If Cara had been startled before, now she was completely numb. Jessica and...Chris?! No. It didn't make sense.
She straightened her posture after realizing she'd been standing there with her mouth opened like a log of wood. "Jessica? Chris?" Then she found her courage slowly coming back. Jessica had grabbed the bed spread and covered her body by now. "Jessica? Did he make you do it? Oh my goodness. Why didn't you come to me?" Out of nowhere, tears bursted from Cara's eyes. She had treated Jessica like a younger sister she never had as the lady was four years younger than her. But she was respectful and so damn caring. "Chris? How could you! Did you rape her! You bastard--" the rest of her words never got completed as Cara rushed down towards Chris and began hitting him as hard as she could. "She is only a child, you idiot! Even if you're drunk--how could you!" "Hey, stop this!" Jessica pushed Cara back with all her might. "Are you out of your mind?" "Shut up, Jessica." Anger rested in Cara's eyes. "This is not alright. Get dressed. We're leaving." She knew she was drunk, but now, her eyes were sharper than ever and the sluggishness in her had completely vanished. This was too much of a big news for her to still be drunk. "Stop embarrassing yourself, Cara. I love Chris." Jessica bursted out. Cara did not hear her. Actually, she wished she had not understood her clearly. "Did you hit your head somewhere? Have you lost all your senses that you'll speak to me in this shitty manner?" Cara shot back, but Jessica held her ground. "What are you gonna do? You're gonna kill me? I love Chris, and he loves me back. So what's the big deal with you?" Immediately Jessica spoke up, Cara landed her a big slap, and its impact sent the lady's face turning to the floor. Her jaw clenched as she felt her cheeks burning. "Have you lost your mind, Jessica? What nonsense is this??" Cara snapped. "Okay, stop this--" Chris was saying when he got lucky as his face felt the brush of Cara's palm across his face. If he had not pushed his head back a bit, he too would be feeling the burning face that Jessica felt. He gripped her hand tight as she launched another slap. "Hey, stop this!" "Fuck you, Chris? What the hell is this??" Cara roared out. "How dare you both take me for granted like this!" Jessica scoffed. "You're the one taking yourself for granted." "Excuse you?" Cara revealed the rage in her eyes freely. "It seems you've worn out the thunderous slap just now. Do you need another one?" It still vexed her so much that someone like Jessica would have the nerve to sleep with her husband! And still have the nerves to speak back at her like that. "Why do you act so angry now when this is what you've always wanted?" Jessica ignored her deadly gaze and went on. "You don't love Chris. Every moment we spend together, you use the time to complain about just how immature he acts. How he can never love you the way you want." "You will shut your bloody mouth up right now, Jessica, or else I swear I will--" "You'll what, Cara?" Chris shut back at her, startling her a while. "She's not really telling lies, you know? No matter what I do, I'll just never be enough for you. You complain over every little thing." Cara was highly frustrated that her voice shot high up as she tried to defend herself. She was shouting at the top of her voice now, painful memories seeping through her mind of when she risked it all for Chris. Moments when she gave up on everything she cherished just to be his wife. "I gave it all up for you, you moron! I loved you more than my own fucking happiness that I left my life in the past. My career! Just so you can be happy. Just so you can love me the way I love you." She raged out. "But you took it out on me for so long, Cara. You make me feel bad about myself all the fucking time!" Chris shot back at her. "Chris, you are never around. You head out and come back late at night. And after two days, bam! You're out for a mysterious business trip and won't be back until two weeks later. You're never around, even when we're together. You're always texting and smiling to yourself. I have become boring to you--" "Technically, you've been having all these curves that aren't attractive anymore. Looking older than your age, whereas I'm young and sexy. I mean, you've seen me naked and you even compliment my nice and slender body." Jessica said proudly. Everything was starting to become unbearably painful for Cara now. "So it took you just two years to cheat on me? That's it, you're doing this because I'm no longer as slender as I used to be two years ago??" She was twenty six, same age as Chris was, and he