“Hey, babe. What's wrong?” Marie's warm voice settled in his chest like the balm he needed to get through this nightmare.“I…I need a drink.” He said, standing abruptly and heading to the kitchen to pour himself one. James hovered around in the doorway, his eyebrows lined with concern.They both looked beside themselves with worry for him. He looked away from them and ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet. Right now, he just craved the warm comfort of his bed.He downed his glass in one gulp and headed towards the elevator with Marie hot on his trail.Once she got off the elevator, she turned to glare at him, her arms crossed over her chest.“What?” He asked in a more gruffer tone than intended.“What do you mean ‘what’?” She said, waving her arms around her.“I’ve been worried sick about you. I nearly lost my mind when you didn't call. Is William okay?” She added the last part in a much softer tone, her eyes searching his face for any sign of trouble.Oh M
“So I got the call from Redwood. You were with me when it came in, Marie. The voice on the other end said my dad had been involved in an accident. Dutiful son that I am, I hop on my company's private jet, burn aviation fuel and begin the five hour trip to Oakland. I arrive at Oakland, and call the number back because after running to Redwood hospital and running through various halls, there’s no William King in any of the ER.”Marie turned to face him then, a question on her lips. Then as if remembering her promise, she cupped her mouth and nodded for him to continue.“Anyway, I call this number back and I hear my dad is back home. I think oh, thank God. He’s probably not too hurt and is recuperating. I race over to the address. I think the first thing that should have shown me things were off was the fact that I was directed to a hotel. Devoted son I am, I went anyway, my heart slamming in my chest. When I get to the lobby, do you know what I found?”Marie, whose eyes were now widen
“I don't know, Marie. He just said it's high time I know the truth. He gave no other context than that.”“The truth about what?” Marie asked in what she hoped was a neutral voice. Had Alden decided to go ahead with telling Steven about her relationship with him even though she had expressly forbade him from doing so?Why was it that everytime she’d decide to tell him, something like this happened?“Marie. I just told you, I don't know what he means. Now, stop fidgeting. I don't even know why you begged to come along.” Steven said, casting her a sidelong glance. She schooled her features into what she hoped was an uninterested look. If Steven found out, would he forgive her? Would he cast her out of his life? She hadn't even been to her house in ages. Maybe she shouldn't have begged to come along. Maybe she should have just packed her things and hightailed it all the way home before he got back from the meeting. She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans before looking outside the window.
After what felt like several hours later, Steven knocked on the car window. Her eyes remained glued to his face as she unlocked the car and waited for him to speak.Steven King said nothing throughout the ride home, making Marie more miserable with each passing second.Had Alden told him everything? Did he know the whole truth yet? Would he ever forgive her? Sweat beaded her forehead as she stole furtive glances at him. He appeared to be deep in thoughts. He had one hand on the steering wheel and another cupping his mouth. She ached to break the silence between them but was unsure what to say. Maybe there was no need to jump into conclusions. She meant to ask him about what Alden had said, but what came out of her mouth instead was,“We’re going to be late for work.”He nodded but said nothing else. What was with the silence? Was he biding time, waiting for her to confess?“Are you mad at me, Steven?” She asked in a pitiful voice that had Steven glancing at her face in surprise.“Mad
“Theodore. Hello. How good to see you.” She said in a chirpy voice that sounded off even to her ears.“Marie, my dear. It's been a minute. How are you?” Theodore asked in the same cheerful, fatherly voice he had always used with her.“Great. Were you heading out?” Marie asked“I skipped breakfast. I was heading out for an early lunch, my dear. Gotta maintain the one great pack.” He said, chuckling while tapping his belly. Marie laughed along.“Oh. Okay.”“ Do you want to come along? I much prefer a little cafe around the corner. It's quiet this time of the day.” Theodore offered.“Yes please.” Marie said, texting Steven she'd be taking her lunch break early. Poor Theodore. The man had no idea that he was being investigated her by his company and was probably at the risk of being dismissed if she didn't find out the truth fast enough.Okay. Please, I'd like a sandwich. Rick wants grilled cheese, BTW.Theodore noticed her smiling at her phone and said,“I assume that was Steven?”“Yes,
“Is it time to go home yet?” Rick asked for the umpteenth time as Marie noticed another incoming email from the same strange address. She had a strong clue it was Steven but she had popped into his office and he had been wearing the same stern expression he had before she left and hadn't even been close to his laptop.The reply read,Dear Marie, while I can appreciate that you're a “respectable married woman”, I will not be rescinding my offer. Think about it again and let me know what you decide.Signed: I feel hurt you’re not even trying to guess who I am. Try!Did she really have the time for this? She replied,Though my husband is a pig-headed dolt and has recently gotten on my last nerve, please know that I will never consider leaving him even for a second to spend a weekend with some strange guy.After hitting the send button, she closed the tab and focused on her work for the rest of the day. By 5PM, Rick was beside himself with excitement at the prospect of going home as thoug
