Leased out to the ex

"Come in" I calmly invited him in, he looked tired, I promised not to get involved in his business but right now he was starting to make me worry and I hated that feeling

"Can I get you some water or something?" I asked waiting for his response.

"A glass of water will do" he answered, his eyes refusing to meet mine. I stepped into the kitchen, walking back with a glass of cold water.

"Here you go" I handed it to him, now sitting opposite him as I watched him, drink the water in one full gulp, "what's going on Jonathan, this is unlike you," I asked curiously

"What's with the sudden looking for a leased room to stay, are you broke, am sure the media would have picked that up" he remained silent

"Thank you for your concern, but am not broke, am in a situation, in which I just need a quiet place to rethink and gather myself" he answered

"A hotel suits that description," I said, trying to annoy the hell out of him

"A hotel has too many eyes on it, I don't want to draw any more attention" I could feel he was hiding something

"Hmmm, so how may I help you," my eyes held his

"The vacant room, I will take it" he finally managed to say, I could see he was struggling to hide how embarrassed he was.

But was I ready to be in the same space with him again, it has been six good years, and living together again means I have to go back to trying to deal with him

"Am sorry Jonathan, but It's a No for me," I flatly told him, he stared at me in surprise, "and why is that?" he asked

"Cause you are my ex-husband, and it would be weird sharing a space with you again after six years, I once did share a space with you and seriously it didn't end well" I reminded him

"That was six years ago, we moved on" he retorted back, " do you think I want to be near you, I have my reason ok"

His words sting, how could he say that to my face, our marriage ended because of him, how dare he say that to my face?

"Am sorry" he whispered, furrowing his brows

"It's the truth anyway, we don't want to be in each other company, which means this sharing a room won't work" my voice filled with anger

"Please Claire, I don't have time to look elsewhere, my assistant was the one in charge of looking for a lease room for me, she picked this and currently she couldn't get another, that's why am back" he explained

"Do you know how weird it will be if people find out, my new tenant is my ex-husband, my mom hates your gut, and if she ever finds out?" I said trying to look for a good reason to send him away but he wasn't bulging, what mess did he get himself into this time?

"I am not here to ask you back in my life Claire, I just need a place to lie low, am ready to pay any amount of your choice, I will follow your terms and conditions, I don't mind, I just need a place to lie low" he said desperately

I sighed, feeling conflicted. Despite everything, I still had a soft spot for Jonathan. I knew he had flaws, but deep down, I believe he was a good person. Seeing him in distress made me want to help him, even if it meant putting myself in an uncomfortable situation.

"Fine," I finally said, relenting, "But this is strictly temporary. You'll have to agree to my conditions and respect my privacy. No meddling in my personal life, and no attempts to reconcile. Is that clear?"

Jonathan nodded, a glint of gratitude in his eyes. "Crystal clear, Claire. I promise I won't overstep any boundaries. I just need some time to sort things out."

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright then. You can stay in the vacant room, but only until you find a better place. And don't worry about the payment; I won't be charging you. Consider it a favor from an old acquaintance."

A mix of relief and appreciation washed over Jonathan's face. "Thank you, Claire. I honestly don't know how to repay you."

"Just focus on getting back on your feet," I replied, my voice softening slightly. "That's payment enough for me."

And with that, I knew that our paths were crossing once again, against my better judgment. But sometimes, life had a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and all we could do was face them together, no matter how uncertain the future may be.

"Where is your stuff" I asked curious

"Don't worry, I already asked the carriers to bring them in" he said as my eyes shifted to the door. I stared in Awe at the tons of boxes they kept bringing in.

"Did you pack the entire house, what with the ton of boxes" I stared at him, my eyes desperate for answers

"They are mostly work-related stuff, I need them" he answered, I stepped aside making room for the carriers to offload the boxes in his room.

"Is that all?" Jonathan asked them

They all nodded in response, I could see he hadn't lost his charm after all.

"Well, and one more thing," I turned to face him, "no noise," I added heading upstairs to my room.

I decided to take a long shower, trying to calm my nerves, I hoped I was making the right choice and that I wouldn't come to regret my action, as the warm water dripped down my back memories flooded in, the very night of our divorce

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

(that fateful night)

Tracy just called, she sounded worried, and I tried to understand what she was saying.

"It's everywhere Ma'am, Jonathan is on the news again" I listened, quickly picking up the remote to turn on the TV. My eyes watched in silence, it was the same story every year, that Jonathan never missed.

I quickly turned it off, contempt filled me, my phone ringing nonstop. It was Jonathan, I wanted to pick, but I know him too well to come up with a good lie.

I thought today would be a good day to drop the news about my pregnancy, but once again he ruined it, Jonathan always looks for a way to ruin everything.

Slowly I turn off the shower and step out, I can't let him find out about the Twins, they were my everything and I can't lose them to Jonathan.

I hope he solved whatever issues brought him out of Vegas to Chicago, I hope he does and quickly.

It was 7:00 am, and my table clock kept ringing as I stared at it, another day to face reality, sometimes I hate having to work but I had to, I needed to provide for my kids, I was able to open my own advertising company after the divorce, with my best friend Mia as my partner I couldn't wish for another.

Her zealousness to make things work always cheers me up and makes me work harder, maybe that was the reason after the divorce I was able to move on.

I got dressed in my plain white tee shirt and blue jeans with my pump-toe heels, my hair was tied neatly in a bun, and looking at myself in the mirror I looked good as I headed downstairs

"Good morning" Jonathan greeted from the kitchen, he was shirtless as I stared at his perfect muscular body.

My brow raised in question. "I never knew you go around shirtless," I asked

He stared at himself, a grin appeared on his face. "Well pardon me, madam, I never knew going shirtless was part of your terms," he said sarcastically

"I do have guests coming in and out of the apartment, so it will be strange if they meet a shirtless guy in my apartment, especially one that was my ex" I reminded him

"Fine, you complain a lot, you were never like this,"

"I guess six years changed did some changes" I replied, he stared at me, his eyes emotionless, I shrugged, trying to compost myself

I walked and brushed him, heading to make myself a cup of coffee, I needed it, this drama was straining me this morning.

"You know I tried calling," Jonathan said his eyes fixed on me

I wasn't ready for this, please just don't, "Jonathan, don't" I stopped him before he continued.

"No Claire, we need to talk" he insisted, but before I could respond the doorbell rang, "are you expecting someone," he asked

"Nope, it's too early to be expecting a visitor" I managed to say, heading toward the door. "Please go put on a shirt" I begged.

I unlock the door, standing face-to-face with Matthew, my eyes widened in shock

"Ma-Matthew" I stammered, I could hear Jonathan's voice calling, asking who was at the door as he walked and stood behind me shirtless

Matthew and Jonathan stared at each, their eyes not leaving one another, finally Jonathan speak

"Who's this Claire," he said his hand on my waistline,

I stood frozen, letting out a little hiccup. What the hell was he doing?