Samuel helped her out of her coat when they got home. It felt heavenly to step out of her heels and feel the cool tiles on the soles of her feet. Hours of standing and walking around the big gallery made her sore. Plus, the night had been one big rollercoaster after another. It wasn't enough to have Ysabel on her back; it seemed she also couldn't get enough talking down to from Samuel's grandfather.
The conversation with Samuel in the garden also filled her with a whirlwind of emotions. They didn't talk about it, but she did wonder if he wanted kids. Personally, she wouldn't want to have a child until she was sure they wouldn't be breaking up the next day, but she did love the idea of a child.
He said he didn't want to divorce her. She could feel her heart tremble when she remembered the directness with which he said those words. She looked at him now, his face otherwise blank as he folded her coat and dropped it on the sofa. When he caught her staring, he smiled.
Christen rushed up the stairs, throwing herself against the door as she banged it in urgency. Her head had been so full she forgot to take her jacket with her when she left the house, and walking in the nippy cold had left her chilly. But there were other things to worry about. Things that kept her from enjoying the rest of the party or falling asleep as her mind wouldn’t stop racing.She banged again, calling for Vincent, wondering if he was asleep. She hadn’t thought about that. It was pretty late at night, and though he wasn't an early sleeper, she couldn't see any of the lights on in the house. She was desperate and needed to talk to someone before she folded in on herself. Vincent was the next best thing.Relief filled her when she saw a light come on before the door opened, and a sleepy eyes Vincent stood in front of her.&
Kali stretched under the covers as he kissed the grove of her spine. His hand skimmed across her stomach and interlaced with hers. When he kissed her cheek, she leaned into him, sighing as she turned, plastering herself to him. Still catching his breath, he laid back on the headboard while she propped her chin on his chest."Thankfully, tomorrow is Saturday," Kali whispered, drawing on his chest with her fingers. Maybe we can spend the day together? In the house?"He opened his eyes to look at her, his fingers combing her hair over her back. "I don't have anything planned, so I don't see why not."She smiled, climbing up his side to kiss him tentatively. His palm spread over her back, holding her to him until she pulled away to rest on his shoulder."Can I ask you something?""Sure.""Was it okay?"“Hope you are not asking for what I think you are asking.”"Maybe I am." He said, combing his hair away from his face.
"What do you mean.""About why you got married." Flora raised her hand again, but he leaned away before she could touch him. "I know you didn't cheat on me with Kali. I have known it since the beginning, but I was hurt and angry, and I turned my heart off and listened to my brain. I doubted you, and you don't know how much I regret it."Samuel pulled on his hair, frustration clawing through him as they stared at each other.
Kali brightened when Samuel walked in the door. Giovanna had some friends over, and Kali decided to hole herself up in the room while she entertained her friends."Hey, you. How did it go?""We fixed the problem."He dropped his bag and then his jacket, looking drawn and exhausted as he dragged himself to the bed. Kali crawled to meet him, managing a kiss before he collapsed on the mattress."Must have been tiresome."He groaned, "Amongst other things."Kali nodded. She helped him out of his sneakers and peeled his T-shirt off. When she got back beside him, he opened his eyes to look at her."What's wrong?" She asked, resting a hand on his chest."Flora knows everything.""I don't understand.""About our marriage and my mom's involvement in our break up. She knows everything.""How?""Best guess is Christen.""Christen?""Flora came by the office not too long after you left. She said sh
