《My Life Without you》


 Chapter 1: One Lonely Night

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    As the sky got dark, the place seemed gloomy and isolated, so I stood up and walked back to the hotel. On my way there, I passed by what looked like a bar and decided to go inside. I found myself in a bar in the middle of the night, sad, confused and lonely, not knowing what to do. I¡¯m not really one to drink, today I just want to numb myself from everything, just this ones.


    I went inside the bar, sat on the nearest chair and said ¡°Margarita, please¡±, then turned to the people dancing.


    I wish I could just dance like that and do whatever my heart wanted. I have never felt that since I was young, being the young lady of a prominent family, Ms. Zariah Sienna Ruezlet I had to be perfect. And now my family are gone, I still had to be perfect as Mrs. Zariah Sienna Ruezlet Kerr, an actress and wife of a director and only heir of the Kerr fortune, Michael Killian Kerr. I am so fed up with this! I am so done being controlled, I¡¯m so tired of Michael, I can¡¯t do this anymore.


    My drink came, I took it and drank it as fast as I got my hands on it. The guy next to me said ¡°Slow down gorgeous,¡±.


    I replied and looked at him, "Mind your own business¡±. The lights were making it hard for me to clearly see his face. But his hair seemed to be shining red from all the lights. Which reminded me of a friend of mine.


    He put his hands up like he was surrendering while smirking, turned around, and walked away.


    What the hell is he smirking at me for?!


    I told the bartender ¡°give me another!¡±. The bartender then gave me another which I also finished fast enough and then asked for another drink. This time, after I finished the drink, I went to dance with the others.


    I danced and then went to the bar to ask for another drink. This time I drank it slowly, found the red head on a couch at the far end. I thought ¡°maybe he just wants some company¡± and asked for two drinks after finishing the one I just got. I went to the handsome red head, sat on the couch opposite to him and said ¡°so what are you doing in a place like this?¡± He looked at me.


    I took a sip of my drink. ¡°Is it perhaps too personal?¡± and gave him a look.


    He replied with a ¡°mmhm¡±


    I have observed him for a little while now, he exudes this aura of elegance and sophistication even when he is only wearing a white shirt and a pair of jeans and, for some reason, draws me to him. Apart from the part that he had red hair, that reminded me so much of lily, I¡¯m a bit tipsy at this point and can see lily instead of him at times, but still half-conscious to know he isn¡¯t my lily, especially with his deep voice.


    I thought, what if I just loosen up for a night? What if I did it with such a handsome man like the one in front of me? Would that give me a reason to get a divorce that would be reasonable, and would Michael agree to it then? What the hell am I thinking? I can¡¯t drag an innocent man into my own problems. Maybe I should walk away. Then I heard him say ¡°then what does a beauty like you have any business here?¡± his voice sounded so magnetic, dear existence from above how could such a voice exist.


    I replied, ¡°you didn¡¯t answer my question. Why should I answer yours?¡± I finished the whole glass and motioned for the second glass before getting up.


    He took the glass and made a motion with his finger that meant no, I got annoyed and took it with a swift motion and finished the glass and stood up, but my head started to feel dizzy, and I sat back on the couch.


    He said, ¡°Told you so¡± and scoffed.


    He motioned for someone to get a glass of water.


    I asked him, ¡°how did you know?¡±


    He replied with an annoying tone, ¡°I know someone as light weight as you.¡±


    I looked at him with a bewildered expression. I thought ¡°he¡¯s probably married, right? I was hitting on a married person. Am I going crazy?¡± Little did I know I was saying my thoughts out loud. And I heard him say ¡°so you were hitting on me, huh.¡± I looked at him and realized what I had said.


    Before I could reply, a glass of water was handed to him. He nodded at the waiter and the waiter left.


    He said ¡°drink this.¡±


    He gave me the glass and I drank it. The next thing I felt was an even worse headache. Then saw Michael in front of me and I called for him. First he didn¡¯t reply, so I called him again, in which he kept staring at me. At this point, I was just annoyed and, with the splitting headache, I ignored him, so I stood up, and then my vision turned blurry, then gray and then nothing.


    I woke up to lights shining into my eyes and my head felt like it was going to split, so I kept my eyes closed while I was searching for my phone on the side table, when my hands couldn¡¯t find my phone, I opened my eyes to a very unfamiliar bedroom. And realized I was staying in a hotel, to film my new movie. And then the realization hit me this wasn¡¯t my room. The decorations are similar, but the window is not in the right place and this room is obviously bigger than mine.


    So, I said in a loud voice ¡°whose room am I in?¡±. Then I felt a man beside me and saw his leg out of the bed. It was a dark blue pajama which Michael usually wore. I felt relief, and thought, so Michael really did find me in the bar yesterday. I asked him in a soft voice, so as to not suddenly wake him up. ¡°Michael? Are you awake?¡± I heard a groan and I said a bit embarrassed ¡°thanks for getting me from the bar last night. I know you¡¯re busy, and we fought the other day, but still thank you¡± when I pulled the blanket to see him. I saw red hair instead and met a mocking smile.


    He said ¡°morning¡±, without thinking. I pushed him off the bed and shrieked.


    He said ¡°Ow, you could be a singer with how your voice could make my ears bleed.¡±


    I replied ¡°Why the hell am I here? With you?¡±


    He replied ¡°you were the one that said ¡°Michael, let''s go to our room", so I bought you, to my room¡± he replied, collecting himself.


    I was livid. What did this man think he was doing?


    He stood up, sighed and said ¡°I¡¯ll be going for a shower. My friend is on his way with new clothes¡± and went inside the bathroom.


    I sat down and realized I was wearing the same thing yesterday. Luckily, I was wearing a very comfortable jumpsuit, even with how formal it looked.


    After 10 minutes, there was a knock. I opened it. A handsome man with brown hair and blue eyes brought a paper bag and said ¡°hi Ms. I¡¯m Michael¡¯s friend. Here¡¯s the clothes he asked for. Fear struck me. My husband knows I¡¯m here?


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    I said thanks and motioned to close the door, he then said, ¡±Ummm, Ms. This is also my room¡±. I felt embarrassed and apologized. When we were both in the room, I found that the hotel room had two bedrooms.


    I then heard someone say "Ace your back, so you¡¯ve met the young lady?"


    Ace replied, ¡°yep just met her Michael¡±


    The realization struck me ¡°your name is Michael?¡±


    He replied ¡°mmhm¡±


    I felt relieved, like I had just been pardoned from all my sins. And realized something. ¡°what time is it?¡±


    Ace replied, ¡°about 8 quarter to 9¡±.


    F**k I¡¯m going to be late, for a meeting. S**t! S**t! S**t!


    I replied, ¡°I need to go now, I¡¯m so sorry about pushing you off the bed¡± Ace looked at Michael confused ¡°and also thanks for yesterday, I¡¯ll pay you back¡±. On my way out, I heard Ace say ¡°Ms. The clothes!¡±


    As I got out, I realized I was on the same floor as my room, so I went to find my room number and, luckily, my card was in my pocket as it was yesterday, and I also realized I had left my bag in their room as well as my shoes. So, I went in, took a bath and checked my laptop for the emails and messages. Luckily, the appointment was rescheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 due to the flight getting delayed. My agent and secretary also emailed me that they would be arriving tomorrow, which is fine.


    It¡¯s lucky I flew early due to the fight I had with my husband. So I took a nap since it was still 9am and I still had a hangover and woke up at about 10:15. I took my time with my make-up and outfit. I went at 11:20 to the caf¨¦ we planned to meet with one of the producers. He is a friend of my husband. At 11:25 he came and, no surprise, so did my husband, he followed me here again. Looking at him, he wasn¡¯t smiling at all, and he didn¡¯t look very pleased. His frown always reminded me of when we were kids, considering I had already arranged to marry him. He was the last guy I wanted to marry. He was very quiet and dull. I never used to like him any other way than just a friend him, I just happen to meet him a few times a year. Yet here I am married to him.


    I should be happy, right? He is here after all. I honestly didn¡¯t know what to feel when I saw him. Over the past 2 years of my career, which started after I married him, he always went wherever my shooting was, whenever he didn¡¯t have a project himself. But right now I need to focus on this meeting since my agent isn¡¯t here, and I was told that we were going to talk about the contract today.


    The producer, Mr. Herbert Shaw approached to shake my hand. ¡°Good Morning Mrs. Kerr, I have heard a lot of good things about you from your husband himself¡± and smiled at me.


    Mr. Shaw was probably in his 40s. He is a very attractive man, with chocolate-messy brown hair that is paired with his bright brown eyes with brown skin, but he paled in comparison to my husband who was taller with ocean blue eyes and golden blond hair that seemed to sparkle under the sunlight. My mind imagined him just waking up with the messy hair and that body which was hugged by his white polo shirt and khaki pants as my eyes went down. I caught myself and thought I needed to focus.


    I shook his hand and smiled. ¡°Good morning Mr. Shaw¡±


    He replied ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the delay, please sit and let¡¯s order.¡±


    We both ordered an Americano and went into the contract, aspects of the contract, sponsors, who I¡¯ll be working with and the date of the press release.


    The meeting went well. My husband was sitting at a different table, since this was an important meeting, but I could feel him staring at me the entire time.


    As soon as we were done with the meeting, now already 12:30pm we shook hands. I said ¡°Thank you for your time, Mr. Shaw, you know you could have just sent me your employees for this¡±


    He replied ¡°How could I miss the chance to catch up with you and Mr. Kerr, Thank you for your time as well, Mrs. Kerr¡±


    He looked at my husband, smiled and touched his shoulder and said ¡°I¡¯ll see you at dinner Killian. Enjoy your wife, I mean your lunch¡± Michael smiled and waved to Mr. Shaw as he got out of the door. Only people close to his family called him Killian, Mr. Shaw is quite close to his father, and they have been friends for a long time.


    When he left, I went to the bathroom, to check on my make-up, and went to the stalls to do my own business before I could get out. I heard the bathroom door closing. I didn¡¯t think much of it, flushed and opened my stall. I was met with the most intense blue eyes I am used to seeing.


    His ocean blue eyes always know how to take me deep into them, like sinking into the deepest part of the ocean. I then heard him say, ¡°Why did you leave me yesterday?¡±


    I went back to reality and replied, ¡°You want to do this, now? in a public bathroom?"


    He replied ¡°Public? I don¡¯t see anyone else here.¡±


    I sighed and said ¡°whatever¡±. I tried to get pass him, he grabbed my shoulder and looked at me then said ¡°Tell me.¡±


    I thought What an impossible man and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you yesterday, I wanted a divorce?¡±


    He replied ¡°why?¡±


    I replied ¡°WAW! You really had the nerve to ask huh?¡± He looked confused. Annoyed I whispered ¡°A**hole¡± and walked passed him.


    I was then grabbed by the arm and fell into his embrace. He hugged me and I let him after a while, he cupped my face. He looked into my eyes for what felt like a long time now. He then lowered his face and kissed me, his lips were soft, it felt like it is devouring me. His hands slowly went to my waist, hips then thigh he then carried me and my back met a wall. I moaned, and he took the opportunity to put his tongue inside. My mind was already starting to go blank.


    Someone knocked, waking me up from the trance.


    A lady''s voice could be heard ¡°Ma¡¯am are you alright? I think our lock is broken again.¡±


    I pushed him and said ¡°Yes, can u please find me a key to open it?¡± I then went to the mirror to see that my lipstick was smudged. Michael¡¯s was even worse. His lips, cheeks and, somehow, as well as his neck had lipstick on them. I told him to clean it up while I cleaned mine and gave him a pack of tissues. He went near me and whispered ¡°sure, but only if u promise to continue elsewhere.¡±


    I nodded, and he tidied himself as I was cleaning my make-up.


    The lady got back and opened the door. She was shocked to find me with a man inside, and made an annoyed face that said she knew what had happened. Michael made it worse when he then took my hand and intertwined our hands together and pulled me out.


    He asked ¡°where do you want to eat? Or perhaps you would prefer to have the meal I asked for earlier?¡±


    I replied, trying to hide how embarrassed I felt, ¡°just at the buffet at the hotel, I want to get some more sleep¡±


    I heard him scoff and smiled, saying ¡°Like your getting any sleep today.¡±


    I said ¡°what did you say?¡±


    He said ¡°Nothing Honey, I have a great place in mind.¡±


    He took me out of the caf¨¦, and he showed me his car, opened the passenger seat for me like he always does and went to the driver''s seat. When he sat down, he said ¡°before I forget I got you your favorite flowers. White roses are in the back, and I can say it was a good choice. The roses suit you today with the white long white-dress with long sleeves, slits and white shoes. Very elegant shoes, nice choice yena¡±. I just hummed and looked out of the window.


    I know he was looking at me, but I can¡¯t look at him right now. I still don¡¯t know how I should be feeling about him.


