She took out the platinum box that had Trust Bank’s logo on it and handed it over to Steven. He unwrapped a shiny, black and golden card and tossed it to her.What was happening?“What's going on?”“Look at it, will you?”She picked up the card and observed it. Her name was written on the card.“Marie, I've wanted to give you that for ages. The last time I tried to give you a card, you argued with me. You have no idea how glad I am to find out you're beginning to feel comfortable enough to ask me for this.”“You had a card made for me?” She asked in an incredulous tone.“Yes.”“Why? What do you mean why?”“Why do you have a card made for me?”“ Because I wanted you to have one.”“Doesn't that feel somewhat permanent to you?” She asked, unable to look him in the face. The truth was deep down she wanted him to bring up the contract they had signed and to tell her that he was working on another that meant they would be married forever, without conditions.“And you don't want it to be per
“Okay Marie, baby girl. Calm down, take a deep breath, and tell me what happened.” James said.“It's all ruined, all our efforts. I've just found out he’s going to be out of town for the entire weekend. I don't know what to do. Can I move it? I’d need to get a new venue, not to mention get the guests to RSVP again. Oh my God!”“Hold on, why do you have to reschedule?” James asked“Aren't you listening to anything I have been saying?” Marie snapped, rubbing her eyes with her fingers.“Okay, Baby girl. From what I gather, you think you’ll have to cancel or reschedule the party because Steven is traveling?”“Yes. The thing is I checked his calendar over and over, moved meetings, and made sure he didn't have to work that Saturday, and now this happens. I have no idea what to do, James.”“Listen to me sweetheart. Don't cancel anything, and don't fret. He’s not going anywhere, Baby girl and the party will happen as planned. Just breathe and let me handle it.”“Okay, James. Thank you.”“Anyt
“Hmmmmm. I missed you so much.” Steven said, inhaling Marie's fruity lavender scent.“Steven! I thought something was wrong.” She said, playfully swatting his back.“But something was. You made these elusive dinner plans and left me to fend for myself. I’ve been here for the past four hours, floundering around, lonely and unable to think straight.”“You flounder? Oh please.” She said, pushing his chest back with her palms.“Were the texts not a clear sign?” Steven asked.“By the way, James called me and was yapping about me not traveling on the 16th and I know only you knew that. Why does he know about my travel plans, Marie?”Her eyes lowered to the floor as her shoulders drooped. Had he said something wrong?“Are you alright?” He asked, tipping her chin so he could like into her eyes. He didn't really care that she had told James. He had just thought it would be fun to tease her about it.“I'm sorry. But I don't think it's fair that you have to work on your birthday. I just wanted t
Steven’s fingers dialed the number Cadence had just called him with but it rang out. He tried again and again, heart racing as the dial operator informed him yet again that the number couldn't be reached. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead as he paced. He let out a string of unsavory curses till his eyes locked on Marie's worried ones.“Babe, what's happening?”“It's Cadence. She called to say she thinks we’ve made a big mistake and then the line went dead. I'm worried about her.” He said.“I’m sure she's fine. She's a PI, Steven. I think she knows how to handle herself in dangerous situations. She probably hung up because it was unsafe to talk.”“I hope you're right. So what do you think? We should wait it out and see if she shows up tomorrow?”“I believe so. I think she’ll know how to protect herself. Just relax.” Marie said with a confidence that didn't seem so certain to him.“Okay. Look Love, I'm terribly sorry but I doubt I'd be able to relax enough to see a movie.” He mu
“So, you called and he was out of town?” Marie asked“Yep. I tried calling back to find out where exactly he was, to give him the benefit of the doubt but it rang out.” He replied, glancing out the car window and frowning at the gridlock that was forming.“Wow. This is getting scarier by the moment, Steven. I'm beginning to have doubts about his innocence too.” Marie said.“Appearances can be deceiving, Marie. You have no idea what people are capable of hiding.” Steven said.“Hmmm. I guess you're right. I’d still like for us to be proven wrong though. I desperately hope that we are.” She said, massaging her temple with her left palm.“Me too, Marie. Me too.” He responded before staring out the window.“I can't believe how terrible traffic is, it's barely 5PM.”“We face this same traffic everyday, Steven. Don't worry, Zed is fine. Sandra and I have been texting back and forth and she said he's stable although still in quite some pain.”“ I don't even understand how this happened, Marie
The rest of the week passed rather eventfully from Marie as she tried to stay on top of the many details that flooded her left, right, and center. Somehow, James had gotten her not to cancel the party even though he hadn't been able to stop Steven from traveling. According to James, he would do everything in his power to make sure that both he and Steven made it to the party in time. He has also gotten James to abandon flying commercially and use his private jet. Marie wasn't positive that this would work but there was nothing she could do. Zed on the other hand had spent a few days in the hospital and was due to resume work today, Friday, for which she was glad. Sandra had been hounding her for days to get ready for a skin care routine to “open up and then tighten her pores” or something like that. Steven had also complained about how distracted she was several times this week already. Right now, she was surviving on coffee, adrenaline and greasy food.“Marie, have you sent me the n
At midnight, Steven King texted Marie to say he was alright and was on his way home. He said he would explain everything once he got home in an hour. Relieved, she thanked Alden and headed home. She headed to her room, changed out of her work clothes into night ones and climbed into bed.She didn't realize she had drifted into sleep until someone's arms wrapped her firmly in their grasp.“Hey Baby.” He mumbled, kissing her neck, before burying his face in her hair.“You have a lot of explaining to do.” She said, trying to wiggle out of his grasp. He held her firmly in place while still mumbling into her hair.“I know, Love. I’m sorry. I didn't want you to discourage me from doing what I wanted to do or to insist on tagging along.”“You didn't think about how worried I would have been? I nearly went out of my mind with worry.”“I'm sorry.”“Well, I don't care. She said sharply, hoping her voice conveyed how hurt she felt. She couldn't imagine that he had disregarded her feelings so eas
“Is this safe?” Steven asked as Marie placed a black mask over his face.“Shhhhhh. Stop talking. What are you so scared of?” Marie asked, amused by his constant questions about facial care routine.“This is supposed to be relaxing, you know?”“Are you punishing me for yesterday? Because I'd like to say a few words in my defense.”“Oh hush.” She said, as she laid beside him.“So how long do we wait?” He asked“I have no idea.”“Okay, what's next?” He asked in a way that made Marie aware of the fact that he hoped this was all.“Next, we pummel our faces with burning stones to kill dead cells.”“Burning stones? Why does this sound more like an initiation rite or an interrogation technique?”Marie bursted out laughing.“I'm kidding. We wash this stuff off and I give you a lovely head massage.”“Ah. After the pain, comes the pleasure.”“What pain? Do you know how many people would kill for my facial treatment? Maybe I'd better take my loving hands to some other guy who would appreciate it.
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