>>>ARETHA'S OUTFIT
Do you like this story? Please check out my other General Fiction/Chicklit/Romance stories House Call, The Bargain, King of Diamond, Convicted Passion and Defeating Rylie.
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"It started when we were around ten years old. Mariya was introduced to me by my parents when we were younger. Her family is wealthy, so of course they had paired us together from the get go, but I never really liked, let alone understood her. She was what most of us referred to as creepy, and it didn't get any better with age," Raoul started.
"Creepy?" Raphael chuckled. I smacked his arm (the uninjured one).
"Yes, creepy. I know it's not something you can easily imagine, but it is true nonetheless. Anyway, she was always very attached to me, something my brother warned me about. It wasn't until later when I found out that he was actually very jealous of her attachment to me because he was in love with her. He pleaded with me to make her see reason since he already knew of my dislike towards her, and I tried, but she wouldn't listen to me. I gave up when I met Anita. I had met the love of my life, and I didn't need any more unnecessary problems in my life," Raoul continued.
"So what went wrong?" my husband jumped in before the man could continue.
"Would you stop being a child and just listen?" I scowled at him.
"I am not a child," he huffed.
"The girls would disagree," I scoffed.
"The girls are bullies," he pouted.
"And you're not a child?" I raised an eyebrow, receiving a glare in return.
"Please, Raoul, do continue," I said to my father in law, who looked highly amused by the scene before him.
"My brother was killed on my one month anniversary with Anita. The police never found out how he died, or who killed him, but I did. Mariya confronted me and told me all about how she killed my brother, and how she was unfortunately pregnant with his child. She was too far along for an abortion, which is why she kept Marcia. I was going to report the crime, until she let me in on how she'd pinned my brother's death on my girlfriend. I asked what she was going on about, and that's when she further explained that she'd implicated Anita and that if the proof was ever to be released on my brother's death, it would all lead back to Anita. She's kept the proof all these years, and I know she's not bluffing because I saw it all. I've been her puppet since. I behave any way she wants me to, and I say whatever she wants me to," Raoul ended on a deep sigh.
"You did it to protect mum," Raphael whispered.
It was the first time he was acknowledging his parents as a unit, and not just his mother.
"I know she doesn't hate me, and that she wants to know why I left her, but Mariya threatened to release the evidence if I tell her. That is why you cannot tell her either. This needs to remain a secret. I need to keep the love of my life safe," Raoul pleaded.
"We wont say anything, but isn't there a way out of this?" I asked.
"I haven't thought of one. Every other plan of mine has failed," Raoul replied.
"Do you know where she's keeping the evidence?" my husband asked. Raoul stilled.
"What is it?" we both asked.
"The evidence is in the Hugo Corp building," he said the last thing we both needed to hear.
I watched as my husband's face first paled, before pure fury took over his features. I had never realized it before, but I think Raphael and Daniel's feud goes beyond business. At this thought, panic settled in me.
I was engaged to my husband's worst enemy.
It wasn't all that hard to realize that Daniel is the one person my husband cannot stand at all. I couldn't believe I'd missed the signs to begin with. I mean, like I said, I always thought that the feud was a business one, but the fact that Raoul had been so reluctant to actually reveal the destination of the evidence, I knew that he had an idea of why my husband hated Daniel.
And I needed to find out that reason.
Just as much as I needed to find a way to reveal the identity of my ex-fiancé to my husband.
"Why the hell is it there?" my husband growled. Raoul was hesitant.
"Dad," Raphael said with narrowed eyes.
"I don't actually know figlio, but that's why I didn't want to share this with you. I know how much you hate him, and I didn't want to tell you because of that," Raoul admitted.
"Why Rafe? Why do you hate Daniel so much?" I dared to ask.
"I don't want to talk about it," my husband said angrily before storming out.
"He will tell you, you know?" Raoul told me after a while of silence.
"I highly doubt it," I sighed.
"My son has never looked at anyone the same way that he looks at you. You just need to be patient with me. He may not like this, but he is like me in many ways. He is stubborn, and he is closed off. I grew up that way, and my fiancée is my light. There is no other woman for me, and without her, I would've completely lost my conscience. She's the only reason I am alive today. You are his light Aretha, and I am pretty confident that my fiancée told you the same thing," he said with a smile.
