Unexpected

Episode 3

When had it started? The undying love and affection she felt towards the cruel cold man like Ricky Anderson. Audrey wished she could turn back the hands of time, if she could, she would hate him instead. 

She looked into his hazel eyes, still falling for him despite herself, then nodded. "Fine. Until I return every dime, I will continue staying here, but not as your wife, but as an housemate." 

Ricky released his hold on her waist, his eyes on her face. Why did she have to look so pretty even when annoyed? He forced his eyes from her face, and turned, walking towards the window. He stood there for a while, staring out into the rising darkness, hands in his pockets. 

"If that's what you want to be to me, I've got no complains." He replied, his back turned against her. 

Audrey bit her lips, wondering if she was being too forward. She shook her head, and brushed away her feelings as soon as she recalled how insignificant she'd been to Ricky. She was going to be having a baby. She needed to be happy, and her mental health mattered alot. 

"Your...guest...I guess she's waiting. I don't want her barging into here." She said after a few minutes silence.

Ricky turned then, flashed his hazel eyes at her. He took his gaze to the portraits on the wall, taking in the pictures. It was the wedding pictures, and they reminded Ricky of how gorgeously beautiful his fake bride had been. 

Her bright skin was as clear as the sun, and her blue green eyes were filled with sparkles as though she was a real bride. She'd been extremely excited, and he'd thought she was being too dramatic. 

"You've always been dramatic. You just hide it too well." Ricky suddenly said to Audrey as he returned his gaze on her. 

Audrey stared at him in silence, and all she could think of was how possible it would be to stop loving Ricky Anderson. He didn't deserve her. He never did. 

"Let's talk more calmly over dinner, shall we? Well, if Claire is the problem, she's leaving in an hour. Get that?" Without waiting for a possible reply, he turned and walked out of the room. 

Audrey stared after the door, inhaled deeply and brought her weight down at the edge of the bed. She brushed strands of hair from her eyes and picked her phone up from the nightstand. She needed to talk to someone, and who better than Xavier McStuffins?

************

"You won't leave me standing here to answer some stupid calls, Xavier! And who's it again this time? Oh of course I know it's her...that stupid Audrey, is it?" Diana yelled in rage, walking briskly towards the young man in his pyjamas. 

He whistled nonchalantly, scooped up his phone from the bookshelf and smiled on seeing the caller ID displaying the name, Most Beautiful. As he connected the line, he reached out a arm, grabbed Diana into his embrace, keeping her locked in his strong arms even as she struggled against him. "Holla, Audy." Xavier called excitedly, and chuckled. 

Audy. It was what he always called her ever since they were little, and he continued to call her that even after they became grownups. "What's wrong? You sound dull. Wanna talk?" 

"Xavier, I'm talking to you!" Diana kept on yelling amidst the phone conversation. Xavier fused his lips on hers, momentarily silencing her. She struggled even more, but ended up deeper in his arms.

"Okay. I will be waiting just outside the gate by 9. See ya." He cut the line, tossed the phone on the bed, and encircled the woman with his arms. "Stop this, babe." 

Diana finally broke free, moving away from the muscular man. "It's her! How come you always seem to pay more attention to Audrey than to me? I don't get it!" She cried as she leaned on the window seal, scooping her hair backwards. 

Xavier chuckled, and shook his head. He settled his gaze on his girlfriend, an amused look on his face. She was an attractive woman, almost as tall as he was, and really sensitive. Except for the jealousy over Audrey and her temper, Diana was a perfect woman, and he was considering making her his wife. 

"She's my sister, babe. Come on." 

"Oh yes, tell me what I don't know. Just yesterday, you were so worried sick about her just because she didn't pick few of your calls! You barely looked at me, Xavier." Diana fumed. She suddenly moved into motion, and started to walk out of the room. 

Chuckling inwardly, Xavier rushed after her. 

*******

Monday morning, Ricky Anderson stormed through the elevators, his steps hitting hard on the solid floor, ignoring all greetings on his way to his office. 

Vivienne Westwood, his acting PA, an Italian young lady rushed after him, almost bumping into the glass door. She adjusted her eyeglasses, walked carefully into the spacious office, and walked to the desk. "Boss..."

"What do you want so early in the morning? This is not the time." Ricky snapped, not taking his eyes off the files on his desk. 

"Huh...we finally have someone who meets up with the requirements of being your PA, boss." Vivienne announced, hoping that would capture his attention. It did. 

Ricky looked up. He took off his dark brown expensive suit, hung it around his armchair, and sat before sparing Vivienne a glance. "Who's she?" 

"Although we have other applicants, but this woman's CV is..."

"That's a very long answer, Miss Westwood." 

Vivienne clamped her mouth shut, repositioning. "Okay sir. Would you like to come to the interview room? Or would you rather I send her..."

"Have her come in here for a brief assessment. Please, check to make sure she's harmless."

"Of course sir." Vivienne replied, moved back a few inches before turning and disappearing. 

Ricky took in a deep breath, and sank deeper into his chair. He stopped to check what bothering him, and hissed out through his clenched teeth. His discussion with Audrey the night before hadn't gone well. 

It still shocked him how she could suddenly want to break free from him. He'd always thought he was her lifeguard.

There was a gentle knock on the door, dragging him out of his thoughts. 

Ricky glanced at the door, readjusted to his professionalism, and asked whoever it was to come in. The door swung open, and a young woman walked into the office with dashing red heels.

Ricky glanced up, nostrils flaring at the familia scent. He stared at the woman who just walked in and a stunning, dazzling look appeared on his face.

In front of him, looking dazzling and extremely dashing was Audrey. 

"Audrey?" Ricky called and slowly, he stood up on his feet. 

Audrey's smile broadened. "Yes. That's me." Came her reply.