Claimed by my boss, hunted by his wife - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Under His Rules

Dorothy's POV 

***Next morning***

I woke up to my phone pinging. Gosh, how many messages.

I turned around, with half hooded eyes and a foggy brain, searching for my phone on the nightstand.

Finally.

I looked at my phone, cleaning my eyes. I saw three messages from Lilan. I opened them and I can swear that it wasn't only the message that got opened.

My heart was on fire and my eyes looked like they would pop out.

What?. How did I sleep so much?. I'm dead. This words were repeating in my head as I got ready.

It was already noon, as I walked into the office. I'm doomed. 

I stealthily walked past Xavier's office after greeting Lilan. But before I walked far, I heard her telephone ring.

I stopped. Breath hooked.

“Dori, he wants to see you”.  She said, looking at me apologetically.

I laughed, nervously. “Sure”. Sure, he wants to see me.

I walked into his office. Can this man, just for once, let something slide?.

“Sir, you called”. I put my lips in a thin line, as I felt his eyes on me as soon as I walked in.

“You are late”. He said, taking his eyes back to the files on his desk.

“I..I am sorry, I woke up late”. I muttered, bending my head as soon as I saw his head rise.

“This is the last time”. He warned as he waved his hand to dismiss me.

I walked out of his office and entered mine and i quickly released the breath I knew I was holding.

Gosh, that office was suffocating.

I sat down and my phone rang again.

Jesus, how many people have my number? At this point I felt like throwing my phone to the ocean.

I looked at my phone and saw that it was Edward. Shit, the meeting.

“Hello”. I said, physically face palming myself.

“Hi, princesssa. I just wanted to remind you about the dinner meeting today”. He said.

“Oh, yeah. I remember”. I said, looking at the wall clock. It read 1:30pm. 

I was really late today.

The call ended and I immediately got to work. Filling files and organizing schedules.

I was engrossed and terribly occupied. At some point, I stood up to stretch a little, and my eyes mistakenly looked at the clock.

4:20pm. Shit, shit, shit. Am I really destined to be late for stuffs today?. I scolded myself as I frantically got my bag and my phone and dashed out of the office, ignoring Lilan questions as to where I was going.

I got out of the building and took a cab. As we approached the restrauant that had open windows, I saw Edward looking at his wristwatch.

“I'll stop here”. I said to the driver as I gave him a his required dollar bill. 

I quickly got off and rushed into the restaurant, walking in the direction Edward was sitting.

“Hi, I'm sorry, for coming late”. I said, smiling apologetically.

“It's okay”. He smiled and waved me off.

I looked at my watch, 4:45pm. 45 minutes late, better than this morning.

I sat down and got relaxed, as my breath began to  even out.

“What will you order?”. He asked me, staring at the menu.

“Erm, I thought we were here to discuss some business”. I said, wrinkling my eyebrows together, and digging into the hem of my skirt.

“Well, we can not, you know, talk on an empty stomach”. He shrugged, calling on the waiter.

“Oh, right. Sorry, my bad”. I apologized, while glancing at the menu. 

“What would you like to have?”. The waiter came, looking at his notepad. 

“Well, two plates of rice and pork stew”. He said, looking at me for confirmation.

“Is that all?”. The waiter asked, after writing down the first order.

“Well, and some cocktail, please”. I added this time.

The waiter bowed and took his leave. 

“Okay, so what business are we discussing?”. I asked him, feeling in my gut that this wasn't just a business meeting but hoping it was.

“I see you like to get down to business”. He said, smirking at me. 

Something about this smirk, got me digging more into the hem of my skirt, and I feared for its life.

“Yes, actually”. I nodded, hoping and praying that Xavier or one of his security won't see us.

“Okay then”, he began, but the waiter came along.

“Here is your order. Two plates of rice and pork stew. With your cocktail. Enjoy”. He smiled and bowed.

“As I was saying, since you like to get down to business, be my lover”. He said.

“What?”. I asked, as my eyes widened and my hand that held my spoon about to enter my mouth, hung in air.

“Be my lover, Miss Reyes. What do you say?”. He repeated.

I felt the insides of my stomach immediately come to my throat, and it took my entire strength not to gag.

“You must be joking”. I let out a little chuckle, dropping my spoon back in the rice bowl before me.

“Yes, you got me”. He mused, causing me to smile.

I breathed a sigh of relief. 

“But think about it. I'll pleasure you so much”. He offered again, smirking and reaching out to touch me.

“There is nothing to think about here, Mr. Jetta”. I snapped, taking my  purse off the table, but still seated.

“Why?. Hmm?”. He questioned, glaring at me and looking at me with lust.

“Because sir, I am not one of those girls that I'll fall at your feet. And I'm not going to, because of you, go against my company's code”. I glared at him, while looking at the cocktail and calculating how I will pour it on this filthy face of his.

“Just because you are Xavier's secretary you think, you can think all might of yourself now, right?.” He asked me, sounding annoyed.

I was quiet, seething. 

“I am not thinking all mighty of myself because I'm his staff but I'm thinking like a morally sound person”. I said to him, but deep down I knew this talk didn't apply to Xavier.

In between my legs ached as I remembered last night, and my stomach, I think it was butterflies that moved in them, as I felt all tingly inside.

But that was just last night, and any normal day, he annoys and pisses the hell out of me.

I stood up, and grabbed my purse to walk out. But I stopped when I was pulled back.

“You, I will make you mine at all cost. You, are nothing special, Miss Reyes”. He said, still holding the strap of my purse.

I snatched my purse from him. “Since you want me at all cost, don't you think I am special?”. I asked him tauntingly.

I saw him scowling and looking like at any moment he will burst open from the boiling larva in his head..

But I scoffed, and I walked out of the restaurant. Well, this went south.

I walked away from the restaurant, as I looked at my watch, 5:30pm. Work has closed, by now. Home here I come.

I stopped to get a taxi but a car pulled up. One I can recognize from three streets away.

The window rolled down. “Miss Reyes, good to see you here”. Xavier smirked, but his tone was calm and almost slightly amused.

“Xa…Mr. Wort?”. I stammered, scared and praying to the heavens that he is just driving by.

“Well, I see, you now, not only admire my business partner but also go on dinner dates with him. No?.” He asked, as he tilted his head to left.

“No. I…. He..” I began stuttering, sweat bead formed on my forehead.

“Come in”. He smiled, opening the passenger’s door. But this smile didn't scream everything is alright, it felt like there was impending doom. 

I swallowed. This can't be bad right?. 

I entered, and closed the door, breathing out to calm my nerves.

He looked at me, smirked and drove off. “Don't be so tense around me, Dorothy”. 

Did he just- ?.

“Yes, in private, first names only”. He informed, not looking off the road.

“Okay. Xavier”. That name felt like vinegar on my tongue. I tried getting comfortable but not too comfortable, because this man, acts like he had a bipolar disorder.

“Tell me”, He continued, stretching his hand to my thighs,”What were you discussing with Edward?”. He asked.

My mind went blank. His hand went up, under my skirt, close to the line of my lace underwear.

Minutes ago, I was trying to escape Edward’s slimy grip. Now, Xavier's fingers are under my dress—and I can’t decide if I want to push him away or pull him closer. 

“Xavier, what…?” I asked, getting breathless.

“Shhhh, love. Answer me”. He coerced, as he pulled up to his house six car garage.

“Nothing. We discussed nothing”. I told him, trying to organize my head, as my hand reached for his, to stop him from going any further.

“Lies. Baby, don't tell me lies”. He shook his head, pulling my neck close, and he placed his lips on my collarbone.

“He…he just wanted….he said that he had a business to discuss so, so….. I… I went to meet him”. I stuttered, as I felt his hand inside my underwear.

Shit. Never in my life did I stutter, not one time. But here I was, a foggy brain mess trying to assimilate my thoughts.

“And?”. He pushed on, biting my neck.

I bit my lip, as I suppressed a moan,“I…. He asked me to… to be his lover but I refused” I finally let out, as my chest heaved and my pulse quickened. 

“Let me tell you something. You are my staff and you live in my house”, he whispered close to my ear,” you have nothing to do with Edward or any person in a position similar to him”.  

He finished and bit my earlobe. “Understood?”. 

“Yes, yes, Xavier. I…I understand”. I breathed out, as I felt his hand retreating.

“Good girl”. He commended, and kissed my lips, nibbling.

He stared at me for sometime. I looked at him as well, still taking in fast breaths.

Soon he got off without a word. Leaving me confused, but at least he didn't tell me to get out.

Maybe what I thought was a one night thing, might be something more than that. Could he be attracted to me too? 

Chapter 6  The Last Time

Xavier's POV

A month later 

“When was the last time you went for your antenatal?”. I asked Diana, as she sat across my table, admiring her well manicured nails.

Her eyes shot up at me, as she cleared her throat. “I…I..it was last week”. She stammered, using her hand to straightening out her hair.

I squinted my eyes, staring at her, dead in the eyes. She looked anywhere apart from my eyes.  We were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Come in”. I called out, still looking at Diana. Lilan walked in with a bowl of pawpaw and set it in front of Diana. Then another knock came in.

“Just come in”. I sighed, sliding my hand over my face but this time it was, Dorothy who walked in. 

“Sir, the meeting with Gredyln is in thirty….”. She paused when she saw Diana holding a fork filled with pawpaw.

“I'm sorry, ma. But it's not advisable to eat pawpaw during pregnancy”. She told her, and this caused me and Lilan to look at her.

“Apple or oranges are acceptable. Just saying”. She shrugged, pressing her lips together.

Diana was still staring at her with a scowl on her face. “Did you attend medical school?  No. So, shut up and mind your goddamn business”. She snorted out.

Dorothy bowed her head. “I'm sorry”. She apologized and looked at her watch. “Sir, your meeting”. 

I took my suit jacket and headed out, but not without glancing at Diana and I saw her move the plate of pawpaw away from her.

“Sir. I want to discuss something with you”. Dorothy suddenly turned to me, right before we entered the conference room. 

“Yes?”. I asked her, tilting my head to get a better view at her facial expressions. Her brown eyes seemed unfocused, like she was trying to compose her words.

“I'm moving out. I've stayed with you for over a month and I don't think I want to continue. I already spoke to your dad about it”. She said, holding onto her tablet.

I nodded my head. “Okay. You leave when?”. I asked, my face rid of any emotions.

“The beginning of the new month”. She enthused, staring at my eyes and nodding her head.

“Sure. Can we get to the meeting now?”. I asked, eyebrows raised. She nodded as she made way for me and we headed to the meeting.

As I sat there, hearing every project, but only one thing in my head. She's moving out.

Well, it's a good thing as that is what should have happened at the beginning. 

“So, the contract signing, would happen tomorrow”. Gredyln smiled, while closing her laptop. The meeting has finally ended and I can swear that I didn't hear half a thing.

Everyone soon left the conference room, as I and Dorothy went to my office to finalize the little details of the meeeting but we walked in to see Mr. Frey seated there with his daughter. 

“Mr. Frey. A surprise. To what do I owe this visit?”. I greeted, sitting down on my chair, and facing them. 

“I came by to see my daughter. And also to see the person staying in a home of married people”. His tone quickly turned from cheerful to cold, as he turned to look at Dorothy.

I squinted my eyes. “So tell me. What does that have to do with seeing you daughter?. She is a friend of my father, so as that please respect her”. I warned, my voice matching his cold tone as I looked at him deadpan in the eyes.

“Oh forgive me, Mr. Wort, if I pushed the wrong buttons. I apologize, Miss Reyes”. He smiled, all to sarcastic.

“Oh, it's okay, Mr. Frey”. She said, and turned to me. “I'll come back some other time, Mr. Wort “. 

“I heard from my daughter that you are inquiring about her antenatal. Are you doubting the pregnancy, Mr. Wort?”. He asked.

“Is there a reason for me too?”. I asked, tauntingly. 

I saw his face drop. “I'm not saying that”. He said, letting out a nervous chuckle, as his shoulders immediately locked. 

“Is there a problem?. You seem tensed”. I asked, squinting my eyes.

“No. Erm, Daddy, you have somewhere to be right?”. Diana chirped in.

“Yeah. Yes, I'll see you later, Mr. Wort. Take care, baby”. He waved off and left.

I looked at Diana raising my eyebrow. She looked at me and breathed out.

“What?”. She spat.

“You tell me. Your father acted really suspicious. Something you want to tell me, sweetheart?.” I asked, tilting my head.

“Nothing”. She said, avoiding my eyes.

“Okay. Just remember, if I should find out any lies, I, will make you and your father regret it”. I warned, taking my words, one syllable at a time.

“I'm taking my leave. I'll see you at home”. She scowled and walked out.

As she left, I delved into my files. And I came across the meeting summary from Gredyln conference, I stared at the file and this was my confirmation that I was there physically but I didn't hear shit.

As I picked up my phone to call Dorothy, my door opened and she stuck her head in, looking around, before she slided into my office.

“Sir, is your wife here?”. She asked, still looking around.

“Yes. She's in the restroom. She's coming”. I asked, pressing my lips together to stop the smile that was growing.

“Really?”. She asked her eyes popping. “I'll come back later”. She said, turning to leave.

I let out a little chuckle, this stopped her in her tracks. “You're cute”. I said, smiling.

She looked at me, glaring. “Did you lie to me?”. She asked, as she sat down, looking around.

“Well…. technically…yes”. I said, as I relaxed into my chair.

“Not funny”. She said, pouting. I stared at her, her eyes glaring back at me, until the glare began to dissipate, and was being replaced with shy glances.

My eyes trailed down to her shirt, two buttons open, I swallowed hard, keeping my eyes trained on her collarbone. 

Fuck.

“Come”. I told her. 

“What?”. She asked, her chest heaving up slightly.

“You heard me, Dorothy”. I breathed.  

I didn't understand this sudden interest in her, this sudden pull to her. Maybe it was because I just craved some sense of mutual feeling? Or has the obsession with having the same happiness my father has with my mother gotten into my head? 

She blinked severally as she stood up, coming towards me.

I moved my chair back, giving her space to stand in front of me. I looked up at her, and her eyes were trained on me.

“Sit”. I ordered. She did exactly that, and surprisingly without complaint. I opened her legs, spreading them apart.

“Xav…Xavier…you…you are married. This is…this is…”. She whimpered.

The more she tried to fight it, the more excited I felt. She feels the same thing for me–that means that I'm lovable even without all the money. 

I said nothing as I stood up and claimed her lips. I missed this. I continued kissing her as I snaked my hand down to her thighs, going deeper.

“Xavier”. She said, breathless, as she broke the kiss. I didn't let her say another word, as I rubbed her clit through her panties. 

“You…can't do this”. She protested, fighting back her moans.

“Why not?”. I heard the desire in my voice, as it was deep and low, and I  nibbled her neck.

“You are married”. She breathed out and a small moan slipped out.

“Your body is saying otherwise, princess”. I felt all my senses drifting away as I slid her panties out and rubbed her clit while I inserted my finger in her.

“Hmmm…Xav..fuck”. She moaned as she dug her nails in my neck, throwing her head back.

I slidded my fingers in and out of her, causing her to move her hips to every thrust and rubbing her clit at the same time.

My office smelled like her–strawberry, vanilla and desire.

“Fuck, Xavier. Please. I'm…I'm going to….oh, my goodness”. She moaned the more, and with this she clenched around my hands and dug her nails deeper into my neck.

“Look at me”. I ordered, using my free hand to hold her neck to my eyes. “You can cum now, baby. My finger is all yours”. I skidded my fingers faster, in and out of her, as I curled at interval.

The sight of her glassy and heavy lidded eyes, filled with desire sent me over the top, as I felt myself increasing with each sound she made.

With her eyes staring at me, half hooded with desire, she finally let loose, my name on her lips. My fingers went in and out of her, helping her ride out her high.

The sounds of her beautiful moans, mid sob and whimpers filled the air, along with the intoxicating smell of her arousal.

“Fuck. Fuck. No”. She said, after she came down from her high, and pushed  me away from her. I could see the realization hitting her.

“Don't. Don't”. She murmured the more, as she straightened out her hair.

“What….”. I began.

“This is the last time”. She let out a shaky exhale, as her entire eyes went wide and she began walking out.

“The meeting in Spain is cancelled” I told her, trying to get her to stay, to understand the sudden urge to leave. 

But she didn't say another word as she walked out, and I couldn't help but think that maybe I was in over my head.

But whatever it was, I just hope I wasn't giving the key to someone that wouldn't think twice of letting it go. 

Chapter 7  Fetal Deception 

Xavier's POV

“Sir, I'm ready to go” Dorothy's voice screamed from the garage. She had her stuff packed and ready to leave.

I can't believe she was moving out, and my father agreed. Like he fucking agreed.

I stood at the garage door, looking at her as has put her stuffs into my car. She turned to look at me and had her hand on her waist.

“Are you tired?. Just say the word and I'll help you” I teased, with my eyebrow up.

“Fuck you” She dismissed with her chest puffed as she lifted the box up, with so much struggling and grunting until she finally got it to the car.

Coming for the next box, she picked it up and fell with her ass first to the ground.

“You could have asked for help” I told her, squatting beside her fallen figure and she looked at me with daggers in her eyes.

“Fine” She huffed, and I could swear there was smoking coming out her ears.

“Ask, love” I said, smirking and reducing my voice down a tone.

“Please, help me, with the box” She spat, spelling out each word with gritted teeth.

“Fair enough” I shrugged and lifted the box and helped her get them into the car. She helped herself up, dusting her ass.

“Thank you. And honestly speaking, I didn't know you'd agree to me leaving so easily” She said, posing in front of the back passenger’s door.

“What do you want me to do?. Tie you up?” I asked coming closer to her.

I could see her breath quicken as she looked at me, her eyes dancing between mine and my lips. 

“What do you want?” I said coming closer to her, my hands on her thighs.

“To move out of your house peacefully” She said, her chest moving towards me.

“Then why…are you letting my hands go higher?” I asked, smirking, and almost laughing as I saw her face drop and she moved backwards.

“Get out of my head” She breathed out, arranging her hair and her dress.

“Get in” I laughed while shaking me head, as she gave me a glare, but she got into the car and we drove off to her new apartment.

“Your house is nice” I complimented, standing at the entrance and looking around.

“Yeah, thanks to your dad” She saod over the sound of the few cars passing, as she dragged her things into the house.

“Hmm…I'll see you later, okay?” I spoke, and went to her and kissed her forehead, ignoring the look of confusion she had.

“Where are you going to?” I heard her call out, my hand already on the door knob.

“Not your business, darling” I shouted back at her and left her house driving off to the hospital.

I parked infront of the hospital and brought out a file with the hospital's name on it, as I walked into the hospital. 

“Hello. Please can I see…er…doctor Rasheed?” I asked the receptionist, holding the files in my hand.

“Yes, in his office” She said with a warm smile.

“Thank you” I told her and walked off to the direction of Dr. Rasheed. 

This was my family's clinic, so navigating the place wasn't a mystery puzzle.

“Hello, Mr. Wort. What brings you by today?” He greeted, stretching his hand out.

“Erm, my wife, Diana” I told him, taking his hand in a handshake and sitting down.

“Oh..what's wrong with her?” He asked, looking at me with squinted eyes.

“Can I get her hospital record?” I asked him, looking at him dead in the eye.

“Hospital record?. Hmm..let me check on that. I'll be right back” He said and left me alone seated in his office.

After several minutes passed, with my head posted in the direction of the door, he finally walked in, holding a green file.

“Mr. Wort, please do understand that I don't usually show patients’ record to just anyone, but you are her husband” He informed, and put on his glasses.

“Thank you, doctor. I really appreciate “ I smiled, as I settled in to hear what the reports say.

“What exactly is it that you want to know?” He asked, after skimming through the file.

“Well, her antenatal history” I said, nodding my head.

“Antenatal? Mr. Wort, there is nothing saying your wife is pregnant, sir. Not a scan, not even a blood test” He told me, dropping the file on the table.

“No, check properly. I found this letter in the house, stating her antenatal test schedule”  I objected, as I  dropped the file on the table.

He took the letter and went through it, his head tilting.

“Well, sir. This isn't how we set up a antenatal. We usually send it through emails and in a printed tabular form, showing the full schedule till she gives birth” He shook his head and handed me back the letter.

“What..so you are saying that this isn't from your hospital?” I asked, taking the letter back.

“No sir, it isn't and plus your wife doesn't come here often, just for some full body checkups on regular basis” He shrugged. 

“Thank you, Doctor” I gave off a half smile and left his office.

I was in a derail. What the hell is this?.

“Maybe she just went to another hospital and got the papers mixed up” I comforted myself, trying to ease the already brewing anger in me as I gripped my steering wheel.

No, fool. This stuff was printed on this hospital's letterheaded paper. Do you think it was really a mistake?

“I told her not to lie to me” I whispered to myself as steeped on the acceleration pad, waiting to get home.

This always happened. Each time I tried to love a girl, she did the same thing–lie to me and use me. It was so regular that I just gave up and became so indifferent if I heard that my current girlfriend was cheating on me or just using me for me.

I had thought to understand that it's just that way, and that's why I'm not so sure how to explain what's going on between Dorothy and I. 

But I snapped back to my current reality. Cheating and using me, I completely agree, but lying to my parents to make them look like fools? One I can't condone.

What if she wasn't actually pregnant? Or what if she lied about it this whole time?.

But why would she lie about being pregnant?  There wasn't any plausible reason, because of it's because of money, she was already married to me.

I drove off to her father's house after so much consideration on if I should really ask her about it.

“Hey, babe. You didn't tell me you where coming” She smiled after kissing me.

I looked at her, the questions tempting to slip from my lips, as my mind ran a mile race.

Should I ask her about it?.

“Diana, your pregnancy is how old now?” I asked, as her mom came in with tea and biscuits.

“Why are you asking her that?” Her mother asked me, holding her daughter by her waist.

I looked between Diana and her mother. Think fast, Xav.

“To….to uhh, to plan a baby shower” I said, smiling and looking at Diana's father, that walked in after the question.

“Oh really. Okay. Diana, how old is your pregnancy?” Her mother asking, taking her seat beside me.

“Uhh, three, four months. Four months, now” She furrowed her eyebrows in thoughts, rubbing her palms on her jeans.

“Really? Oh okay. Then, when do baby showers take place?” I asked, taking out my phone to take notes down.

“On the ninth month is better but some people do it on the eight month” Her mom said, again, while Diana took a seat beside me.

*Yeah? So when do you want to do yours, baby?” I asked, looking at her and kissing her forehead.

“On the sixth month, it will be lavish” She smiled, her hand on my stomach, as she rested her head on my shoulder.

“Oh okay. You said, you are on the fourth month, right?. Any morning sickness?” I asked, staring at her head, my phone in my hands.

“Yes”

“No” 

Both her mom and her answered the same time with different answers.

She said yes while her mother said no. 

“What?” I asked, squinting my eyes and tilting my head to her mother's direction.

“Sweetie. At the fourth month the morning sickness usually stops” Her mom said, staring at her daughter with ruffled temples.

“Well, not for me” She said, as she cleaned the cold sweat that now made her forehead shine.

“Okay. Women are different. Anyways, I'll take my leave now. See you later” I smiled and kissed her forehead. But her father suspicious gaze followed me till I was out of the door.

I entered my car, driving off slowly to my office. We got married six months ago, and she told me her pregnancy was before the marriage. 

She lied. And the thing about liars, their words never correspond. 

Chapter 8  Echoes Of Goodbye 

Dorothy's POV

I looked around my almost completely arranged apartment, that I had completed in two days that I moved here, and my eyes caught a picture that I had put on the side stool.

It was a family picture that a lady helped us take on our visit to an amusement park. It was a very memorable time that I couldn't forget. It was two weeks before their tragic accident. 

But the day I wouldn't forget was the day of their accident. I still the hollowness in the pit of my stomach but still it felt like I had overfed.

I had been in school on preparation for defending my project as it was my final year.

Two people before me, and my phone rang. I didn't understand why that an unsaved number was calling me.

“Hello?” I asked, as I bent my head down in order not to be seen.

“Is this Dorothy? Dorothy Reyes?” A male's voice rang on the other side of the phone.

“Yes? It is Dorothy. How can I help you?” I asked, and at that point the announcer called out a particular person.

“George Huston”  The voice rang through the speakers, making it one person more before me.

“It's your parents” The voice said again, this time, it was low and I could hear the hurt and tremors behind it.

“What…what do you…what happened?” I asked, as I felt my heartbeat increase, amd suddenly it felt stuffy in a five hundred seater hall with five conditioners.

“Can you come to Greenlife Hospital?” He asked, his voice getting patient.

“Yes. Yes. I'm on my way” I agreed, picking up my bag and going towards my supervisor.

“Erm…ma'am” I called to her, sniffing, as she was speaking to one of my professors. I could already see images blur due to my unfallen tears. She turned to me, her eyes and temple squeezed as she looked at me quizzically.

“What's wrong, honey?” She asked, her hand placed softly on my arm.

“My…I..they..they…called..from..” I stuttered as the oxygen in my lungs seemed like it was cut off.

“It's okay. Easy, sweetheart. Calm down. Come with me” She cooed as she held my hand and told her associate lecturer to skip my name.

She led me to the quiet hallway, and we waited for a lady to pass.

“What's wrong?” She asked, her hands still on my arm.

“My parents are in the hospital and I…I need to be excused, please” I asked her, as I pressed my lips together.

“That's not something you need my permission for, but it's good you informed me. I'll push back your presentation, okay? Go and take care of your home first” She smiled as she enveloped me in a hug, and I felt a tear leave my eye, but I ran out of the building, trying my tears back.

I arrived at the hospital and I met the receptionist.

“Hey. I'm…I'm Dorothy. I got a call that my parents were here” I told her hurriedly.

She looked at me with sympathy in her eyes, as she led me to a doctor standing at a corner.

“I'm so sorry, love” She whispered as she tapped the doctor.

My heart sank the more, as my mind raced–what did she mean by that?.

“Dorothy? Come with me” He took my hand as we walked. He took me through a hallway of different patients.

“What happened to my parents?” I asked, as I tried pushing the lump in my throat down, but it's was as stubborn as I was.

“You see, things are beyond our control sometimes. Most things. I'm so sorry, Dorothy, I really am” He spoke, and each time his tone drop lower, soon he stopped infront of a room, with curtains covering it.

 

“What…what are you talking about?” I asked, as I looked at him, pressing my lips together and sniffing.

He turned me to face a room that was behind me. I saw both my brother and my parents on different beds, but they weren't as they were when they left home.

“Mom? Why…dad? What happened?” I asked as I sat on the bed still in-between my dad and my brother's bed.

I looked between the three people that I cherished more than anything in the world, laying on there, with broken and bloodied limbs. 

“Dorothy, is…is that you?” My dad croaked out, not moving his head.

“Yes, dad. What…what happened?” I asked, my hand across my mouth as I tried to stop my sobs.

“It was…he..” He got cut off as he started coughing.

Then the machines started beeping, I turned to my mom but it wasn't her, it was from behind me the beeping was coming from.

I turned and I saw my brother wasn’t breathing anymore.

“Raymond? Ray!” I screamed, shaking my brother. He wasn't responding.

“Doctor. Doctor” I screamed going out to get the doctor.

The doctor and a nurse came in and checked my brother.

“I'm so sorry, Miss Reyes, but your brother is gone” The doctor announced, hanging his stethoscope on his neck. 

“No..doctor. Please do…” My mom voice croaked, but then she started coughing.

“Mom. Please..don't do this to yourself “ I cried,  holding her hands.

“Miss Reyes, can I talk to you for a bit?” The doctor asked and led me out the room.

“What's going on?” I asked him, my hand on my waist, as the other one tried cleaning off the ocean of tears on my face.

“Your mother suffered brain hemorrhage and it's bled deep into her brain, and some of her….” He was cut off by the beep of a machine. 

I ran into the room as I saw my mother's chest heaving.