always made this joke that he would be more happy being with someone younger than he was. Had he really been serious? Jessica smirked, feeling fully elated now as Cara was sulking in pain. Chris heaved in a frustrated sigh. "Look, I know you're drunk. I mean, we all are. Let me get dressed up and take you home. To, you know? Cool off some steam." Chris quickly picked up his scattered cloth and began to get dressed. "And me? Who's taking me home, Chris?" Jessica pouted. Cara shot her an irritated look. "Okay, stop this madness at once! I deserve an apology for this shameless act of yours! Are you insane?" "Calm down, honey--I mean, Cara." Chris stuttered. He had been avoiding this mess but never in his wildest dreams imagined that that moment would be when he would have to deal with his... situation. "Let's just calm down. Come on, I'll drop you home now." "You see, I don't think there's any other way to calm things down." Jessica said slowly, making every word sound suspicious like it was supposed to be some poetic quote. Everyone was staring at her now. "You keep saying things will be calm. That we can sort things out." Jessica went on. "But there's no other way. Because I'm pregnant!" "What!" Chris spat out. "That's enough. I think you're drunk as well. Damn it, who said dating two women would be easy." He muttered to himself and kept on getting dressed. But Cara stared carefully and waited. She knew Jessica could be telling the truth. "Cara can see through me and she must know I'm not lying. You know what your wife has been working on for the past two years now without any success? I did that so easily in just a few months." Jessica said. She stood upright, shoulders straight and chin up. "I am pregnant, Chris. You're going to be a father soon."Cara wished she had been mistaken! Her next move was to slap Jessica so hard that she would have to fall to the ground and beg for mercy. "Not only did you try to steal my husband by having sex with him behind my back, but you became pregnant for him too??" Cara raged out. "You're pregnant? For me?" For a moment, there was a soft feature on Chris's face that made Cara's insides churn. Was he happy that his mistress--no. His wife's best friend who is his mistress was carrying his fucking child!?"It doesn't make any sense." Cara spoke softly to herself. At first, she thought this would just be a case where everybody said they were sorry, and she and Chris could carry on with their supposedly perfect lives. But now...she feared the outcome of her two years of marriage.She was with Chris because she loved him, even more than her best friend, Romeo. Even more than her career. This feeling was back again and she hadn't felt like that since two years ago when she had to say goodbye to
Chris patiently waited throughout the next day after Cara's sudden disappearance before he had begun to dial her parents' numbers. Of course, no one picked up either! It was Sunday evening with Jessica with him. He had called her over knowing he could run mad without someone by his side with Cara missing.Jessica noticed him pacing around as he dialed his phone over and over again. She couldn't take it anymore. "My love?" She called out in a sweet tone. "Can you come over here for a while?"Chris cut the call and dawdled over to her. She nudged him to take a seat, which he did. "I know you're worried about her. She's my best friend after all. But she's not a kid and I'm sure she'll be fine. You called me over for a reason, and now you make me feel all lonely.""Lonely? Oh no, never. I'm sorry, love. I'm just really worried for her, that's all. Her parents won't pick up!" Chris lamented. He was suddenly looking all haggard and unkempt the more Jessica stared at him. Didn't he say
Cara was enjoying that moment but she quickly reminded herself her true purpose for coming. "Listen, Chris. Just cut the crap. I'll be on my way once Jolina is back with my stuff. Bear with me till Tuesday, and you'll never have to see my face again." She said to him with a stern face."You think this is funny, right? That you can bring a complete stranger into our matrimonial home! Because to me, we're not divorced yet."Romeo had been warned by Cara not to say anything all through but that didn't mean he couldn't chuckle from time to time.Chris walked forward to him, "and what has been funny to you?""Well, you talk all about me being in your matrimonial home and yet, this woman just walked out here from your matrimonial room, or am I wrong?" Romeo said in a playing tone. "How dare you!" Chris spat out but Cara quickly stepped between them."Alright, knock it off, Chris! We're done here." Cara said. "I'm being decent here by letting you two enjoy your happy life together. Don't m
