow slightly in honor and acknowledgement of my presence.


    ¡°Morning, Terris! Umh, I will be making breakfast for my husband and I. You can prepare for the rest of you.¡± I say as I embark on my mission.


    ¡°Alright, ma¡¯am. And, here. I had prepared your juice.¡± Terry says, handing me my dose of juice which I can¡¯t do without.


    ¡°Thank you, Terry.¡± I say as I grab the juice and sip on it, and my baby grumbles with ecstasy as I swallow the juice.


    Mmh!


    I am so feverish about this pregnancy. The inkling of a baby is giving me throbbing chills. I can only anticipate the feeling of holding it in my arms for the first time, hearing it cry for the first time, and breastfeeding it. All that is taking a toll glee on me. I can¡¯t wait to see Jerol¡¯s face that particr day. I know he will have weed his first baby already but, I know his joy that day will be immeasurable. Surreal!


    I am not even apprehensive that I have never raised a child, or that I did not have a role model as a mother. I know basically nothing about children and parenting, but I am more than certain that I will shower my child with love, care, and protection. I will give my child all the love that I can afford. I will never be like my ludicrous selfish mother to my children. I don¡¯t even think I want my children to meet that shit of a woman! Heaven forgive me if I am being a bitch.


    ¡°Hey, you?¡± I am snapped from my thoughts and my breakfast preparation business by that annoying voice. I turn to the door, same with Terry and other servants, to this annoying woman. ¡°What was your name again?¡± She queries as she strolls towards me, her eyes not leaving me, and her belly bump caged in her arms.


    Maybe this is how pregnant women stay all their pregnancy period? Holding on to the belly bump to perhaps prevent it from falling? Or hold the baby still in the uterus? What this gesture means.


    ¡°I asked you a question! I did not tell you to start admiring my baby bump!¡± She scoffs again.


    She possesses such vigor for a heavily pregnant woman of her semester, and more audacious for a filthy guest. Sigh!


    ¡°Tessa!¡± I respond tly, turning to the cooker to check on my sausages.


    ¡°Tessa who?¡± She asks behind me.


    What sort of a question?


    ¡°Tessa Angeline McCall!¡± I affirm, turning to her to understand her motive for the series of quizzes.


    ¡°You and Jerol aren¡¯t married yet. You are not, and can never be a McCall! I know this family pretty well. They can never ept such a nobody like you.¡± She scoffs, and she got me thinking.


    She seems so equipped with authentic information about me and everything to do with me and Jerol. Why? How does she even know that Jerol and I are not married? And a nobody? It is the second time she has called me that.


    I know this loose-mouthed bitch will not hold back anything she wishes to say to about anything. I have no problem with that at all. She can say anything about me, but I don¡¯t want her to shame my husband.


    I turn to the servants.


    ¡°Leave us, please. I will call you to resume your chores.¡± I say.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. Excuse us.¡± They chorus together as they stroll out.


    ¡°Such a rich title for a filthy nobody!¡± The bitch murmurs under her breath, rolling her round big eyes.


    ¡°I am just curious, though. How and where did you get so much info about this nobody?¡± I implore.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I am a senator¡¯s daughter in case that missed your ears yesterday. I can dig out even the information of your ancestors in a sh if I so wish. Connections, and power! I have both.¡± She retorts.


    I see.


    ¡°Why though?¡± I ask again, because my curiosity is not yet quelled.


    ¡°I was hoping to find even just a single intriguing detail about the garbage that apparently, my fiance reced me with so soon. Unfortunately, I ended up so disappointed, Tessa! in Tessa! No surname. No family. No friends. No education. No career. No, nothing! And you think you can fit in such a highly reputable family? You are pathetically deluding yourself.¡± She says, mocking me.


    If she insulted me like this before I met my husband, I would probably be tearing up or running away to hide in a corner. I would be nursing all sorts of inferiorityplex and shame fused with the ¡®not worth¡¯ senses. But Jerol taught me to never let anyone look down on me. He has taught me to be proud of who I am and not what people think of me or see me as.


    ¡°If you knew Jerol as I do, madam senator¡¯s daughter, you should know that he just doesn¡¯t pick anything in skirt. There must be something spectacr in me that captured his heart. Something that charmed even his family to ept me. Something that youck.¡± I fire.


    ¡°And what could that be?¡± She mocks.


    She really is testing my patience now. I am not in the mood for bakering and squabbles, but she is asking for it, and I serve all my meals hot and spiced.


    ¡°There are a lot, actually. Should we talk about morals first? I am not a shameless whore like you, Ellie!¡± I fume.


    ¡°How dare¡­¡± I grab her hand mid-air as sheunches a p, pulling it down roughly.


    ¡°Your hands are better off holding on to your precious belly bump. Stick them there for your own safety if you do not want any regrets.¡± I spit my serious threat to her face because I don¡¯t think I will have it in me to hold myself back from pping the shit out of her if she attempts this again.


    If it weren¡¯t for this baby she is carrying, I sure would have broken a bone or two in her.


    ¡°I will deal with you, bitch!¡± She scoffs.


    ¡°I will be waiting. But make sure you have all it takes to fight me.¡± I affirm.


    ¡°You bet you are no match for me!¡± She says.


    ¡°That remains to be seen, Ellie!¡± I refuse to back down. Not to this bitch! Not to no one.


    ¡°Very well then. In the meantime, prepare some delicious chicken soup for me and not the garbage you cook in the slums where youe from. My baby is craving for that.¡± She says.


    Sorry, I do what? What am I to her now? Her ve? Her nanny? I am sorry, Jerol. I know this is your baby that she is carrying but that is not enough excuse for her to step on me like this. I am also pregnant, you know? Duh!


    ¡°Well? Get moving because I am starving, you bitch!¡± She barks.


    ¡°I am not your ve, b. i. t. c. h! I am not your nanny, and neither your friend to care!¡± I retort, shocking the fuck out of her.


    ¡°Meaning?¡± She queries amidst her confusion.


    ¡°Meaning, you have two options, Ellie. You either get yourzy arse moving and prepare the fucking damn soup yourself or¡­¡±¡±You can¡¯t be serious!¡± She cuts me off. ¡°Are you blind? Can¡¯t you see my condition?¡±Scoff at that!


    All I can see is a huge belly bump and not broken bones or a weary body. If she has got so much strength to fight, why can¡¯t she coom?


    ¡°You are just pregnant and not sick, madam senator¡¯s daughter! And your games won¡¯t work on me!¡± I state.


    ¡°What is the other option because I am not used to fighting with stupid utensils and ingredients? I don¡¯t belong to your ss, you know?¡± She says.


    ¡°I thought as much! You forgot to add that you arezy and inexperienced in this field too because this is not just about ss. Or are you ashamed of your weaknesses?¡± I query.


    ¡°Stop your stupid lectures and tell me what I need to hear!¡± She fumes between gritted teeth.


    ¡°You drag your ass outside and look for the servant to prepare whatever you need. They are at your disposal, as long as you treat them with the utmost respect they deserve. I will not hesitate to withdraw their services to you if it is brought to my attention that you are mistreating them.¡± I emphasize.


    ¡°You are thinking too highly of yourself. Who gave you such authority?¡± She mocks.


    ¡°Me!¡± We both snap to the door where Jerol¡¯s voice echoed from. He strolls inside, and walks to my side, this bitch following every step he takes until she faces us. ¡°She is the queen of this castle. Everything about this castle is under her management. And I am at this very moment putting you under her too, Ellie!¡± Jerol speaks omnipotently.


    ¡°Her? You can¡¯t humiliate me like, Jerol!¡± She fights back.


    ¡°You bet I haven¡¯t even started. But you can avoid all this chagrin if you stick to yourne as a guest here. This is not your father¡¯s house. You are no one special either!¡± Jerol affirms.


    ¡°I am seven fucking months pregnant with your child. And this is how you are treating me?¡± She queries with fury.


    ¡°I am giving you much more privileges than you deserve, and you know it. And you are not the only one pregnant for me. My wife is also pregnant and she doesn¡¯t need your bakering. If you be a threat to her peace, I¡­¡±¡±What? You will kick me out? For this ch¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Jerol roars with a deafening high pitch. He adds after a moment. ¡°I won¡¯t even think twice about doing that. This serves as the first and thest warning, Ellie!¡±The bitch is in denial of what just transpired. She can¡¯t believe that Jerol yelled at her. Well, I, on the other hand, I feel like a number one. The Queen herself. The queen of his heart. That I am!


    ¡°Are done, love?¡± Jerol asks me after withdrawing her stern gaze from the witch.


    ¡°Yeah. I think I am done. I will carry this to the table.¡± I say as I remove the cooked sausages from the fire.


    ¡°I will help you.¡± He says as he gets the te for me.


    After putting everything on the tray, he carries it for me, while I hook my hand around his waist as we stride out of the kitchen, leaving the bitch to ponder on how she wants to live here.


    I am surprised that Jerol actually doesn¡¯t care about her. I thought the baby would hook him to her, but no. I was wrong. I hope she learns her ce and sticks to it!

 CHAPTER 50

    CONFESSIONS. THE BACK UP FORCE


    ¡°Was I too hard on Ellie earlier, love?¡± I ask as we rest on the bed, Jerol¡¯s arm caressing my belly while the other one is caging my shoulders to him, our faces almost touching.


    ¡°I did not hear everything, but I know that spoilt brat of Monzano. She thinks she can control the world.¡± He says, snuggling to me.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°She is such a pain.¡± I whimper.


    ¡°Did she insult you. Did she say anything to hurt you?¡± He queries, worry and concern detectable in his voice.


    ¡°Nothing I can¡¯t handle, love. But, don¡¯t you feel anything? Like the need to defend her? Get close to her?¡± I implore, burying my eyes into his.


    ¡°Why would feel that way?¡± He responds, stroking me with his hands.


    ¡°For your child, Jerol. Are you not excited to learn that your baby is still alive?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I am. Believe me, love, I am. My conscience is clear and at peace now knowing that I did nothing wrong. But there are so many things that don¡¯t add up.¡± He says, faintly.


    ¡°Like what?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Like why she lied. Why she made me feel so guilty for something that was not even there. Why she is still with my brother. Why she returned just now. She is capable of raising the child on her own. So, why bother me?¡± He exins, and I get his point.


    Some things do not add up about this story, and those two people bleed something close to danger for me. They don¡¯t seem trustworthy at all.


    ¡°Do you have doubts that the baby might not be yours?¡± I query.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, love. I do not want to draw assumptions that will bring regretster on. That is why I want a DNA to be sure.¡± He says.


    ¡°I understand. I am with you all the steps of the way. You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± I implore, nuzzling his jaw.


    ¡°I know, love. And I am so grateful for your backing and this gift you have given me.¡± He smiles, rummaging his hand through my belly. ¡°I still can not believe that this happened. How did it even happen?¡± He whispers, and I smirk.


    ¡°Well, we can call it a miracle, love. It took me a lot of cogency to believe it too. I was in denial, confused, and lost. I did not know how to take the news, or how to tell you.¡± I respond.


    ¡°But you knew the news would blow my mind. Why did you hesitate to tell me?¡± He pleads.


    ¡°I knew you would be ted to have a child, but with your contracted wife? I did not even know what exactly you felt for me, Jerol. But there was one thing I was sure of.¡± I say.


    ¡°What?¡± He queries.


    ¡°That I would not for any reason deny you the chance to be a father. I was just waiting for the right time to tell you the truth and wait for your reaction and decision.¡± I say.


    ¡°Thank you wifey, for always putting my feelings before yours. But I need you to stop now, okay? Whatever happens, talk things through with me as soon as they unfold. Can you promise me you will do that, love?¡± He kisses my cheek, turning my chubby face into a red tomato. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be going through anything alone. We are a team now.¡± He adds after the kiss, browsing my eyes.


    ¡°Sure, love. I promise. There won¡¯t be any secrets from now on.¡± I assure him, and he gives me a sweet kiss which I wee and relish with every nerve in me.


    We are a team. A strong team bound by true love. This sweet, stubborn and boundless love will be our weapon against all the obstacles we shall face on the way. We are never gonna let each other go.


    ¡°So, can I ask you something personal?¡± I ask when we break the kiss.


    ¡°Sure. Anything.¡± He responds, summoning all his notoriety to me.


    ¡°What is the deal between you and your brother?¡± I ask because curiosity is about to choke me.


    I mean, why would his brother elope with his fiance? And if I understood perfectly, it is like this Grego and Ellie had an affair before. Then he caught them and they resolved the issue, or so he thought, until his fiance vanished into thin air. Were they fooling him all along?


    ¡°He is my half-brother. We don¡¯t share the same father, and we have never gotten along well since childhood. He is always insecure about me being the real heir of the McCall empire. Why that is so, I have never understood why. I mean, I have my own empire. Even if my father leaves me with nothing, my children will neverck anything. I am not interested in my family¡¯s inheritance.¡± He stops for a moment.


    My husband is such a rich tycoon, huh?


    ¡°But my father has always made it clear to Grego that he will leave him with nothing if he doesn¡¯t work. And that is where we all crash with him, because the guy wants everything handed to him on a silver tter. He has never worked all his life. He only survives from his allowances and that is all.¡± He says.


    Huh! So, the guy is responsible for his own plights yet he is angry at the whole world for his own ws and misfortunes? What sort of a man in this era sits his arse down and waits for the inheritance? How will he manage that empire if he knows nothing about working? This one is of a kind, ooh! Stupid kid! He doesn¡¯t even deserve to be called a man because real men work their ways up thedder. Like my man here. I am so proud of this gentleman.


    ¡°His insecurities are unwarranted. How does he expect to run the business if he does not know how it even works?¡± I mumble.


    ¡°I have absolutely no idea what is stored in that guy¡¯s big head. I don¡¯t know what he uses to think, or if he even thinks at all.¡± Jerol responds, sounding pissed off by the story of his half-brother.


    I am too.


    So that is why this Grego did not check on his brother even just once. Because they are always at odds? Because of envy and detest? He surely must loathe Jerol so much for him to have the guts to steal his woman!


    ¡°What about him, and Ellie?¡± I ask, hoping I am invading too much of his privacy. But there is nothing like privacy for two lovebirds like us, right? His problems are mine, we solve them together. And his joy is my joy, we share it together, right?


    ¡°There was this one time I caught them together at a friend¡¯s party. It was a surprise to even see them together because I had not introduced them. I got suspicious and confronted them, but they denied the whole thing. I did not want to make a big fuss about the issue so, I just let it go. I never saw them together again and so I convinced myself that I was being judgemental and irrational for nothing. Until she disappeared.¡± Jerol exins.


    It is funny how he is not getting affected talking about Ellie now. I guess he really feels nothing for her.


    ¡°Did they disappear at the same time?¡± I ask.


    ¡°My brother had left for Dar-es-Sam a month before Ellie left. But I suppose it was all just a n.¡± He responds.


    And if it indeed was a n, then what are they hiding? There must be something. Something smells fishy.


    Is there a possibility that¡­


    A knock on the door startles us, and whoever is knocking is so irritatingly annoying and impatient. Who dares to knock on our bedroom door so loud and unceasingly?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? Sir? Ma¡¯am? Please open up!¡±


    Huh! That is Terry¡¯s voice. What could be the urgency because she is not this rowdy? I peel myself off of Jerol and hike to the door, Jerol following suit. He must be burning with anxiety like I am.


    I open the door, taking a step outside. Before I can ask Terry what the matter is, an unfamiliar figure greets me from downstairs in the sitting room. A middle-aged man with a very ominous stand greets my eyes. He is cruising his eyes around the house, and there are some three more men in ck suits behind him.


    I don¡¯t like the site or this man. He seems kinda dangerous to me.


    ¡°He forced his way in, sir!¡± Terry says, heaving heavily from perhaps running up here.


    I nce at Jerol past my shoulders who is also shocked as I am.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± I implore.


    ¡°The man who will make you understand that you can not treat me like garbage!¡± We all snap to that voice as this witch, Ellie, emerging from behind us. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you are so dumb that you can not even recognize a public figure.¡± She adds with so much mockery.


    So, he is her father? She already reported us to him? That was pretty fast and childish? What is she? A five-year-old?


    ¡°What do you intend to gain by this?¡± Jerol asks.


    ¡°My rightful ce. I can¡¯t stand being treated like trash, and since you both are so stubborn, then my father will do the exnations on my behalf.¡± She responds, shrugging her shoulders and smiling for the whole world.


    ¡°Well, you, just made things worse for you!¡± Jerol says as he pulls me downstairs.


    I don¡¯t care to see how that bitch carries herself down. What baffles me the most is what Jerol is nning to do.


    This bitch is just a bad omen! A real witch!


    ¡°Good afternoon, Mr Monzano!¡± Jerol greets once we reach the sitting room, his arm wrapping around my waist and Mr Monzano¡¯s eyes did not fail to capture that.


    Before responding to Jerol¡¯s greetings, he throws a quick nce behind us. Annoyingly, he shakes his head and walks past us, almost nudging me aside as he brushes past me.


    ¡°Dad!¡± Ellie speaks, extending her hand to her father for some aid as she strides thest sets of stairs in extremely exaggeratedbour.


    She is such a drama queen!


    They walk past us together, and rack before us.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Jerol asks the infuriated man.


    ¡°Your disgrace towards my precious daughter summoned me here, Jerol.¡± He retorts coldly. His vocals are raw, chilling, and dreadful, just like hisposure.


    ¡°Your daughter is pretty fine here. If she is notfortable with what my wife and I offering her, she is always free to go back to thefort of her matrimonial home and stay with you. I have no problems regarding that whatsoever.¡± Jerol responds, shocking the old fool.


    ¡°Are you saying my daughter, in her condition is not weed here?¡± He implores.


    ¡°How can she not be weed when she is already here?¡± Jerol challenges.


    ¡°She is not being taken care of. That is what she told me and I have confirmed it with my own eyes!¡± Ellie¡¯s father roars.


    ¡°Then take her with you, with all due respect, Mr Monzano!¡± Jerol retorts back.


    ¡°Hell no, way, Jerol! Her ce is right here and I havee to make that point crystal clear to you!¡± Mr Monzano affirms, as if he is addressing his followers or servants.


    This man, ooh! He is just her impossible daughter! How can he force his way here to order us, huh? Doesn¡¯t he have any shame or respect?

 CHAPTER 51

    FAILED PLAN


    ¡°I have given your ungrateful brat more than what she has the rights to. What more do you want?¡± Jerol asks, almost losing his cool.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare insult my daughter in my presence!¡± Mr Monzano barks.


    ¡°That is not an insult! If I was to insult her, believe me, Mr Senator, you would not want to hear it.¡± Jerol says, calmly, while I soothe his hand to calm him down.


    ¡°She is carrying your child! You have to swallow all the beef you have against her because if anything happens to my daughter, I will squeeze the life out of you. I am warning you, Jerol!¡±Hang on! Threats? He is threatening Jerol?


    ¡°First, you budge into my house, and then you dare to threaten me?¡±Jerol implores.


    ¡°That was just a by the way. Back to the main business. I want my daughter to be orded with the respect, care and attention that she deserves in this house. She is not some cheap trash to be left to cook for herself in this condition.¡±¡±With all due respect, Mr Monzano! I don¡¯t think you have any right to tell me how to run my house. I do not know what your daughter told you, but we have enough servants her to tend to her needs. Anything beyond that, I am sorry, I have my wife who is also pregnant to take care of.¡± Jerol fires.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your wife. You got my daughter pregnant and you must give her all the attention she needs.¡±Huh! This man is causing me dizziness with his nonsensical yelling, sha! Am I not a person that needs care too?


    ¡°And your daughter would be having all the attention she is begging for right now if only she¡­¡±¡±Enough!¡± Ellie yells, cutting Jerol off. ¡°That is enough, Jerol! I have apologized countless times for leaving. That is gone. Will you just stop bringing it back?¡± She sobs, leaning on to her daddy for sce.


    ¡°My daughter needed some space. I don¡¯t see any offence in that.¡±Space?


    Space!This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Yet she ended up in another man¡¯s arms and she had the nerves toe back after everything? Ooh, wait. Does the sweet defensive daddy know about his precious daughter¡¯s despicable behavior? I guess no. That is why she cut Jerol off before he could say something she doesn¡¯t want her father to know? Smart ass bitch!


    ¡°Again, like I said, Mr Monzano, I do not see any need for all these back-and-forth fusses. If you feel like your daughter is not well taken care of here, then take her with you. If the DNA results turn out positive, I promise to provide every single need that my child will need.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°First, my daughter will not raise a child out of wedlock. I have an image to protect Jerol and what you are suggesting is not possible.¡± Mr Monzano scoffs.


    ¡°You might be forgetting two things, Mr Monzano. One, is that your daughter and I will never get married since I love someone else. We can only co-parent. And second, regarding the image you are talking about, I also have mine and that of my parents to protect and there is no way I will ruin my image to secure yours. It doesn¡¯t work that way for me.¡± Jerol defends.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me do this the hard way, my son! You will not like it. I can¡¯t see my daughter getting hurt, and I can not stand and watch people badmouthing her.¡± He warns.


    ¡°I am done reasoning with you. Do your worst, but be careful because I will not hesitate to take it all out on your precious daughter if you dare try your political tactics with me, Mr Monzano! Don¡¯t forget that I have equal or even more power than you have.¡± Jerol warns.


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡± He queries, unbelievably.


    ¡°No. A promise!¡± Jerol affirms, sounding as serious as hell.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Mr Monzano says, nodding her head as if gauging Jerol¡¯s capabilities.


    ¡°And the next time you walk into my house like this again, you will spend the night in a jail cell for trespassing.¡± Jerol warns.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry. I don¡¯t intend oning back. Because if we ever meet again, you will be the one to look for me.¡± Mr Monzano warns, and turns to his daughter as he adds. ¡°Let us go, my daughter!¡± He says, but Ellie jerks herself from his hold, leaving him perplexed.


    ¡°G¡­ o? Where, Daddy?¡± She implores.


    ¡°Home my dear. It is clear you will not be safe here with these people. I will take care of you.¡± Her father pleads, but this impossible witch takes another step away from her father.


    ¡°No, Dad! I can¡¯t. I am staying right here. I will be fine. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± She rants nonstop.


    Mmh! Why is she acting like this? Why is she seemingly so insistent on staying back?


    ¡°Come on, Ellie! Don¡¯t act so desperately to someone who does not need you.¡± Her father speaks.


    ¡°You are right Daddy. I am desperate to bring up my child in aplete family. You of all people saw how hard it was to raise me up all alone. I don¡¯t want my child to go through any of that. My child will grow up with its father and mother together.¡± Ellie sobs.


    Again, is it me and my paranoia, or is she just faking these tears. Hang on! So, supposing this is real, I mean, her disgusting theory about raising her so-called child in aplete family and all, what about me? What should I do? Leave my husband for her? Leave my home for her?


    ¡°I hope you are not thinking that I will leave my husband for you!¡± I implore, and she snaps at me, her sobs stopping abruptly.


    ¡°He is not your husband! Get that into your thick skill!¡± She yells.


    ¡°We are living under the same roof. We sleep in the same room, on the same bed, and under the same sheets. We love each other and we are having the first fruit of our love. What do you call that, huh? Wake up from your fantasies, Ellie, and take what my husband is offering if you don¡¯t have any other motive here!¡± I spit, and she is digging my skin out with her devilish looks.


    Why? Did I say something wrong? Something that angered her core? It¡¯s true, right? If she has no any other motive here, she should befortable with what Jerol is offering, right?


    ¡°My dear? Let us just go. I will find a way to fix this for you.¡± Her father pleads.


    I hope she listens to him and leaves us in peace, but what does this father of hers mean by he will fix this for her, huh?


    ¡°No Dad. I will stay here and fix this myself! Nobody humiliates me like this and walks scot-free!¡± Ellie affirms, her eyes glued on me.


    I am not her target, am I?


    ¡°And you think I will let you stay here after what you just said?¡± Jerol speaks.


    ¡°You have no option, unless you want the world to know about all your secrets. From how you are a deadbeat in bed, to how I almost lost your child, to all those months you wallowed in depression, until how are now denying your own child its rights! Can you bear that?¡± She barks, and I stand in awe of her level of ckmail and insensitivity.


    She would not dare go to that far, right? That is insane! Absurd! That is so uncouth for a person who ims toe from a respectable family.


    I look at Jerol, and he is looking at her as if she is a total stranger to him. Maybe he didn¡¯t see all these negative sides of her when they were dating. That is why he is astounded by her threats.


    ¡°You might have forgotten that I also have something against you. Are you sure you want your father to know about her precious daughter¡¯s little secrets?¡± Jerol speaks, and Ellie narrows her eyes.


    Right! That must have slipped from her mind. She is almost choking on the nothingness she is battling to push down her throat.


    ¡°Ellie?¡± Mr Monzano calls.


    ¡°Dad?¡± Ellie answers, her head hunched down like the shameless bitch that she is.


    ¡°What is he talking about?¡± Her father queries, sounding extremely curious.


    ¡°Umh¡­ It¡¯s nothing, Dad. He is just looking for excuses to evade his responsibilities.¡±What a liar! A confident liar.


    ¡°I know you, Ellie! You would be looking me straight in the face if this was a lie! What did you do?¡± Her father asks, urging her face to look at him. ¡°Talk to me!¡± He adds when they are finally staring at each other.


    ¡°It¡­ it¡¯s nothing, Father.¡± She lies again, but not so boldly this time around.