Samuel chuckled when Kali brushed her fingertip ever so gently along the bottom of his ear. "You know that tickles." "I find it odd. Such an odd place to be sensitive in." "Kali, a lot of people are sensitive behind their ears." She did it again, raising goosebumps on his skin. He shivered, his breath shaking as he shrunk away. "Stop, or I would throw you off me." She laughed. "Fine. Such a baby." Giovanna had left earlier with her friends, and Kali dragged him to the pool for them to enjoy some time in the open. She lay between his legs, muttering on about her sister's schooling and inviting her aunt to spend Christmas with them since she didn't think they'd travel home. Samuel listened absently, half his mind on the conversation and the other half on the conversation in their room. He hoped Flora and Kali would never cross paths, but even if they did, he didn't want them to fight. Flora was determined. Despite his bes
The next weekend, June visited the house, bringing some cake with her to say hello. It had been a while since she came over, and Kali was happy to see her. The house had been empty since Samuel left to visit a friend, and Giovanna had decided to spend the morning at her parent's house."How is my brother-in-law?" June asked."Good. He went to visit a friend. What about you? How have you been?""Busy. I have a report I have to submit in two weeks.""What about it?"Giovanna walked into the kitchen, stopping short when she noticed them. She took her headphones off and glanced at the cake on the counter before looking back at them."Hey!" June greeted, waving Giovanna over. "I came to see my sister. I didn't think to see you here. Do you want some? It's homemade."Giovanna glanced at the slice of cake. She hesitated before relenting and taking a seat."Yes. Thank you."June cut out a slice, and Kali handed her another paper
"June and Giovanna are hanging out again?""Yes. Giovanna was interested in the college, and now they are best buddies." Samuel pursed his lips, and she chuckled. "I am joking about the best buddies part. They are only together today because June is at the house. She called to tell me she'd drop by.""I am glad all the same. She is trying to change her attitude and be more accepting of you and your family.""No. No. She made it clear that with June, she was genuinely interested in learning more about her life at the university. June has nothing to do with the pact she made with Steven.""Oh, come on. Do you think Giovanna would have sat down long enough to learn about that without that condition?""You are r
"Hey, man?" Samuel lifted his head from the table, looking at Holland, who stood by the door. "I am done for the day. Want me to wait for you?""No, thanks. Go ahead.""Are you sure you're okay? You've been like this ever since we came back from lunch. Did you fight with Kali?""No. I am just tired.""You're sure.""Yeah. I'll be out of here soon. I have a few files to look over and sort through.""Okay. I'll see you.""Good night."Holland left, and Samuel looked around his office. It was getting late, and he promised Kali he'd be home early. He looked at his wedding ring, twisting it around his finger thoughtfully.Today, it seemed he got through to Flora better than he did the first time they spoke. He had been hard, but only to finally get through to her that things weren't the same. He didn't want her holding on to hope and realise later that there was nothing to salvage. She would only be miserable like that.
Samuel looked at the restaurant as he stood against his car. It had been a month since his grandfather passed, and things in his family were still not back to normal. His father had forgiven him for his part in the lie, and he also forgave Kali because he believed they were pushed against the wall. But whatever quarrel he had with their mother was still going on. He had tried to talk himself out of tonight with the excuse of waiting for things to cool down. But, he decided against it.He looked back when he heard another car approaching. Sure enough, Mathew was driving to park beside him with Kali in the passenger seat. She waved at him, and he winked in reply.He called earlier to ask her to prepare."Hello." She greeted as she stepped out of the car. "I was surprised to get your call.""I thought you would be." He took her hand and kissed her. "You look lovely.""Thank you. I wore something stunning, as you asked.""Thank you, Mathew
“Have you spoken to your dad?”“Yes.”“Are you better?”“No.” Samuel shook his head, and Kali solemnly pressed against him. “He is not only angry with my silence but also with my mother. He doesn’t want the quarrel to overshadow my grandfather’s passing. He won’t address things now.”
