4

Evelyn’s POV

“What will you be doing today?” Leonard asks during breakfast. 

I smile at him. “I will meet with Maya after which I'll go to the textile company and observe things” I tell him. 

“I've told you that it's time to give up this textile company. It doesn't suit my image. If you want to work, I'll consider creating something else for you. Something better off." 

“It's my family business we are talking about. My mom left that place for me before passing away, how can I just—”

“Evelyn, you are my wife now. I expect you to do as I say since I'm your husband. Especially since we are no longer married under contract." 

I look at him and suck in a breath. Two years later after we got married, it felt like we could be a couple forever so when he asked me to leave if I wanted to—since our contract was due, I couldn't leave him—our marriage, I'd already fallen in love with him. So I stayed, deciding to love him forever and he in turn stayed as my husband. 

But what he's asking me to do now is hard. How can I choose between him and the only thing that still carries my mother's name? This is the same business that made me accept marrying him in the first place. I don't know what to say as I can't find the possible right words to reply. 

“Did you hear me or will you just disobey me?” He glances at me.

“I heard you. I'll just go and check on my father then” I reply. 

“I hope he has stopped gambling?” He asks with irritation laced all over his words. But I don't reply because I don't know the answer. My father doesn't tell me much about his finances. And it's not as if I care to know anyway. 

-–----

Leonard left first and I went up to my room to dress up. I've already called Maya and we agreed on where to meet. I've not seen her in a while so I feel very excited that I'm going to meet my best friend. At least it will help me take my mind away from my marriage for a while. 

I put on a black palazzo trouser and a white off-the-shoulder smoky top. I pack my hair in a ponytail instead of letting it fall to my shoulder. When I'm done, I apply a little lip gloss on my lips. I wear my best perfume, pick my Zara black hand bag and head downstairs.

The drive to the cafe is short and quiet. Just as Mikel pulls up in front in the parking space of the cafe, I see Maya stepping out from her gray Lexus. I come down from the car and make my way towards her. 

When I reach her, she throws her hands around me, pulling me into a tight hug that almost sends us both to the ground.

“Girl, you are glowing” tells me when she releases me from her hug.

“You are the one who's glowing for someone who is not a billionaire” I say with sarcasm and we both laugh.

“I know, right?” She affirms. 

We both go inside the cafe and find a table where we sign and order. 

“Tell me, how was your dinner date with hubby?” Maya asks with all enthusiasm in the world. I let out a low chuckle as the buoyant smile that was on my face ealier disappears into a thin smile. 

“It went well” I reply as I sip my coffee.

“Your face doesn't say that. What's wrong? Did he miss the dinner?” She asks and I shake my head. 

“If he didn't then what's wrong. He didn't buy you a gift?” She asks and when I don't reply, she continues “why are you upset about that? But you were the one who said he's been so busy with work. Plus if you must remain rich he has to work right?” 

I finally let out a sigh “it's not that May.” I don't want to tell her about Clara but I also can't keep holding it in, all to myself. I contemplate for a second whether or not I should tell her. 

Finally deciding to tell her, I say “there's this friend of his, a female who's in town. Apparently it's his childhood friend and their relationship is so cozy it's almost hard not to believe something is up between them. But he tells me it's nothing, except I don't feel entirely assured by his words” I don't tell her the full details of Clara coming to our dinner or she straddling Leonard in his office. 

“If he says it's nothing, why are you worried?” Maya asks. “Are there any reasons for you to be?” She observes me and I shake my head. 

“I'm just having my own doubts, that's all. You know how much I've grown to love Leo. I can't lose him now, not when we haven't stayed exploring our marriage" 

“You are just too sensitive for my liking. Relax okay,” Maya urges and I force out a smile. She's right. Maybe I need to relax and take Leonard's word for it. I should stop assuming I'll just lose him to Clara. 

“And you are too comforting for my liking” I nudge her shoulder “thank you Maya. I feel better now” 

A smug grin appears on her face “I'm your blessing” 

-–-----

When I get home, it's already getting dark but I know that Leonard is not back home yet. The smell of something rich and savory hits my nose the moment I step into the house. It’s odd. I know Anabel, our chef, left hours ago, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t ask her to prepare anything for dinner tonight. I drop my bag on the entryway table, hang my coat, and make my way toward the kitchen.

I open the glass door to the kitchen but the scene before me stops me dead in my tracks as my legs become unable to move, my stomach starting to ache as anger starts brewing in me