‘If it’s any consolation, I never discussed who is more handsome- you or your brother. Because for a fact I know you are more…you know… handsome’, I tried to butter him up, my cheeks burning from embarrassing myself before Vivian.
My persuasion tactics must have worked on him because he asked Vivian to leave. Good. At least there would be no audience.
‘Why were you asking outsiders about my family M. Anderson?’, he asked solemnly.
‘Because you never discuss anything about them. You never say anything personal about yourself. I know we are still very new in our relationship, but I have a right to know about you. At the very least about your family. God, I didn’t even know you had a brother until Nathaniel Sinclair turned up at the office. How would you know how it made me feel? I was not asking about your bank details or some company secrets. I was just inquiring about your family, which can be learned by an
I zeroed in on her cabin, searching everywhere for her. Here kitty kitty…I could almost hear my inner diva calling with mock sweetness. I asked one of her possums her whereabouts. Something must have given away from my expression because she pointed her location to me without any fuss.My inner self rubbed her hands in anticipation. I opened the washroom door with a bang and ordered everyone inside to get out with a hand gesture. Everyone scrambled except for Vivian, who must have lost her brain cells along the way. She gave a pose any model would be proud of, relaxed and nonchalant.‘Oh, look what the cat dragged here? Lost your way sweetheart? Shall I show you the way to the exit? It would be my pleasure’, she drawled in her leisurely pose checking her lipstick.Rather than give a reply to her, I turned and locked the door. Some of her brain cells must be still working properly I guess because for the first time she noticed her situation.
There is not even a chance of me trying to behave like I didn’t hear him. I was stuck like a deer caught in headlights. Coming face to face with a potential murderer is not how I pictured my lunch break going to be.‘I…uh…I’, that’s it, my mind took a bag and went on a vacation. What will someone say to their sister’s murderer? Rage boiled inside me. I want to plummet him to the ground with my blows. Alas, I shall not do it. I shook myself clearing any emotions and lingered and pasted a smile on my face.I tried again with my pretension. ‘Oh, Mr. Sinclair, I was just going to have some lunch. You must be busy. Here, please don’t let me keep you from whatever work you were doing’, I slide out from the elevator, giving him a wide berth for him to enter.‘Oh no. How can I work when I can have a chance to have lunch with such a pretty face!’, he tried to flatter me.Lunch? with him? I i
I stared at him with my mouth hung open while he sat on the extra chair. ‘What are you doing here?’, I blurted out without any prelude.To my sensible question, he bestowed his reply by raising his eyebrow, meaning- what do you think? I took a quick look at Nathaniel to dissect his reaction and I could see relief coating his face. I couldn’t continue my concealed interrogation in front of Raphael without waving red flags. Instead, I asked him how he found the restaurant?His previous disposition restored Nathaniel interrupted by blurting, ‘Raphael Sinclair can do anything, find anything if he so wishes. This is just a child play for him’, a fit of inconspicuous jealousy is hinted from his expression which he cloaked when Raphael turned towards him. So, that’s how things are?‘Not everything’, Raphael replied for the first time while looking at me with heat.Sexual tension engulfed us as his heated gaze met m
The next afternoon I contemplated confronting Raphael. Tomorrow is Friday, in other words, The Charity Ball day. The day I’m going to meet Sinclair Family. And Raphael has yet to discuss minute details with me like timings, where to meet etc., I won’t let myself assume that he is going to collect me at my home. It would be out of his way which is a waste of time. And Raphael Sinclair doesn’t waste it if he could help it. But where is the guy? It’s not like him to avoid a person or a situation. But it’s pretty clear he is avoiding me. Generally, when Raphael Sinclair is inattention, it’s in your face noteworthy. Even though we are not glued to each other 24/7, I would know when he is voluntarily steering clear of me.Not to point out the obvious, but he didn’t come home last night. Which is a first? And here I thought 100% attendance is guaranteed. Had to rely on the fantasies to pass my boredom, my inner self complained while sighing.
Before going home, I stopped at a cafe nearer to the office for lunch. I don’t want to face the empty walls of my home yet. I tried my best not to think about what Raphael’s doing in his office with her. Am I judging too soon? Maybe he has a legitimate reason for having her in his office. What if she is not Elizabeth but some executive from his other branch or something? At this point I’m picking straws I know, but what if I’m jumping to a conclusion without hearing the verdict? Doesn’t he have a say? I know how he treated me is wrong. But shouldn’t I give him a chance to hear his side? For the relationship's sake? All these doubts my mind will definitely play dirty tricks enough to make me mad. Only one way to get clarified. I’m no coward, then why take a coward’s route now?With that in mind, I returned to the office mustering normalcy with pride wrapped around me like a cloak. The office door is still locked. Not that I haven
Why did you forgive so easily? Why not let him grovel for a bit?, asked my inner diva now in the getup of a therapist (with incense sticks and all, no kidding)I returned to my desk with my inner diva making static noises.What?Why did you forgive him so easily? Why not let him grovel for a bit? Asked my inner diva now in the getup of a therapist once I gave her some attention (with incense sticks and all, no kidding). Feeling like she would disturb me until I answered her, I gave my clarification.His heart is in the right place, but the people surrounding him are using this weakness to their advantage. I must maintain hope. For our relationship. A battle is lost that is never entered. And I'm a fighter through and through all my life. I just... When he explained his reasons, I envisioned him as a lone warrior standing in front of his family, Fighting the world, not knowing that one of its members or maybe all of them holding a dagger, ready to backstab
‘I... I don’t know’, I replied showing my indecision.‘I understand. You were afraid of the consequences. But Erica, what happens when he comes to know about all this from a third source? It’s no use dancing around the topic. Think about it. I got to go. It will be a Long time before I talk to you again. Don’t worry I will message you about my findings’.I cut off before he could say more,’ what are you saying? Are you in trouble? Anything I can do? God Kade, why are men so stupid? It’s not glamorous if you clam up and think the woman will understand. Trust me, it’s not hot.’Before I can rant and rave some more, he continued, ‘My life...is going with some changes that require my immediate attention. Wish I could help you more. But life interferes. Don’t ever think that I’m strangling you in a lurch. If you require any kind of help with anything call Michael. He is from the club.
We entered the mansion without any fuss, seemingly as I was with Raphael. It’s a three-storey mansion where the main foyer splits into two grand staircases that only enhances the luxurious look. The mansion was full of such extravagantly gilded furniture and grandeur that I thought it would have been better suited to a reigning monarch.We were directed to the ballroom (I stopped ooh...ing at the main foyer itself. Ballroom! I never knew anyone with ballrooms in their houses) where a different security detail is present to recheck the authenticity. Looking at the guest list I too would recommend it. Hollywood’s well-known actors, producers, politicians what not; you name it, they have it. The party was going with the sort of discreet swing that only serious money could contrive.Ok, we are in, now what?Can I ask?Ask? Ask whom? What are you saying?My inner diva clears her throat and said,Attention everyone, this announcement i