    ¡°So, Ellie! I see that you don¡¯t want your father to know about your little secret. So, shall we continue keeping the secrets to ourselves, or just ruin each other? I must warn you, in this whole scenario, I have nothing to lose at all, but you? You know what whatever I have against you will do to your reputation.¡± Jerol dares, and she drags her defeated self around to face us.


    ¡°Until the DNA results are out. That is how much I ask you to host me here. If theye out negative, I will leave and never bother you again. If it¡¯s positive, then I will ept whatever you will decide.¡± She affirms.


    Wow! She swallowed her pride and arrogance and threats just like that? I did not know I could ever see her this humbled and scared. She conforms to a scared puppy.


    But, I know bitches of her kind. They can never be trusted. What made her change so suddenly? Is she up to something?


    ¡°Okay. You heard your daughter, Mr Monzano! And, just to quench your curiosity, your daughter cheated on me with my elder brother! I am yet to find out when their love affair began, but as far as I know, they were fooling around all those months she was away. She can ascertain that herself. Or,¡± he turns to the statue in the name of Ellie, ¡°am I lying?¡± He adds, daring her to lie.


    ¡°How dare you?!¡± She grumbles.


    ¡°What did you do, child?¡± She shuts her eyes to her father¡¯s voice, not even daring to face him.


    ¡°Now, the next time you talk about someone else tarnishing your precious daughter¡¯s reputation, be sure she hasn¡¯t put the stains herself on her own reputation and dignity. It is only for the show of humanity that I am forcing myself to endure her presence in my house right now. Otherwise, she deserves absolutely nothing from me. Not even sympathy. So long, Mr Monzano.¡± Jerol says, and I guess that touched the old man¡¯s heart.


    He doesn¡¯t say a word. Led by his bodyguards whom I found totally unnecessary, he strides out like a hurt father. He definitely did not expect that from his daughter.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± Ellie fumes.


    ¡°I only told your father, and I am sure he will not dare let the disgusting news of her daughter leave his lips. No big deal since you unted my secrets to him first, right?¡± He challenges the bitch.


    ¡°You better make sure you don¡¯t tell anyone else.¡± She yaps.


    ¡°That will depend on how you will conduct yourself in the few days you will be here. Any mistake, and the nation will know what kind of an immoral disgusting cheap whore Senator Monzano has for a daughter!¡± The sooner this charade is over, the better.¡± Jerol says, and scoops me in his arms, walking upstairs and leaving the defeated bitch to ponder on her losses.


    I am sure she is reevaluating her decision to return here. Ooh, she must be really regretting it.

 CHAPTER 52

    SUSPICIONS


    I finish fixing Jerol¡¯s tie after breakfast as he is setting off for work. Life has to go on despite everything. Basically, time is not on our side at all. We are being chased real bad by the desire to unravel the secrets behind this mysterious return of this bitch and her lover, and the desire for freedom and our happy ever after as well. We are on the race ¨C the race to our freedom and happiness!


    Honestly, I never spected that I would ever find myself in a race against time and myself. I feel like there is a lot I need to do in this, and that too, as soon as possible. It feels like it¡¯s not only time that is running after us, but danger too if we slumber. I may be right, or I may be wrong, but those are my sentiments. And, isn¡¯t there a phrase that states that you should always take serious note of your instincts? The feeling is strong. So strong!


    The problem is, we still don¡¯t know what is at stake ¨C what we stand to lose, and that is the most worrying feeling ever.


    On the way, Jerol will pass by the hospital with Ellie to give a DNA sample. The test will be conducted after the baby is done, so I am wondering, how will I cope with this bitch for two whole months?


    Worse, she said she wants to go to the hospital with Jerol too for a check up. The thought of them sitting together in the car is giving me bad chills, but I have to suppress my jealousy and act like a sophisticated understanding wife. I do not want to seem like a jealous insecure wife who can¡¯t trust even her own husband. But deep inside, my heart is in mes with insecurities.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Jerol asks after presumably, catching a sense of my weird lull.


    ¡°Yes. I am okay.¡± I lie.


    He doesn¡¯t need to know the kind of sentiments amounting inside of me. I can¡¯t be another reason for his worries and concerns. He needs a loving and understanding wife right now, not some insecure wife.


    ¡°You cane with us, love. You and I can proceed to the office after.¡± He says, hugging my shoulders.


    ¡°Why would Ie with you? We agreed I will stay back and take care of things here.¡± I state, faking a smile that is so damn obvious that it is faked.


    ¡°You should know by now, my love, that I know you so well. This whole Ellie issue is stroking your sweet ass so bad and no matter how much you try, you can not conceal it from me.¡± He states.


    Yeah! It always slips my mind that I am like an open book to him. He reads me so well.


    ¡°I will be fine. Don¡¯t worry. But hey, you better make sure you two stay metres apart even in the car. I do not want you any close to that bitch!¡± I warn. My insecurities could not just stay in their lockbox anymore.


    He smirks broadly.


    ¡°You look so cute like this, my sweet jealous wife.¡± He teases, slightly pinching my cheeks while I am boiling inside with mounted anger.


    Must be the gestation mood swings acting up. Normally, I would be smiling with him right now. But heck, I at the moment feel like tears are about to fall.


    ¡°I am serious, Jerol! You get even a metre close to her and I will kill her!¡± I sob, and his smirks stops as he embarks on drying my tears.


    Ooh, me! Is it not too early for my moods to be kicking in soo bad? Gosh! Is this how emotional and sentimental I¡¯m gonna be for nine freaking months? My goodness! I gotcha get a hold of myself before I am crowned the most emotional pregnant woman of the century!


    Mental eyes roll!


    ¡°I assure you, love, that I have no interests in that woman whatsoever aside from finding the identity of the baby. I will keep my distance. I will not even look at her the whole time. We can even go in separate cars if that will put you at more ease.¡± Jerol consoles.


    That sounds like an incredible option, but I also do not want to give this witch the feeling that I am insecure about my husband. She should not know that she is a threat to this love at all.


    ¡°Would you do that if I ask you to?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Anything for my beautiful wife. Just say the word.¡± He assures me, and I know he can do that and much much more just for me.


    ¡°There is no need. I have absolute faith and trust in my husband. Just do not let that bitch get into you, okay?¡± I say.


    ¡°I promise. Are you okay now? Will you be okay? You do not want toe?¡± He asks, and I had to ce a finger on his lips before he goes berserk with worries.


    ¡°I am fine, love. I will be fine.¡± I affirm.


    ¡°Alright.¡± He says, nting uncountable kisses on my face before parking his sugar lips on mine.


    I think I will be swimming in a romantic mood today, huh? I feel so hot.


    ¡°I will go get her.¡± I say after a long kiss that will definitely keep a cheesy grin on my face the whole day, and probably my face will be this rosy throughout too.


    ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t be mean?¡± He pulls me back, confusion cloaking the smile I had on.


    ¡°Mean?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Mmh. From now on, everything will be doubled. My love.¡± He kisses my lips, and lowers his head while I stand and stare in awe. ¡°My care.¡± I swallow a moan as he nts a wet kiss on my neck. Dang! ¡°My protection and everything.¡± He nts another one on my chest, and then he goes down on his knees, caging my waist in his strong loving arms and burying his face on my belly. My hands automatically drift to the back of his head, holding him still as he showers my belly with kisses. ¡°For my two most beautiful treasures ¨C you, and my baby!¡± He whispers after kisses, lifting up his bright countenance to meet my brimming one.


    My baby should know that it will have the best daddy in the whole world. Ain¡¯t my baby and I the luckiest souls on earth? No doubt at all. We are!


    ¡°If you pamper me like this then I think I want to be pregnant all our lives.¡± I tease, helping him up.


    ¡°Are you saying I wasn¡¯t romantic before?¡± He quizzes.


    ¡°No. But this is too much, and I am getting addicted to it.¡± I whimper.


    ¡°Well, you haven¡¯t seen anything yet. I will intoxicate you with love until you will know no any other phrase aside from love, and Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall!¡± He says, and shes a magical wink before capturing my lips once again.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    That is so cheesy! And conny! But, I would love to experience that. Where my world will epass him only. Well, that is the case already because, who else do I have aside from him and our baby? No one, yet I feel so happy,plete, and contented this way. We just have to get rid of the obstacles before us and we can dive deep into our own world.


    ¡°Go and get that bitch before I forget I am needed at the office.¡± He whispers when we pull away, and I turn to avert his beautiful bottomless orbs before I also forget that there are more important things we need to take care of now aside from pleasuring ourselves.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I whimper as I stroll outside.


    There wille a time to quell these desires, however, whenever, and wherever they arise. Soon.


    Getting to Ellie¡¯s room which is on the second floor, I heave in and out a good amount of air to summon my cool and knock on the door as gently as I can. That is if this can even be termed as gentle. I am afraid this bitch turns me into a different person.


    Like now, why isn¡¯t she answering the door? Did she leave already or what?


    I push the door open since it is not locked. I saunter inside, and guess what? The preposterous bitch is justying on her back on the bed scrolling through her phone. There is no music or any noise here, so she most definitely heard the unceasing bangings on the door. She just ignored them.


    I angrily m the door shut behind me, walking close to her bed but keeping a distance in between.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me knocking on the door?¡± I implore.


    ¡°I did.¡± She responds, not lifting her wicked face to look at me nor showing any intentions of doing so.


    I cruise my eyes on her body from her jagged unkept hair to her night pyjamas up to the tip of her toes. It means she came straight to bed after breakfast instead of getting ready for the hospital.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be ready for the hospital?¡± I implore, nursing a bad feeling inside.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡± She brats out, jerking herself up and nting her buttfortably on the bed, leaning her back on the arm of the bed for support as she shifts her attention to me.


    She what?


    ¡°Why?¡± I ask, confused.


    ¡°I am not feeling too well. You know, pregnancy mood swings, and a headache.¡± She starts massaging her temple with one hand, the other caressing her usual spot ¨C the belly bump.


    This straight mischievous face. The way she is looking at me. Who is she fooling?


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t that be more reasons to go to the hospital?¡± I ask.


    ¡°No, you dumb fool!¡± She yells. Her headache probably stopped abruptly because her hand plunges from her temple. Plus, the vigor she is yelling at does not suit even a non-pregnant woman, not to talk of a person nursing a headache. ¡°These are day-to-day symptoms of a pregnant woman! Are you even pregnant because you seem damn clueless?¡± She fumes.


    She is not sick. Definitely not. She is faking this and I can not be mistaken. She must be up to something. Her stay here is up to no good. Everything is so fishy. She has a motive here. I need to dig out what she and that Grego guy are up to and expose her as soon as possible.


    Before I could respond, a slight knock on the door echoes and I walk to the door to see who it is.


    Opening the door, Jerol¡¯s impatient figure greets me.


    ¡°What is happening? Isn¡¯t she ready?¡± He quizzes, and I do him the honors of letting him in. Perhaps he can prove my instincts wrong. Maybe I am misreading her idioms and her actions. ¡°What is wrong with her?¡±I snap quickly to his voice to see why he is disturbed after shutting the door. He can¡¯t be fooled so ea¡­ si¡­ ly¡­


    What happened?!


    Wondering what happened? Well, magically, the drama queen is tucked under the duvet wearing a very sickening face. She is hugging the duvet tight, and even faking shivers. Look at that, and tell me I have no grounds whatsoever to doubt and scorn this bitch!


    Wasn¡¯t she so full of energy a minute ago? Her alleged pain and diforts were as clear as day faked. Why does she now look like she is dying? Holly fuck! If I didn¡¯t see her a minute ago, I would have fallen victim to her shenanigans.


    ¡°Ellie?¡± Jerol calls with worry, but I am d he is not considering touching her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jerol. I do not feel too well. Please, can we¡­ go¡­ to the¡­ Hospital tomorrow? Please?¡±Ooh, poor thing! She is even shaking so much from the pain to the point of stammering! Screw this cunning bitch!


    ¡°We should probably take you to the hospital.¡± Jerol states.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not necessary. This is so normal in pregnancy.¡± Of course, it¡¯s not necessary because it¡¯s all fake, bitch! ¡°I will inform your wife if I feel the need to see a doc.¡±Hello? Who again? Me?


    I was to snap at her, but I got hooked by Jerol¡¯s gaze. He must be asking if I am okay with this and if I am not gonna y a weakling. No! I will y this bitch¡¯s game.


    ¡°Go to work, love. I will look after her.¡± I say to my husband.


    ¡°Ask someone else to do that, love. You need rest.¡± Jerol says, and I don¡¯t want to argue.


    ¡°Alright. Please call Terry for me on your way out. I will just¡­ look after her until Terryes in.¡± I say, throwing a murderous re at this witch through the corners of my eyes.


    ¡°Alright. Take care and call me in case of anything, okay?¡± He queries.


    ¡°I will. You take care, love.¡± I plead, feeling like a part of me is leaving me.


    ¡°I will. I love you.¡± He says, kissing my lips, not minding this witch, and neither do I care.


    ¡°I love you too.¡± I respond back, and escort him to the door.


    ¡°See you.¡± He says before walking out, and I sh him a smile.


    Closing the door after he vanishes from my sight, I turn to this cunning devil. She needs to exin what this show is all about.

 CHAPTER 53

    CONFRONTATIONS


    ¡°Show time is over! Get yourzy conny arse up and exin what sort of games you are ying, Ellie!¡± I squeal as I stroll to her, ready to drag her out of the bed by the hair if she dares to keep acting up.


    To my astonishment, the bitch peels the duvet off her in a sh, jerking herself up and tapping her imprints on the floor, swinging her head from side to side like a lunatic.


    I knew it. It was all a show. What is the gambling on? What is all this for?


    ¡°Oh my gosh! How was my acting? Did I do a usible job in making a fool out of your supposed husband?¡± She smirks annoyingly, springing to her feet.


    She finds this funny? Seriously?


    ¡°Bingo! Unfortunately, I do not have a medal for you, but I must admit that you are pathetically convincing.¡± I retort.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She irritatingly responds, bowing a little with acim and itching sarcasm.


    If she thinks I am here to apud and tolerate her childish and devilish games, she better think again.


    ¡°Start talking! What do you want to achieve with this? What games are you ying, Ellie?¡± I ask, sounding as serious as the devil himself, cutting her sarcasm off. But just like me, she refuses to be intimidated one bit.


    She walks a step closer, hugging her belly with her palms gently and rubbing her thumbs on it as if mocking a barren woman! Her gestures suck!


    ¡°I love your smart brains, miss nobody!¡± She scoffs, and I smirk.


    ¡°At least you know you can not fool me. What do you want here?¡± I ask.


    ¡°That is a secret. Even thieves don¡¯t say that they are nning to rob.¡± She retorts.


    ¡°But they in the end end up getting caught.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Your stupid philosophies don¡¯t mean anything. You are a nobody to do a thing!¡± She fumes.


    ¡°You should be cautious of this nobody, because you can not refute the fact that this nobody seems like a serious deterrent to your evil schemes against Jerol or whoever your target is! And I warn you, Ellie Monzano, I am not just a mere obstacle in your way. I am a constant one. One that you can not get rid of nor pass through.¡± I state, and she stares for a freaking decade, perhaps pondering on the verismo of my warnings andbatting austerity.


    ¡°Very well. Point well noted! Do whatever you can to try and stand in my way, but the consequences will all be in your conscience!¡± She threatens, her voice full of sobriety and vigor.


    So she finally admits she is up to something? What is it then? What is she after? And what consequences is she referring to?


    ¡°So you admit you are plotting something? What do you and Grego want? Haven¡¯t you done enough damage?¡± I implore.


    ¡°No! We have done absolutely nothing yet!¡± She responds with fury.


    ¡°Really? Aren¡¯t you even ashamed to show your disgusting face to any of the two brothers? Do you think, someone like Grego, who stole you from his own brother, would have any respects for you? You are so disgustingly pathetic! Don¡¯t be shocked if you end up in the garbage bin when he aplished his mission, because believe me, Ellie, there is a possibility Grego is just using you to get what he wants, and you are so blinded by stupidity to fall into his game.¡± I state.


    ¡°You wish, bitch! He and I havee from so far! You do not know what you are talking about.¡±They havee from far? From when Jerol caught them? Before that or when exactly? And why is she getting all worked up if she is so certain of Grego?


    ¡°Your reaction right now, Ellie, the look in your eyes, they all say that deep down you know there is some truth in what I said. Admit it! Grego is only taking you for a fool!¡±¡±Shut the hell up!¡± She yells. ¡°You shut up because you do not know anything.¡± She adds, her hands dropping from her belly.


    There is a reason why she faked her sickness to avoid going to the hospital. Why?


    ¡°I will stop. But if you ever loved my husband even just once, Ellie, tell me the truth. Is the baby his?¡± I implore.


    She blinks countless times, biting her lips as if suppressing something.


    ¡°You stay out of the way because none of this concerns you, bitch!¡± She fumes.


    Through her fumes and turmoil, I see so many things. Like hidden secrets and bits of uncertainties.


    ¡°But I am as much involved as long as Jerol is. He is my husband, in case that hasn¡¯t sunk into your empty skull yet.¡± I ascertain my point.


    ¡°Then get ready for the battle. I will be d to crush you and throw you back from the garbage you came from.¡± She spits.


    She isn¡¯t gonna say anything, right? Very well then. Nothing sticks in darkness forever. I will unravel this in one way or the other.


    ¡°Bring it on, Ellie! Launch all you have got and bring the fucking shiieet on! I am so damn ready. But take it straight from me, Ellie. Before you can evenunch to strike, you will be kissing the dirt on the floor and wallowing in shame and defeat. That, I both promise and swear!¡± I spit on her disconcerting furrowed face.


    If she thought she will find a weak wimp to intimidate with her threats, she better go back and reevaluate her ns again. If I still fought to survive when I had absolutely nothing except my wretched worthless life to hold on to before, I am a savage lioness ready and eager to rip into pieces anything that will stand in my way of the joy that the heavens have poured on me. I will wreck havoc on anything that will dare to wreck this euphoric glee that I am swimming in.


    That includes this bitch! She better get the fuck ready!


    ¡°You are so gullible and stupid! Going into a war that you have no subtlest idea what you are fighting nor what the war is all about.¡± She speaks with an intense tone and serious expression.


    Well, mine is worse.


    ¡°The reasons or the cause are not important. What or who I am fighting for is what matters.¡± I retort.


    ¡°Then good luck! You do need it. I will remind you of my warning today at the end of this fight.¡± She states.


    ¡°That is if you will have the chance to witness the ending, Ellie!¡± I state, and leave her to consult her brains as I proudly match out.


    Nutty arrogant dummy! Infuriating filthy bitch! Shameless disgusting whore! She thinks she can scare me? Not in this life! Not¡­Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am?!¡±


    Huh!? This one! When did she conform to azy busybody?


    ¡°Were you eavesdropping?¡± I implore, refusing to believe she was doing that.


    Come to think of it. Jerol left minutes ago and I am sure he asked her to rush here asap. So she was¡­


    ¡°Umh¡­ no, ma¡¯am! I just¡­ I¡­ I¡­ I did not want to disrupt your discussions, ma¡¯am. That¡¯s it.¡± She defends.


    I see.


    I pull her far aside as I m the door behind me.


    ¡°I am so sorry, ma¡¯am! Please I¡­ I¡­ It¡¯s sir Jerol, ma¡¯am. He¡­¡±¡±Jerol?!¡± I exim, letting go of her hand. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I query.


    ¡°I should not be telling you this ma¡¯am but, sir Jerol asked me to watch every move of our guest and report to him. He also said to tell him right away if that woman bothers you at all.¡± She exins, whimpering.


    Dah! That is my sweet husband caring so much for me, expressing his care for me even when he is not around, and also him being suspicious of this witch inside. I¡¯m blessed to have such a sweet gem as my husband.


    And also, it feels good that I am not the only one suspecting her.


    ¡°Okay. Do what my husband instructed you to do and be careful about it. Keep a close watch on that witch inside.¡± I state.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am.¡± She says and walks inside, while I start upstairs to my room pondering on what this bitch wants here, from us.


    Just what do they want?

 CHAPTER 54

    SPYING. THE SHOCK


    It has been three days since I had that argument with Ellie. Since then, she has been cooked up in her room. She onlyes out for meals when she feels like it. The bitch is too arrogant for an intruder guest that she is. She doesn¡¯t talk to anyone at all, unless when she feels like insulting someone and parading her arrogance. Honestly, I am at the hang of it with her arrogance.


    Jerol is conducting his own investigations, but these fools are no ordinary fools. They are a couple of smart-asses! They have covered their trails so well that nothing ising out of the investigations. Nothing at all, and I am getting so pissed because I want the truth discovered as soon as possible so that this can be over already.


    With the Grego idiot ying cool and dedicated by trying to learn about the family business, it is so difficult to find something to pin on him. But, shouldn¡¯t that be another sign? Don¡¯t ask me a sign of what, but ask yourself, why now? Why is he interested to work just now?Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I know I am not paranoid. I know I am not paranoid because I am thinking all these through with a clear mind as I bask in the morning sun. I have been trying to connect the dots since that day to no avail, but I know I will. And it has to be soon.


    It is no coincidence that that witch always finds excuses to avoid going to the doctor. It is no coincidence either that she almost confessed to me that they have a thing with Grego and they are after something. Nothing is a coincidence, and that I know pretty well.


    I just need one chance. Just one chance to find something. Just something and everything will make sense ¨C the DNA! If I can prove the baby is not Jerol¡¯s, then everything will be put to light. And that I can do even if it means dragging that witch to the hospital myself. But, damn! That has to be until she delivers? I can not bear with her that long.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± I snap my eyes to the voice of Terry as she racks before me.


    She hasn¡¯t been able to get anything for those three days from Ellie. She says she is always texting someone. She is such a smart asshole! But her days are numbered!


    ¡°Yes, Terris?¡± I ask, sitting straight.


    ¡°I just overheard something from Ellie, ma¡¯am! I went down to get her soup like she ordered and I found her on a strange call with someone.¡±Strange!? Now that spewed huge moulds of curiosity in me.


    ¡°Strange? Who was it?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Sounded like a woman, ma¡¯am!¡± Terry says.


    A woman?! A friend or is there another woman involved in this? What woman?


    ¡°Did you get her name?¡± I ask.


    ¡°No ma¡¯am!¡± She kills my hopes.


    Damn it!


    ¡°What were they talking about? What did you hear?¡± I ask apprehensively.


    ¡°I only heard that they are meeting at Hilton Hotel, ma¡¯am!¡±That made me spring to my feet.


    ¡°When? What time?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Today, ma¡¯am!¡±


    Today! Someone that was sick in the morning is now nning to go out to meet some God knows who?


    Well, we will find out who is this is important female gender.


    ¡°Alright. Thank you, Terry, for the info. Go back now before she suspects anything.¡± I say.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am.¡± She hurries back, while I m back on the bench.


    Who is this woman she is meeting and why are they meeting? Whoever she is, I will find out.


    Hourster!


    I am shifting my body from one corner of my seat to another, ricocheting my eyes through the distinctive Hilton hotel with the hopes of spotting Ellie and her partner but, who am I kidding?


    Hilton Hotel is not a two-story building with clear ss where you can see anyone. It has a series of floors, and you can¡¯t even see people from outside. Deep down I know I am wasting my efforts with all these unnecessary attempts but what should I do?


    My so-called spy, Terry, was foolish enough to forget her ID card in the house. This is a no-nonsense five-star hotel. Protocols are of high precepts here and there are no exceptions. She was kicked out before she could set foot at the entrance, and Ellie, being the cunning bitch that she is, denied that they were together.


    The bitch had enough guts to text Terry after to wait in the car. And ooh, she also promised to pay her handsomely just to cover up for her. Can you imagine that?


    Now here I am, boiling with anger and anxiety and curiosity. I feel like killing this Terry! How could she forget her ID today of all times? Knt!


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? How will you know who she is meeting?¡± Mark, my chauffeur asks, as if I am not banging my head over the same question.


    Mark was not supposed to know about this, but she overheard me yelling at Terry for her ipetence and so I had toe out clean. I only said that we are investigating Ellie. Nothing much.


    If this bitch sneaked out, it means that whoever she is meeting is important. I need to find that out. I can¡¯t blow this chance.


    Wait¡­


    Mark!


    Mark!


    Mark!


    ¡°You!¡± I say, shocking Mark.


    ¡°Me, ma¡¯am?¡± He quizzes.


    ¡°Yes. She doesn¡¯t know you so she won¡¯t sense anything.¡± I exin. ¡°You have your ID?¡± I add enthusiastically.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I do.¡± He responds.


    ¡°Good. Here is what to do. You can recognize her face, right?¡± I inquire.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± He says.


    ¡°Good. Go inside.¡± I fish out some notes from my purse and hand them to him without even counting. ¡°Have a cup of tea or eat anything you want, but make sure you bring me that woman¡¯s photo and whoever she is meeting with. You got that?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± He says.


    ¡°Good. Go, and be quick and smart, okay?¡± I ask, tapping his shoulder.


    ¡°Sure ma¡¯am. Excuse me.¡± He walks out, and I heave a very deep sigh.


    At least. If a door closes, a window opens. I now cross my fingers in the hope that he will seed. He will seed.


    Today I will catch you, bitch! I feel like this woman she is meeting with will be the key to uncovering her secrets. And I can¡¯t wait to rub her defeat on her own face this so soon.


