Chapter 15

Felix's POV.

I shut the door behind me and looked around me to make sure that no one was near. I then took the call.

 "Go on, I'm listening. And be fast, I don't have forever." I said in a whisper.

"I am tired of sneaking around, Felix. I want to stop playing this game with you." Her voice on the other end trembled as she spoke.

"You do not know what this action might cost you, dear. I have made it clear to you before. 

Need I remind you again? It appears you suffer memory loss of some sort.

 For goodness' sake, Laura, we have already begun. All you need to do is remain patient until after a few court hearings. 

You can then claim to withdraw the case on the account of the relationship you both shared or even debunk the charges as false."

"I am not able to move about freely because the whole world thinks I was kidnapped by my best friend.

 I can only imagine how hard life is for her. Why the fuck am I doing this with you, Felix? 

What do you stand to gain? Is it really love? I saw the pictures on the internet. Congratulations on your proposal to her."

"You're so rude, you can't even greet your boss."

"Good evening, Felix." Her voice rang on the other end.

"Hello, dear." I responded, sinking to a chair. 

"Why are you delaying the payment of my balance?"

"Did you forget the agreement, Laura? I will pay you the rest of the money after the divorce has been finalized and the court case ended."

"Well, Felix I'm tired of telling lies to myself and to everyone. Especially Everleigh." Laura sounded like she was about to back out, which was highly unacceptable. She also sounded remorseful.

"There's nothing you can do about how you feel. You're already in the middle of this and you have to finish it.

 I'll send you five million dollars, Laura but that's it until the deal has been completed." 

"You speak like you do not know the real reason why I accepted to do any of this with you. 

I am not interested in the money as much as I'm interested in having you fulfill your side of the deal."

"Relax, I'll do as I promised soon." 

"I need you, Felix. I need you with me today at the usual location." She said with the most sensual voice I ever heard her use.

 "And you know why I need you. Yet you starve me of the one thing I have asked you for all my life. 

 You know how much I need this, you know how much it means to me. You're still in, right? You'll still keep that part of the deal, right?"

"I don't know..." I said with a stutter. Kissing Everleigh made me feel so many things, one of which was affection.

 The last thing I wanted to do was visit Laura at a hotel tonight. 

Where would I tell Everleigh I was going? Besides, this would probably be the night that she would decide to take her pound of my flesh. "I am not coming to the usual location."

"Why? You should have a valid reason for turning me down."

"I have no reason, I don't know why."

"What do you mean you don't, Felix? You signed a contract. You promised."

"I did and I will fulfill it. But not tonight." My eyes darted around me for the last time and a sigh of relief escaped my lips as I hung up. 

A knock came on the door of my bedroom. Footsteps had been approaching me, but I was oblivious because I was engrossed in the phone call with Laura. 

"Who is there?" I said, aware that only one person would dare come this close to my bedroom.

"Felix!" I heard her voice approaching me, my heart skipped a beat. I wondered how long she had been there and how much she heard. 

"Come in," I said. She walked into my bedroom and scanned the empty bed in search of me. I could see her from where I stood at the door of my study. 

"Ever! I'm in my study room." I said to her, inhaling deeply. My voice guided her towards me, leaving me relieved that she didn't hear any of what I said.

 My face lit up with a forced smile as my gaze rested on her. "What do you need, dear?"

"Do I have to need something before coming to see you?" She asked, feeling unwelcome.

"No, dear. You can always come here whenever you wish to. Come sit with me." I said, pointing to an empty spot. "What is it, dear?"

"You left the party. I came to see what the matter was."

"A work call came in, you know how important those are."

"I do," she sat on an empty chair next to me. "It's so beautiful how hard you work and even more beautiful, how successful you have become."

"You were my motivation, Ever. I know how badly you wanted me to succeed."

She looked at me with doubt and then she heaved. "The party was beautiful. It still is. 

I want us to go back shortly but before we do, I want to speak with you about something."

"What is the matter, darling?"

"Not much, I was wondering if you wanted to leave now for the vacation."

"Huh?" I was a bit startled. "I thought you said you didn't want to go because you have so much going on."

"I still do," She took in air. "But staying in that party and thinking less about everything I have going on has made me realize how much I need rest."

"Exactly the point I have been trying to make." I gave a nod. "I'm glad you're starting to see things from my point of view."

She looked at me with uncertainty and then she stood. "Come on, Felix. Let's get back to the party."

"You're really excited about that party."

"I am. I made a new friend already."

"Already? What's her name?"

"Her name is Gina. Your personal assistant. She's such a sweet soul."