Chris’ eyes widened. “What? What nonsense are you spilling from your mouth?”Jessica snorted a laugh. “You might be an Armani but Mr Michael Knowles is Chris’ dad and who do you think he will listen to? A stranger or his own son?”“We'll have to find out, won't we?” Romeo's brow arched. His lips curved into a taunting smirk as he led Cara away from Chris and Jessica. “Let's leave them alone, Carina.”Cara nodded and followed him into the car like a child being led by her father.Jessica's hand formed into a tight grip, her nails digging into her palm as anger swallowed her entire body. “My love,” she tried to keep her voice calm even though she had lost her grip on coolness on the inside. “Your dad will definitely do as you say, right?” Her thin brow twitched skyward.Chris paced about with uncertainty causing his heart to race. “He will! I mean he has to, I am his son after all.”Jessica gripped his hands suddenly and stared into his eyes. “My love, you have to make sure he listens t
The Knowles building was large and extravagantly detailed. Cara felt a choking sensation in her throat as they– she and Romeo– walked into the company.Her hands fiddled together nervously as they walked side by side, her throat tightened and a bead of sweat trickled down her face. Romeo, on the other hand, was all smiles as he walked. Not even an iota of worry was apparent on his face.The handsome young man strolled confidently with his hands in the depth of his pocket and his shoulders and head held up high just like he was the CEO of the company.If he were the CEO, then she was the low and unnoticed staff that was about to get fired for looking at him in the wrong way.But she swallowed her fear and managed to keep her head up.The secretary rose to her feet and gave a deep bow to Romeo as she saw him. “Mr Armani, welcome.” Her brown hair almost touched the floor at the depth of her bow.“Michael Knowles, is he in?” He plainly asked.The secretary seemed to be shuddering or maybe
Mr Knowles swallowed hard. How could such an absurd favor be asked of him? And he wasn't even asking like a favor, he was stating it like he was telling him what he must do!“I am not asking for a favor here.” Romeo stated, as if he had read the man's thoughts.Mr Knowles remembered that his son had called him and told him not to even think about investing in Cara's father's business. His son didn't explain anything to him about their divorce and Romeo. ‘What a fool!’ He cussed. ‘He could have at least mentioned the fact that she had an Armani on her side!’He cleared his throat. “I– I uh understand that Mr Armani–”“I don't think you do.” Romeo cut him off. His voice was stern and firm. He had been sitting in a relaxed position before with one leg on top of the other and his back pressed against the comfortable sofa but he sat up straight and uncrossed his long legs.Mr Knowles seemed to shift back in seat, like there was an infinity around Romeo that kept them from being even a litt
Jessica chewed subconsciously on her nails as she paced back and forth. She paused and stared at Chris who was sitting without uttering any word. He was usually the one pacing about.She walked up to him and sat down next to him. “Why do you think your dad hadn't called to say anything?”He shook his head slowly. “I don't know.” He responded dryly.Jessica grunted. “Ugh, the anxiety is killing me! Why can't we just call him?” She asked with widened eyes. “Huh? What if something has happened already?”“He said he would give me feedback later, remember? So let's just wait.” His tone was just as dry as before.“Wait? Wait! What if something has already happened but he forgot to call you because of work or he can't even call you because he is ashamed he let you down? My love, we have to know! We will never really know if the cat in the box is dead or alive if we don't open it.”“Jessica.” He suddenly turned to look at her. “Do you think Cara is really dating that man, what was his name? S
As much as she insisted that it was okay if she took a bus alone to her parents house, Romeo refused and told her he would drive her himself.“There seems to be more important things than our trip now.” He remarked.She smiled briefly. Her head was lost in a series of thoughts. Why was her father suddenly retiring? She knew the company was not doing well but with enough hard work, they could stop it from going bankrupt.Was he feeling like he was too old for business hassle? All of a sudden? Did her step mother consent to the decision? Why would they think such a decision was a wise one to make?She had so many questions written down in her head to ask them once they arrived there which wouldn't be long anymore.Arriving at their family house, she decided to invite Romeo inside. Since he was intelligent business wise, maybe he could chirp in a few words to back her up.Miranda, her step mother, served both of them tea. “You hardly come home these days. We miss you.” She had a warm smi