    After about twenty minutes of sulking in anxiety, I see Ellie dashing out of the hotel like she just closed a multi-billion deal. Witch! Wait until I know what your business here today was, bitch. Let¡¯s see if you will still walk with your head hoisted so high again.


    A minute after her car drives out of the parking, Mark walks out, and if I thought whatever I was feeling before now was anxiety, then I don¡¯t have a term for what I am feeling now. Maybe be dread? I feel fearful all of a sudden and I don¡¯t know why.


    All the same, Ipose myself when Mark enters the car.


    ¡°Were you able to capture anything?¡± I implore with a tremor in my faint pitch.


    ¡°Yes. Here, ma¡¯am!¡± He responds, handing me his phone.


    I swallow hard as I take the phone, and I drag my eyes slowly to the phone.


    Ellie is there in the photo together with this Grego, not surprising, but ¡­ I freeze at the face of the third person staring at me.


    ¡°Gracia Motero!?¡±


    No! No! No!


    I hold my breath in denial, confusion, and shock. I am rubbing my eyes to clean the probable deceitful curtains hanging on them. There must be something ying a very bad trick on me for me to see what I am seeing.


    I glue my eyes on the phone again, particrly on this particr woman. I even flip to the next photo to confirm if that face is still the same, wishing and hoping it isn¡¯t, but all is hopeless.


    It¡¯s her!


    My mother, with these two devils!


    ¡°Look, ma¡¯am! Therees that other woman!¡± I hear marks voice, and for a moment I think, maybe the phone is fabricating things?


    I drag my face to the entrance of the hotel, and therees my mother, Gracia Motero. Nothing has changed about her for those five months we have not seen face to face, except that she at least clean up today and she is not drunk. But¡­ Forget everything! Forget even the fact that I feel nothing after seeing her for so long.


    Why the heck is she with these people?! My mother?!


    My mother, with Ellie and Grego?! What games is life ying with me again? Why is she involved?


    ¡°What are you doing again, mother?¡± I didn¡¯t mean to whimper, but I couldn¡¯t hold the words back either.

 CHAPTER 55

    A DIFFICULT TASK


    I am literally pleading with my stubborn heart not to pop out of its cage as I step out of the car at the ample parking of this castle. It¡¯s throbbing with robust and boisterous agonizing rebounds of echoes. The face of my mother in thepany of Ellie and Grego is the only thing I a seeing with my vague blurry sight as I saunter towards the house.


    My mother, with my mortal enemies? How unbelievable!


    Mark has asked me countless times if I am okay but my voice sunk somewhere deep in my belly after authenticating the info he brought, rendering me voiceless. Even now as I reach the door, I can still hearken to the concerned voice of my chauffeur asking if I am okay, but how can I reply?


    How can I be okay? How in hell can this be okay? The evidence I am cuddling so tight in my arms on my phone more than holds no doubts whatsoever that my mother has connived with my enemies to ravage me, but I am still vetoing to believe that she wasn¡¯t yet done with me when she sold me off like trash. Deep inside I want to believe there is a mix-up in this. I can not believe that she still want to ruin me. Why? How? Again, how and why, God?


    ¡°Hey!? Talk to me, please!¡± I snap, spinning around, almost staggering to Jerol¡¯s arms from being startled by his voice.


    How did I even get into our room? Did I fly on the way here, up the stairs?


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I brat out, making an effort to assemble my cool which is not working at all. I am a wretched mess. My breath alone is enough to say that I am a mess of myself. The way I am avoiding his eyes is additional proof that nothing is okay. Nothing is.


    Perhaps nothing ever will be okay as long as Gracia Motero is breathing!


    How will Jerol even take this? My own mother is in cahoots with the enemy. God!


    All this while, after severing ties with her, I thought that we were done. That that was the end of her loathing towards me. That that was thest blow. I thought that all was over with herst unforgivable blow. How wrong was I? I think I really never knew this woman one bit.


    I do not get it, though. Why would my own mother stoop to such low and deep depths just to wreck my life? Forget even being a mother, is she even human? What more does she want?


    ¡°What sort of question is that, love?¡± Jerol speaks.


    Shit! Yeah, what did I ask? But wait, indeed, what is he doing here at this hour? It¡¯s too early for him to be back from the office for God¡¯s sake! It is freaking four o¡¯clock so, yeah, he shouldn¡¯t be here unless, there is a problem?


    ¡°I mean, why are you back so early?¡± I insist on my worries.


    He is still in his office suit, meaning he did not get here long ago. And, he doesn¡¯t seem so cool either.


    Ooh, that stupid Terry must have told him that I went after Ellie. I was so enthusiastic about trapping the witch that I forgot to tell Terry not to worry Jerol. She should have been sensible enough to keep her big mouth shut for hell¡¯s sake! Sigh!


    ¡°Why would you do something as dangerous as that, Tessa?¡± Jerol implies.


    I knew it! That Terris is just¡­ nkt! To hell with her doing her job!


    ¡°Terry should not have told you.¡± I say.


    ¡°She was doing her job. Weren¡¯t you going to let me know?¡± He quizzes.


    ¡°You know I would never hide anything from you, Jerol. But at least I would not have bothered you while at work. She worried you for nothing.¡± I say.


    ¡°It¡¯s not nothing if two lives of the most important persons in my life right now were prone to danger. Did you stop to think for a moment what would have happened if Ellie caught you following her around? What would be of¡­¡±¡±I wasn¡¯t going to confront them, okay? I am even d that did not cross my mind because I would have suffered a seizure instead of the heartache I am nursing.¡± I say, tears almost falling.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± He implores, curiosity surging in him as he walks closer. ¡°What happened, Tessa?¡± He adds with restless curiosity when I fail to speak.


    We agreed there would be no secrets between us, and so I can¡¯t withhold this from him. Besides, why would I? I have no intents of protecting that evil woman. A crime is a crime, no matter whomits it. She is out to ruin me and at this point, I think there is nothing like stopping for her. Then why should I cover for her?


    ¡°Tessa?¡± Jerol snaps me out of my thoughts once again. ¡°What happened out there? What did you find out? Who was Ellie meeting with?¡± Jerol adds.


    I unlock my phone, taking onest nce at the faces in the photos to substantiate onest time that it is what I saw minutes ago. Nothing has changed. I hand the phone to him.


    ¡°See for yourself.¡± I respond, gathering my courage back.


    I had once sworn that I was so done with this woman, hence why I cut ties with her. It was the best decision I had ever made, and today has amplified more weight to my choice five months ago. She is not worth being a part of my life. I know you must think that I am judging her so harshly so soon without even knowing what this is all about and what exactly is her involvement in it. But I trust my heart when ites to this woman!


    She has never done even a single good thing for myself. I bet even her decision to bring me into this world was not good at all. It was just so she could make me suffer, and she seeded until five months ago. She must have learned that things did not turn out the way she devilishly anticipated. That I did not be what shebelled me when she was selling me off- a ve. My joy must have stung her so badly. And now she is after wrecking it all for me.


    Well, Gracia Motero, you are never seeding in this!


    ¡°What the¡­¡± I snap to Jerol¡¯s exmations. I anticipated his aftermath. I knew his jaw will break from shock. ¡°This woman again?¡± He queries with anger and disbelief.


    I am not aghast that he forgot to address her as my mother. I am not even thunderstruck by the disgust and anger cloaking his face right now. I understand him perfectly. And this woman has disrespected herself so much. She does not deserve respect from anyone. Not even from me, her own daughter.


    ¡°How¡­ what the heck? How possible is this?¡± Jerol implores, throwing the phone on the bed.


    ¡°Unbelievable, right? I could not believe my eyes either. If I did not see her leave the hotel with my naked eyes, I would be convinced that this is photoshop.¡± I exin.


    He breathes out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Did you talk to her?¡± He queries, all his worries directed to me now.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He must be thinking I am afraid of what is to be of my mother. And of course, what I am feeling about all this in my condition.


    ¡°No. I did not have the bravery to face her. I did not see the need because I did not want to cause a scandal out there. You know how she is.¡± I respond.


    ¡°This is getting messed up. So messed up!¡± He says, guiding us to the bed and we crouch down on it, his arm wrapping around me to soothe me.


    ¡°She should not be a hindrance to any of your ns or investigations.¡± I state, looking into his eyes.


    ¡°I feel that the catch they are after is something big, and she, is your mother, love.¡± He says.


    ¡°I denounced her months ago, and I stand by my decision. Her actions do not insinuate that I made a mistake cutting her out of my life.¡± I insist.


    ¡°But, love, she still is your mother. And if things are the way I am presuming and she happens to be implicated in this conspiracy, things will not end up well for her.¡± Jerol says, summoning my curiosity.


    ¡°Why? What are you thinking?¡± My curiosity howls, though in a low pitch.


    ¡°Money! What if the child Ellie is carrying is not mine? What if they are just using the baby to get my wealth? You have seen how my brother is acting like a workaholic nowadays. There is a secret behind all that charade.¡± He says, making sense, and confirming my doubts as well.


    But is all this drama necessary? And, they know that the DNA will expose them. So, why?


    ¡°But, are they aware that the DNA will put their lies to light?¡± I ask.


    ¡°They must be considering fabricating the results. Everything is possible in this corrupted nation.¡± He ascertains.


    He is damned right. Money can buy you anything in this country, except your life. Everything else is possible.


    ¡°What now? This needs to end! They need to be exposed because I am getting tired of this. Who knows who else they will recruit in their evil ns.¡± I say.


    ¡°You are not worried at all for your¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget that woman, Jerol! Assume she is just like any other person trying to sabotage you. That is what she is to me ¨C my enemy!¡± I affirm.


    ¡°You will never regret this?¡± He implores.


    ¡°Never! Do you have a n on how we can end this?¡± I implore.


    He thinks for a minute, his hand slipping from me as he speaks deeply.


    ¡°I will dig out the truth from my fucking brother.¡± He says, sounding like a daredevil.


    Now that scares me!


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± I ask, anxiously.


    ¡°Nothing. I will just talk to him.¡±


    He will just to him, and he can¡¯t even look me right into my eyes? Why am I getting a bad feeling about this?


    ¡°When?¡± I query.


    ¡°Just now. This can¡¯t go on anymore. I am sick fed up!¡± He grumbles, springing to his feet.


    Hang on! As in, right now? This freaking minute?


    I spring up after him, strolling behind him to wherever the demons are leading him to.


    ¡°I aming with you.¡± I say.


    ¡°No!¡± He roars, something he regrets the moment he realizes it.


    His eyes conforms an inferno! He is not just going to talk, he indeed is going to squeeze the hell out Grego!


    ¡°Jerol,e on! Let me speak to him, please!¡± I speak in a soothing gamble to chill his demons.


    I know I am not thinking straight right now because, I can not stand that arrogant jerk even for a second leave alone having a civilized dialogue with him. But, I do not want Jerol to turn into that beast he was months ago. It will be chaotic if he loses his cool. Hell will bleed and flood on Earth if that happens. And that is if he even has it intact which I doubt. He would not be looking like this if the word cool is in his vocabry right now.


    ¡°You know who you should speak to?¡± He queries, fixing his scary gaze on me.


    ¡°Who?¡± I murmur in a tremor.


    He won¡¯t send me to that bitch, Ellie, right? I would love to help him, maybe that way the impending havoc would be avoided. But I tried my luck with that bitch and failed miserably. She will not tell me a thing and that I am certain about.


    ¡°Your mother!¡± I think I felt numbness caressing my skin for a moment, my ears ying deaf to his words. ¡°See if you can speak some sense into that woman before helle crumbling down on her which I will not stand ountable for!¡± He adds, and before I can muster my sanity and scour for my voice which dropped to my stomach, he lividly storms out, his demeanor bleeding nothing but havoc!


    Forget about what is about, and maybe bound to happen, but of all people in the world, he send me to my mother? How on earth am I supposed to face that woman? Where will I even get the patience and the cool to hold a conversation with that impossible woman?

 CHAPTER 56

    WORRY


    I was about to bang my butt back on the bed and reminisce about Jerol¡¯s inconceivable task, perhaps ponder a little about giving it a try for his sake because I understand his predicament, or follow him, but a bell of sense chimed wildly in my head. A storm just stormed out in my presence. A tragedy is about to befall this family if I sit and fold my arms even for a second. There is no time.


    I grab my phone and run out of the room, running down the stairs but without forgetting that I am carrying a life in my belly. I cross the sitting room without minding the stranded servants. They must have been bbergasted by Jerol¡¯s eerily demeanor, and now I am here topping up their amazement as I rush out like a person running for her dear life without sparing them a nce.


    I spot Mark talking to some God knows who on the phone. I howl his name, scaring the hell out of him and everyone outside. None is concentrating on their duties. They are all in awe of this live Netflix movie.


    ¡°At your service, Ma¡¯am? What can¡­¡±


    ¡°Start the car.¡± I cut him off as I pull the opposite door to the driver¡¯s and push myself inside.


    ¡°Where to, ma¡¯am?¡± He asks as he ignites the engine.


    ¡°I will direct you! Stress on it as much as you can!¡± I say as we drive out.


    ¡°What is happening, ma¡¯am? Sir Jerol left in a hurry a minute ago. He looked like he is about to explode or kill someone. And you look just like him. Anything the matter?¡± Mark asks.


    He is doing an incredibly usible job of stressing the elerator. He should probably concentrate on that. But I can not hide my worries for Jerol.


    ¡°Did my husband take a driver with him?¡± I implore.


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am! He did not even speak to anyone.¡± Mark responds.


    Damn!


    I dial Jerol¡¯s number, but the beast that has just aroused in him can¡¯t permit him to speak to me right now. It goes unanswered. Even the second. And the third too. I give up trying, and howl a mental prayer to the heavens to protect him.


    ¡°Have you seen Terry or Ellie? Are they back?¡± I ask Mark because I do not recall spotting Terry anywhere.


    I know I was in a hurry, but I did not even feel her presence even when I wasing in a while ago. Same with that bitch.


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am. It¡¯s like they went somewhere else because they have not returned.¡± Mark says.


    They haven¡¯t? They left before us so, where else did they go?


    I dial Terry¡¯s number, and by good luck, she picks up by the third ring.


    ¡°Terry? Where are you?¡± I go straight to the point. No beating around the bush. Even if the bitch suspects my suspicions for this, I would let her know that I have been to a gynae. I know how long it takes for a mere check-up. Sigh!


    ¡°We are here at the McCall¡¯s home, ma¡¯am!¡± Terry says, stirring my intestines with her statement.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What?!¡± I yell between a query and an exim.


    What the hell are they doing over there? The bitch is still a dark nightmare to the McCall¡¯s as far as I know.


    ¡°Yes. Umh, we drove straight here after the gynaecologist visit ma¡¯am.¡± Terry says, trying to sound normal.


    ¡°She is there?¡± I ask.


    That must be why she is sounding that way.


    ¡°Let me speak to her.¡± I hear Ellie¡¯s voice. I hope she has not discovered something.


    ¡°Give her the phone.¡± I say to Terry.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am. Here she is.¡± Terry gets off the line, and I wait for the bitch to speak.


    ¡°Yes! I am here, little bitch! Are you spying on me or something?¡± The bitch¡¯s sarcastic voice strokes the walls of my ears with an itchy bang.


    ¡°I am not in the mood for your fights, Ellie! What the heck are you doing over there? Trying to impose yourself?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Why are you sounding so curious? Are you worried that I might take your ce as the McCall¡¯s beloved daughter-inw?¡± She mocks, I can picture her rolling her round eyes after that.


    Can she spare me time? This is no time for jokes!


    ¡°All the best if that is your mission, bitch!¡± I cut the call after realizing she will just take me around the circles.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I curse after cutting the call. ¡°Take right.¡± I say to Mark as the familiar streetsing into my view.


    I would love to glue my eyes outside and see if there are any changes at all since I left, but the things clogging my mind have no room for a cruise or rest. Why that bitch is over there is a mystery that adds more terror to the one I already had.


    ¡°Hello, my daughter?¡± My father, Mr McCall picks on the second ring.


    ¡°Umh, father! Hi!¡± That¡¯s definitely not my style of saluting this reputable man, but today I am messed up.


    ¡°Hello, dear! Are you alright, my child? You sound, unlike you.¡± He asks.


    He sensed. How couldn¡¯t he?


    ¡°I am fine, father. Has, Jerol arrived there?¡± I query, and I know that it is impossible because, his brother doesn¡¯t even stay there, right?


    Heck! I just realized that I do not even know where that beast went! God please, protect him!


    ¡°Jerol? He turned the invite down so we are not expecting you guys? Or did he have a change of mind?¡±¡±Invite? What invite?¡± I ask because I seem to be in the dark.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? Grego organized a family dinner. Seems like the rebellious prodigal son hase to his senses and is willing to make amends for his shorings.¡± He says.


    Then, why didn¡¯t I know? Why didn¡¯t Jerol tell me? There was no need since he did not n on dining with that Grego, but shit! That means he is heading there.


    ¡°Umh, father! I need a favor from you Father.¡± I say.


    ¡°Sure. What is it?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Jerol is heading over there but not for good reasons. Please try to talk things through with him.¡±¡±Why? What happened?¡± He implores.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, father. Just, please make sure he doesn¡¯t do anything tragic. I will be heading over there in a while.¡± I say.


    Well, I do not have all the time to exin things. And it¡¯s not my right to do that either.


    ¡°Okay, dear. I will see what I can do. But you know you are the only one he listens to. If there is any problem I suggest you head over here please.¡± Mr McCall says, sounding rmed.


    ¡°I will Father. I will just take care of something real quick first.¡± I say.


    ¡°Okay. See you.¡± He says, and I hang up.


    I wish I can run there right now, but since I am already here in this not-so-friendly environment, I must as well confront this woman once and for all. She better have an exnation.


    ¡°Should I apany you, ma¡¯am?¡± Mark asks after I tap my feet on the ground.


    ¡°No. It is not necessary, Mark. This won¡¯t take a while. I will be back in no time so that we can head to the McCall¡¯s home right away.¡± I exin.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am.¡± Mark says.


    I pick up my hurried pace. As I said, I have no time to waste at all and I do not intend to. This will be a quickie. Straight to the question so that I can leave this disgusting hell of a ce that never at once felt like home. It still doesn¡¯t. That is the irony. The phrase that East or West home is the best has always been cliche and too farfetched to me from the start. Maybe there is another one that I haven¡¯te across that states that North or South are better than home.


    Or maybe I should create it.


    Getting to the door, today I don¡¯t bother knocking. I nudge the door open and wee myself inside. This is how outraged I am for this woman.


    And here she sits,fortably scrolling through the seemingly new sparkling gadget. Since when did she have such an expensive phone?


    ¡°It¡¯s bad manners to walk into someone else¡¯s house without knocking. Don¡¯t you know that?¡± She queries, lifting her antagonistic face up to gawk at me with dread as she jerks herself up.


    It¡¯s obvious she was not expecting me, and she loathes my presence like always.


    ¡°Unfortunately, I did not have someone to teach me such manners while growing up, Gracia. You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± I fire back, and she res at me as if she wishes for nothing but death to strike me dead right now. She has never been ashamed of parading her animosity towards me. Never. Not even now.

 CHAPTER 57

    DIGGING FOR THE TRUTH


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here? Last I checked, we¡­¡±¡±We had nothing to talk about. We had cut any kind of bond that tied us together and had a mutual understanding to steer clear out of each other¡¯s business. But you just don¡¯t know when or how to quit, do you?¡± I fume.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand what your unpleasant visit is all about.¡± She retorts, ying dumb.


    ¡°This, Gracia!¡± I show her the photos on my phone one by one up to the fourth one. ¡°Exin this!¡± I state when the is done ring at the photos as if she does not understand anything.


    No, correction. As if she does not care at all!


    ¡°And who are you to demand exnations from me, Tessa? Who do you think you are to stand in front of me and throw questions about what I am doing with my life?¡± She spits.


    Hello? Is that even a question?


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t give a damn about your disgusting life whatsoever if you were not meddling in mine.¡± I yell at her, shocking her as she leans her face backwards, shock gushing over her. Ipose myself, realizing that there is danger unfolding somewhere else. I should be on my way there already. ¡°Look, Gracia. I have no intents ofing back into your life. Thest five months have been the most peaceful days of my life and I have no ns of ruining that happiness for anything. Tell me what you are up to.¡± I implore, hoping to get this over and done with right now so that I can leave.


    ¡°You are getting nothing from me, stupid girl! If you thought showing up here unannounced would scare me, you better go back just the way you came in because your delusions are as useless as you were from day one.¡± She fumes.


    Useless!


    Useless?


    ¡°This same useless girl used to feed you even before she could differentiate right from wrong. This stupid girl that you are trying so hard to ruin took care of you even when you treated her like trash. This useless girl, Gracia, never gave up on you no matter how much you pushed her away.¡±¡±You never gave up? That is so absurdly riching from someone who abandoned her mother the minute ay of light shone on her path. And you dare say you never gave up on me?¡± She queries.


    ¡°There is always too much of what we can take, Gracia, and you did absolutely everything you possibly could to push me to that point. I had to make a decision before you could destroy mepletely.¡± I defend.


    ¡°Then you should know that choices have consequences. I was still your mother. You had no right to treat me that way. You even had the nerve to insult me in front of your husband, you ungrateful witch!¡± She spits with hate.


    ¡°You have made me suffer all my life, Gracia! Why can¡¯t you just¡­¡±¡±I should just leave you be happy?¡± She cuts me off, smirking as she speaks. ¡°While I rot in this hell of a home? You are damn wrong, Tessa! You robbed me once, remember? Remember how you stole my share when I gave you to that rich tycoon husband, huh?¡± She yells.


    I robbed her? She has the audacity to say that I robbed her just because I did not give her the whole shitty share she asked for trading me off? And, hang on just there. So, is this her way of getting back at me? Seriously?


    ¡°Now I get it! It all makes sense, now.¡± I smirk at her disgusting face. ¡°So, how much downpayment did you receive just to ruin your daughter¡¯s life, Gracia?¡± I ask, feeling pity for this woman, and despising the fact that her ck stinking blood is running through my veins.


    Just how can two people bound by blood be so distinct? She is rotten to the core and I am nothing like her. How the heck can he be my mother?


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter what I have received. I want to milk every single cent I can get from you. Let¡¯s see if you will still have this crown of pride and arrogance when I am done with you.¡± She spits, sounding like a determined devil. She indeed is a devil.


    ¡°You are impossible, Gracia! I can not believe you are counted among the mothers in this world. You are worse than the devil himself! Your wickedness sucks!¡± I fume at her with all the resentment boiling in me.


    ¡°Wicked or not, nothing can alter the certainty that I am the reason why you are swimming in so much luxury right now. This new you, is all thanks to me, Tessa! How about I get a crown for that?¡±If I had time, I would crack my ribs a little at her ridiculous hoax right now. A crown, for what I am enjoying?


    ¡°You would, if only this was what you anticipated when you sold me off to a stranger. But guess what, you and I know that that was not the case. You wanted me to continue suffering in Jerol¡¯s arms more than I did in your own hands. You probably thought I would die out of misery and since things have taken a total turn, you are can¡¯t stand to see me happy, Gracia. You are dying inside with insatiable jealousy.¡± I say hitting her right on the core.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Damn her howlings! ¡°I can not bear to see you happy! You do not deserve to be happy, you hear me!¡± The way she is yelling, it¡¯s like she has lost it. She is acting like a lunatic. A real psycho!


    I have never seen her this way! This look scares me. Is she even in her right senses?


    Whatever the case, I refuse to be demeaned by her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know you at all, Gracia! But what I am so certain about is that there is not even a single mother who would hate her child this much for any given reasons. No one.¡± I whimper.


    ¡°There is one, and that is me! I am your mother, Tessa, but I despise you with every ounce in me.¡± She spits, ampling nearer to my face as she adds. ¡°And with every single breath that I will take for the rest of my life, I will curse you and the day I conceived you, Tessa Angeline!¡± She affirms, spitting every single word to my face, making sure that not even a single one escapes my ears.


    And my ears itch! I see darkness for some seconds as a few drops of tears trickle down.


    Of all the things she has ever said to me, this is the most hurtful one! Of all the pains she has inflicted on me, this one stings more than all of them fused together. The fact that she is not even blinking as she gives me the honor of affirming her derations through her horrific res is more than appalling.


    How can there be a living being like this one before me among humans? Her ce is not even among the animals, but on the right-hand side of the devil. That is where she is fit to be.


    ¡°I knew you were a devil, but I didn¡¯t know to what extent, Gracia.¡± I say as I dry the tears from my eyes, sucking the rest until I don¡¯t feel them anymore.


    ¡°And I wish you had taken your time to know me better before messing with me! It¡¯s already toote now. You will suffer severely for your actions.¡± Her heinous tone is affirmative and dreadful.


    My phone starts vibrating on my phone, evoking a cold stinging adrenaline rush down my spine. I check it, and seeing Mr McCall¡¯s name on the screen warrants this numbing sensation.


    Hell has probably broken loose somewhere. I should rush there immediately.


    Before thinking, I am already picking my pace and rushing out, but this devil thought it wise to send me with a warning.


    ¡°You and your husband better brace yourselves for what is toe! Time is ticking so fast. You both will soon regret robbing me!¡±I turn around, her words echoing with rebounds in my head, but not loud enough to cause me deafness nor intimidate me.


    ¡°I will take your advice seriously, Gracia. And just to ease your worries, I have steadfast faith and trust in my husband. I hope you feel the same way with your aplices too. Anyway, whatever happens from this second, not even on your death bed should you remember my face, nor my name, Gracia Motero!¡± She remains mute at that, and after giving her onest nce, I hike outside!


