Lachlan I looked around. It didn’t seem aesthetic to me, as her reactions had given. Maybe because it was my room. I had been thinking of renovating the room to give it a much better taste. I was already getting bored with this. But of course, it was her first time here. I wasn’t shocked at her awe. But somehow it sent a jab to my heart, knowing it was all my fault. Still, better late than never.“Welcome to my room.” I replied, and she smiled. Heavens, she was beautiful. And her smell—oh mine—always had this effect on me. I just couldn’t explain it. But it was divine. It made me want to hug her and kiss her and keep her perpetually in my arms. Oh heavens, concentrate, Lach.I wondered what would have driven her though. What was so bothersome that made her leave her room to come to mine? I knew the amount of guts it must have taken her to do this. I had instilled so much fear in her regarding entering my room. I knew how much it must have taken her to walk on those fears and come her
Amelia My eyes slowly opened as I yawed. I woke up stronger than usual. I ran my eyes through the room and realised I had spent the first night in my husband’s room. Like for the very first time, I slept in the arms of my husband on our matrimonial bed. It was divine. I had never felt so at home. As we lay in his bed and I was cuddled in his arms while he ran kisses down my neck, squeezing me deeper, I felt it strongly. I belonged here. He played with my earlobes, tickled me a bit, made me laugh, and shared what had happened at the office. How Cassandra had come to beg him and emotionally blackmail him. How his day was sour at the office and how my being there with him was the healing balm. Unlike other times, I felt genuineness in his words.Maybe I should give this marriage a chance. Or maybe not. I shook my head and turned around to check on my husband and get my mind from pondering on the wrong things. As I turned around to his side, I met a small note on the desk, and curiosity
Christopher We laid on the bed, panting heavily. This had become quite regular of late. Within a week, I had seen Cassandra not less than four times, and on each occasion, we had sex. This had been going on for close to two months, since when the Amelia bitch returned. The reasons were obvious. But still, I needed her to admit them one day.A few minutes later, she stood up from the bed and walked to the bathroom. I sat up on the bed.“You still don’t want to tell me what’s going on between you and my brother?” I said, and I was very sure she rolled her eyes. She didn’t say a word, and I sighed. She was such a stubborn goat.I picked up my phone to check some things when she came out.“Haven’t I told you to keep your business out of my and your brother’s relationship?” She asked.“You know I know this is because of Amelia, right?” I said, and her eyes changed that minute.“Don’t dare mention that bitch’s name here.” She said, and I was shocked. What I saw in her eyes was scary. Her e
Amelia “Eric.. I also have my doubts. But… But I think this is different. I’m having a feeling that he means it this time.” I said, with the tiny hope within me that it wouldn’t crash. Oh dear God, I hoped I was right.He released a snicker instead, worsening my fears.“You only believe that because you want him to.”He said, and at this point, I got angry.“Are you insinuating that this is all some sort of hallucination?” I asked with a raised voice. Did he think I was just making this up?“No! No, that... that wasn’t what I meant. That wasn’t my intention in any way at all. Just relax and hear me out, Amelia.” He said immediately to clear out the misunderstanding. I sighed.“So what did you mean?” I asked with a questioning tone.“I’m just saying you should indeed be careful. That’s all. And it’s because I know the man, Lachlan Mallory, too well. Not like you aren’t worthy of his love. Actually, in the real sense, he is the one who’s lucky to be the man to win the heart of a pricele
Eric I sighed after talking with Amelia. My heart broke for her. She was so in love with the bastard. I wish she could see things from my point of view. Despite all she had been through, the hell the arsehole had put her through, she still wanted to give him a chance. A chance! I swirled around, racking my brain. The idiot was fast having my girl, and from Amelia’s response, I couldn’t counter such belief. Oh, heavens! There was a knock on my door, and Esmeralda walked in. I looked up, wondering what she had to tell me. “You have a visitor, sir,” she said, and I wondered who it was. I was expecting no one. And then it clicked. Was it that Cassie girl again? What did she want this time? “Is it that lady from the Mallorys?” “No, sir. But this visitor is also Mallory,” she said, and I groaned, rolling my eyes. “What does Lachlan want?” I asked in annoyance. “It’s Christopher Mallory, sir,” she said instead, and I widened my eyes in shock. What the hell does that lunat
Lachlan “Come in,” I said with my eyes fixed on the work I was doing on my system while I sat on my bed, responding to the knock on the door. I knew it must be Lillian, but I wondered what she wanted. The cleaning of the house usually started at eight, and this was just past seven. So I knew it must have been something urgent that could have brought her. “You’re busy?” I heard her voice instead and looked up in shock.“Babe., I said, still looking surprised. She walked up to me with a tray in her hands containing a cup of tea and toast. I placed my laptop on the bed, a bit farther from where I sat, as she drew close. “Good morning.” She said with a smile as she handed me the breakfast in her hands. I smiled as I collected them.“Thank you., I said in appreciation, and she nodded. We remained quiet for a while as I took my breakfast. I was indeed surprised she had brought me breakfast in bed. When I had returned from work yesterday, I had gone to see her, but she had withdrawn to