    He started the car, took my hand and put it in the transmission lever where it was under his big beautiful hands. I looked at my hand and tried to pull it from his.


    I then heard him say ¡°Try pulling it and you¡¯ll find my hand, in places that both you and I want them to be¡± I paused and let him be.


    After 45 minutes of driving, we stopped in front of a very beautiful restaurant. ¡°. Wow¡± escaped my mouth, It was all glass and see through, but that wasn¡¯t what made it beautiful-it was how the lights inside sparkled that made it look like the ceiling were stars. It was dim yet it was very bright.


    I saw my husband smile at my reaction, and I half dragged him inside. At the far end of the restaurant was a greenhouse with a lot of beautiful flowers, where my husband asked us to sit.


    We were given the menu and I just picked a medium rare stake and lava cake for dessert. My husband also ordered steak with a whole pizza, a fruit bowl, and a bottle of wine.


    He whispered ¡°You need to eat more, you¡¯ll get hungry later¡±. I blushed, he knows my eating habits. I eat a lot since I¡¯m trying to gain weight. I have a fast metabolism, so I eat quite a lot considering how small my body is. We then sat in silence for a while.


    After maybe about 20 minutes, our food was served. I didn¡¯t know how hungry I was until I saw the food. We ate our food in silence. I think I ate most of the pizza that was served, and he ate just a little of the fruit bowl and gave me most of it. He knows I love fruit, so that was probably why he gave me most of it.


    After we were done eating, he paid, and we went back to the car, and drove to the hotel, but he didn¡¯t take me to my room. Instead he went to the top floor. Before we got to the top floor, he told me ¡°I have another surprise for you¡±


    When the elevator opened, it looked like we were in a penthouse. He then directed me to a room upstairs and said ¡°Your room is that one. Open it. Your surprise is inside.¡±


    I nodded and opened the door.


    Before I could completely open the door, I heard a bark inside. The next thing I saw was a cute big puppy wagging his tail looking at me,


    ¡°Percy!¡± I shouted, I took him into my arms and went to sit on the bed.


    ¡°Did you miss me baby?! Mommy miss you so, so much.¡± I said kissing and patting his head. I adopted Percy 4 months ago. He is a St. Bernard, so he is quite big considering he is probably only 6 months old. I got him when I found out what my husband had done. I was walking past a pet shop, and he looked at me with his big cute large eyes. I felt like I needed a hug that day, so I went in and bought him. He had never left my side since then. until the other day happened, I couldn¡¯t bring him since my husband thought I wouldn¡¯t leave the house without Percy, so he carried Percy.


    ¡°Was daddy good to you, my love? Give mommy a hug.¡± I said


    I didn¡¯t notice Michael was sitting beside me until he said ¡°hmm daddy? I like that, I want to hear that more often. How about we have a baby?¡±


    I looked at him with an angry expression and said ¡°No¡±.


    He replied ¡°Why not? I am after all your husband.¡±


    I replied ¡°You know full well why Mika!¡±


    He replied ¡°Hmm, but if I remember correctly, you have been begging me for a child for about a year now. Am I wrong?¡±


    I looked down. ¡°No, but it was before I found out.¡±


    He replied ¡°But, that was all for you, my love.¡±


    I looked at him with a mix of bewilderment and anger, then replied ¡°How could buying me from my uncle be for my own good?¡±


    He put a finger on my lips and said ¡°shhhh¡­ You¡¯re scaring our baby, my love. Look at him, he¡¯s whining and concerned looking at you.¡±


    I looked at Percy and consoled him by patting his head, ¡°I¡¯m fine Percy¡±


    I carried Percy out of the room, pat his head and said ¡°Percy, be a good boy and stay, ok?¡± I closed the door and looked at my husband.


    I said ¡°It¡¯s so exhausting to fight with you, I¡¯m so tired. You have been putting this fight on pause for the past 4 months. I can¡¯t do this, you don¡¯t even give me any excuses for what you did, nor does my family tell me anything!¡±


    He stood up and walked towards me. He took my hand and say ¡°Then don¡¯t fight with me, I¡¯m sorry, please I love you.¡±


    I replied ¡°I love you too, God knows how much I love you. But Mika, what you did isn¡¯t something I can just sleep off, you hurt me deeply, I can¡¯t trust you¡±


    He replied ¡°then trust in my love for you. I assure you there¡¯s nothing that can change that.¡±


    ¡°your love? Your Love?¡± I asked and chuckled, then I continued ¡°I even have a hard time trusting that for the past few months already. You think you can solve this by just a simple apology? ¡±


    ¡°Come on yena, there¡¯s nothing going on with me and Regina, why don¡¯t you trust me?¡° he replied looking defeated.


    ¡°trust you?¡± I asked and scoffed, then continued ¡°Give me a good reason why I should trust you now? When every single time you make a mistake, you just apologize and never even bother to explain or make an excuse to at least ease my feelings even for a bit¡±, he moved closer to me and cupped my face.


    ¡°yena please, I promise to explain it when I have solved the problem¡± he replied, looking pitiful. Then his face grow closer to mine as he said ¡°Please, forgive me¡± and he kissed me.


    Again, no excuses, he isn¡¯t telling me the truth either, he is just redirecting the issue knowing. Fully well, I could never resist him no matter what he does. He proceeded to kiss me harder, so instead of fighting him I put all my pent, up frustration in the kiss. I could feel his hand going from my hand to my waist, and my arms intertwined on his neck. As I became more aggressive, he pulled me to his body as I felt his hands going lower to my thigh as he carried me into the bed.

 Chapter 2: To Her Disappointment

    The phone rang, but both of us ignored it. I was more focused on taking his shirt off. I gasped and bit my lips when I finally succeeded.


    He made a comment ¡°Like what you see?¡±


    I didn¡¯t reply. Instead, I took a more aggressive approach and put him under me and smiled, kissed his cheek, while getting his belt off and licked his ear, then went on leaving kisses on his neck, when I had successfully taken it off, I caressed his chest while kissing it lower. He groaned, and he cupped my face and took it to his and started kissing me while unzipping my dress in the back.


    The phone never stopped ringing and by this point I grew annoyed.


    I said in between kisses ¡°can¡­ you... please¡­ get rid¡­ of that¡­ annoying sound.¡±


    Maybe he just noticed the ringing because he stopped and reached for the phone. I saw the caller ID. Regina. He looked at me, he must be thinking I would comment or have some kind of reaction. I looked down and, by the looks of it, we were not going to continue. He put his pants back on, which were already halfway down his thighs. He answered the call with an annoyed tone ¡°what is it now?¡± in front of me.


    I zipped my dress back on, left the room and closed the door. I asked Percy ¡°Hi baby, do you want to take a walk with mommy outside?¡±


    Percy wagged his tail. I took the leash that was on the coffee table and went to the elevator. I went to my floor, changed into a different set of clothes that were suitable for running, went out of the hotel and proceed to jog with Percy to the nearest park, about a block away.


    My mind went back to that phone ID, Regina. She is my cousin, my dear cousin who spent my parents'' money after my aunt and uncle became my legal guardian, after I lost my parents and grandparents in that accident, my father had no remaining relatives after they were gone, and the will was supposed to entrust me to my grandparents. My mother¡¯s parents, whom I also lost from an accident a month after I lost them, I loved living with them even if it was just less than a month. They reminded me of my mom, especially grandma. Living with them made me feel so loved and special, but suddenly they tragically left me as well, and I ended up with my uncle and aunt, who just wanted my money and neglected me. As the rule of our country, whoever becomes the guardian of any child, will be entitled to half of the will left by their parents. I had never met my mother¡¯s brother until they took me in after the news of my grandparents. To say that they spent my parent¡¯s money would be an understatement, they drained my parents'' money that was given to them. As for what my parents¡¯ business was, I did not know. They never told me, and my family lawyer didn¡¯t tell me anything. Although I had a strict upbringing, they never forced a career on me and let me choose whatever I wanted for myself.


    I never liked Regina, she is truly the worst person I have ever met. After I started living with them she proceeded to try and take everything I owned, and that includes my husband, but I should be thankful to her honestly if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I found her with my husband at a restaurant eating alone, I would not have suspected them and hired an investigator, and snooped in his office, found out about my husband buying me from them when I turned 22, and also a contractual agreement they had, I confronted him 3 months ago but never got any answers.


    Those people made me feel like some antique being sold to the highest bidder, do they even consider me a person? I would never blame my uncle. He is a shrewd and a leech. But I thought my husband was a good man. I guess I was wrong. I¡¯m not some object they can buy. I refuse to be such a useless doll being passed around and sold.


    I had already cleared my head after the long run, so I looked at Percy beside me and said ¡°buddy, I¡¯ll go sit, I¡¯m tired¡±, he barked and I made my way to the nearest bench.


    Sitting there looking at the sky, thinking about what I should do.


    ¡°God, what should I do? If there¡¯s something for me somewhere else, give me a sign. Please, Help me¡­¡±


    I closed my eyes. I don¡¯t know if I closed my eyes long enough that it was already getting dark, and opened my eyes, to see a beautiful shiny red hair in the bright red sun shading my face, at first I thought it was an angle picking me up. Then it said ¡°Hi beautiful, Isn¡¯t it too hot for a run?¡± then I realized it was the guy who said his name was Michael.


    ¡°Hi handsome, nice to meet you again. You should be asking yourself the same question,¡± I replied. Not looking at him and just looking around the park.


    ¡°I like the hot sun. Where I¡¯m from, the weather is always cold, even in summer,¡± He answered.


    ¡°Where are you from? North Pole?¡± I looked at him and said jokingly.


    He smiled and said ¡°No, but close¡±, which made me chuckle.


    Percy barked, he looked at him and said, ¡°so you¡¯re a dog person?¡±


    I answered ¡°no not really, I just enjoy his company¡±. Percy came near my feet and I pat his head.


    He spaced out and whispered, ¡°I had a dog ones.¡±


    I replied ¡°what happened?¡±


    ¡°She was taken from me a years ago¡± he replied with a sad and guilty face.


    I felt sympathetic and said ¡°sorry.¡±


    He then smiled ¡°oh? No, no, no¡­ the dog is with my sister. I lost her in a bet. Her name is Erika. She¡¯s a Pomeranian. To tell you honestly, you remind me of my sister.¡±


    I felt warm since I never had a sibling, ¡°in what way?¡±


    He made a smile that was cheek to cheek ¡°both of you are bad drinkers.¡±


    I wanted to punch him in the face, but then I remember something that made me disgusted. ¡°Yesterday why did I pass out after drinking the water you gave me. Did you drug me?


    He looked at me concerned, ¡°that¡¯s actually one of the reasons I came and talked to you. I¡¯m actually not out for a run. Ace told me he saw you going to the park, so I came here with the bag you left yesterday. As for the shoes. I left it outside your room. It will be there when you get back. And lastly, as for your question, Yes, you were drugged yesterday, but I didn¡¯t do it. I was shocked you knew my name yesterday since I never told you my name, but you kept calling me, so I was concerned. I called for a physician in the hotel room to get you checked and give you medicine for the drug. Ace will send you the footage of the employee that drugged you. I had already informed the bar about it, and they said that person wasn¡¯t hired by them. So I figured it was someone you know.¡±


    He motioned to give me my bag, ¡°Before I forget here is your bag, I have put my number on your phone. Ace is a hacker. It was easy for him to open it and put my number inside, since you were drugged by the water I gave you. I think I owe you a favor, so just contact my number, if you ever need my help. I¡¯ll be leaving tomorrow, so we won¡¯t be seeing each other. But would a pretty lady like yourself give me the honor of taking you to dinner?¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Sure handsome.¡±


    He smiled, ¡°you flatter me too much by calling me handsome, since you know someone with the name Michael, call me Theodore, or Theo, up to you. I find Theodore to be quite a mouthful myself.¡±


    I smiled ¡°Ok Theo, call me Sienna as well then.¡± And continued, ¡°Do you always have a refreshing personality? Yesterday Why were you so ummmm¡± I couldn¡¯t find the word.


    ¡°Aloof? Cold? Reserved? Distant? What word are you looking for?¡± he replied, smirking.


    ¡°That means the same thing, but yeah¡± I replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, you just really remind me of my sister, being around you comforts me, you even smell like her¡± He looked at the sky as he replied.


    I just smiled. ¡°I think Percy is bored now. Why don¡¯t we go back now? We still have dinner planned, don¡¯t we?


    ¡°Yes, our date¡± he smiled and replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m married dip sh*t¡± I replied and raised my hand to show him the ring.


    ¡°I know I saw the ring yesterday, it was a joke¡±. He replied, and I giggled, and we stood up to leave, and he added ¡°when you hit on someone next time, remove your ring, you aren¡¯t fooling no one.¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    I blushed with embarrassment, ¡° I wasn¡¯t trying to fool anyone.¡±


    He chuckled and replied ¡°yeah. Right¡±


    We then heard someone say ¡°Who¡¯s fooling who?¡±


    We looked at where the voice was, and I saw Michael with the most unreadable face.