    That is a dark CHAPTER closed. All visual and possible bonds between me and that witch have been broken and burned today. Nothing will ever bring us back together. Our rtionship, if ever there was, is beyond repair, and I am not interested in any fixing. There is absolutely nothing, nothing at all to fix between us. There is no longer us.


    My life, my entire life, is Jerol and our kids!


    ¡°Step on it, Mike!¡± I order as I settle back in the car, and Mark is just a beast on speed.


    If you ask me how we have not bumped into any traffic police on the road, I would say it is sheer luck. The heavens perhaps know the kind of rush we are in and what this entails. That is why we haven¡¯t been stopped by any police officer for overspeeding. God keep them wherever they are.


    My phone buzzes again, and this time around, it is Mrs McCall calling. My heart picks up the throbbing pace while I swipe the receiver button.


    ¡°Hel¡­¡±


    ¡°Where the heck are you, Tessa?!¡± She screams through the phone, and upon hearing the loud barkings in the background, I honestly can not me her for yelling.


    There are two voices of two enraged lions roaring at each other, and another one of a woman trying to beseech them. The noise seems intense.


    ¡°What is going on over there?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Jerol¡­¡± She pauses as a loud growl echoes. It was so loud that it made my heart skip several beats. ¡°Stop it Jerol for God¡¯s sake!¡± She screams in an almost cry, making me lose all the hopes that anything was okay. It is not like her to plead like this, and the noises are so scary.


    ¡°Mother? What was that? What is happening?¡± I implore once again.


    ¡°Jerol is about to kill his brother, Tessa! Where the heck are you?¡± She cries.


    ¡°I¡­ I am on my way. I am close by!¡± I respond.


    ¡°Hurry the hell up before they¡­¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    A female cry echoes, cutting her off, while my lips get hooked apart in the air.


    What just happened?


    ¡°Mrs McCall?¡± I Call when I recoup from the dilemma, but I get no response. ¡°Mother? Mother! Talk to me, mother! What happened? What¡¯s¡­ Mo¡­¡± There is no need for howling. Everything is silent. Dead quiet!


    I take the damn phone from my ear, and I realize that the call went off.


    ¡°Is everything okay, ma¡¯am?¡± Mark asks.


    ¡°Just step on the damn thing Mark!¡± I howl, investing all my apprehensions in the howl. Funny though, because I am holding on to my seat due to the high speed at which Mark is driving, but it is still not enough for me. Time is of the essence here.


    Every single second is ticking with more dread and anxiety than the previous, and I am hating the feeling.


    He asked if everything is okay? What damn thing is okay? What is okay about today? Jerol is about to be a murderer ording to Mrs McCall. How can that be okay? I don¡¯t want that to happen! I can not let him soil his clean loving arms. I can not let that beast possess him ever again. No!


    After long appalling minutes of chewing my nails from anxiety and inhaling out terror and in more terror, we drive through the McCall¡¯s gate which is wide open.


    Danger sign!


    With all the tight security I saw thest time I was here, why isn¡¯t there even a fly loitering around, huh? This speaks nothing but dread!


    Total dread!

 CHAPTER 58

    CHAOS


    ¡°You keep watch, Mark.¡± I say as I leap out of the car as it stops at the parking.


    With more dismay and everything that fear depicts mounting in me every step that I take, I start running towards to door, but my urgency is cut off as Mrs McCall makes her way out of the house together with Terris and some female servants aiding an agonizing Ellie. She is groaning in immense pain.


    I detested the way she hugged her belly until today, but now I feel like hugging it for her to ease the pain she is nursing.


    So, it is her voice that I heard through the call? Hang on! She still has two months to go before her due date. What the heck happened?


    ¡°Take her to the car.¡± Mrs McCall orders.


    ¡°Mother?¡± I call because no one seems to notice me. I understand them though. I am as scared as them with Ellie¡¯s condition. ¡°What happened?¡± I implore as I rush towards Mrs McCall.


    ¡°Go and stop that beast inside before something worse happens, Tessa. I will apany Ellie to the hospital.¡± That is all she says before she strolls away in a rush to the car awaiting at the gate.


    The beast inside? Heck! Did she mean Jerol?


    I pick up my pace inside, but again, a very unnerving voice hampers my hurried pace at the doorway, but I keep walking albeit the tremor.


    ¡°I will ask you one more time, Grego! The truth, or I swear I will kill you right now!¡±Amidst the crowd staring in the sitting room, I squeeze my sight through them in awe to follow that dreadful roar! I know it very very well. I do not need anyone to tell me who it belongs to, but it has been so long ever since I heard that harshness in it. It is so scary!


    At the settee, I catch a glimpse of the appalling scenery of Jerol squeezing the life out of his brother who is pinned on the sofa. Grego is struggling to suck in any possible little air he can get to sustain his life. Aside from being struggled to death by Jerol¡¯s beastly arms, Grego¡¯s face resembles a pool of blood. I doubt if he can even see through the curtains and moulds of blood clogging his face. Neither his little lobored struggles to jerk Jerol off him nor his endless gambles to gasp for air are bearing any fruits.


    ¡°Speak up, you bastard!¡± Jerol grumbles yet again, his rich autocratic tone adding more terror in the house as he jerks Grego up.


    He is a ming beast! His husky voice can be heard from the far that I am. I can trace his chest movement from here. He is enraged. I don¡¯t know if he is aware, but he is nearly killing Grego. How long can the poor thing hold on?


    And why the hell is nobody stopping them for God¡¯s sake? Why is everyone at a standstill like they are watching wrestling? This is not entertainment for¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t, my dear!¡± Father stops me. I did not even know I was hurrying towards what is about to be a crime scene.


    ¡°Father! I can¡¯t stand and watch my husbandmitting murder.¡± I whimper.


    ¡°We have tried, my dear, but this is beyond us. Ellie has been rushed to the hospital for trying to get close.¡± He exins.


    So, she was a victim of this.


    ¡°I ran into them outside. What happened?¡± I query, adding. ¡°Is she okay?¡±¡±We will know in a while. She was trying to stop them, unfortunately, well, these beasts are totally out of control.¡± Father says.


    ¡°But they will kill each other if no one stops them, Father!¡± I yell as a punch echoes loud in the room, the spectators closing their eyes as blood spills from Grego¡¯s mouth.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°All of us have tried to no avail, Tessa! There is nothing we can do. I have called the police!¡±Forget the police. By the time they get here, Jerol will be a certified murderer. The family will be mourning a death. No way! I won¡¯t allow that.


    ¡°He will definitely listen to his wife.¡± I whimper as I thrust my way forward, manoeuvring through the crowd and ignoring Mr McCall¡¯s voice as he howls my name in an attempt to stop me.


    ¡°Jerol!¡± I howl as I run towards them. He is reaching for Grego again who looks like a cabbage. Dismantled and unable to even support himself.


    ¡°Speak up you, jerk!¡± Jerol howls again as heunches another blow.


    ¡°Jerol!¡± I howl his name again since my scream did not reach his ears the first time. But sadly, not even this time around did he hearken to my pleading howl, and I was toote to do anything.


    Thest blow sends Grego to the floor, and he discharges a terrifying growl as heys t like dead person, screams of terror erupting in the crowd of servants.


    I was about to sumb to the astonishment and the freezing chills, but when I saw Jerol making a move towards Grego, I am fueled by a verypelling force howling his name as I rack before him.


    ¡°That is enough, love!¡± I cry, and he snaps at me, making me tremble from his dangerous re.


    He looks so scary this way.


    ¡°Tessa?¡± He whispers, and it is not a plea. And if it is, then it is pleading with me to stay out of his way.


    Whatever is in control of him is so strong, but I am not allowing it to turn him into a murderer. My husband will not be a murderer much less in front of my eyes.


    ¡°Get out of the way, Tessa!¡± He says.


    ¡°No, love. That¡¯s enough, please. Stop this.¡± I plead.


    ¡°He needs to confess.¡± He says.


    ¡°How can he when he is barely breathing? He is almost dead, Jerol!¡± I scream thest part.


    Why did he let himself get consumed like this, huh? Why did he allow the beast in him to resurface and take control of him like this? He is that beast he was months ago.


    With shaky legs, I take slow steps towards him, until I rack before him. He is smudged with his brother¡¯s blood, and I hate to see him this way.


    He closes his eyes, perhaps summoning the beast back where it was lying until it was stirred up.


    ¡°Jerol?¡± I call when he doesn¡¯t speak or do anything. Just shutting his eyes as if he is scared of opening them. Maybe he indeed is. Maybe he is afraid to see what his anger has done.


    I reach out my hands, reaching for his jaws to soothe him the best way that I know how to, but to my shock, he jerks off, shaking his head continually as if he is warning me.


    I swallow hard and dry as that numbing feeling take start surging in.


    He peels his deep orbs which are so red today, his head still wiggling, while I¡¯m astounded as to what his gesture means.


    ¡°Lo¡­¡±


    He did not even wait for me to finish. He does something I never expected. He turns his back on me without even saying a thing, and like a storm, he strides away as people make way for him.


    I watch his sweet frame until he vanishes from my sight, and it is now that reality just struck me ¨C my Jerol just walked out on me. He didn¡¯t even want me to touch him. My own sweet Jerol? I fall totally numb!

 CHAPTER 59

    EMMOTIONAL PAIN


    We crouch at the seat beside Ellie¡¯s bed at the hospital who is fast asleep.


    After that horrendous fiasco back at home, I had to rush here to the hospital and check on her and Ellie while Mr McCall had to stay back and wait for the police and watch over Grego. I left their family doctor already attending to Grego¡¯s wounds. That was the best option.


    To be honest, this is the most disastrous and awful day of my life. From finding out that my mother is my malignant rival now, to confronting her which left me almost shuttered, to witnessing Jerol nearly killing someone, and what stings the most, him walking out on me like he did not want me close to him at all. He left as if I was an alien that he did not recognize at all. Like he did not even want to rest his sight on me even for a second. Like, like he was so pissed off with me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my dear! I am sure he just needed to cool some steam off for a while. He wille around. You will see.¡± Mrs McCall consoles. Honestly, these fewst hours she has been my sce.


    I am morefortable around her today more than ever. She feels like a mother today. A beautiful feeling that is stroking me with the sweetest sensation I have ever felt for Gracia. I am getting addicted to it already. If life gives a chance, which it must give, I wouldn¡¯t mind giving her a chance to be a mother to a daughter she didn¡¯t have. That way, I can also bask in the rhapsodic feeling of knowing the feeling of having a loving mother.


    Come to think of it, we both have something inmon. She yearns to be a mother to a daughter, and I yearn to be a daughter I never was to my own mother. And since we have consigned our beefs to the grave, and since I can also see the gravity of her sincerity in her, then nothing is holding us back from bonding and getting a kick out of this second chance that life has given us, right?


    Right!


    Jerol is the problem now. I do not know why he acted that way towards me and it stings real bad. My heart is throbbing with pains and my head with unanswered doubts.


    ¡°But mother, it hurts so much! Watching him wander away from me like that hurts even more than anything else.¡± I sob. This has really wrecked my heart. The fact that he hasn¡¯t even called to ask where I am is another bucket of chilling agonies squirting on me.


    Doesn¡¯t he care anymore? What happened to ¡°I need you close by all the time¡±? Where is he now? What is he thinking or doing that seized his mind to the point of shutting me out like this? He is not thinking about me? Not even about his baby?


    ¡°It hurts because you love him so much, Tessa, and I am sure my son knows how much he means to you. And I have seen just how much he adores you, my dear. He is willing to do anything just for you. Trust me, in as much as this sounds cliche, I am certain even his actions right now are driven by the love and admiration he feels for you.¡± She says, making me mentally smirk bitterly.


    Yeah? She doesn¡¯t need to sce me with lies, you know? He adores me so much that he walked out on me? We could have crashed on the road with Mark as we sped up to him so I could stop him from doing something that he willter bemoan, yet he did not appreciate that. He cares about me so much that is why he has not bothered to call or text, right?


    ¡°I love him, mother. So much more than he knows. I know he loves me too, but I don¡¯t blend with your theory, Mother. I do not see any reason why he is not here nor checking up nor¡­


    ¡°Shame!¡±


    That cut me off, and I snap at her.


    ¡°What?¡± I implore as she clenches my hand, soothing me.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed that after all that you have done for my son, he wants to be the best version of himself to you?¡± She queries, drawing me into a state of confusion now.


    Best version? He is the best he can be already. Well, that was until the beat in him took control over his cool hours ago. What is he ashamed of?


    ¡°I do not get you.¡± I state.


    ¡°That is all that elucidates this, Tessa, because believe me, Jerol loves you more than himself. All he is doing now is all for you. What he has be, it is for, and because of you.¡± She stares for a moment to perhaps see whether I am getting her point which I am missing like how an idiot misses a point.


    All I am hearing are nothing but riddles, or a mother aciming his son and conceivably, justifying his wrongs? What is she talking about? What is she insinuating? That I am the same reason for his son to be acting so distinct with me right now?


    ¡°Look.¡± She starts after getting my memo that her riddles don¡¯t ring a bell at all to me. ¡°You redeemed him, Tessa, and he must have made a pact with himself to never fail you after all the efforts you made on him. He has done a better job of not rpsing. Then this happened, and you had to walk in on him in that situation. Maybe he feels like he has let you down. He is in battle with himself and not you.¡±I am speechless!


    Could it be true? Is he ashamed of facing me after what he did? Maybe, is decipherable for his walking out. But why did he not want me to touch him? Maybe he felt so dirty after beating his brother to the point of almost killing him? Maybe he feels ashamed of himself as his mother says. But to the point of not caring about me? He has never stayed even half of this long appalling decade without checking on me.


    ¡°I know what you are thinking, but, look outside.¡± Mother adds after reading my mind, and I snap in the direction of her gestures.


    Outside the clear window stands Terry and Mark. Terry is all bundled up for the chilly night, like she had just had a change of clothes. Mark is always allergic to sweaters ever. He is always rocking in his white chauffeur uniform. Maybe he knows how gorgeous the shirt hugs his biceps and is afraid of tucking his beauty inside the hoodies and jackets.


    ¡°Who do you think they are here for and on whose orders?¡± Mother whispers to my ear, as if sweetly mocking me.


    Terry beckons for me to go out, and I do so after Mother smiles with permission.


    I head out, and walk on Mark as he receives a call from someone, but unfortunately, all I could make out of the call were nothing but countless annoying ¡°yes sirs¡± which left me anxious and angered.


    He is inquiring about me?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡± I snap to Terry. Apparently, I was expectantly gawking at Mark to see whether he has a message for me, but it seems like he has none at all. He was even starting to get nervous about my inquisitive gaze.


    ¡°Yes, Terry? What is it?¡± I inquire.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Here.¡± She says, handing me a satchel that I had not noticed in her hands. I grab it albeit withziness. ¡°Sir Jerol asked us to bring you warm clothes. There is also food in there, and we will be out here in case you need anything.¡± She exins.


    I swallow hard!


    I was wrong. He is thinking about me and my well-being. He still cares. I love that. It alleviates my distress. But still, it hurts that he is not the one here to look after me. It hurts that he has to use other channels to check on me. It sucks so bad!.


    ¡°Thank you, Terry. I appreciate this. And you guys do not need to stay out here. The weather does not look good at all. You two can go home.¡± I say.


    ¡°But ma¡¯am. It¡¯s sir Jerol¡¯s orders.¡± She says.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Terry. I will exin this to my husband. You guys head home already before the rain falls.¡± I say.


    ¡°Alright, ma¡¯am! Please take care. We will go ahead!¡± Mark says.


    ¡°Take care too on the road. Don¡¯t stress all your 80kgs on the gas pedal. It¡¯s risky to overspeed under such weather.¡± I plead, as if I was not the one howling to him about two or three hours ago to step on the pedal.


    He must have wondered that, hence his smile.


    ¡°Alright, ma¡¯am. I will be careful. And ma¡¯am? I am 69kgs.¡± He says politely, and pulls Terry away with a smile on his lips.


    Ooh! 69. I wouldn¡¯t have guessed that right!


    Carrying my bag inside, I shut the door behind me and stroll back to the seat.


    ¡°So, tell me now! Does this at least ease your worries?¡± Mother implores, grinning broadly.


    I have never seen her this way. Smiling from ear to ear. She was always grumpy and looking for something to pin on me. But not anymore. And today I am seeing the most brightest face of an incredibly friendly woman. I can¡¯t help but jiggle about this.


    ¡°A little!¡± I respond, seating beside her.


    ¡°But at least you know he cares, right?¡± She asks, her beautiful grin fading away slowly.


    ¡°Yeah. But I still wish he was the one here. I still wish he came here instead of sending the servants.¡± I respond with all sincerity.


    ¡°At least he did something. It should mean a lot. Plus, after what happened, he must be ming himself for Ellie¡¯s condition right now.¡± Mother says, and that strokes my curiosity.


    ¡°Was he the one who¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She cuts me off, looking at Ellie as she adds. ¡°It was Grego! He pushed her so hard to nudge her out of their fight and that is when Jerol lost it!¡±Huh? Did he really lose his cool because of her?

 CHAPTER 60

    A NEW BOND


    ¡°You know, Tessa!¡± Mrs McCall snaps me from my engrossed thoughts about Jerol losing his temper because of Ellie.


    Don¡¯t censure my mood swings and upheavals on that whole new revtion. You understand thew of love, right? Jealousy and possessiveness go hand in hand with love. You understand that clingy sense of yearning and even demanding to be the only one your loved one cares about? Yes, that!


    Plus, I know she is pregnant and all, with a child whose real father is yet to be identified. I know he has shown no interest whatsoever in her since her return. He has not given me any reason to be insecure. But hey! They have a history together ¨C deep history however twisted and doubtful it seems. She might have not loved him, but he did love her with all his heart. I am a witness to what damage she brought upon him when she spit him out. I became a victim of the bitterness he felt for losing her. So, can you me me for feeling this way after learning that he went wild after she got hurt?


    And this Grego guy? Why push a pregnant woman, who is allegedly your lover? Even if she was a stranger, why do that?


    ¡°I feel like I am to me for what is happening.¡± I snap to Mother as she speaks.


    Huh?


    ¡°But, why?¡± I quiz.


    ¡°When I got my first son, I went through a lot with him. As an orphan, and with his father denouncing to take responsibility, I really had a rough time. But I did not want my son to go through anything I went through growing up. The feeling ofcking, and poverty, I vowed to never at any given moment let my child experience any of that.¡± She pauses.


    My! People are really blessed with incredibly amazing mothers in this world. Except for me. Why did I have to have that crap of a woman as my mother? It would have been better growing up as an orphan and not knowing anything about her for the rest of my life. Sigh!


    Mother continues after taking a deep sigh. ¡°When I was able to work, I provided him with everything I could afford. I made sure to give him everything he asked for, even if it meant starving myself. When I met my husband, it was not so much about how hard it was to fit in his rich world, but the future of my child. That is what made me strive to learn everything there was about fitting in this world of the rich. As a young girl who did not know all families and all, I had a lot to learn and endure, but there was no giving up. All for my son, until I adjusted, and achieved security for my son¡¯s bright future.¡±Beautiful. Touching. I never would have spected that she was not brought up in this lifestyle. She really adjusted well. I should stick close to her for lessons because I really need them. I love her story. I am exceptionally moved by what real mothers can do for their children. But, wait. Where is the juicy part of her story? I mean, the love part? Was it all for his son and not love?


    ¡°I saw how threatened Grego was when Jerol came into the picture. My joy of having to watch my two sons y together and help each other was crashed from the day Jerol was born. Grego was seven then, and he swore never to let his brother take away anything from him.¡±Huh? That is, was, harsh!


    ¡°We thought it was just his childishness taking a toll on him, but as days turned into months, and months into years, Grego¡¯s jealousy towards Jerol grew intense. And neither were his ways pleasing. To soothe Grego¡¯s unwarranted jealousy, I showered him with more luxury ¨C got him the modern cars and new gadgets in the market that Jerol was never interested in, brand clothing, and increased allowances every now and then. I let him swim in the glee of life the way he pleased. Instead of making him work like Jerol, I pushed him into being azy irresponsible man with all that I was giving him. And that was a grave mistake I am paying for now. My son would not have turned to this if I did not spoil him too much. He would be like his younger brother if only I taught him to be responsible.¡± She keeps quiet right there.


    Well, she really spoiled him. No wonder the jerk is so arrogant. Then again, I can not me her so much. It was her way of being a mother in her own way. Her grave sin was loving his son too much.


    ¡°And you know what hurts the most, Tessa?¡± She adds, looking at me. ¡°It is learning that that all my efforts did not help. It was not even enough for him, because he kept demanding more and more, and now he wants everything for himself.¡± She wipes away the tears.


    She knows what Grego might be up to?


    I rub her shoulders gently.


    ¡°You know about our suspicions?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Yes, we do. Jerol confronted him in front of us. Grego denied it all, of course, but I am no fool, neither is my husband. Honestly, I am afraid of what is to be of him now. This haspletely shuttered any little affection that my husband had left for him. I don¡¯t know what is going to happen next.¡± She sobs.


    Jeez!


    I increase the pace of rubbing her shoulders to soothe her as she breaks into uncontroble sobs.


    ¡°Calm down, Mother! Everything will turn out well.¡± I console, not even sure of my own words.


    I know Mr McCall is a no-nonsense man. If his wife is this worried, then I even presume I don¡¯t know him that much well. Maybe he should havee here and left me to watch over that impossible jerk. God knows what is happening back there. He might have decide to kick Grego out in his half-dead state.


    I sympathize with this poor woman! She must be concealing a lot of pain inside. Watching your only two sons at each other¡¯s throats every single day of your life must be the worst feeling for a mother ever. And now this¡­ The uncertainty of the fate of her family is shredding her heart into the tiniest bits.


    This worries me to the core too. If their father decides to do anything to Grego, then Grego will not forgive Jerol. As I have seen it, he is ming Jerol for all his misfortunes which is not right at all. He will take it all out on Jerol. This battle will continue until only God knows when.


    Something needs to be done. That too, very fast!


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Tessa! This does not feel like it¡¯s gonna end well.¡± Mother says, sounding worried.


    ¡°Just have trust, mother.¡± I urge again.


    ¡°Having faith is not a problem, Tessa. But what I am banking on is what matters.¡±Riddles! Riddles! What does she mean?


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I implore, staring at her as she speaks.


    ¡°The only savior who can stop this family from being wrecked is only the person who can speak some sense into Grego to reform. But there is no¡­¡±¡±I will try!¡± I cut her off, shocking her.


    If that idiot needs a piece of mind, I am gonna p it real hard into his empty brain. That is if his skull is not empty.


    ¡°No! I will not let my son disrespect you. God forbid what will happen if he does anything stupid to you. Jerol will kill him this time around for sure.¡± She says, standing up.


    ¡°After what happened today, I think Grego will think twice before messing with Jerol.¡± I say, but deep inside, I doubt my words.


    The arrogance that brat got is of the highest level. I doubt if he will even listen to me. Nevertheless, it does not hurt to give it a chance, right?


    ¡°You do not know my son, Tessa! The word defeat does not exist in his dictionary when ites to his brother. He can never bow nor back down from this.¡± She insists.


    ¡°But he will lose, mother, and in the most worst way possible that will even put a stain on this family¡¯s reputable name. Are you just going to stand and watch that happen?¡± I know that sounds like emotional ckmail but, I have to try all the tactics to woe her into letting me do this.


    ¡°You know I would do anything to try and stop that for the sake of everyone, Tessa. But not at the expense of risking your life. Leave alone Jerol, but I would not take it if my son does something to you. He is enraged with Jerol after what happened. And trust me, his brain works in reverse gear. He thinks after acting. You see what happened to Ellie?¡± She exins calmly, but I have no intentions of backing down.


    ¡°I know, but still, Mother. Give me just one chance to try and talk to him. Just like you, I also want this to be over soon. Let me do this, if not for anything, then let me do it for the mother who has ever made me feel like a daughter for once in my life, please.¡± Another emotional ckmail.


    She cocks an eyebrow at that. ¡°Is that a ckmail? You know I still know nothing about you and I am still itching for that.¡± She says.


    ¡°I know. You will know soon. Let¡¯s first take care of this? Please, Mother?¡± I plead.


    ¡°How can I toss someone I deem my child into a lion¡¯s den?¡± She implores.


    ¡°Trust me, I grew up in a real den of a lioness and it was far much more dreadful than your son. If I was able to stay alive all my years, then a few minutes with your son are nothing. And I promise you, if I sense any kind of danger, I will leave from there right away.¡± I say.


    ¡°You win. I will be waiting to hear your interesting story. You¡¯ve outgrown my curiosity now.¡± She says.


    ¡°Thank you. I will go see him in the morning.¡± I say.


    ¡°Okay. In the meantime¡­¡±


    ¡°My story?¡± I cut her off. Her curiosity is so evident.


    ¡°I can not help it and since we have the whole night together, why don¡¯t we make a better use of it? Unless¡­¡± She keeps quiet for a sec, and then she snaps. ¡°Ooh me! Sorry.¡± She drags me to the seat making me settle down while I stare at her in awe.


    Huh? What now?


    ¡°What¡¯s¡­ the matter?¡± I implore.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sorry, I had totally forgotten you are pregnant, Tessa. Are you okay? Do you need to be checked too?¡± She says nonstop in apprehension.