“Mom. Mom!’ I called out to her as my vision began blurring again. This can't be happening, please Lord.

I repeated this in my heart as I felt my heart literally breaking, it sank deeper into my gut and I began feeling nauseous.

“I…I love you, sweetheart. Take care…of yourself” She whispered, her voice sounding weak and she brought her shaky hands to touch my cheeks as she looked at me smiling, and a small tear escaped her eyes.

I leaned into her touch but it didn't last as her hand dropped, almost immediately, and her eyes still stared me. Her smile was there with a small tear, and the machine stopped beeping.

“No…Mom. No, please” I screamed, letting the tears fall freely as I sat on the floor, holding her hand to my forehead, soaking it with tears.

It soon became hard to breathe and my strength left me. I didn't have the energy for anything. I just sat there, everything felt like it was on stand still.

Lethargic. That was exactly how I felt.

“Dora?” I heard my dad voice, groaning behind me.  My heart began climbing up again, holding my dad's voice close and using it as some kind of a glue to put it back together.

“Dad. Hey, I'm here” I smiled, admist the tears, as I turned to him on my knees, taking his hand to my forehead, replacing my mom's.

“I want you to do a favour for me. Don't…don't go….after the company, okay? You'll find better” He whispered, and the tone of his made me know that he in pain, as he started coughing hard.

“Dad, what do you mean?” I asked him but the machine started beeping again too.

“No, please. Dad, you can't do this to me. Okay? You are my only hope and family now, please” I pleaded as I cried on my dad and hugged him.

“I…I'm sorry, child. I…love..I love you” He cried and his breathing became shallow as it became loud and after sometime I couldn't hear it anymore.

“Doctor. Doctor!” I yelled to the doctor, as my head was still on my father's chest.

“Miss Reyes, we would need you….” He began but I cut him off.

“My father should be alive. I'm not hearing his loud breathe anymore, please check him” I croaked out, making way to the doctor and dragging him to my father.

“Miss, your father isn't…” He began, but his eyes glanced to the nurses behind him, as his head was bowed down.

“No, check him. The machine might be lying, you know, a glitch” I managed to speak as my eyes began welling up again, I was trying so much to convince myself that there should be something.

I prayed for there to be something else. But there was none.

I was brought back from my flashback as I bit my teeth, making my jaws clenched, and I felt the cold tears fall from my face.

“I miss you guys so much” I cried, and I let out my tears and sobs, I was the only one at home, so I cried freely. I sat down near the side stool, as I held the picture to my chest and I cried.

It is going to two years but the pain was still there, the heartbreak was the still there, and my heart sank anytime I remembered them, their deaths and how my life changed drastically afterwards.

CHAPTER 9  Edge Of Enough 

**Dorothy's POV**

“Sir, you have a meeting at seven and another one at ten” I spoke as I followed behind Xavier, his wife shooting me daggers.

“He is going to breakfast with a friend of my dad. That meeting would have to wait” She scowled as she stood with her very expensive bag, scanning me from head to toe.

“I'm not, ready the car” He turned to me, completely dismissing Diana. It was almost too funny that I snorted. 

Both Diana and Xavier looked at me and I just started coughing.

“Please can you help me with water” I coughed, hitting my chest.

“You know the kitchen. I'll be back, I want to take something upstairs” Xavier said and went upstairs.

I nodded and walked to the kitchen, took a glass and filled it with water.

“Do you think I'm stupid? You laughed at me! How dare you?” Diana spat and turned to me, glaring at me.

“I'm..I didn't laugh at all, ma'am. It was just a slight cough that I couldn't hold in anymore” I lied, swallowing the water deeply.

“I don't know how you came into his life or if you are the granddaughter to his father, stay away from my husband. I'm really happy that you have left here, clearly you remembered your lowly state” She hissed, and walked off, leaving me there.

Lowly state? I bit my lip, as I swallowed my words with another gulp of water.

“Where are you, Dorothy? We are going to be late” I heard Xavier's voice calling from the sitting room. I quickly dropped the glass and walked to the door, ahead of him.

I got into the car, and he followed suit and his driver drove off as we got settled in.

“What happened? I can smell you are upset” He started, his eyes trained on his phone.

“I’m sorry, did you say smell I am upset? How do you smell anger?”  I asked, turning to face him.

“Ohh I don't. I have always wanted to ask that to someone” He shrugged, smiling from ear to ear.

“How…how old are you, again?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Blah blah” He sneered, using his hand to demonstrate how a dummy talks.

“Oh my sweet child. You do know, that from now on, anytime you are angry, I'll literally think you are throwing a tantrum” I replied him, smiling innocently.

He just simply glared at me, his eyes meeting his eyelashes from his lowered head.

“Sir, we've arrived” The driver announced, looking at us through the rearview mirror.

“Thanks, Sir Arthur” I thanked the mid forties man, and smiled while Xavier just simply got off the car.

I walked behind him and entered the conference room, and he sat at the head of the table. Soon, people started tripping in.

My heart stopped as I saw Edward walking in with his secretary by his side. He sat at the opposite head of the table, glaring and smirking at me.

“Let's start” Xavier directed, and the entire hall got silent.

The meeting went on for over an hour and my feet began killing me.

“This partnership will promote friendly communication between the different staffs” One of them said.

“Communication?” Xavier asked, his eyes trained on Edward as he tilted his head.

“Yes. In case, you are indisposed to come to a meeting, I can easily ask one of your staffs” Edward smirked, relaxing deeper into his chair.

Something about how calm he sound ticked me the wrong way. What the hell is going on?

“Dorothy” Xavier called my name which brought me out of my thoughts.

“Sir?” I asked, bending to see his face clearly.

“Do you want to have communication with Edward?” He asked me, joining his two hands together, fingers intertwined.

I blinked severally at the man before me. Why is he asking me that?

“I…well, if for business, yes” I answered, honestly and he turned to me slowly, giving me a side look and a smirk.

“Guess this answers that proposition. Declined. This meeting is finished” Xavier causally brushed off the last benefit of the partnership, and all other members walked off, but Xavier and Edward didn't move a muscle.

“So I see you knew about our meeting, right?” Edward asked, leaning in, dropping his hand on the table.

“Yes. You do not summon her to meet you privately. She works for me” Xavier seethed, as his face got into a stern frown. 

“Really? Okay, then…she works for you. But I can tell you that, if she is a hundred percent, her body is a thousand” He smirked and I saw Xavier's face, fall.

Edward's smirk grew bigger as he saw Xavier's five second reaction. He stood up and left.

“And oh, Xavier….I had a good time” He smiled and left finally.

“Fuck!” Xavier screamed, removing all the files on the table with one hand. I flinched and moved back a step.

“You slept with him in the restaurant. Are you that desperate to be noticed?” He asked me, his hand on my neck.

I looked at the burning eyes staring at me, and wondered how someone can flip between emotions so quick.

“I..that didn't happen, Xavier” I choked out, trying to release his grip on my neck. He finally let me go and I fell to the ground gasping for air and cleaning the tears that welled in my eyes.

“Your mother must be so…ashamed right now. Look how her daughter turned out” He spat and walked off. 

I sat there, trying to steady my breath, but I couldn't. 

It became harder to breath. The words he said rang in my head and my eyes welled up. Was I really a failure?

My mind ran to the place it always goes, self criticism.

I started questioning my life, from two years ago till now. What have I done?  What have I accomplished?.

And I just realized that I had been working my ass off, just to survive. I was so caught up in survival mode that I actually hadn't been living. 

I've finished school but I couldn't settle down to look for a decent job that I had been choked up with bills to pay, to the point that I had no more money and it had gotten so bad that I was driven away from my family house by the bank.

And then that's when I realized, I am a survivor, not off a man's pocket but mine. My mom would be proud of me, because she taught me well.

I may not be bloody rich but hell, am I better than most girls my age. My dignity was still intact.

So….fuck you, Xavier Wort

Chapter 10  Between Sleep And Sin

**Dorothy's POV**

“Fuck. Hmm…Xavier palese. Fuck…fuck me harder, don't stop. Ohh, ahh, right there” I screamed as he held my neck and rammed into me from behind.

“I'm going to take all of you and fill up every hole of yours” He groaned and pulled out of me and immediately I felt empty. 

He pulled me up from my neck and my back met his sweaty broad chest and his hands travelled down to my breast and I felt his smooth but hard palms against my very hard nipple and he squeezed it, nibbling on my earlobe.

“Hmm. Again!” I threw my head back, resting on his shoulder and taking a handful of his hair into my hand. Soon, he left my nipple and held me on my neck pushing me back into the position we were, with my ass up.

And without warning he slammed himself into me but to my asshole, and I felt myself clench around his length as he groaned, and pulled it out without warning again. And he slammed back in. 

I felt my eyes roll to the back of my head, and my entire brain turn into mush. 

My asshole got accustomed to his length, and I let out moans of pleasure. He too increased his moans as his thrust became faster. 

I soon felt his hand slid to my dripping and swollen clit, as he pinched and rubbed while ass-fucking me.

Fuck. I was there. I felt my high so close, as the knots in my tummy began growing and I became desperate for it as I moved my ass back, meeting his thrusts half way.

**Ring. Ring**

I heard, and my annoyance grew. I was so close, couldn't the fucking call wait.

“Fuck. Don't stop, Xavier. Please” I pleaded as my hand literally went to spread my ass check wider for him.

“I knew you always wanted this. You always wanted this despite knowing I am married” He whispered into my ears.

And my head came back.

“Fuck. No, I.. I can't be fucking…”  I protested and I started screaming.

I pushed him off and rolled off the bed, and came crashing to the floor.

The sting coursing through my body because of the collision with the wood made my eyes shoot open to see the sunlight piercing through my curtains.

What the fuck? It was…it was..just a…a dream. A fucking sex dream with my boss.

I stood up, as I felt my hairs sticking to the side of my face. 

I felt my middle throbbing like the dream was real. But I wanted to know how real it felt and an impulsive thought entered my head. 

I slid my hand down to my clit and felt the growing wetness due to my arousal as I rubbed my clit.

No. I can't do this. I shook my head, taking my head away from my middle, but the ache increased. 

I settled back into my bed, spread my legs and started rubbing my clit, my mind going back to the dream I had few seconds back.

“Xavier….hmm. More please” I moaned as I threw my head back on the pillow and made my hand travel to my nipples that were already aching to be touched.

“Fuck, Xavier. Right, there” I screamed, inserting two fingers into me, increasing my speed, and the smell of my arousal filled my nose.

“Right where?” I heard a familiar voice saying and it caused me to jerk up and fall from my bed.

I looked up and saw Xavier standing there with his eyebrows quirked and his head tilted. I bent my face down and I felt my face flush.

Did he just find me fingering myself to his name?

“While I was at the office waiting for you, for the project of Sherman group, you are here moaning to my name?” He asked, as I heard the intrigue in his voice and his footsteps getting closer.

I closed my eyes, and bit my lips, as I felt my face beginning to heat up. I couldn't look at him.

“And you are not wearing anything underneath. Did you have a sex dream, too?” He asked, squatting to my size, beside me.

“What do you mean by ‘too’?. And no, I didn't have a sex dream” I lied, arranging my hair and getting up, while he was still squatted. And this was my mistake.

“I can smell your arousal from here, love” His voice suddenly became deeper and I nearly went on my knees for him. 

I looked down at him, his face was directly at my arousal.

“It'll take me ten minutes to finish dressing up. And we are not cool, after that shit you said” I told him, but I didn't move.

I was supposed to but I didn't.

“I'm sorry. And I had no right” He apologized as he took off his jacket and his shirt, and he stood in front of me, his brown eyes staring back at mine.

This isn't supposed to happen.

But I felt myself getting more wet than I was before.

“What are you doing?”  I asked as his hand travelled up to my thigh and I saw him coming closer to meet me. His face was so  close to mine and I felt his breathe on my face.

“Xavier. We can't.. please” I protested, but my voice nearly came out as a whimper, and I felt his hand in between my clit, as he rubbed my already swollen and wet bud.

“We can..and your body knows that”  He spoke and with that he claimed my lips as his hands slid into me.

“Hmm. See…we can” He smirked and picked me up, making my legs round his waist, as he put me on the bed and disengaged.

He pulled my shirt over my head and my nipples kissed the cold air making them harder. His eyes fixated on them.

“You are beautiful, you know” He whispered and brought his face and continued kissing me as he managed to get out of his suit trouser and briefs, leaving us both naked and steaming with desire.

At this point, all sense of right and wrong were out the window. My body felt like it was burning with his skin so close. 

I wanted more. I needed more.

He kissed my neck and my mind went back to that dream. It was happening in real life. 

He turned me over, so I was on top of him and he situated me down on his length. I couldn't believe that the first guy I was going to ride was him.

I sat on him and boy, was it exactly like the dream. I actually felt filled. It was satisfying.

Fuck.

“Hmm…. Xav…this..I..” I moaned, as I rolled my hips on him, going up and down on him, while he was meeting me half way.

“Fuck…Dorothy…” He groaned, his thrusts was getting faster as so was my bounce on him. He soon flipped me over, him on top.

He pulled out from me and I whimpered which earned me a smirk and a smack on my ass, as he lifted my legs and it rested on his shoulder, and he rammed into me, squeezing my breast and rubbing my clit.

“Xavier…hmm..I'm about to…I'm almost there” I whimpered as I felt a tear slip from my eye, and I felt his hand on my neck, as he lips locked on mine, and his thrusts became sloppy.

I felt my orgasm so close, I wanted to break the kiss but he didn't let me as he bit my lips and I knew he was close and his thrusts became more sloppy.

And soon, I felt myself released my juices on him, and I felt the insides of me fill with his hot seeds.

I threw my head back, while moaning out his name. I felt my dignity begin to slip back, but it had already happened and I began to think–I just started something that I wouldn't be able to finish.

Chapter 11 Exception To The Sin

Dorothy's POV

I stirred, half awake as I looked out the window. It already dark. I looked at my wall clock to see it was 8pm. 

I took my phone to check my messages and I felt another leg on mine. I tried moving it off thinking it was a huge lump of cloth but it wasn't moving.

I then turned to the other side to take the blanket off and I saw Xavier sleeping peacefully, his face looking so peaceful that it would deceive people of his very angry outburst nature.

I stared at him and everything that had happened earlier today came rushing back, and I felt great heat shoot up my checks.

I can't believe I slept with a married man. What the hell?

The thoughts began trooping in and so did the regret, I looked at him. It takes two to cheat, and I fully participated.

Has he done this before? Is he a cheat?

I started feeling my heart sink as it raced. What if he cheats on me?  I blinked rapidly as I ran my fingers through my hair. I felt my entire body shudder just at the thought of that thought–what if he cheats on me? 

Are you his fucking wife? Imagine how his wife would be feel, and you're fantasizing him being yours?.

What the hell are you saying, Dorothy? Both my mind and heart was at war and I was feeling torn apart and empty.

“What are you thinking of, love?” Xavier drawled and my eyes darted up at him.

“Nothing. You should go home now. Your wife should be waiting for you. This was a mistake and it shouldn't happen again” I rushed over my words as I got down from the bed, wearing my shirt over my head.

He sat up looking at me, eyeing me from head to toe, and ending with a smile.

“Why are you looking at me?” I asked, going to the other side of the bed to arrange his clothes on the bed.

“Nothing…nothing at all. I leave you to it, but…like you said it won't happen again, I'm not so sure I can follow that” He shrugged as he got up and stood in front of me, naked.

I swallowed hard, as my eyes raked over his toned body. He wasn't so muscular but I knew the work was put in. 

Lord, you know I'm trying not to get tempted.

He came closer to me and I could see his dick getting erect.

“Xavier, leave. I don't want to be on the list of girls you've slept around with” I mumbled, swallowing and stepping back. I couldn't believe that my voice was gone over someone's committed person.

“But that's the problem, love. It's only Diana that I have had sex with, and no, I don't believe in cheating” He smirked and brought me closer to him, by my waist.

His voice was low and sounded so..so tempting. His body's heat immediately warmed my skin up and I felt my middle getting wet and needy.

Have some dignity!.

“You are cheating right now, on your wife, with me. So I think you do” I whispered, my lips so close to his. 

“Maybe, you are an exception” He tilted his head and with that he claimed my lips, and with one smooth move, my shirt was off my body.

He took me to my study table and made me sit on it, bringing my legs to his shoulders and kissing my calfs and I felt his tip at my entrance.

“Xavier, Xavier. I'm gonna be sore. This is the third time today” I protested, but I felt myself leaning towards him. He looked at me, and let out a wicked grin as he moved his hip back and I grinded the air.

“Seems like you still want that” He smirked, as his eyes locked on mine and he rammed into me, filling me up like before.

Fuck. 

He rammed into me, holding my face into place as our eyes bored into each other.

“Watch us. Watch us meet” He moaned, and I could feel myself matching his breath, which was little to none–like the sight of each of us made us breathless.

We reluctantly tore our eyes away from each other and we both looked down to where we met.

The only noise in the room was wet skin against each other and our moans and groans. And I knew for a fact that I wouldn't be able to get this out of my head.

*************

“Xavier. Xavier, wake the fuck up” I called him, shaking him vigorously. He sniffed and rubbed his eyes, still half asleep.

“Yeah?” He asked, his face getting buried deeper into the pillow.

“It's 7am. Get ready for work” I glared at him and pulled the duvet off him. But that was a mistake as I was met with his morning erection and it made me clench my thighs together.

Am I turning into an arousal queen? Where the hell is this lack of self control coming from? 

“You still want me in you after last night” He teased, as he got down from the bed. 

I stepped back but his stride was bigger as he soon met me and lifted me up, my legs wrapped around his waist as he led me to the bathroom.

“We..we are not having sex, Xavier” I opined as he turned on the shower and I felt the cold water on my skin.

“I didn't think of it. You did” He arched his eyebrow, as he smirked and started running his hand through my hair.

“I'm sorry about what I said about your mom. I was too…angry that, you…you let…”  He paused but he didn't meet my eyes.

“I didn't have sex with him” I let out, trying to soothe him, and possibly clear the misunderstanding that asshole had caused in his head.

He only nodded his head and continued washing my hair and after that my body.

 

“You are beautiful, Dorothy” He whispered and I looked up to see his big eyes bright eyes–like he was giving me puppy eyes, and I felt heat rush to my cheeks. 

“Thank you” I smiled and that ended our shower.

We both got ready for work–his suit from yesterday that I steamed and my short black dress and we both drove off to the company.

“Go in first” I offered, standing behind his car and showing him the way with my hands out.

“As you wish” He agreed and brought his face to kiss me, but I moved back.

“Erm. We are…we can not, we are at work” I bit my lips, as I cleared my throat and I looked around to make sure no one caught that compromising act.

He nodded his head and walked towards the elevator leaving me at the parking lot. I took deep breaths in trying to gather what was left of my mind. 

“You..can do this” I told myself and repeated this many times in my head.

I took the elevator and went up to my floor, only for me to hear Diana's voice shouting from the other end of Xavier's door.

“What's going on, Lil?” I asked, Lilian when I got there.

“Mrs. Diana, has been waiting for Mr. Wort, and he just came back right now” She said, her voice low.

“Are you fucking cheating on me, Xavier?!  Really?  Who is the whore?” Diana's voice was heard and I was thankful on their behalf that we were the only one on the floor.

Even from across the hall I could hear and feel the anger in her. 

I didn't hear Xavier's voice, and that was when I heard some things breaking.

“Should I go in there?” I asked, staring at the door.

“Don't you….” Lilian began but I was already turning the door knob.

I entered the office and I closed the door. My eyes widened and I felt blood rushed from my face, once I saw Mr. Frey and Diana there. 

I didn't know that Mr. Frey was there. My eyes remained on him, but his expression wasn't like someone who was in the middle of a chaos, or at least trying to serve peace. 

Why wasn't he saying anything?

“Hello. Erm, I have something for Mr. Wort over there” The entire room went silent and everyone had their eyes on me. 

I began feeling like I was locked in a cage, as I felt cold sweat trickling down my back. 

Diana's eyes burned with real and alive anger, while Xavier stared at me like I said news of a flying elephant.

But none of those stares had me digging my nails into my palm. 

Mr. Frey–the way his eyes glanced over me, not even in a curious or at least angry way, but in a am I seeing a ghost type of way.

His eyes were widened as blood seemed to drain from his face.

“I knew you looked familiar. Reyes. Sanders Reyes was your father, wasn't he?” Mr Frey asked, as he stood to his feet.

I just stood there, staring at him, I tried remembering where I saw him but nothing came back.

“Yes. Sanders Reyes daughter” I affirmed, and I saw blood drain from his eyes.

“Let leave here” He shook his head, and dragged his daughter out behind him, while Xavier just stood with raised eyebrows, throwing the father-daughter duo a questioning look.

I stood there, looking at him. His face looked familiar, like I had seen it in once view, but it just wasn't clicking quite right.

“Dad, why are we leaving?” I could feel the daggers from Diana's eyes but I was more focused on the quiet but still agitated Mr. Frey.

Whatever it was, the familiarity in his voice–the way he said my father's name like he knew him long ago, and the look in his eyes, had the hairs at the back of my neck rising.

As I looked at the father-daughter duo stepping out of the door, my mind begun to race, but only one question was on it–

Who was Mr. Frey and what relationship did he have with my late father for him to be so affected just by my presence?

Chapter 12  Legacy Of Lies

Dorothy's POV

Today is cleaning day. I moved into my apartment for over a month now, and I still had some boxes that I hadn't even opened, and they just laid there.

“Hmm. So many boxes” I groaned, stretching and sitting on the floor as I took one box and it read ‘Reyes Partnership’

I looked at the box, it was my first time seeing it. I tried recalling if my parents had said anything about it but, nothing came to mind. I took out a pen and tore the tape over the box and opened it.

I was met with files and some documents. I have never seen this box before.. strange, amd didn't snow a lot of stuff were with me.

Is this the company that my dad told me not to fight for?

I actually thought it was the accident that was messing with his head.  I took one of the files and opened it. 

I continued reading through, and I saw some plans, with budgets by the side, like there were starting a factory of some kind.

My dad always talked about opening a textile industry and this looked like a plan, but it looked more like he was presenting it to someone.

I skimmed through and I reached the next file that read ‘Terms of Partnership’. Oh, he was looking for someone to partner with him. 

After skimming through some many files and not finding anything important, I decided to drop the box.

And I moved to another one, it contained so many family pictures and some pictures of my mom and dad when they were dating. 

They really were in love with each other.

I smiled as my fingers brushed over the dusty framed pictures of my mom in a very, very shirt skirt and my dad in his perculiar suit. He was whispering something in her ear.

I didn't know what, but whatever it was, it had my mom redder than a tomato.

I was about closing it till a particular picture caught my attention. I reached for the frame and it was a picture of my dad with Diana's father.

I stared at the picture–particularly Diana’s father, and I was thrown into both confusion and curiosity. 

They knew each other, all these years?

I opened the box and I continued looking through, and to my disbelief, I found several pictures of them both, but at different places.

There was a picture they had taken and they was a banner with ‘R&F LTD’ behind them, as they stood in an incomplete building. 

It rang a bell, the name rang a bell.

I went to the other boxes that I opened and saw it. R&F LTD' was on the first page of this particular document.

I opened it and I saw a contract, signed by both Diana's father and mine, lasting for twenty years.

Wait, what? Why didn't my dad say anything about this? Why didn't my mom? 

I'm so sure she knew about this, so why didn't they say anything? I continued skimming through the files. 

They actually were in agreement, my dad produces while Mr. Frey brings the raw materials, and they share the profit sixty, fourty, with Mr. Frey getting sixty percent.

I nodded my head at this expected act from my father. He always seemed to give more than he takes.

Seems pretty fair. 

So what went wrong? From Mr. Frey’s expression and attitude when he realized me, he didn't seem so happy.

I closed the box and put the files back into their boxes, as I checked other boxes and threw away things I didn't need. 

After I cleaned everything and had eaten, I opened the boxes again and settled down to actually read through them and connect the dots.

There were so many questions, questions that I didn't have the answers to. And the only people that would have had any, were dead.

I looked through the box that had the files and I looked through all twenty files, but I couldn't find the reason behind Mr. Frey reaction.

Maybe I'm overthinking.

I reached down into the box to take another file, when I felt an envelope. I tore my eyes away from the file I was holding and I looked at this envelope.

It was a disc case and a CD was in it. I looked at it, examining it and it was still in perfect condition.  I reached for my CD player and I inserted it.

I went back to my chair and nestled in. Let's see what this is about, I thought to myself and the disc started playing and my dad's face came up.

“If you are seeing this, it means I'm either in jail or dead….” My dad's voice boomed through the TV. What?

I soon felt my eyes welling up. What did you do dad?

“I won't say everything here, so if he finds one, it won't all be lost. I don't know who is watching this, but if it's you, Dora, please keep this to yourself and don't act in a haste. If you've found this, it means you know of my partnership with Mr. Douglas Frey” He bowed his head, and I could hear the regret seeping through his words, as I heard my mom's voice from the background.

“Mamma” I cried and went close to the TV. 

“I have a partnership with Douglas, it was going well for five years and I thought he was a good partner and friend. Until, I overheard him saying that the materials he supplied wasn't so good and healthy. He was trying to cut cost, although he took a bigger share” He nodded  and went to a table and came back with a black recorder.

“This is where I recorded the conversation. It won't be in the same place you found this disc, so it won't be destroyed if he finds it. That material killed a lot of people and made us face backlash, but he tried to subdue it which also earned him more money. Mr. Frey is a little snake, conniving too” My dad spat and paused the video, but the anger in his voice was evident.

I looked at the screen. What? I stared at the screen for sometime. Then he came back and continued.

“Listen to me, the more children buy that material, it kills them, slowly but surely. It causes a deadly type of skin cancer. You have to stop the production of that material. I was at risk when he found out that I knew and I threatened to expose him and the day I confronted him, was the day I knew that I was in danger. Please, find the recorder. Dorothy, if it's you watching this, you are already ten steps closer to finding it. You just have to think”  He smiled and nodded his head as the video ended.

“Dad? What kind of hint is that? Just have to think. Think about what?” I groaned, looking at the TV, as I threw my hands up hysterically. 

But R&F LTD isn't anywhere, or is it?

I took my laptop and researched it. When the results came up it was just death tolls. And from the look of it, twenty people died under six months from the material.

And they didn't close down the factory or arrest Mr. Frey?

I looked deeper, but I didn't see any recent news, linked to the name, then I decided to search ‘Mr. Douglas Frey’

And his name came up with his picture, CEO of Frey Foundations. What?

Did he change the name? And what did my dad mean when he said, he knew he was in danger?  I really needed answers, but I didn't know how to get them. 

I looked at the box, as my mind raced over everything my father said–it won't be in the same place to avoid him finding it. So where would it be?

 Could it be in our family house? But–but where and why would it be there while the other one is here?

I ran my fingers through my hair as I pulled it slightly. 

 

Could this be why he looked at me like he had seem a ghost? Could Mr. Frey truly be guilty? And am I about to walk in a lions game? 

Chapter 13  Unpacking Her Past 

Xavier's POV

“Where the hell is Dorothy? I've been calling her since yesterday but she wasn't answering her phone, she is supposed to submit an important document to me today” I said in one breath, looking at Lilan.

“Well, sorry sir. But.. she's not going to be available today. She asked me to inform you” She said, her eyes on my hair. 

“What do you mean by that?” I asked, leaning in on her desk.

“Sir…that's..” She muttered but she was soon interrupted but her phone ringing. She looked between her phone and me.

“If she's the one, pick up the damn phone” I told her, as I felt my patience running thin. She looked at me and shakily answered her phone.

“Hello, Dorothy” She murmured and I signalled her to put the phone on speaker. 

“Hello, Lilan. Please, tell Xavier that I wouldn't come in today, I have to be somewhere” Dorothy grunted through the phone, and I heard boxes rolling.