    ¡°Let me guess that¡¯s your husband¡±, he went back to his aloof face.


    ¡°yeah¡± I replied.


    He replied ¡°Okay then see you later¡±, he whispered ¡°6:30, the restaurant beside the hotel. GSM. Glass and gold entrance, tell the front desk Room 8¡± and then he walked away.


    ¡°What did he say to you?¡± Michael asked.


    ¡°Nothing of importance¡± I replied.


    I felt Percy not moving and said ¡°Come ¡®on Percy.¡±


    He still wasn¡¯t moving. I sighed and carried him inside and said, ¡°you big baby!¡±


    Michael wasn¡¯t very fond of dogs, so I figured he wouldn¡¯t offer to carry him unless he needed to, so he followed closely beside me silently. I clicked my floor, he didn¡¯t say anything, I went out, and he followed me. I just ignored him and when I got to my door, As Theo had said, my shoes were there and a paper bag. I put Percy down and, luckily, he walked in with me. I took the shoes and a paper bag. I saw Michael¡¯s confused face, but he couldn¡¯t say anything after I saw Regina¡¯s name on his phone. I¡¯m not sure if any of us wants to talk about it anyway.


    ¡°So do you want to come in, or do you prefer standing there? I don¡¯t mind either way, so which is it?¡± I said after I noticed he hadn¡¯t come in.


    He silently went in and I closed the door and said ¡°Don¡¯t forget you have a dinner appointment with Mr. Shaw, I¡¯ll just go take a bath. When you leave, I don¡¯t want to keep opening the door for you, so tell the front desk to give you a key card for my room.¡±


    He nodded and asked ¡°who was that man?¡±


    I scoffed and said ¡°So it¡¯s OK for you to talk to my cousin, who I don¡¯t like and also, let me remind you, is completely into you, and yet I can¡¯t talk to a guy I happen to meet in the park?¡±


    He looked depressed and replied ¡°that¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying."


    I gave him a calm reply, ¡°so what are you saying?¡±


    I know I still have no evidence of his infidelity, so I¡¯m not insinuating that he is, I just can¡¯t deal with him talking to Regina.


    He went silent, and I scoffed. I went into the bathroom and bathed for a while. When I got out, I expected him gone but he was still there looking depressed, like someone had died.


    I started to get worried, so I asked ¡°Did something happen?¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I am now growing anxious.


    He looked at me. ¡°Your aunt and uncle had an accident.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ OK and?¡± I was concerned something happened to my in-laws. My aunt and uncle never treated me well when I lived with them, so I was never attached to them.


    ¡°What do you mean by OK and? They are your family, aren¡¯t you concerned?¡± he replied confused


    ¡°I was never that close to them. They only came to me when they needed money, since I was left with half my parents¡¯ will and grandparents¡¯ whole property after I lost them. They have already wasted the other half, so what do they want, but since Regina is there do you want to go to her side and comfort her?¡± I replied calmly like it was no big deal.


    ¡°Did anyone ever tell you, you''re quite cold when you want to be? And no, I don¡¯t want to go to Regina. I was just concerned about how you would react, since Regina said she has been calling you no stop since it happened. By the way, where¡¯s your phone? I also have been calling you for a while,¡± He replied.


    ¡°I lost it and that guy you met earlier returned it¡± I replied.


    He looked like he realized something and said ¡°was he the one that left your shoes on the door as well with the paper bag?¡±


    I never liked lying, so I answered him honestly, Yes.¡±


    His face looked like he was about to explode, like he was going to kill me.


    So, I told him ¡°Speak your mind, I prefer you say it, compared to staring at me like you¡¯re going to put a whole in my head¡±


    And he exploded in an instant. At first, he sounded like he was pleading and took my hand. ¡°Did you cheat on me? Why? I love you. Earlier you said you loved me as well, so was that all fake?!¡± then he became aggressive and tightened his hold on my hand, which started to hurt ¡°You are mine, you hear me!! I married you. I bought you! You can never leave my side, understand?¡±


    ¡°Calm down tiger, your quite funny, so that¡¯s what you think of me. Good to know, thank you for clearing that out¡± I replied with teary eyes and a smile on my lips, while trying to free my hand, unsuccessfully.


    So that¡¯s how he thinks of me, as a property who can¡¯t do anything it wants. I mean, I kind of did have the intention last night, but I didn¡¯t go through with it, but the thought is still awful enough, so I kind of deserved it. Then I remembered Regina and I got angry as well.


    ¡°Ohh so I¡¯m, one big cheater. Then how about Regina, huh? Don¡¯t think you¡¯re so freakn clean, let go of my hand you hypocrite!¡± I replied in anger and pulled my hand.


    He was also shocked by what I said and lost his hold on my hand, ¡°I¡¯m not having an affair with Regina.¡±


    ¡°Yeh keep telling yourself that, as much as I want to push you out of the room, I have a more fitting reason than ¡°I¡¯m not having an affair with Regina¡±. I mocked him, I just wanted to clear up my name and get him out as soon as possible.


    He is staring daggers into me again? How can I love a man like him? I mean just why and how. Was I blind?


    After waiting for my answer for a while, he said ¡°SPEAK!¡±


    I didn¡¯t like his tone, but I wanted him to get out of my room, so I replied ¡°someone spiked my water so he brought me to his room to get treated by a physician and let me sleep the night happy?¡±


    ¡°No, you still slept in a man¡¯s room last night. Why would you think I¡¯d be happy¡± he replied with a glare.


    At that moment, I felt like putting fuel on the fire, so I said ¡°Men¡±.


    ¡°What?¡± he replied, confused.


    ¡°Men, there were two men in that room¡± I replied.


    At this point, I wonder whether his eyes could kill me or even already have. So I said ¡°now get out.¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer nor did he argue, but he kept staring at me. I was wondering what he was staring at, so I looked into a mirror in the bathroom, and I realized I had just gone out of the bathroom, so I was just wearing a bathrobe.


    When I turned, he was already near me, so I said ¡°get out now! I don¡¯t wanna talk to you anymore¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there won¡¯t be anymore talking at this point¡± his hands touched my thighs and ended on my waist.


    ¡°Get your filthy hands off me, I don¡¯t want to be anywhere near you nor do I want to talk to you, so leave, I have somewhere else to be and so do you! Now let me go!¡± I stopped him before he started again.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked curiously.


    ¡°Why should I tell you? Now please go.¡± I replied.


    ¡°Fine, but if you''re not here by 10, I¡¯ll look for you, got it? Come back before then, I¡¯ll be waiting¡± he replied in a domineering tone.


    ¡°Whatever, now go!¡± I said and finally he left.


    I went to look at the paper bag and found a simple, elegant black-looking top that had its own pair of pants, put it on and went out of the room with Percy. I went to the restaurant at the place Theo told me, and went to the receptionist. There was a note that the receptionist gave me.


    The receptionist then signaled someone, and took Percy. At first, I didn¡¯t let him, then the receptionist explained ¡°Ma¡¯am pets are not welcome in the restaurant to prevent any risk of allergies, contamination and accidents, but we do have pets care for all visitors with pets in our restaurant. It¡¯s just for the safety of everyone inside, please understand.¡± and pointed at a big room with a lot of dogs and cats. Even some lizards, snakes and hamsters were inside that were directly beside the restaurant. The owner would be able to clearly see their pets if anything happened. So I let go of Percy and let the attendant take him.


    I looked down at the note Theo left. ¡°Something urgent came up I had to go home much earlier than expected. Don¡¯t worry, I wouldn¡¯t leave a pretty lady like you hanging. Ace is already in room 8. I asked him to make sure you ate a lot. You need to gain weight to be as pretty as my sister. Enjoy I have already paid for everything. Hope to see you again. Take care. PS. I hope you don¡¯t mind the restaurant has a facility for pets¡±


    Seriously, that guy, really can¡¯t stop with his cheeky insults, but its fine. It means free food, thanks Theo. I went to the room and met Ace inside. Unlike Theo, he didn¡¯t talk much, he was more like a bodyguard than a companion. So I thanked him for his company, and to ask him to thank Theo for the dinner, he nodded and left with me, as we got out, the attendant was already waiting by the door with Percy. I pat his head, walked back to the hotel. Ace escorted me to my room. When I got in, he also left. I checked my watch, and it was only 8:00 pm, so I just went for another bath and changed into my pajamas, sat on the bed, later slapped the bed to signal Percy to come, turned the TV on and watched some sort of drama. I had never watched it before. It wasn¡¯t that entertaining, so I kept changing channels until I found a drama I used to watch. It was about a dumb FL and some love triangle with two best friends.


    Next day


    I woke up feeling someone was hugging me somewhere through the night. I knew it was Michael since he had that dark blue pajamas he always wear, so I just went back to sleep.


    Later I heard someone calling me ¡°Honey, honey wake up, yena? Wake up my love¡±, it¡¯s probably 8:00am now, since that is his scheduled time to have breakfast when he isn¡¯t working. And I woke up to him looking into a stack of paper wearing glasses sitting in the bed in his pajamas. Rubbing his hand gently on my shoulder to wake me up.


    He then looked at me and put on a smile ¡°good morning babe, did you have a good sleep?¡±


    ¡°Good morning, yeh I did. By the way, why are you sleeping here. Isn¡¯t your room on the top floor?¡± I replied.


    He looked disappointed, ¡°because your sleeping here, why would I sleep there? So go up with me. I promise to stay with you till your project ends.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make promises you can¡¯t keep, but sure I¡¯ll be moving with you upstairs¡± I replied.


    ¡°Good¡± I heard him say.


    I stood up and went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and took a bath. It felt refreshing and got me thinking. He seemed to be in a good mood early in the morning, considering how we left everything yesterday. I don¡¯t mind it, I prefer him not asking me questions when he can¡¯t answer mine. I¡¯m still not happy with what he did, but at this point I don¡¯t want him clouding my mind. He is a distraction I can¡¯t afford right now. With a project coming along, we''ll just deal with it when it ends.


    After I was done showering, I heard a knock ¡°honey? What would you like for breakfast?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have what you have.¡± I replied, as I usually do.


    ¡°alright¡± he replied.


    After doing my morning skincare routine, I went back to the room and went to my closet, then I felt a hand on my waist, and he whispered ¡°didn¡¯t you say you''d be having what I¡¯ll be having, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be needing any clothes for that.¡±


    He started kissing the back of my neck while caressing my shoulder. I then heard him say ¡°baby, let''s make our own baby¡±


    I turned to him, touched his face with my right hand and said ¡°No, Mika, we can¡¯t.¡±


    He took both of my hands, kissed them and looked straight at me. ¡°yena, you asked for a baby before, and I¡¯m now agreeing to it. It will solve your uncertainty about me when you can tie me down with a baby, doesn¡¯t it? Let''s have a baby, alright my love?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t, Mika. That is not a good reason to have a child when we have all these problems. We just can¡¯t¡± I felt like crying since I have always dreamed of becoming a mother, but I can¡¯t do it with how much of a mess it has been recently.


    ¡°Okay, okay, but we have to try at some point, OK?¡± he asked, pleading.


    I nodded OK, but right now I just need time.¡±


    He kissed my forehead and hugged me, and I hugged him back.


    I called him ¡°Mika?"


    He replied with a hum.


    ¡°Do you love me?¡±


    He let go of me and looked at me. ¡°Of course I do.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I replied.


    ¡°Yes, only you, I promise¡± he said reassuringly.


    ¡°Then can you do me a favor?¡± I replied


    ¡°Anything¡± he answered.


    ¡°Can you stay away from Regina from now on?¡± I said.


    He looked conflicted but said ¡°Yes, I will do my best to get as far from her if possible, so don¡¯t worry, my love OK?¡± I doubted his words, but I nodded and looked down


    he put his forehead on mine and said ¡°Baby, look at me. I love you and only you, trust me.¡±


    I looked at him, nodded and said ¡°alright¡±.


    He then put his lips on mine. I kissed him back as he kissed me harder. I put my arms around his neck, as his hands went down to my waist and then my thighs. I then jumped and locked my legs on his waist as he caressed my thighs and pushed me to the wall of the closet. When I moaned from the impact, he put his tongue inside my mouth, his kiss began to become aggressive. I then caressed his hair and pulled a handful of his hair, which made him groan. He moved to the bed as he sat down with me on top of him, he pulled the ribbon off my robe, and started to kiss me. I moaned as he started to kiss my collar bone and went further.


    I don¡¯t know how long it has been, but I am already tired, and he isn¡¯t done yet. I feel like we have been doing this for hours now. He is good, but at this point, I think he is going to kill me.


    ¡°Mika¡± I called


    ¡°yena? Are you OK?¡± was what I heard, as my sight blurred.


    In my dream, I was in our summer lake house sitting on the grass looking at the lake with my parents and grandparents. My grandparents then told me to look for my parents. I was confused.