Steven cackled as Marie's frantic voice trailed him.“Steven, do not look at my phone. Give it here. And, stop making me chase you!”“If you want it, come and get it, baby.” He said, waving it in the air and laughing when she failed to catch up with him.She stopped, panting as she ducked her head between her laps.“Babe. You're so unfit. You're joining me to exercise henceforth.”“You’ll have to tie and gag me to ever see me in that room of doom.” She said, snatching her phone out of his arm.“ Room of doom? How dramatic you are, my lady.”“It's true, though.”His arms slid down to her waist as he drew her into an embrace.How on earth had her ever thought he’d be able to live without this closeness between them?“What?” She asked, her jutted lips tempting him sorely. He knew they had to get to dinner but what he really wanted to taste first was the sweetness of her lips.“Steven,” She half grumbled before melting in his arms. Reluctantly, Steven pulled his mouth away from hers and s
As Steven pulled into Sandra's driveway, he smiled ruefully at the exquisite apartment she had bought with the proceeds from their divorce. At least one of them had gotten something out of the marriage. This was the last place in the world he wanted to be but his Marie was unhappy and he had to fix it. Mustering the last modicum of strength and patience he had, he alighted from the car and rang the doorbell. Sandra wrapped him in a tight hug before he could say a word. Hands by his side, he tried to extricate himself while upholding the fake smile on his face.“Well, hello there. You're a sight for sore eyes. The billionaire himself, darkening my doorstep.” She said,“Hello, Sandra.”“Please, do come in.” She said, stepping aside for him to enter.He hesitated for a moment because not only did he not want to, she was dressed in a very sheer and short nightwear that left little to the imagination.“Come on, Steven. We can't have a conversation on the doorstep you know. ““Right.” He s
Eight months later Marie smiled as she felt Steven’s warm breath dance on her face. Moments later, her eyes flickered open and locked with her husband's handsome eyes.“What's this?” She asked, as she sat up and made space for the tray he was holding.“A celebratory breakfast.” He said as Marie answered with a short laugh.“We can't keep celebrating a sentencing that happened four months ago, Steven.” She said as he ignored her and filled her glass with orange juice.“Who says?” Steven asked, as he planted a kiss on her forehead.“Me. I’m saying.”“Noted. Now eat.” He responded as he plunked on the bed beside her and watched her.“What?” She asked as his eyes roved over her.“I can't believe I almost lost you, Marie.”“You mean the way you were going on and refusing to listen to me?” She teased as she tossed a pillow at his head.“I told you I didn't like that woman.”“I know you told me. You’ve told me so almost a thousand times, Steven. But it was Zed that was the real shock to you
Steven’s mind whirled with thoughts as they headed to the hotel where he was staying. The silence in the air was rife with the weight of unspoken words. He glanced at her again and she looked so ashen. Was she okay? Why had she felt the need to come to Japan? How had she survived the flight? Was that why she looked so white? And why was she trembling so badly?He placed his hands upon hers and it was so sweaty.“Stop trembling. You're making me nervous.” He said in a more gruffer tone than he had planned.Her eyes widened for a second before she mouthed a solemn“Sorry.”She retracted her hand from under his and stuffed it in her laps.Huh. So much for wanting to comfort her. They said nothing to each other after that until the car stopped in front of the hotel.Steven rolled his eyes as Marie argued with the front desk attendant who had patiently explained that the hotel was fully booked and there was nothing she could do about it. To listen to Marie, it was like he was going to har
Steven frowned at the clock ticked noon. All his life, he had never had to wait to see anyone, but here he was, waiting on Mr. Kaito, whom he has been unable to see in the last two days.“Mr. King?” A feminine voice called out.“That's me.” He said in a chirpy voice, smiling even though his insides felt queasy. He knew convincing Mr. Kaito of the fact that Alden King Inc. still deserved his business was going to be tough and he wasn't so sure he was prepared for it. Although, in a way, he felt relieved the truth was out. The pretty brunette led him through a series of doors before stopping before a plush office. She tossed him a tight smile then knocked before leaving Steven on his own.Mr. Kaito took his sweet time before answering the door.“Mr. King, what a pleasant surprise.” Mr. Kaito said as he ushered him to a seat. While his face was smiling, Steven could sense the displeasure in his tone.“Thank you for seeing me.”Mr. Kaito took a long look at him, and Steven could feel the
