My eyes widened in shock by what I heard, I hung up and tossed my phone away, I quickly made a sharp turn which made Samantha lose her balance and hit her head on the window"Ouch…Lucas, what's wrong?" She questioned, looking at me with concern."My father is dying," I managed to say.She looked at me in shock, "I… don't understand what do you mean by dying, when was the last time you saw him?" she asked, holding tight to her seatbelt."I saw him yesterday and he looked well, at least it looked like he was well," I said, increasing the acceleration of the car. As I pressed hard on the accelerator which made Samantha scream at the top of her voice, "Lucas, you have to calm down!"I ignored her, how could I calm down when my father was dying? I needed to get to him as fast as I could. And if it means breaking through the road I would do it."Does he have any history of illness, prior to now?" She questioned, I took a quick glance at her, hands still firmly gripped to the seatbelt."Plea
I clenched my fist as I tried to suppress my anger, my father completely ignored me and was having a conversation with Samantha– was that a smile I saw on her face? The nerve!"Are you going to keep standing or you're still deciding whether to come join us… Aha! The chef is here," he raised his brows as he looked over me.The chef came in and served Samantha,"Enjoy your meal," the chef smiled at her and pushed back the trolley with varieties. I wanted to bring down the whole building but not in front of Samantha, I didn't want to cause a scene in front of her.She was about to take a bite of the beef Wellington, when I angrily walked over to her and gripped her by the hands."We're leaving this instant!" I said, pulling her up.My father looked at me. If he was surprised I couldn't tell, but he said, "Lucas, what do you think you're doing?" He questioned.I shook my head, he still hasn't seen any wrong in what he did! "Dad, we're leaving!" I said, trying hard not to raise my voice."
The day that would lead to the beginning of a charade had begun. The sun was aglow in all radiance as its rays seeped in through the curtain linen. I stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room staring at my reflection, adorned in a breathtaking wedding gown. The gown hugged my figure perfectly, accentuating my curves, and the intricate lace detailing added an elegant touch.I looked undeniably stunning, there was no denying that. But beneath the beauty and the excitement, a wave of sadness rushed through me. This marriage was nothing more than a contract… a charade that would last for a little while and it would. I crossed my fingers, "Samantha don't get so worked up, it's just for six months and you'll be free," I reminded myself, but the reality of it still weighed heavily on my heart.I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. This was the path I had chosen, and I couldn't let emotions cloud my judgment, not now that we were about to take the act a step higher. Besides,
I rushed towards the scene, my heart pounding with worry, I was taken aback by what I saw. Standing face to face, engaged in a heated argument, were Lucas and Andres, I should have known that the scheming Andres would do anything to cause havoc, I twisted my face in irritation at the thought of Andres constantly seeking to make things difficult for Lucas. The tension in the air was thick, as they stared at each other, anger coursing through them, with clenched fist.The crowd that had gathered around them watched anxiously, unsure of what had triggered such intense anger between the two brothers. It was clear that Lucas was too caught up in his rage to notice my presence, his focus solely on Andres."Andres, you've gone too far this time!" Lucas spat out, his voice filled with venom. "You think you can walk into my wedding and act inappropriately and I'll let you? You must be a joke to think that!"Andres' eyes blazed with fury, mirroring the rage in Lucas' gaze. "Lucas, Lucas… I don'
The tension that hung in the atmosphere was palpable, both of us startled by the intensity of the moment. In that split second, I braced myself for his harsh words, for the cutting remarks that would surely follow my outburst.Without uttering a single word, Lucas closed the distance between us, his hand gently cupping my cheek. Before I could react or comprehend what was happening, his lips pressed against mine in a fervent kiss. It was a kiss that held a mixture of desperation, frustration, and other emotions I couldn't comprehend at that point. My initial shock quickly transformed into a wavering amusement, and I found myself instinctively responding to his kiss.Time seemed to stand still as our lips moved in a perfect synchrony.The emotions swirling within me were a jumble of confusion, surprise, and an unexpected warmth that radiated through my body. I couldn't deny that he was good with his lips, the way his tongue searched for mine and for a second I was lost to the deep seas
I watched as Samantha's eyes widened in shock when the towel slipped from my body, falling to the ground with a soft thud. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and I could sense her embarrassment and discomfort. In that moment, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes."Oh I-I'm so sorry I didn't mean to… I didn't know you'd be in the shower else–" She said in a breath, visibly trying to process her thoughts."It's alright, Samantha," I said, my voice gentle, trying to alleviate her distress. "Accidents happen. No harm done."She stammered an apology, her words tumbling out in a flurry. "I-I'm so sorry, Lucas. I really didn't mean to bump into you. It was an accident, I swear, I mean I wouldn't have walked in on you if I knew you'd be…" she swallowed the last words.I offered her a reassuring smile, wanting to ease her nerves. "I know, Samantha, I know it was an accident you would never walk in on me…naked. Don't worry about it. It's been a long day for both of us, I blame it on the event