    ¡°But grandma, grandpa, they are just beside me¡± I answered.


    When I looked to my side, my parents were gone and my grandparents went back into the house. The house then exploded. And I woke up.


    I awoke to Michael looking worried. It looked like he was shaking me since both his hands were on my shoulder.


    ¡°Yena, are you OK?¡± he asked worriedly.


    I nodded


    ¡°You were talking and sweating in your sleep¡± he said, concerned.


    What the hell was that? What a weird dream. It¡¯s the first time I have ever dreamed of them since they died. Look for my parents? How weird.


    ¡°Yena, eat lunch with me¡±, Michael said.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± I found my voice very raspy.


    ¡°Here, drink some water, and it¡¯s already 1:30pm¡± he looked guilty as he took the water and gave it to me.


    He then moved the table near to me, and we proceeded to eat together. After eating, I took my phone and read the emails my assistant and agent sent me, informing me they had arrived at the hotel with their room numbers.


    I met them at dinner. After that day, I began to be very busy filming. Michael kept his promise and didn¡¯t leave while we were filming and came with me from morning to night. I also didn¡¯t see Theo or Ace after that. 5 months flew by very fast, and I¡¯m already going home. Michael is packing our stuff now for our flight later. Finally!

 Chapter 3: Old Memories

    <div>


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    On our way to the airport, we went to the mall to buy some gifts for my in-laws, and Michael just followed me around as I bought a lot of things for them. Since Michael was with me, we were flying in his private jet, I¡¯m sure he is looking forward to going home as much as I was.


    Finally I''m back. As soon as I got home, I went to my studio on the 2nd floor. I opened my studio and said ¡°I miss this place, my little haven.¡±


    ¡°Honey! Remember we are visiting mom and grandma later. They have been asking for us since last month, when we were getting back¡±, I heard Michael say from downstairs.


    ¡°Yeh, I¡¯ll just rest for a bit¡± before I got to close the door, Percy went, so I closed it after he was inside.


    My studio is a place in the house where my husband isn¡¯t allowed to come in. I put my paintings, novels that I have read and wrote over the years, as well as a few floor plans, house designs that I have been working on since we got married and also a bed to rest on, if I want some peace and quit alone. Michael also has a private room like mine, and obviously, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s inside. It''s just fair, since he gave me this space for myself.


    I lay there tired after the flight. Percy later on got up the bed and lay beside me. I then looked at Percy who had grown quite large in the past 5 months, and hugged him as I fell asleep.


    I saw my grandma. She really does look like a mom. I was lying on her lap as she caressed my hair. She used to always do this to help me fall asleep while telling me a story about a king who fell in love. I always fell asleep before she gets to the end of the story, especially after the accident that took my parents¡¯. I was suffering from insomnia for some time. This time it was different. Instead of making me fall asleep, I think she talking about something over and over again.


    ¡°Yena, Find them¡± I heard her say.


    When I looked up at her, she had a troubled expression and she kept repeating ¡°find them. Find. Find them. Find them. Find them. Yena. Yena. Yena.¡±


    I then woke up to a knock, ¡°Yena? Yena? Yena? Wake up honey.¡±


    I got up and opened the door. I saw Michael and said ¡°I¡¯m awake, what is it?¡±


    ¡°We are meeting mom and grandma, go freshen up, we¡¯ll be leaving in an hour.¡± He said and left.


    I went to my room, took a bath, put on light make-up and went with a blue off long-sleeved top with a long white skirt, small blue bag and white heels. Put on some jewelry and went to meet Michael in the living room.


    ¡°Honey, you look great. Ready?¡± Michael gave a compliment with a very seductive smile.


    I nodded, smiled and said ¡°You look very handsome as well, honey.¡±


    We then went to his car, got in and left for their family mansion. It took us 30 minutes to get there, parked the car in front of the house and gave the butler the key. As soon as we got in, we saw his mother and grandma. They had a smile on their faces.


    Mom went to give us a hug. ¡°Finally, both of you had time to visit. How was the trip?¡±


    Grandma, who was sitting on the sofa, then chimed in ¡°sit, tell me all about it, did both of you bring ma a grandchild this time?¡±


    Mom looked at grandma and said ¡°Mom, stop it. They are still young, you don¡¯t need to rush things.¡±


    Grandma replied ¡°They might be young, but I¡¯m not getting any younger darling.¡±


    Mom smiled at us. I felt awkward in this situation.


    I then heard mika say ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry, we are already trying for one. It might not be that long¡± he looked at me and smiled and put his arms around my waist.


    ¡°Oh Dear, thank Ghod¡± grandma sounded excited.


    We haven¡¯t really talked about children since 5 months ago, but I didn¡¯t want to ruin grandma¡¯s good mood, so I just smiled and nodded. I looked at mika, he somehow looked surprised.


    He whispered ¡°I¡¯ll take it that you agree.¡±


    I didn¡¯t decline nor agree


    We went to the dining table to have dinner.


    About 20 minutes passed, both Mr. Kerr and Mr. Kerr Senior came in talking about something probably connected to business. Both Michael¡¯s father and grandfather loved their wives very much, but were complete workaholics. I was told it was the main reason his father was closer to his grandfather than his mom, who was grandpa¡¯s only daughter.


    Of course, his mom was glad, grandpa was fond of her now husband when she first introduced him to them.


    We all greeted them, Mr. Kerr went to kiss mom before sitting down beside her, as well as Mr. Kerr senior, who went to sit beside grandma, gave her a kiss and held her hand as he sat down.


    Nothing much really happened throughout the dinner. We talked about how our life has been and them expecting grandchildren, talked about future projects and always being in good health.


    I grew up coming here often, since my mom and my mother-in-law were best friends, which was the cause of the whole marriage arrangement, so everyone in the family treated me like their own, and when I turned 22, Michael brought me to the family home after picking me up from the airport, I thought it was weird then, since I just got back home from graduating abroad but since I got along with his family more than my legal guardians, I didn¡¯t think much of it. After a few months, we started dating, after his parents and grandparents tried to set me up with him a lot of times, so I ended up agreeing to be his girlfriend. A couple of months after that, we got married. We had a private wedding. I couldn¡¯t invite my friends from Zetiana to come to my wedding, because of how rushed it was.


    After dinner, grandma and mom took me to the garden, since dad and grandpa called Michael to their office.


    Grandma looked sad and asked ¡°my dear, I heard from Michelle, you asked Killian for a divorce?¡±


    I looked at mom, and she said ¡°sorry yena, I blurted it out a while back¡± looking guilty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry grandma, we already talked through it months ago after he went after me. It was just a minor issue¡±, I replied and gave her a smile.


    ¡°Thank goodness, don¡¯t worry dear, if he does anything bad again, I¡¯ll scold him for you as well as grandpa¡±. She made a grumpy face.


    Me and mom couldn¡¯t help but laugh and granny laughed along with us. I couldn¡¯t help but find that I have a very cute family.


    Meanwhile on Michael¡¯s side:


    As Michael went into the office, he was asked to sit down. The three men sat down on three different sofas.


    Kevin started. ¡°Did she find out?¡±


    Michael shakes his head and answered ¡°Not all, dad. Only the part where I bought her off, not everything.¡±


    ¡°Good¡± he said


    John then ordered Michael ¡°Killian, Get rid of that girl Regina. she is a threat. Her parents told her too much, and now she has the nerve to threaten us.¡±


    ¡°Yes grandpa, I have already planned to dispose of her before she plants more ideas in Yena¡¯s head¡±, Michael agreed.


    John looked satisfied.


    Kevin followed with ¡°Remember Killian, don¡¯t let her go to Zetiana.¡±


    Michael looked conflicted.


    John said while getting a glass of whiskey ¡°what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Last time we fought, she threatened me with divorce and said when we do, she¡¯ll go back to Zetiana and never come back¡±, Michael answered.


    ¡°Your problem is easy. My child don¡¯t divorce her, and agree to everything she wants,¡± advised Kevin


    ¡°And tie her down with my grandchild, we didn¡¯t go into a lot of trouble with just love, and fortune, give me a grandchild.¡± John chimed in before taking a sip at his glass of whiskey.


    ¡°Understood grandpa¡±, Michael answered.


    They continued to talk about business and plans moving forward.


    Later, Michael went out of the office and went down to find the three beautiful women, sitting in the living room.


    Back to Zariah:


    When we were done strolling in the garden, we went back into the living room, then mom suddenly said ¡°Yena? Isn¡¯t your birthday coming?¡±


    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s still 2 months away¡± I answered.


    ¡°Oh¡­ that means your 3-year anniversary is also in 3 months.¡± Grandma then addedDid you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°Yes grandma¡± I answered.


    We got married a month after my birthday. My birthday is on November 23. We had a winter wedding on December 28th.


    Mom said excitedly ¡°I love this! another event! I love how my son is so smart about dates. You were born in November, your wedding was in December and his birthday is in January. three months long event. I love it. Let¡¯s start planning for it dear¡± She started clapping.


    My mother-in-law is known for setting up the most extravagant and breathtaking events, since grandma¡¯s family is known for hotels, event planning and boarding schools for the elites, I wouldn¡¯t doubt her abilities anyway. Grandma personally trained her since she was young.


    ¡°Sure mom, surprise me¡±. I smiled at her. I know setting up events makes her happy.


    I suddenly felt arms around my body, I flinched, and heard a whisper in my ear ¡°Baby, it''s just me¡±.


    He put his chin on my head and said ¡°Hi mom, Hi grandma¡± and smiled


    I looked above me and saw him looking at me.


    ¡°Did your meeting go well? You look to be in a bright mood?¡± Mom asked.


    ¡°It was fine, I¡¯m just happy to see my wife¡±. He replied, I smiled.


    Mom smiled brightly at us.


    ¡°Mom, We¡¯ll be going now. I think I should let my wife rest for the night.¡± Michael said and suddenly carried me out of the house.


    ¡°Let me down Mika! I can walk well enough¡± I said, embarrassed.


    ¡°Dear, why don¡¯t you just sleep here for the night and go tomorrow¡± Grandma proposed.


    Michael whispered ¡°how about that? Would that be alright?¡± I just nodded, and he turned around and went upstairs to go to his old room. On our way there in the corridor he stopped and put me down. And we went inside his room. I sat down on the bed, Michael went directly to his closet, got his pajamas and went to the bathroom. While waiting for him, I went to the shelves and looked through my favorite book and went to the sofa in front of the TV. After about 10 mins, Michael went out of the bathroom. His hair was still very wet.


    I sighed and said ¡°Your hair is still wet, dry it properly.¡±


    He looked at me and smiled ¡°I like it when you blow dry it, like you used to.¡±


    I stood up and said ¡°Come sit with me, I¡¯ll go to get the blow dryer.¡±


    He went to where I was sitting, and I went to get the blow-dryer in the drawers, plugged it near the sofa and sat back down.


    I turned it on and asked ¡°Is it too hot?¡± he shook his head and I started to blow dry his hair after about 10 minutes in silence.


    I said ¡°I think it¡¯s good now.¡±


    And he replied ¡°thanks¡±


    I went to the bathroom, I then heard the door close from outside the bathroom. I took a bath, then did my night skincare routine and I realized I had forgotten my pajamas, luckily he wasn¡¯t back yet, so I opened my closet, took my pajamas and went back to the bathroom. I got out and went back to my spot and continued reading my book. As I was reading, I was reminded that no one was with Percy at home, so I stood up and went for the door, I opened the door to catch Michael, who looked like he was going to knock.


    I asked curiously ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I was going to knock, obviously, since you caught me in this position. We probably have those telepathic powers that married people have, don¡¯t we, since you opened the door before I could knock¡±, he said with a smirk.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t get why you were going to knock. This is your room, and we have been here together a lot of times. You have never knocked¡± I said suspiciously.


    He went silent, then I remembered ¡°Percy, he is all alone at home, He might get hungry. We should go back.¡±


    ¡°I already sent a maid to our house, she is probably with him right now¡±. He replied


    I sighed in relief.


    ¡°Yena? Would you go on a picnic date with me?¡± he asked charmingly.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it already late? The garden is probably dark by now¡± I said, confused.


    ¡°Just say yes please¡± he replied half pleading.


    I nodded, and he took my hand and went to the stairs. I then realized he was taking me to the greenhouse.


    I used to hide in the greenhouse before we got married. It was my hiding spot when we were little and also where I used to paint a lot when I got older. It was at the far end of the 4th floor and had its own stairs. Grandma and grandpa don¡¯t come here anymore, since they made a garden downstairs. It is all glass on each side, as well as the roof. It had all kinds of flowers; roses, Irises, violets, daisies and a lot more. Grandma likes to garden. She studied landscape architecture before she got married. I heard gardeners just come here to water the plants now and maintain this place.


    ¡°I miss this place¡± I said to myself.


    ¡°I thought as much, so I brought you up here¡± he said, hugging me from behind.