"I would hope so. I, I have a really dark secret and I know that he might hate and leave me because of it," I admitted, a tear escaping my eye.
"What is it dear?" he asked softly.
I cracked.
I told him everything about my relationship with Daniel, and to say that he was shocked would be an understatement. His reaction didn't make me feel any better about having to face my husband with the truth.
"I wish I could say that everything will be ok, but what you have just shared is not something that your husband is going to easily deal with. His hatred for Daniel is a deeply rooted one, and I really don't know how he's going to handle it. I can say that I understand where you're coming from, and what happened with you, why you made the decisions that you did. I know it doesn't mean much, but you'll always have me, especially if my son ignores you after finding out the truth. When the time comes, he will not want anything to do with you for a while, but do not take it to heart. Like I said, he is stubborn, but it does not mean he loves you any less," he explained.
"I know. I'm just dreading that time. He was away for three weeks and I almost fell apart. It will be the end of me if I lost him altogether," I replied.
"I highly doubt that he will leave you completely, no matter how stubborn he is. He needs you. I have never seen him like this before. He is at his ultimate best, and it's all thanks to you. I'm pretty sure that while the information you just shared with me will shake his world, I highly doubt it will be enough for him to leave you," he smiled, squeezing my hand.
Could I trust his opinion?
Could I really trust the opinion of the very man who my husband has spent so long hating? Could I really open myself up to having that kind of hope? The kind of hope that says that no matter what happens; Raphael and I's love can survive anything.
Could I really?
"Love will never let you down Aretha. I mean, look at me for instance. I still love Anita, even after all these years. I love her, and she still loves me, through everything," he said with a sad smile.
"Can I ask something that might upset you?" I asked, but judging from the way he sighed, I think he knew what I wanted to know.
"Only Ambrosi and Salina are mine, but I do not love Fabius, Marcia and Luigi any less, despite their clear hatred for me," he mumbled.
"Why are you pawning Salina off though?" I scowled. Surely he wouldn't do that to his only other blood child.
"What?" the colour drained from his face.
"Salina- the day you first came by, when she asked to stay, she told us that you were planning on marrying her off to some Spanish Count," I explained. The colour didn't return to his face.
"For what reason?" he whispered.
"Aren't you broke?" I asked in confusion.
"Not even close. Thanks to Fabius, the company just hit an all high record, except..." he trailed off, realization dawning on him.
"Except?" I poked.
"It all makes sense! I mean, I had my suspicions, but my son is smarter than I give him credit for. Fabius wanted to have a separate meeting with me regarding the company, and I was shocked at first, but I allowed it. He shared the news with me, and then promised me that he would share the news with Mariya. I've been wondering why she's been so on edge lately. He must've told her that we're broke because he knows the truth, or at least he knows that I was never in this marriage," he explained.
"You truly think he figured all of that out on his own?" my eyebrows shot up to my hairline.
"Fabius always looked up to Ambrosi, so it makes sense that he would adapt to his older brother's ways of doing business and handling things, though he's slightly softer than Ambrosi," he smiled. I nodded in understanding.
"Ok, so Mariya was marrying Salina off without your consent," I commented.
"The woman is vile, but I made myself very clear when Salina was born that my baby girl is off limits. She didn't even want Salina, so we agreed that Salina is my child and my child alone. For her to do this behind my back means that she not only broke our agreement, but that there's a bigger plan at play here," he pursued his lips.
"We'll get to the bottom of it. The important part is that you go back to her like you know nothing," I reminded.
"As much as it saddens me to say, I've perfected that skill," he sighed.
"Everything will come right Raoul. You will get the justice you deserve," I comforted. He looked conflicted.
"Can I ask for one more favour?" he requested after a while.
"Sure," I nodded.
"Can you perhaps invite my other children and Anita? I'd really love to see them all without that woman near me. I want them to see the real me, and I want them to know the truth," he pleaded.
"Anita is already coming. I don't know if your children will all be on board, but I can promise to most certainly try," I nodded.