    Huh? Get checked?


    ¡°No,e on Mother! I am totally fine. Rx!¡± I assure her.


    ¡°Are you sure? No! We should get you checked to be sure.¡± She says, starting to the door as she adds. ¡°I will go get the doctor. You can be checked right here.¡±I would love to stop her because I am certain nothing is wrong with me at all, but feeling a motherly care for the first time, I can¡¯t help but be lost in this feeling. I do not want to cut it short.

 CHAPTER 61

    A MOTHER¡¯S WISH


    ¡°Everything is all okay, ma¡¯am! Your daughter is perfectly fine.¡± The doctor says after checking on me, and I wink my eyebrows at my so overly worried-for-nothing mother-inw.


    I love it all the same that I am feeling a mother¡¯s love and care for the first time in my life. It¡¯s such a sweet intoxicating feeling.


    ¡°Okay, doc. And she? How are her results?¡± Mother asks, referring to Ellie who is just opening her eyes.


    ¡°She is also fine. There was a bleeding due to the fall but we were able to stop it on time. It was harmless. You did well bringing her to the hospital right away. I would rmend she takes total rest for a couple of days.¡± The kind doctor exins.


    ¡°Okay. I will make sure of that doctor. So, everything is okay with her and the baby? Nothing to worry about?¡± She implores.


    This woman is in such a tight spot. She has to care for a woman whose unborn child belongs to one of her unknown sons who are apparently at gross odds with each other. This is not easy at all. I love her courage to have her sanity intact with all that is going on.


    ¡°She is absolutely fine, Mrs McCall. There is nothing to worry about. I will bring her file so you can go through it.¡± The doctor says.


    ¡°Okay, doc. Thanks a lot and, sorry for troubling you. You see, I am overwhelmed by this. The feeling of bing a certified grandma like this is blowing my mind.¡± I love the way she says it.


    ¡°I understand it ma¡¯am. I must say you are very lucky to have both your daughter-inws pregnant with their first children together. Seems like your sons really wanted to throw a bucket of surprise for you.¡±Okay! Now, that is a very horrible hoax!


    There is a possibility that we are both pregnant by the same man! That thought alone is a pain in the heart!


    ¡°I know, doc. I am overjoyed!¡± Poor mother, she has to fake it.


    ¡°Congrattions.¡± The doc says, smiling broadly. Of course, he doesn¡¯t know how much his silly joke stings.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± Mother responds.


    ¡°I will leave you guys now. She will be good to go in the morning by the way.¡± He adds, pointing to Ellie.


    ¡°Ooh. Okay. That¡¯s good.¡± Mother responds.


    ¡°Alright. Excuse me.¡± The doctor says, walking to Ellie and exchanging a few words as he checks on her.


    ¡°You understand why I have to do this, right?¡± Mother asks as we wait for the doctor toplete her work on Ellie.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Why I have to take care of Ellie? I don¡¯t care whose child she is carrying for as long as it belongs to either of my sons. Whoever the father turns out to be amongst the two, I will not love that child any less. I hope you can understand, Tessa.¡± She says.


    ¡°What are you saying, mother? I do not have any problems with you taking care of Ellie at all. None at all. What I would like the most is for the truth toe out. I wish she could just speak up and save us all this unnecessary trouble.¡± I say with all sincerity.


    ¡°I wish too that she could speak up. Seeing the way Grego pushed her, I am sorry, Tessa, but I hope we are all wrong.¡± She says.


    ¡°Wrong about what?¡± I implore.


    ¡°I am sorry once again, okay? I just can not believe that Grego would put his own child at risk like that. I wish¡­¡± She stops.


    She wishes the baby is Jerol¡¯s?


    ¡°You do not have to hide it, mother. Say it. Whatever is in your mind.¡± I say.


    ¡°I wish Jerol is the father. At least that will notbel Grego as a careless heartless beast. I know that will not justify him pushing Ellie the way he did, but I want to believe that it will make a difference if the baby is not his.¡± She whispers, and I rub her hand.


    ¡°Time will tell, mother. But you need to stop feeling like this. You need to be strong. For your sons, for your husband, and most importantly, for your two grandchildren.¡± I sce, earning a smile from her.


    ¡°You are so sweet, you know! Between us, I would love no other woman for Jerol in this world. You are the best, Tessa, and¡­¡±¡±You are too loud! I am here, you know!¡±


    Shiieet!


    We snap at that voice, both of us rushing to Ellie as she struggles to get out of bed.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Mother scolds her, trying to pin her on the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of lying down. I just want to sit.¡± She responds.


    Mother and I arrange some pillows on her back, helping her up.


    I neither considered doing this for her or anything of the sort. But I am doing it, for the baby that probably is my husband¡¯s. Whether he is the father or not, the baby is innocent. I would not want anything bad to happen to it. I am just being human here. We are not friends, and probably will never be. Having said that, I hope she is not going to go bitchy on me and stroke it to my face how she is on cloud nine with the fact that my Jerol lost his cool to defend her. She better not.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She murmurs, and I had to doubt my ears for a sec because, hello? Where did she learn to be grateful these past few hours? In her slumber which she just awoke from? Last I checked, she was an annoying arrogant and ungrateful bitch!


    ¡°How are you feeling? Is the pain gone?¡± Mother asks with concern as she takes her ce on the bed beside Ellie. Well, me, I am not considering sitting down.


    ¡°Yes. I am fine.¡± She says, looking around as if missing someone. ¡°Grego? Where¡­ is he?¡± She asks, concerned about her lover and her partner in crime.


    ¡°He is not here.¡± Mother responds.


    ¡°And Jerol?¡± She queries, shooting a nce at me as if saying, ¡°I am looking for trouble¡±.


    Well, I am not surprised if that is what she is intending to do. Why ask for my husband? What? She won¡¯t even ask how her lover is doing? ¡°No offence, Tessa.¡± She adds after perhaps noticing my questioning nce at her.


    And since when did she learn to speak so calmly like an angel, huh? And uttering my name so calmly? She must be still half-asleep!


    ¡°He is home. Why?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Nothing. You don¡¯t have to be so insecure.¡± She murmurs herst words as she rolls her eyes.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t have to be so inquisitive about my husband¡¯s whereabouts.¡± I mutter loud and clear for her to hear.


    ¡°Sorry! Like I said, I meant no offence!¡± She fumes. I guess the bitch is fully awake.


    ¡°Then why ask?¡± I fire back at her.


    ¡°I just wanted to know, alright? Are they nursing broken bones or how are they? What happened? That is all I want to know.¡± She says. She should have gone straight to the point to avoid arousing unnecessary fights.


    ¡°Only one is nursing a dismantled face.¡± I retort.


    ¡°Cut it out you two, will you? Please!¡± I swallow hard at Mother¡¯s plea.


    ¡°Why has that son of yours note to see me?¡±Huh? Listen to bitch squealing to her supposed mother-inw-to-be, huh! The manners she has got are at zero levels. Goodness!


    ¡°Maybe if you can rify which one you are referring to I would have the right answer for you.¡± Mother says, adding before the bitch speaks. ¡°And you better watch your tone when talking to me.¡±Great! I¡¯m grateful she warned her, and I I¡¯m curious about her rity of question because I also want to know who she is asking about. Jerol or Grego? She should rify that.


    She bows her head for a minute, and hoists it up so high after, swallowing something to clear her throat for what she is about to say.


    I read every letter from her mouth as she speaks.

 CHAPTER 62

    PAINFUL TRUTH


    ¡°Grego!¡± Ellie¡¯s angelic tone sweetly sweeps across the walls of my ears.


    No letter missed my eyes or my ears. A cold but refreshing chill runs down my throat and spine, my heart throbbing with ecstasy.


    ¡°So he is the father?¡± My curiosity howls, a euphoric glee manoeuvring its way through the curiosity, but I block it in my throat.


    Ellie¡¯s eyes are pointed straight forward, avoiding mine and my mother¡¯s as she speaks.


    ¡°Yes!¡± She mutters, her head hunching down.


    Everything stands still as I breathe in this new fresh aura. It¡¯s a mixture of peace and joy. So tranquil and refreshing.


    ¡°How so? The IVF?¡± I thought I was basking in glee, until my worries made their way out of my lips.


    Yes, what about that? If Grego is the father, it means he got her pregnant during that period they were going around the back and forths of the IVF process. So, what happened to that IVF thing?


    ¡°It failed, and I did not want to disappoint Jerol.¡±What a st exnation, right? Justifiable. Cut me the fuck off!


    ¡°You did not want to disappointed Jerol or you and Grego had your own ns from the beginning?¡± I implore.


    She keeps quiet, and I heave out gusts of fury. Her silence speaks volumes. She is guilty as charged. So the love she imed to have for him was all lie. She was fooling him?


    ¡°Why?¡± That was my mother who asked because me, I feel like strangling this bitch to death.


    Speaking of betrayal and insolence and ridiculous guts, huh! How could she? She didn¡¯t want to break his heart my sore ass!


    ¡°Listen, mother.¡± She starts, summoning our attention. Mother is as curious as I am for the truth. ¡°me it all on me, okay? I agreed to help Grego with this without even thinking of the consequences. I knew it was wrong from the start but I was in love, and I was willing to do anything for love. I didn¡¯t know Jerol was going to fall in love with me. Believe me, I regret doing this to me.¡±¡±Regret? What will your regrets do now, Ellie? Do you know how guilty Jerol felt after what you did? You lied about getting pregnant and about the miscarriage too, and you had the bravery, the balls to show your disgusting face to him again after everything and try to fool him once more in a scheme to ruin him? How could you? How can you? What sort of human being are you to toy with someone¡¯s feelings like that?¡± I am nearly yelling, and Mother had to stand up to try to calm me down, while this rotten bitch bows down.


    ¡°You are so disgusting you bitch! You are the most rotten whore I have ever met! How can you do that to Jerol knowing how much a baby meant to him, huh?¡± I yell again, ming with detest for this bitch, and pity for Jerol. Poor thing! If only he knew the kind of a heartless bitch he went insane for! This will tear him into pieces.


    ¡°Tessa, calm down, please!¡± Mother pleads.


    ¡°I am sorry, okay! I can¡¯t bear this anymore! I can not do this anymore that¡¯s why I am revealing the truth. I am so tired of this.¡± Ellie speaks, almost faking tears.


    Faking, yes! Why didn¡¯t she feel tired of this disgusting conspiracy and lies a long time ago? Tired? She is tired? From when exactly?


    ¡°Last I checked, you were still so rigid to go on with your evil schemes. So when did you suddenly grow a conscience and a heart, huh? When did you miraculously realize that you can¡¯t fucking do this anymore, bitch? Just now? When all the damage is done? Just now when you realized that Jerol is no longer the same man you fooled months ago, huh?¡± I howl.


    She dries her tears, looking at me now.


    ¡°Ever since I saw Jerol when I returned. I saw him happy, and I did not want to ruin that for him, but on the other hand, I had promises to fulfil to the man I love. Grego is not willing to let this go. But when my baby¡¯s life was put on the line, that served as a wake-up call for me. I realized how important this baby is. Nothing is important to me more than this baby. So now, I am doing the right thing for the sake of my baby.¡± He rants.


    ¡°And you think everything will be alright in a snap just because you thought of your baby? What will your confession fix now? Wait, so if the life of your baby was not prone to danger you would have continued fooling us?¡± I squeal.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that, but I know about now Tessa. My baby needs peace. Everyone needs peace. That is why I am quitting this game.¡± She rants again.


    ¡°Well, thank you for your help which is entirely worthless like your pathetic self because the damaged has been done already, but at leaste clean and tell us why you guys were doing this.¡± I spit.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but that is not necessary. I still respect Grego despite his fallouts. I love him so much to expose his ns. If anything will evere to light, I would let him do it himself. I am sorry, but that is how much I love him. Even if this bes a police case, I will not say anything.¡±The nerve!


    Wow! What a love, right? She betrayed Jerol so cruelly without even caring, but she can not expose the evil ns of her great love, Grego! Wow! Pathetic! She is just¡­


    ¡°I hope that the man you are willing to die for would be willing to do the same for you too.¡± I shoot, yearning for a fresh air because it feels so suffocating in here.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Before walking out, I remember something. Thest thing I will ask about this whole issue.


    ¡°I won¡¯t ask how you managed to get my mother involved in this because I know for a fact that evil attracts evil. I won¡¯t even ask why she is doing this because I know she has been out to wreck havoc on me ever since I was born. What I want to know is how much you guys have promised her. Why did you even need her on board while you had such a strong weapon?¡± I implore.


    I mean, the fake pregnancy was enough!


    ¡°Your¡­ your mother? Your mother is¡­ Involved?¡± You should see Mrs McCall¡¯s face right now.


    If shock was a person¡­

 CHAPTER 63

    THE MOTIVE


    ¡°Yes. The woman who was deemed to be my mother but she turned out to be a disgusting nightmare in my life. Someone I wish I never met.¡± I say to Mrs McCall whose jaw dropped to the floor minutes ago.


    ¡°What¡­ what do you mean?¡± She asks, unbelieving of my words. ¡°How can someone¡¯s parent be what you are describing?¡± She adds.


    Unbelievable, right? But she hasn¡¯t even heard half of the quarter of my story yet. Given her astonishment at this little bit of my story, my entire story will leave her thunderstruck for a couple of days.


    ¡°It is a long story mother. Believe me, we need an entire day for everything to be exined. Some other time, but right now, I want to know what these two promised my mother.¡± I say, turning to Ellie.


    ¡°Are you sure that woman is your mother?¡±


    Hang on! What does he care? Who is even asking questions here? And, don¡¯t tell me that she now feels pity for me. Tsk!


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Actually, after knowing you and what kind of an evil person you are, I am tempted to think that you and I were perhaps switched at birth. You are more than fit to be her daughter.¡± I spit, and her mouth hangs agape with emptiness and yet so pregnant with countless things to say in defence. Well, I am telling the truth, and I don¡¯t give a damn whether she finds that as an insolent or not. ¡°I asked you a damn question and I do not have all the day here, Ellie! Speak up!¡± I add.


    She breathes out heavily,posing herself.


    ¡°Again, as I said, I will not disclose the n. All I can tell you is that you should be careful around that woman. She is willing to go to any extend just to ruin you.¡±And she keeps quiet? Seriously?


    So, is any of the shit she just spitted anywhere close to the answer to the question I asked? Who is asking for her stupid opinions here? What about her? Wasn¡¯t she willing to do anything just to ruin Jerol? She and that Gracia are just the same! Rotten soul! Malicious witches! Heartless cunning fools! She is exactly her miniature.


    ¡°I know what that woman can do. I lived with her until five months ago when I severed ties with her. Trust me, you don¡¯t know her much more than I do so keep your unwanted warnings to yourself. Back to the question. What¡¯s her catch?¡± I query, sounding impatient.


    ¡°Money. Ten million!¡± She spits, and I coil my neck back.


    Money! Money! Money! It¡¯s all about money! Jerol was right after all. I also believe that was Grego and this bitch¡¯s motive. Money!


    She refused to work all her life thinking she will make a fortune from my life. Unbelievable! At least this time around she asked for something ridiculously reasonablepared to the one million she sold me for. Just what do I do with this woman, huh? She can¡¯t keep chasing after me all my life! Grabbing every chance to ruin me every time she gets one. I am tired of her. And scared too, because I do not know what her next n against me will be like.


    I can not live in fear of her all my life. Her threats earlier today are ringing in my head but with so much fear than I had felt for her before. We can¡¯t live like this. I can not live like this. The only way is to get her out of my life which is not possible. What do I do to bepletely free from her?


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Mrs McCall asks.


    ¡°Y¡­ ea¡­ eah!¡± I lie. I am not okay. ¡°Excuse me. I will just get some fresh air outside.¡± I say and walk out.


    Damn! The weather sucks!


    I think as I stroll down the hallway.


    My problems with Gracia don¡¯t seem to be having an end. This whole mess would have been a good chance to get her off my back and ass if only it would have be a police case, but I know Mrs McCall does not want that. Nobody would want to see their child behind bars.


    So here I am stuck with this Gracia nightmare. I would have reported her for this and dly delivered her to justice, but I can not do that anymore. Ellie is not even willing to cooperate. Lost chance!


    I also can not use her illegal act of selling me to Jerol because that would implicate my Jerol too. The fact that the deal was done without my consent makes it illegal. But I personally signed the document in full awareness. That legalizes everything. Or maybe I could argue that I did that just so to get away from my hostile mother, and Jerol can argue that he bought me as a show of rescuing me from that monster Gracia.


    Heck! These cases take forever. Besides, what reason will I give for reporting her just now? It¡¯s been five good months for crying out loud! Damn! This devil needs to disappear from my life. Cutting ties is not enough, and paying her off is not an option either. She will keeping back to ask for more. I know her. I need to do something.


    I let my thoughts wander off to scour for options on how to end this tangle with Gracia, hugging my shoulders to shield myself from the raining cold as I crunch down on a bench. Damn! Why didn¡¯t I grab a sweater that Terry brought? I am freezing. I don¡¯t even think it is wise to be sitting down. I should head back inside before I die from this cold, but I might end up strangling that bitch Ellie.


    Backing out my foot! I hope she doesn¡¯t expect for forgiveness! Not from me! How could she do that to Jerol? The man who loved her so much. She yed with his emotions and dreams. Witchy bitch! I have a strong urge to kill her, honestly.


    I tense as I feel some warm material wrapping around my back, chasing away the cold that was about to turn me into a stone of ice, a shadow greeting me. I look to the side of the shadow, a familiar scent caressing my nostrils.


    Jerol crouches beside me, his eyes still avoiding me.


    I wear the jacket and zip it up, murmuring a short prayer of gratitude for his thoughtfulness. What is he doing here anyway?


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I implore, turning to face him wholly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He shrugs his shoulders, sping his hands. Forget about him avoiding my eyes, what¡¯s that smell? ¡°Watching over my wife?¡± He adds, and that smell strokes my nose again.


    What the¡­ Is that alcohol I am sniffing? Alcohol?! I had to sniff him to confirm it. And damn it! He is actually leaking liquor.


    Wait¡­


    ¡°Are you¡­ are you drunk?¡± I implore, and he flickers a nce at me that didn¡¯tst even a second.


    He is drunk?


    OMG!


    This is freaking breaking news! I have never seen him drink for those five months I have been with him. Even when he had lost his sanity, he never resulted in alcoholism. Not even once. I have never even seen a bottle of liquor in the house. What the hell happened today? Why today? What in God¡¯s name is wrong with this day? Why is everything so odd today? Was this day cursed or what?


    ¡°Jerol?¡± I call in dismay.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Sorry. I just needed the courage to face you.¡± He says, looking at me this time.


    ¡°You needed alcohol to be able to face me?¡± I implore, shocked beyond shock.


    ¡°Yes. So that when you yell at me, or insult me, I will not remember it in the morning. But if you need to p or spank me, please do it tomorrow when I am sober.¡± He says.


    Spank, huh! I should perhaps do that, don¡¯t you all agree?


    His mother was right. He is ashamed to face me. I glue my eyes into his. Ahem! Now I think I love this.


    ¡°The great Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall, needed alcohol just toe to face his wife? Wow, hubby!¡± I forcefully grab his face when he attempted to avert my gaze, coercing him to look at me. ¡°Have I ever told you how much I detest alcohol?¡± I ask.


    ¡°No, but, you arepromising yourself. What¡¯s with the smile?¡± He says, cocking an eyebrow.


    So he is in the mood to act all cocky, huh?


    What¡¯s with the smile? No, rephrase that. What¡¯s with his eyes? I can¡¯t stop staring at them. They look, ming miserable. It¡¯s like a supplementary alluringyer has been added on top of their usual naturally alluring one.


    ¡°I hate alcohol, but I love what it has done to your eyes.¡± I respond, as if reciting an inscribed poem from within.


    He faintly smirks that off, assuming a serious facial¡±I am such a jerk today, ain¡¯t I?¡± He whispers hoarsely.


    ¡°You are still my Jerol!¡± I respond, not breaking the eye contact.


    ¡°You are not going to kick my ass out of your sight right now?¡± He queries.


    ¡°Would you like that?¡± I implore, and like a child, he shakes his head, tucking his lips inside.


    I admit I was angry, but I don¡¯t want to make him feel worse than he already does. Besides, he is here. He could have stayed back home but he didn¡¯t. He came here for me.


    I let go of his face and snuggle in his arms.


    ¡°Just hold me tight and say nothing until morning.¡± I say, and his loving arms envelop me, pulling me closer as he seals them tighter around me.


    ¡°Good night, love.¡± He whispers, kissing my hair.

 CHAPTER 64

    THE GUILT


    JEROL¡¯S POV


    Gently, Iy my beautiful wife on the bed and tuck myself beside her, her beautiful face smiling at me like always.


    A smile, is all I see on this beautiful face even when she is not in actuality smiling. I see her and all I can see is beauty in all senses, and a peace that I never knew existed.


    I have dated countless girls from this so-called rich circle, beautiful and affluent girls whom I thought had it all intact- respect, dignity, and sense. But I was so sick wrong! This whores know nothing but to be dictators and controlling. They want everything done their way and they don¡¯t bend their rules for anything. It sucks!


    It really sucked all those times I had to leave work to apany some damn girl to a mall where you will spend the entire day going round and round the mall. Then the countless dinners at luxurious five-star hotels which happens almost every day. I am notining about money because none of that will put even a needle size hole into my bank bnces, but time and understanding, are my issues.


    Those types of social circle filthy women suck, and I had actually decided to call it quit, but that was until I met her ¨C Ellie. She wasn¡¯t perfect, but at least she was a bit distinct in a way. She wasn¡¯t too burdensome. She was always contented with the little time I spared for her from my busy schedule. She neverined much. The shopping and dinners were at minimal. I exined my situation and she was all okay. She said she loved me just the way I was, and I started falling hard than I could tell.


    We made dreams. We made ns. Beautiful ns, I would say. ns that she agreed to and even rejoiced with me. She was even over the clouds with my idea of us getting pregnant before marriage. Well, I was so sure about her and what I wanted, and she did not have objection whatsoever.


    I can¡¯t rationalize the exhration and the contentment I felt when she brought the results from the hospital that she was pregnant. My dream that had almost seemed invalid became valid in a snap, and with the woman I loved. For that sole reason, the fact that the was carrying my heir, I loved her even more. I saw her as my world, and I gave my all to her. Anything I could afford. My little time from work was spent by her side most of the time as wey our ns for the future. I promised her heaven, and I would have ripped it off from the heavenly bodies if I could. All for her.


    But everything came crumbling down like a ming hellfire that one cursed day. It was not even about her mes on me. It was the way I felt so impetuous. Worthless. A total failure. It was the way she spoke to me that day ¨C with scorn, insolence, and something else I couldn¡¯t decipher. That day, I did not feel like the man she loved even just once, and for the first time that day, while she howled all her affronts andid all the mes on me, my mind shed back to that day I walked on her and my brother.


    We were still so young in the rtionship, about five months or so. I had not introduced her to anyone, but I found her in thepany of my brother. How she was giggling freely, and how my brother¡¯s arm hugged her waist was all so unsettling to me. I had to confront them, especially because I knew how much my brother was obsessed with taking everything that I had. It¡¯s the case even now.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    My Ellie might have been innocent, but I knew my brother would not mind even sleeping with my woman in front of me just to prove a point, a pointless point, in my sense. I am not responsible for him being a vagabond jerkass, but he still sees me faulty. All the same, they denied it all. Ellie even got so furious with me saying that I was disrespectful to her to think that she would have an affair with my own brother.


    ¡°We just bumped into each other there and when I learnt he was your brother, I thought it was nice to know him. Is that so wrong?¡± Those were her words. Lieying whore!


    Tears were even streaming down for how harsh she felt I was to her. And I thought, my brother might be evil and all, but my Ellie would never do what I am using her of. I let it go. When she refused to speak to me for two days after that argument, I went crawling to her on my knees. I begged her like a thirsty cat begging for milk. Or like a child begging for candy. That is how much I loved her.


    Then shit happened! That day she supposedly lost my baby!


    I did not chase after her that day after she was done pouring all her insults on me. I let her go, thinking that my Ellie was probably furious and emotional about losing our child. That she needed to cool off. I personally could note to terms with the fact that the only child I probably would ever have was now gone. I was not there for her when she needed me, and that point wrecked all my sanity. I was responsible for our loss.


    Three dayster, there was no sight of my Ellie. No news about her, no calls or texts from her, no nothing. I started looking for her like crazy, but unbelievably, I could not find her anywhere.


    ¡°She just lost a child three days ago. She is not well. Where could she have gone to?¡± I thought, convincing myself that my Ellie was just somewhere close by. She loved me. I had messed up, yes, we had lost our child, yes, but her love for me was still there, right?


    But all my efforts to find her all hit a hard rock. The air had swallowed her, leaving not even a single trace for me. I felt my world being ripped off from me. The ground I used to walk on shook with temblors of the hopeless lonesome nobody I had just be. I had not only lost my child, but my love too, the only person I thought loved me despite my ws. I felt a sharp threat to my sanity cutting through my fresh.


    I was losing it. Nothing felt okay or important to me anymore. All I could think of was bringing my Ellie back. She was the senator¡¯s daughter, so if anything bad had happened to her, the news would have been all over. But the world was so mute about her whereabouts as if it didn¡¯t see nor hearken to my grief. The only thing her father said to me was that her daughter needed space.


    I could have given her that, only if she had asked. But she did not. She shut me up like I meant nothing.