Marie's hand clenched the steering wheel till her knuckles turned white. Sandra had a lot of nerve, seducing Steven and then trying to pin someone else's pregnancy on him. She jumped out of the car, and headed to the front door. She was about to knock when she noticed the door was open. Zed's loud voice filtered to where she stood.“You had just one job, Sandra! Seduce him! Get him to marry you! Don't think I care about that scum in your belly!”“I tried okay! He loves her! And I’m tired of being your little pawn! You always said you could have taken down Steven King without me so why haven't you?”“I've done everything on my part! You haven't done crap except complicate things for me. You couldn't even convince him to have sex with you. And he was drunk!”“And the only thing you’ve succeeded in doing is killing an innocent woman!” Sandra flung back.“Oh? Breathe a word of that to anyone and see what happens!”“Oh, please. What are you gonna do? Kill me too?” Sandra screamed.Marie to
Marie shoved the rest of her mementos and snapped her box shut. If she wanted to get to Lake George by nightfall, she had to hurry.She chuckled ruefully under her breath as she wondered about the rush. It's not like she had a job anymore or anything she needed to get to. Ten years with Steven, ten years of bending backwards, and all it took was one misunderstanding for him to fire her. She had even gone back and tried to explain but his granite heart hadn't moved. This from the man who though married to her, had decided to knock up her best friend.She frowned as her cell phone rang. She fished it out of her pocket, and held it to her ear with her shoulder as she rolled her luggage out.“James, there's nothing more we can do. I tried, James,”She waited as James tried to convince her not to leave town until he had spoken with Steven but to be honest, she was done begging him. For the most part of her adult life, she had fixated her emotions on him. Letting him treat her like his feel
Steven was slightly out of breath when he arrived at the orchard and ran into Rick.“Uncle Stevie! Wow. Aunty Marie was super fast. I only just spoke to her. Are you here to take me to the Planetarium? You’ve promised many times.” He asked expectantly.“You’re right, buddy. I do owe you a trip to the Planetarium. But that's not going to happen today, buddy. I've been…”“Busy. I know. You’ve had important things to do.” Rick said as a forlorn expression rested on his face. Steven sighed as he lowered himself to the boy’s gaze.“Now, Rick. You know how important you are to me, don't you?” Steven asked.Rick shrugged but Steven refused to let him out of his grasp till Rick said“Yeah.”“Well, Uncle Stevie has just had a lot of things happening to him at the same time. I'm almost done wrapping those things up and then we can go to the Planetarium as many times as you want, okay?”“Really truly?” Rick asked, a huge smile forming on his face.“Really, truly.” He confirmed.“Okay.”“That's m
“So you're headed to the house at Lake George?” Alden asked as Marie watched him peel an orange and toss a piece into his mouth. Ahead of them, Rick was glad that he had a no-school day and was allowed to run amok.“Quite a sugar rush, he’s got.” She remarked as Alden sighed.“Tell me about it. Amelia's going to have my head when she returns. One minute I look away and he downs all that stuff.”“So, what did Steven say when you told him the truth?”She sighed and tossed a piece of the tangerine she had just peeled into her mouth.“What I expected. That it didn't change anything. And that he wished me the best in life.”“He’s so obstinate sometimes.”“I told you to trust him more, Alden. If it were me, I would have been upset too. I know you love him, but you’ve got to stop coddling him!”“You don't understand, Marie. The boy is the light of my whole life. He’s everything William is not. And he was so young when he took over. And it infuriated many people.”“But that was over ten years
“Nice of you to stop for a chat and all but I'm very busy.” Steven said as Marie took her seat and folded her legs. It was like seeing a woman he hadn't met before.“I told him this was a waste of time. You don't work for someone for ten years without knowing how conceited and set in their ways they are.” Marie begun“Look, Marie. I don't know why Alden keeps trying. Isn't the work you've done for him in the past ten years impressive enough?” Steven asked.“Sneer at me, all you want. I'm not here because of Alden, I'm here because James asked me to come to talk to you.” She retorted, leaning forward to place her hand on his desk.While he didn't care about what she had to say, he figured the faster he allowed her to talk, the quicker she’d be out of his hair.“I'm listening.” He said, as leaned back in his seat.“First. I'm sorry I didn't disclose that Alden and I have a relationship.”“He was your boss, and…”“He was my guardian.” Marie cut in.Steven let out a sardonic laughter.“Gu
“What do you mean they're citing reputation issues as their reason for pulling out? We've committed to vendors, paid for the spaces for this exhibition and they're just canceling it?”Zed shrugged as Steven paced furiously. He sighed and leaned over his desk as Zed replied.“They also cited budget constraints and explained that it wasn't top priority for the foreseeable future.”“That's a load of bollocks and we both know it, Zed. Find out the real reason they're pulling the plug.”“I thought so too as well and tried to do some findings. My source alleged that top stakeholders were having cold feet due to our recent…err…”“Recent what?” Steven half yelled as he glared at Zed.“Due to your recent PR fiasco.”“What? They're canceling their activation because some reporter did a story on me?”“Well, Sir. You have to respond. You haven't addressed the rumors yet.”Steven thought about his phone call with Smith three days ago. He vehemently refused to believe what Smith was alleging until