"Thank you so much Aretha. I don't know how I will ever repay you," he said, tears in his eyes.
"I will never ask you for anything, so I guess I can only say when the time comes, you'll know," I smiled. A deep chuckle resonated from his chest.
"I can accept that. Well, before you call everyone else, I guess you should go and find my son," he suggested.
"Thank you for finally being brave enough to do this," I hugged him.
"We all need to move on in higher spirits," he hugged me back.
I left him and went to find my husband. Instinctively, I headed straight to our gym. It is very rare that Raphael works out here, and yet I was spot on. Gone were his clothes as he was punching away at the bag hanging from the ceiling in his briefs.
Sweat glided on every part of his body, and it was obvious to tell that he'd injected himself with very high doses of morphine (because I need to deal with that right now). I went over to him and wrapped my arms around him before he could throw a punch. He tensed for a few seconds before relaxing.
"You took a while," he commented.
"You wanted me there because you knew you wouldn't stay long enough to get all the information and you know it," I sighed, going around to face him. He surprisingly didn't look high.
"That's true," he mumbled, wrapping his arms around me.
I didn't care about the sweat.
"Did you inject yourself with morphine?" I asked him when I realized that he was scorching hot.
"No! The adrenaline made me forget the pain," he confessed.
"Rafe! You're heating up! Let me see the wound," I said as I reached for the bandage.
He didn't bother arguing with me and headed over to sit on the bench. I straddled him before gently removing the bandage. From the way his face twisted, it was obvious that the adrenaline was disappearing, and that the pain was returning.
"It looks ok, but you tore it a little," I informed.
"Can you stitch it up?" he pouted.
"I don't think I can. It grosses me out as is," I admitted, my face probably showing my disgust.
"I had no idea," he suddenly chuckled.
"You had no idea what?" I asked in confusion.
"That you hate the sight of blood," he smirked.
"It's not the sight of blood as such. It's just gory looking wounds that I can't handle," I defended.
"A bullet wound is barely gory Ari," he laughed.
"I'm glad you're enjoying my discomfort," I said before slightly squeezing the wound.
"You're evil," he winced.
"Sorry," I smirked.
"Get off of me you evil woman! Where's my father?" he asked.
"He headed downstairs. He asked me to call your siblings over. He wants to make peace with all of you. He didn't know about Salina's arranged marriage by the way," I added.
"I'm beginning to think that there's a lot more that he doesn't know. For his own safety, and ours, we need to figure out what it is that he doesn't," he scowled.
"I agree with you. Now go shower," I told him.
"Technically, you need to shower too," he pointed out. Now that I was drenched in his sweat, he had a point.
"Alright! Help me to call your siblings over, and then we'll shower together," I smiled.
"I love you," he smirked. I leaned in and kissed him.
"I love you too," I giggled when he tickled my sides.
We got to calling everyone and I requested that they bring some food over because I highly doubted that my food would be enough to feed everyone. Raphael and I took a short shower because I had to remind him that his father was waiting patiently downstairs, and that mine would be arriving in minutes.
As though I'd written it into the stars myself, at seven on the dot, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find my father and my sister there. It still feels strange to say my sister, especially after so long, but it also felt right. She'd adopted me so quickly, it was only fair for me to at least give this a shot.
"Good evening," I greeted them both before hugging them.
"Gerard?" a voice said behind me in disbelief.
"Raoul?" my father scowled.
"What are you doing here?" Raoul asked him.
"I'm here because my daughter asked me to be," my father smiled my way.
"You're kidding! Aretha is yours?" Raoul chuckled.
"She is, but Ruby hid her from me," my father said sadly.
"I'm lost here," I admitted.
"Princess, I didn't only agree to marry you off to Raphael because of the reasons your sister told you, but also because he's Raoul's son. Raoul and I were best friends before he went off the hinges, though his presence here suggests that you know why he went off the hinges. I'm interested in finding out," my father said, staring straight at my father in law.
"You will learn everything tonight, and then we'll have our own meeting because God knows you're going to put a number on me," Raoul grimaced at the very thought.
"I look forward to it," my father smirked.