    I grew more forlorn, and confused, and lost in what to do to get her back. Slowly, I knew I was losing it. Even when I made a deal to purchase myself a wife to lure my girlfriend back, I knew I was not myself. That was not me. My sanity and peace were under siege by what had happened and what I would be. I didn¡¯t want to believe that I was actually losing myself over that. I was Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall, the owner of the top Fuel and gaspany in the whole country. I was strong. Imperturbable. The real Alphamale! I could handle everything perfectly like I handled mypany.


    But I was damn wrong! Running apany and matters of the heart are two iparable things.


    The idea of being a filthy billionaire with no heir to continue my legacy when I am gone was taking a toll on me with every passing second. Even my own empire meant nothing now. Depression pped me like a clueless vagabond. And I sunk to the rock bottom. Almost drowned!


    But here came my angel. My savior. My beautiful Tessa. My purchased wife unbelievably turned out to be my savior. I had almost given up on myself, but there was no giving up on me for her. No matter how much I pushed her away, no matter how many times I loudly howled at her to stay away, despite the kind of a vicious beast I had turned into, she never left. She took care of me even when she had no reason to. Our contract was simple ¨C she just needed to be there like a shadow, and do absolutely nothing. But she did everything. Even the unthinkable. For me.


    And that day she almost got fed up with my behaviour, when I saw her walking out of the gym, I felt a sharp pain piercing through the heart that I thought had died months prior. I could not bear the thought of her walking out of my life. I knew then that I needed her.


    And from then on, she became my basic need. Someone I can¡¯t live without. I revamped all for her. I let all go just for her. I wanted to prove all her endeavors and care for me were worthwhile. I wanted to be the best man for her.


    And before I knew it, I was envisioning her differently. I saw the beauty of my life in her, and with her. She turned out to be my joy. The missing piece that I needed to beplete, and I have embraced it so tight, with no intents of letting her go for anything.


    My sole goal is to make her the happiest woman on earth and be the best thing that happened to her, just like she is to me. I want her to always be proud of me.


    But then, these two fucked fools had to reappear from nowhere and stroke my beast again. I can¡¯t believe they have such hard balls to show their fucked up faces to me again after what they did. That Ellie is the world¡¯s most shameless whore in the world, I swear. How dare she show up to me again? She better make sure it¡¯s my baby she is carrying because then, maybe, just maybe, I will have a reason to look at her disgusting face. If not, only God knows what all the remorse and disgust I am feeling towards her will do to her. She is suffocating me as it is!


    Same with this bastard I call my elder brother. He should be grateful to my wife because I cant tell what would have be of him if she did not stop me.


    But God knows what kind of a shameless jerk I feel right now. I failed her. I feel so dirty to even look at her or touch her. If she didn¡¯t lean to me earlier at the hospital, I swear I would have not have touched her. I am ashamed of what she thinks of me after seeing me that way.


    She has restored everything that life had snatched from me, including my hopes of being a father. I am over the moon with her presence in my life. She is a buddle of my joy and contentment. She is basically my everything. I don¡¯t regret beating that shit brother like that. I am also happy that she arrived just in time to prevent me from doing something worse. But I hate it that she saw me that way. I can¡¯t stand the thought of her hating me. I can not stand making her angry which I know I did today. I failed her, and I hurt her feelings by walking away. It was the only thing that I could think of. To take my animalistic self out of her presence.


    What does she think of me now? How will her beautiful eyes look at me in the morning, huh? Will there be tinges of hate?


    ~~~END OF JEROL¡¯S POV~~

 CHAPTER 65

    WORRYING HABBITS


    Damn!


    Why do I feel like crap?


    I stretch my stiff muscles as I snuggle closer to the duvet. My mind feels like numb. Wait? I am here? In the house?


    I turn around, rummaging for Jerol with my hand, but the space is empty. I urge my eyes to open, and they substantiate the nothingness my hand felt. He is not here. I jerk myself up.


    Well, he did an apudable job in carrying me over here and changing me into my pyjamas. I didn¡¯t even know he would bring me home. I anticipated waking up curled up in his arms at the hospital where I fell asleep. He thought it wise to bring us home which is fantastic, but where did he go this early morning? To work? What the heck is the time?


    It looks still looks so gloomy from the rainst night, I guess. I didn¡¯t even hear a drop of it. Yesterday was just a day on its own. Too much of everything in just a single day. I am not surprised that I slept like a deadbeat.


    Reaching for my phone, I check the time, and I sigh after learning that it¡¯s only eight in the morning. I thought I slept for the better part of the morning, but it seems like I am still an early bird.


    I dial Mother¡¯s number, realizing that I left her hangingst night. How mannerless of me! I hope I did not worry her.


    ¡°Hello, Tessa?¡± She greets calmly.


    ¡°Morning, Mother!¡± I greet her back, noting that she does not sound worried at all.


    ¡°Good morning. Are you okay? And Jerol, is he okay? He sounded so downst night.¡± She says.


    Last night?


    ¡°He spoke to youst night?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Yes. He called to let me know that he was taking you home. He did not say anything else. But I sensed his weak tone. Is everything okay?¡± She queries, her mother¡¯s care gushing over her. Of course, she is expected to be worried about her son.


    ¡°I did not get to talk to him because I fell asleep almost immediately he found me wandering around the hospital. But he was fine. He perhaps feels bad about what he did to his brother. But, don¡¯t worry. I will to talk to him. He will be fine.¡± I assure her without even knowing where my husband is. I hope he didn¡¯t go looking for Grego to finish him off.


    He got drunk for the first time and I don¡¯t even know if that is a good sign. I hope it was just a one-time thing for all that I hold dearest to.


    ¡°Okay, my dear. Let me know if there is anything. And, speaking of Grego, his pregnant impossible girl is throwing tantrums. She won¡¯t agree toe with me home.¡± She says, now sounding pissed.


    ¡°Huh? Why? What does she want?¡± I ask.


    ¡°She wants Grego to pick her up otherwise she will go straight to her father¡¯s house and cut them with us. I can¡¯t allow that, Tessa. I need my grandchild with me.¡± She says.


    That witch is really something else! Is that ckmail now? Wasn¡¯t she so defiant about going to her father¡¯s house while single and pregnant? What happened to, ¡°I can¡¯t tarnish mine and my father¡¯s image¡±? Wasn¡¯t she insistent on raising her child in aplete family? What¡¯s with her cheap threats now? She is just an annoying drama queen!


    Then again, this Grego needs to man up and be responsible. He needs to take care of his wife or baby mama or whatever they are and stop being a brat! He is giving his mother a hard time.


    ¡°Tessa? Are you there?¡±


    ¡°Uumh, yes, mother. I am here. Uumh, have you talked to Grego?¡± I inquire, tapping my feet on the cold floor.


    Seems like I will always be in motion until this is all over.


    ¡°I tried, but he says he is in bad shape. That he can¡¯t pick her up today. The problem is that even with that Ellie is adamant about not getting from that bed without Grego. She also does not want to speak to him so that they reason together.¡± She exins.


    This is just too much. Both Ellie and that Grego are too much! She is too stubborn, and him, does he have fractured bones that he can¡¯t make it to the hospital to pick up his stupid pregnant woman? It¡¯s not like he will even walk all the way there, right? He is just making up excuses like the impossible irresponsible asshole that he is, in my honest opinion.


    ¡°Okay, Mother. I will have breakfast and go see Grego.¡± I say to her.


    ¡°Well, Tessa, I don¡¯t think that is a good idea anymore.¡± She says, worries evident in her tone.


    ¡°Why?¡± I ask, appalled.


    ¡°You see, my husband is here right now. So Grego is the only one at home. It¡¯s risky.¡± She says.


    She does not believe me when I say I can handle that brat, and I do not me her because I don¡¯t trust myself too. But I am not backing down. I am so tired of this.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, mother. Nothing will happen. It will just be a quick civil talk.¡± I say, the same thing that Jerol said yesterday but everything turned out against his own words. All went South! But I hope mine bears good fruits.


    ¡°I still feel uneasy about it. And I can¡¯t ask you to bring Jerol with you because that willplicate things more. Why don¡¯t we just let it go, Tessa? I will find a way to convince Ellie to juste home with me. The rest, we leave them to God.¡± She says.


    Huh, God? We haven¡¯t even tried yet we are leaving it to God?


    ¡°It will be impossible to change Ellie¡¯s mind, mother. Just let me do this. Nothing will go wrong. Trust me.¡± I beseech.


    ¡°Well, alright. I will instruct the guards to stay close by. Tell me when you are on the way there, okay?¡± She asks, still unsure if she is doing the right thing to let me do this. I can sense it through her voice.


    ¡°Sure, Mother. I will.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Okay. Take care.¡± She says.


    ¡°I will. Pass my regards to Father.¡± I say as I prepare to hang up.


    ¡°I sure will.¡±


    With that, I hang up and stroll to the bathroom.


    This really needs to end. We need peace. At least that idiotic bitch decided to choose the right path even though sote. I don¡¯t know if I will ever be able to forgive her for the things she did to Jerol, but at least, she has agreed to change. I hope she is not pulling our legs.


    Gracia and Grego are the main obstacles now. Gracia is the pending case that I don¡¯t even know how to go about, but Grego, that brat will get it from me.


    Getting out of the bathroom, I snap to the slight banging on the door, and I stroll towards it.


    ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am!¡± Terry greets, looking a bit worried.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I snap, getting a bad sense all of a sudden. She is never a nuisance. If she looks this way it means there is something.


    God, nothing more, please! Yesterday was enough. I can¡¯t deal with anything more today. And this early morning? No!N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°What is it, Terry?¡± I implore once again as she scratches the back of her neck.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should be meddling ma¡¯am, but don¡¯t you¡­ Don¡¯t you know where sir Jerol is?¡± She asks, and I half shake my head in response. ¡°At the gym, ma¡¯am. I was cleaning up and I saw him there.¡± She exins, shocking me.


    The gym?


    Why is he returning to his old habits? He promised never to go back to that cursed evil room and he hasn¡¯t been there ever since he recouped. And today he is there? God, what the heck is happening? Why are things happening this way?


    ¡°Thank you, Terry. I will check on him.¡± I say as I start up the stairs, anger boiling in me.


    Why is he acting this way? Yesterday he almost killed someone. Went ahead and got himself drunk after. And today, he visited this evil gym? Is there anything else I need to do for him? I¡¯m here for him. He should be turning right to me and not these things. Has he¡­


    I didn¡¯t even know I had pushed the gym door open. I just realized it right now when I push myself inside, and he snaps at me a short distance ahead.


    He is perched on a stool, resting his back on the wall. My eyes catch something on the floor, and they plop there. A bottle of John Walker whiskey rests on the floor, a ss or two down. I drag my eyes to him again.


    Again?! It was not justst night alone?


    He doesn¡¯t seem like he was contemting harming himself or doing any sort of the things he used to do in this room a few months ago. He is cool, except for that same new look I saw in himst night. He seems like he just needed to think, but right here? Why here? And, is alcohol his newpanion and sce now?


    I stroll towards him, and stand in front of him.


    He can¡¯t be seriously turning alcoholic! I hate alcohol. I detest it. I can¡¯t stand drunkards. I lived with one the whole of my life and believe me, God knows how I loathe this thing.


    ¡°This is thest.¡± He speaks, because my mouth was running dry with words for him, but thanks to him for speaking, now I think I have a few things for him.


    I love him with the whole of my heart. I can embrace all his ws but this, alcohol, is an exception I can¡¯t make for him or anyone. Not this one!


    ¡°Why are you doing this? Am I, not enough sce that you have to result into this?¡± I implore, and he shuts his eyes. ¡°Look at me, Jerol!¡± I yell, and he peels his eyes in a snap, looking anywhere but my face.


    He can¡¯t look at me still? Why? I thought alcohol was meant to give him the courage to face me? What now? Why can¡¯t he even point his face straight at me?


    ¡°You know what? Don¡¯t even look at me with that disgusting look of alcohol on! Don¡¯t look for me until you stop leaking of that shit! Don¡¯t even show your face to me until you sober up!¡± I howl and turn to leave, but I am pulled back in a snap.


    I wasn¡¯t even able to do a thing. I m into his chest, his strong arms possessing me.


    ¡°No, Tessa! Don¡¯t leave! Please don¡¯t go!¡± He whispers, searching my eyes. ¡°I am done. I won¡¯t¡­¡±¡±Let go!¡± I cut him off.


    ¡°I am sorry, love. Sorry! It won¡¯t happen again. I promise. Forgive me.¡± He pleads, but, I think I have shown him too much of my soft side.


    ¡°But you disgust me right now, Jerol! Your scent, your look, everything disgusts me! So let me go before I p this crap out of you!¡± I fume between gritted teeth.


    That pped him hard!


    He peels his hands off me slowly, giving me a miserable pleading look that is charming enough to bring me to my knees and apologize for his own mistake. Before I fall for its charm, I think it wise to leave.


    ¡°Tessa, please!¡± He calls, but dly he keeps his hands to himself. I don¡¯t even turn. ¡°I am sorry!¡± He howls behind me, but I keep focused on my tracks until I make my way out.


    I m the door behind me and lean on it, listening to my wobbling body for a second. It stings to speak to him that way. It hurts to walk out on him, but I need him to understand that this is not the way to go about things. Alcohol doesn¡¯t solve anything. It¡¯s not an option or remedy for anything.


    I know none of what is happening is easy for him at all, but he should turn to me. Not alcohol, and not violence. Just me! I am enough for him, and I am here for him every time he needs me. Things are hard? We will solve them together. He his bearing too much? Let him pour everything on me. Only me!


    Ipose myself, summon the little courage I have left after disrespecting my husband, and I leave from here before my emotions and the love I feel for him betray me and make me go back on my words.

 CHAPTER 66

    MEETING THE ARROGANT JERK


    My drive to the McCall¡¯s home is quiet with wild sentiments galloping through my mind. I can¡¯t help but worry about Jerol. I don¡¯t want to see him that way. I don¡¯t want a drunkard for a husband. I want to understand him but not to this degree. I want to ease all his pains brought about by this, but how can I if he doesn¡¯t want to tell me what he is feeling?


    I am even afraid of his reaction when he learns that the baby Ellie is expecting is not his. He will be torn. How will I even tell him?


    We Park at the parking lot, and I step out without saying a word to Mark. Jerol¡¯s situation is choking me. I have had a very huge bile blocking my throat ever since I left the castle. I have pushed it down countless times but it keeps forming again. I hope this annoying brat does not add more to the anger I am feeling.


    The guards open the door for me after greetings that I only nodded to. I amble inside, and I notice four of them walk in with me, two on each of my sides. I shoot a questioning re at them, asking what they are doing.


    ¡°Madam¡¯s order. We are not supposed to leave you alone with him.¡± One of the says, throwing a quick nce to the sitting where unbelievably this brat is resting like he is in the afterlife, free from any problems, and cool like a saint as if he has not wrecked havoc on everyone around him. Is this jerk for real?


    As I stroll to him, I cruise my zing eyes to his face which looked like a pool of blood yesterday with all the bruises he had received. It doesn¡¯t look so bad for a man. Well, aside from his upper lip and a part of his nose, nothing else seems severe. He even looks cute in these bruises. What is there to make him not step out?


    ¡°No one is here!¡± The brat says, resuming watching the movie without waiting for my response.


    ¡°I came to see you.¡± I howl, hoping to get his attention which I seed, but he gives me a not-so-weing nce. Who cares anyway?


    ¡°If your husband send you here, go back and tell him that I am still breathing and he better get ready for me!¡± He spits furiously, summoning more steps towards him while he jerks up to his feet after noticing my movement.


    ¡°I see he is so scared that he had to send you with puppets for security.¡± He adds.


    Well, what a delusional jerk!


    ¡°Please wait at the door!¡± I say to the guards, and nod my head to assure them when they seem adamant. ¡°I got this!¡± I add.


    They nod their heads, bow slightly, and they walk away, standing by at the door.


    ¡°Brave, huh? I love that!¡± Grego says, taking steps towards me in a gesture that I don¡¯t like at all, but I am not here to show any weakness.


    I wait until he racks before my nose, giving him the pleasure of exploring my face to his satisfaction.


    ¡°If you are done, I would have you know that my husband doesn¡¯t even know I am here.¡± I say when he settled in my eyes.


    He takes a step back.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing here then? Ahh, wait, forgive my manners. I know he is a deadbeat when ites to love matters. I am at your service for whatever you may need, baby! You need some¡­¡±Ooh, he is not just a brat, but a disrespectful jerk as well too.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± He curses, holding his nose to soothe the pain of my p.


    Yes! He deserved it! How dare he? He thinks I am like that cheap Ellie? How dare he insult my husband like that in front of me? Shameless moron!


    ¡°That is nothing, you disgusting shameless jerk! Try and insult Jerol one more time and I will crash your balls!¡± I yell, realizing that the guards are now standing behind me again, but a single re from me sends a clear memo that I don¡¯t need them. It sends them back to their spot.


    ¡°I can kill you right here and right now, and nobody will even bother to look for your death corpse, so watch what you do!¡± Grego fumes, and I smirk at his stupid face. ¡°What are youughing at? Don¡¯t tell me that aside from stupid you are also psychotic like your fucking mother!¡± He adds.


    I had to light this house with a smile at that.


    ¡°Jerol will kill you without thinking if he even learns you have disrespected me already, Grego! And if you think I am stupid, then you are the world¡¯s most dumbest idiot to have been fooled by Gracia! She and I are not rted, and in this little game you are ying, you are now all alone in it. Ellie pulled out, thanks to that push you gave her yesterday that put her baby¡¯s life in danger, it brought her to her senses! And Gracia, that witch has no way of helping you in any way whatsoever.¡± I spit in his face.


    By now, his face resembles crap! His eyes do not hold that dangerous brave demeanor anymore. I can tell he is taken aback by my statements. He can¡¯t believe what I just said.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be true!¡± He whimpers.


    ¡°Really? Do you know why Ellie wants to return to her father¡¯s house? It¡¯s because she is done with your schemes! Now if you don¡¯t stop, you will not only lose the battle, but also your child, which you were using as a weapon to ruin Jerol, your own brother. How could you?¡± I fire.


    ¡°Ellie can not do this to me!¡± He affirms, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°She can not!¡± He adds.


    ¡°She can¡¯t? Then how do I know the baby she is carrying is yours and not Jerol¡¯s?¡± I shoot, mming him to the seat with disbelief as he searches his brain.


    ¡°Ellie¡­¡± He reaches for his phone.


    He must be wondering how much she has revealed. He is scared. Scared restless moron!


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. That bitch loves you so much to disclose your entire n.¡± He drops the call at my words, snapping at me and calming down a little.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He queries.


    ¡°To speak some sense into you before you regret this.¡± I say.


    ¡°It¡¯s already toote. And, you are a nobody to speak anything to me.¡± He says, bowing his head down.


    It¡¯s toote?


    ¡°What do you mean by it is toote?¡± I ask.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your fucking business!¡± He snaps, springing to his feet. ¡°Get the hell out of here!¡± He says, showing me the door with a finger.


    Why is he so worried all of a sudden? And who is he ordering?


    ¡°Me leaving or staying, none of that will fix this mess, Grego! You can still fix this!¡± I say.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°You know nothing, so just shut the fuck up and get the hell out of my face!¡± He grumbles, summoning me to my feet as we start to each other..


    ¡°I know everything there is to know, Grego!¡± I fire at him.


    ¡°Yeah? What do you know?¡± He mocks.


    ¡°That you have everything, Grego. What more do you need? Why are you so bent on ruining your family and your life for nothing?¡±¡±You know nothing.¡± He howls again, sounding pissed off.


    ¡°Maybe not all. But I know that you have a family that loves you so much.¡± I say, calmly.


    ¡°Is that the lie they told you?¡± He queries, smoking anger.


    ¡°Nobody told me that. But I have heard stories. Do you know the kind of pain your mother is going through right now after learning what were nning? What kind of a son are you?¡±¡±She, I have no problem with my mother. She from the start made me feel what love is. But my brother and my father never showed any affection to me.¡± He defends.


    Ooh, really now?


    ¡°You gave them all the reasons not to, Grego. And they don¡¯t hate you, because you wouldn¡¯t be here in this house right now after your dirty schemes came to light.¡± I say, hoping he listens to my reasons.


    ¡°Well, I only have two days to leave this damn house. My father just disowned me. He has also cut all of my allowances. Such is love, right? I am sure if it was Jerol he would have not done this.¡± He says, dropping back to the seat again while scratching his head.


    I sat beside him, facing him.


    He is another wandering soul, I suppose. He sees this life as a race against Jerol which is not right.


    ¡°You know Grego, I think deep inside you are a good guy. Annoying, yes, but there is some goodness in you. Your only problem is trying to outdo Jerol in everything. You want to have everything even that which belongs to him and you don¡¯t care how much you hurt him. He is your brother, Grego. If you want topete then do it fairly! Work more harder than him and build an empire bigger than his. Only that will count as a win. But this, what you are doing, is so wrong and you know it, Grego. Change!¡± I plead.


    ¡°What for? It¡¯s all done! I don¡¯t stand to gain or lose nothing.¡± He says, defeatedly.


    ¡°Jerol still has a ce for you as his elder brother, Grego. And your father, he would have kicked you out of his house right away if he didn¡¯t care. And you know, it¡¯s no longer about you now. You have a child on the way. You will be a father in two months. What have you to offer your child? And Ellie? That woman who is ready to even go to prison in her condition just protects you. What about her? What about you? Can¡¯t you do it for yourself? And your mother? She¡­¡±¡±Stop!¡± He cuts me off. Looking away. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Nothing will be the same anymore no matter what I do.¡± He adds.


    ¡°Definitely, but things can change for the best, Grego! And only you can fix all of this. The fate of all of us, this whole family, lies in the decision you will make. Think about it, but remember like you said, there is no time! In two days, Grego, whatever that will be of you, and this entire family, will all be in your conscience! I hope you will do the right thing. This family doesn¡¯t deserve to be torn apart or go through any form of shame, Grego.¡± With that, I leave him to ponder whether he still wants to continue being a brat, or man up and take the mantle as the elder son.


    I believe he is the only one responsible for his own plight, and the only one who can save himself from this mess. If he finds himself and saves himself, then we are all saved. If he chooses to drown in his own sorrows, then woe unto this family.

 CHAPTER 67

    BEGGING FOR FORGIVENESS


    Sauntering back into the castle, I run into Terry doing her rounds inside. My stomach rumbles upon seeing her, reminding me that I haven¡¯t eaten breakfast. Actually, thest meal I remember having was yesterday¡¯s breakfast. My baby must be wondering what kind of a mother it has to starve her like this.


    Forgive me, baby. Mommy just had a lot of things to take care of. But I won¡¯t forget you again.


    ¡°Uuumh. Ma¡¯am? Seems like I was right after all.¡± Terry giggles, winking at my hand as I caress my belly. Huh! I didn¡¯t even realize I was caressing it, just like I did not realize when she ambled here.


    Well, I think she deserves to know that her silly hoax that nearly killed me was not actually a joke at all like I squealed that day. It was neither a bad miracle getting pregnant, as I termed it earlier. It is a sweet miracle. And what¡¯s more, it¡¯s Jerol¡¯s first child. The only one since that bitch is out of the way now. Dang! I still have to break the shocking news to him, but only when he sobers up. I hope the news will not leave him shattered. At least not so bad.


    ¡°Yes, Terry! You were right. I am pregnant.¡± I say, and she glimmers for the whole nation, as if she is the pregnant. My!


    ¡°Mmh! Congrattions ma¡¯am!¡± She giggles once again, making produce a grin in oblivion too.


    ¡°Thank you, but, your smile? I am the one pregnant, Terry, not you!¡± I tease.


    ¡°That is the thing, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m not the one pregnant. That would mean that I will quit my job and live miserably out of this castle. How will I survive?¡± She says, her smile still shining for the whole world.


    She is too overwhelmed with this more than I am. Is she for real?


    ¡°Okay. So, what makes it so special that I am the one pregnant?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Well, you see, ma¡¯am. I want to apply to be the baby¡¯s special nanny. Will you consider me? Wait, you know I am your friend, right? The only one who is not scared of your yelling when you lose your cool!¡± She says.


    Okay! So, is that a ckmail or something. And when exactly do I yell?


    ¡°Seriously? When did I ever yell at you?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Huh! A lot of times ma¡¯am! But forget all of that. There is this one time that really hurt me, ma¡¯am. That day I insinuated that you were pregnant, that was the height of all those other things. So, it will be like apensation for me. Don¡¯t worry, if you give me the position, I will never tell the baby how you looked that day denying its possible existence. My lips will forever be sealed.¡± She says, and I can¡¯t help but remember how berserk I went on her.


    Jeez! I even said I would leave her a curse if I died from her joke. I was extremely hysterical! But she can¡¯t understand why I was acting that way.


    ¡°You know what? You win, Terry. I will not even take any more applications. You are officially this baby¡¯s special nanny from now on. And your dutiesmence now.¡± I say, and she can¡¯t help her glee. She is something else.


    All in all, I don¡¯t think I would want another person as my baby¡¯s special nanny other than her. She has been of tremendous help all my stay here. She is more of a friend than a nanny, actually.


    ¡°Thank you so much, ma¡¯am! I will not disappoint you. I promise!¡± She says.


    ¡°I know you won¡¯t, else you will be fired on the spot.¡± I say, faking a serious tone.