I took out a pen and wrote down the question I wanted to ask her and gave it to Lilan to speak.

“Erm, are you home?” She asked, reading the letter.

“Yes, but I'll leave in thirty minutes. Something wrong?” Dorothy asked, breathing heavily.

“Erh, no. Nothing just asking” Lilan said and I gave her a thumbs up and grabbed my keys and going to Dorothy's house.

After driving for almost an hour and half, I finally got to her house and I saw her loading up a car. 

When did she get a car?

“Dorothy!” I called out as I walked into her house, noticing the packed luggage and some few boxes.

“Who…Xavier?” She called me after she got out of her kitchen.

“Where are you going?” I asked her, as I walked closer to her. It's been a long time since after our first sex, and she's been avoiding me since then.

“None of your business” She brushed off and moved past me, grabbing her luggage and a box that had Reyes Partnership on it.

Is she starting her own company?

“Well, you'd have to cancel your travel, because I told your Uber to go. And yes, he left your luggage out the front” I smiled as I grabbed her hand and pushed her to the wall, a small thud coming through once her back met the wall.

“Where are you going?” I asked her again, pressing on every word.

“The house I grew up in, that's if it hadn't been sold” She whispered and I could see the sadness in her eyes.

“I'll come with you, let's see your history” I told her and took the box from her and kissed her on her forehead, walking to my car. 

There must be a reason why she wants to go back home, and I'm here for it.

She took her last luggage and locked her house while I put it in the trunk.

“You ready?” I asked her, standing behind her as she turned from locking her door.

“No. I still don't know your motive for following me” She tilted her head, eyeing my car like there was some kind of bomb.

“I don't know anything about you, just that you are my father's friend and I have this…how do I put it…this innate habit of curiosity” I smirked, while giving my best smile.

“Fuck you, Xavier” She brushed me off.

“You already did, darling” I shrugged and this was enough to make her stop, turn to me and looked at me with a glare.

She silently entered the passenger's seat and we drove off with her directing me at every turn.

Soon, after four hours we reached her parents house, it was kinda having this old money vibes.

I can see where she got her asthectic

We got down and I helped her with the luggage, as she inspected the place.

“Hello” She said as she knocked on the door.

“Sweetheart, I don't think the house is sold. Use your key” I told her, coming to stand behind her.

She looked at me but didn't say anything as she took her key out of her purse and tried it and the door opened.

“Oh, wow. I didn't know that would work” She breathed out as she pushed the door open.

“Seems they paid off the mortgage” I told her and followed behind her.

We both took the bags in and was about settling in, until we realized that there wasn't any food. We both got out and went to the grocery store.

She good the food while I got some new clothes that I'd change into while we are there. After paying, we left and headed back to her house 

We showered and got settled in, she cooked dinner while I arranged and opened up the boxes.

I took care of her luggage and some other stuff and I got to the Reyes Partnership box.

I wasn't so sure I wanted to open it but like I said, curious. I opened it and I was into both confusion and awe.

I stared at the photos of someone that looked a little like Dorothy and Diana's father. They knew each other?

Who the hell is Dorothy?

“What are you doing?” She asked, looking at me. I turned to face her still holding the picture and she rushed to me and took it out my hand.

“Who are you?” I asked her, my eyes in slits.

“Dorothy. Any problem?” She retorted.

“Why is that man, that looks like you, and I'll presume he is your father, shaking hands with Diana's father. And what the hell is R&F LTD?” I asked her as I crossed my arms over my chest.

She stared at me, not saying anything.

“Dorothy, I need an answer” I told her, coming closer to her.

“I don't know, okay? And it is genuinely none of your business” She flipped and shoved past me, putting the picture back into the box.

“Really. I can figure that out for you, I can get information for you. And, it is my business because he is my father in-law” I pressed on and I could swear I felt myself puke in my mouth, at the word of father-in-law.

“Huh? Oh, now he's your father in-law” She replied me tauntingly.

“Dorothy, okay. Screw what I said, okay? I want to know. Anything I can do to help, I'm sure it'll go a long way for you” I told her, coming closer to her and enveloping her in a hug.

I felt her once tense body slowly relax as she breathed out and ruffled her hair.

“Fine. Okay, the introduction, okay?” She asked me, looking at me with her chin on my chest 

“Okay” I told her, kissing her forehead.  She led me to the sitting room and sat me down on the sofa and sat opposite me with a bottle of wine in our middle.

“My dad and Diana's dad worked together, and I'm not really sure what happened but they fell out. And now I'm here to get more answers, and for some reason, my dad knew he was in danger” She told me, gulping down a mouthful of wine 

“Wait, worked together? Like a textile company?” I asked her, as I remembered a time my dad usually had her father come over to our house and I would overhear their conversations.

“How'd you know that?” She asked me, her expression getting serious.

“My dad and your dad were friends, remember?” I told her and took the wine bottle from her and gulped it down.

“My dad must have told him something helpful. Like something that is not in the box” She thought, as her forehead wrinkled.

“I think we need to talk to your father” She said, looking at me.

“I think so too. I'll call him over” I nodded and left to make the call to my dad. 

This is the last thing I wanted–Dorothy’s involvement with Mr. Frey.

But now, I think it's too deep to pull her out.

Chapter 14  Family Secrets, Corporate Lies

Xavier's POV

“Good morning, sweetheart” I called to her as I came downstairs and found her flipping some pancakes.

“Hello, to you too” She said, not sparing me a glance.

“Well, according to my father, he's twenty minutes away” I informed her and sat on the island seat, while she served me a plate of pancakes and syrup.

“Here you go” She smiled as she dropped the plate in front of me, without looking at me. 

She was avoiding me, avoiding looking at me and avoiding talking to me.

“Dorothy” I called to her but she didn't answer me. I stood up and went behind her, and I felt her tense up.

“Are you avoiding me? Or…it's another sex dream” I whispered in her ear which caused her to turn to me.

“It wasn't another sex dream, okay? Fuck off” She spat and tried moving past me but I held her hand and pulled her back.

“Why are you so difficult? You've been avoiding me after that day” I told her, my eyes scanning her face.

“Because…because, Xavier. You are married. This isn't right, you are a husband to someone, legally” She shot me a pointed look, as her eyes stayed trained on me.

“Hmm. Let's see, you are having a battle between your moral conscience and your physical desires, no?” I asked her, smirking and her face slowly turned into that of an angry bird. 

Just a little bit dark shade.

“I don't desire you, because I know you are married and no, I don't have a battle between my morality and desires” She retorted back, and her eyes widening.

“Are you sure? Because last I remember, you were the one fingering yourself to my name” I whispered and kissed her earlobe.

And at this point the doorbell rang. 

“My father is here. We'll have this discussion later” I left her to open the door. My father walked in, with my mother trolling behind.

“Mom?” I asked as I didn't expect her to come.

“Well, I heard, there was a Reyes daughter” She said and her eyes immediately went to Dorothy, and at once her eyes welled up.

“Are you about to cry?” I asked her, tilting my head.

“You look just like your father, child. But have eyes of your mom's” My mom told her and enveloped her in a big hug.

“Oh, wow. So you know her family too. Nice” I muttered and took their bags inside.

“We'll stay for a day or two. Depends on what you guys want to discuss” My father said, looking between Dorothy and I.

“Well, it's exactly what you think. It's about my father and Diana's father partnership” She started, and walked towards the couches.

“Ugh, spare me. That family is…ugh. I wonder how you agreed to marry them. I can't stand the sight of those people, going about like they are philanthropists” My mom scrunched her nose up, gagging her eyeballs out.

“C'mon, mother. They can't be that bad” I tried to soothe her overreacting nature. My mom usually is a very accommodating person but if she talks about someone like this, then they are really nothing pleasant and just pure obnoxious.

“Huh? Really? Okay. What is it you want to find out, darling? Let's educate my son on how far those people can go” My mother said, anger in her eyes and voice.

“Well…erh, my father had this recording…” Dorothy started but was interrupted.

“Wait, a video recording?” My father asked, his posture getting serious.

“You know about that?” Dorothy asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

“Where is it?” My mom asked, squeezing my father's hand a little.

“Well..” Dorothy said and stood up, and headed upstairs.

She soon came back with a black CD case, and went to the CD player and put it in and turned on the TV.

Her father soon appeared and he looked truly terrified, and after few minutes, the recording came to an end.

And there was complete silence, only sobs from my mom was heard. My dad stared at Dorothy, and glanced at me.

“Something you want to say, dad?” I asked him.

“You are not ready for what I want to say, son. Neither is she” My dad exhaled, throwing me into more state of confusion.

“What does that mean? And why is Mrs. Wort crying so much?” Dorothy finally spoke up.

“Your mother, I knew her” My mother sniffed, “You know, that trip was meant to be a family trip, I was the last person she spoke to that day. She had planned to take you out, maybe on a road trip but she planned a whole weekend for you guys”. 

I glanced at Dorothy to see her nibbling at the bottom of her lips, as her eyes remained glued to my mother's shaking body.

“They were on their way to pick you up, as she said you had been stressed about your presentation and she wanted to do something to ease you” My mother swallowed, looking at the ceiling in a pensive mood, like she remembered every bit of that day.

“Wow, so you guys go way back?” She asked like she found every bit of this intriguing.

“Well, yeah. Friends for over twenty years. I introduced her to your father and your father introduced me to my darling man over here” My mother beamed, smiling like a teenager in love.

“Well…anything on the company?” I asked, not really ready to get into my parents sex life.

“Well, there is. A lot. Dorothy, what exactly do you want to find out?” My father asked her, his eyebrows raised. I saw Dorothy's face scrunched up.

“Well, anything about the company” She answered as her eyes glanced to me unsure of what my dad meant.

“To spare you the mind game, my dad wants to know how far you want to go. Anything on the company, could be exactly what you know and he just leaves it at that” I explained and gave her a closed lip smile.

“I'm glad I taught you a lot” My dad gave a mocking smile,  and I just gave him an eye roll. I knew how much torture I had gone through–mentally.

“Hmm. Well, I want to know what happened that my father was so scared that he heard the truth and confronted Mr. Frey” She thought and looked at my dad squarely.

“Are you sure you want to know?” My dad asked, his eyes on my mom, like he was asking for approval.

“Yes. Everything” She nodded, almost like she was pleading.

“Okay. Well, your father and Mr. Frey worked together for over ten years..no, close to ten years. It was two years to it being ten years, then your dad…died” My father solemned, dropping his octave at the ‘died’.

“That means it's been, sixteen years, like the contract is still relevant. It's four more years to twenty years for the expiration” She said, looking at my dad as if she discovered a treasure map.

“Yes. But…Douglas was smart enough. Two months after your father's death, he changed the company's name, to his present one…” My father said but he was yet again cut off.

“So as to claim everything. He doesn't want to pay my father his share that he had been hoarding for over ten years, so he changed the name, claiming that the second signatory to the account was dead” She said, realization hitting her features.

Hmm, she understands business.

“What did you study?” I heard myself saying.

“Marketing” She said, smiling proudly. And I just simply nodded my head.

“See, smart child” My dad complimented, and she just smiled in appreciation.

“Wait, if Diana's father didn't want to pay your dad, why then is he asking me to invest in his company?” I asked, no one in particular, but the look on my dad's face made me think otherwise.

“Have you invested? Don't you ever invest there” My mother said, looking at me with wide eyes.

“Listen to me, son. That family will do anything to end everything associated with the Reyes family and the deal they made. Which means, you are my son, I know about their deal, and they'd want to implicate you. And Dorothy, for the fact you know this information, you are already in danger” My father warned, his expression stern.

“What do you mean?” I asked him. He didn't answer immediately but he breathed out.

“I mean, they will implicate you if you invest there. You are my son and they'll say, I knew about the material and it's implications–if everything goes west, and I encouraged you to invest” My dad nodded and stood up.

“Wow. Is that why she kept pestering me?” I asked myself in a small whisper.

“Well. If that's all, we'd love to settle down now” My dad said and assisted my mom in standing up.

“Wait.. sorry. Do you have any idea of the black recorder he held?” Dorothy asked, standing up.

“Oh, that. Like he said, you'd just have to think” My dad smiled.

She tilted her head and shot me a questioning glance, but my mental training had reached it's limit. 

I nodded my head, as I felt my heartbeat increase. It wasn't my fight, but hearing my father, I was already involved in the mess.

Chapter 15  Addiction Begins In Silence 

Dorothy's POV

“Hey, you alright?” Xavier's voice asked from behind me, as the wind danced in my hair.

“You know, my parents died six years ago…but, for my sanity and poor fragile heart, I say they died two years ago. That has always been what j tell people” I started, and I soon felt my chest feeling like it was about to explode.

He said nothing but I knew he was listening. 

“Sixteen years, that contract has been in recent…and..I lived from hand to mouth for those years they died?” I asked as I felt my chest exploding both from anger and pain.

Mr. Frey had something with my father and when he heard they were dead, he didn't even come to pay homage. It was only Mr. Wort that actually came to pay his respects.

If this is what Xavier's mom meant when she said those people aren't really nice, good people, I fully understand her. That means I was mistaken.

I thought Mr. Wort was my father's business partner that's why he came to pay respects, but he came both as partners and friends.

I was so lost in my head that I didn't know when Xavier was close to me till I felt his cold hands on my arms, and he turned me to face him.

“You survived, didn't you?  I guess your father knew the kind of daughter he had, that's why he requested you not to act in a haste” Xavier comforted, pulling me in a hug.

My heart was already heavy like I would explode in tears any second but my eyes seemed tired, like they had cried it all.

“Xavier” I murmured his name, but he heard me as he hummed in response.

“Do you ever think your marriage to Diana was part of the plan?  I mean, I know it is crazy but I'm just saying” I said, and raised my head up to look at him.

His eyes just stared at me, and he smiled. I could feel the sincerity of that smile and I just realized how handsome this man was if he gave up the permanent scowl on his face.

“I don't know, princess. And honestly, currently, I'm too lazy to find out. Let's figure your shit out first, okay?” He advised and brought my face back to his chest and I wrapped my arms around him.

He was unusually….. comforting, as I felt myself drifting off.

“Guys? We are–” His mom voice jolted me back. I can't believe I was about to fall asleep, standing.

“We'll be down in a sec, mother” Xavier called back, not moving. I soon heard his mother retreating footsteps.

“Let me guess, you were about to fall asleep” He teased, holding my chin up.

“That's a…a lie” I pulled my face away and disengaged from him. He didn't say anything as he retreated but I soon heard him chuckle.

“Asshole” I whispered to myself, and turned to look at the balcony.

Two years ago I buried them, but I still smelt my mother's scent as I walked through the front door. I still saw her running around with the bowl of brownies and plates of pancakes setting the table for breakfast.

And I saw my dad and I playing Scrabble on the floor after our house cleanup. 

Wait…Scrabble.

I think in Scrabble. He made it so difficult for me in Scrabble that I had ro read half the dictionary in a week. I just have to think.

Dad, you smart ass.

I quickly ran towards our game place, where we has different board games, chess, monopoly and so much more. I took out the box of Scrabble.

It seemed normal. Did I think wrong?

I emptied the box, but there was nothing. Where did you keep the recording, dad? I soon began giving up, until I saw a corner peeking out from the Scrabble drawer.

I took it out and saw a box, but it was coded. Okay, first thing was finding it. What's next? 

I stared at the box, but it was a code that was in letters, and my brain gave up. But what?

“Dorothy?” I heard Xavier's voice from downstairs and I quickly put the Scrabble back into it's position but taking the small box and throwing it into my suitcase.

I don't know what else the recording had, but if it contained something else that made me require coming back here, I would a million times.

“Coming!” I yelled back and ran downstairs to meet Xavier in the kitchen.

“Your parents have left?” I asked, cleaning my sweaty palms on my dress.

“Yeah. Since this is our last night here, I want us to eat and relax. Maybe watch a movie” He smiled, looking at me and holding a glass of wine his dad brought.

“Sure. Anything to take my mind off this” I agreed and sat on the counter.

“Great! I'll cook lunch” He offered, and  turned to wear the apron.

“Who'd you think?” I asked and he let out a chuckle, but got cooking.

After an hour, he was done and I got glasses and plates, while he set the hotpot in the center of the room. I switched on the TV, and set it to a telenovela.

But it was a big mistake.

The movie was about this lady that was in love with her boss, but despite knowing he was married, she challenged him that he'll fall for her under a year.

What?

Xavier looked at me, smirking and raising his eyebrows. At least, one of us is enjoying the movie.

“I want to watch something else” I cleared my throat and suddenly the room became hot, as I took the remote to change the movie, but he took it from me.

“No. I like it, it's interesting. See, she loves him and knows he likes her too, but is acting restrainted just because he's married. Watch, you might learn one or two things” He mocked and I saw the amusement in his eyes.

“You know, I've come up with a nickname for you. Wanna hear it?” I asked him, smiling, this earned me a scowl and slitted eyes.

“Choose your words well” He warned, everly slow.

“Asshole. How's that? Oh, I got another one, douchebag” I smiled and I felt my eyes light up.

He just smiled and nodded his head, like he was accepting a challenge.

“You know…I remembered something. I gave you a document one time to sign, you remember?” He asked me and I just furrowed my eyebrows.

“Yes, I remember. You didn't want me to read it” I remembered, staring at him squarely.

“Well, guess what? That was our marriage certificate. We are married legally, now you don't have to worry about sleeping with me” He shrugged and let out a smile. I stared at him and I felt my blood drop.

“No. You must be joking right?” I asked him, but he just stood up and went to the kitchen with the empty hotpot.

“Xavier, I'm talking to you” I asked him again, following him this time.

Still no answer.

He dropped the hotpot and just turned to me, and made me sit on the island. His eyes, red, a sharp difference between his brown orbs.

“If I did, I would have bent you over this counter and fucked you senseless, but I didn't. You are tempting me, Dorothy. I honestly don't know how far my patience can be stretched” His eyes swept across my face and he claimed my lips.

His hand slided underneath my dress and took my bared nipple, as I was without a bra. I tried pushing him off, but he didn't budge.

“Xavier…stop” I pushed, after I pulled my lips from his, earning me a little cut, but it didn't last long ask he took them back in his.

His hands still playing with my nipples, when I felt one of them slide down to my thighs, and at this point I had forgotten everything about moral.

I was burning with desire, with need for the man to fill me up. I took my hands and wrapped it around his shoulders, and my legs wrapped around his waist as I straddled him.

I felt his erection, and I'm sure he felt my arousal too. I knew this was wrong, I knew I'd feel guilty after this but….I was burning with desire and I knew I was too far gone, when I started unknotting his joggers rope.

Maybe this would be my guilty pleasure..and now I understand why my dad said, ‘ DON'T START SOMETHING IF YOU KNOW IT ISN'T RIGHT, BECAUSE YOU MIGHT GET ADDICTED AND LOSE SIGHT OF THE RIGHT WAY’

Right now, I was sure I was sure I was getting addicted. But will I stop? Or have I lost sight of the right way?

Chapter 16 Tangled Desires.

Dorothy's POV

We were back from my family's house and it felt weird being back. The workload started and it was soon the normal regular meetings and what not.

I walked into my office to see Edward seated on my chair, swirling. 

“What are you doing here?” I asked him and he looked at me, staring at every part of my body like he was waiting for it to grow an extra head.

“What are you doing here, Edward? And how did you get into the building?” I asked him, dropping my handbag on my desk.

“What do you mean, how did I get into the building? I don't have any restraining order, sweetheart” He said and came towards me, causing me to move backwards.

“What do you want?” I asked him again, moving back till my back collided with my door.

“What I want is very simple. I want you to be my lover, but now, I see why that won't work. You are sleeping with Mr. Wort, aren't you?” He asked, twisting his head tauntingly.

I widened my eyes, as I felt a cold sweat down my spine. How does he know?

He doesn't, he's trying to pry information from you.

“No. He is married, remember?” I retorted back and stood in front of him and I saw his eyes widen, I'm sure he wasn't expecting that.

“Hmm…are you lying?” He asked, scanning me from head to toe.

“Why would I? Now…get out of my office “ I told him, and attempted opening the door for him but he stopped me.

He moved my hands behind me and bent me over on my desk, he pressed himself closer to me and I felt his bulge.

Lord, it can't happen like this.

“Get…what the hell are you doing?” I asked, struggling to free my hands as I heard the jiggling of his belt.

He still didn't move, and I heard the zipper going down next.

Fuck this.

I removed my heels and used my feet to step on his calf forcefully, pushing him backwards and he let my hand go as he bent down to hold his calf.

“Fucking bitch” He cursed and charged at me, grabbing me by my hair. But I didn't give him the room, as I kneed him in between his legs, and he left my hair and crunched down, screaming.

My door opened forcefully and I saw both Lilan and Xavier rushing in. 

“What is…” Xavier started but he paused when he saw Edward on the floor. His eyes scanned me and rested on my feet as I was on heel one leg and was barefoot on the other.

“Call security” He told Lilan and she dashed out. After a few minutes they were walking in.

“Take this man out, and please don't let him in here” Xavier told them, and this was the time Edward began regaining his footing.

“Xavier Wort, huh. You can have her, at least I have something of yours” Edward said scoffing as he was guided out of the building by the security men.

“What did he mean by that?” I asked Xavier, but he just stared at me.

“Leave us, Lilan” He ordered, not sparing Lilan a glance. She left us, after signalling me to meet up.

“What happened? Hmm, sweetheart” His eyes scanned my body as he held each side of my face.

“Well…nothing to worry about” I told him and he just stared at me, and claimed my lips.

He kissed me, our tongue fighting for dominance and his hands, igniting every fire in me.

“Xavier…stop” I told him, our lips still touching each other.

“What's wrong?” He asked, raising my face, for my eyes to meet his.

“Everything, Xavier. I'm…I know you are married but if this keeps happening, I'm going to be forced to ask what we are?” I told him, looking at him, searching his eyes for anything.

And I saw the realization hitting them, but behind the realization was some kind of….fear?

“I'm sorry, if I've put you in that kind of situation, but I want you, Dorothy. I've not felt like this before, and yes, an unfortunate event. I'm married but…please, I'll sort that out, okay? Just…don't say you don't want this” He told me, I saw sincerity in his eyes but I couldn't accept it.

We've had sex three times now, and it was amazing but he's not mine. I want someone that was mine and mine alone.

“I’m sorry, Xavier. But…this is one part I'm selfish in” I told him and walked past him, but he held me back.

“You don't feel the same way I feel? Or you do, but you are too morally bound to accept it?” He asked me, which caused me to look at him.

I saw something flash across them, like he was being vulnerable right now, but as always, it was gone before I could confirm it. I always saw it in his eyes, anytime he kissed me.

Even when we had sex, I could swear that I heard him whisper ‘I love you’ but it was so small that it disappeared with the wind.

“I have nothing to say to you, Xavier” I told him and looked away.

“Don't bother, you looking away was my answer” He said and let my hand go, and I walked to my shoe and wore it, and left my office.

I needed air, being in the same room with that man made me feel lustfully suffocated and it wasn't healthy.

At least not for my poor little coochie.

I walked down to the kitchen and I smelled cigarettes coming from somewhere. I looked around but it looked like I was the only one there, then where was it coming from?

I soon heard footsteps from behind me and I turned to see Xavier coming towards me.

“I didn't know….are you smoking?” He asked, stopping in his tracks as he was about to leave.

“No. You smell it too? I thought my nose was broken” I awed and walked towards the store door.

This door held different supplies, from foodstuffs to snacks, but it was pretty small, as it should be, as it was an office kitchen.

“It's coming from behind here” I whispered to Xavier and he walked towards me.

It was only him, Lilan and I that was on this floor so who was in here smoking? I asked myself as Xavier reached out to open the door.

“Diana?” 

Chapter 17  A Taste Of Regret

Dorothy's POV

I stood there, as Diana tried to hide the nearly finished cigarette, and Xavier just stood with me. His face was so expressionless that I had to whisper a little prayer to God for her.

“Are you smoking while carrying a baby?” He asked, quietly. And I wondered if he was angry or not?

“Well….I..I checked. I checked with my doctor and he told me it was okay. Although I shouldn't smoke all the time” She stuttered, rubbing her palms together.

“Oh, your doctor. Right? What's the name of your doctor?” He asked, going closer to her.

“Ahh…uhh..Doctor…Doctorr…uhh..Raymond” She was now sweating, her eyes kissing the ceiling from time to time.

“Really? What hospital?” He asked, stopping directly in front of her.

“Uhm…what's with the question?” She asked, shifting back and holding her throat.

“Nothing…just want to check in with your doctor” He asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

“Oh.. that's not important” She said and looked between him and me, taking in quick breaths.

“Uhm, excuse…excuse me” She said and slid beside Xavier and left the kitchen.

Xavier just stood there and the next thing was a chuckle coming from him.

“You know, you women are liars” He seethed, turning to me and I just stood there, looking at him. 

He looked at me and tilted his head, coming close to me in slow strides.

“I'm not the one who lied to you” I said in order to save myself from transferred aggression.

“Really? I don't like this…you, you forgot you said that?” He asked me, coming to stand in front of me.

“I don't know why you're angry with me” I shook my head, looking at him with furrowed eyebrows as I squeezed my hand.

“You are stopping me from being with you, when you know how my marriage is barely even one” He screamed, breathing out heavily.

I just scoffed, this was ridiculous. Why was he angry with me? He didn't seem angry before?

“Or do you love her? And because she is rejecting you, your egoistical self cannot take that?” I asked, demonstrating with my hands.

“Yes. You're right. You're right. And the only reason why I actually had anything to do with you, was because Edward wanted something to do with you and my egoistical self couldn't take that, and now my egoistical self has realized how bad of an idea that was. So yes, like you said, that mistake isn't happening again” He spat and walked out, only sparing me a glare.

I stood there. My chest was aching, it wasn't like the same pain that I felt when my parents died but…something different. Something I've never felt before…

It ached and it ached badly. It ached so much that my eyes began welling up and I let it flow. Every word he said went straight there, and like a stone shattered my glass heart. 

My heart was pierced but with the pain of death, this was something, something that was new. I couldn't explain it but my eyes watered even more.

I couldn't understand it, so why are my eyes watering? He called us a mistake, a bad idea. 

As those words rang over and over again, my chest ached the more, and it felt like the tears wouldn't stop till I cried my eyes out.

I felt like I was on this high plane and every word he said pushed me closer to the edge and the anger and coldness in his eyes made me fall over.

I cried till my eyes couldn't spare any other liquid, and it was replaced with…. nothing. I didn't feel anything but I think it was the harsh awakening I needed.

“You came here to work, Dorothy. And that's what you'll do” I sniffed and dusted myself up. I left the storage room after grabbing a snack, and I washed my face in the sink and went back to my office.

I got to my office and cleared my desk, I submitted all the files he asked for and also gave Lilan the files for some important meetings tomorrow.

I took my bag and walked to Xavier's office and knocked.

“Come in” I heard his voice from the other end of the door. He was angry.

The blazing eyes and cold voice was the only confirmation I needed.

“Hello, sir. I came to inform you of my leave” I said, my eyes glued to his table but my head was straight.

“Leave? Where?” I could hear the inconspicuous voice of curiosity, coming from him.

“I won't be available tomorrow. I cleared out my desk and gave all files concerning tomorrow's meetings to Lilan. I now request your permission” I said, keeping my voice small and coordinated.

But inside I felt like asking him if he meant all those words.

I was met with silence but this silence was loud and clear. It spoke words we both were scared of saying, ignorant of how to speak those words.

“Dorothy, I….” He began, getting up from his chair.

“Don't. You are right, it was all a mistake. A mistake I knew but still indulged in. But, thanks for the awakening. From now on, I won't mix business with my personal life. But I humbly request for tomorrow” I pleaded, taking a step back and a step closer to one percent of bravery as I looked at him in his eyes.