    He sat down on a foam he had probably prepared on the ground since it had a fruit bowl, pie and sandwiches.


    He held out his hand for me to take and said ¡°come here, sit with me¡±. He then pulled me, and I was sitting between his legs as he wrapped his arms around my waist and put his chin on my head.


    I heard him say ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have always found this place beautiful. How could I not like it?¡± I replied.


    He clicked on the remote and the roof opened up. We sat in silence for a while, then came to a more comfortable position and I started to lean on him. After a while, we were in the green house looking at the sky lying down in each other¡¯s arms while looking into each other¡¯s eyes, then on the sky ones again. I wish I could freeze this moment forever, It feels so precious and beautiful.


    ¡°Yena?¡± he said, and I looked at him.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I looked back at the sky and I replied dismissively.


    ¡°Can I ask you to do something for me?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Depends on what it is, so tell me what it is first, before I agree¡± I looked back at him before replying.


    ¡°Next time you get into trouble, can you tell me first even if I¡¯m not physically there, I will try to help you. I don¡¯t want what happened last time to happen again¡±, he said, and looked at me sincerely.


    I nodded and said ¡°Yeah, but you do remember why that happened in the first place, and why I left? What you said also hurt me, you know, especially questioning me about my loyalty and my love for you. If you knew me well enough, you¡¯d know I would never cross that line with anyone. If you weren¡¯t my husband I would have left you for what you said¡±, I looked sideways, not wanting to meet his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, I do, and I also apologize for insulting you at that time. I¡¯ll do anything to earn your forgiveness. I really am sorry¡± he said. I looked back at him. He looked really guilty and hurt it clinched my heart.


    ¡°Mika, if we are completely going to work on us, I need honesty in this relationship. If you had just told me my family tried to sell me to you, before you bought me, I could have found a way around it instead of you buying me like I am some object. I never thought you of all people would degrade me into this small of a person. If I didn¡¯t love you, I would really have left you. With or without my passport I would have gone anywhere, you won¡¯t find me.¡± I told him how I felt.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I just didn¡¯t know how to approach you after having zero communication for 6 years. I even wondered if you had remembered me. You ghosted all of us after your guardians became your uncle. The next thing we knew, I think a few months after being with your uncle¡¯s family you decided to go to Zetiana and never came back¡± He said, looking disappointed and displeased.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I was grieving and being with my uncle wasn¡¯t exactly like heaven, since I had the capacity to leave them in exchange for a lot of money, I didn¡¯t think twice. All my friends were in Zetiana, I didn¡¯t have anyone here. What did you expect?¡± I said, exasperated.


    ¡°What about me? Wasn¡¯t I your friend? Was my family not enough?¡± he replied dejected.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t count. I had always seen you as a future husband my family had arranged for me. You couldn¡¯t completely be my friend, knowing the kind of future that was fixed for both of us. I¡¯m sorry¡± I could not tell him that, he wasn¡¯t really in my mind when I left, since I didn¡¯t have feelings for him, then. Also, that I didn¡¯t have any intention of both coming back and marrying him.


    He looked like he had been hit by a bolder, the pain in his eyes was unimaginably hurting me. I couldn¡¯t imagine how much pain he is feeling right now. So I said, with a smile, as big as I can muster, ¡°I¡¯m here now, aren¡¯t I? And I love you, so don¡¯t worry, okay?¡±


    He gave me a smile, nodded and hugged me. I felt his arms tightening around me. I let him, since I felt very guilty for leaving without telling him years ago.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t divorce me.¡± I heard him say, it was more like a whisper, but I can hear it clearly.


    I know that I can¡¯t promise him that, since I feel like there¡¯s always something he is keeping from me. I don¡¯t like having a dishonest relationship, but what I hate most is when someone hides something from me.


    Originally, since I couldn¡¯t go back to Zetiana, I decided to go with what my mother wished, to marry him, but found him to be quite a likable person and fell in love with him shortly after dating him. He had good looks and a very attractive body, so as a human being, physically speaking, he wasn¡¯t someone who lacked in any way, as well as his stamina.


    I tried to push him, he let me and I looked at him in the eye and touched his face with my right hand. ¡°Mika?¡±


    He tried to look away, so I said ¡°Mika, Look at me.¡± He looked back at me.


    ¡°You have to understand, I asked for a divorce because you did something wrong, I do realize it was wrong to ask for a divorce for just one bad thing, but if you were in my shoes what would you have done?¡± I said as calm and consoling as I can.


    He didn¡¯t answer, so I hugged him. ¡°Mika, come down, we can¡¯t fight while we are on a date.¡±


    He silently hugged me back and picked up some fruit to feed it to me and said ¡°I promise I will do everything so you will never ask for a divorce ever again.¡±


    I opened my mouth and ate the watermelon. I turned my back to him, and he hugged me while I was sitting in the space between his legs. We sat like that for a while, it was very comfortable, the silence was a bit nice honestly. But I found myself thinking back to when we were kids.


    ¡°You know? Whenever I come here, I always recall our memories in this garden¡±, I said, feeling nostalgic about when we used to sit here while playing house when we were kids that one time.


    ¡°Which one?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Do you remember when we played house that one time?¡± I turned my head to look at him.


    ¡°We did that twice, don¡¯t you remember the second time we played house?¡± He asked. This time he was smirking.


    I was confused and thought for a little while and could not recall, so I asked ¡°The second time, which time was that?¡±


    He had a big smile on his face and said, ¡°You really don¡¯t remember?¡± he questioned before continuing ¡°Don¡¯t you remember a year ago we played house. He pointed his finger at a glass wall. ¡°We did it at that exact spot¡± I blushed and slapped his shoulder.


    ¡°What? It was playing house, wasn¡¯t it? To be exact, we did it here twice, didn¡¯t we?¡± he said innocently.


    ¡°You¡¯re such an ass! That¡¯s not what I mean! I meant when we were kids!¡± I shouted, embarrassed.


    ¡°Shhh, not too loud, you¡¯ll wake grandma and grandpa. I want to play house the third time¡± he said as he took my face to kiss me.


    I kissed him back then covered his mouth before he could continue. ¡°Did you bring me here for that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Well, not necessarily. I know you love this place, so I also want you to come here to lighten your mood.¡± He replied now, making a move to go to my neck and kiss it.


    He swiftly turned me around, now I was facing him with each of my legs on his waist. He started kissing my neck, so I said, ¡°What if mom and dad catch us?¡±


    ¡°We weren¡¯t caught the last time we did it here, and they are already asleep. Don¡¯t worry¡± he replied, and went back to kissing my neck and going lower. This time he had his hands on the buttons of my pajamas.


    ¡°Ughh¡­ you know third times a charm.¡± I said, sounding a bit more alluring.


    He stopped unbuttoning my clothes and started to take off my pants. ¡°I can do it fast, how about that? And we can continue downstairs.¡± I didn¡¯t answer him as he continued to take my pants off.


    He then looked at me and asked ¡°Yena? Can I be rough with you?¡± and I nodded.


    Next day


    I woke up in bed and found that he wasn¡¯t beside me. I thought maybe he had gone to work. Where does he get all that energy to stand up? I mean we did it a lot of times in the greenhouse and in our room yesterday. That was probably the longest we have ever done. Just how? Whatever, I¡¯m still exhausted and numb from yesterday, I¡¯ll go back to sleep.


    When I woke up, there was already breakfast beside me. I looked at my phone and found it was already 10 am, I found a note on the tray.


    ¡°Yena, I cooked breakfast for you, please enjoy it, I¡¯m just going out for a bit. Dad asked me to get some stuff. I¡¯ll be back by 10 or 11.¡±


    I ate the breakfast he left for me. After finishing it, I went to the bathroom to take a bath, do a morning skincare routine and put on some clothes. When I got out of the room, I found grandma and mom in the living room talking excitedly while holding some kind of folder. As I am used to it, I¡¯ll assume that it is either for mine or Mika¡¯s birthday or our wedding anniversary. As I grew closer, I found it was a function hall by one of mom¡¯s hotels.


    Mom saw me and signaled me to go near them. ¡°What do you think, yena?¡±


    ¡°Those are beautiful mom, but for whose birthday is that?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret. We are still in 10 different locations to decide¡±. She replied and gave me a smile, then added ¡°By the way, I haven¡¯t seen Killian since early this morning, does he have a meeting?¡±


    I replied unsure, ¡°I¡¯m not really sure mom, he just left me a note that he needed to go somewhere, and that dad had asked him to. He¡¯ll probably be back in a few minutes¡±. After I had just finished saying that, we heard the gates open and about 5 ¨C 10 minutes later Mika went in with grandpa.


    He looked at me smiling, ¡°Oh you''re already awake.¡±


    I felt insulted. ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s already almost 11. In what world would you think I¡¯d still be asleep?¡±


    He got closer to me and said in a very low voice that probably only the two of us could hear. ¡°With how much we did yesterday, I thought you¡¯d be out all morning. Next time, I¡¯ll try harder so you can¡¯t even wake up all morning, to the point. You can¡¯t even walk when you wake up¡± And gave me a wink.


    He then turned to grandma and mom, smiled at them brightly. ¡°Mom, grandma, let''s go for lunch.¡±


    The two beautiful ladies then got up and went to the dining room to ask the cooks to prepare lunch for everyone.


    We had our lunch at 11:00 and when I looked at the food near me, I observed most of it was meat soups and vegetables. I wanted some fried chicken and a burger today, but oh well, tomorrow then.


    Then I saw what was on Michael¡¯s plate. To say it was mouth watering is an understatement. He had fried chicken, porkchop, potates, gravy, sandwiches and a poached egg. Not just that, but on the side of his plate was a small plate filled with different kinds of seafood. What the hell? I don¡¯t know if he noticed me looking at his plate, but he looked at me with a smile. And mouthed something to me. Confused, I ate dejected. After lunch, we told them we were going home and said goodbyes.


    In the car, Michael started. ¡°You know they were trying to get you pregnant, right?¡±


    ¡°By food?!¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°In a way, it is believed having a healthier diet makes it easier¡± he explained while driving.


    I looked out of the window and said ¡°But we aren¡¯t ready yet.¡±


    He looked at me and went silent. And it was silent the whole ride home. That night I had a really nice dream. I was at the camp, my friends and I used to go. We were just playing like we used to. I didn¡¯t want to wake up from that dream, so when I did, I felt sad and depressed that day and didn¡¯t go out of the room for 4 days. Percy didn¡¯t leave my side and my worried husband probably felt like he didn¡¯t want to be a problem and just stayed in the room with me for most of the 2 days.


    After that, nothing eventful happened for the next 3 weeks until I got a text one morning from an old friend.


    <div>

 Chapter 4: Introducing Him

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    ¡°Babe! I¡¯m at Illani¡± An unknown number sent me a message


    I messaged back ¡°babe? Is this a wrong number? Who is this?¡±


    ¡°It breaks my heart that you forgot me. It¡¯s me Jonathan¡± he replied.


    I called him, he answered after a ring, ¡°hello babe?¡±


    I answered excitedly ¡°babe! Oh, my ghod! How can you not tell me ahead of time? I would have picked you up from the airport.¡±


    ¡°B*tch no! I had someone pick me up¡± he said confidently.


    ¡°Another boy toy?¡± I replied, teasing.


    ¡°Oh, hon no, no, no, I have a project here for a movie, so they called me ahead so we can plan the designs¡±. He replied,


    ¡°Babe, that¡¯s amazing congrats, but let¡¯s not talk about business. How have you been?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we meet for coffee? I¡¯m staying at a hotel so let¡¯s go out shopping!¡± he replied, and I could detect the excitement in his voice.


    ¡°Yes! sure! Shopping spree, Just like before?¡± I said jokingly.


    ¡°Of course¡± he replied.


    ¡°Okay babe, tomorrow, 10 am, we have got to start early and let¡¯s go to the Continental Shopping Mall.¡± I replied.


    ¡°Sure, babe, see you tomorrow¡±. He replied and hung up.


    It feels so surreal, talking to him. I miss him, I miss them all. I haven¡¯t felt this good since I got back, which I just realized has been 3 years ago, almost 4 years now. I kept on thinking it was two years ago, but wow, 3 years is a long time. I have been away for so long. I used to see them 6 months a year. I remember meeting all of them in a music summer camp. We used to play our own different instruments, just like an orchestra. I loved that summer so much I begged my parents to study at their school every half of the year. Which they agreed. Remembering those fun memories lifted my mood even more.


    I didn¡¯t notice my husband had come back from his errands. I was a bit startled when he asked ¡°Yena? You, okay?¡±


    I nodded smiling


    ¡°Then why are you crying?¡± He asked, looking worried.


    I touched my face, and I really was crying. I wiped it with my hands and said ¡°I¡¯m really OK¡±, then smiled.