Cara spent the next few days in the comfort of her home, not bothering to go to work or even go for her pregnancy check up. Her doctor had reached out to her due to her absence and Cara simply said she would visit when she could. She stared at her phone all day, wondering when Romeo would finally call to check up on her. But nothing came through. Not even by accident.Were they really over? She wondered. He asked for a break not that they should cancel their wedding right? Speaking of their wedding, she did not even know if it was already canceled. She could not know anyway, Romeo's parent had taken full charge of planning the entire event and simply told Cara and Romeo to relax. All they had to do was to be there on that day. That day having being a few days away, anxiety was a small word to describe what Cara was feeling. She did not know whether to reach out to him first and ask if they were still getting married. How stupid would that sound though? Or nonchalant and not even
Those were the exact same words she had said to him just now, to take a break, so why was she so heartbroken? Why did she feel a sudden chill snake up her back? Why did she crumble to the ground? Why was it hurting her so much? Tears trailed down her eyes freely, her heart beat like it was about to explode, it was not built for such pain. The way it made her feel, watching him walk out on her and slam the door without looking back, she was at the edge of losing her mind. Her heart was soon to explode. "Come back..." She mitered softly, hoping he had not left. Hoping he was still by the door outside, hoping he was only waiting for a second before walking back in and engulfing her in his arms. "Come back to me..." She muttered softly. She strength to even speak any louder than that had evaded her. No matter how hard she tried to reach for it, it kept slipping out of her grasp. So she remained on her knees, tears washing down her face like heavy rain, heart as burdened as ever, soul
Romeo took Cara home later in the evening, she had been silent all through the ride and it was to his notice. As they arrived in the living room, he was supposed to turn back and leave, after all, Giovanni was still waiting for him. They had some catching up to do. But instead, he sat her down and sat next to her. "Is everything alright? You did not say a single thing all through the ride back home." Cara had been lost in her own thoughts but she was thankful that he had noticed it. She sat up properly and asked him, "did you hear what your mom proposed to me today?" Her voice was soft. "The merger?" Romeo's brow arched as he asked her and she nodded her head in response. He continued. "Yes I did, what about it? I wasn't really paying attention to her." Cara let out a soft sigh. "Well you know enough to know what her proposal was. Why do I have to merge my company with yours?" "It's not that you have to, it's just something that seems like the right and normal thing to do." Rome
Cara despised pettiness, so she despised herself for what she did next. "Remember, Jessica, that bug could still be around here." She hinted at Jessica's ugly secret. Jessica knew what she was saying and fell quiet. She clenched her fist in anger. Cara continued. "If it pleases you that I leave the room, I will, just know that whatever Romeo decides is of his own choice and not mine." Jessica still did not say anything. Tori shook her head, "that's absolute nonsense." She touched Cara's hand softly. "You are the new woman in the home of the Armani, every decision taken shall be in front of you. We are one. You can counter his words if you wish, or you can comply. Whatever you do will be accepted because you are a part of us now." Cara responded with a soft smile. "Now," Romeo started off in a tone that rose with authority, "back to your case. My decision still stands, same as it was before. The Knowles family has been with us for a while now, sure, but ever since power was switc