Lachlan I came out of the bathroom and met my wife arranging my clothes on the bed. What the hell? Why was she so desperate to run errands? I rushed out of the bathroom, drying my body with the towel, rushing to where she stood.“What’s going on, Amelia? You just threw up! You should be taking some rest.” I said, and she smiled.“I have taken some rest. I just decided to select some nice clothes you could go out with today. I don’t even know if you would like it, but I just...” “Of course I will love it.” I said without even taking a look at the clothes she had selected. But when I did, I exhaled. I didn’t really like the grey color. I had it in my closet, but I barely wore it. “You don’t like it?” She asked when she realised I was staring at it for too long.“Oh no. I do like it. Thank you.” I said, and she smiled. That was enough for me.I hung my towel and began to dress up, with Amelia helping me with that. She helped adjust my necktie and hair and ensured I was good to go to w
Amelia The sound of my laughter was ending. Eric was telling me about his unending humorous meeting with some seemingly potential clients and how he just knew it was a waste of time. Every detail of the meeting held so much humour that I could barely hold myself any longer, holding my belly as I released the laughter. It was indeed hilarious.“It was just crazy, you know.” He said, wrapping that up, while I kept laughing at his hilarious journey.We had been on the call for close to two hours before it crossed my mind to ask about Bailey and how they had been doing without me. I knew I had only stayed with them for three months, but it sure felt longer than that.“How about Bailey? How has it been with you two?” I asked, and he laughed this time.“Another crazy thing. Aunt’s barely stopped by my place ever since you left.” He said, and I was taken aback a little bit. “What do you mean?” I asked, and he laughed again.“I’m serious. She only drops by when I ask her to. It looks like s
Lachlan's POVI clenched my fists as I gazed at the detective. Would you just spill it already?“Get to the point, you manipulative don of a ….” I bit back the rest of my insult when he responded with 8 words. “Chris is the main suspect in this case.” Detective Matthew's smug expression needed a punch to it, and I was ready to volunteer for it.“Chris is an idiot, but he wouldn't hurt a lot of flies!” I yelled in my brother's defence. “Oh really? He wouldn't hurt a fly, but he'd fuck your own side chick and make moves on your own wife. Matthew curled an eyebrow. I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. “Can I fall for the same trick twice? Your bullshit reverse psychology won't work this time!”“I'm not using reverse psychology on you. You know the truth. We both do.” The calm expression on his face told me he was super serious about this. Matthew placed his hand over mine and peeled it off him. “Supporting your brother will only fuel my rage, Mallory…. My job is to find the culp
Lachlan's POVI felt a soft hand on my grip on my shoulder, and I looked up. Detective Matthew was standing in front of me with a cup of coffee and a smile on his face. Suddenly, I didn't know what came over me. My body responded to the gesture with hatred, and I slammed my fist into his face.“Karam hits like a bitch, and so do you.” Matthew held out the pack of ice from his eye, and I winced for his sake. The area around his eye was swollen and purple. Did I hit that hard? I just took a swing.“I didn't mean to hit that hard.” I said unapologetically.“Yeah, right.” Matthew said with a scoff and leaned back in his swivel chair. He swerved right and left, watching me with those curious green eyes. “You know I could have you arrested for hitting an officer of the law.”“I'm pretty sure you're aware that people like me own the law.” I rolled my eyes.“And I have people like you to thank for all the corruption going on around here. If it weren't for folks like you, I wouldn't have a jo
Lachlan’s POV“Amelia Mallory…. Time of death - 10:45 pm.” “No, Amelia!” Bailey's screams resounded in the room. “No,” the room seemed to cave in. “My Amelia can't be—”I jolted awake. It was a nightmare. Warm liquid trickled down my cheeks, and I realised I had been crying. I sat up, wondering what the heck that was. “Lachlan…” Cassie said groggily as she turned on her right side to sleep. I stared down at myself. I was half-naked in another woman's bed—a woman other than my wife. My eyes scanned the floor of the room. Clothing items littered the floor—Cassie's lingerie, her gown, my shirt, and shorts. A bitter taste rose to the back of my throat, and I tasted like the alcohol I had last night and the grief I was going to face. God, what on earth did I do?I threw my leg over the left side of the king-size bed, my heart racing in my chest and my mind reeling with one question: Is Amelia okay?“Lach?” I heard the rustle of the bedsheet. “I'm okay. Go back to sleep.” I told Cass
Lachlan’s POVI slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing through my soul. “How could she! How could she do this to me!” I fumed, dragging my hand through my already tousled hair. “What's going on?” Cassie raced into the room. I ignored her, still stewing in my rage. “Lachlan!” Cassie grabbed my shoulder and made me look at her. Her expression suddenly changed from one of concern to outright shock. “Lachlan,” she cupped my face. “What happened?”Seeing her sad and confused made my heart break, so I put my arms around her and held her tight. “Don't go anywhere.” I muttered, burying my face in her shoulder. “I won't.” She whispered.I don't know how it happened, but later, I found myself sitting by the kitchen island with a bottle in my left hand and a full glass in my right. “You have to calm down, Lach. Not everyone's who they say they are.” Cassie rubbed circles on my back.I took a swig from the bottle and nearly choked on the burning alcohol. “Shit! Amelia lied to me!