    Then I remembered and said ¡°by the way, I¡¯m meeting an old friend tomorrow at the Continental.¡±


    He nodded and said ¡°Okay¡±


    He came near me and hugged me, and I hugged him back. We stayed like that for a while, then he said ¡°Are you hungry? I brought you your favorite, but you can only choose one. Korean fried chicken or teriyaki or orange chicken?¡± and he walked with me out of the room.


    I smiled and said, ¡°I want all of it!¡±


    He looked at me with a sad face. ¡°I won¡¯t get any if you get all of them.¡±


    ¡°No it¡¯s all mine¡± I said with a cute expression on my face and we both ended up laughing.


    We went to the kitchen, and he bought 6 pieces of each, so we shared those 18 chickens together.


    The next day, I was too excited to wait, so I went to the mall an hour earlier, about 9am, just as the mall was going to open. I went to a caf¨¦ and asked for an Iced latte, to refresh my morning. I texted Jonathan that I was at the caf¨¦ beside the mall, since it was less crowded compared to inside the mall.


    I was shocked by what he sent, ¡°babe I¡¯m already at the mall, I can not wait.¡±


    As far as I can remember, Jonathan has never been early nor on time since I have met him.


    So I took my latte and left. I saw him at the mall. As expected of him, he has always been gay, but he always liked to dress like the most classy rich man I have ever seen. His black hair is in a semi-leaf cut, sharp dark brown eyes, natural red lips with his signature white coat, white slacks, brown leather shoes and a red handkerchief with silver cufflinks as well as a silver watch. I waved, smiling, and ran towards him. He looked at me with a big smile and wide arms. I hugged him, and he also hugged me as tight as I was.


    ¡°Jonny?¡± I whispered


    ¡°Oh princess, stop with the Jonny, we are not 8 anymore, I¡¯m now the fabulous Joan¡± he said in an amused tone.


    I looked up at my tall hot friend.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°What are you looking at? In love with me already?¡± he said, smiling.


    I replied with a flirty tone ¡°I might have at first sight¡± and giggled.


    ¡°Your boobs look bigger now, you can be a pillow¡± I said, lying on his chest. He always works out to have a better figure.


    ¡°Now, babe are we just going to keep hugging or are we going shopping?¡± he said with excitement written all over his face.


    ¡°OK. OK. My treat, buy whatever you want.¡± I said, showing him the black card like I always did before.


    ¡°Oh, please babe, I¡¯m no peasant, I¡¯m as rich as you know¡± he said arrogantly, and showed me the same card.


    I proudly look at it.


    ¡°Oh babe, you have missed three years. What do you expect?¡± he said arrogantly at the same time with a sad expression.


    I locked my arms in his and said, ¡°Tell me everything!¡±


    ¡°No. Tell ME everything.¡± He looked at me curiously and suspiciously.


    I unhooked my arms on his, looked at him and looked down embarrassed. ¡°I got married¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± He looked shocked, disappointed, angry, curious, and had a lot more emotions. I can not name it all.


    ¡°Yeah¡± I began to feel depressed.


    ¡°And you didn¡¯t even think of inviting any of us?!¡± he had not fixed his emotions, yet he looked like a mess.


    ¡°I-I couldn¡¯t. I lost my phone the moment I got there and when-when I wanted to go back, there were things that k-kept me from going home, no matter what I did. A-And I couldn¡¯t find any of you on any platforms. I don¡¯t even know how you got my number.¡± I said and started crying.


    He didn¡¯t answer, and I couldn¡¯t help but cry even more. What have I done? He¡¯s going to hate me, not to mention, all of them. What am I going to do?


    Then I felt him hug me. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, you know none of us could ever get angry with you when you start crying, our cute little princess poppy¡±. I tried to stop crying, and he gave me his handkerchief.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s go shopping. I¡¯ll treat you since I made you cry¡± he said, wiping a tear from my eyes.


    I nodded and hooked my arms to his again. And started to go around different stores while talking.


    ¡°You know you are so unlucky. Remember your long-time crush. What did we call him again?¡± He thought for a bit and then suddenly said, ¡°Oh yeah! Helio, Lily¡¯s brother you met probably 12 years ago now.¡± He said with enthusiasm while checking out some clothes.


    I nodded, curious.


    ¡°A week after you came back here, her brother went to stay with her for like 2 weeks, and you missed him. I always thought you were going to marry him someday. He is one hot ass, by the way, you have good taste.¡± He said and winked.


    ¡°Stop it, I¡¯m already married, and I met him only a few times, A FEW TIMES!¡± I said embarrassed.


    ¡°Well, that didn¡¯t stop you from asking Lily about him, and his baby pictures, didn¡¯t it? You kept daydreaming about him. None of us can even imagine you marrying someone else.¡± He said teasingly.


    I went silent and as red as a tomato.


    ¡°Even Lily was very supportive of both of you getting together, what was it that she said, ¡°If you married him, you¡¯d be sisters for real¡±?¡± He said, thinking deeply.


    I slapped his arm and said, embarrassed and annoyed, ¡°Stop it already!¡±


    ¡°OK. OK. I¡¯ll stop. You might overheat¡± he said, laughed and walked forward. Then he turned to me and asked curiously ¡°What¡¯s your husband like? I hope he is better than our Helio, or it would just be a losing deal.¡± He said, thinking deeply.


    ¡°He is alright, we were arranged by our parents when we were young. I planned to come here to get all my documents and go back, as you are already aware. And when I couldn¡¯t go back, I did what my parents asked, and I just fell in love with him after dating him for a couple of months, then decided to marry him, since that was what my parents would have wanted. He is rich, a director, tall, blond hair, and blue eyes he is quite handsome, of course. I think that¡¯s it.¡± I told him with as much detail as I could give. We walked around in silence as I assumed he was thinking of something with how serious he looked.


    ¡°What bothers me is why you never told us, you were already arranged to marry someone¡± he said suspiciously.


    ¡°Well, it was because I didn¡¯t love him and, as you have said, I liked Lily¡¯s brother and didn¡¯t plan to marry him after my parent¡¯s death, since no one was going to nag me about it anyway¡±, I said, feeling guilty about what I just said.


    It was a while before he replied ¡°So¡­ are you happy?¡± he asked this time seriously.


    ¡°I am. In a way, my husband is sweet, and I do love him, but I can¡¯t help but feel like I miss home too much. I have no one here, other than my husband and in-laws,¡± I said while checking out some shoes.


    ¡°No, I mean are YOU happy?¡± He said with a more serious and ominous tone. I was silent for a while. He waited for my answer and didn¡¯t talk.


    ¡°No¡± I said sadly.


    ¡°Oh, yeh. You said you had no one here? Didn¡¯t you have the whole semester every year to make friends? That¡¯s basically 4 months, 8am ¨C 5pm classes, 4 days a week, for like 12 years. So how did you have no friends? Did you wait every half of the year to have fun with us?¡± he asked, a bit more confused now.While I was putting on some shoes.


    ¡°Well, if you remember, I once said when we just started to become friends, I used to spend my time studying all the time. I had no time for friends, but at camp all I did was play instruments and talk with you guys. It was later when my parents agreed for me to transfer to your school for half the year that I had slightly more fun in school¡±, I said, then I heard him sigh and I looked at him.


    ¡°So, you are telling me that you not just had the worst childhood, but your world also revolved around us? If I hadn¡¯t come here would any of us ever find out¡± he said, and he looked stressed.


    While I was looking at the shoes, I nodded, and then I remembered ¡°well I used to play in my husband¡¯s house when we were young and stayed there sometimes growing up¡±, removed the shoes and signaled with my hands to tell the size I needed to a nearby sales clerk.


    ¡°Thank ghod, for a moment I thought you were some anti-social psycho¡± he said and laughed half-heartedly.


    ¡°Whatever, this place seems depressing. What a couple of losers! Don¡¯t even know how wonderful our princess is¡± he said, sounding annoyed as well as confident.


    I just giggled and said, ¡°Are we going to keep talking about me or are you going to tell me how all of you are?¡± Then the sales clerk came with the shoe size, and I tried them on.


    ¡°Well, basically just the same as you left but richer¡± he said, grinning.


    ¡°Do elaborate¡±, I said curiously, bought the shoes and went out.


    He took a moment to reply and explain everything ¡°Well, I have become a famous fashion designer, and owner of a clothing brand in Zetiana, called here for business. As you already know, Lily owns her own cosmetics company. Since she graduated as a chemical engineer and medicine in dermatology, her parents helped her with the company at first but just 6 months ago her parents let her manage it on her own, Julian, became a musician and music composer. If I remember correctly, he probably knows how to play a lot of instruments now. And Angelo is our personal hacker or online developer and detective. And he is responsible for finding your number, which he got in a few minutes. He probably also already knows you are married. You didn¡¯t tell us, and he probably already told the others, so good luck, that guy has a temper. I pray for your husband¡±


    I giggled and said ¡°yes, can you please help me with that. I¡¯ll probably visiting in less than a year anyway. I¡¯ll just explain by then.¡±


    ¡°How about we take a break? I think we already bought a few, and I¡¯m tired. When I checked the watch, I found it was already 1pm.


    We went to the parking lot and, of course, Jonathan would not get just any car. He had a sports car. What a walking gold bar. He helped me with my bags, and I got inside the car.


    He took me to an expensive restaurant that wasn¡¯t very far from the mall. It was a rooftop restaurant of a 5-star hotel.


    We went in intertwined our hands like we used to and got to our table to order our food, ¡°Even your taste hasn¡¯t changed. What is with you, pizza and burger? We are in an expensive restaurant, and you order pizza and a burger?¡± he said, annoyed and questioning.


    ¡°Well, I like pizza and burgers, we can have fish and chips if you want or pair it with an expensive wine¡± I said and giggled.


    ¡°Did you think I was ordering cheap wine?¡± he replied, insulted.


    ¡°My rich friend, has become richer, alright!¡± I said, smiling with both my hands on his and squeezing them tight.


    ¡°So, are you not going to let me meet your husband?¡± He asked invested.


    ¡°I¡¯m her husband¡±. We heard and found that Michael was walking towards us with a grim expression, but my eyes darkened when I saw who he was with.


    ¡°Oh nice to meet you!¡± he put his hand out and was met with a fist on his face.


    <div>

 Chapter 5: Her Big Secret

    I was too shocked to react, then I found myself in front of Jonathan and calling him crying ¡°Johnny? Jon? Are you ok?


    Oh, my ghod! Your face is hurt.¡± I touched his face, yet he was still smiling. I felt someone grabbing my arm. But I hugged Jonathan as much as I could.


    Then I heard him ¡°Yena, let¡¯s go!¡±


    I looked at him and shouted ¡°What the f*ck, do you think doing? What have you done with my friend¡¯s beautiful face? Do you know how much his face is worth? You f*ckn assh*le.¡±


    Michael had an angry expression on his face as he said questioningly ¡°Beautiful face? Worth? How is that any of your business? Come with me! Do you enjoy being with this man?¡±


    ¡°As a matter of fact, I do. So, do us all a favor and get the hell away from us!¡± I shouted harder.


    ¡°F*ck Poppy, you¡¯re making it sound worse¡± Jonathan said and laughed slightly. ¡°Although, I appreciate you calling me beautiful.¡± He sighed and patted my shoulder.


    ¡°Get the hell away from my wife buddy, or I¡¯ll hurt you more¡± he said, after Jonathan pat my shoulder, Michael became even angrier.


    ¡°NO! YOU get away from US! Or I will f*ckn hurt you myself¡± I was now angry, and could not take his attitude towards Jonathan any longer.


    ¡°OK. You two please calm down. Especially you Poppy, you are starting to scare me, you don¡¯t usually get mad this easily. Man, I¡¯m gay, I¡¯m not into your wife¡±, Jonathan said calmly.


    I took a deep breath and looked at Jonathan and said ¡°Sorry¡±.


    ¡°Why do you keep calling her Poppy?¡± Michael questioned, a little less angry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s a friend thing, right princess?¡± Jonathan looked at me smiling.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m so sorry. Oh, ghod, your face is brushed¡±. I found my anger fully gone but guilt crept into me, so I touched Jonathan¡¯s face.


    I called a waiter and asked for some ice.


    I looked at Michael and Regina and my anger fumed back. ¡°You can either sit there or get the hell out of here.¡±


    The waiter came back with ice. When I observed the restaurant, I found that it was empty. That was kind of weird or a lucky coincidence. At least no one saw the whole interaction. I asked Jonathan to sit while I put the ice on him.


    ¡°Babe, does that hurt?¡± I asked, worried.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call him babe¡± I heard Michael say. I thought ¡°he¡¯s still here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay princess, don¡¯t worry¡± he said, then smiled ¡°but can you come nearer?¡±


    I went near him, and he whispered, ¡°If you married our Helio, you wouldn¡¯t have this problem, and who is he with? Is that his sister?¡±


    I looked at them annoyed to find Michael¡¯s eyes on me. I scoffed and said ¡°That¡¯s his mistress let them be¡±. Jonathan was shocked.


