His texts

LEAH

Time had been moving fast. Two months had gone by since my parents died, and my father betrayed me.

What else was I supposed to do? I accepted my fate.

Kate had followed through on her words in helping with the surrogacy. I tried talking her out of it, but she was hell bent on doing it.

I sighed, pulling out the page from my book.

“Fuck,” I muttered, moulding the page into a bowl. I tossed into the trash can, and as expected, missed.

I hissed, walking off my bed.

I had unofficially given Lucas the permission to take over as CEO. If my father thought he was good enough to take everything while I was just some ornamental part of his life, I wouldn't go against his wishes.

I looked outside the window, awaiting their arrival.

For two months, I had pushed off my father's brothers and today, I had finally decided to host them. It was time to clear the air.

As I looked out the window, I saw two cars pull up. Soon enough, three more followed. They were arriving in their numbers. Good.

I walked to my closet for a fresh set of clothes.

—

As I stepped down from the stairs, I noticed as all eyes fell on me.

I approached them with grace.

“You called us,” the eldest spoke.

There was no need for pleasantries, and none was given.

“I did.”

“Whatever you have to say, make it fast. We are busy men.”

“Fine. Lucas will be taking over my father as I am with child.”

I watched their eyes widen. We had decided to keep the surrogacy a secret.

“How are we sure it's not one of your…scenarios?” One of them asked,

I knew they were referring to my miscarriages.

“I am quite sure this is not one of them. Either ways, if something eventually happens, I'll let you all know. I'm sure you'll be elated to hear it.”

The room fell silent.

“Seeing that there is room for an heir, I guess it's safe to say I still have the rights to the company. Isn't that so?”

“It is.” he ground out.

“I guess our conversation is done.” I snapped.

All four of them rose to their feet, and walked out.

It was admirable how we were able to keep our talks short and wise.

I turned around to find Ruth staring at me.

As I approached her, I noticed the wrinkles beneath her eyes. Her frame had become lean and fragile.

“Hey,” I called her.

She walked towards me. “Ma'am, your dinner is ready.” She replied,

I touched my stomach. “I'm not hungry. What's the time?”

She brought out her pocket watch. Over the numerous years I had lived with Ruth, I had never seen her without that timepiece.

“It's ten minutes to midnight ma'am. You've not had anything to eat today.”

Oh. “Lucas isn't home yet. I think I'll wait so we can have dinner together,” I informed her.

Her eyes held the words her mouth wouldn't say. In the last two months, Lucas had been barely making it home in time for dinner. Even when he got back, he immediately retreated to bed.

I didn't want to be inconsiderate. I knew it was a lot of work, having to handle my family's business and settling in. I was trying to be a good wife. Really, I was, but there was a part of me that craved my husband.

“I'll be up in my room,” I informed her.

“Should I bring your meal upstairs?”

“No, I'll be fine.” I replied.

I walked out.

Laying on my bed, I recalled how close Lucas and I were before all this erupted. I craved that kind of attention.

I sighed, laying on the bed. Lucas was doing his best. He was trying to settle down. Things would return to normal soon. He had said that.

About an hour later, I heard the door open. I rose to my feet immediately.

“Hey babe,” I said, wrapping my arms around him.

He placed his lips on mine, and immediately pulled off.

“How was work?” I asked, watching him drop his jacket on the bed.

“It was good,” he replied, taking off his clothings.

He didn't say anything else.

“I was thinking, maybe we could hang out tomorrow. It's a Sunday, and I was thinking we could go on one of those picnics we used to hold. Maybe dance in the sun, and have fun.”

I heard him sigh deeply. “Baby, I've told you how busy I am. There's no time.”

“I know.” I agreed, “it's just that, tomorrow is Sunday and it wouldn't hurt to-”

“I am busy Leah! How don't you get that? I have a lot of work to do! Lots of work that your father left behind in my care!”

I jerked back. Lucas had never raised his voice at me.

“God,” he muttered, massaging his forehead. “I will try to make out time for us to hang out, and have some fun, but you have to understand me. It's not easy for me.”

“I understand.” I agreed, weak.

“Good. I'm going to take a bath,”

“Should Ruth heat up your food?” I asked, hoping we could have dinner together.

“No. I had dinner with some clients.”

“Oh-”

He walked into the bathroom.

Silently, I walked to the bed.

I was about to lay down when his phone buzzed. I knew I wasn't supposed to look, and I really didn't want to, but a hidden part of me wanted to know what was going on.

Maybe if I had a sneak peek, it would help me understand him. I would be able to schedule things at the right time.

I picked up his phone. His password was still the same-my birthday.

As I unlocked it, a handful of notifications popped. I slid through, reading them through the notification bar.

There was nothing suspicious. Just a bunch of meetings and clients. I was about to drop the phone when I came across a familiar number.

“Love you too,” the last text read.

I looked at the name, and I knew it couldn't be me. Lucas and I hadn't texted in a long while.

Holding my breath, I tapped on the chat.

“Oh. My. God.” I muttered silently.

I paused. I blinked. I scrolled. I didn't know what to do.

I wiped my eyes. Maybe my lack of sleep was getting to me. I tapped the icon bar, and stared at the number. I knew that number!

I inputted into my phone, and I wasn't wrong.

I scrolled further, trying to find the origin of their texts.

I scrolled past six months worth of texts and it seemed like I wasn't any closer to getting to the origin.

I kept on scrolling, until I heard his voice.

“Leah, what are you doing?”

I looked up, clutching the phone in my hands.

“What are you doing?” He repeated,

My heart was beating rapidly. I was too stunned to speak.

“Give me my phone,” he demanded, stretching his hands. I clutched it even harder.

“No.”

“Give me my damn phone!”

“There is no way I'm giving this phone to you until you explain what is in here.” I growled out.

He rolled his eyes, “what are you talking about?”

“Don’t act like you don't know what I'm talking about! Why are there romantic texts between you and Kate? And why is it dated all the way to a year back?”