Eric“Come in,” I said as I heard the knock on the door. I kept my focus on my system, already aware of whoever Esmeralda wanted to inform me of. “There’s some…”“Let her in.” I interrupted her immediately, and I could sense her shock with the way she paused. “Alright sir.” She said and did as instructed.A few seconds later, the bitch walked in casually and took her seat. I sighed. I always had to be mentally prepared before holding a conversation with this lunatic. I wondered how Lachlan had struggled with that for years. Well, that wasn’t any of my concern."Hi,” she began, getting my attention as I paused what I was doing to look up at her. A smile was plastered on her face.“Hey” I reciprocated the greeting, wearing a smile too.“This seems to be taking its toll on you.” She said, and I squinted my eyes, wondering why she said that.“What do you mean?”“Look at you. Have you seen yourself in the mirror lately? You’re gradually becoming a shadow of yourself.” She said, and I sig
Amelia We had just returned from the antenatal session. My husband had gone to his study to do some work while I went to the fitness room to run a few exercises, as my condition permitted. After a few hours there, I picked up my bottle of water and finished its contents as I strolled out of the room, eager to have my shower. And just as I stepped out, Lillian walked up to me, handing me a package. I squinted my eyes, wondering what it was, as I collected it.“What’s this?” I said, collecting the package, and then peeped inside. Gradually, I took out the flower and the jewellery box that were inside, looking up at Lillian, who wore a huge smile.“Who’s this from?” I asked, and she giggled.“Ma’am, you should know by now how crazy the boss is over you.” She said, and I chuckled. This was really weird. Just a few hours ago, we had just walked in together from the hospital, and now he’s sending gifts? I blushed hard as I took the flowers up to my nostrils to perceive it. This man was too
Lachlan It took every fibre in my being to remain calm as I watched Amelia speak to the fool over the phone. But with how delicately she handled it, I knew the idiot needed to learn the hard way. So without thinking, I jacked the phone from her and let the nonentity know how much of a fool he was.“Hey Lachlan, I didn’t think you were there.” The idiot replied instead, and I scoffed.“Stay away from Amelia. I won’t be this nice next time.” I warned, but he laughed instead, fuelling my anger. “Was that supposed to scare me?” He asked, but I remained silent, still fuming.“Wait! You mean that was supposed to scare me? You of all people should know that of all those scared of your personality, I can never be among the number. Please tell me you’re aware.”“Then let it remain that way. For your sake, I pray it remains that way. Or else, Truman, I promise you, you go out of your lane and you’ll find reasons to count yourself a part of the number.” I threatened, and those weren’t empty th
Amelia “Do you appreciate his friendship?” Lachlan asked, looking hard at me, and I swallowed as I looked away. This was going to be harder than I thought. Then he chuckled after he had received no answer.“Amelia, do you remember your reaction when I told you Cassie came to visit me in my office?” He asked, and I looked up at him in shock.“This is different, Lach!”“Please explain how.”“She came to seduce you. You can’t even compare that bitch to Eric in any way.” I said. How dare he? Eric might be overdoing things, but he was nothing compared to that slut. But instead, Lachlan found my words funny because he began to laugh.“Please tell me you’re joking!” He said, and I looked at him with a serious face. “Do I look like a clown?” I had to ask.“There were other times, Amelia, that all she came to do was beg and poison my mind against you, but you frowned at it, and I understood. How would you have felt if I had said, “I appreciated her friendship”?” He asked, and somehow I began
Lachlan I couldn’t sleep. It was terrible. I decided to work instead and get my mind off the chaos that happened in my room. But I just couldn’t concentrate. I struggled so hard, but I was messing up the documents instead. I shut down my system in anger and went to bed instead to continue the struggle. I knew what could help. And I badly wanted to get up, match to her room, and apologise for everything that happened. But then, what was the point? We were never going to be a couple. She confirmed it today, even though she tried being diplomatic about it.I was broken. The reality was too damning. My heart ached. I have never felt this much pain. I deserved it, so I didn’t even blame her. It was all my fault. I deserved every pounce of the pain I felt. But admitting it only worsened the ache.I couldn’t help it. I wanted to stop the lines from storming my mind, but nothing I did worked. So all along, she was just testing the waters until we were due for a divorce? This was too much. A
Amelia I watched him walk out of the house without saying a word to me. His face was swollen, and he appeared weak. I wanted to go up to him and hold him, probably place his head on my breast, and let him know; we just had a very weird outburst yesterday, which was very expected. That we didn’t mean anything we said. I was in love with him, and only he had the key to my heart. All I wanted was peace between him and Eric. I didn’t like the fact that their rival worsened on my account. But I didn’t think this would escalate this much. I was troubled.And maybe I used the wrong words the previous day. But I also didn’t appreciate the fact that he kept likening Eric to that slutty bitch. I just couldn’t contain it. That was too insulting, and I just couldn’t take it. Of course, Eric was crossing the lines, and I needed to keep him in check. But I just couldn’t take the insults Lachlan hurled at him.At the moment, I didn’t even know where I stood. But I knew I wasn’t happy with what hap
Amelia A familiar ringtone interrupted my nap, and I turned to my phone to check who had called. At the sight of the caller ID, my lips widened in smile. Bailey was never late. She was always accurate with timing when she called. I didn’t feel good to call her and let her find out about what happened; seeing her nephew was the reason this happened in the first place. I knew the problems this could create for them, and I didn’t want that.But I didn’t think I could manage this anymore. This was my marriage, and I needed to throw sentiments aside and get help. So I was determined to tell her everything. I didn’t care anymore who it affected. Because obviously, no one cared how this affected me. “Hi Bailey,” I said as I answered the call, sitting up. “So if I never call, we can never talk?” She said, scolding me. I sighed. I was very guilty of this.“I’m sorry, Bailey. I promise to also reach out.” I apologised, not knowing how to defend myself. She heaved a sigh. “It’s okay. How ar
AMELIAMy mind was whirling with so many thoughts as I ended the call with Bailey. I bit my lip as I began to strategise a plan on how I could apologise to Lachlan. Last night was so awkward and tense between us, and I don't think I want to live so uncomfortably with him when we just recently started to heal from our past. He was trying his best, and I just decided to be a fool and open my stupid mouth and compare him to Eric. I'm still wondering why he sent those gifts. I needed to talk to him, but first I must fix my marriage. I had decided to look at it from his own point of view. I knew his relationship with that woman was more intimate than the relationship I had with Eric. Maybe that was why I suddenly got defensive. Because she got to enjoy his touch, meanwhile I had never been with any man apart from him, and from the beginning it was a horrible experience for me. Until recently. I had imagined Cassandra sending him a box of gifts, and suddenly I felt livid and territorial
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