“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
“How can you not know?” Marie said, her voice rising several decibels higher.Was he really serious about not knowing what he had done to get her angry? Were men so clueless?“I don't. Was it something I did today? Marie, I’m struggling here. Help me. I hadn't even seen you before I went out today.” He said in a sincere tone.Maybe she was being irrational. It wasn't like they were actually married. Sometimes, she got carried away and let herself have expectations of him that weren't practical.Steven stood and came towards her.“Marie, don't spiral. Talk to me.” He said.“Nevermind, I’m fine. Sorry I bothered you. I’m not mad anymore.” She said and made to turn to the door when Steven pulled her back and plastered his head on each side of her head.“Let me go.”“Come on, Marie. Please.” He said, pleading with his hands and eyes.“I mean it, Steven. You didn't do anything wrong, I overreacted like I always do and I'd like to just forget that happened.”“Marie, please.” He said, cuppin