    This time he wasn¡¯t whispering anymore. ¡°Yeh, Helio should have been it.¡±


    I didn¡¯t look back to know if both of them were still there, so I don¡¯t know if they had left, but I enjoyed my lunch with Jonathan. We laughed and talked about our fond memories.


    ¡°Oh Princess, I forgot to tell you this, but you missed Lily¡¯s first heart break.¡± I was shocked.


    ¡°What?! When? Who? How? I missed too much, didn¡¯t I?¡± I felt depressed.


    ¡°That, you did. But he was a huge ass, you wouldn¡¯t want to meet him either way. I think his name was Shaun? He was some kind of bad boy but a weirdo, who had the audacity to cheat on our Madam Lily. He wasn¡¯t even worth her time. Don¡¯t worry Ange, Jules and I beat him up, but really more Angelo, since he wasn¡¯t some public figure. Although he would probably be dead if you joined us.¡± He said, laughing. ¡°I would not want to be him with your skills¡± I started to laugh as well.


    ¡°Your right! I already have plans on what to do with him. If you show me who he is, he had better regret it, and it would be so good to drain him dry¡±. I laughed in an evil way and followed with ¡°Just kidding.¡±


    ¡°Yeah right, we know what you did with those boys at camp, we wouldn¡¯t want to be on your bad side, you scary bitch.¡± he said.


    I checked the time and found it was already 5pm. What? Did we talk for that long? It didn¡¯t feel like much time passed.


    I should go home, so I told Jonathan, ¡°Babe, I should be going home¡±. Since no one reacted, I gathered Michael didn¡¯t stay and went with Regina somewhere, well, whatever.


    ¡°OK, old lady. I¡¯ll drive you home¡±. He smiled and got up. I saw the chairs were empty. He did leave. Good.


    When we got into the elevator, Michael went in after us. I looked at him annoyed.


    ¡°Well, this is awkward¡± Jonathan said.


    We got to the hotel room floor, Jonathan was in, he went out of the elevator, went to his room and waved goodbye.


    We rode the elevator in silence until we got to the parking lot.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    I didn¡¯t feel like going with Michael, so I stood there for a while thinking about what excuse I was going to make.


    When I turned around, Michael was nowhere to be seen. I sighed in relief. When I was about to go back to the elevator, I heard a horn and looked back. I saw Michael¡¯s car, with his windows open


    ¡°Get In¡± I heard him say.


    I stood there not moving, he glared at me, I glared back at him. He got out of his car and I went in the elevator and pressed the first floor. The elevator closed on him, and I smiled. Assh*le! I gave him the finger before the elevator closed. He didn¡¯t look too pleased.


    I went to the front desk and ordered a room.


    ¡°One presidential room, please¡± I said to the lady at the front desk and gave her my card. She gave it back to me and gave me a key card.


    I then walked back to the elevator, pressed my room number, went up and stopped on my floor to find my husband already waiting there.


    ¡°You tend to forget, mom owns this hotel¡±, he said to me, annoyed.


    I walked past him and went to my room. Before I could close it, he went in. I had no energy to talk to him, then remembered I had forgotten my shopping bags in Jonathan¡¯s car, so I called him.


    ¡°Hello babe, my shopping bags. I forgot them in your car, but you don¡¯t need to get them, they are for Jules, Ange and Lily.¡± I told him over the phone.


    ¡°But what about me? You didn¡¯t get me anything, I¡¯ll cry.¡± He said, sounding pitiful.


    ¡°I have something different you would appreciate more. I¡¯ll give it to you when it arrives¡±, I told him, smiling.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be looking forward to that¡± he replied excitedly.


    ¡°Oh, Babe, can you help me with something? I know you have clothes prepared. Could you bring me a set of pajamas and outdoor clothes? I¡¯m in room 705.¡± I said.


    ¡°Sure, I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. My secretary will be there in a moment.¡± he said excitedly.


    ¡°Thanks¡± I said in a good mood. He then hang up.


    I looked at my phone for a personalized watch, found a silver watch that had diamonds. I ordered it for him. Put down my phone and lay down. This man, why does he keep staring at me?


    ¡°Can you please get out? Your face is annoying the hell out of me¡± I said, irritated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± he said with a straight face.


    ¡°Whatever, just get out when you get tired of staring, or you could just have gone with Regina and stop annoying me¡± I replied.


    ¡°Is that what you want?¡± He asked.


    ¡°As of now? Yes, since you went with her here, you should have left with her. Both your faces annoys the hell out of me. So, go! I have no patience for anyone today. If I never came back, I wouldn¡¯t have missed so much. 3 years! I wasted 3 years!¡± I said in frustration.


    He came near me, touched my head and left the room. I sighed in relief he was suffocating, although I felt hurt it was that easy for him to leave. Assh*le.


    I heard a doorbell and opened it.


    To find Jonathan, smiling.


    ¡°Oh dear you look red poppy¡± he said worriedly.


    ¡°Am I?¡± I asked.


    He closed my room and carried me in one swift motion. I fell asleep in his comfortable arms, he really does feel like a pillow.


    I had a dream again of our group recital 12 years ago. We were so happy we did it perfectly and Lily¡¯s brother came to congratulate us. He looked familiar, but I don¡¯t know where I saw him. It was one of my favorite memories. Our parents then came to us to congratulate us on our very wonderful presentation. We went into a huddle and promised to be together forever.


    I woke up in a hospital. I saw Jonathan with the same clothes earlier and Angelo with his messy hair dyed red, light brown eyes with glasses, and his clothes that looked like he had just woke up and left. He looks to be a lot larger than I saw him last, sitting on the sofa on my right and Michael on my left.


    ¡°Ange? Why are you here?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry he was so furious when he found out. He got worried when he heard you got sick. So he came to see you for himself.¡± Jonathan explained.


    Jonathan then went near and whispered ¡°Babe, please get better, you should separate those two. Ange, has been glaring at him for a while now¡±. I then looked at Ange. He didn¡¯t change a bit, still as protective of all of us as he always was.


    I called ¡°Ange?¡± he got closer, and I took his hand. ¡°Ange, that¡¯s my husband, please don¡¯t kill him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, killing isn¡¯t my job, that¡¯s yours, I only torture them.¡± I laughed, and so did Jonathan.


    Michael didn¡¯t find it amusing. ¡°Can you let go of my wife now¡±. Angelo went back to glaring at Michael.


    A doctor then went in ¡°Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kerr. You¡¯re having a baby, Mrs. Kerr, you also have a flu, but we can¡¯t give you any medicine, so, we will give you vitamins for the baby and make sure to drink more fluids. Also, please reduce stress. This early into the pregnancy isn¡¯t very safe for babies¡±


    I could not say anything in shock, so did both Jonathan and Angelo, but this time I saw Angelo look at Michael more intensely, like he was going to kill him this time. I don¡¯t want a baby yet. How? We used protection and contraceptives.


    ¡°How many weeks?¡± I was scared and trembling


    ¡°3 weeks¡± the doctor replied.


    3 weeks? That time in the greenhouse? There were no contraceptives in the mansion. Sh*t!


    I looked at Michael, and he looked so happy, and yet I could not share his happiness. Why is that? I felt my chest tighten, and my head started to ache. I found myself having a hard time breathing.


    ¡°Babe, calm down.¡± I heard Jonathan and looked at him. I also saw that Angelo was very worried.


    ¡°Poppy, please come down, breathe slowly¡±, Angelo said, and took my hand. He asked the doctor to give him a paper bag, and the nurse came and gave him one.


    ¡°Breath in, 12345 Breath out 12345, Breath in 12345, Breath out 12345¡­¡± we did that for a while before I calmed down.


    After I started to calm down, Jonathan became angry and stood up to go to Michael, while Angelo was taking care of me.


    ¡°What did you do to her? I was sure she stopped having panic attacks 2 years before she came back here!¡± Jonathan asked questioningly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, this has never happened before¡±, Michael looked confused.


    ¡°If I find out you did something to her for her to react like that, I won¡¯t be the only one to hurt you, remember that! You don¡¯t know how long she tried to get over her panic attacks after her parents'' death.¡± I heard Jonathan shouting


    So, I called him ¡°Joan¡±


    ¡°Yes, princess? Do you feel better now?¡±, He asked, and his eyes softened as she walked back to my bed and took my hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get angry babe, it ages your forehead, You need to look fabulous all the time¡± I said as I touched his face.


    I then touched Angelo¡¯s face and said, ¡°can you both go out. I need to talk to my husband, is that Okay?¡±


    They both nodded but didn¡¯t miss the chance to glare at Michael and went out of the room.


    ¡°Michael, come here¡± I said, and he sat beside me.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I never had the need to tell you¡± I replied, feeling guilty.


    ¡°Are you going to abort our baby?¡± He asked, depressed.


    ¡°What? Of course not. Do you see me as a monster? We are married, I have no reason to.¡± I was shocked by what he said.


    He sighed with relief.


    ¡°Am I allowed to ask who they are?¡± He asked gently.


    I nodded and asked him to call the two men in.


    ¡°Well, this is Jonathan who introduced himself to you earlier today and this is Angelo. They are my friends. I met from my summer camp since I was 6, We always went to that camp every year until we were 17, We are the same age. I was at that camp when I heard my parents died, and they were with me the whole time. I lived with them after I left my uncle. They are my family. And guys, this is Michael, my husband, whom you obviously know by now, so I hope you get along¡±. I introduced them


    He asked curiously ¡°there are still some people missing, right?¡±


    I nodded and replied ¡°Anastasia and Julian are at Zetiana.¡±


    I looked at the two who were glaring at Michael. ¡°Guys, it¡¯s really fine, he really didn¡¯t know. He is mostly a good husband.¡±


    ¡°Mostly?¡± he questioned


    ¡°Regina? Don¡¯t start with me.¡± It was my turn to glare.


    He nodded


    Michael never left my side for the whole day, and just asked a maid that grandma and mom gave us to bring clothes and food. Jonathan and Angelo were reluctant to leave, but Jonathan had something to do, so he left first.


    Before Angelo left, he said ¡°Fine. I will keep your secret for now, but you need to tell them yourself. You know how Lily will react when she finds out. Considering what is happening now.¡± He looked at my abdomen and continued ¡°My number is already on your phone. Make sure to tell me if anything happens. I¡¯m sure Lily will be devastated, but you really should tell her¡±. He turned around and left.


    I was left with Michael in the room. I thought of different ways to explain it to Lily. I know she will be furious and disappointed about not being told the news, although I don¡¯t feel bad about not ending up with her brother. We only met a few times, so it was an illogical dream. She wouldn¡¯t particularly mind. How am I supposed to tell her I got married, and she is going to be a God mother? Imagining the different scenarios scares the sh*t out of me. I sighed deeply.


    Then, after some time, I heard Michael say ¡°What secret was he talking about?¡± so I looked at his curious face.


    ¡°Our marriage¡± I replied, and he looked stunned.


    ¡°And who is this Helio that Jonathan mentioned this afternoon?¡± he followed with another question.


    I didn¡¯t have the heart to answer.


    ¡°Tell me.¡± He said, now glaring at me.


    I could not look at him and decided to look at my left hand which was fondling with the blanket. We stayed like that for a while and I could feel him glaring at me. It was getting suffocating.


    ¡°I have had a crush on him since I was little. He is Lily¡¯s older brother. I promise I only met him a few times when we were 12¡±, I replied.


    ¡°Was he the reason you wanted to go back as soon as you got here 3 years ago?¡± he questioned.


    ¡°No.¡± I replied honestly. I then took a deep breath and said ¡°can you reserve the questions for later. I don¡¯t feel too well for all your curiosity right now, nor am I in the mood to entertain you after what you did.¡±


    ¡°What I did?¡± he looked at me confused.


    ¡°Well apart from punching one of my closest friends when he did absolutely nothing. Don¡¯t think I forgot you met Regina earlier, we have talked about this, and seems like you didn¡¯t listen at all, so now can you please just leave me alone¡±, I replied, glaring at him.


    He didn¡¯t leave that night. The next day, I was discharged, and we didn¡¯t talk much after that, nor did he leave my side. Like he was trying to prove something. This Cold War lasted for about a week, except for days when grandma and mom visited the house, after hearing I was pregnant, which made them visit 3 times that week. It was fine by me. I spent time with Percy and just slept in my sanctuary with him. It felt nice, not having someone fight with me all the time, until I got a call from Jonathan.

 Chapter 6: I Am Not Alone Anymore

    ¡°Hello babe? Would it be okay to visit you? "I really miss you already.¡± He said the moment I answered the call.


    ¡°Yeah, come visit. I have been quite bored recently. I could use some entertainment¡± I replied lazily.


    ¡°Do I look like a clown to you?¡± He replied sound amused.


    ¡°Better than a clown, a comedian maybe¡± I replied, smiling.