Mama once told me “Any emotions you are looking for, as far as you want it raw, look at the person's eyes, Dora. The eyes don't lie” 

And here I was staring at his eyes,  running through the walls looking for an emotion, something I thought he wouldn't have, as I expected to run for days unearned and find a maze.

But no, I ran a little, not too far from the gates, and I saw it. Regret.

But I shook it off. If he would regret it later, then why bother saying it?

“Your ... .your leave for tomorrow is granted. You may go” He stuttered and I bowed a little and left.

I walked down to the bus stop, waiting for my bus, sitting in silence, but my mind was in chaos. I had played the recording, and there was another disc, another CD and it was in the house, and I was going back there.

I needed to know what killed my parents because I think the police were wrong. So wrong. 

Chapter 18  Eviction And Echoes 

Dorothy's POV

“Hello?” A male's voice asked from the other end of the door. I dropped my bowl of dough as I was about to make cookies, and I walked to open the door.

“Hello. Good morning, sir. Uh, something wrong?” I asked as I saw them fully dressed in suits, holding files.

“Well, ma'am. Are you the owner of the house?” The man asked, looking around the house.

“Yes. I am. My parents lived here, they paid off their mortgage. What's this about?” I asked them, getting irritated with the questions.

“Well, ma'am. This estate has been bought and you are asked to vacate here, under three days” He tilted his head, giving me a letter that had Frey Foundations written boldly on it.

What the actual hell?

“Hold on for a second, sir. What do you mean "vacate?” I asked, going after them as they headed to their car.

“The estate was owned by someone who sold it to Mr. Frey, and he bought it for a project. He plans on demolishing every house here for it. So ma'am, you have three days to prepare” He told me and walked off, leaving me standing in the middle of the road.

What the hell?

I went back into the house and looked around, little pictures still hung around, I had some of them in the house Mr. Wort got for me–I took some pictures with me after they died.

I sat in the middle of the sitting room. What am I going to do about this? I had to find the second CD but I don't know where to start. 

My dad didn't say anything more on the location in the recording. 

Or he did but I was just too stuck up to listen.

I rushed to my bag and took out the first CD and the recording. I played it again and again, but nothing came to mind.

“....Dora if you've found this recording that means you are on track, I need you to find the second CD and keep them all safe” My dad smiled and the recording ended.

I breathed out, and threw my head back. Ugh, dad I used to think you were so simple but this shit you put me on is really complicated.

I closed my eyes, every word he said, both in the CD and the recorder was playing in my head. 

You just have to think–got me to the Scrabble board. You have to keep them safe….

He knew that I'd do that but why did he say it again? 

Maybe for a reminder. My head said, trying not to settle on it. 

I looked to the kitchen and I immediately remembered about the cookies I was about to make.

“Fuck. I'd forgotten about these” I said to myself and continued mixing the dough before adding some chocolate and putting it in a tray that had circle demarcations, and put it in the oven.

I settled down to watch a show and when I turned on the TV, the ache of yesterday that played in my heart came back.

I had completely forgotten about that. Or at least, I acted like I did. It didn't go away, and every time, his words played in my head, I regret pushing him that far.

If I didn't say those words, his response wouldn't have been begotten. I stared at the TV as this particular couple was just making out after an argument and immediately I saw us on the screen.

The way his lips felt, I remembered every sound, the sound of his groaning, his eyes, his…his smell, I remembered everything and it was to my disadvantage, as it made my heart ache the most.

I stared at the TV as I didn't want to look away from him, from his face, then the ding from the oven snapped me back, and I just realized that a tear had been let loose.

I stood up, and made a mental note not to think of him, as I let out the cookies from the oven. I put some into a plate and poured some orange juice into a glass.

After I ate, I took the plates and washed them off and took the brush to sweep, and my eyes caught a brown envelope sticking out from underneath the oven.

What was that? My heart was in my mouth as I was burning with anticipation on what the letter held but…also with..fear.

Everything I have uncovered till now, just made me more scared of Mr. Frey, and it made me ask myself, how far are those people willing to go to get what they want?

I took the envelope, and in front of it was a signature of my dad and someone else. I didn't know whose that was, but it didn't stop me from opening it.

I tore the envelope open and brought out a letter, and I was frozen. I didn't know what emotion to feel, but I knew I thought something.

Doubt…and felt some arousing anger.

I read this letter over and over again, and at this point sweeping became unimportant. The thought of calling Xavier came to mind but the words he told me yesterday were more powerful.

But at the same time, I had to put my personal issues aside. I picked up my phone, not taking another second to think about it, and I called him.

“Hey, can you come to…to..” I stuttered, breathing in and out. This was the exact last thing I wanted, but I had to.

“Dorothy?” He called me, and it did what it always does to me, each time he spoke my name.

Made my heart shudder.

“Yes. Erm, please come to my parents house, I'd love to show you something” I told him, staring at the letter in my hand.

“Hey, you alright? I'm on my way, okay?” He asked, and I heard the alertness in his voice.

I said nothing and ended the call, dropping the letter and managing to sweep. After an hour and a few minutes, I heard my doorbell ring.

“That must be Xavier” I thought as I opened the door, but I was frozen and my heartbeat increased tremendously.

“Mr ... .Mr. Frey”. 

Chapter 19  A Father's Shadow, A Lover's Regret 

Xavier's POV

Blood shot up to my veins and so did adrenaline. Why did she call me sounding like that? Was she in trouble?

I thought everything, as I took my coat and walked out of the office, informing Lilan that I'm done for today. No thought didn't cross my mind, and it increased the urgency in me to get to her as fast as I could.

“Xavier. Where are you going?” I heard Diana's voice from behind me. Fuck, so close to leaving here.

“Somewhere. And I'm already late, so be fast with whatever it is you want” I told her, not bothering to hide the irritation in my voice.

“Well, excuse me for asking where my husband is going” She said, coming closer to me, this only made me rub my forehead.

God, help me. This one time.

“You are excused. Can I leave now? Thanks” I smiled and turned back going to my car.

“No. I want us to go for lunch. That's why I came here” She said, as I heard her heels clacking.

I rolled my eyes and checked my watch. It's been twenty minutes since Dorothy called me.

“We can go another time” I told her, barely one foot on the sledge of patience.

“No. I want us to go now” She pressed, standing her ground, but…she wasn't sure. I looked at her neck and I saw the fast beating of her heart.

“Why are you nervous?” I asked her, getting ready to hear more lies.

“Not…nothing. I'm not nervous” She lied, rubbing her neck.

“Hmm…learn to lie without leaving cues behind, love” I whispered to her as I walked past her.

But I didn't go far as she held my hand, stopping me in my tracks.

“I'm sorry, for making you upset. But, Xavier, you've changed. The man I married treated me right, until…until that girl, Dorothy came along “ She said, with so much disgust in her voice, as she made a gag expression.

But it only made my blood boil as I clenched my suit jacket and phone.

“Right. Okay. We are having this conversation. Let's talk then..you are pregnant with my child, no?” I asked her and I saw her face drain.

“What kind of conversation is this? Yes, I'm pregnant for your child” She seethed, her face turning red.

“Okay. How many months?” I asked her, looking her deep in the eyes, but she looked anywhere but my eyes.

“Uhh…seven” She said and I just raised my eyebrows, and I felt an amusement dance in my eyes.

It was almost too funny. 

“How does a pregnant woman not know how many months pregnant she is? First, six months, then four months, now seven months?” I asked her, and her eyes started darting around.

“Your tongue swallowed, honey?” I asked her and she just bowed her head down.

“Forgetfulness is part of pregnancy. I am in my second trimester, that's all” She shrugged, and it looked like she began gaining her footing.

“Hmm. Okay. Anything you say, but I genuinely don't have time for this, right now” I said and left, but yet again, her words stopped me in my tracks.

“Where?” She asked, again. I breathed in, on the verge of losing my shit, but I couldn't, not when Dorothy was away from me.

“To see your dad, to discuss business” I lied, turning to her.

“Hmm. My dad is not in town” She thought and it made my heart skip a beat.

“What'd you mean?” I asked her, my heart beating erratically.

“I mean, my dad is not in town” She said again, and her eyes widened. 

It's like she wasn't supposed to say it. I felt a cold sweat on my forehead.

If her dad wasn't in town, I'll bet my money that he went to Dorothy. Those days we stayed at her house, I saw a black SUV parked outside, I didn't bother because I thought it was a neighbor's car, but now…hell no.

“Where is he, Diana?” I asked her, my hands trembling.

“I…I don't know, okay?” She breathed out, moving back, and her voice trembling.

“You do. Where is your father?” I asked her again, but she didn't answer me as she turned back and left.

I didn't bother going after her as I drove to Dorothy's house, adrenaline almost so high that I could taste it.

After an hour, I got to her house and rang the doorbell. I was anxious to see her, because of what I said.

I knew I had hurt her, and I couldn't bear that she was in so much pain, but how could she be so selfish?

What of me and what I felt? 

I tried pushing all these thoughts away as I felt anger rising up…but like the irony I live like, the need to see her face increased, and this was when I heard the click of her door handle.

Her face popped out and I saw relief wash over them. She opened the door and let me in, but something wasn't right.

“Hey, you alright?” I asked her, but she didn't answer, neither did she look at me. I went to her to get her attention and she hugged me. Her sobs, so small that they could be missed.

“Hey…it's okay” I assured, patting her head and hugging her too.

“I…I'm scared, Xavier” She cried, raising her head from my chest.

“Hey…it's okay” I called out to her, as she walked to her kitchen and stood at the sink.

“What…should I just stop searching?! Ever since I saw that box, it's been new information to another” She said, hugging herself and I saw she was visibly shaking.

I went to her side and hugged her, her head on my chest..

“Mr. Frey was here. He bought the estate, I..I think he knows about the recording” She shuddered, but there was no energy there, and I felt sorry for her.

She's been through a lot and Lord knows, if I was the one that lost my entire family that age, I'd be in an asylum. And this just made the regret I felt before, sink in.

She's going through a lot and I just made it worse with those words I said. I knew she felt something for me, but I guess I'm so desperate to hear it, I'm too scared to be the only one feeling this pull that increases when we are together and worse when we are apart.

“Did he say anything? Anything threatening?” I asked her, but she just shook her head and she raised it and walked to the island and opened a drawer, and brought out a piece of paper.

“What’s that?” I asked her and she just stared at me, blank.

“Here, read it” She swallowed, giving me the paper, I took it and looked at her with squinted eyes.

My eyes glanced at the paper and I just scanned it but I was forced to read it again and this time slower, because it didn't make sense the first time.

“A marriage agreement signed by our parents?” I asked, staring at the letter.

“Not just any marriage agreement…our marriage agreement. Guess your joke wasn't just a joke” 

Chapter 20 A Locked Goodbye 

Dorothy's POV

It's been two days since I've been here and I'm still in search of the second CD. Xavier didn't go back home and he offered to help me look.

We hadn't discussed anything about that day, but I don't think we didn't want to, we are just looking for the right time. Or rather, waiting for either of us to bring it up.

It had reduced the way we act around each other, he was so tensed and I was so self conscious of every act so it won't look like I was attracted to him.

But deep down, I yearned for him. So instead of just saying it out loud and acting it, I just savor the moment I have next to him, if he asks me to check something out.

We were on the mission of ransacking the entire house, tomorrow was the day I was told to vacate and I can't leave here without the second CD.

We moved everything, from paintings to pictures to drawers.

But we still met a dead end, and I was soon giving up.

“Hey, found something” I heard Xavier's voice from the opposite room. I ran to meet him and it was in my father's study.

He had moved a family picture and we were met with a wall but with different wallpaper.

“Oh, you found a different wall paper?” I asked him, widening my eyes and squinting them.

“Ugh, ever watched a…crime movie? Nothing is as it seems” He said and immediately tore off the wallpaper.

I stood there in awe and he stood there, feeling accomplished.

“Told ya, sweetheart” He exclaimed as we both looked at the wall that had an engraved safe in it.

“This was what he meant. When you find all this, keep it safe. The safe. He kept it in the safe” I said, squeaking. 

“Okay, we found the safe. But we need a….five or six digit code. Any ideas?” He asked, staring at the safe, but then glancing at me.

“Well…none. You?” I asked, looking at him too in the eyes.

“He was your father, princess. Not mine” He said and started moving towards me, causing me to move backwards.

“Xavier, what are you doing?” I asked him, still moving back. His eyes were trained on me, never having an expression, until my back kissed the wall behind me.

“Wanted this” He said and held up something that looked like a journal. I just nodded, but he didn't move, neither did I.

“Xav…Xavier, you need to…” I started but was cut short as he kissed me, pulling me in by my waist. 

I tried pushing him away but he didn't listen, I was trying to tell him he was pushing me back into that water, and it was drowning me.

But he didn't budge, so I didn't bother, and I kissed him back. Soon, he picked me up and let my legs wrap around his waist.

His hands tracing every curve on my body. At this point, I didn't bother with pushing him away and lecturing him.

I had missed this…this, I was slowly accepting this to be my guilty pleasure.

“I'm..I'm sorry. I didn't mean any of those words I said, I know it hurt you and I'm deeply sorry, Dorothy. I was annoyed, yes Diana lied, but I was more annoyed with you than her” He pleaded and looked at me, his eyes felt….naked.

“Xavier, I…right now, I really don't know what to say. But…can we leave this for later, please? I really am, trying to wrap my head around all these” I told him and I saw his eyes flicker. Like he was excited.

“As far as we are good” He said and kissed my forehead.

“You said it was a mistake, do you think otherwise now?” I asked. I was desperate to know, if he thought this was is a mistake then, I'd really don't know how I'll feel about this.

“I didn't mean that. And yes, I think otherwise now” He whispered and I felt my heart feel at ease. I looked at him, I knew he was married but at this point I didn't care anymore, as I claimed his lips.

Our tongue moving with a familiar rhythm and our hands glued to each other's skin. He broke the kiss and joined our forehead.

“i think I know the code” I breathed out, and he smiled.

“Our kiss made you remember it?” He said, letting out a small chuckle.

“You see, you are still an annoying person” I told him, squinting my eyes and walking to the safe.

I tried the five digit code that was in my head but it didn't open.

“Missing a number?” He asked from behind me.

“Well, I thought it was a five digit code” I said and walked to stand beside him.

“Call the code” He said and walked in front of the safe.

“16809” I called it but he didn't type. He just stood there, hand on chin.

“Why aren't you typing?” I asked him, looking at him perplexed.

“Explain the code” He said, turning to me and completely ignoring my question.

“Well, the code is my birthday. The 16th of August and my brother's birthday too, the 9th. We are born in the same month” I explained to him. And this time he typed, and it opened.

“Wait, was my explanation needed to open it? Or I just didn't type it correctly?” I asked looking at the safe.

“No. It was a six digit code, added a zero to the eight” He said, and glanced at me.

“Ready?” He asked me, putting his hand on the handle.

“Ready” I said and he pulled the door open. The door was opened but none of us moved, we were both frozen.

“Are you seeing the same thing I am?” I asked Xavier because he was awfully quiet.

“Bright and clear, princess” He said and started moving towards it.

The safe was filled with cash, at the least half a million, with several documents and a gold wristwatch. 

“It looks like he knew he was going to die” I said, my heart feeling the space that hasn't been filled.

Xavier took a file and his eyes scanned it while I just looked for the second CD but I found nothing.

“Xavier, the second CD is not here” I announced, neck deep into the safe.

“I don't think there's any CD…this is the second CD. Look” He said and raised up the sheet of paper he was reading.

It read….

“Congratulations honey. You did a good job, I'm proud of you. Now you have all you need”

I stared at the letter, my chest aching and my eyes welled up. He knew I'd look for it. He wanted me to find it. 

This meant he wants me to bring Mr. Frey down–but I didn't know where to start. And suddenly I felt like I shouldn't have begun this in the first place.

Chapter 21 Unveiled Ties

Dorothy's POV

I stirred in my sleep as I heard banging on the door. I stretched my hand over to the other side as I felt a sturdy back and I shot my head up to see who that was.

I saw a brown haired buried deep into the pillow and he stirred as the knocking became louder.

“You expecting someone?” He asked, still half asleep and rubbing his eyes.

“No…good morning” I said in a whisper, and he turned to look at me and just smiled.

“Beautiful, I think we need to answer who that is. They are about breaking the door” He groaned and kissed my forehead, getting up.

“Good morning, too, sweetheart. See you downstairs” He said and left after throwing on a shirt above his joggers.

I quickly stood up too and walked downstairs, in my penguin matching pajamas of shorts and singlet.

“Can I open it or should you?” He whispered, standing behind me. I looked through the peephole and saw that it was the same men of yesterday.

“Shit. It's the house people. Hide” I told him and he just nodded and left the sitting room. I slowly turned open the door knob and they both came into the house.

“Hello? Good morning, to you guys. At least one of three of us has manners” I mocked and gave a tight smile.

“You have three hours to vacate the house” They said, looking around, and I just nodded. 

“Can you leave now?” I asked them, the door still open. They just looked around and left, and I closed the door behind them.

“You can come out, now” I called to Xavier and he walked out, looking around but headed straight to the kitchen. We ate breakfast and began packing up our bag.

After two and half hours, we heard a knock on the door and Xavier went to hide.

“Yes?” I called and opened the door and Mr. Frey and the two other people from earlier walked in.

“Why is the house empty?” Mr. Frey asked looking around, and going to the kitchen.

“Well, you are buying the property, no? But, before that, everything in here were my parents’, so…” I said, standing there, looking at every step Mr. Frey took.

My eyes widened and my palms got immediately sweaty when I saw Xavier walk out, standing directly in front of Mr. Frey.

“You are here, with her” He said, scoffing.

“Yes? Is there a problem?” Xavier posed, coming closer to Mr. Frey.

I gulped. What the hell is he doing? Is he trying to provoke him? If that's his plan then he is doing a really great job.

“Do you forget you have a wife? And you are here, sleeping with this….girl. This nobody” He spat and came to stand in front of me. But I said nothing, and I tried to see where he was headed.

“Poor people really do anything to mingle with the rich” He said, sizing me up and walking out the door.

I just stared at his departing figure and turned to the other two people still standing in my house.

“Do you need a salary to walk out the door, too?” I asked and they moved and I closed the door behind them.

“Why the hell did you come out when you knew he was in here?” I asked him, coming to stand in front of him.

“Well…you aren't the only one trying to solve a case, sweetheart” He said and walked off, carrying his bag and going to the car.

I carried my back and looked around one more time, the memories of our childhood playing over in my head, and it brought a tear to my heart, but also a smile.

I closed the door and handed the key to the two men from earlier and entered Xavier's car and he drove off, going back to the city.

******

“Dorothy” I heard my name as I was gently shaken. I hummed, turning and opening my eyes to see Xavier's blurry face.

“Hmm?” I hummed again.

“You are home” He said, but I was too tired to even process anything so I just turned back, repositioned and drifted off.

*****

I stirred in my sleep, the smell of chocolate and lavender filled the air, but I didn't stand up. I wanted to lay in bed some more.

“Remember, you still have a job” I heard Xavier said which just made me groan internally and squeeze my eyes, planning to act like I'm still asleep.

But it was a lost battle even before I had a chance as I felt his fingers by my side and…asshole was tickling me. I tried holding it in, but I couldn't, and I burst out laughing and crying at the same time.

“Xavier…fine, I'm awake!” I screamed, getting off from the bed and landing on the floor with a loud thud, as my back was the one that felt the repulsion first.

“Good morning, my good Miss” He said, in an ugly British accent.

“British accent is fine, for British people” I nodded, standing up from the ground and holding my waist like a freaking fifty years old lady.

“You alright there, mate?” He said, in the same British accent, tilting his head and I just gave him a deadpan look.

“I wanted to discuss something with you” He said, in his normal voice.

“Okay?” I said and sat on the couch opposite the bed in my room.

“Well, it's about that marriage agreement we saw. Your parents signatures as well as mine was there, so they definitely knew about this” He said, looking at me.

“Wait…if your dad knew about the agreement, why did he allow you to marry Diana?” I asked, looking at him 

“Told you, you're not the only one trying to solve a case, darling. Get dressed, we need to go to the company” He said and left my room.

Wow, many secrets but why? Why didn't our parents tell us? Or him?

We've clearly come of age. And a marriage agreement that was supposed to be in effect three years ago?

Apart from Xavier's shit, what does my father want me to do with these documents. I stared at the bag of files I took from my parents house, and I immediately felt the room spin.

“If I continue like this, I might end up with a brain migraine for a year” I told myself as I stood up to take a shower and get ready for work.

Chapter 22 The Lie That Grows 

Dorothy's POV

“Sir, you called?” I asked, my hands in front of me, holding my purse.

“Yes. You are going to escort my wife here, today, for her antenatal” Xavier said, holding his pen and twirling it. 

My eyes immediately shot to Diana's direction, as she scowled at Xavier and I felt the blood that had drained from her face.

“Xavier, I don't need an escort” She gritted, her posture getting tense.

“Oh, but I insist. I would have escorted you but, I have a meeting. And I really wish I could be there, as a…you know, caring husband” He smiled, and titled his head, and I knew for a fact that, that was sarcastic and I could swear that he didn't mean half of that.

Diana looked at me and I saw the blood that drained from her face shoot to her eyes and she just glared at me with a grimace on her face.

“You are leaving in ten minutes. Dorothy, go and get ready” Xavier spoke and he threw his face back into his files.

I just bowed and went out of the office. I needed to think and fast. 

If her father is there, then I'm dead.

My heartbeat shot up and I could feel myself getting anxious as my palms began sweating.

Over these past few days, I have realized truly the extent of Mr. Frey can go but I didn't know for Diana, and this fact alone scared the shit out of me.

“You can do this” I muttered to myself as I dropped my purse and I took my phone and left my office. I stood outside Xavier's office and waited for Diana to come out.

After standing there for over twenty minutes, she finally came out.

“You stay outside. And don't you dare speak a word” She spat, scanning me from head to toe.

“Yes, ma'am” I whispered.

She walked ahead of me and I and Lilan shared a look and she mouthed ‘Sorry’ and I could feel my end being near.

This journey is so unpredictable and it's giving me chills.

After an hour we finally reached the hospital and I looked at the building and it felt…. familiar.

We got down from the car and I stood at the entrance of the building.

Everything felt familiar, like I've been here before, but I couldn't quite remember it.

Maybe it had a similar exterior design, making it feel familiar.

“Are you admiring the architecture of a hospital building?” I heard Diana's voice, from some distance and I looked at her and saw her scrunched nose.

I didn't answer as I walked behind her into the building. I stood at the reception while she talked to a doctor, and they both glanced my way at intervals.

I shook my head not wanting to pay any heed to it, as I looked around the hospital. The color, the print, everything about this hospital felt familiar.

“Oh, Mrs. Wort. What brings you by?” A voice said from behind me but at a distance. I tried registering it.

It brought…. sadness. I felt my heart sink, and the ache that I hadn't been feeling before, came.

This caused me to want to look back but before I could, he had already walked past me, going to the direction of Diana.

I stared at his figure. I could be imagining things, but my heart…the ache in my heart, couldn't be something that I'll fake.

I stood there as he talked to Diana but it didn't last long as she walked away with the first doctor she was talking to.

“Dr. Smith?” I called and I saw him pause. He was turning his head to look at me but with each turn I heard my heartbeat in my ears.

“Miss…” He drawled, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow.

“Reyes. My father…you…took…you took care of my family…remember?” I asked, as I saw him walk to me in steady strides, hands in his lab coat.

“Oh…the one that lost her family in a day. I'm really sorry I couldn't remember, lots of patients and….how are you?” He asked, looking at me head to toe, with his eyes getting heavy.

Dr. Smith was someone that I'll forever be grateful to. He helped me when no one else was willing to. After my parents ordeal, the bills of the hospital sent me into a near state of bankruptcy and I had no idea how they had accumulated so much.

According to the hospital, the life support machine and oxygen tanks were really expensive and they didn't want to know if the patient survived or not. So the only option was that I had was to bring in a guarantor for them, stating that I'll pay up.

I had no one else and he agreed even without a flinch. 

“I'm so good..I'm..thank you so much, Dr. Smith. I'll always be forever grateful to you” I smiled, as I felt a tear slip.

“It's alright. You were a promising young lady, and I knew you'd be responsible enough” He sympathized and gave me a small smile.

“I'll see you later, Dorothy” He nodded, as he tapped my shoulder and walked away.

I smiled and looked around but I didn't see Diana anywhere. Where the hell did she go?

I looked around the hospital and asked the receptionist but she said she remembered no one like that at the desk.

I dashed into the hallway where I saw her enter last time but I didn't find her. I decided to walk to the other end of it and check the office at that end.

“Are you sure this will work? The last letter your link in the last hospital gave me, didn't fucking correspond with the hospital's system” I heard Diana's hushed voice. It felt like she was mad about something.

I stood at the door, listening in, with my heart in my throat. If I was caught and she told her father…. The thought alone made me shiver and I didn't even want to imagine it.

“This time it's for real. This is how this hospital gives the antenatal schedule. The last one was a mix up and I corrected that” The male voice said, assuredly.

“Okay. I'm trusting you, because if I lose my marriage to this little mix up…you won't like me” She warned and I could hear the assertiveness in her voice.

“No problem, ma'am. All you have to do is just sell the story straight” The male voice said again, and there was a beat of silence that followed, I could already tell they were lost in their thoughts.

Sell the story! What was she talking about? So many thoughts ran through my head and I didn't have an answer but one thing I knew was that it was connected to her pregnancy.

“But what's gonna happen at the ninth month? What month did you tell him you are in?” The male voice asked, but he was scared because his voice trembled.

“Fourth. I really don't know but I'll figure it out” She said, her tone pensive.

“Have him sleep with you….it's better. It can be that you lost the baby, but because of the sex you guys had, it'll be believable if you said you were pregnant again” The male voice advised. And I could hear him come closer.

Lost the baby? Is Diana not pregnant? Does Xavier know of this? 

Of course, he couldn't, because if he did, there was no need for this conniving.

“He only slept with me once and that was before we got married and he was drunk….he hasn't even looked my way since then” She said, sounding frustrated.

Xavier hasn't slept with her since after their wedding?  

I felt like…I didn't quite know but…I feel like I now understand why he was upset with me earlier in the office kitchen.

I had assumed things which hurt him.

“Then you have someone else sleep with you” The male voice said and that sounded like the end of the discussion, but Diana spoke.

“Any ideas?” She asked.

“You know his partners or anyone that he wouldn't suspect…what of that Edward guy?” The male voice suggested.

Edward? Like Edward Jetta?

“Who are you looking for?” A voice rang behind me, causing me to freeze. How did I not hear the footsteps?

I stood not moving as I slowly turned my neck and I felt Diana and the man she was talking to, behind me.

Shit, I'm screwed. 

Chapter 23 The Secrets We Carry

Dorothy's POV

“How long have you been standing here?” Diana asked, holding my arm, her voice cold as ice as it pierced through my spine, steeling it.

“Oh, it's you. The Reyes girl” I heard Mr. Frey's voice as my head was to Diana. My heartbeat clouded my head and I think I saw my entire existence vanish.

I'm truly screwed. 

What was he doing here? I thought the only person I had to deal with was the first guy that saw me and from the look of things I'm beginning to think that it is Mr. Frey's bodyguard.

I slowly turned to look at Mr. Frey and I saw his eyes turn red. 

“Good morning, sir. I was waiting…waiting for..eh, Mrs. Wort here to conclude her checkup” I smiled, trying to persuade him.

He just stared at me, with each slow step he got to me. My heart was in my ears and I could hear clearly the beating of it, but they had skips.

“So..you mean to tell me that Mr. Wort couldn't even escort his wife to the hospital?” Mr. Wort asked, coming forward.

“I asked my secretary to do that, is that a problem?” I heard a familiar voice, ice cold, although I didn't see the face, I knew that it was Xavier. 