    ¡°Ouch! That hurts, ma¡¯am, but I can handle it. Uumh, does that mean that I will also get a sry increase, ma¡¯am?¡± She asks.


    Huh? Huh, his one is unbelievable! She hasn¡¯t even started the job yet she is already demanding for an increment? My!


    She adds after noticing I am about to speak. ¡°Just kidding, ma¡¯am! With or without the sry increment, I will serve you wholeheartedly.¡± She smiles.


    Now that is more like her!


    ¡°Alright. We will think of the sry once the baby is born. For now, just focus on me. And you are lurking in your job because I am starving already. Can I have my breakfast now?¡± I tease, but not on the starving part. I am so hungry.


    ¡°Sure. Right away ma¡¯am! Even sir Jerol did not have breakfast. He said you two will have it together when you return.¡± She said.


    He knew I left?


    ¡°Alright. Serve it now and bring it to my room.¡± I say, hoping that he left that cursed gym. ¡°Also, add a ss of lemon water.¡± I say. That was what Gracia used to have every time she woke up feeling like crap after spending the best part of a night drinking.


    ¡°Sure, ma¡¯am!¡± Terry says and walks to the kitchen, while I proceed upstairs.


    I get into my room, and I find Jerol perched on the table at the window facing the direction of the door. In short, he is facing me, and at least, I don¡¯t spot anything alcoholic anywhere nearby. He looks a bit raw too, like he has taken a bath.


    Mulling over walking into his arms or just assuming him for the first time, I go with thetter. His sitting position is beguiling. I can already visualize myself standing between his well-parted legs and sowing my face to his neck and taking in his rich pheromones while his strong loving arms pin us together. Sweet, right? But bitterly, Ipel myself to assume all that. In as much as it¡¯s hard, I amble to the bed and m on it, resting my elbows on my thighs as I facepalm my face.


    Whatever it is that fate holds for this family, God, let it be good. I admit that we did not start off well at the beginning, especially with Mrs McCall, but they have been nothing but a family to me ofte. In them, I feel nothing but happiness. I in them see a family I never had. Everything has been made right. God please, take us through this, and shower us with your showers of victory.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    I peel my hands off my face, opening my eyes to the face of Jerol crouching before me. I look at him, but no wordse out of my mouth. He is not leaking of alcohol, but he still doesn¡¯t look like his usual sober self. It¡¯s not something that anyone would notice, but I know him. I can tell he is still tipsy, and I scorn that feeling.


    ¡°I know you went to see Grego. Did he do anything to you?¡± He speaks again, sloping his hands on my thighs. Duh! Bad idea! But I can bear it.


    Well, I can¡¯t stay mad forever, right?


    ¡°I am okay.¡± I say, looking away.


    He should know that I am still hurt by his actions. I would have gotten over this if it was onlyst night. But he had to do it?


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± He says, nudging me up as he buries his face onto my belly. ¡°I am so sorry.¡± He whimpers again, and I wrap my hands around the back of his head, soothing him.


    This man will be my death, but I don¡¯t care. I love him so much to see him sad even for a second, not to talk of hours. I even feel guilty for what I did.


    A knock echoes on the door, and since Jerol is not showing any signs of standing up, I don¡¯t know whether to summon Terry in or not. She can¡¯t find him on his knees this way.


    ¡°Jerol? Come on! Get up.¡± I say, trying to pull him up, but he does budge. And he is too strong for me. ¡°Jerol!¡±¡±Tell her toe in.¡± He says, and though unwillingly, I had to call Terry in.


    I saw her throw a nce at us, wondering what is happening, but Jerol does not still get up. He actually lifts his head up, peeking at me like a child, not worried that one of his servants is witnessing him begging like this. Alcohol is really on him!


    ¡°Tell me what I should do so that you forgive me, love. I promised I won¡¯t drink again and I swear won¡¯t. I poured the rest of it. I took a whole hour in the jacuzzi scouring that liquor scent off myself. I took three sses of lemon water, but I still feel like crap. Crap! I am crap! I know you said I should be sober before talking to you but I am afraid of even closing my eyes.¡± He recites a poem searching my eyes while Terry strolls outside after setting the table for us.


    He adds when I don¡¯t speak. ¡°Should I bang this stupid head of mind on the wall so that you can talk to me, baby? Your silence is killing me. Hey, I am sorry. A million times, sorry. Should I¡­¡±¡±Okay, enough!¡± I say. He is going berserk with apologies and I think I have had enough of them. ¡°I will be gone before you know it if this ever happens again, Jerol. And I am serious.¡± I add, looking into his eyes to emphasize my warning.


    ¡°I swear with both your life and that of my baby, that I will never drink again. I promise!¡± He swears, cing his hands on my belly, a gesture I find so intimate. Where did the alcohol in him go?


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s have breakfast, then?¡± I say.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He gets up, helping to my feet and guiding me to the table.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    We settle down, and I hand him a ss of lemon water which he dly epts, shing a faint grin, while I serve breakfast.


    For the next few minutes, we eat breakfast in utter silence until the tray is empty. It¡¯s either Terry was mean to us today, or we both were starving. I don¡¯t know which is which, but all the same, breakfast is done.

 CHAPTER 68

    HIS REACTION


    ¡°Do you feel any better now?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I do. I will bepletely fine if you are okay. If we are okay. Are we? You are not angry with me? You don¡¯t feel like strangling me?¡± He implores, reaching for my hands across the table and hugging them tight in his warm ones.


    I won¡¯t deny it since it¡¯s not even a secret. I missed his touch. I don¡¯t know how long it had been but it feels like we were at odds for eternity. I missed this closure.


    ¡°Drinking is and never will be an exception for me, Jerol. No matter your reasons, it will still be wrong for me. I grew up with a drunkard, I can¡¯t handle another one.¡± I sincerely exin.


    ¡°I am sorry. I just felt like I had messed up in the worst way. I was so ashamed of facing you and my desperation led me to a bar and I thought of drowning all thebo of sentiments I was feeling in alcohol. Again, I am sorry. I failed you. Sorry, love. I won¡¯t try that shit again.¡± He says.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t fail me, Jerol. You know I would have listened to you even after that, right? Next time please don¡¯t assume something like that again.¡± I say, and he squeezes my hands.


    ¡°I won¡¯t, because I don¡¯t n on being a jerk again. And I know that my beautiful wife is always here for me. For anything.¡± He says.


    ¡°Then we are good! All forgiven and buried. So, what next?¡± I giggle, resuming to bubbly lovey-dovey mood.


    ¡°What¡¯s next? What does my wife want?¡± He implores.


    ¡°Anything my husband wants.¡± I giggle back.


    ¡°A three-day getaway from this steam as we think things through? Just you and I.¡± He mumbles.


    Huh? A what?


    That was nowhere on my list of his wants right now. He wants a getaway in the middle of all this chaos?


    ¡°I know it sounds crazy but, we need this. You shouldn¡¯t be dealing with so much in your condition. So aside from ourselves, let¡¯s do it for the baby.¡± He insists.


    I get his point but, three days! Wait¡­ if that Grego wille to his senses and take my advice, it has to be in two days. I am in love with this idea but I would love for us to be around in case of anything.


    ¡°Won¡¯t your parents take this the wrong way? I mean, we are leaving them in the middle of the chaos that actually involves us.¡± I state.


    ¡°I spoke to them and they actually loved the idea. They will take care of Ellie also. So, we have nothing to worry about.¡± He says.


    Well, it seems like the family ganged up on me on my back! What other grounds do I have to contend this? Nothing!


    But, how about setting things straight before we go?


    ¡°Did they tell you anything else?¡± I ask, walking to his side and settling beside him.


    ¡°No. Is¡­ there something else I need to know?¡± He queries.


    God, please give me the wisdom to convey this to him in the best way possible so that it will not hurt.


    ¡°Love? What is wrong? Is there another problem?¡± He asks again.


    I take his hand, hugging tight in mine while he shifts in his seat curiously.


    ¡°Ellie, confessed!¡± That alone summoned all his senses to this.


    ¡°She did? What did she say?¡± He asks.


    ¡°She is backing out of the n. The threat of her baby¡¯s life made here to her senses, but she refused to reveal anything to protect Grego.¡± I exin.


    He thinks for a second before speaking. ¡°If that is true, then there is nothing much that Grego can do alone. He is crippled without any allies.¡± He says, rxing.


    ¡°You are forgetting there is also Gracia.¡± I say.


    ¡°I was to tell you. I am taking care of that woman. She won¡¯t bother you again.¡±Huh? What¡¯s that?


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Me and that woman got you into this whole mess. I will make sure she doesn¡¯t bother you ever again. That is what you want, right?¡± He asks in a soothing voice.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I say, pondering on what he is doing.


    ¡°And you trust me, don¡¯t you?¡± He adds.


    ¡°With my whole heart.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Then rest assured that in a few days, she will be out of your life. Only you can ever look for her if you so wish, but not the other way around. I will not stop you.¡± He affirms.


    Now that makes me at ease. Whatever he is doing, I trust him. I hope I will no longer have to worry about that witch anyone.


    ¡°So, shall we?¡± He asks, but I remember a very crucial detail. The highlight of it all.


    ¡°Wait. There is more.¡± I say.


    ¡°More? What is it?¡± He asks, impatient surging in him.


    ¡°Ellie¡­ she¡­ The baby is¡­ she¡­¡± Since when did I start sputtering? It¡¯s because I know this will hurt him like hell.


    ¡°Tessa? Spit whatever it is!¡± He pleads.


    Ipose myself, and ask for wisdom and strength from above as I speak. ¡°You¡­ You are not the father of her baby, Jerol. It¡¯s¡­¡±¡±Grego¡¯s?¡± He finishes for me in a tone and expression that I didn¡¯t expect at all.


    t. His tone is dead t, and so is his expression.


    ¡°Ye¡­ s. That¡¯s what she told us.¡± I say, glueing my gaze on him to entuate that I am indeed reading his reaction to this news pretty well.


    Thisposure?! It¡¯s confusing! I spected he would be looking like a ticking bomb right now. But no. He is worryingly so cool. And as if to top up my confusion, he speaks.


    ¡°Then that is perfect. This couldn¡¯t have turned out better any other way?¡± And he had to look at me, giving me the honor of affirming his sincerity in what he said.


    He is not hurt? Not bothered at all? No sentiments for that betrayal?


    ¡°Are.. you¡­ okay?¡± I implore in awe.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Okay?¡± He queries, standing up, and I follow him up. I stand before him as he speaks. ¡°Why would I not be okay? I will no longer have to be tied to two women. And what¡¯s more thrilling, nothing ties me to that bitch now. I can now concentrate on taking care of my one and only wife and my child. I wished for this.¡±Hello, heaven?!


    I am speechless! Totally speechless! This, how could I have anticipated this? Who would have? I am certain that that is why his mother didn¡¯t tell him. She reckoned he would take the news so badly, that he would be torn apart by this. How wrong were we! I am so freaking overwhelmed by his reaction that I don¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°Shall we, wifey? I am now more than ever itching for this getaway!¡± He speaks after noticing my dry mouth, pulling me with him, and like a zombie, I follow suit, still in utter amazement. I want to ask why we are not even packing, but my voice and words were blown away by his affirmations. I am dry.

 CHAPTER 69

    THE GETAWAY


    ¡°We are here.¡± Jerol says, waking me up. I am bing so prone to sleep nowadays. I hope I am not bing azy bone. Eyes roll!


    I wake up, yawning as if I have been napping for a whole decade, and stretching my stiff and fragile muscles. A little slumber and I wake up feeling like crap, yet I still have eight whole months! My!


    Shooting my eyes outside, I try to scan and take in the ostensibly exotic atmosphere which does not seem familiar at all. Not the environment, not the ce itself, nothing rings a bell. Where did Jerol bring me? Even the aura bleeds so distinctly.


    But then again, I should actually smirk at myself for mocking myself. Where do I know? Heck! I have been to no other ce aside from that disgusting shitty home. Jerol¡¯s ce was the second ce I got a chance to know.


    All the same, wherever that my sweet husband brought me, I am sure I am gonna have the bliss to core here. The white fences, no, hang on! It¡¯s the white theme! The white fences, the sparkly whitepound, and what am I seeing here? Another castle?


    ¡°Wow!¡± I exim, tilting my head a little to try and catch a little more of the beautiful building before me. It¡¯s also painted white. Peace ¨C which is what we need.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± I did not know how long Jerol has been holding the door for me, but the second I realize it, I almost step on his feet as I leap out in excitement.


    These beautiful surroundings are so mesmerizing that I feel like I want to spend my entire life here already. The ce exudes peace, and I did not know how much I yearned for it until now. I continue voyaging my eyes around as I recharge my lung with more of this raw aura, until I spot something that halted my cruise.


    A cave? Is that a cave I am seeing beyond the fences in the far north?


    ¡°You want to see it?¡± Jerol asks, my enthusiastic utterance coercing a smile from his lips.


    God! I know I conform an extremely ecstatic child who has toured Disneynd for the first time. Or like a vige girl who just tapped her feet on the city for the first time. I am euphoric. Where am I?


    ¡°Well? Which one do you want to tour first? Our house, or the cave?¡± Jerol asks again while I continue savoring the beauty this ce is percting to me.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Well, which one do I choose? I am enthusiastically feverish for the both of them just the same.


    ¡°I know. Wait.¡± Again, Jerol had to speak, sauntering behind me towards the gate where a small but beautiful cottage stands. I didn¡¯t notice it until now. He starts speaking to the man standing at the door, while I drink in more of my surroundings with my eyes.


    Now, this is grandeur at its best! Beauty and peace! It doesn¡¯t just stop in your eyes, but it surges deep through your veins. Compared to the ce I lived in until five months ago, I feel like I am in Paradise. In real peaceful heaven!


    ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡±Jerol startles me again, cutting my cruise short as he takes my hand, pulling me towards the gate.


    ¡°So, the cave?¡± I implore as we match out of the gate hand in hand.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He says.


    We take a path that leads us down to something that looks like a forest, and ording to mypass direction from this castle, the cafe should be beyond these trees. The rain fromst night seems to have poured triple in this area than where we came from, leaving the ce so mucky and slippery.


    dly, I wore sneakers when I went to see Grego this morning which I did not take off after. But Jerol, what the hell was he thinking wearing saddles? Poor thing! He is struggling a lot.


    ¡°Hold on!¡± He says, stopping and bending his gorgeous back as I stand to see what he is doing.


    He folds his jeans up to the knees, and to my surprise, the saddles are gone, leaving him barefoot as his imprints sink into the mad!


    Wow! I mean, he¡­


    ¡°We can proceed.¡± He says, as if nothing is wrong at all. Like a filthy billionaire like him is not kissing the mud barefoot and is about to dance in this mud for a distance.


    ¡°Like this?¡± I ask, unsure of the sess of this tour. How will he walk like this? It¡¯s so muddy all the way.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He affirms, not sounding troubled or unsure at all.


    ¡°Are you sure? We can go back and do this tomorrow.¡± I say, sympathizing with him.


    ¡°I am okay, Tessa! I have done this countless times.¡± He assures me, and at this point, I think I don¡¯t have to contend anymore.


    The image of him this way strikes me differently though.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I say.


    He carries his saddles in one hand, while the other pins me to his hip as we start down the muddy path again.


    My! He is so down-to-earth for a man of his pedigree! I can visualize the drama of asking someone like Grego to do this. He might even spit on your face. Pride and ego! I love my Jerol, and I am falling deep for him with every discovery.


    Well, aside from the drinking part. That was a turn-off for me, but I am d he is all sober now. He is back to my typical cool Jerol. And I know he meant it when said he will never drink again.


    ¡°We could have just stayed back at the castle if you wanted to ogle me!¡± He says, urging a smirk from me.


    ¡°Is it a sin to ogle my husband?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Not at all. But there is a more cultivating view before you.¡± He says, and I snap my face forward.


    ¡°Wow!¡± I mumble, staring at the beautiful ancient cave.


    We are actually strutting at its rocky base. It looks so old, but beautiful and clean all the same. It is about a hundred meters high on the perimeter and about five hundred metres in length, that is if I am good at guessing. There are two entrances from my view, one on the right and the second on the left.


    ¡°Is it safe inside?¡± I ask.


    ¡°It has been for all those times I have been here before. It should be.¡± He responds.


    ¡°Then¡­¡± I was about to imply that we go in, but I got a sight of his bare feet. He definitely will be nursing bruises even before we get to the entrance. That will be too much torture.


    As if reading my mind, which I am certain he did, he takes off his tee, cleans all the mud from his feet with it, and tosses it aside when he is all done. He puts his saddles on, while I stare in awe.


    He did that?


    Hang on! He will remain bare chest in this freezing weather? I am sure it¡¯s much more colder in the cave.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He says, reaching for my hand.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you feeling cold?¡± I ask with concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I will ask for a tee. You also need something warm. It¡¯s more freezing inside.¡± He says as he fishes his phone.


    ¡°Who will you ask for? We did not bring any clothes.¡± I ask as we make our way to the entrance.


    ¡°I did the packing.¡± He says, earning a raised eyebrow from me.


    ¡°You did? When?¡± I implore.


    ¡°Before you came back from seeing my brother.¡± He responds.


    I see. He had it all nned, huh?


    ¡°You weren¡¯t even sure I will agree to this.¡± I say as we enter the cave.


    ¡°I am certain of my irresistible charm. I was confident you couldn¡¯t refuse your sweet husband.¡± He winks.


    Ooh! Seems like someone is so full of himself, huh?

 CHAPTER 70

    ROMANTIC MOMENTS IN THE CAVE


    Hourster.


    I am curled up in Jerol¡¯s arms as we bask in the warmth of the nket around us and the zing fire before us.


    It seems like he had nned this so well. The man guarding the castle brought us some warm clothes which did not help so much. It¡¯s hell-cold inside this cave, and the cold became worse as the sun kissed the sky. I was dead shivering, but thanks to my incredible king of romance and sense. I did not know what he meant when he said we are gonna be swimming in immense warmth tonight and I will forget I even felt cold today.


    Mentally I was like, hello? You said we are in Limuru and as history has it, it¡¯s never hot in Limuru.


    Silly me!


    Now I know what he meant ¨C being curled up in his warm arms, under the warmth of the nket, in front of a kind of a bonfire, and to top it all, under the spell of his percting hot pheromones. There definitely can never be a better warmth than this one. I am intoxicated. I am burning! How did that cold feel again?


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Jerol speaks, his hands doing sweet rounds on my back.


    I shift, mbering to hisp as I peek up at him. Ooh, this night better be long!


    ¡°Better than ever!¡± I say as our eyes lock, the fire doing not so much enough to shine for us. Or am I this intoxicated?


    I love the way his face looks under the dim light ¨C bright but under the shadows of vagueness.


    ¡°Is the cold all gone?¡± He speaks, the warmth of his words caressing my face gently as we are just an inch apart.


    Cold?


    ¡°I am so hot!¡± I whimper, coercing a charming grin from him.


    ¡°I see! My wife is hot, huh? Wait, hot or horny?¡± He teases as his hand sneak beneath my tops, making me shiver as his bare contact meets my melting skin.


    Got or horny? Is there a difference?


    ¡°Both.¡± I murmur to his tempting luscious lips, almost crashing on them, but a soft brush of his thumb on my hard nipples summons a needy moan from me, making me shy. I end up hiding my rosy face behind his ear.


    Damn! I didn¡¯t intend to.


    ¡°And why is my sweet horny wife shy now?¡± He teases in a whimper, bleeding all his strength on my nipples, making me scream with pleasure.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ Am¡­ Ooh!¡± Damn me! What am I saying again?


    ¡°You are shy to show how much your husband is pleasuring you, huh?¡± He grumbles huskily on my neck, pinching my nipples so hard and sweet that he summons my gaze from my hiding ce.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No!¡± I whimper so silently that I am not sure it made it to his ears, but a cocky grin from him proves that it did.


    ¡°Mmh. Then show me that you are not shy.¡± He says, earning a moan of letdown from me as his hands cut the pleasure they were bleeding on me. ¡°Show me that you want me to pleasure you, and I promise you will have the best night of your life.¡± He devilishly whispers, a surge of adrenaline rush tickling me down my spine, arousing the butterflies in my belly.


    I have had my best nights in his arms already. What more could make this one special, huh?


    My curiosity and desires drive my hands to my jacket, grabbing the zip and pulling it down slowly as he states in pleasure and awe. One by one, all the fabrics covering my body kiss the floor. I don¡¯t even mind where they fall, and I am not worried that I might have tossed some right into the fire. I am driven by a dominantpelling force to this.


    I kneel before him when I am done, slowly nudging him backwards until he is sprawled beneath me on the duvet serving as our mattress tonight, his husky breath nuzzling my face as I reach for his tee.


    Now, I have a sense that I am doing this the wrong way. This is more of me pleasuring him and not what he had implied. But since he seems to be getting a thrilling kick out of my wild madness, who am I to worry?


    Resting his white boxer on the floor, I turn my full attention to him, wondering what to do next, until I catch a glimpse of his hard meat. Hard, but seemingly so tender! My mind goes wild with assorted wild thoughts. They are crazy, and for a moment I think that I am really possessed. I can¡¯t even look anywhere else. My eyes are glued there, scrutinizing every inch of it. And then he speaks, blowing my wild little brain away.


    ¡°Will you give me the pleasure of tasting it with your mouth, baby? It won¡¯t hurt.¡±Damn!


    Of course, how can something so holy, so irresistibly delicious, hurt, huh? And it will be my honor to suckle this red tip of it, and feel it stroke the walls of my mouth as it swims in my juice. I can imagine the sense of it tickling my core as my lips hug its base so tight.


    Ooh, dang! I mean, holy me! What am I thinking? When did I be a dirty little horny girl, huh?


    ¡°Well, baby? I am waiting!¡± He whispers, and I swallow hard.


    Well, to hell with the buts¡­

 CHAPTER 71

    THE PROPOSAL


    I wake up draped tight and epassed by Jerol¡¯s sweet arms. There is no doubt that right in his arms, is the sweetest and safest ce I would want to dwell all my life.


    The night was crazily sweet, wild, intense, and everything that pleasure depicts. It was long and rough at some point, and my poor pot of honey can attest to that. The friction I am feeling, the tight muscles, the soreness¡­ I still feel so filled up, like a piece of his member got stuck in there. My!


    What a night it was! Ooh, what a night!


    ¡°Good morning!¡± He lifts up his face, searching for my lips which I dly direct to him as we share a beautiful morning kiss. ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± He asks me after the kiss, nuzzling my cheek with his thumb as he buries his orbs deep into mine.


    Did I sleep well? How can someone not sleep peacefully after such a mind-boggling night, huh? I slept like a baby. I still feel so raw, and a little bit horny. With the memories ofst night clogging up my not-so-holy brain, I can¡¯t help but yearn for a glorious morning glory. But, damn! My little pot is so weak.


    ¡°I did sleep well. And you?¡± I respond before he notices that I am glowing with redness, but a smirk from him portrays that I was so damnte to cloak my redness. I hope he doesn¡¯t think I am a possessed bitch! Or an insatiable one! ¡°What?¡± I ask since his grin keeps widening with every second that passes by.


    ¡°I am delighted!¡± He grumbles.


    Of course, he is! He must be feeling like a real alpha male, a sex beast, a Romance guru, to have me grinning like an idiot from the activities ofst night. And me, why can¡¯t I get a hold of my hormones, huh? Why am I still smiling?


    ¡°Seeing you this happy satisfies me. I want nothing more than to see a smile on your face, Tessa.¡± He says, the smile all gone, reced with a serious but cool tone, as if he is reciting his sole wish on this earth.


    Why did nobody ever tell me that I suck at guesses? Here I was thinking he was seeing nothing but a lusted little bitch! Sigh!


    ¡°And I want to make you the happiest man in the whole world.¡± I respond, caressing his chest.


    ¡°You already made me the happiest. I am the one who needs to do more.¡± He asserts, stealing a kiss that I don¡¯t mind about at all. ¡°How about, we start nning our wedding? In a month.¡±That got me to almost choke my throat out!


    What the hell of a joke¡­


    ¡°What?¡± I implore, gasping for breath because my lungs feel so dry after his joke back there.


    He gotta be pulling my leg!


    A wedding? Nothing has been settled so far and he is already thinking of a wedding? And in what duration again? A month? A freaking month? He surely must be joking!


    And that is a very bad joke to a person who would give up the world just to stand in the alter wedding of the man she treasures the most. That thought alone is already driving me wild with anticipation ¨C me walking down the aisle with a Cindere gown, reciting vows and confessing my love before the people and God, and then being legally and religiously tied to the love of my life. The feeling is just, rhapsodic. It¡¯s breathtaking, and so intense.


    ¡°Yes! I don¡¯t want to wait any longer, love. Let¡¯s get married and start our happily ever after! Even right now, if you want.¡± He says anxiously, but wearing an expression that says he is far from jokes.


    ¡°Come on, Jerol!¡± I nudge him off, jolting to my feet and he does not stay on the nket that served as a mattress for us over the night.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong with us getting married?¡± He implores, holding my hands.


    ¡°With everything that is going on, Jerol, you are thinking of getting married?¡± I squeal.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I know what is going on, love. Believe me, I do. But can we just think of no one but ourselves for a moment?¡± He pleads, and just then, his phone buzzes from his jeans lying on the floor.


    ¡°That must be important.¡± I say when he doesn¡¯t show any signs of picking it. ¡°Go on!¡± I plead, and he walks to receive the call.