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry I didn't mean to intrude. I-I just wanted to, you know what nevermind… I'll talk to you later," She stuttered as she apologized and turned to leave, giving us some privacy. I couldn't help but feel a rush of relief as she exited, allowing me to compose myself.But before I could fully gather my thoughts, I found myself pushing Lucas away, creating a distance between us. My heart was racing, and a mix of embarrassment and uncertainty flooded through me. I needed to regain control of the situation."Lucas, what was that?" I questioned, my voice tinged with a hint of annoyance. "You can't just pull stunts like that. It's not fair."Lucas looked at me, his expression a mix of determination and frustration. "Samantha, we've discussed this before. We need our marriage to appear genuine to the outside world. That means we have to play our parts convincingly."I couldn't deny the truth in his words, but I was still taken aback by his audacity. "But did yo
As Lucas and Audrey continued their conversation, their voices filled with affection and intimacy, I clenched my teeth to suppress the bitterness that engulfed me. I couldn't bear to listen to their sweet nothings any longer. Ignoring their presence, I walked to the closet and picked out a nightgown, and made my way to the bathroom.With each step, I distanced myself from Lucas voice that filled the room. The sound of their laughter and whispered exchanges faded into the background as I closed the bathroom door behind me. I needed a moment of respite, a brief escape from the facade I was living.The cool tiles beneath my feet offered a solace from the tension that had settled within me. As I turned on the faucet, the sound of rushing water filled the air, drowning out the noise from the room outside.I stepped into the soothing shower, as the water cascade over my body, washing away the weariness that clung to my skin. In that moment of solitude, I reflected on the path I had chosen.
Days had passed and everything seemed to return back to normal except for a few times– when I saw Audrey, either at the house during breakfast or at the office. Asides that, my relationship with Lucas was moving just fine.I got out of the bed and made to walk into the bathroom to prepare for work when I lost balance and fell back on the bed. My head felt fuzzy and my legs were wobbly. I held the back of my neck to keep it steady, but it was like a log of wood was stuck in my head."My goodness…" I muttered under my breath as I managed to stand up and started making my way to the bathroom, when I felt bile rise to my throat. I quickened my steps, turned on the faucet when I stepped foot into the bathroom and threw up all the content in my stomach. I felt fuzzy the more I threw up, I slid onto the floor and leaned my back against the wall.There was a knock on the door. "Come in…" my voice was faint, even through the sound of the water gushing out I knew he must've heard.Lucas came in
I had mixed feelings about Lucas' actions. Yes, Audrey was a bit too much, but she was carrying his baby or at least that was what she made us think. Perhaps, he should have been a little lenient with her and let her be till she puts to bed."Are you cussing at me because of Samantha?" Audrey's tone was that of bewilderment.A vein in Lucas' neck pulsed hard, "My wife. That's who she is and I wouldn't have you displace her," he tightened his grip in my hands, "Now get out," his voice was calm but had the sharp edge of a sword.Audrey looked at me intently and I could clearly see through the hatred that brewed from her. She stared for a while and left.Lucas turned to face me. "I shouldn't have picked up a fight with her in the office," I regretted my actions, but it was much needed.He placed a finger over my lips, "It's okay pumpkin, you don't have to defend anything," his voice reached to my heart and patched the broken pieces like the holes weren't there to begin with."I love you
My schedule stared at me and I could barely make out the words. I had a meeting slated for four p.m and I was already bored. I was tired sick of everything happening, Samantha was doing a good job trying to keep it together but, for how long would she keep up with the act.A knock sounded on my door, the door creaked open and my secretary walked in. "Sir the meeting–"I rubbed my forehead in frustration, "I know what time the meeting is slated for,"She nodded and walked towards my desk to pick my laptop. "It's in five minutes right?" I questioned."Yes Sir, and some of the board members are already on their way," she said.I waved my hands in dismissal. I was suffocating and nobody was seeing it, or maybe they were and they can't do anything to salvage the situation. Audrey coming to the office was something I'd never have imagined to happen and it did.What was my father thinking, agreeing to it in the first place? He hated her the moment he set eyes on her, ''She's not good enough
Soon after Lucas left for his office, Laura walked in looking a bit disgruntled and without my regular morning coffee."Laura, I thought you left to get my coffee?" I questioned, when in fact she left to give Lucas and I privacy.She inched closer to my desk, "The new staff took the cup of coffee from me," her voice was low, I had to strain my ears to make out what she was saying.I clenched my fist into a ball, taking a deep seated breath to quench the anger that was threatening to erupt. "And who's the new lady?"You know who.Laura tugged at the edge of her shirt, "Audrey–"Take a deep breath Samantha. I took a deep breath, paused for a few seconds and forced a smile across my face. "Thank you Laura, you may leave now," I tried so hard to conceal the disdain in my voice."I'm sorry ma'am. I should have been more careful. But, she just snatched it from–"I raised a finger to stop her from saying more. I should have scolded her, but this had absolutely nothing to do with the young la
All through the drive, all I could think of was; What would the other staff say when they see Audrey and with a growing bump? Besides Lucas' secretary whom I was sure would keep the situation under lock, I wonder who else got wind of the news.I tried to focus on other things. Other things like exposing Audrey for whom she really was. I don't know if it was what comes with old age or his way of punishing Lucas for slipping up but Javier wasn't seeing Audrey for the sly she was and it bothered me."Samantha…"What does she want now?No response. I wasn't in the mood to talk to her and I was only doing what Javier asked, "I just want to get acquainted to the Java's working system," she rubbed her bulging stomach gently, "It would be nice if I get some experience to at least share with him when he comes of age and is ready to follow in the family's footsteps," she laughed.Lucas, where are you?I bit so hard at my lower lips until I felt the coppery taste of blood in my mouth. Don't cry.