As Jessica noticed that they were all walking towards her, she rose to her feet and tried to act as composed as ever. "So...?"Cara wanted to roll her eyes, knowing well that Jessica was acting like she was not worried of the situation. Romeo could discard her right away if he wanted to, Jessica ought to be smart enough to know that. But she said nothing about it and continued. "It has been decided. Both of you, you are going to pretend like you don't know each other. We are just going to tell Mr and Mrs Armani that you have a very low tolerance rate for bugs and you saw one under the table. That was why you ran out." "And if they ask about the bug or want to call the manager to take care of it?" Jessica questioned. "Then we will just tell them it has been taken care of. No story." Cara responded. Jessica was silent for a while before speaking. "Why are you helping me this much? It makes my skin crawl." "Because no matter how much of a b*tch you are to me, I am not a petty woman
Romeo discarded the restaurant's manager respectfully, after they made sure no one else was going to overhear their conversation, they continued to address the issue on ground. Romeo pulled Giovanni aside, "how could you do that, Giovanni?" Giovanni arched a brow. "How was I supposed to know she was married and involved with your company? With a kid! I had a one night stand Romeo, not everyone is as committed as you are. Even in your bachelor years, you did not hook up with any woman. You're perfect but I'm not." Romeo gave a roll of his eyes. "This is not about me being perfect, besides I'm not. I didn't do any of that because I chose not to. And I spent my nights at the company while others spent theirs at a club."Giovanni scoffed. "Oh please, that's just an excuse. What about college years? Even the time you spent with me in Japan, you are too good for your own health." "My college years were pretty wild, Giovanni, believe it or not. Not in the hooking aspect because I was com
The Armani family-- Cara included-- along with their guest stared at Jessica as she dashed out of the room, ignoring Tori's call to her. They could only wonder what could have resulted to such impromptu action. All except Giovanni of course. The look on his face was neither surprise nor pleasure. He was just simply staring. Cara involuntarily rose to her feet and chased after her former best friend. She had not even expected herself to do something like that but she was already standing outside the room before she realized it. "Jessica!" She called out to the runaway princess. Jessica stopped and turned around, surprised to see Cara outside as well. She waited until Cara had walked up to her before she began to spit out without a second thought. "What are you doing here? Did you come here to make fun of me? Did you come here to let me know how much of a failure I am?! Huh?!" "Calm down." Cara said softly. "You need to breathe or else you'll pass out at this state." Jessica stil
Jessica had made up her mind, she was more than ready to sleep with the handsome man that was standing right in front of her, opening the door to his hotel room. Thankfully, he would not be able to tell that she was a married woman due to the fact that she had hid her wedding ring.She was young and pretty, this knowledge was known to her herself. So there was nothing wrong in her acting like a young and careless spinster exploring the world and by the world, she meant different men. Chris would care less anyway. And so the door opened and he led her into the fanciest room she had never known existed in the club. Obviously, from his aura alone, she could tell he was a rich man and now the room confirmed it. Behind the closed doors, she was in his arms again. They were strong and manly, her chest was firmly pressed against his. Their bodies emitted warmth that made her want to growl in delight. She enjoyed it, the feel of being in a man's arms. She clung tighter onto him, wanting
Jessica was elated! She had been able to get a call through to Romeo's dad and managed to plead an audience with the man. If it all worked out then she would not be sent out of the Knowles family. "I can't believe that I scored such a huge goal! If I can just manage to convince him-- I hope I can-- then I will be able to embarrass Cara for treating me like shit!" She twirled around happily in her bedroom. "There's no time to waste!" She cautioned herself. Hurrying to her wardrobe, she dressed up in a fancy and official mini dress and combed her hair until there was not a single strand loose. Her looks alone would be her first impression that day to Marcus and she knew it. She her make up quite obvious to add to the depth of her beauty. She looked ready after putting on her nude colored heels but she did not feel ready. With a nervous breath, she picked up her hand bag and walked out of her room.Bumping into Chris in the hallway, her face was drained of its smile. She thought to