    ¡°Anyway, both of us are on our way. We also brought a gift.¡± He replied and ended the call.


    What gift could it be? I looked around to find my husband nearby with his tablet. I then made an annoyed face. He wasn¡¯t talking to me anyway. About 10 minutes later, the phone rang, and I picked it up. It was the guards at the gates asking about letting the visitors in, which I agreed.


    A few minutes later, I heard a car outside and stood up to open the door to greet them. Jonathan was carrying a fruit basket and some kind of box. It had every fruit I loved bananas, watermelon, oranges and mango. I was curious what was in the box. I was guessing it was food. There was nothing, I would want more. Then I noticed Angelo was bringing a bag. He probably just came back from training or something and just didn¡¯t think much of it.


    Jonathan hugged me and said, ¡°I brought you some chicken, burger and fruits to munch on.¡±


    I nodded happily.


    Angelo also came for a hug and whispered, ¡°I brought our torture devices, just signal me and I¡¯ll use them on your husband.¡±


    I was baffled and looked at him, replied to him smiling to not make it suspicious ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Leave it in the car¡±


    He looked like I had taken away something fun and replied, ¡°Fine up to you¡± and turned back towards the car.


    I went to the dining room and, as expected, Jonathan had already helped himself with three plates and 3 glasses. He was already slicing some fruits and waiting for us. Our kitchen had a cooking area and then a counter. So I sat down on the stool, put my hands on the counter and watched him slicing the fruits. After a while, I was now kind of sleepy from watching him and lay down in my arms and closed my eyes.


    I felt someone tap me on the shoulder and opened my eyes to see that Jonathan was gone from the cooking area and turned my head to look behind me. There, Angelo was standing behind me, hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°Come on, everything is ready¡± he said.


    I looked at the table and the two men were already seated, while Angelo was trying to help me out of my stool and sit me down on the dining table with all of them. We then started eating. It was silent for a while until we were done with the chicken and burgers.


    ¡°Princess, should we tell Lily and Jules? It¡¯s been a week.¡± Jonathan started


    ¡°I know¡± I replied, looking guilty.


    ¡°Why do you call her princess? First it was poppy, now princess?¡± Michael sounded annoyed rather than curious.


    Jonathan replied, ¡°Princess Poppy, we have called her that since we were young. She is beautiful, sweet and innocent like a princess, our princess. Poppy, since she is as beautiful and addictive as an Opium Poppy Flower.¡± Then he looked like he was in a deep thought and looked back at Michael and continued, ¡°And by the way rarely lethal too¡± And winked.


    I mouthed at him ¡°STOP¡±


    He gave me a teasing smile but changed the subject, ¡°Babe, your birthday is just in a few weeks, can you please for the life of me let me design a dress for your birthday?¡±


    I nodded and smiled, but before I could say anything, I heard Michael say, ¡°Don¡¯t call her babe, and no you can¡¯t. She will wear the dress I prepared for her.¡±


    I looked at him, bewildered. A dress he prepared for me? In the past 2 years of our marriage that sh*t has never happened. What is he bullshiting about? I pick my own dress.


    I looked back at Jonathan, he looked utterly disappointed and did not talk further. Then I looked at Angelo, who seemed calm. But if you look closely, you can see veins on his neck, which means he is upset.


    ¡°That¡¯s not up to you, it¡¯s not your birthday, is it?¡± Angelo said in a calm tone.


    ¡°How can it not be? She¡¯s my wife¡±, Michael replied.


    ¡°Mhm, not for long.¡± Angelo scoffed and had a mocking smile on his face.


    Michael stood up, slammed the table and said, ¡°Shut up, Or I¡¯ll kick you out of my house¡±, then walked out of the dining room.


    ¡°Honestly princess, you should have just married me when I asked you before you came back here¡±, he said calmly and drank a soda.


    ¡°Ange, stop it!¡± I said and looked at him.


    I looked at Jonathan and continued, ¡°And Jonathan, I¡¯d be happy for you to design my dress.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Oh my ghod really? Like for real?¡± he replied excitedly. Jonathan looked energetic and excited again.


    I nodded


    ¡°I have already made designs, it¡¯s on my tablet right here. Come pick with me,¡± he said excitedly, and sat beside me.


    For the next few hours we happily talked about how to design my dress as well as my jewelry and shoes. I did not see my husband until they left. He was going down the stairs, glaring at me.


    I did not bother talking to him and just went upstairs to my room. I¡¯m planned to shower and prepare to take a nap. I feel so exhausted. When I was done, I finally closed my eyes and went to sleep.


    When I woke up, it was already dark outside, and I felt kind of hungry. I stood up and went to my secret cabinet to look for my favorite chips. I¡¯m quite lucky that I¡¯m not experiencing any morning sickness so far, and I can eat anything I want. I took three chips from my cabinet and sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV to watch some movies and picked my favorite romcom.


    Halfway through the movie, I was already done with the two bags of chips, so I touched beside me where I remembered putting them, to find the place empty, so I turned to look, to find that my husband was sitting beside me. And carrying some dinner, when he noticed that I was looking at him. He stood up and got the portable table and put the food in front of me and got one for himself too. I ate while watching the movie. When the movie was done, I took the remote to find another movie.


    ¡°Wait, can we talk?¡± Michael started.


    I looked at him and nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about Angelo, a while ago¡± I replied, feeling guilty for not stepping in.


    ¡°mhm, it¡¯s not about that¡±, Michael replied.


    I looked at him.


    ¡°Did you ever date someone before me?¡± he asked curiously.


    I bit my lip wondering how to answer and just resolved to nod.


    He asked gently, ¡°Is it okay to ask who it is? I promise not to get angry¡±


    I was stunned and looked at him seriously, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    He just nodded.


    So, I continued looking anxiously at him. ¡°In my third year of college, Angelo and I started dating.¡±


    He looked like he was expecting it as well as hurt, but said ¡°mhm, can you tell me more?¡±


    ¡°Well, it was more about keeping me company unlike a real relationship, but we all knew he liked me since high school. So you know, I said yes just to see where it goes. Before I came back here, I was still dating him. He declared he would marry me when I got back. I felt guilty and broke up with him a week before my flight. He accepted it calmly and just said he needed some time and that he knew I was too invested in someone else, and hoped that I¡¯d be happy in the future.¡± I made it as short as I could.


    ¡°Would you have married him? If you went back,¡± he asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me answer a question you don¡¯t want an answer to, please Michael. "I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± I said teary-eyed.


    ¡°Please Sienna, I just want to know.¡± He replied on the verge of tears. He knew what the answer was, yet he still wanted to hear it from me.


    ¡°Yes, I probably would have. He is my emergency guy, if I end up unmarried at 30. I wanted kids. Just like Lily chose Jules to be her emergency guy. We were in high school, young and bored. It just came up, and we all agreed to it. So please, let this issue go.¡± I explained and looked down.


    He nodded, and I could see him crying, and somehow there was nothing I could do to ease the pain he was feeling. I did this what right did I have to comfort him.


    So I sat there hugging my legs. I don¡¯t know what to do. I¡¯m so useless. I felt like crying, so I cried, and I don¡¯t feel any better at all.


    I woke up now in bed. I looked up to find him still sleeping and hugging me tightly. I hugged him as well. Which woke him up.


    He looked down and said, barely smiling, ¡°Good morning beautiful.¡±


    I tried to smile back, and replied ¡°Good morning handsome.¡±


    But he could not let the issue go. ¡°So, you said our marriage was a secret, right? From your friends.¡±


    I nodded


    ¡°Why is that?¡± he asked.


    I thought of it and said, recalling the events, ¡°Actually, they are more like my family, not really friends. So before you got to the airport to pick me up, when I just got here, I left my bag since I really needed to go to the bathroom. When I got back, half of my bags were gone and one of those was where I put my phone, since our phones were kind of connected. Somehow, you know, privately, just the five of us, there was no way of communicating with them other than that at all. You already know how private Zetiana is. Even their social accounts couldn¡¯t be found, so I couldn¡¯t inform them of our wedding, and somehow I couldn¡¯t get back for some reason.¡±


    ¡°But yena, what bothers me, is why they don¡¯t know I¡¯d be married to you. We have been arranged to marry since you were born. It still doesn¡¯t make sense¡± He replied unconvinced.


    I could not look at him and just looked up at the ceiling. Because I really did not mention him at all to any of them. I mean what would I say? I have this boring kid I play with back at Illani who I am arranged to marry, but I don¡¯t want to marry him? I couldn¡¯t even imagine the conversation, and it was always something not really in my mind at all, nor was there a need to share. But now I love this man, I still understand my younger self why it was a topic that I never brought up.


    ¡°Yena, tell me honestly, did you ever mention me to them?¡± He asked, and I could feel his arms tightening around me.


    I could not answer him at all. There was no answer that was going to make him happy.


    I felt his arms tightening even more as I could hear a sarcastic giggle from him.


    As it got tighter, I tapped on his chest and said anxiously, ¡°Michael, I can¡¯t breath¡±


    He let me go, stood up and glared at me, like he could kill me at any second. I just looked down, feeling guilty that I


    I can¡¯t even do anything to make all of this better.


    ¡°So, have I been your big secret from the beginning? Was that why you never reached out in your years of college nor visited at all? Was I even important to you?¡± he said, looking more hurt than angry.


    Still, I looked down and didn¡¯t answer him. What answer would make him happy should I lie? To make him feel better?


    So I tried to lie to him. ¡°No-no, I told them all about you, th-they just probably forgot, and I-I-I couldn¡¯t visit because I was b-busy with school, you''re very important to m-me see, I-I¡¯m even married to you, isn¡¯t that proof?¡± but my voice didn¡¯t come out right.


    ¡°Sienna, we both know you can¡¯t lie. You always speak with conviction and confidence. Now somehow you are stammering with just a few sentences. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I prefer the truth from you¡± he said, and looked at me even more disappointed.


    I looked down, because no matter what I say, there is nothing I¡¯m going to say that is going to make all of this better.


    ¡°Let me rephrase, did you ever have any intention of marrying me back then? Since I can now see that our marriage is a secret, and not just that, even I am your secret as well, from the people you call family.¡± As he said that, I could sense the hurt and disappointment in his voice.


    ¡°No, I wanted to go back, and since my parents died, I couldn''t find any reason to stay here anymore. So, I wanted to start my life there on my own. Although, as I said, the reason I couldn¡¯t tell them about our wedding was because my phone was stolen when I got here and couldn¡¯t find them on any social platforms, it was frustrating at first, but I thought I was getting back anyway. But after marrying you, you nor your family would not allow me to go home.¡± I looked at him and explained as much as I could.


    ¡°Home? "Am I not home enough for you?¡± he asked, and I could see a tear falling from his eye.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean! You knew I had no one here, yet you never allowed me to go back to Zetiana, even just for a visit.¡± I told him, finding it in him to allow me to go.


    ¡°What about me? "Did you plan to leave me too?¡± he said, and I could not answer, because yes, I was. He was an irrelevant part of my future when I came here.


    ¡°No! "I will never allow you to go back. Mark my words, you are never going back to Zetiana. I will never allow you to leave me!¡± He turned, walked to the door and slammed the door.


    I was left in the room. I could not help but cry. I folded my knees and hugged it while I cried even more. Lied back down and couldn''t help but cry my eyes out ons again. I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn¡¯t, so I went out of the room. Percy ran towards me, trying to play with me.


    ¡°Percy not now, stay okay?¡± I said before walking away and walking mindlessly out of our house.


    After a while of twists and turns, around the streets I found myself in a playground. I felt a drop in my nose and looked up. It seems that it is starting to rain. I looked at the children who were playing in the playground who had started to enjoy running around as the rain got worse. The parents were running back to get their umbrellas and trying to convince their children to stop playing in the rain and go home, and I just sat on the bench looking as some walked away from the playground and others just resolved on letting the children enjoy the rain. I looked at them fondly as I touched my belly. Would I be a good mother if I ended up having this baby? I caressed my stomach, and felt like I wasn¡¯t alone anymore.


    I let the rain wash away my worries watching the children running aound as I let kept on caressing my stomach and said ¡°Hi baba, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be a good mother. I¡¯m even having a hard time dealing with my life now. I can¡¯t seem to solve this. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll be a suitable mother for you.¡±


    I looked up at the sky and felt every drop on my face as I said ¡°I¡¯ll just name you baba, okay? I always liked that nickname.¡± I continue to just repeat the baby¡¯s name over and over, ¡°baba. Baba. Baba.¡± And continued, ¡°Baba, if you decide to stay with me, I will try my best to be a good mother, but this wasn¡¯t a good time for you to show up. Mama will always love you no matter what you choose baba.¡±


    I sat there for a while, just watching as the crowded playground slowly became deserted, touching my stomach as I just let the rain fill the void that I felt inside. I closed my eyes and let the cold rain consume me whole to get rid of the pain I feel inside.