Everyone's head snapped to the direction his voice came from, and there he was in his black suit and cold eyes.

“Hmm…so you send some lowly secretary to keep an eye on my daughter? You could have sent a bodyguard or someone of importance” Mr. Frey said, not even sparing Xavier a glance.

I didn't even bother looking at him to see the anger emanating from his eyes, I felt it. 

“Well, she is my secretary. If you have any problems with that, well…you can go and fuck yourself” Xavier smirked and I looked at him with widened eyes, even Diana let my hand go, and I hadn't realized that she's been holding it for all this time.

“You are being disrespectful, child” Mr. Frey fired, and if I was drunk I would have said I imagined the smile that played on his lips.

I felt that he was lurking Xavier out. I didn't know why but I felt it.

“Hmm. Maybe if you stop being disrespectful to my staff then I can consider my respect being given to you” Xavier continued, sounding unfazed at the outburst from Mr. Frey, and coming to stand in front of him. 

There was silence. Silence so strong that I felt it. I felt it on my skin and it made my hair rise. I felt that if Mr. Frey was evil, Xavier was the greater evil–or the calmer one.

He knew what Mr. Frey had done, what he did to my parents, his company and yet he still stood challenging in front of him. Only a person that is stupid that can do this.

Or.. the person that is equally as dangerous as Mr. Frey.

Xavier finally turned, casting me a look that I couldn't understand before he shifted his focus to Diana. 

“I'm sure you are done with your antenatal. Let's go” Xavier commanded and without sparing Mr. Frey a second glance, he turned and left. 

But after taking a few steps he stopped, causing Mr. Frey to tilt his head to his direction.

“Oh, Douglas. Don't treat her like she's a nobody, you speak to her with respect. She's not a nobody and you know that” He haunted and continued walking.

I literally mentally face palmed myself. What the hell is wrong with this guy? Keep your damn mouth shut.

I couldn't look Mr. Frey in the face as I walked past him, bowing my head and leaving with Xavier. I walked out to see his car parked outside by the entrance of the hospital.

“Remind me again, what mental issue you have?” I gritted as soon as I reached him which caused his bodyguards to stare at me.  And this was the first time I've seen him with a bodyguard.

“Anyone you give me, darling. I'm all yours” He whispered, going beside me and opening the door.

“You really are a psycho. If your plan is to get me killed or tracked you just succeeded” I rambled on, entering the opposite driver's seat.

As I entered the driver's seat, I heard the back door open and I knew at once that it was Diana, and immediately the car began leaving the hospital.

“Xavier, what was that about?” She asked, her voice coming like a storm that moved me, but I knew Xavier was the least bothered.

“What was what about?” He asked and I looked through my side view to see him concentrating on his phone. Normally, if this was me, I'd have given up.

“The disrespect shown to my father, and all for…for someone of no social holdings” She fumed, but Xavier didn't give an answer.

I just bowed my head. Nothing is affecting me, like I felt nothing. No intimidation, nothing.

I didn't know why, but I guess it's the fact that I knew their money was dirty money–if not bloodied.

“Xavier, I'm talking to you” She said again, but this time taking his phone away from him, and I slowly watched him raise his head.

“Okay, since you want to have a discussion, let's talk” Xavier breathed, and he turned slightly to face Diana squarely.

“What was your father doing here?” He asked, his voice calm. So calm, it was uneasing.

“He came to support me” She whispered, her voice having a little tremble it could almost be missed.

“Hmm…for a minor antenatal?” Xavier asked, this time a smirk growing on his lips, and Diana just squinted her eyes.

“You are deviating. You've never stood up for me the way you stood up for Dorothy in front of anyone. And I'm your wife, Xavier. Your fucking wife!” She screamed, slamming the phone out the window.

The car came to an abrupt end. I just sat there with wide eyes and a heavy heart. I knew this would happen, it's the female instinct.

We can feel if we are being threatened in our relationship, and right now, Diana felt it and somehow, I felt bad for making her feel this way.

But nonetheless, I really didn't want to be the driver but I considered taking up this job. 

A lot–I mean a lot of juicy secret that a driver carries, that if let out, would crash a lot of relationships and families.

“Get out!” Xavier ordered, after what felt like an eternity of silence. No one in the car moved. We had no idea who he was referring to.

“Didn't you hear me, Diana? I said get out. Now!” Xavier seethed, and I could already visualize him squeezing his fist, although I didn't turn to look at him.

“Xavier, you are telling me to get out of your car. Your pregnant wife should get out of your car?” She scoffed.

“Yes, get out. Tell your father to take you home” He reiterated and didn't bother sparing her a glance. 

There was silence which was then followed by the opening and slamming of the car door.

“Drive!” That was the only command Xavier gave and we left Diana there, standing in the middle of the road, and soon I saw different cameras.

Paparazzis.

We drove for a few minutes, until we came to stop in front of the company.

“Leave us, Mark” He told the driver, who just turned off the car and left us both alone. I swallowed anxiously for the next words he was going to say.

“What did you hear at the hospital?” He asked and my neck snapped to him. How did he know I heard something?

“If you didn't hear anything, you wouldn't have looked like a deer caught in a headlight. So, speak” He said, his eyes meeting mine.

“Well…they said, something like…there was a mix up with a hospital's antenatal schedule pattern and that she needed to sell the story” I blurted, trying to keep it as vague as possible.

If Xavier finds out that Diana planned on sleeping with Edward, I had no idea what he would do.

“You are hiding something, speak it all” His tone was authoritative, causing me to gulp.

“She…she's planning on sleeping with Edward and I…I don't think, she's pregnant. She said, something about a miscarriage and second new pregnancy” I rushed over my words, as my voice began trembling. I was scared of his potential reaction, but I was sent into a repulse when I heard his humored laughter.

“Wow, she's not pregnant with my child. Hmm, I'm feeling relieved?” He tilted his head like he wasn't sure of what he was feeling, as he smiled a bit.

“Are you seriously laughing at this?” I asked him, incapable of having the processing ability on how this is interpreted as funny.

“Yeah. I'd rather remain fatherless, than let a Frey have my blood” He scoffed, looking at me. “But a Reyes, that I'll accept. Tell me when you go for a scan, love” 

I squinted my eye, as I looked at his alighting figure, and my mind raced–Scan? Like a pregnancy scan? What was he talking about? Am I pregnant with Xavier's child? 

I shook my head, trying to downplay those thoughts trying to play through my mind. It's not possible.

We slept together for like just, three times? Shit, I forgot protection. If I thought I was screwed at the hospital, then I'm definitely dead this time–if this turns out to be true.

Chapter 24 The Envelope Between Us 

Xavier's POV

“Dad, are you sure it's going to work?” I asked my father as I sat across from him in his study.

“It has to, son. We need in-house evidence. No other way” He reinstated, turning to the guy standing in the same room as us.

My dad brought up a plan to infiltrate the Frey Foundations and get in house evidence to support Dorothy's findings.

“So, Rodgers, you won't go by any pseudonyms, okay? They have to believe you to be legit. But just know, you are dealing with dangerous people here. Like, really dangerous” My dad explained, but Rodgers just kept nodding his head.

It was like he felt…enthusiastic.

“Yes, Mr. Wort. I understand. But, I really need to know that my wife is taken care of. You promised to clear the debts” He spoke, and this time, his voice trembled.

Nice to know he felt fear.

“It's settled” My dad smiled and gave him a check. I didn't know how much but Rodgers looked like his face was being lit.

“Thank you, sir. I promise, I won't let you down” He professed and bowed his head and left.

“Let's wait. In the meantime, how is it going with Dorothy? Although, I don't particularly understand what's going on” He squinted his eyes, relaxing in his chair.

“Dorothy's fine and there's nothing going on” I said, but this took my mind back to her.

She hadn't been in the office for over three days now, after that hospital encounter she came throughout that week but now, it's been three days. 

I was tempted to go to her house, but I just figured she might be dealing with something personal.

But I had given her enough time to come to me about it, and that time was up.

“Dad, if you'll excuse me” I got up, getting ready to go see her. 

“Sure thing, son. But, answer me this. You love her, don't you?” He asked, as I wore my coat. 

“I have no idea what you're talking about” I lied, not bothering to look his direction, but I could feel the smile on his lips.

I got into my car and drove off heading to her house. After a long drive, I finally reached her house.

“Dorothy?” I called as I walked into her apartment. It was quiet, so quiet that I could hear my own heartbeat clearly.

“Dora? You in here?” I called again, but this time I went to her bedroom.

I saw different papers on the nightstand but one caught my attention. It was a blue envelope. 

I walked to the nightstand to get a closer look and I saw that it was from a hospital.

“What are you doing?” I heard her small voice behind me, causing me to stop in my tracks as I was about to pick up the envelope.

“Checking up on you, love. You do know that there's a device that allows us to communicate seamlessly, right?” I smiled, turning to look at her.

Her eyes were lazy and her hair was a bird nest, and she was in the most oversized shirt I've ever seen. But she looked…she looked cute?

You are losing, Xavier. But you can take it one day at a time.

“Yeah, sorry. I forgot I had those. I was actually going to the, erm, beach to look for seashells so as to communicate with you” She shrugged, as she nodded and came towards me, as we both chuckled, and she sat on her bed.

“Are you alright?” I asked her, staring at her as she lazily threw herself under her covers.

“Yeah, just tired” She yawned and turned her back to me and clung onto her pillow.

I breathed out heavily and removed my shoes and my coat, staying in only my stockings, shirt and suit trouser, and getting in beside her, taking the position of the pillow.

“Xavier, you can't” She whispered, so low that it could be missed.

“It's okay. It's okay, love” I whispered to her, kissing her forehead and stroking her hair.

I soon felt her reluctantly relaxing and she nossled into me.

“So…I talked to my dad about the marriage agreement and he said, it's still valid, if we both want to” I told her, still stroking her hair. I glanced down at her to make sure she was still awake, and she was.

But she was just silent.

“Xavier, I can't marry you. It's…it's just too complicated for me to marry you” She mumbled and took her head off my chest, standing up.

“Because…because of Diana?” I asked, trying so hard to understand what she wanted.

What more could I do or say to have her be comfortable with me? I know I'm married but she.. she's just acting like she's hating the fact that she even fancies me.

Like it's something she doesn't want.

“Xavier, you need to leave” She said, resting on her dresser and hugging herself. I stood up from the bed and walked to her but it looked like with each step I took to her, she took three steps back.

And I didn't know how to feel about it.

“Dorothy, I know a lot of things are going on..but, we'll get through this, together. Okay?” I told her, praying she agrees.

She just stared me, shaking her head. I came close to her and hugged her, but she stilled. 

“Xavier, I'll give you an envelope. You'll take that envelope and you won't ask me any questions. You'll only accept that envelope” She whispered, raising her head to look at me.

I couldn't understand what she was saying, but my mind went to the blue envelope I saw earlier. Was that the envelope she wanted to give me? Was there something there that would make me curious?

She freed herself from my grip and walked to the table in her room, and as she stood there, a particular image flashed through my mind.

How her skin felt against mine, how our lips felt together. That day was the first time, I had been in complete and utter bliss, I didn't want to leave.

But I shook my head, trying to silence those thoughts, as I saw her standing there, her shoulders tensed up, with shaking hands, and deep breaths.

She's hesitant. 

And if it's because of the envelope she wanted to give me, I'm really not looking forward to having it, at this point.

She turned and walked to me holding a white envelope, while her eyes held something. An emotion that I saw only when she looked at her family's pictures, but it lacked the same intensity, but it was still the same emotion.

Happiness in sadness.

Like she didn't like the idea of it, but she believes it is for the best, although it brings unending emptiness to her heart.

She stretched her hand and gave me the letter to which I had accepted.

“What is this, Dorothy?” I asked her, looking at her cautiously.

“No questions, remember?” She warned and went back to the position she was on her drawer.

I breathed in and ripped open the envelope and that feeling that I didn't know how to feel, I felt it all too clear, but it ripped my heart out.

And it hurt like hell. But even with as much pain it brought, it also brought questions, questions she promised I wouldn't ask, but I couldn't help it as I turned slowly to her.

“A resignation letter?” 

Chapter 25  Her Choice, My Undoing 

Xavier's POV

She stretched her hand and gave me the letter. I took it with a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“What is this, Dorothy?”

“No questions, remember?” she whispered.

I opened it, my hands unwilling, my chest too tight. And when I read it—just a few words, black ink on paper—my knees almost gave up.

A resignation letter.

I looked at her, the woman I’d begun to love without meaning to, and I asked the question I knew she didn’t want to hear.

“Why are you leaving me?” I asked in a whisper, my heart felt…weird. Like it's being pulled, and ripped out.

“Xavier, don't make this about you” She whispered, sliding past me and going to sit on her bed.

“What is this about then? Because, I…I am trying so hard to understand you. To understand what's going on. Is it on a moral compass? What the hell do you want?” I gritted, and I heard my voice trembling.

I went to her, knelt down and tried holding her hand but it was…it was cold and I knew that the letter wasn't the only thing about to break me.

“Nothing, about you, Xavier. And I told you not to ask any questions. Please just leave” She told me, avoiding my eyes, and those words dropped on my heart like there were acid and it…it hurt.

I looked at her for some time but there was nothing. Everything–her skin, the silence, everything felt like I was living in a river of ice.

“I'll learn to love you, I will and you'll learn to love me too, but till then…I'm just a phone call away” I said, finally but reluctantly accepting my fate, and standing up.

I took my coat, put on my shoes and left, but I knew I left my heart–and I feel like it was all of it, with her.

I stood outside her house and it…it was strange how I felt. It was a foreign feeling, one I've not truly experienced and therefore, incapable of…explaining.

But I felt it, and one thing I knew, it hurt like shit.

I stood at her apartment, going over everything that happened, from the way her hand trembled, and her lips quivered.

I knew that it was the happiness in the sadness that she was looking to feel. 

I was so in over my head, until I saw a car that looked like Diana's car drive by, but I paid no heed to it.

After what happened in here, I can't say I feel enthusiastic about anything, because it felt like I've lost it all. 

A lying and manipulative wife, a complicated affair that wasn't supposed to have me roped, but she got me wrapped around her finger to the point that a resignation letter was like I was being stabbed, and with each answer she gave me, each eye avoiding she did, it gorged it out.

I silently entered my car and drove off, going back home. But I think she'll haunt me there to, because I still remember her sitting on that couch, with her eyes flickering as she looked around my house.

I drove to the compound and parked my car and got inside, but as soon as I closed the door, I regretted it immediately.

“Where are you coming from?” I heard Diana's voice from behind me, and I didn't need to look to know that she was angry.

“None of your business, and most genuinely I done have the energy for this” I mumbled, not sparing her a glance and going upstairs.

“Xavier. Really? You are not even trying to be honest about it. Where are you coming from?” She asked, this time coming up the stairs with me.

“Diana, please!  I can't, not right now” I seethed, unbuttoning my shirt and taking it off.

As soon as it reached the bed, she took it and smelt it.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my eyes trained on her next movement.

“A female's perfume. Oh, no, let me rephrase that. Dorothy's perfume!” She screamed and slammed my shirt to the floor and stormed out.

Where was she going? 

I didn't bother to follow her as I pulled off my pants and entered the shower to bath. After my bath, I got downstairs to make myself some food, and that's when my brain clicked.

What if she went to Dorothy's house? That must be the only place she must have gone to. Shit, how did I not think of this?

I rushed back upstairs and took my car keys and dashed out of the house, it was already sunset at this point. As I drove, different scenarios crossed my mind and my heart raced, as I squeezed the steering wheel impossibly tighter.

I soon reached her house but I didn't see Diana's car around. Maybe she's done what she wanted and left.

I stormed into her apartment not sparing my thoughts any minute. 

“Dorothy!” I shouted, as barged into her apartment scanning the entire place with my eyes, but I just realized that I worried for no reason.

My eyes hooked on the same person I saw earlier today, quivering like she was sorry, like she was hurt, like…like she felt what I felt.

At least half of it, but now I'm sure, that, that was just a joke. I stared at her as I bit down my lip, pressing my knuckles together.

“Dorothy?” I whispered her name, but she heard me. She looked up and the eyes that once held some emotion when looking at me was just cold.

She stared at me, and joined her lips with the guy on the couch. In less than 12 hours, she's already found someone.

I looked at her and it ticked me the wrong way and I just let out a chuckle, and this is what got the guy's attention. He looked up at me and I saw his eyes widen.

“Who is this?” He asked, as Dorothy got off him.

“No one. Just, a wrong turn” She said, shrugging her shoulders.

“Get out” I spat out, looking at the floor, with my knuckles still shut.

“What? I should be telling you that” He said and pushed me. I just looked up at him and smirked, tilting my head to face her.

“You know better, Dorothy” I said, still looking at her, causing her to glance between the guy and me.

“Go, Jack. I'll call…I'll call you” She said, standing and walking him off. Soon I heard the door close and she came to stand in front of me, and even without looking at her, I could feel her anger.

“What the hell, Xavier? You can't just waltz in here, thinking ‘oh, it's my house too, because we kinda hooked up?’ No, Xavier, you don't get to do that, so get out” She yelled, pointing towards the door, her chest heaving as her nose flared.

But her eyes, they were…burning. And I felt the heat, all of it.

“Oh, I'm sorry for caring about you, Dorothy. Really, sorry. I rushed down here because Diana saw me leaving your house earlier today, and she suspected us sleeping together and she left in a hurry. So I actually thought, ‘oh, shit. Dorothy, is she safe? Did Diana go there?’ I exhaled, as I felt myself getting frustrated with this uphill situation. 

“But forgive me, yes, Dorothy, I plead, your forgiveness for me caring!” I breathed out and she just stared at me, but her breathing has balanced and her eyes, no longer burned.

“Xav…Xavier.. I'm-” She began, the trembling from earlier came back, and I think I saw her eyes well up.

“You know, what? Stop. I'm done. I'm really done this time. Like you said, right? We are strangers from this time forth, so I'm done caring and yes, I don't care about anything concerning you” I lied, with the utmost coldness I could muster, but my heart was shattering with each word I spoke.

“Xav…I really didn't mean..” She began and I heard her voice quivering, her eyes finally let the water in them flow, and it ripped my heart out further and it ached, badly.

“No…no, Dorothy. We are nothing to each other, heck you are not even my employee, so I have no business with you. Consider this my last visit to your house, and my last care show, because…this…this here–me running here, for you… it's not happening anymore” I told her and I could see the emotion dance back into her eyes.

But it was too late, because mine shattered with my heart.

“Goodbye, Dorothy. It was nice knowing you for the short while” I solemnized, and as I left, I saw her fall to her knees, as my name fell from her lips, but I wasn't turning back.

She chose and she chose herself, and I'm respecting that decision, although it cost me my heart and an emotion that I've never felt before, but now, I knew how good it was…but as good as it was…it was cruel.

But one thing was sure, I loved her, and a part of me knew, I always will.

Chapter 26  Unmothered Decision 

Dorothy's POV

We are done…

These words, played in my head like a broken record, but I put it in line, as I was still attending to my heart.

I sat on my bed, looking at the stary ceiling. He helped me pick that, the day I asked what to do on my ceiling. Now..now, I just sit here, staring at it.

I sat up on my bed and stared at the blue envelope. I didn't want it to be true but it was. 

After that hospital incident, and I went back to the office, I had been feeling weird.

And like usual, his words, played in my head–tell me when you go for the scan. 

And after work that week, I went. I went for the scan, the biggest regret that I think I'll ever have, but it came with the greatest joy.

I can still remember the doctor congratulating me, on being one week pregnant. I was filled with joy but then I came home and I, I got into my head and then, shame and sadness, came in.

I was happy I was growing a life inside of me, but the father…the father wasn't mine and that alone would result in a lot of complications. 

I had wanted to tell him. But I just couldn't bring myself to feel happy sharing this news while he, he hadn't touched his wife, since before his wedding, which could have been months or even years ago.

I knew deep down that Diana hasn't been the best wife or subtly close to good, but I felt guilty, I felt like I was taking something from her that wasn't mine.

I felt like….like a homewrecker.

I thought of the best way to handle this situation, and only one thing came to my mind at that point, abortion. 

But it.. I couldn't do it. Finding out about this pregnancy might have been the biggest regret of my life, but I was willing to live with it, but if I would have done that abortion, which would have been the second biggest regret, I'm not so sure I'd be able to even look myself in a mirror.

I thought of the best way and the only thing that came to my head that was sensible was…avoidance. 

So I typed up my resignation letter, and with each word, I felt my heart drop into my stomach and nestle with my unborn baby.

Everything happened so fast, and I made the decision not to tell him, but seeing him here that day, him laying with me, the ache in my heart, that…that was all real.

But I think I've lost that too.

I dropped the envelope and looked around, I needed to clear my head. I had so many questions that were just tropping in and I hadn't not one answer to any.

How am I going to provide for a fucking baby?

This question, played at the back of my head with Xavier's words, and it set me into panick mode.

“Don't panic” I whispered repeatedly, trying to settle my breathing and also clearing the house at the same time.

I had cleaned for hours and now the house was neat to my taste and just when I sat down for s breather, my doorbell rang.

Was that Xavier? I thought but I knew it was impossible, but I really hoped, he'd be stubborn and just…come back.

“Xav…” I began, but my voice was lost in my breath as I stared back, with dropped shoulders.

“Oh, hey, Jack” I whispered, trying my best to put on a different emotion from that I was feeling now.

After that night, I thought, that being with someone will show me that Xavier is not all that. So I thought that maybe, it was the sex that had me hooked, and I thought of doing that and that was when Jake came in.

We don't know each other but I got his number from when he slipped it to me at a bar I went to, to relax.

“Hey, what's up?” He greeted and slid past me into my apartment as he started pulling his clothes off while I closed the door.

As soon as I turned back to face him, he enveloped my lips in his. I kissed him back but there was something missing…

I..felt..I felt nothing. But, I continued to kiss him, maybe I'll feel something, but it was the same. Nothing.

I broke the kiss, I couldn't do it. I couldn't…forget him. I didn't perceive the musky intoxicating scent that filled my nose, nor did I feel as though I had ate a whole cow and my tummy was stuffed.

And this was when I realized the he had ruined my taste in other men.

Maybe this was his intention.

“Leave” I spat, moving past him to sit on the couch. I began feeling my blood boiling.

How pathetic can I be, falling for a married man, giving him my virginity?

Fuck!

I was so in my head that I didn't realize that he was still standing there.

“Is it because of that guy from yesterday? Chill, okay? This is nothing serious, just a casual hookup” He shrugged, the casuality in his tone made my vision blur.

Yes. It's casual and nothing serious, the same thing I whispered to myself while I moaned to Xavier's thrusts.

But now, I'm here, growing a life with fragments of him and me. And my heart? Let's not fuss over spilled milk.

“Oh well, this is just a casual rejection. Get the fuck out my house” I seethed, going to open the door for him. He just looked at me with a scowl and left.

Good riddance.

I picked up my laptop, I'm going to be a mother now, so I need to be responsible and ready. But no one can ever be ready to be a mother..

I researched a lot on pregnancy, from the dates of significant event to the meaning and symptoms of those events. 

And then I researched something that had been on my mind, but I was too scared to know the answer, but also too curious, and maybe….hopeful.

“Does a child need the father?” I asked as I pressed down on the keyboard. My breath hung in my throat while the results were being loaded.

And that breath was stuck there, permanently, as the result came up and I saw so many bad things that happened to the child without the father.

“Bullying. Depression. Inferiority complex. Feeling of abandonment. Insecur-” I stopped reading, the list was endless.

I didn't want my child to have all this, I didn't have all this. Maybe, he'll understand and learn if I tell him the truth.

Learn if you tell him, you slept with a man, got pregnant for him and hid it, when this man was another person's husband. And you hid it…

Yeah, no. Not happening. He might eventually end up hating me. Ugh, I can't deal with this.

It was selfish enough hiding this pregnancy from Xavier but..but still, it's for good.

But hiding his father from him, what good would it be for? It also will be a selfish decision. 

Throughout my twenty three years on this earth, not once have I had the thought that I'd be in dilemma, not even an easy dilemma, a complicated one.

And the finances for a child. Shit Dorothy, you are really fucked.

I sat there, pulling out my calculator and looking at my bank statement and probably credit score. Thank goodness, I don't have any debt.

After all my calculations, including the money my dad left me, that'll be enough. So the financial part was covered, but the emotional, psychological and moral part..was still screwed.

As I was drowning in my thoughts, I heard my doorbell, and I was almost annoyed with whoever the hell it was that was obstructing my drowning in thoughts.

I walked to the door, holding the handle and breathed out, trying to keep my annoyance out my face, because the bitch has a lot of subtitles.

But it all cleared as soon as I saw who was at the door.

“Mrs. Wort?” 

I stared at her as she gave me a small smile, but that smile did no good as I saw my heart walk just right out the door.

B*tch. 

Chapter 27  The Hints She Took

Dorothy's POV

“Hello, ma'am. What brings you by?” I asked, trying my best to stop my heart from racing. Maybe she found out about the affair? Or maybe she.. she's here to give me a restraining order for her son?

“Won't you let me in, sweetheart?” She asked, the smile never leaving her lips. It was at this point that I realized that she was always smiling, and her eyes..they held so much light.

She was happy, and it showed on her face, the way she speaks, and her..overall elegance.

“Oh, sorry, ma'am. Come in” I smiled, moving aside for her to come in. She entered and her eyes scanned the place.

“You know, when my husband told me he was getting you a place, I pitied you” She said, sitting on the couch, her bag on her laps.

I said nothing, I just looked down. Or…I was wrong, she probably came to send me packing.

“My husband has horrible interior design tastes, but this looks quite above the bar, so I'm grateful you designed your space yourself” She giggled, her smile growing, as I raised my head and I saw her stare at me.

Something played in her eyes, as her smile flattered.

“I have not had a chance to speak to a Reyes daughter but I had the chance to speak to a Reyes wife. So sit, let's talk” She said, signalling to the chair opposite her.

I sat opposite her, trying to relax but it's kind of hard when you are sitting with the mother of the guy you slept with, is pregnant for, all the while knowing he is married.

“So, how did you survive after your parents death?  I never spoke to you that period, my apologies” She sympathized, her voice soothing that it causes me to nearly relax but then…I couldn't.

Conscience is really a prick.

“Well…” I started but..the memories of that day came back, and it reminded me of the hole in my heart that I couldn't fill.

“We can skip that part. I really don't want to bring up any…memories you are burying or have already buried” She said, relaxing into her position.

Well she's getting comfortable, which means this discussion only begun.

“Well..it's alright. Uh, as you know, your husband helped me a lot with the funeral and upsetting a whole lot of bills and I'm forever grateful to him. After their deaths, I didn't know who to contact, and I couldn't afford a funeral. So I left them for close to three years in the morgue, before, you know, I found—or rather, your husband found me and helped me, upset the bills and had them buried” I rambled, the ache still there, but it seemed like my eyes had cried it all.

“I'm so sorry, for your loss, Dorothy. I don't know how you did it. Honestly, you really are your mother's daughter” She commended, smiling and looking at me proudly like I had overcome some conquest..

But to think of it, I did. I overcame a conquest. I thought my parents house would have been sold as I moved out right after I entered college and never went back–only visited occasionally.

I genuinely thought, the mortgage wasn't done yet.

So I worked odd jobs, stayed at shelters, after my graduation.  And finally saved enough for some days at an inn as it was cheaper than me renting a place. Only to know, my dad stashed away more than half a million dollars.

I was rich but I didn't even know it. But, I'm glad, because if it didn't happen, I wouldn't have met Mr. Wort or…or Xavier.

“Have you spoken to my son, recently?” She asked, and I could hear a motherly worried voice. 

“No..is..is something wrong?” I asked, as I felt my palms sweating and my heart began racing.

Why was I suddenly scared? Maybe it was the motherly instincts of wanting your child to see his father?