After my visit to Valerie's place, I became more sensitive to Audrey's movements. Where she went to, what she did when we were out. So far, nothing out of the ordinary has happened."Lucas, wait up for me!" Valerie cried from the stairs. We were already running late and one of Audrey's dramas was something we didn't want so early in the morning.Lucas sighed sharply, "What the hell do you want this time?" He gritted.I hope it wasn't what I was thinking. She was dressed in a black velvet gown that stopped just on her ankles, court shoes and a blazer over the gown. It wasn't exactly my style but she looked good."I am coming to the office today," Audrey said.I was a bit taken aback, "Why?" We asked almost at the same time.She rolled her eyes in disgust, "Isn't it obvious?" She sighed, "I want to start working at the company," she looked at me with disdain, "Afterall she works there too,"There was no way in hell. The vein at the back of my neck pulsed hard, and I felt my heart bruise
Going to the office and coming back to the mansion to see Audrey with her fast growing bump wasn't something I looked forward to. I tried to square my shoulders and act like nothing's wrong when on the contrary, I was dying slowly.Audrey altered everything. The peace in the house, the scent and everything to suit her smell on the basis of being hyper sensitive to smell. Lucas ignored her and acted like she was some sorta ghost. But, I knew he looked forward to having his own child.It wasn't the birth of the child that irked me, it was the vessel bearing that child that made this unacceptable."Good morning Ma'am," Laura greeted when I got to work one morning.I nodded in response and made my way to the office. She followed in silence till we reached the door."Do I have any schedule that'll take me out of the office?" I asked when I slouched into the chair. She looked through her memo."Yes ma'am. A meeting with the investors slated to take place by three p.m and–"I waved my hands
I waited till the two lovebirds drove off to work before I started getting ready to go out. It was already past nine a.m exactly and I was a few minutes behind time. The prison visiting hours would be due in forty-five minutes.I'd been in touch with Andres since he was convicted of the crime. They'd all forgotten about him, I couldn't not after all we shared together. He wasn't the nicest person but he ignited the fire in me."Where are you off to?" Javier's voice sounded from the stairs when I opened the door. Lousy old man. I rolled my eyes and put on a calm expression before turning to face him.I flashed him a grin, "I'm going for antenatal," I lied. I could only hope he didn't request I go with the chauffeur because then I would be busted.He nodded, "Have a nice day," his voice was cold. I knew he didn't like me, he never did. Not when I was with Lucas, not when I was with Andres. I wondered why he didn't object to I and Andres' relationship when he got wind of it. Maybe he kne
She looked at the door, maybe hoping for a sign of Lucas then back at me. "Look I didn't ask your husband to get pregnant–"I sensed her anxiety from a mile away. Now was the time to act, "On the contrary, I don't care for you," My gaze lingered on her and fell on her growing stomach. "You would stay here till you give birth,"Audrey leaned into the bed, "I don't intend on moving out after childbirth if that's where you're driving at," her voice was a little shaky but she did a good job hiding it."We'll see about that. After childbirth, you'd go for a DNA test to ascertain who the father of the child is,"Now she got started, her face squeezed into a frown. "What the hell are you saying?"I rolled my eyes. Audrey. Audrey. Audrey. Still as vain as ever, "Exactly what you heard. If you claim Lucas is the father of your child," I paused when the housekeeper walked into the room from the closet and waited till she left, "Then we need to confirm, afterall…" my voice trailed off when she s