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APHRODISIA Chapter Thirteen
ZaraI have never been more embarrassed in my entire life, like I was this afternoon. After the ogre had not so rudely sent me out of his office, I ran into his secretary at the door. She had sent me tight smile filled with pity, as if what she witnessed was not new to her.Embarrassing situations were not really my forte. You’d think after everything that had happened to me in high school, I’d have developed a thick skin to people’s judgements but that was not the case.I still despised it when people looked at me a certain way, be it judgmental or pitying. Judgmental looks, well, I could stand those to a certain extent but pity…pity made me feel like a failure and I can’t stand failure. And that’s exactly what I felt like when I saw her look at me today.When I got back home, my whole body felt like lead. I dropped my bag and plopped down on the couch without bothering to undress. I don’t know when sleep consumed me but I woke up a few minutes ago with a blinding headache. I rema
APHRODISIA Chapter Fourteen
ZaraMorning rolls around sooner than I expect. The morning rays penetrate the slightly parted blinds of my window. I sit up groggily, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My body feels like it has been run over by a truck and my face feels itchy. I get up and do my regular morning stretches but for some reason, it is more painful today. I walk towards the bathroom but the sound of the doorbell stops me in my tracks.Who could it be this early in the morning?I slowly descend the stairs leading to the living room. The doorbell rings again. “ Hold on!”Whoever is at the door better be getting chased by a wild animal. Else…I swing the door open and see the last person I was expecting to see. Hands on my waist, I shoot said person my nastiest glare. “ How did you find my house?”He smirks. He actually smirks. “ I have my ways” Unbelievable. "I hope those ways of yours include how to make yourself at home in jail, becau
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifteen
ZaraThey say it takes a moment for your life to completely spiral out of your control. One event is capable of completely flipping your world upside down and have you questioning your life’s choices. Few months ago, I completely washed my hands off love, relationships and marriage . Fate must be having a field day with this one.“ I can’t marry you”“ I thought you’d say that. Hear me out, then you can decide”He pulls the car into the parking lot of a private hospital and kills the engine. A beat passes, then two. He sighs as if this is the last thing he wants to be doing. Well, the feeling is mutual.“Marry me . Just for four years after the baby is born, then we can get a divorce if you want. Of course, this does not mean that I believe you hundred percent, that you’re carrying my child”If he doesn’t believe me, why bother?“After the baby is born, I will have a DNA test conducted to determine the pa
APHRODISIA Chapter Sixteen
Turns out the combination of mayonnaise and peanut butter had triggered a break out on my face. The doctor adviced that it is imperative for me to look after my health and everything I eat, as I am no longer by myself now. Smoking and alcohol was also prohibited. Not that I’m much of a drinker or a smoker anyway. I fix myself a plate of tomato soup and few slices of garlic bread. I was craving it so bad that I had to drop by and do some grocery shopping. In a way, I was thankful that I got to fill up my almost empty refrigerator.Marcello’s words from earlier crosses my thoughts and I feel my appetite wane. Marriage …As far as jokes went, this was the cruelest of them all. This is something I had wanted so bad , that I was willing to endure a few bad relationships. Now that I had given up, the same thing is being presented to me on a platter. Fake but still…Fear, so terrifying fills my nerves like a shot of hard drugs. What if I am unable to raise this child on my own ? If I accep
APHRODISIA Chapter Seventeen
ZaraPeople are beautiful.Not that I’ve never thought so. The thought just comes to mind as I sit here watching different people go in and out of this restaurant. The dim glow of the interior gives the place an ethereal vibe. Maybe it’s just the blue lights but I am fascinated. A couple passes my table, the man’s hand placed on the woman’s hip in a possessive display. My cheeks heat up. As they take a seat all the way at the back of the room, my eyes never stray from their form. I find myself smiling at their display of affection. The man seems to be wearing a permanent smile and if the glow in his eyes is anything to go by, I’d say he’s in love. Somehow, that saddens me.“Never knew you were the nosy type, Miss Parkinson”I roll my eyes before I’m able to catch myself. Turning back to the person in front of me, I raise my brows at his obvious tardiness. I sneak a peak at my cellphone lying on the pristine tablecloth covered table. “ Thirty minutes late, Mr. Andres. Never knew you w
APHRODISIA Chapter Eighteen
Marcello New York evenings around this time of the year are often picturesque. The air is crisp , evidencing the season we are currently in- Spring. My favourite season of the year has always been Winter but there’s something about the Spring breeze that fills me with nostalgia. The sun is currently setting and the sky, a brilliant blue transitioning to a blend of orange and pink. I have always had an eye for art. As my best friend, Michael Black, would say, “ you and your aristocratic hobbies”.I smile lightly. The son of a gun…I wouldn’t exactly say he is wrong. I enjoy all the sports majority would term old fashioned; polo racing, golf, fencing and recently, fencing. I like to think my taste is refined.I maneuver my car down the winding road that opens into the residential area on Long Island. Several restaurants line the side of the open street . I sight an art gallery or two among the numerous high rise buildings. Yet, the aesthetic does nothing to quell the unease brewing in