No! It can't be.

“Well, he has been M.I.A on his dad for three days now. And his father decided to give him time, but, as a mother I can't afford to sit back and not hear from my son. So, I thought, ‘ask Dorothy. She might know’ and here I am” She nodde

d, coming to sit next to me.

“But..I don't work for your son anymore. I..I really don't have any idea on how to help you” I said, my voice low.

“I heard about that, and if I may ask, why did you resign, dear? Is it something about your parents or what my son did?” She asked, looking at me. Her eyes scanned my face, and I'm so sure she couldn't miss an expression.

“Well…uh, actually it's something.. something unrelated” I said, avoiding her eyes and looking anywhere but.

“Hmm. I see..but can you call him for me? Maybe he'll pick your call” She guessed, smiling. Something in me was skeptical, like this was a trap to reconcile us?

“Uh, sure. Of course” I agreed, taking my phone and dialing Xavier's number.

It rang and rang, I prayed in my heart that he shouldn't ping, I was so sure it wouldn't, until it pinged. He picked the call. 

“Hmm…and she called. What do you want?” He asked, his voice was slurry.

“Xavier, it's your mother. I request your presence at home” She said, her voice firm. 

There was silence at the other end and we both looked at each other.

“Did it end?” She whispered but the screen lit up and the second still counted.

“Fine…I'll be there” He said and breathed out and ended the call.

That went well.

“Let me take you to lunch” She offered, smiling widely and rising to her feet.

“Uh….I..really don't want to impose on your time” I protested, hoping she buys that.

Because of these people, I have been praying a lot. But the number of times I have prayed, doesn't come near the number of times, I've had a near heart attack experience.

“Nonsense. I'll wait for you to change” She smiled and sat back down, taking her phone. And…they all have one thing in common, they don't take no for an answer.

I had no choice as I stood up and quickly showered and got dressed and met her there, watching a news clip.

Oh, she watches the news. Nice.

“I’m ready, ma” I whispered, throwing my mini backpack on my shoulder. She put her phone back in her bag and got up, going ahead of me. I took one more look at the mirror and left, locking the door behind me.

We drove to a nearby restaurant and she booked a private room, for us only. We ordered and we are served.  I soon realized that she was a shy person, but confident.

She intrigued me, and it was a no wonder to me why Mr. Wort was whipped.

“Is it nice? I love this restaurant. This was where my husband proposed to me years ago” She said and I could she the heat shoot up to her checks. 

That thought still made her blush.

It made me yearn the more for a guy of my own, someone that will still make my heart skip a beat, even after years of being together.

And he came into my mind. 

“That's nice. It's beautiful, what you have in your marriage” I complimented as I bent down to take a bite off my peppered fish, but the smell got straight to my gut, and it made me want to empty it.

I retched and I felt the sour taste crawl up to my throat, as I tried to suppress it, but I couldn't as I let it out on the floor, and she just stared at me with squinted eyes.

After I poured out my entire gut on the floor I felt empty as I gasped to catch my breath, and calm myself, but the next words that fell from her lips put me back into a hysteria mode.

“Are you pregnant?” 

Chapter 28  The Lie I Yearned For

Xavier's POV

After the incident with Dorothy, I didn't have the capacity for anything and I just felt like I needed a break, so I had my phone on silence.

But then I was tempted to call, when I picked my phone up and then her call came in, but it was my mother that spoke. It left me devastated and I just think at this point she might never feel how I do.

Today was making it a week since we had our fall out and I planned on going back to the office today. I got dressed, and made a mental note to grab a bite on my way to work.

I got to the office after two hours, because of my little food stop and opened my office to see Diana seated.

“What do you want?” I breathed out, as I took my seat, facing her.

“You know, you really are something. Do you realize what you've done? You slept with…with your employee, a..a riffraff, while being married to me and you haven't even touched me, going to over six months now, Xavier” She said, looking at me, her eyes fiery.

I breathed out. She's right, but maybe that was a misleading. So, let's see if I can fix it.

But how did she know I slept with her? 

I looked at her and something flashed in her eyes, as she solemn scanned my face, and I knew what she wasn't sure.

But whether she was sure or not, it happened and it ended, so no need to drag on the suspicion.

“Fine. Yes, I'm sorry. It was–how do I put this?–a mistake, yes, a mistake. And I'm willing to make amends. Anything you choose” I let out, staring at her.

Maybe the problem was from me. I told Dorothy that I'll learn to love her, maybe I can also learn to love Diana.

“Hmm. Is this a joke?” She asked, raising her chin.

“No. It's not, okay? I mean it” I said, raising my hands in surrender.

I could see a little smile forming on her face, as her eyes lit up.

“Okay, I'll give you another chance. But, did you get her pregnant? You slept together, I know that, but I'll be willing to overlook that particular incident if you didn't get her pregnant” She said, her eyes trained on me.

Did I get her pregnant? I had no idea. But, we never used a condom the times we slept together. 

“No..I didn't get her pregnant” I said, not willing to think on it, but deep down I badly wanted her to get pregnant, so she won't have any wants to leave me.

But, guess it was all a gutter plan.

“Hmm, okay. The first step towards your.. forgiveness is the celebration coming up. You do know that the president of Bria Group is throwing a lavish party for his daughter's marriage, so we'll be in attendance. I don't remember the last time we had a public appearance” She said, looking at me, her eyes, a shadow.

“Fine, as you wish” I breathed out and I saw the shock across her features as her eyes widened.

She nodded and took her bag and left. I relaxed into my chair. 

If this party is as big as she claimed, my parents will be invited and my mom, given her close relationship with Dorothy, might invite her.

My heartbeat suddenly increased, as if I was tense just with the thought of meeting her. It's been a week, but she's the one who left me.

I closed my eyes and breathed out, not wanting to spare that thought another second of my time, as I delved into work.

After few hours of work my phone pinged and it was an email. It was invite to the ceremony that held….today?

Wait, what? My eyes scanned the lines, taking it one word at a time. How can this ceremony be today. I'm not ready…Diana didn't tell me it was today.

And there goes my peace.

My palms began sweating as my forehead broke its own..

“You'll go to the party, have a drink, greet the celebrant, give a gift and leave. This should take…an hour” I whispered to myself as I breathed out, and I continually chided myself that it's gonna be fine.

Funny enough the time rode faster than ever today, as it felt like minutes ago I got that email but here I was staring at my receptionist as she told me of her clocking out.

I sat in my office, and did a little bit of breathing exercise but nothing worked.

“You can do this, Xavier. An hour” I said, chiding myself as I got up and walked out of my office, driving home to prepare for the occasion.

After an hour of styling my hair, showering and dressing up, I heard the front door open.

That must be Diana. 

I sprayed a little perfume and got downstairs to see her dressed in a red dress that stop way above mid thigh, with a v neckline, a good amount of her breast on display.

“Let's go” She smiled, enveloping my arm in hers, as we walked to the car and the driver drove off to the event. After an hour if driving, we reached a very luxurious hotel and there were different specs of cars and luxury.

There were blinding camera lights and the clicks and flashes of them filled the air. Diana held me impossibly tighter.

It's been a long while since we last made this kind of public appearance, and I knew this was her doing.

“Mr. Wort, over here. Diana!” We heard from the clocks of photographers, calling our attention and Diana, as usual, turned to take a photo. So many paparazzis and media all came together, so many flashes in our faces.

“I can't take this. I'm done” I whispered to Diana, as I turned to leave, and she followed suit. We walked for sometime before we saw my parents, my mom looking as elegant as ever.

“Mother” I called to her and she turned to me, her eyes lighting up brighter than they did before she sighted me.

“Xav. How are you?” She sang, enveloping me in a hug and completely ignoring my father.

“Hmm. Yes, I'm invincible” He mumbled, but as usual my mom heard him.

“You attention seeker” She teased, hitting his arms, slightly and he looked at her, and it was evident the amount of love they had, even after all those years. 

Twenty five years of marriage and they still looked at each other, like they were high schoolers in love. 

I envied what they had, so I vowed I'll have it too, but well…my current wife is not really the person, I'd like to stare at like the way my father stared at my mom.

And then the person that I wanted to stare at like that made herself known, and I didn't stare at her the way my dad stared at my mom, but how I stared at her the night I came to her apartment and ended things.

“Dorothy” My mother called her name, making her to walk towards us, her dress clung to her body, revealing yet the outline of the body I loved and craved so badly to mark.

“Are you here alone?” My mother asked, looking behind her.

“Uh…” She started but was cut short.

“No, she came with me” A familiar male voice said, and this caused me to look at her to already see that her eyes were on me.

“Edward?” 

Chapter 29 The Heart She Left Behind 

Xavier's POV

“No, she came with me,” A voice cut in. My head snapped toward the sound just as her eyes locked with mine.

“Edward?”

The name left my lips, but the fire in my chest had already lit.

She didn’t come alone. She came with him. And I was the one who told her to walk away.

He stood there, smiling, hands on her waist, as my mother took side glances at me. I couldn't spare her a second as my eyes bored holes into Dorothy's face, but she avoided me.

She felt it too–the guilt, the pain, the shattering, she felt it all. But I guess, we both are pretending, so that's what I'll do tonight.

I knew I said that I'll try to love Diana but seeing as how my heart burned just by seeing her attend a public event with Edward, it just made me realize that truly, I had handed her the power to stab and repair my heart as she wishes.

“Dorothy, can I talk to you, alone?” I asked, not taking my eyes off of her, causing her eyes to lower the more as she bowed a little and walk in front of me.

I joined her and she walked to a dark place, where the lights were off.

“Whatever you want to say make it fast” She said, and my eyes glanced to her hands and she held her dress like it was her life.

“Edward…really? Of all people, Dorothy” I said, not being able to act unbothered anymore.

“Oh, forgive me, for taking a completely single man and deciding to have a relationship with him” She gritted, her eyes finally reaching mine for the first time this night.

“A completely sing–he is a rival. Do you even know what this means?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“That I resigned to be with the love of my life? Makes complete sense to me” She shrugged, squinting one eyes, like she was in thought.

“Ugh..love..love of your life. You don't love him. You don't even…you can't stand the sight of him. What the hell is your problem?!” I shouted, coming closer to her.

The pain, the confusion. I couldn't understand her, is he a better person to be with? But all this unanswered questions turned, slowly but surely, into anger.

“How does that concern you?  You came here with Diana, no? So focus on her and leave me be. You said we are strangers, right? So whatever this is, kill it” She warned, as she stared at me with fire in her eyes.

I stumbled back. She's not the same person I knew, like she was…different.

“Have you killed yours?” I asked, waiting for the final blow, maybe one reality punch to know that I am losing her..or better still, I had lost her.

“The night you walked out that door” She gritted, her stance unrelenting.

This was it. The final punch to my gut.

“Okay, I'll respect your choice, Dorothy. But just know this, there is only so much my heart can take but then you have all of it” I said and I saw her eyes relax. 

I came closer to her, with each step I took, it brought me back to the time, she put in her sword she was well wielded with, into my heart, with each step she took backwards.

But this time around, she didn't move back. She just stared at me. I walked to her and stood in front of her, raising her chin to meet her eyes.

“It was never meant to happen, but it did, Dorothy. And I can't ignore that fact. We can never come back from that, we are both stuck there, because we both felt the raw, unfiltered versions of us and still chose to stay” I bit my lips at the raw desperation that leaked through my words.

“I can't force you, Dorothy, but like I said, there is only so much my heart can take but then you have all of it” I swallowed, my voice trembling, as the hand on her chin started trembling too.

I have never felt an emotion so strong, it caused me to tremble, but this is it, and I'm not willing to do anything differently, from after I met her. 

An emotion so strong that although you want someone, you can't keep them, because they don't want to stay, but if they leave, it puts you in an unending emptiness, but you still let them go.

Because as selfish as this emotion I feel is, it's still selfless. And as cruel and unsettling, it still brought some sort of strange feeling of peace, of fulfillment.

I stared at her, our eyes still speaking so much, that words couldn't, but because of the words spoken–that can't be overlooked without an explanation, I stepped back, glanced at her one more time, and walked away, dropping my heart at her feet.

I walked to my parents, standing beside my mom, and staring emptily into space, as her hand, draped my arm.

“Are you okay?” She asked, her voice, still soothing. She always knew the right questions and asked at the right time.  Perks of having a mother.

A good one.

I swallowed, but I still felt her eyes on me, and I felt my eyes well up, and she turned me to face her, as she enveloped me in a hug. And I let it out, I let out those words that I couldn't explain to anyone, thinking they wouldn't understand, but I think I forgot her…the one who knew me from the day I was born.

“It's okay” She soothed, releasing me, cleaning the tears stain on my face with her hands.

“It wasn't meant to happen, mother” I told her, shaking my head and looking at the floor.

“Love always happens the best when it's unplanned, son” She said, as she raised my face to meet hers.

“I thought you'd tell me I'm married” I sniffed, letting out a chuckle.

“Who do you think made you not to do a church wedding? Xavier, I know you. You are my son, and the son I know I bore, doesn't like confinement, especially if it's coming from someone you have no feelings for. I knew, that sooner or later, you'd ask for a divorce. You are my son, but you are also your father's son” She said, and her smile grew wider.

How she manages to always smile even in crazy moments, sometimes gives me chills. 

“Hmm..I see. But still though, we are done” I said, facing forward, looking at the main arena.

“Are you sure? Xavier, I'll ask you a question, and remember I said, I know you” She said, causing me to look at her, the smile still there.

I have never seen her not smile, only that one time, the marriage between I and Diana reached her ears. I still vividly remember the scowl on her face, and I knew why she always smiled. 

Her scowl is so unsettling, but her smiling in serious situation is almost as unsettling. If not more.

“Ask” I permitted, my eyes trained on her, as I saw her smile drop and immediately my spine steeled.

“Did you get Dorothy pregnant?” She asked, the scowl almost coming on.

I blinked severally. What's with this question today?

“No... I didn’t get her pregnant,” I stuttered, knowing fully well it might be a lie, a lie that I would be willing to accept. 

But even if I had, would it really matter to my mom or Diana? Diana didn’t love me—she loved the image. 

And I... I loved someone who didn’t trust me enough to stay.

Chapter 30 Weight Of Truth

Dorothy's POV

The party was a mess. After that conversation between I and Xavier, I felt like I had committed a love crime, but there wasn't a judge present to either convict me or not.

“Are you going just yet?” I heard Mrs. Wort speak from behind me. After that lunch we had, I had been so tense around her that it could cut through air.

But she was…okay with it? After she asked me, I had to tell her the truth, but I didn't tell her who the father was, because the father was married and it was her son. 

I know rich people did anything to protect their image, and she was a good woman that I genuinely didn't want to put in such a position.

“Yes. I'm tired, you know. But I'll use the restroom first” I smiled and she hugged me, just as I was about leaving.

“Take care of yourself and you know who” She whispered, her eyes smiling before her lips. This woman truly was an angel on earth and if I was Mr. Wort, I'd remarry her.

“Thank you, ma'am. Goodnight” I said and slid past her going to the bathroom.

After I eased myself, I came out and began washing my hand but then the one person I genuinely didn't want to have a conversation with, stood right behind me.

“Hmm…here she is. The almighty Reyes” Diana mocked, raising her hand and demonstrating the image of an almighty.

I breathed out. I genuinely didn't have the energy for any more talks. I'm still yet to recover from the emotional turmoil Xavier put in me after our conversation.

“Diana, what'd you want?” I asked, keeping my voice low but steady as I turned to face her.

“Nothing, really. I mean, what exactly do you think you could offer me?” She asked, sizing me up.

I looked at her, not saying a word. With each moment I spent here, I felt my strength reducing.

“Okay. Goodnight, then” I attempted to move past her, but I was pushed back forcefully, and I felt the sting from the collision of my waist with the sink, shoot up my spine.

“I'm not done talking. I'm so glad that you soon realized your place and you decided to resign. You really spared me the headache, because I'm so sure you didn't think that I'd sit idly by and watch you assume my position?” She added and paused, and walked towards me, holding my throat and lifting my face to meet hers.

“I cannot and will not allow someone of your caliber to make the next headline news or the next country rumor, as one of me not being able to satisfy my husband so he sought comfort outside and from a mere employee. I will crush you before that happens” She fired, bringing her face closer to mine, as her scowl increased.

“I'm sure you are well aware of what happens if a Frey is messed with…you can ask your parents that. Oh, wait…they are dead. Oops!” The mocking tone was loud and clear, and immediately burst out laughing. I looked at her, biting my teeth together.

“I am Diana Frey, remember that. And also remember that I do guide what is mine, jealously. Don't cross my path, Dorothy Reyes” She warned and freed my neck and walked off, after spraying a little perfume.

I stood there, not being able to move. I just stared at the close restroom door. She was right, I should have known my place as a mere employee and stayed as such. 

I still didn't understand why my father wanted me to find all those documents, because I'm not in a position of power to fight a Frey, neither am I in a state of financial extravaganza.

I'm glad that I ended things with Xavier, I ended my relationship with him, quite alright. But, in me was another one, maybe stronger than what we had, that I was determined to nurture.

Maybe all links with him isn't broken just yet.

But either way, I made up my mind to give up all those documents to Mr. Wort. I'm really tired of this power struggle and now, I'm not thinking of me alone, but of another growing inside me.

******

I sat on my bed as I looked at all the packaged documents, from the agreement signed by both my dad and Mr. Frey, to the plan for the company. 

I put all of them into a briefcase and headed for Mr. Wort's office, from the address I got online.

I set out to his company, and after two hours I finally arrived there. Truly, this man was on one of affluence.

“I'm sorry, ma'am but the president isn't in” The receptionist told me.

“What? Any idea when I can see him?” I asked, widening my eyes and joining my hands. She just stared at me, like she was trying to gauge her next words.

Her eyes shifted to behind me. “You can ask, the CEO ma'am” She said, bowed her head and continued her work.

I rolled my eyes. The CEO? 

“What's the fucking difference between the CEO and president?” I murmured to myself as I turned.

“The president has so many other companies under him, while the CEO is like, manager of those companies?” I heard a very familiar voice, that sent daggers to my heart.

I turned slowly to where the voice came from, and just as I expected, Xavier.

“What can I do for you? Or why are you looking for my father?” He asked, his voice so formal. 

Has he really killed anything he felt for me? His eyes didn't hold the warmth it held last night.

The thought alone made my heart shatter the more, and I thought, truly it was a good decision I didn't tell him of the pregnancy, as my hand rested on my tummy through my jeans.

“I am on a limited time schedule here, lov…Miss” He gulped and I saw the panick with sadness dance across his eyes.

And just as quick as it came it was gone. But I felt relief wash over me. That means he meant every word he said that night– there is only so much my heart can take but then you have all of it.

I still had his heart, and somehow that thought made me happy.

“It's something important that is needed to be discussed in private” I answered, coming out from my head.

“Really? Okay. Go to the conference room, we'll meet you there in five minutes” He said and walked past me.

A bodyguard showed me the conference room, as I sat and waited for them. After what felt like an eternity, they both walked through the door.

“Dorothy. How are you? I was quite displeased to hear of your resignation, but I'm sure you have your reasons” Mr. Wort said and sat at the head of the table while Xavier sat directly opposite me.

“I'm so sorry, sir. But as you said, I have my reasons and one of them, brought me here” I nodded and put the briefcase on the table.

“I'm backing down from my father's company tussle” I said, my eyes trained on him.

He squinted his eyes, studying my features as well, and when he saw I was serious, he turned to look at Xavier, and he took a breath in.

“How about I tell you not to back down? Three months, be in this for three months. You don't have to do anything, just provide us the document we ask of you” He said, his eyes trained on mine, and it was my turn to look at Xavier.

“I don't understand” I shook my head, furrowing my brows.

“We are also investigating your father's case, Dorothy. But we fear that…some things that will be revealed will cause a lot more harm than imagined” Xavier said, as pressed his lips together.

“Again, you confuse me” I repeated, my eyes travelling between father and son.

“Xavier is trying not to be direct for your sake, but I'll do the honors and rip the bandaid off. We suspect or rather, I, suspect that Mr. Frey is involved in your parents death and they didn't die a….an accidental death” Mr. Wort said, his gaze faltering.

I stared at Xavier, hoping to see that this was a joke, but he avoided my eyes, something he did when he was pained that his actions caused me pain…

“Did…is Mr. Frey responsible for my parents death?” I asked, my voice trembling, but they were silent.

And at that point, I didn't need their words, their faces, the silence said it all. 

Mr. Frey wasn't only a thief and a conniving snake, he was also murderer. And I knew this truly was the extent he could go.

Chapter 31 Whispers Of Legacy.

Dorothy's POV

“And you were going to tell me this, when?” I asked Xavier, as his father stood up to take an private call.

“It was meant to be easier without you knowing as you worked for me, but since your resignation my father has had his….worries” He said, staring at the briefcase, completely avoiding my eyes.

Xavier, how will you react if I tell you I was carrying your child? Would you abolish me for saying such or you'd embrace me?

I stared at him, the information just at the tip of my tongue, yearning to be spat out, but I bit my tongue down and swallowed heavily. This isn't the right time nor place..

But yet again, will there ever be the right time or place?

“Oh…forgive my interruptions. That was the spy we put in the Frey Foundations to get in house information and evidence and currently we have the original lawsuit your father filed against Mr. Frey….but, that isn't the point. This hearing was supposed to take place on the day your parents died” Mr. Wort said, his voice solemn.

“What does this mean?” I asked, my blood boiling from the fact that another man took my father's life and all for what? A company? A few dollars?

“It means that, your father's attorney was bribed to drop the case, as your father wasn't alive to get a new lawyer, the case was later pulled out” Mr. Wort added, his voice steady.

“So…this doesn't point to the fact that he might be involved in my father's death” I said, after trying to put the puzzles together but something still wasn't adding up.

“Think of it this way…your father and Mr. Frey had a business deal to which your father thought he would be provided standard products but wasn't and then…your father procedded to take the case to court, for annullation of contract under legal process and terms, but he died on the same day he was supposed to go to court. Nothing seems suspicious?” Xavier asked, squinting his eyes, staring at me.

“I mean…yes, it's strange but the police said it was an accident. A collision of the sort” I said, trying to fight this out of my head.

“Listen child, I'll tell you a story. Listen very attentively. The only person I have told this story, not because she didn't see me through but because I wanted her to be informed is my wife. So Xavier, listen up too” Mr. Wort said, taking in deep breaths.

I and Xavier kept quiet as we stared at him, his eyes fixated on the table.

“I have known Douglas going to twenty years now, and I've known your father, Dorothy, for eighteen years, or more. You see, before your father did business with Douglas, I had done business with him. We started off as partners because we had the same dream, at the time. But Douglas has always been greedy, something I realized too late” He reminisced, taking glances at me and Xavier.

“You see, we were in business, it was thriving, hell, that was where we made our first million, each. But you see, as time went on, I started noticing some back logs in the finances, some hoops in purchasing of materials, so many staff complaint on delay of salary payments..and I confronted him..after that day I confronted him, I started noticing, I was being followed” He continued, but then took a sip from his coffee.

“So one day, I was going home but I was taking in different route, and suddenly, a car was coming, as I pressed on my brake, nothing happened, the acceleration didn't reduce, and this car was approaching fast…and that was the day I saw my life flash infront of my eyes–as they usually say–seeing my wife and Xavier that just began to walk, and then, I tried avoiding the car but I collided with a tree, before this car could reach me, and as I hit the tree, I saw this car stop” He added, taking in a cookie.

“Maybe the driver wanted to check up on you?” I thought, not understanding the role of Mr. Frey in this, but, both father and son, let out a chuckle.

“Dorothy, I think it's neigh time you start believing in cruelty of the world?” Xavier said, smirking.

I just stared at him, it's been a long time since I've seen him smirk. 

“I won't say it was what I thought, but part of me hoped so, but that was soon shattered. The driver of this car walked to me, as my head lazily laid on the steering wheel, blood dripping from my forehead, as I had closed my eyes when I saw him approaching. He didn't touch me, as he brought out his phone and made a call, I still remember the words he said. “Sir, it's done” and walked off. I managed to reach my phone and call my wife and the rest they say is history” He breathed out, shrugging his shoulders.

There was silence. No one talked, but I had a lot of questions as I looked at him with silted eyes.

“Ask” He said, his coffee to his lips.

“Well…how'd you know it was Mr. Frey that was responsible?” I asked.

“You see after that accident, I didn't come to the company for three months, and he didn't call, but the day I came, I could see the shock in his eyes, as his skin paled. And two days later, I heard that an employee of ours killed himself in his own home. The question here is why? But you see, despite all these I still held the contract with him, and then suddenly I was called to court that he wants to annull the contract” He said, smiling, like the memory amused him.

“What did the police say in all this? Didn't they conduct an investigation?” I asked.

“You see, child. Power and money mix, they are like brother and sister, related. And money, oh, the things money can buy, is limitless. The way your father's case was thrown out of court, that was the same way, that case was thrown out too. I didn't bother, going to the police for my own issue, I simply hired a private investigator….and not, surprising to me, the employee that hung himself was the same one that drove the car that crashed into me that night” He said, standing up and letting out a small laugh.

“Dorothy, listen to me. He won't try to kill Xavier because he is my son and he knows I might have dirt on him that I'll utilize to full potential if anything should happen to my son. But you…you are in danger, Dorothy. And I won't hide it because I don't want you to be scared, neither am I saying it for you to be scared, but be prepared, your life is next” He told me, his voice sounding stern and solemn, as he looked at the city through the glass window.

“What…what's that supposed to mean?” I asked, my heart was in my head, as my palms began sweating.

“It means, you are next on his kill list. He bought your father's house, not because he's philanthropic, but because he knows your father, had some evidence on him, of which I know isn't everything that is in that briefcase…and you left the house empty. What is it you think he thinks?” He said, as he turned to look at me, his back to the window.

I looked at him as different scenarios flooded my mind. I was not only thinking of myself this time but, of a life inside me, and this fact alone, made my inside turn with anxiety. 

Chapter 32 Shadows On My Skin

Dorothy's POV

I sat on my couch looking at the turned off TV screen and pondered on what Mr. Wort told me..I'm next.

I couldn't get those words out of my head as I continued staring at the TV screen, while rubbing my stomach. 

I'm not alone now, I'm living with someone else, someone that I hadn't seen yet, but felt connected to.

No matter what, I'm not going to let Mr. Frey end this young life in me, the same way he attempted to end Mr. Wort's life and the same way he ended my parents and brother's life.

I sat there, thinking on the best possible way on how I'm going to protect my child, when the doorbell rang, causing an interruption in my thoughts.

I walked to the door and I realized that I had completely forgotten about this particular incident.

“Hello, princess” Edward beamed, as he stood at my door, his suit jacket in his hand.

“Hello. What brings you by?” I asked, looking at him with the least enthusiastic stare ever.

“Is this how you treat your boyfriend?” He asked, coming to stand in front of me, making it difficult for me to close the door.

“I'm sorry, what? This wasn't the plan, I've held up my own end, and that is it. We are definitely not dating” I said, looking at him, my heartbeat increasing steadily as the look in his eyes became cold.

He stepped inside further, causing me to step back, and he closed the door behind him.

The day of the gala, Edward had walked to me to escort him, and he seemed like he was a changed human being, and since I and Xavier had a fall out, I agreed.

But maybe, he's still as psychotic.

“What are you doing?” I asked, going back with each step he took closer to me.

“You don't work for the Wort family anymore, so tell me what is stopping us from being together?” He asked, coming closer to me, his hands trembling.

“Get out of my house!” I thundered, but that fell on deaf ears, as he charged towards me and pulled me in by my waist and kissed me.

His lips engulfed mine, as his tongue danced around in my mouth as I pushed him with what little freedom my hands had, but he didn't budge, so I bit down on his lips, hard.

“You fucking bitch” He said, sucking his lips in as his hand met my cheek, throwing me off balance as I landed to the floor, the sting on my cheek going up to my eyes, making them water.