Amelia's POVI was crying, and it was all my fault. I hurt myself. I did this to myself.I sat quietly on the couch, flipping through the photo album.The smile on his face, the laughter in his eyes, his loving gaze on mine…. My husband, Lachlan, was happy. He really was.I traced the contours of the photographs, and my heart clenched. I hurt Lachlan. Bailey was right. I was running from my problems. I thought Eric could help with it, but I was wrong. It only made things worse. Everything about Lachlan and me—the picnic, the date at the park, our kiss, and nights together—was all becoming a distant memory because of me. The guilt was crushing me. I could've let Lachlan in when he was being more supportive. I should've loved him for it, told him what I was going through, and gone easy on him, but I didn't. I didn't care that he was more understanding; instead, I blamed him. Tears filled my eyes, and I succumbed to the torrents of tears in my eyes. “Amelia, please, stop crying.” Lili
Lachlan's POVA few hours earlier,Spending time in Cassie's made me realise how much I've missed doing my favourite things. Our long walks, baking together, watching our favourite movies; that was something I missed. Watching Cassie laugh at me while we played snooker in the game room made me realise how much I had missed this. Now, I begin to question if I was really happy with Amelia. After all, all I did was to make her happy. Everything I did was for her. I never did any of my hobbies but hers. Only hers. Do I even love Amelia?“Lach? You okay?” Cassie's face hovers over mine, and I’m startled.She placed her hand over my forehead. “You aren't running a fever. So what's wrong?”“Your eyes are blue.” She froze. “What?”I reached out my hand to cup her cheek. “Your eyes are blue.”Her cheeks pinked, and she put her hand over mine. “Yeah. Pretty, aren't they?”“Like the summer sky.” I flashed her a smile.She leaned her face closer. “Yeah.”“How could I not notice?” I tried to pul
Eric's povI was busy overthinking my ass off and didn't hear Aunt Bailey enter the room.“Eric?” Her hand was on my shoulder again. “Are you okay?”I blinked twice. “Oh yeah. Sorry, I zoned out for a bit.”“Don't worry about work. Your secretary is doing a fine job along with everyone else.” she smiled.I know that already. I don't hire incompetent people. “Yeah. They are.”“Good. Now, cheer up.” She smiled and passed me a bottle of water. “Thanks.” I uncapped the bottle and took a long sip. Damn, was I this thirsty?“Here.” She passed me the tray of food. Dinner was chicken and rice bowl with steamed vegetables. Lots of vegetables. I could get allergic just by looking at it. Yay.I dug in. The taste was top-notch. All thanks to Aunt Bailey. Sometimes, she’d refuse me to eat hospital food but other times, she'd let me eat it. I wonder what changed her mind today. Maybe, Amelia talked to her. Amelia hated the hospital and even cried when she saw me eating the food. I nearly laughed
Eric’s POVFuck!I messed up pretty badly, didn't I? Each time I close my eyes, my mind replays my conversations with Amelia. I had her. I had her in my grip, and I just blew it. I fucked up, and she knew it. She probably wants nothing to do with me anymore. My words fell flat, and she shut me down. Big time.I need a new approach desperately. I need something that will make her see me in a different light. Something that'll make her run back to me like she used to. Something... Aha! The Damascus Road method. It all goes down to manipulation. I'm sorry, Amelia, but I must do you his, or I'll never have you. I reached out for my iPad on the bedside table. I had a book that talked about this persuasion technique. If you want to make someone believe you have a sudden change of heart, then this book was the one for you. I saw it online, and now I'm glad I bought it. I will make Amelia believe I wasn't selfish or arrogant and that I have sent the light. I would make myself look so guilt
Matthew's POV. “So I'll ask you again, Mrs. Mallory, I leaned forward. “Do you and your husband have any enemies?” A shuddering breath escaped her lips, and she tumbled with the frills on her skirt. “We—we don't.” She was lying. “Think again.” “I don't have enemies, but I don't know about Lachlan…” She yelled. Not a clever way to respond to an arm twist. Then she looked at me, fear dilating in her brown eyes. “You said something about Chris trying to loop my husband in on something…” “Ah, yes,” I sat up. “My partner and I paid Chris Mallory a visit. We have reason to believe that he's a suspect.” Her eyes went round—a giveaway. She knows something. “Mrs. Mallory, how's your relationship with your brother-in-law?” “It’s just as you said. He’s my brother-in-law.” “Do you both get along?” I asked. “Yes.” She replied almost immediately. This interrogation is becoming a pain in my beautiful ass. “Mrs. Mallory, I am trying to help you here. You got attacked by some