APHRODISIA Chapter Nineteen
ZaraAs Marcello pulls up in the posh driveway, the nerves in my stomach multiply tenfold. I have been dreading this meeting for the past one week, since he informed me. It’s one thing to meet your fiance’s family for the first time but meeting your fake fiance’s family? That’s on a whole different level. The door to the main building opens and a petite, dark haired woman steps out and skips down the stairs. Judging by the strong resemblance she shares with the man in the driver’s seat, who is grinning from ear to ear, she is Marcello’s mother.Marcello opens the door and steps out and I follow suit. To my surprise, his mother walks in my direction and pulls me into a hug. Her arms around me remind me so much of my mother that I find myself tearing up. She smells homely; like rich spices. Marcello whines beside me and she detaches from me and goes to hug him. Shortly after, she’s back by my side, grabbing my hands and giving me a once over. Then, she concludes that I have in fact,
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty
Zara“Hi babe, I’ve missed you”“Yes babe, I’ve missed you too” he repliesI turn my head towards him so fast, I almost get whiplash. Babe? Who’s this woman anyway?My shock slowly morphs into fear. Does this mean I have been lured here to be made fun of? Did Marcello’s parents already know about our fake relationship? Does this…“ You must be Zara”I turn my attention to the new addition in the room. “ That would be me”Something about her seems familiar though, but I can’t seem to place my finger on it. I take a proper look at her and my belly churns with something unpleasant. Judging by her dress sense, she is a classy woman. She has on a green dress that does wonders for her figure. Long legs, a designer bag hanging delicately on her hand, long dark hair. A brunette, I see.“Zara?”Wait a minute…I knew she looked familiar for a reason. I raise my eyes to her face . She has quite sharp features and a smile on her face. Why is she smiling?“Zara. Mi’ja”Has she figured it all ou
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APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Nine
ZaraIt is my first time stepping foot into Marcello’s house, which is about to be my house too for the next four years. Earlier on in the week, I had sent my luggage through Mr. Philip, Marcello’s driver. I felt there was no need to come see the place myself. It is Marcello Andres; he wouldn’t be living in a shack.And I was right…This place is no shack at all. The driveway opens into a lush entrance, lined with trees on both sides. There’s a fountain in the middle; nothing grand but the size does nothing to take away the beauty of the scenery. The main building is a modern architectural structure made with 70 percent glass. From my vantage point, I can see the interior clearly and it is breathtaking.Valerie notices me staring, mouth agape and she nudges me with her elbow. “ What ? Never been to your husband’s house ?”Well, damn. It’s just day one and I’m about to get caught. “Pfft ! Of course I’ve been here before”She gives me a skeptic look “ uh huh”“ For real. I’ve just… nev
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Eight
ZaraThe girls managed to drag me out of my self-sabotaging mission. The plan was to sit there and make the day as uneventful as possible; that way, I’ll forget about it in no time. It was time for the couple first dance and I was sat there , deliberating on whether or not to do it. Marcello had shot endless lasers at me from his eyes but I refused to budge. Thankfully, Valerie and Emily started chanting “Zara! Zara! Zara!” and soon, everyone else joined in. With the spotlight now turned from networking to me, I had no choice but to give in. Marcello plastered a wide, albeit fake smile on his face and started dancing towards me. I had to hold in my gag at the sight. What a pretentious jerk.I reciprocated with an equally wide smile of my own and glided towards him, as gracefully as my dress would let me. We danced to Beyonce and Ed Sheeran’s classic. Once he held me in his embrace, one hand placed firmly on the small of my back, I found myself melting into his touch. He led the danc
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Seven
ZaraThe makeup artist and hairdresser arrived at a few minutes to eleven a.m. I was already showered and waiting. My hair and makeup took almost two hours and my bum is sore from sitting in one position for such a long time. My hair has been gathered into an elegant updo ; a coiffure I believe with millions of pins holding it together. The makeup artist worked her magic and my once dull complexion is glowing — smokey eyes and nude lips. I look regal.My dress is made with cord lace. It has a sweetheart neckline that pushes that holds my breasts elegantly. I thought the lack of sleeves would make the dress too slutty but that is not the case. The waist cinches and flows to my feet in a combination of lace and tulle. I look…beautiful.A knock sounds on the door and mom and dad walk in. Mom immediately tears up at the entrance and walks to me with outstretched arms. “ You look so beautiful, honey. I’m so proud of you.”“ Thanks mom”
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Six