I sat there as he walked to get a tissue paper to clean his bloodstained lips. 

“Dorothy, why do you make me violent towards you? This isn't how I want to treat my princess” He complained as he lowered himself to my level, staring at me.

He brought his hands towards me, and I flinched once his warm, rough fingers ran across the aching part of my cheek.

“Oh, baby. I'm so sorry, I..it wasn't meant to happen” He apologized and I saw his eyes click from cold to…sorry?

My heart rate increased, but I tried steadying my breath. Something is wrong with him, I didn't know what but his eyes, they held something dangerous.

“You can have any girl you want, why me? Huh?” I whimpered, rasing my chin to him, but this was a mistake as the dull ache on my check, now had a partner.

His fingers pressed in my chin, as he stared at me, watching as tears left my eyes. He wasn't squeezing enough for me to cry from the pain but here was, staining my cheeks with the tears. 

I didn't understand why I was crying, but his hand just stung, like my skin was less prone to handle little pain like this kind.

Is this pregnancy? If this is it and Xavier notices, so other behaviors of mine that might be out of place, I'm dead.

“Hmm. You are crying for me” He mused, causing me to stand up while holding my chin. I said nothing as I stood, and the pain suddenly increased.

“Let me go, Edward. My chin stings a lot” I pleaded, hitting his arm, while he stared at me.

I tried wriggling out of his hold, but this only caused him to press down harder, making me whimper.

“Why don't you like me? What is so special about that…that Wort?!” He said, his eyes getting red.

“Let me go, Edward. Please” I said, whispering as I felt my pain tolerance slip through my fingers.

“Dorothy?” I heard my name, although my eyes could barely stay open any longer, it sounded like Xavier's voice.

“In…in here” I whispered with my loudest voice, but I felt the wind carry it, but I hope it was loud enough to make him hear.

I was soon feeling my eyes getting weaker with each passing moment but I wasn't ready to pass out while alone with Edward. So, I mustered up such little strength I had left and kneed his lower stomach, causing him release me, and this caused me to kiss the floor with my body, erupting a loud thud.

“Dorothy?” Xavier called out again, as I heard him coming to stand beside me.

“Hey..hey, it's okay. I'm here” He soothed, holding my face, but I couldn't bask in relief enough as I felt my vision go dark and my eyes close.

********

I stirred in my sleep as my lower body ached badly, and my tummy growled, and I slowly opened my eyes, looking around.

“Hmm?” I hummed, as I looked around but saw the lights off, only candles illuminating the room and then thunder erupting from the sky.

I closed my eyes as I tried to remember what happened and everything came flashing back. Was that really Xavier or my consciously ridden mind played tricks with me?

I took my legs from under the duvet as I tried to get up, at least to eat something, but then my door opened, causing me to freeze.

“Oh…you are awake” Xavier said, as he stood there with a tray and I breathed out loud.

“I…where is Edward?” I asked him, as he placed the tray down on the bed.

“Well, I drove him off. Need something from him?” He asked, his eyes staying on my face, before glancing at my stomach and it lingered there, causing me to furrow my eyebrow and put my hands there, as if on command.

“Thank you, but I'm hungry, so…” I cleared my throat not getting comfortable with the time his eyes spent on my stomach.

Could he have found out? Did I say something in my sleep or…did he run a blood test secretly while I slept?  So many things ran through my mind, as my palms began sweating and my throat became thight.

“Here is your food. My father asked me to check on you, to ease his worries. And from the look of things, there is a high chance you'll have to move back in with me” He said, staring into space.

“No…I'm fine” I refused, taking a spoon of the pork stew, and it melted right on my tongue and I felt strength slip back into my body.

“Really? Hmm, okay then. I've served you…but I'll ask you reconsider my offer, and not be selfish” He said, and left.

Not be selfish? Was he speaking of my parents or…the child inside me? But there was no way he found out, except his mother told him, but.. she's not one to do that.

But moving in with him isn't something that I'll consider, it's was tempting and I don't know if it was because of pregnancy hormones or sex deprival but once he said that, my core clenched.

Maybe I'm not morally strong, maybe…it's the distance that is making it easier. 

Chapter 33 Second Life I Fought For 

Dorothy's POV

I laid on my bed staring at the ceiling. Finally, a moment of stillness. This past week had been packed and loaded. 

From making a deal with Edward, to attending a public event, the conversation with Xavier….this week was the most emotionally unstable week I had ever had. 

But at least, I still felt something, unlike the day that I had lost all my family. And that's when I saw life, for the first time, in black and white. 

My hand went to my tummy and rubbed it. It's been something I've been doing a lot lately.

“Should I move in with your father? Or I should stay here, so his marriage doesn't fall apart? And what hospital do you think I can discreetly schedule an antenatal?” I asked out loud, talking to the life in my stomach.

I had a lot of decisions to make and I was stuck…so stuck. Morally, I should be shameful at even the thought of stepping my foot in Xavier's house, after not only having sex with him, but also carrying his child.

But then, am I going to be able to protect myself against Mr. Frey if he tried to harm me? If Mr. Wort or even my dad could get hurt by Mr. Frey, then who exactly do I think I am against him?

I sat on my bed contemplating until my stomach growled signifying it's hunger. Ugh, got to cook.

I got downstairs and planned to make a chicken sandwich.

“Great, I'm out of bread and chicken” I mumbled as I banged the fridge door and got upstairs to get my card and phone to head out for some grocery shopping.

I took a cab and headed out, after two hours I was finally done with buying everything I needed, and decided to take a walk as the sun was almost setting, and I ended up strolling back home.

I got to my apartment and as I inserted my key in it's keyhole, I noticed a man, staring at me from a local coffee shop, right opposite my house, and a cold feeling shot up my spine, but I shook it off.

He possibly couldn't be here for me. But what if it's Mr. Frey's men? No, no it can't be. 

It should be Mr. Wort's men, since he sent Xavier to check on me yesterday, he might have sent his men to ease his son the stress and himself, the worry.

I got into my apartment and shut the door, as I started unpacking the bags from groceries. I soon heard a door, open and click shut, and I stopped everything I was doing to pay attention, but I didn't hear the sound again.

“You are probably paranoid” I told myself, as I continued my unpacking.

But then I heard faint footsteps, like they were headed my direction, and I heard my heartbeat clearly in my ears, as I turned around, instantly.

“Who's there?!” I asked, looking around, but I was met with silence. I took a kitchen knife and walked in the direction of the sound.

I walked for bit but saw nothing, as I turned back to drop the knife, I felt a rubber bag over my head and drawn back, cutting my air supply short.

I moved around, trying to pry the bag free from the hands of the person holding it, as my vision blurred and tears fell from my eyes.

My heartbeat increased as I began sucking in more air than I was provided. I felt my consciousness drift away, but I couldn't die this way, at least for the sake of my baby.

I took my nail and tore the part of the rubber bag that was above my mouth, and began tearing it all off.

Soon, it was only the brim of the bag that was on my neck, but whoever this person was, I began feeling that I wronged him in the past life as he began using the brim to suffocate me.

“Fucking die. Why won't…you…fucking die?” He gritted, dragging it impossibly tighter around my neck.

I used the same tactics I used for my head, for my neck as well and I cut through the rope, but it caused me to fall face first to the door, while he fell ass flat.

I tried catching my breath but as I saw him begin to gain his footing, I stood up, although wiggly, I stood to my feet, grabbed a butter knife, my phone and dashed out of my apartment.

Thankfully, I hadn't pulled anything off of me after I came back from shopping. But still, the jean short wasn't enough to cover me from the chilling cold, one that I think was intensified due to the adrenaline spike in my blood.

From my house to Xavier's house was over an hour when using a vehicle that means, it'd be thirty minutes more than usual if using foot, so it wasn't a solid plan, so therefore I ran without having a direction in mind.

But as I ran I saw a particular black SUV following me. Shit. 

But this didn't deter me, as it made me run the more. I ran, hoping to find a shop or anyone but then most of the shops near my house was closed and the next open one, was ten minutes away and I fear that I wouldn't make it that far.

I looked back and saw that they were gaining in on me, so I ran into the woods. This place I got my house, was a small quiet town, that you'd have to drive for close to an hour to see any fancy shops, but they weren't any less developed than the city, just that they had more empty land and fewer people.

I continued running till my legs gave out, I looked behind me, and I didn't see any car headlights. I settled behind a rock and took out my phone, with trembling hands, to call Xavier, but there wasn't any service.

“Fuck!” I said, feeling my eyes water, and annoyance shot up my blood. Why the hell was I crying, when I should be thinking? If this is the fucking pregnancy hormones that I'd been fantasizing about, as a kid, I don't want it anymore.

I sat there, till my breath steadied and I turned on my location to know where I was, thankfully I had one bar of service, and from the GPS, Xavier's house is just an hour and ten minutes away even on foot, I breathed out.

Relief nearly washed over me but it was short lived as I heard a branch twig behind me, which caused my breath to stop in my throat.

“Find her. She's in this wood somewhere. She has the CD and the black recorder and I need it. So you find her and bring it to me” I heard a male's voice say. It was faint but I could make it out. 

That was Mr. Frey's voice. He had finally come for me, that means Mr. Wort was right. I'm the next on his kill list 

Chapter 34  A Crimson Escape 

Dorothy's POV

“Sir, we've searched everywhere but we haven't seen her” A male voice said, I'm sure reporting to Mr. Frey.

I still sat behind the big rock, my phone to my chest. 

“She is here, and if you don't find her under ten minutes, then your head will replace hers” He said, his voice low but authoritative. 

If I just stay quiet then they won't see me and he might eventually give up.

“Search the whole…..” Mr. Frey said again, but then my alarm on my phone off, causing him to stop. I froze.

My hands began trembling as I began thinking of what to do. He must be looking in this direction and if he should come here, I'm dead.

“Go check that out” He told one of his men, and I heard footsteps, probably from three or more men. 

As they neared me, my heartbeat was getting above erratic and my sweating palms was making holding my phone worse.  I took deep breaths in, I'm not about to lose the only means of contacting Xavier. 

So I'm left with two options, either I run while they hadn't reached me yet, or….sit here while they take me to him, delivering myself on a platter.

Oh well, fuck it. I said and breathed and I began running.

“Get here. She was fucking under our noses, you idiots” Mr. Frey shouted, but I was too far gone to bother.

I ran and I glanced back, one time to see, three men hot on my heels. 

The deeper we went the darker it was, and soon it was only the moonlight that was our illuminaton. I ran and hid behind a tree.

“Find her. She's close” I heard one of them say, probably the second in-command. 

I stood there, readying my butter knife and put my phone behind my jeans pocket, and readied my stance. As soon as I saw the shadow of one of the men close, I swung my knife and I got through his sleeve, causing him to drop his gun, and he rolled on the floor screaming.

The other men came and their spotlight was soon on me and before I knew it, shots were being fired, but it was targeted on my legs and arms. Seems they wanted me alive.

But I didn't wait to confirm that theory as I ran, not looking back. After running for sometime, I reached my back pocket for my phone and I looked at the service bar. It was three, but one was fluctuating.

I moved to my contact list and dialed Xavier's number, and my eyes glanced at the time. 11pm. Fucking asshole, i should be binge watching a series, right now.

The phone rang and rang and I prayed, more earnestly than before, for him to answer.

“Hello?” I heard his deep drowsy voice. Fuck. Concentrate, Dorothy, it's not the time to get aroused.

“Hi…erm, okay, crazy day, right?  So, I'm…” I rushed, but then I heard them shouting behind me.

“Get her. She's needed alive” The same voice from earlier said.

“Dorothy, tell me that's a movie” He said, sounding completely awake.

“Yeah, I wished it was. I'd give anything to me in that scenario. But no, it's not a movie. I'm actually being chased by Mr. Frey's men in real life” I breathed heavily and took another turn, and I began seeing vehicles and a tarred road. 

Five minutes more, run for five minutes and you are safe.

“Dorothy, what the hell? Is this funny to you?” He said and I could hear shuffling.

“Well, apparently it's not..but this preg…presumably uncomfortable situation has me stressed enough, so…” I said, and looked ahead. Two minutes more.

“I'm sorry, where you about to say pregnancy or pregnant?” He asked.

“That is not important…I'm talking of my life here, mister. So, keep quiet and expect me in an hour. Bye! But if I don't come in an hour, check in the woods near my house for my crimson liquid” I said and ended the call. I was already by the road..

I looked around, trying not to flag down, Mr. Frey's car or any car belonging to him or his men.

I saw a white pickup and I didn't bother flagging it down, as it drove past me, and I ran and jumped into the open boot.

It drove off while, I sat there, trying to catch my breath and I saw the two men left out of the three men that chased me and I waved at them, as the scowl on their faces increased.

After an hour, the truck finally reached the same street Lilan drove into. 

Oh my God, I'm on his line. Soon they reached the beginning of Lillian's street and I jumped down. I had no idea that they would actually get here, but oh well, thank the heavens.

I began walking to Xavier's house, and with each step, my legs almost gave out as I couldn't feel them anymore. This is the most cardio I had done in my life, thanks to a CD and recorder.

I walked on, my breath getting shallow, but I trugged on. I soon reached the beginning of his street, and I couldn't be happier.

Then I saw a headlight coming from behind me and stopped walking, my eyes and every bone in my body getting alert.

The car stopped beside me and the glass rolled down and I looked and saw a middle aged woman.

“Hello, dear. Where are you going? The houses here are pretty deep inside. Mind if I give you a ride?” She said, her eyes trained on my face.

I nodded and walked to the other side and got in, and she drove off.

“What house are you going to?” She asked, glancing between me and the road.

“Uhh, the Wort's house” I said, trying to sound vague.

“Oh, you mean, Xavier Wort? Hmm, handsome man, but also a good neighbor. You know, he shares this homemade cookies every Christmas to every house close to him. He's really a nice man” She said and just at the same time we pulled up to his house, and I saw him standing outside, his phone to his ear, and his eyebrows furrowed, as he massaged his temple.

“Thank you so much, ma'am” I said, hand on the door handle.

“Oh, please. Call me, Gina, and it's really nothing” She said, smiling and I smiled back and alighted her car, and she drove off after calling out to Xavier.

After saying hello to Gina, his eyes shot to mine and I saw him breath out a sigh of relief as he came to me and pulled me into a hug.

“I was so scared, Dorothy” He said, his hot breath on my neck.

“Yeah, me too” I whispered and he let me go, scanning my body.

“Are you hurt? What happened? I called you severally after that first call but you didn't answer” He said, as his eyes scanned every part of my body.

“I'm fine, Xavier. Just…hungry. And you called?” I asked as I looked at my phone.

“Oops! Silence” I shrugged and he held my waist, and took me inside.

“Xavier…I can't feel my legs and…I…I feel so..so tired” I said, my eyes getting difficult to keep open.

“It's okay, you're gonna rest now, okay?” I heard Xavier say, but his voice was like a sound in a fog.

I couldn't find the strength to keep my eyes open. I ran so much today and I hadn't eaten for over twelve hours…seems, I'm getting irresponsible with this child.

But I'm also doing something just for it to live, and I'm living on my promise–to protect it with my life and everything I have.

Chapter 35 Not Yours, But Still Yours 

Xavier's POV

“What the fuck do you mean she was attacked?” My father yelled, pacing about the room.

When Dorothy passed out at my doorstep, fear shot up my blood as I called the doctor and my parents. She had blood on her hands, and I thought it was hers, but I wrong, although I didn't know whose it was.

“Well, she's gonna be okay. But I suggest she eats something as the prolonged fasting, has dropped her blood sugar, and may have contributed to her passing out, especially given her current situation” The doctor said, closing his kit.

“What current situation?” My dad asked, his hands on his pocket.

“Well, the patient….uh, she's undergoing a lot of stress which isn't good for a her as she's still in her early stages” The doctor said, looking between all three of us.

Early stages? Like….hell, no…it's not….was it mine? If it was, why didn't she tell me?

When she passed out after Edwards encounter, she was mumbling stuffs like I'll protect you while rubbing her tummy and then earlier today she said something that sounded like pregnancy but immediately changed the situation.

Could she truly be pregnant and could it be mine?

“You mean…. she's…” My dad stuttered, and he let out a light chuckle and looked at me.

“Thank you, Doctor. We'll feed her once she's up” My mom said, rather too collected. 

I walked the doctor off to the door and thanked him for coming.

“You seem rather calm” My dad said, looking at my mom. 

“Me?” My mom said, smiling and staring at Dorothy as she sat by her bedside.

“Yes…you knew?” I chirped in. How did my mom find out? Why didn't Dorothy tell me first?

I know we fell off but I wasn't in any way implying that she had to go through this alone. I meant what I said, that I'll accept a Reyes baby, did she think I wasn't serious?

I nearly smacked myself upside the head. How does she expect me to be serious about claiming a child that I had outside wedlock?

“Well, I'm a woman, aren't I?” She asked, tilting her head and giving a little eye jerk. My did just sighed out loud and shook his head.

Yes, my parents were close but sometimes, even my dad gets scared and confused by my mom. One time he said, business is easier to run, than handling my mom.

And I see no lie.

But despite this, I could swear, he loved her to the moon and back. 

“Question now is, who is the father?” My mom said, her features getting serious and I glanced to Dorothy, but then my eye went on my mom again and she was staring at me.

“Hey! What'd I do?” I asked, looking at her and placing my hand on my chest and glancing at my dad to see that he was also staring at me.

“Listen, son. We pay attention, okay? We saw how close you guys were at her parents’ house. So mean to tell me, that completely nothing happened between you two?” My dad said, raising his eyebrow in a questioning manner.

“Well, nothing happened between us at her parents' house” I said, shrugging my shoulders.

“Uh-huh. Okay, this also means that something happened between you guys, either after her parents' house or way long before that. Your call, son. But all we know, is that yes, something actually happened between you guys” My father said, not backing down. Ugh, this man can be persistent with his views when he wants to.

I was about answering, when she began stirring in her sleep, and I walked closer to her. But she stirred and repositioned herself and looked like she was going back to sleep.

“Is she awake?” My mom asked, staring at her grad, while I looked at her face but it was buried in-between the pillows.

“Xav….I…I can't feel my legs. But….I can feel my tummy…” She panicked, but it was hard to actually hear her.

“Okay, love. I need you to repeat that” I said, sitting beside her and close to her head. She raised her head up and looked at me, with hooded sleepy eyes.

“Hi….I said, I…my legs are numb, but…my tummy isn't” She said, bringing her head to rest on my lap, as she turned facing the headboard.

“It's alright, you are good” I said, but I think this wasn't what she wanted, as her head, shot up and she stared at me.

“I can't be here. I can't be here” She said as she took her legs out of the duvet, causing me to stand up, and she followed few seconds later.

“Thank you, so much, Xavier” She said, bowing, and as she attempted to walk, she fell down ass flat.

“You alright?” I asked, furrowing my eyebrows, going to guide her to the bed.

“I can't feel my feet, the only thing I can feel is this dull ache and it's uncomfortable” She said, avoiding my eyes.

“Mom, please” I called to my mom, and her eyes immediately shot up to me.

“Did you say mom? Like your mother is here?” She asked, her eyes wider than before, as she attempted to stand up again but was stopped by my mother.

“Something wrong with us being here, love?” My mom asked, sitting beside her and taking her leg and I think that's when she noticed my father at the far end, as she dropped her legs and stood up and bowed to my father.

“I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't know you….” She began, clittering her nails.

“It's alright, dear. You needed the rest” My father said, his voice as composed as usual.

“Come on, sit now” My mom said, patting a space beside her. She sat and my mom took her legs to examine her feet.

“Get some slightly hot water and a rub too” My mom told me and I walked off to get it. I came in few minutes later with a bowl filled with slightly hot water and a rub.

My mom took it from me and put Dorothy's feet in the bowl, causing her to wince.

“Too hot?” I asked, squatting beside her. 

“No…thank you” She said, her voice low, her eyes piercing mine, till she looked away.

“Are you hungry, dear?” My mom asked, taking out Dorothy's feet from the water, and drying it to apply the rub.

“No…thank you” She said, shaking her head. And we heard my father, exhale.

“What do you mean, no. Hmm? Tell me, how do you expect the child in your tummy to grow healthy, maturely and free from complications, if you the mother doesn't do your part, and eat? Huh? Or did you forget you were pregnant? Hmm? You don't only cater for yourself now, you eat for two people, if not three. So yes, you're hungry, and yes, you are going to eat” My father said, his voice slightly above it's normal octave.

Guess that fatherly instinct kicked in…and luckily for her it did. Mine would be worse.

After my father ended, I saw her breath hitch. She looked so shocked and her face was pale.

“How…how…how did you know….” She asked, but hell, if my father let her finish.

“That your pregnant? The doctor came by, and said you had a low blood sugar level, and you needed to eat especially in your early stages. Oh, you do remember you're pregnant. That's interesting” My dad said, causing her to bow her head.

She was completely quiet. Like, my father shut her up. Impressive.

“I'll get you something. Any…any cravings?” I asked, still unsure how to feel about this new development.

Was it mine? If it was, why did she hide it from me? And if it wasn't mine, was I ready for the heartache accompanied with the news?

“Uhm…I'd like…pork stew and rice, please” She whispered, her voice sounding so fragile, it made me smile.

“Sure thing” I said and went to get her, her good while my mom massaged her legs.

After some few minutes, I can back with her meal and as usual her eyes lit up, and I sat beside her.

“I'll feed you” I said, and took the spoon to feed her, while my parents said their goodbyes.

They had been here for over three hours, so it was only fair for them to leave and have a night rest, before morning, although it was three hours to dawn.

“How is it?” I asked her, as I saw her eyes roll back, and I let out a small chuckle.

“Hmm…this is good stuff” She said, munching on one of the pieces of pork.

“You really like food, don't you?” I asked, my eyes trained on her round lips, due to her full mouth. She chewed fast on her food, and I know it's because she wants to give me an answer.

“Like your father said, I'm eating for two” She said, and I fed her in silence with her doing a little food dance from time to time. 

“Dorothy, we need to talk” I breathed out, after clearing out the empty plates.

“Xavier…I'm really…” She began, her eyes fixated on the ceiling.

“Who is the father?” I asked, my voice so low and subtle. Her eyes shot to me, meeting mine, and she began shaking her head.

“No…I…we can't do this. Not now, Xavier, please” She said and attempted to stand up but sat back down, wincing.

“Mama said, your legs need rest, princess. But…don't deny me this information, okay? Please who is the father?” I asked, my heart in my eyes, as my heartbeat increased.

“Why? How is it your bother? Hmm? I mean, I'm not asking you to take care of us, right? So, just act like you don't know that I'm pregnant” She said, poking my chest with her index finger.

“How do you expect me to act like…like, I don't know you are pregnant, Dorothy? We had sex, and I…I just think it could be mine, so how do you expect me to overlook that fact, given the current pregnancy situation?” I asked, standing up and looking at her.

“Well, I don't know how you're gonna do it..but you're gonna do it” She said, breathing heavily.

“Dorothy, please. I need to know, I want to know. Am I the father of the child?” I asked, kneeling before her and taking her hands in mine.

She stared at me, searching my face while I did the same, and her eyes became watery, and then she looked away.

“Why do you care, Xavier? Huh? It's none of your business” She said, looking away and wiping her face.

“The tears says the extreme opposite, love. Tell me, I want to be there for my child and its mother…just say the word, Dorothy and I'm willing to take responsibility” I said, looking at her as she cries the more and it made my eyes water.

Why is she keeping quiet? I didn't like seeing her in this state, heartbroken. Like she's seeing something she wants, something she loves, but can't grasp it. I want to give her everything, but it seems the words I speak aren't enough.

“Well, you can show your love from afar, because you are not….you are not the father of my child” She said, cleaning her tears and looking at me.

My heart dropped and the tears that had barriers was set free. I gasped, trying to get in air, trying to come at peace with the words she just spoke. I thought this past days, especially after the party, that I had, managed to control the effects she had.

But it was all a fallacy, distance really did seem like my heart was shielded, but I'm now realizing that, it was left defenseless and she stabbed it all over again.

“No…that's that's a lie, right? Okay…who…who is the father then?” I asked, my voice trembling, as the hands i held just grew colder and farther away.

She just stared at me, and from the look of things, I think I'm about to get my heart ripped open again.

“Edward. Edward is the father” 

Chapter 36 Bloodlines And Battlefield 

Xavier's POV

“Edward. Edward is the father” She said, her eyes kissing the floor.

I just stared at her, my brain, numb. Why…no! It's not…I…my chest felt heavy and my knees couldn't carry my weight as I sat on the floor in front of her, the tears not having it's barrier anymore.

My thoughts were distorted.

“How much do you think I can take? Why do you always lie?! You always lie, has anything you said, been the truth?! How much more do you want to rip out?!” I screamed, getting to my feet, causing her to flinch, but she just stared at me, not meeting my eyes, as her tears continued flowing.

She's fighting it.

It hurts her, the lies, the selfish decision to keep her child away from its father. It's hurting her, the fact that she knew those words would cut through my heart, she feels the ache I feel. 

“That is my child, Dorothy. And I don't care, what lie comes out from your mouth.  You can't even stand Edward, let alone, having him fuck you…so no, I don't believe that. That is my child and I'll protect it” I shooked, and this caused her to look at me with widened eyes, as she visibly exhaled.

“Xav…this wasn't meant to happen. It wasn't my intention to ruin your marriage and that's why I'll take care of this baby myself. Yes, it might be a selfish decision but it's one I'm willing to take to protect my child” She reinstated, her eyes fiery. But with the ever dull yet conspicuous appearance of sadness.

This decision wasn't one she thought of lightly, and it's still not one she's come to terms with.

“Well…you'd have to make that decision with the father too. And the father says, this conversation is tabled, or rather, done. You are done calling shots here, Dorothy. This isn't just about us both, that you…we…we can shy away or ignore, no matter how uncomfortable it might be” I said, my voice calmer than before, as I breathed out to steady my breath.

I walked to her, and knelt in front of her. I think I'm beginning to understand the place my dad was coming from.

He once said that a boardroom chaos is lighter and easier than matters of the heart.

And now I understand, that although my dad has ran many empires and is still running them, he is valid for still not understanding my mother sometimes. Women are complicated, emotional beings.

“I'm sorry….I'm so sorry for putting you in this situation, for dragging you into this emotional and moral mess. But…that doesn't change the fact that the sail has begun and the wind has changed it's direction.  A child needs its mother and father present, Dorothy. So please, I ask the permission to be present in my child's life” I said, holding her hands and staring deep into her now red eyes due to the tears she's cried.

“What's…what's gonna happen, Xavier?” She said, and sniffled.

“We…you are married to Diana, Xavier. And…and beside that, I can't just show up at your house and say ‘ oh, hi Diana. I'm here to stay with you guys, as I'm pregnant with you husband's child' ? This is a mess, Xavier” She said, cleaning her tears, but they flowed the more.

I breathed out and stared at her. She was heartbroken, because if she was in that position she would feel betrayed. 

Such a pure soul…but then, I wasn't, at least, not when it came to Diana.

“Are you bothered with the marriage between us or the fact that she could be pregnant?” I asked, taking her hand that was wiping her tears, and her eyes focused on me.

“I…I…Both?” She said, looking at me with a puzzled expression.

“I swear, I’ll protect you and the baby. No matter what,” I said firmly. She smiled, a fragile hope lighting her eyes.

Suddenly, the door slammed open. And our eyes shot immediately to the door. And there she stood, venom in her eyes. Diana.

“Don’t tell me you’re pregnant.” She said, venom dripping with each words, and her stare sharp as ice. 

I straightened immediately, tension crackling in the air.

“What the hell are you doing here, Diana?” My voice was low but sharp, edged with warning.

She stepped forward, eyes cold and dangerous. “This is my house. Remember? You’re still my husband.” She said and walked closer to me, showing me the ring on her finger. 