Samuel looked down at Kali as she slept, stretched out underneath the duvet. She had slept through the night and barely flinched when he got her out of the pool and to their room. She was exhausted, and he understood why. He decided to end the façade once and for all, so while he faced his family, he wanted her to rest.Samuel kissed her cheek softly before he left the house and headed for his parents. Luckily for him, everyone was present when he arrived. They were still slow from waking up, but they gathered around the table.“Is something wrong?” His father spoke first, taking a generous gulp from his cup of coffee.“Not anymore.”“What do you want to talk about then.”Samuel had not taken his eyes off his mother since she joined them. When he saw that she was slowly figuring out what he was there to do, he gave her a little smile before turning to a drowsy Giovanna.“Gio, you were right ab
Flora looked up at the house, trembling with anxiety and incredibly confused. The man who drove her to the home was as silent as a graveyard with a hard and unassuming stare. He didn’t even say a word when she turned her panicked eyes on him. He only indicated that she continued up the stairs.She had asked before what Claudius wanted to meet her, but the man had only grumbled, so she decided to follow his lead and walk into the house. He handed her over to a maid, who took her purse and jacket. She took Flora to a brightly lit room.“Mr. Devon?” The maid called, closing the door softly.He coughed, struggling to get comfortable on the bed. She rushed to help him. She adjusted his pillows and made him as comfortable as possible.“Please sit.” He wheezed, pointing to a chair in front of the bed.Flora carefully sat down, looking at the mass of machines connected to him. “Thank you. I am sorry. I had no idea you we
When Samuel arrived in the evening, he was surprised by Kali at the door. She jumped out of the shadows, scaring him before throwing herself in his arms. He caught her, bellowing with laughter as they kissed."I would assume your day went well?""I believe it did, but that's not why I am happy. I am happy to have you home."Samuel set her back on her feet and noticed the scarf she held in her hands."Are you cold?""No. It's for you.""Me?""Yes. For your eyes, darling."He complied, closing his eyes and allowing her to wrap the scarf around his head, sealing him in darkness. He followed her cautiously as she led him up the stairs and into their room. He scolded her lightheartedly when the door smacked into his chest."Hey!""Sorry." She stressed and led him still. "Sorry. We are here."She took the scarf off and stepped back. He kept his eyes closed, opening them carefully so he wasn't dazzled by the light
Kali looked up at the house. If she could even call it that. Something about this family made them hungry for prime real estate. From the marble fountains to the immaculate shrubs and garden, the manor looked like it could have been owned by an Earl or a Duke. Kali wouldn't be surprised if she was told the building used to belong to one."Mrs. Madden?" Kali turned to the maid. "Are you looking for someone?"She stuttered, finding herself as she got out of the car. "Yes. I am looking for Mr. Devon.""Alright. Please come in." She began to walk Kali towards the house. "He hasn't been in the best health these past few weeks. I'll tell him you are here to see him, but I can't promise he would agree to sit with you. He hasn't had visitors in weeks.""That's alright. If he won't see me, I'll leave a message."She had come prepared for any event. She'd prefer to say all she had to to his face. If he refused, she had typed and printed a detailed letter exp
Samuel nervously nibbled on the pencil in his mouth as he sat at his desk. Two weeks had passed with no word from Ember on how her search was going. She asked them to trust her, saying she'd call when she found something.Kali was on the balcony, watching the warm evening sky while he worked to keep himself busy. He had seen little of his family throughout this time. He visited the house once when he was sure his mother was out and scarcely talked to his dad on the phone.The curtains swooshed, and Kali came to him. She languidly slid her arm up hi
Kali walked into her sister's apartment. She had planned to visit her earlier but kept pushing the date back until she couldn't anymore. June was home, and Kali left work early to catch her sister before it was too late. Samuel had taken the first step with Ember, and it was her turn.If she waited, who's to tell what Ysabel might do? Just as she informed Kali about Richard as a desperate attempt to cause a rift between them, she might say something to June one of these days."I am glad you came. Sit. Can I get you anything?" June asked.
Kali woke up early and slid out of bed while Samuel was still asleep. She walked around the apartment quietly. After the previous day's events, she was exhausted and starving. She wanted to stuff herself with whatever she could find in the kitchen."Morning."Kali looked over her shoulder, scared. "Oh, Ember. It's you.""Sorry to scare you.""It's alright. I was about to rummage through your kitchen for something to eat. Would you like to join me?""Sure."Kali was nervous. She had forgotten most of her conversation with Samuel because her brain was still asleep. But after seeing Ember, Kali remembered Samuel had told her everything. She hoped Ember wasn't too angry or disappointed in her. She considered her a friend, and it would hurt to lose that."What do you want?""A sandwich is fine.""I am too hungry to show off, so what if I make us a simple sandwich for today?""I'll take it."Kali prepared s