Zara I woke up at five today. Last night’s sleep was fitful; I was too anxious to sleep. I tossed and turned before I managed to get some shut eye at about 2:00am. Two hours of sleep. I tried to force myself to go back to bed but all efforts proved abortive. So, I came down to the kitchen to get a glass of warm milk. I haven’t had caffeine in awhile and the sight of the coffee machine almost has me drooling. No, Zara ,think of your baby. I take a seat on one of the stools around the kitchen island. The last time I was here at Marcello’s parents, I didn’t have a good look at other places except the dinning and living rooms. The kitchen is made with neutral colors of black, white and grey. The most fascinating part of it all is the sink. It’s not your conventional sink, which comes in basin form. This one is made of black granite and bears the same structure with the entire island, save for the drainage at the corner. Money sure can do a lot. Someday, I would love to have a ki
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Five
ZaraAfter my discharge from the hospital, wedding preparations began in earnest. Dad and mum stayed back in New York on the insistence of Maria and Mr. Hernandez. For the past two weeks, I have been home, thanks to the leave my boss graciously offered me. At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to spend all those weeks but now, I’m thankful that he was thoughtful enough to bring it up.My days are spent going through wedding catalogues after the other, with both mothers breathing down my neck for wanting a small wedding. I thought I could try convincing them once again to see from my perspective — I am already showing and I do not want to attract even more attention by inviting a crowd.Of course, it fell on deaf ears. The only person who seemed to see through my lens was dad. Mr. Hernandez also assured me that he understood my concern but the Andres family was a big family in the business world; a small wedding was simply unacceptable.It is one week to the dreaded event, after whic
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Four
ZaraThe doctor said I could go home today. Since I regained consciousness, I have spent an extra day here and this hospital room is beginning to suffocate me. I haven’t seen Marcello since I woke up, although my mom swears by him. A good man, my foot.I could tell my dad was not excited about the whole thing but he managed to keep things civil for me and mom’s sake. The girls also came by yesterday. I called to inform them and they were here within the hour. I hit the jackpot with those ones.Marcello’s family came by a few times. Maria came beating all kinds of food; I struggled to even eat some of them. Morning sickness is the devil. His father was especially worried, since he was there when the whole thing went down. He even promised to knock Marcello down a peg, which in my opinion, was the best thing I heard during my stay here.My bag is packed and ready to go, courtesy of my mom and Maria. Both women have been fussing over me like mother hens. Fortunately, they hit it off righ
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Three
“ You did what?”My head buzzes with the new information. I move forward on the edge of my seat, more anxious than anything else. “ What did you tell them?”“ I still have your resumé remember? You’ve met my family, I thought it’s only fair that I meet yours as well.”“ Yeah, after you told me that they weren’t my family and not to bother getting friendly with them. What the hell is wrong with you?”He merely shrugs. Shrugs, I tell you!I can’t seem to find my bearings at the moment. A lot is going through my mind. Did he tell them about the pregnancy? I turn to him in alarm“ You didn’t tell them about the pregnancy…right?”His silence confirms my fear. Blood rushes like torrents inside my head, muting the sounds around me. I stand up on shaky legs. “ This whole thing....the contract …let’s call it off. I can’t deal with this. Clearly, you have no idea what a partner is; fake or real.”I move with guarded steps towards the entrance and he makes no move to follow me; not that I want
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Two
Zara Within the next hour, I walk into the premises of Paradise Group. I figured a phone call would not adequately portray the range of emotions I am currently feeling, so a physical confrontation is the best bet; for someone as thickheaded as Marcello , that is. I do not bother going to the reception, I move straight to the elevators and step in. The entire ride to the last floor, I picture different scenarios that would be most befitting to channel my anger. Maybe I should knee him in the balls…Nah, he would probably dodge that without much stress. Stupid ,annoying, athletic body. Or…Maybe I should act out a scene from a movie like those crazy protagonists; Push my way through his office, step on his work desk and give him a piece of my mind while wagging my finger in his face. The middle finger preferably… I catch myself from envisioning further torture tactics. He definitely brings out the worst in me. ... Makes me question how on earth I am going to survive four yea
APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty One
ZaraA week has passed after the incident that night but Marcello has not called even once. No surprise there.Within the last week, the girls and I met once for dinner and I had informed them about my decision to get married to Marcello. I left out the fact that it is a contract marriage; I just didn’t know how they would take the information. Their reactions were priceless and even now, it is clear as day in my head.Valerie had stood comically, mouth agape and Emily, still in shock reached out to pinch her mouth closed. Laughter bubbles in my throat at the reminder. Then I told them about the events that went down after the dinner. That didn’t go down as well as the previous information. Although she did not overreact, I could see the silent storm brewing in Emily’s eyes. One thing about Em is that she is ever the calm girl but when she gets upset about something, she is capable of setting a forest on fire.She had calmly held my hand and looked into my eyes with all seriousness
