Chapter - [ 3 ]

[ Arthur Linwood ]

I closed my eyes as exhaustion consumed my body and mind after working tirelessly for hours and then babysitting my thirteen months old son. He was sick and no one could handle her, not even his nanny. I glanced at the clock, it was ten thirty in the night and there’s no sign of my wife. She has been busy in her new project which took her most of the time.

“Sir, should I bring you something to eat?” A maid asked me as I was rocking a whining child.

I lifted my heavy eye lids, she had sympathy on her face. I hate when my house staff gives me such looks.

“Serve the dinner, I’ll be there after tucking Adam in his crib and send his nanny.” I instructed her.

I had to hire a full-time nanny because Addison’s working schedule never gives her enough time to spend with her own child. We had a few fights lately but I came with the terms of taking care of my child on my own responsibility.

The nanny came minutes later, I carefully handed her the baby and stood up, my muscles ached.

“Do not leave him alone for a second.” I commanded her and navigated my way to the dining area.

The house feels empty and dull since Adeline left, she used to decorate every single corner by herself but after our divorce, Addison hired the best architect to redesign the whole house.

“Why am I thinking about her? She ruined my life. First, she cheated on me with my own brother and then gave away my company and villa to him.” I hissed as anger overpowered me.

As I was about to move to the dining hall, Addison walked inside the house, she was dressed in a black dress, more suitable for a party and she looked a little tipsy.

“What time is it to come home, Addie?” I stopped and asked her sternly.

Addison, who was busy typing something on her phone, looked up at me and startled. She dropped her handbag on the sofa and moved towards me.

“Hey, husband. How was your day?” She said very sweetly and locked her slender hands around my neck, she reeked of alcohol and a man’s cologne. She tried to kiss me but I distanced myself from her.

“Where have you been, Addison and why I smell a man’s perfume on you?” I asked her straightforward manner.

She was taken aback by my question.

“Are you trying to say that I am cheating on you like my slut sister?” She sounded offended and I immediately felt guilty of asking her an inappropriate question.

“I am sorry, Addie. I don’t mean it in that way. I am just trying to ask you what is taking you so long to return home on time? Adam is sick and he needs his mother. I can’t be with him all the time.” I said in a more balanced language.

“I am a busy person, Arthur and you of all the person know this better. We have hired the best babysitters and nannies for Adam and if you’re thinking that I’d quit my work and become a housewife and a typical mother then stop expecting. I am not Adeline who was ready to satisfy your male ego.” She said in a straight way.

“Don’t mention her name in our conversation, Addison. I never asked her to give up her job and sit at home doing homely chores for me, neither I am expecting you to do any of this but Adam is our son who needs his parents and you’re not there for him.” I said in a bit calmer tone. I love this woman for her excellent talent and beauty.

“I am sorry, baby. I went overboard and vent out my frustration on you.” Her tone changed and she hugged me, I smiled and hugged her tightly.

“We should take tomorrow off from work and go out for a family outing, you, me and Adam. What say?” I suggested and I really wanted us to spend some time together as a family.

Her smiled dropped upon hearing my words.

“I am sorry, Arthur but tomorrow I have an important meeting with a group of Chinese delegates. They have seen our work and they’re really interested in working in collaboration. It will be a milestone for my company, it’s in the initial phase. I can’t miss this opportunity.” She again turned me down.

“You said the same thing last two times, Addie. Tell me, are you bored of our marriage?” My pride came out on surface, I couldn’t bear a rejection and she made a world record in it.

“What are you saying, Love?” She gasped.

“I am asking you what I have felt recently.” I said.

She cupped my face and kissed my lips, “You’re my everything, Arthur. You are the only person who supported me in everything when my own parents cut their ties when their beloved daughter left the city after the divorce, they didn’t see her fault and blamed me for her miseries. You loved me more than anyone ever loved me. I can never imagine leaving you or our son.” She confessed.

My heart swelled with her confession. I regretted of doubting her. At least, she’s honest with her choices.

“Let’s have dinner, love. I am starving. We can continue our conversation and many more things later.” I winked at her.

“I am excited, dear husband but I had dinner with my team. I can give you a company though.” She grabbed my hand and led us to the dining area where the food was already served.

“I’ll feed you with my own hands, Arthur. In a week, it’s our second wedding anniversary and I want to make it very special for us.

“I am excited Mrs. Linwood.” I winked at her. She fed me the first spoon and like every time, the food didn’t taste as good as Adeline’s cooked food.

 Everything reminds me of her. She made me habituated of her.

“I hope your wife has fed you full, son because I have a very sensational news which will make you forget breathing let alone enjoying your quality time.” My mother’s deep voice drew our attention on her who is standing at the door with a hard expression of her rigid face.

She is a regal woman who makes her own choices and always kept a leash on my soft hearted father who adores his son Xavier from her first wife.

“Linda, what an unannounced visit. Please come and join us.” Addison greeted her sweetly but my mother ignored her.

“I expect you to pay attention on my grandchild who is our only hope and now, I don’t think we can control Arnold anymore.” Mother said placing her phone on the table, “See by yourself, Arthur and decide what you have to counter this new problem.” She said, I looked down to read the article and my blood ran cold.

“This is bullshit! It can’t happen, Mom. Xavier is getting married. We thought he’d spend his rest of life as a widower.” I yelled throwing everything on the floor.

“Well, the news is published by my friend’s media house means it’s true. I confirmed the it from her and she said, Xavier himself told them during an interview. The official statement will be released a week later, on your anniversary day by your father and his beloved son.” She said.

My mind begun to spin. He had been progressing rapidly, stealing my projects and clients. That’s why my most of the time is spent in damage control.

“Mom, I can’t let this happen. I’ll kill him with my bare hands.” I slammed my fists on the table.

“Don’t be a fool, Arthur. I have taught you better. We must be more careful than before or we’ll lose everything. We’ll break him like we did last time but it will be hundred times worse.” She smirked a sinister smile.

“You mean by removing his would be wife forever to hurt him?” Addison asked her.

Mother craned her neck to glance at Addison who looked like a scarcedy cat in front of a dominant woman like my mother.

“Have patience, my dear. Patience bears the sweetest fruit. Let him reveal her identity first then I’ll hit him where it hurts the most.” My mother announced causing us to share a look of triumph.