She smirked, venom thick in her tone. “Oh, but now this little snake has managed to infiltrate my home.”

My gaze flicked to Dorothy, protective and fierce, as stood up, going behind me. 

“You scoundrel. I should’ve gotten rid of you when I had the chance.” She said, her eyes trained on Dorothy, as her nose flared.

 “Back off” My voice dropped, icy, as my stare matched hers. 

Diana’s laugh was bitter, echoing in the room. “You really think you can protect her? Protect that?” She gestured at Dorothy. “You’re pathetic.”

I took a step forward, unwavering. “She’s carrying my child. You don’t get to threaten her.” 

“I don't know that bubble you people are wrapped in, but just a friendly reminder, I am legally married to you, and I'm pregnant for you too” She said, her voice dropping but her stare still so fiery.

I said nothing but just stared at her. I knew that was a lie, but if it wasn't that I knew for a fact that, it was mine.

“You little snake, you got my husband's attention now you are carrying his child. From my home to his bed. You really are shameless” She said, her eyes shooting daggers at Dorothy.

“At least I'm truthful, and not trying so hard to stay married” Dorothy said, her eyes never leaving Diana's.

“What did you say? Truthful? Who is lying here? Wait, are you saying I'm lying? About my pregnancy?” Diana asked, pointing at her stomach, as she scoffed.

She opened her purse and took out a white envelope, and handed it to me. I stared suspiciously at it, before taking it from her.

My eyes scanned the envelope, it was from a hospital, and as I opened it, it was a stamped letter stating her pregnancy results and blood test.

“What is this?” I asked, furrowing my eyebrows. This can't be. Is she truly pregnant or this was another fabricated test?

“My pregnancy test results. I'm inviting you for my antenatal tomorrow” She smiled, looking at Dorothy.

I stared at the letter and soon I felt a gap, and I just knew that Dorothy had taken a step back, and I knew it wasn't just a step back from me physically, but a step back from trusting me, from vulnerability with my baby.

And I knew the war only just begun.

Chapter 37  Aftermath Of Choices 

Dorothy's POV

Was she pregnant? Did he really get her pregnant? Or the plan she had with the doctor came through?

I couldn't understand anything. What was really happening? Her father chased my ass down from my house and then she comes with a pregnancy test result.

After that day, Xavier managed to convince me to stay in his house. It's been three weeks now and I'm the most uncomfortable I've ever been in my life.

“Xavier. I need to go back home” I told him, sitting at the dining table. He was on his laptop and there was so many files on the table.

“Dorothy, not now, please” He dismissed, his eyes fixed on the files before him.

“Okay” I said and left him. 

I quietly went upstairs, took a little of my stuffs I had come with and walked downstairs, and left.

I couldn't do my stuffs freely in that house. I can't eat whenever I wished and anytime Diana was home, I was almost always guarded. 

I couldn’t move freely in that house. I couldn’t breathe. Whenever Diana was home, it felt like I was constantly being watched.

I felt uncomfortable, mostly because I carry the child of her husband, and I'm staying under the same roof as her.

It was a double slap of shame on her face and I couldn't…I just couldn't do it.

Xavier, on the other hand, made me wonder a lot of things. How can someone be so comfortable with the current situation of being torn between his wife and some random employee? And how can someone, hate and disregard someone so much, but they got married?

I got back to my apartment that was raided by Mr. Frey's men and it was turned upside down. They tore through the couch and the wallpapers.

I stood there with my bag and breathed out and looked around. I immediately felt exhausted.

“The CD!” I remembered and dashed immediately to the place I kept it and found it intact. Guess it's true, if you want to hide something, hide it in plain sight. No one will suspect.

I took the CD and recorder and sat in the middle of my bed and stared at it.

“What to do with you?” I asked myself, looking at the both of them.

It was evidence against Mr. Frey but without a standard and foolproof strategy, the case might be thrown out of court with something as an attempt of defamation and I'd be the one getting sued.

If there's anyone that would have an idea on how best to utilize this, it would be Mr. Wort.

I stood up, looking around my apartment, I decided to take a little time to arrange what I could and when done, the place was looking alive a little bit.

I took my coat as the weather was getting chilly as the hours passed. It might snow today.

I took the CD and recorder and headed for the door as I opened it, there he was in flesh. My breath hitched in throat, as my heartbeat skyrocketed. 

What was he doing here? And how did he know I'd be here?

“Hmm. There she is, Dorothy Reyes, herself. Hello, dear” He smiled as he let himself in, the closer his steps, the farther my heart from my chest.

He walked inside, each movement he did, signalled danger, and raised every hair on my skin.

“Let's sit” He said, gesturing to the mini coffee table in the center of the kitchen and living room. 

I walked to its direction, my back never facing him.

I've learnt my lesson, with the man that night, that he'll bent on dismembering my neck from my body.

I took a seat and all the whole my hands in my pocket, holding the CD and recorder, but then I took my hands out, leaving the item in my winter coat. His eyes were following each of my hands movements.

“What brings you by, Mr. Frey?” I asked, paying attention to my voice, so as not to sound shaken. 

“Hmm. I'm very well aware, we both know why I'm here” He said, leaning towards me, his eyes on my face.

“To take something that's not yours?” I asked, raising an eyebrow tauntingly. I was scared shitless but I'm not ready to make that known to him.

“We both know that this matter is being dragged on unnecessarily. There's no point in holding onto something that is a waste of time. It's been over five years, Dorothy” He said, his face holding an irrevocable scowl.

“Then…why do you want it? Seems this unnecessary thing has something you find necessary for you to come all the way here, despite your rather busy schedule” I said, still staring at him. 

No matter what happens I'm not going to let this man continue messing with my family, dead or alive.

“You don't know what you are dealing with, girl. You think that…who…Xavier will protect you?” He said, scoffing.

“You think I need Xavier to protect me? Have you checked up on one of the three men you sent after me? How is his arm?” I asked, tauntingly. And his face harden.

“Your father and I had our battles and yet again you repeat history and you and my daughter now have a personal battle. Seems you aren't all that righteous afterall, Dorothy Reyes. But I mean, are any of us? Enough chit chat. The CD and recorder, now!” He said, his voce dropping so low, it could be missed, but the order from it, made it immovable.

“Not a chance. Try again, maybe I'll listen. Oh wait, I won't” I said, a small smile playing on my lips. He just let out a little chuckle, and his expression hardened back again.

“Take it from her” He said and began walking away. 

I soon felt a presence behind me and I didn't wait to be attacked before I stood up and I immediately felt the sharp edge of a knife slice slightly across my cheek, and I felt it. I took my hands off to see my dark red liquid begin to sprout.

“Fucker” I whispered and I didn't find time to recollect myself as he started swinging the knife, trying to cut me, and I was lost in defense.

I scanned the room and grabbed anything I could—chairs, cushions, chaos. I didn’t care where they landed, I just needed a chance to run.

I throw one that it landed on head, causing him to fall while I ran away, not wanting to be around when he recovers. 

I ran into my bathroom and I looked around, and I saw that the window was wide enough to fit me.

I climbed on the toilet seat and looked down, it was already three feet if not roughly four feet to the floor. I took a deep breath and looked down again.

“I can do this. Go on, Dorothy” I said, and looked down, taking in deep breaths.

“Nope. Not happening” I said and put a foot down, but I guess this day was my day to be brave as the door immediately swung open and I saw the man earlier.

He came charging towards me and I had two options, either I jump or sit there and be killed. Luckily for me, I wasn't bent on dying just yet. So I just stood on the toilet seat and jumped but I wasn't fast enough as he had dug his knife at the back of my calf and tore it open.

I jumped with a shrill scream, and I reached the floor, the collision sending pain all over my body and my calf painting the place crimson. And this was when I wished I was back at Xavier's house.

I stood up, my sticky liquid in my shoes, and and ache all round my leg and the dull ache soon turned to a numbing sensation.

I began walking off, the blood going directly into my shoes, and making them sticky as I stood at the street and flagged down a taxi going to Xavier's house.

I got there but I didn't see his car. I didn't know if anyone was home, and I wasn't bent on finding out, as I told the driver to go to Mr. Wort's company.

I hadn't been in Xavier's company since the day I resigned and I wasn't prepared on going there. We soon reached his company and I paid and he drove off while I dragged my injured limb along.

“Hi, is the CEO around?” I asked the lady from the other time I was there, my voice trembling as the pain has caused sweat drip down my face.

“Uh..yes, he's in. The 24th floor” She said and I thought she remembered me from that day.

I moved to the elevator and it coming down, and as it pinged, I came face to face with Xavier, Mr Wort and some other people.

I stared at them, but mostly Xavier, as his eyes studied my face.

“You can continue without me. It's a pleasure, Mr. Liu Xang” Xavier said and took my hand, while his father and the man with his people left the elevator.

Xavier pressed a button and the elevator closed, taking us up and he turned to face me.

“You shouldn't have left, Dorothy. You just shouldn't have” He said, looking at me. 

“What…what do you mean by that? You are scaring me, Xavier” I said, going back, further away from him.

“You shouldn't have left. You went home, no? And now look” He said, as his eyes drifted to my leg.

“You knew this would happen? Xav….Xavier stop this. You are scaring me” I said, my eyes filling with tears.

Why was he acting like this? What if he was the true enemy, maybe siding with Mr. Frey? He couldn't afford to be. 

This whole propaganda had me on paranoia. I can't believe I'm actually suspecting Xavier!

“Dorothy…what to do with you? Come on” He said and at the point the elevator dinged, opening on the floor. 

He walked out and he glanced behind to see that it was hard for me to walk and he came and carried me, bridal style.

He led me to his office, and opened another door, which showed a bedroom. Well-furnished.

He made me stand and took off my jeans, after taking off my shoes. My jeans was soaked with blood, as well as my foot.

“You are so damn, fucking stubborn. You know that?” He fumed, his voice rising.

“Are you angry at me right now?” I asked, looking at him drop my coat on the bed.

“Who else fuck will I be angry with? You keep making selfish decisions. I knew why I said, you stay at my home, Dorothy. You felt uncomfortable I knew that but I thought it was a little price you'd have to pay, compared to one you'd have to pay if you went home” He said, his eyes turning red.

And I knew that he was truly angry from his burning eyes, and I shifted my eyes to the floor. He was right. I was allowed to take decisions recklessly this time, because it wasn't only I that would be affected, my baby too.

“I'm sorry” I said, biting my lips. 

“From now, henceforth, till further notice, you will not leave my sight. We are in war, Dorothy and bodies are dropping. I don't know what language I would speak for you to understand, you don't make careless decisions like this, in a crucial time” He said, holding my shoulders, and I simply nodded.

“But.. what do you mean, bodies are dropping?”

Chapter 38 Lies On Paper 

Dorothy's POV

Xavier took me to his shower and helped me clean my wound and then dressed it, then we sat in his office to contemplate on the next line of action.

“Dorothy, you see, I understand the, uhh…emotional turmoil you might be going through given the news of Diana's pregnancy but I'll say this, you do what you have to do to protect yourself and that baby. Understood?” Mr. Wort asked, looking at me sternly and I just nodded my head.

“Our private investigator has given us a file that shows some names of the suppliers of the textile company your father and Douglas had. Seems, they too have some legal issues” He continued, his eyes going between I and Xavier.

“Terribly sorry, dad. But…I want to annull my marriage with Diana” Xavier said, causing me to snap my neck to hid direction.

What in the heavens world was he talking about? Annullation of his marriage might be the second cause of my death.

“Really, what the fuck Is wrong with you? First, you….you ask me to stay under the same roof with your pregnant wife, who wants my head since the day I walked through the front door…and now you, you want to annull your marriage? I have chosen my struggle to be Mr. Frey. Diana? She's trailing behind and now you want to make her my front line?” I asked, not understanding how this man thinks.

Maybe he's a sociopath…or no, a psychopath, or maybe both.

“Dorothy, this marriage wasn't meant to happen in the first place. This was a marriage based on deceit and you witnessed that part” He said, his voice calm. 

“How can you be so calm when you are about to make an enemy of father and daughter? Do you not want me to walk on the fucking street in peace?” I said, squinting my eyes, but this crazy man just smirked and let out a chuckle.

“Are…are you finding this funny?” I asked, staring at him, my eyebrows furrowed.

“Oh c'mon. You handled Mr. Frey twice. All you have to do it have a portable knife and then voila, you are set” He said, flicking his fingers in the air.

“I will voila your tongue right out your mouth” I said, deadpan, causing him to glance at me.

“Xavier…now you are the one making the selfish decision. Although Dorothy's wasn't any less selfish, but hers was for her peace and protection. But you…you are offering her on a silver platter” Mr. Frey said, relaxing in his chair.

“Thank you! Someone that isn't crazy” I said, looking at Xavier and he just rolled his eyes.

In as much I knew that I can be a bitch sometimes, if this guy was a girl, he'd be bitcher than I am. 

“Dorothy, we have enough evidence to take Mr. Frey to court, just say the word” Mr. Wort said and Xavier turned to me, his expression serious.

I looked at the table. I wasn't yet satisfied, I wanted to know the truth behind my parents death. 

“The evidence we have is against the company, no? I want evidence against my parents' death” I said, looking at him.

“Hmm…that's going to be difficult, sweetheart. He's killed an innocent man, attempted killing my dad, and now attempted killing you, all because of the evidence against his foundation and the company, what makes you think he won't come after your head more severely if he finds out you are trying to bring to light his kill list? This is nearly a suicide mission, love” Xavier said, his eyes on my face, but I kept mine on the table in front of me.

“I understand that, Xavier. But I can't let my parents and brother's death be for nothing. The company was one thing, the murders are another” I said, making up my mind to reveal the evil of Mr. Frey.

He poised about like he cared for people by building orphanages and funding them. He was the human definition of hypocrisy.

“I understand you, Dorothy. And I'll help you” Mr. Wort said, breathing out.

“Dad, what the f*ck?” Xavier said, leaning towards his father, but Mr. Wort put his forward, signaling to be quiet.

“But on two conditions. First, you'll move in with Xavier, no matter how uncomfortable this might be. Second, you'll be in this till it becomes too much, you'll back out. Agreed? You take care of the baby and yourself, but once it becomes too life threatening, you back the fuck out” He said, his eyes boring holes in mine, and I just got to understand that I hadn't seen him this serious in a while.

“I agree” I told him, and he nodded his head. I breathed out to ease some tension but, whoosh, my bones were still knocked.

“First, your marriage, Xavier. You can't divorce her without any substantial reason” Mr. Wort said, looking at his son, through his lashes.

“Hmm..I think I might have an answer to that” Xavier said and brought out a letter, and dropped it on the table. I and Mr. Wort stared between him and the letter.

“You see that was the first pregnancy showing her antenatal schedule Diana claimed she did at that hospital…but, I went to that hospital and spoke to the gynaecologist there and he said that Diana didn't have any record, there. Not even a pregnancy test. And now, boom, antenatal invite?” Xavier said, looking at the paper.

I turned my head to Mr. Wort as he too stared at the paper. I had no idea why they were staring at it, but I decided to stare at it too. So we all just stared at the paper.

“Ahh, I see. A marriage under deceit is null and void. The date too, seems recently, six months after your marriage and she claimed to be pregnant, before that” Mr. Wort said, slowly taking his eyes off the paper.

“Exactly. So the question here is, if this was issued seven months after our marriage, does that mean that she didn't start her antenatal until then, and if yes, why?” Xavier said, rubbing his temple slowly and relaxing into his chair.

“Wait,  if she issued this letter before, why is she issuing another one?” Mr. Wort said, he too entered deep thoughts.

Does this mean Diana wasn't pregnant before? I mean, I suspected that but I didn't think it to be true.

And if yes, if she truly wasn't pregnant, how did she get pregnant now? And who was the father? Or…did she do what she discussed with that man at the hospital? But that involved a miscarriage which of course, she didn't have.

“Well the ninth month is a month from now. Let's see what happens then” 

Chapter 39 DNA And Deception 

Dorothy's POV

“Did you bring a new maid?” I heard Xavier speak, his voice slow like he was trying to keep his anger in check.

“Yes, any problem with that? Huh?!” Diana retorted. This has been going on since I woke up and honestly I just don't know if I should get down there, or sit up here comfortably.

“ Okay. But please, tell me, what will she do? I have cooks, cleaners, where will be her position?” Xavier asked, his voice calmer than before. I just sat by the staircase and just overheard them.

No way in hell, I'm meeting Diana first thing in the morning.

“She'll be my personal cook, Xavier. And one more thing, daddy said we need to pick a country for our vacation…since, you know we are welcoming a baby, soon” She said, her voice sounding all low and seductive.

I turned my back to see her draping her hands round Xavier's body. I stared at them, as I felt my tummy turn, and I folded my hands in fist.

Why was he letting her touch him? And he's not removing her hand.

I felt like going down there to pull her off him, but I couldn't as I reminded myself that, she was his wife.

“Hmm..as you wish, Diana. As you wish” Xavier said, and breathed out loud, removing her hand. And I felt a little smile playing on my lips.

“Babe, one more thing. Uh, how do you know that Dorothy's child is yours, huh? She just came up here, telling you so kind of weird story” Diana said, as she kept her eyes trained on him.

What a bitch!  She was really bent on making me leave here. Was she aware that her father is trying to kill me? Or…they are working together….

“Diana, we are not having this conversation again. Every word you heard that night was true, every single one of it” Xavier said, hands in his pocket, as he looked at Diana deadpan in the eyes.

“You fucking asshole! You want it to be true, you want her to be pregnant for you. What of me, Xavier?! Huh? You married me, you wedded me!” Diana screamed, throwing a vase across the room, while Xavier stared at her, unmoving.

“You'd be a fool to think I'd let that whore, give birth to your baby. You want to disgrace and ruin our wedding, our families. So…she's the reason why you haven't touched me since after our wedding? Huh? That dumb, shameless, slut homewrecker” She said, pushing Xavier, as Xavier didn't try to stop her, but he still didn't move.

“You see, that's the interesting part. Despite all those names, she's still so very far better than you are. Diana, it was one night. I was drunk for one night and then two weeks later, you show up at my parents' house and claim being pregnant with my child? You think I'd never question that?” Xavier asked, his voice so steady and composed.

Diana stood there, chest heaving with a balling fist and widened eyes.

“What are you insinuating, Xavier? That my pregnancy is fake?” She said, her voice barely steady.

“Well…I never said that, just questioning if I'm the father of the pregnancy from day one. You see that night I didn't remember much, but one thing I knew was that I was drunk and one thing I also remember was pushing you away, so how did I manage to get you pregnant?” Xavier asked, his eyes stilted.

What was he doing? I thought he was supposed to make a private investigation not call her out openly.

“So where are you heading? This is your child, Xavier. I'm pregnant with your child” Diana said, as her chest heaved impossibly faster, as her hand trembled 

“Well, I'm getting a DNA test. So, get upstairs and get dressed” Xavier said, his eyes looking like he was amused.

Was he having joy in this? And yet again, I think I've seen his mental health decline that it couldn't hit the ground no more.

“I'm not going anywhere. Not until that homewrecker does a DNA first. You think I'm going to be the only one doing a fucking DNA test? Well wake up, Xavier. I'm not the only one pregnant with you child” Diana said, her eyes on Xavier's face, as if on a hunt for each change in emotion.

“Dorothy!” He called to me, causing my breath to hitch in my throat, as I crawled to my room, at the adjacent side of the stairs. I sat on my bed and breathed in, standing up to open the door.

“Yes!” I said, standing in front of the stairs railing, looking down.

“Downstairs, please” He said, his voice so soothing.

I walked downstairs, cleaning my palms on my shorts.

“Hmm?” I hummed as I stood facing both of them, Diana sizing me up, but her eyes still somewhat stuck to Xavier's face.

“I'm so sorry, for what I'm about to say next, okay? But it's really important” He began and I could see Diana roll her eyes.

“Hmm-hmm” I hummed, nodding my head.

“You and Diana are going for a DNA test, today. Okay?” He said, trying to pick his words carefully 

“Sure” I said, gleefully. Diana looked at me like she's heard the most bizarre news.

Was she thinking that I won't accept? Or was that her last shred of hope in believing that I'm not carrying Xavier's child?

“Oh, thank you” Xavier said, and turned to look at her and now somehow, it was my face she decided to get hooked on.

“So, you both get dressed. A DNA lab awaits us” Xavier said, smirking.

Diana simply looked at me and stormed off, going upstairs, while I took a deep breath, and I felt Xavier's eyes on me.

“What's wrong, love?” He asked, coming to stand in front of me.

“I think the test might be switched, or something, you know? Like it's easier to switch or manipulate the result if we go to the same hospital as the one she went for her supposed antenatal. Or the one where the letter came from” I said, looking at him.

I was already beginning to feel stressed, not about the test but about my child's safety. I already did a DNA test, seven weeks after I found out I was pregnant, and I'm already slightly over two months in. I wanted to be so sure it was Xavier's and that was the reason I went to the office just three days after finding out, to take something that had his DNA on it.

“In not going to any hospital she's gone to” He said and kissed my forehead.

“I meant it when I said, I'll protect you and our baby, sweetheart. Okay?” He said, and looked me in the eyes, and kissed me.

I knew it was wrong to actually do this in a married home, but I couldn't help. Guess everyone has their ugly sides 

Chapter 40 Unraveling Threads

Dorothy's POV

We got ready to go to the hospital and soon we were on our way. But Diana was greatly sweating, meanwhile I was freezing at the backseat.

“Diana, you alright?” Xavier asked, as he gave her a side glance, which caused her to give him a scowl in return.

After few minutes of driving, or so I thought,  we arrived at the hospital, but I think Diana was about to have a panic attack with how white her face turned.

“Xavier, what place is this?” She asked, her eyes scanning around.

“The hospital, what other place do they go for a DNA test?” Xavier asked, as he parked the car and turned off the engine.

“Xacier, I don't have any record with these people. Why can't we go somewhere that I have a record?” She asked, as I saw a drop of sweat stream down the end of her face.

“Does the hospital matter?” Xavier said, and without another word he came down from the car and I followed suit, not wanting to spend a second with Diana.

We waited for her until she came down few minutes later and we all walked inside, but she did so with a struggling step.

“Hello, we are here to see any available gynaecologist” Xavier told the receptionist, as she looked between him and I. Her eyes lightening up.

“Oh okay. There's one available. Dr. Rose. Oh, here she comes” She said, as her eyes drifted to the side of us, and a lady, with her skin light as snow and long brown hair, walked towards us.

“This is the hospital record for Greta Cruz. Update her record online too” She said and dropped a red file on the table.

“Yes ma'am. These people are looking for any available gynaecologist” The receptionist said, and Dr. Rose, turned to look at us. 

“Oh, alright. Come with me, darlings” She said and walked in front of us while we trugged behind her.

We reached her office and I completely fell in love with it. The sunflowers scattered across the room in vases, while the little art that hung on the wall. I loved her aesthetics.

“Please, have a seat” She gestured and sat on hers, facing us. Xavier sat while I stood behind the empty chair, knowing fully well that Diana would sit on it and that's exactly what she did.

Dr. Rose eyes flickered between Diana and I and she squinted them, but said nothing.

“Okay. What's the matter?’ She began, her eyes focusing solely on Xavier.

“I need…we need..we want to undergo a DNA test for their babies” Xavier said, looking directly at the woman, while she nodded her head and gave a knowing smile.

“Okay, and I presume with you as the father?” She asked, her eyes holding amusement.

“Yes. With me as the father” Xavier replied, his voice sturdy.

She nodded and glanced at me and she held my eyes, and smiled, and then she glanced at Diana.

“Why are you sweating so much, darling? The air conditioning isn't high enough?” She asked, looking at Diana.

“Uh, no. I'm good. Just get this test done” Diana said, her eyes to the table.

“Okay then, you're first” She said, gesturing st diana, while standing up.

Diana sat there, staring at her, and I wondered if her eyes could get any wider.

“What?” Diana asked, her hand on the hem of her dress.

“You first, love” Dr. Rose, repeated, putting on her lab coat. Diana looked at Xavier like she was expecting him to say something, but he just stared at her.

She then stood up and followed Dr. Rose behind, walking with shaky breath.

“I'm hungry” I muttered and Xavier stood up, coming to stand behind me, giving me a back hug.

“You're always hungry” He said, nibbling on my neck.

“Xavier…this is…this is a hospital” I said, moving my neck away from his reach.

“I know, but it's been too long. You have to commend me for the restraint, princess” He said and leaned against her table. 

I just looked at him. His chest fighting against the buttons of his shirt, and his eyes just calm, despite this chaos.

“How are you so calm right now?” I asked, unable to fathom how calm and unnerving he feels right now.

“Well…if you think this is calm, watch my father in chaos. You'd think you are crazy for going on edge. I guess it's something that I admired from him, that I eagerly learnt. Even in school, during poo quiz or stuffs, I'll just be so relaxed, you know. I really don't have any theory, because I copied my father” He said, his hand resting on his thigh, one higher than the other.

I glanced at his finger and I think it's the first time that I'm realizing that he's not wearing his wedding ring, but had other rings on.

“You lost your wedding ring?” I asked, still staring at his fingers.

“Lost…that would have soothed Diana, then. I never wore it outside that court. After the signings were done, I pulled my ring off” He said, looking at me, and he opened his arms.

I walked to him and he put his arms on my waist, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Does it bother you?” He asked, his voice getting deeper.

“No…just..just curious” I breathed out, and he smirked, before he leaned in and kissed me. His hand travelling and roaming my body, while our tongue fought against each other in rhythm.

Soon, he broke the kiss, just when I was getting my fill.

“You seem greedy for a kiss for someone who told me we are in a hospital” He said, his eyes holding amusement, and he moved past me, going back to his seat, leaving me standing there, eager fir more, but baffled.

Cocky ass.

Soon the door opened and Dr. Rose and Diana walked in.

“Your turn, darling. Come on” She said and I walked to her, Xavier holding my hand when I reached him and giving it a little squeeze.

We went into the lab where they took a bit of my blood, from my arm.

“Your name?” She asked, holding a pen of some sort.

“Uh, Dorothy. Dorothy Reyes” I said, and looked at her, while she wrote my name down.

“You're beautiful” I told her, and I slapped my hand across my mouth. I really didn't think that through.

“It's alright. Thank you” She smiled and gave them the paper which they plasted on the glass bottle with my blood in it.

“Come on. You're done” She said and we headed out, going back to her office.

“Your turn, now” She said, talking to Xavier and he stood up and followed her. It was now I and Diana left in this room.

“You really are something else. I knew it was your idea to have this DNA test” She said, standing and coming near me. And in an instant, I readied myself, every bone alert in my body.

“I had no idea an DNA test will come up” I said, but she just stared at me, a scowl on her face.

“Are you scared, Diana? You've been sweating uncontrollably since we arrived here” I asked her, and her face dropped but just as she was about to answer, the door pulled open.

“Okay. Everyone's blood is gotten. We'll see the results in a while on my system” Dr. Rose said, as she pulled off her lab coat and sat on her chair.

Xavier stood next to me, holding my waist, while Diana just stood at the end, tapping her foot on the floor, continuously. We stayed like that for sometime, with Dr. Rose, on her desktop.

“Okay, test results are in. Have a seat, everyone” She said and Diana didn't move, neither of us did. But she didn't say a word, then Xavier and Diana sat down.

“Okay. Well, good news is the babies are healthy. Uh, Miss Dorothy, based on the fetal DNA fragments detected in your blood sample, it appears you’re carrying twins, but we’ll confirm with an ultrasound” She said, looking at me, her eyes smiling.

I just stared at her. What? I nearly shook my head but I didn't want Xavier to know that I took a DNA test before. But that test didn't say that I had two babies in me.

“The test shows over 99% probability that Mr. Wort is the father of your babies, but for Mrs. Wort, the probability is under 40%, which means the child is likely not his.”

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