    Should we just assume everything and focus on ourselves? How will a wedding feel in this situation? No! It doesn¡¯t seem nor feel right. A wedding day should be filled with nothing but joy. Not some appallingbo of worries and uncertainties and God knows what else. It might even feel more like a funeral than a wedding!


    ¡°We are needed back home!¡±


    I was engrossed mulling over his preposition that I didn¡¯t get anything from his conversation. I turn to him, anxiously.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± I query.


    ¡°My dad did not say much! He only said that he needs to see us today at dinner.¡± He exins, and even he can¡¯t hide his worries about this.


    At least he now knows his idea of a wedding is not possible right now. Just not now, but I am dying to see that day.

 CHAPTER 72

    FAMILY DINNER


    Woow!!! You look spectacr! My goodness!¡± Mrs Mcall can¡¯t help the amazement of seeing me all dolled up in style.


    Well, I can¡¯t me her. Today, I want to feel fit in this circle. I said I will learn from her how to conduct myself like them. If she grew up poor and now she looks like she grew up in a pce, why can¡¯t I adjust? So I went the extra mile and made an effort today.


    I got myself a ssy white silky dress that hugs every inch of my curves perfectly, leaving nothing entuated. The V-neck line is not deep on both sides. Nothing revealing. Modesty is key for me. I matched it with an inch-and-a-half high pink stilettos. I can¡¯t handle anything higher than that unless I want to start cursing the night before the supposed dinner is even halfway. Then I got myself a makeup artist and a hairstylist. I did light makeup. They are not even my thing, but as I said, circumstances called for this. With my hair cascading loose past my shoulders unlike my usual tight bun signature look, I don¡¯t kneed anybody to tell me I look amazingly distinct today.


    But I wouldn¡¯t mind somepliments. My sweet husbae has not taken his eyes off me ever since I walked in on me him with this look. His hand has not even shifted from my waist. He is possessing me so tight as if he is afraid that the innocent night will steal me from him, and that says enough of how much beauty and ss I am bleeding tonight.


    No more embarrassment! No more embarrassing my husband!


    ¡°Thank you, Mother! You look amazing as well, as always. I am learning from the best.¡± I tease, and she blushes.


    ¡°Well, thank you. I hope I don¡¯t let you down. I am not the best ¡± She says.


    ¡°You are, Mother!¡± I assure her, and she giggles.


    ¡°Well, alright. If you say so.¡± She turns to Jerol. ¡°How are you, my son?¡± She asks, hugging Jerol and patting his back gently.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t been so good as a son ofte. Won¡¯t you scold me, or p me? I will take anything.¡± Jerol says when they pull away, hugging her mother¡¯s shoulders between his hands.


    Her mother smirks lightly.


    ¡°I am sure she has done a better job than I can.¡± She says, motioning to me, and I grin.


    Well, she is so trusting! I love it all the same.


    ¡°You bet she knows how to bring me to my senses.¡± Jerol says.


    ¡°Then I have nothing to worry about. If I see any displeasing behaviour from you, it¡¯s her I will go to because I know she can do what I can¡¯t. But, Jerol,¡± she wears a serious expression that summoned our attention.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, Mom?¡± Jerol queries.


    ¡°If I ever find out that you are being a jerk to her in any way, even in the most slightest way, then you will get it from me!¡± That echoes like a dreadful warning.


    Seems like fatepensated me with a mother too.


    ¡°I promise you, Mother. She will know no hurt with me. She is my treasure, and I will handle her with the utmost care, respect, and the love she deserves.¡± Jerol affirms, sending me over to cloud nine as he shes a nce at me.


    ¡°That¡¯s my son! I wish you both happiness. I still need to know what your ns are but,ter. Wee inside.¡± She ushers in, and we stroll inside with Jerol smiling as I increase my blush which fades the moment we get to the dining area and finds Father, Ellie and Grego!


    They are here? Sitting sofortably, but Ellie and Grego¡¯s heads hunch down the moment they spot Jerol. Guilt must be burning their cores, but that aside for now.


    I thought it was only Jerol and I, that my father wanted to talk to. Seems we were wrong. What is this dinner all about then? With these two?


    ¡°Son?¡± Mother speaks after noticing Jerol¡¯s re at these two.


    ¡°I am alright, Mom!¡± He says, clenching onto my waist as if hugging his consolidation.


    ¡°You both seat. I will get sses for you.¡± Mother says as she strolls to the kitchen, and we stroll to the table.


    ¡°Father!¡± Jerol greets, and they hug, exchanging a few pleasantries before Jerol reclines to the seat, never minding the two faces before him.


    Likewise, I say hi Father, and after his fatherly flirtations, I take my seat beside Jerol, not bothering about the two either.


    This Ellie seems the most shameful. I don¡¯t know whether her head will ever stand straight again. I don¡¯t even pity them. Let them dance in this shame they brought upon themselves.


    Mother returns from the kitchen, and after serving Jerol and me some juice, she sits beside her husband.


    ¡°Dinner will be served in a while. In the meantime, let¡¯s get this done and over with. I suppose we will not even be able to eat like this.¡± She says, and I concur with her.


    Even this juice will get stuck in the throat under this tension. We need to clear the air first.


    ¡°So, Dad? What did you want to talk about?¡± Jerol speaks, looking at his father as he responds.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call for this meeting!¡± He says, shocking the hell out of me and Jerol.


    ¡°Then¡­ who did?¡± Jerol queries.


    ¡°I.¡±


    That letter came from a familiar voice across us, and we drag our gazes to him while I tour my hand under the table searching for Jerol¡¯s hand. Finding it, I hug it right, and he does the same with mine.


    He did? Grego nned this dinner?


    He summons his face up, looking anywhere around the table, scouring our faces one by one as he presumably searches for his voice, but he averts Jerol like a catastrophe. He doesn¡¯t rest his gaze on Jerol even for half a second, while on the contrary, Jerol¡¯s stern re is firmly nted on Grego.


    Did hee to his senses?


    ¡°Well? Are we going to sit here the whole night?¡± Jerol grumbles, disrupting the lull in this house.


    I agree with him. Can this Grego spare us the tensions for goodness sake!?


    ¡°Son? Come on!¡± Mother says to Grego who clears his throat while Ellie rubs his shoulder, perhaps bleeding some of her courage to him.


    ¡°Uumh. I¡­¡± He takes in a deep breath before mustering the courage again. ¡°I called the meeting.¡± He keeps quiet, making me suppress the urge to roll my eyes at him.


    We know that already, don¡¯t we?


    ¡°And we are here now! If you don¡¯t speak up in the next two seconds then count me¡­¡±¡±I am sorry!¡± Grego whimpers, cutting Jerol off, dropping our anxieties, and for the longest time, I feel a sense of peace surging through my bones.


    Jerol remains thunderstruck as Grego continues.


    ¡°I have failed this family all my life both as a son and as a brother. I don¡¯t deserve anyone¡¯s forgiveness, especially from you, brother.¡± And for the first time, he cast his nce at Jerol, and they rock eyes, his striving to affirm his sincerity, and Jerol¡¯s doubting his every pleading gesture. ¡°I only ask for just onest chance to fix this.¡± He goes quiet, and averted his gaze from Jerol after failing to persuade him.


    He rxes in his seat, or at least he tries to as he awaits the verdict of his judges before him, while I feel like bursting out inughter.


    Seriously, I until today thought I suck at speeches, but after listening to him just now, well, I think I am among the best. And him, he needs prayers for heaven¡¯s sake. I mean, after being a jerk all his, what? 30 plus something years, that is the piece of crap he prepared as a speech to ask for forgiveness for the mistakesmitted over the years? Come on!


    Wait, aren¡¯t you even supposed to confess before asking for forgiveness?


    Terrible! Incredibly terrible, but if he is sincere, then this is a good sign all in all. Things are looking bright for us, I suppose. At least he proved to have something in his empty head.


    ¡°So, that is all?¡± Jerol queries, perhaps having the same sentiments as me. ¡°What exactly are you apologizing for? You need to be clear!¡± He adds, leaning on the table, and Grego sitting up straight.


    ¡°Everything! I am sorry for everything ¨C for trying to ruin you, for trying to sabotage this family, for being azy moron and an evil brother¡­ I am sorry. For everything.¡± Grego says, sounding like he is about to break down.


    Jerol smirks. I can¡¯t tell what that smirk means, but he speaks again.


    ¡°Supposing, just supposing we forgive you. Where do you even start correcting your mistakes, huh? Do you know how much fixing is needed here? Do you have any idea?¡± Jerol quizzes, making Grego shut his eyes. Truth ps really hard, huh?


    Where will he start, honestly? From his mother who loved him beyond anything yet he took it all for granted for years? From a man who took him in and raised him as his own son, gave him a name, yet he threw all that away in the mud? From his brother who did not have any fault at all in his unwarranted low self-esteem, yet he bared so much grudge against him to the point of causing him so much pain? From his wife and kid? Just where exactly?


    God! Even I didn¡¯t see the intensity of this when I was talking to him. He has such a dense quagmire to swim through. I hope he manages. Honestly.


    ¡°I will give it my all to fix everything, Jerol!¡± Grego asserts faintly.


    ¡°What if your best is not enough, huh?¡± Jerol is not willing to just let things go, is he?


    ¡°Look, Jerol¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut. Up!¡± Jerol cuts Ellie off, urging her head where it belongs- facing the floor. ¡°I do not want to say things that will be a threat to your condition, so do not provoke me, Ellie!¡± Jerol orders.


    Well, she had guts chipping in! What did she have to say anyway? Defend her lover? Tsk!

 CHAPTER 73

    THE FIX


    ¡°Listen, Jerol. I take all the me for what has urred. I nned it all, and she tried talking me out of it several times. Don¡¯t hold anything against her, please.¡± Grego pleads.


    Would you look at that power couple of the century! For better or for worse, huh? They are both covering up for each other. Amazing! I am annoyingly loving this. At least they have something admirable!


    ¡°Unfortunately, I can not pretend that I don¡¯t find her guilty. I am willing to let this go for the sake of Father and Mother. But if you two try anything funny, anything at all, I will personally drag your asses to the jail cells!¡± Jerol roars, and as if that was not a threat, everyone breathes out their suppressed breath which I hadn¡¯t noticed.


    It¡¯s like, the decision ally in him!


    ¡°Thank you, little brother!¡±


    ¡°What am I? Ten years? Call me that again and I will break your nose!¡± My! My husband looks so dangerously cute when throwing tantrums.


    ¡°You broke it two days ago already, bro! You want to turn your older brother into a cripple?¡± Grego teases, though unsure of his choice.


    ¡°I will not hesitate to if you don¡¯t man up. Your child will have a cripple for a father if you don¡¯t use this chance well.¡± Jerol says, standing up and pulling me with him since our hands have been intertwined all this while.


    He must be forgetting that we haven¡¯t eaten yet. We haven¡¯t even touched our juices. And, what¡¯s the hurry, after all? The night is still so young!


    ¡°I will not give you a reason to, brother. I promise!¡± Grego says as one by one they spring to their feet.


    ¡°You better not, because I have much important things to do right now than punching your face. We have a wedding to prepare for in a month! I am wedding my wife in a church wedding!¡± I snap my furrowed face at him.


    Huh?! He hasn¡¯t let this go? But, why would he now after this?


    Forget about the lull that befell in this room, I am ted but I don¡¯t have a way of expressing it.


    A wedding?! I will be a bride in a month?! I¡­ I¡­ Oh, my goodness! I am freaking going to marry my husband in a month!


    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t anyone happy for me?¡± Jerol asks, touring his eyes around our shocked faces.


    ¡°You took us all by surprise, son! We didn¡¯t expect this but, who would not be happy with such news for God¡¯d sake!¡± Father says, and as giggles and loud cheers of ps fill the room, I fall into Jerol¡¯s arms, pulling him for a hug.


    I¡¯m on cloud nine, swimming in overwhelming bliss. I feel like bleeding tears of joy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry now, please, okay?¡± Jerol whimpers to my ear as he pulls us apart.


    He must have sensed my emotions amassing.


    ¡°How can I not if you take me by surprise like this?¡± I implore, taking in deep breaths to steady my emotions.


    ¡°If you cry I will kiss you right in front of my parents. Would you want that?¡± He teases.


    He knows that will make me shy for the rest of my life.


    ¡°Thank you, love. I promise to be the best loving wife this world will ever have. I love you!¡± I say, failing to contain the tears.


    ¡°And I will be the best husband this world will ever have, baby. I love you so much!¡± He says, drying away my tears.


    ¡°Alright! Here is a toss.¡± Father says, summoning everyone¡¯s attention as we take our sses. ¡°To my first son, Grego McCall, we missed your presence in this family. We all sincerely did. Wee back, son.¡± We click our sses to that, and Father continues. ¡°To my son, Jerol McCall, thank you for always being there. We appreciate your dedication to this family. And, congrattions on this big step.¡± We click on that.


    ¡°Thank you, Father.¡± Jerol and Grego chorus together.


    ¡°And to the newest members of the McCall family,¡± mother speaks, ¡°my daughters, wee to the family. Feel at home.¡± She says, and we click our sses to that.


    ¡°This calls for a celebration!¡± Father says, and Mother orders for the food to be served.


    ¡°We can also start the preparations for the wedding of the century!¡± Grego jokes as he takes steps towards Jerol and me.


    ¡°I am yet to decide whether you are invited to my wedding or not.¡± Jerol retorts.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°My younger and only brother is getting married and that too, before me. I have to be your best man whether you like it or not, brother!¡± Grego says, and Jerol rolls his eyes.


    ¡°Will you forever be this annoying?¡± He implores.


    ¡°You are not anything less either, so can we try and bear with each other?¡± Grego teases, stretching his arms wide for Jerol.


    I step aside, giving them some space. I thought Jerol was going to kick his brother again but after a moment of staring at Grego, he pulls him for a hug, a hug that blows away any sense of negativity in this house. Everything settles, and peace echoes.


    I tour my eyes around mother and father, and I can¡¯t help but feel contented with the happiness they are exuding. Even Ellie, the little witch is smiling. I don¡¯t what she is smiling about because this doesn¡¯t lessen her crimes, but what matters is that we are all happy. This is what I dreamt for this family. What I wished for.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± We all scream together with Jerol as he staggers back, a blownding perfectly on his nose.


    I think, I was wrong?


    I run to him as he lifts up his face, Grego stepping back.


    What the¡­


    ¡°Sorry, bro. You don¡¯t just beat your older brother the way did. We are cool now!¡± Grego says, but keeping a cool distance.


    I look at Jerol, but he isn¡¯t infuriated as I expected. He is actually smiling. Well, I guess it¡¯s true. We are all happy if he can afford a smile after that punch.


    ¡°Is that enough, or have you still got some energy for another one?¡±Okay, now I step aside!


    Grego walks closer with a big smile on his lips, and they pull each other into another tight hug which I hope won¡¯t result in another punch.


    They have such a way of resolving issues huh? A punch, and he smiles, even asking for another punch? Well, that¡¯s¡­


    ¡°Sister-inw?¡± I snap to Grego. His arms are stretched wide, inviting me. ¡°I never thought of all people, a stranger would be the one to p some sense into me. You did well. You made me wake up to reasons. And all this, the reunion of this family, is all thanks to you. Thank you.¡± He says, stretching his arms wider.


    Huh? This one that is taking revenge? I don¡¯t want a p because Jerol will forget that he just forgave him. And I? I won¡¯t that shit from him, I swear.


    ¡°Come on, chubby cheeks! I won¡¯t give the p back. I know I will be dead before it even reaches your chubby cheeks!¡± Grego teases, and now I find him more annoying than ever!


    Goodness! No one ever called me chubby cheeks.


    All the same, I don¡¯t want to ruin this for anyone, so I wee his hug but he better stop with that annoying nickname after today.


    The hug doesn¡¯t long. We pull away, and he walks to Ellie while I walk back to Jerol.


    Poor Ellie!


    I look at Jerol, asking him if he doesn¡¯t have any word for her. She looks like a rained cat.


    ¡°Ellie?¡± Jerol calls her, and she strives with all her bravery to face him. ¡°Let¡¯s leave everything behind us. You have a life with my brother, and I have mine with my beautiful wife. We are both happy this way, so, peace?¡± He says, stretching his hand to Ellie who she doesn¡¯t waste a sec to shake.


    ¡°Peace! Thank you.¡± She says, and their handshake doesn¡¯tst long after that.


    So, let¡¯s bask in this peace?

 CHAPTER 74

    THE GRAND WEDDING


    A monthter!


    Stamping my imprints on the red carpet as I start down the aisle, I am beyond enthusiastic. Things have been nothing but blissful for the past one month.


    Grego has ascertained his devotion to being a son and a brother that he has never been since birth. He has authenticated the worth of the second chance he was given. He is now working for his parent¡¯s insurancepany as a marketer. Yes, he said he will take things from the bottom up. Not receiving favors from anyone for anything. He is dedicated and aggressive in working his way up. His rtionship with his family has amplified remarkably. Their parents are so happy and contented. And Jerol, he is no less happy.


    Well, and Ellie?


    Ellie¡­ Ellie¡­ Ellie!!!


    She is just there, happy with her child which is due next month, and happy with Grego too. Her rtionship with Jerol is just, gross. They exchange nothing more than pleasantries and that too, only when it¡¯s necessary. Well, I haven¡¯t gotten close to her as well, but I consider myself more closer to her than Jerol, but nothing that can be termed as friendship. We are just, humans with a sense of humanity.


    If you are asking why Jerol was able to forgive his brother and not Ellie, then you should have heard about that blood is thicker than water? Family is family, and that is a bond that can never bepared to anything, just like the love bond. I am actually happy with Jerol being this way ¨C without any camaraderies or concerns or attachments to Ellie.


    Call it whatever you want, but I want things to remain this way forever!


    You must as well be asking what kind of blood bond I am talking about given the way Gracia treated me, right? You must also be wondering where that woman is? Well, it turned out that of all the zillion shits that hade out of that woman¡¯s mouth, there were only two truths in all of them. One, is what she always used to tell me ever since I was young ¨C that she abhorred me. Second, was what she told me thest time we spoke ¨C that she indeed gave birth to me. Unbelievable, but it¡¯s all true, and I could have lived my whole life in denial of that fact if only my sweet husband didn¡¯t see it wise to investigate that woman!


    Guess why she scorned me?


    Well, apparently, she loved some psychopath who didn¡¯t love her back. Went ahead and got herself pregnant just to try and tie the jerk down with the pregnancy. Unfortunately for her, the guy was one of those smart-asses who read through the seal. He refused to be part of the drama, and even threatened Gracia to never look for him again. She was then kicked out by her single mother when the belly became noticeable, and that is when her predicaments began.


    She even tried abortion once, but dly, it failed and that¡¯s how I am alive today, and able to marry the man God created for me. And just like that, she had a ravenous resentment for me just because I was a failed project. Seems like I was a deal for her from the start. I did not fulfil the reason why she got pregnant with me, and so, there. She termed me a bad omen.


    What was my fault in her stupidity? What was my fault for what she went through, huh? I was meless, still I am, but she med it all on my innocent self.


    And just so you know she really disdained me, a single offer from Jerol to relocate to a nearby country and a few notes got her to cloud nine. It was some kind of deportation, but she didn¡¯t care, as long as she was getting money and won¡¯t have to see my face again. And like wind, she vanished!


    I have the right to go see her whenever I want, but even the devil knows that I am never doing that. She and I are history. Not connected. We don¡¯t need each other. Whether she is enjoying life in Paris or fighting terrorists in Afghanistan, I don¡¯t care as long as she is out of my life for good!


    I have embraced the fact that sometimes you find in strangers what you couldn¡¯t find in your own family. Such is life. And I do not see why I have to stick where I am not needed at all. I gave it a shot. Bore everything all my years, but it had to end. For good! For the greater good!


    I have found a family in the McCalls, and this, is my family. In them I am sofortable and appreciated, respected and valued. I didn¡¯t do much, but I have received all the glory in bringing them back together. This is my new life ¨C with them, and this gorgeous gift that was created for me. Anyway, enough with my tales. It¡¯s the beautiful beginning of our happy ever after.


    I hoist my head high, ying in my tortoise catwalk as I approach the altar. The church is filled to capacity, and the decor tops the beauty of it, but my eyes are glued to my all-smiles man dazzling like a Diamond in his tuxedo.


    He must be sampling the same aura as I am. He was beyond excited for the nuptials, and I bet he can¡¯t wait to be legally bound to me ¨C forever.


    ¡°You look, so gorgeous in that gown!¡± He giggles as I approach him, making sure his whisper reaches my ears, his brother shining bright behind him as his best man.


    As the priest starts the ceremony, I can¡¯t help but envision my bright happy future with Jerol and our kids.


    I have heard and read a lot of nonsense about marriages these past few days. I have heard ande across so many ridiculous phrases. Like that saying that, all men are cheats. That is a white lie, because I know my Jerol. The man I am marrying today is not like any other man. He loves me, and there is no recement for me for him.


    I have also heard the newest slogan that marriage is a sham. On what bases? Just because one marriage broke, all the marriages will be judged by that? Just because one he-goat couldn¡¯t get satisfied by one woman, he automatically bes the ground for the judgment of all men. Because a singledy failed, we are gonna be crucified by that?


    Well, hell no! I am not entering this marriage with these ridiculous myths or doubts. I am not like anyone, and neither is my husband like any other man. Our marriage will not fail just because someone else¡¯s failed.


    You didn¡¯t find love and so you concluded that there is no love? Ooh well, girl, boy, then you haven¡¯t read the true love story of Tessa and Jerol, because this will clear all the doubts that true love still exists.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Christopher Martins, in one of his tracks titled, LET HER GO, said that lovees slow. I concur wi this part. Sometimes you may even get tired of waiting. And sometimes, you even fail to realize it. Jerol and I are a perfect example. Look at us. It came so slowly that we did not even recognize when it hit us.


    When he was making that deal, nothing would have hinted that fate had not only aligned him with his redemption, but she was also his missing rip. And when I woke up in his house that day, even when I was signing that document, I never would have thought that fate had just bundled me into my destined husband. Yet, here we are today. Having fought all the obstacles and surpassed everything.


    ¡°I Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall, do take you, Tessa Angeline, to be mywfully wedded wife. From now on, I promise to give you my all, my love. Everything that I am, and everything that I own, I share them all with you. And I give you this ring as an insignia of my love andmitment to you, from this moment on, until death do us part!¡±Cheers echo in the room, shouting for the world outside to know about this, and I can¡¯t help the glee of the gold ring shining on my finger. I am about to burst with joy.


    ¡°Your turn, Miss Tessa.¡± The priest announces, and I take the ring in my hand,posing myself, and hoping that I don¡¯t stutter from the burning euphoric glee.


    Ahem!


    I said once that I am terrible at speeches, but hey! No matter the crap I spit on this altar, the heavens know that I love this man more than I love myself, more than I can even exin, and I am so certain he too knows how much I love him. To the rest of you, just know that I love this man more than any of you have ever loved someone.


    ¡°I Tessa Angeline, do take you, Jerol O¡¯Brian McCall, as mywfully wedded husband. I vow to love and submit to you, my love, ording to thew of matrimony, and to love and hold in bad and good times. And I give you this ring, my love, as a symbol of vows today until death do us part.¡± Gosh! I am running short of breath as I finish. What did I rant about? I hope I will notugh at myself when I listen to my vows.


    All the same, after a long tedious journey, we are both now wearing the rings, bound by love and thews of matrimony. Nothing cane between us.


    I will just jolt this down and emphasize Christopher Martin¡¯s saying for the world to know.


    One, you are not like anyone. Your life will not run like anyone else¡¯s. You will not fail because others failed, and likewise, you will not seed just because so and so did. You have your own destiny, chase it. Your speed to reaching your goal should not be like anyone else¡¯s. Believe in yourself, and trust your course.


    Second, true love is there. Sweet and beautiful. It¡¯s not about anything, but finding the right person for you. Money, ss, power, none of this matters in thew of love. Character does.


    Third, just like every other good thing, lovees with its overflowing buckets of ups and downs. In the sweet ocean of love, you must be able to dodge all the tides. Patience, and perseverance are key. How much can you take without having to feel you are giving in too much.


    I am a living testimony that patient pays. I still have the scars to remind me of what I went through for this love, but as he promised, he has turned them into beautiful scars, something that I will be able to look at and smile at, knowing that I won this battle. I didn¡¯t know he was the reward, but he turned out to be. This was not my idea of my scars being turned into beautiful ones, but they were beautified in the best way I could never have thought back then. All my pains and exertions have paid off.


    I am not saying that you should go ahead and get hurt in the name of patience pays. I am neither justifying violence by this. Nor am I saying you should stick in a toxic situation just because you want to win. No!


    I am simply saying that you should know when to quit, when you haven¡¯t given it your all, and most importantly, know what you want to achieve.


    ¡°And now, by the power bestowed upon me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!¡± The priest announces, as if howling for the whole world toe and witness this.


    Well, let whoever that wants to be a witness to this newlywedse. I had so long anticipated for this part. This part that I will be kissing my wedded husband and not the fake one.


    As our lips dance in a sweet rhythm, I fear no one watching. This is my husband, and no one has the right to ask me anything. We are have just tied the knots, and we are swimming in the overwhelming sentiments of the beauty awaiting us ahead. People will understand if we kiss like this the whole day, right? Even God has righted this!!!


    ~~~ THE END~~~


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