"Daddy," I smacked his arm, giggling.
"What? I've had to spend twenty seven years without my best friend because he was stupid enough to think that I couldn't help him out of whatever mess the devil has him in," my father replied.
It's not that hard to figure out who the devil is.
"Is it me, or is our world becoming smaller by the second? Who knew that our fathers were best friends?" my husband announced as he walked into the lobby.
"Right? You guys were meant to be together. It was written in the stars before you even met," my sister beamed. I could only blush.
"I remember the days when the two of you planned how you were going to marry off your kids to each other," a new voice joined us. We all turned to face a teary eyed Anita, but she only had her eyes on Raoul.
"Mi amore," he whispered, tears in his own eyes.
And just like that, the rest of us disappeared from their world.
"How about we head over to the dining room?" I asked my father and sister as my husband ushered his parents to a place where they could talk.
The rest of the Maestri siblings arrived minutes later, food in hand. We set up the table, and they were under the impression that their father hadn't arrived yet, so we didn't ruin it for them as they prepared themselves to face him.
"How am I supposed to face him after what they did to me?" Salina scowled. I was about to reply, when the man of the moment beat me to it.
"I would never marry my daughter off to someone she doesn't want to marry," Raoul said passionately.
"Padre," Salina gasped.
"I had no idea mia figlia. I had no idea what she did," Raoul said. The siblings followed his hand and found it clasped to Anita's.
"I'm so confused right now," Luigi admitted.
"I understand, which is why I asked Aretha to get you all here. It is about high time that you all learn the truth about everything," Raoul sighed.
"Like the true identity of all our parents?" Fabius asked. Raoul nodded.
"Ambrosi, Ralph and Salina are my only biological children, but I do not love Fabius, Marcia and Luigi any less," Raoul stated firmly.
"What?" Marcia whispered, tears shimmering in her eyes.
"Your father, Marcia, is my dead brother who your mother killed. He was in love with her, but she's only ever set her eyes on me, except my heart has always been and will always be with Anita, Ambrosi and Ralph's mother. Luigi, as you know, joined our family when my sister's husband abandoned them when he was a baby and I promised her that I would treat him as my own. As far as I know, Fabius' father is Rocco, Mariya's dead cousin. Yes, Fabius is the result of an incestuous relationship, but I stress again that I do not love you any less figlio. I would never have given any of you my last name if I didn't love you. I hate Mariya, but you are my children, and my hatred for her does not reflect on you," Raoul explained.
Tears streamed down the faces of the females in the room, my own included.
"She has something over you, doesn't she? I always found it strange how differently you would act when she wasn't around, and yet you were a monster when she was. I grew up thinking that you're the most two faced person I know, and it never registered to me that someone was possibly making you that way," Marcia sniffed.
"She does have something over me. As I mentioned, she killed my brother, but she framed Anita while doing so, except only she has that evidence. I've seen it, and it's legit. She's basically threatened me into staying with her, with the threat of releasing the evidence and having Anita put away for a crime she didn't commit," Raoul replied angrily. Anita gently squeezed his hand, and it was amazing to see the love between them, despite everything that had already happened.
"You didn't want to have children with her," my sister realized.
"I didn't since children would attach me to her, but again, she forced my hand with Salina, except when my baby girl was born, she wanted nothing to do with her. Salina had stolen my heart from the moment I lay eyes on her, so we agreed that Salina would be mine alone," Raoul said.
"I always knew that I wasn't your son, but I also knew that you didn't treat me differently because of it, which is why I didn't refuse when you asked for my help with Maestri Industries. When I found out that we'd struck gold, I told you, but I told Mariya a different story. When Lina told us about the arranged marriage, I knew it was her doing. She looked panicked enough when I told her that the company is bankrupt. I always knew that there's something off about the woman, despite her being my mother. She never once acted like a mother. Anita is our mother because she raised all of us," Fabius said, smiling at my emotional mother in law.
"It takes a certain type of woman to not only love a man through that much, but to love children that are not her own and raise them as though they are," a new voice joined us. I was surprised to find Florencia there with my very frail looking grandmother.
"Anita and Aretha were made from the same branch," my grandmother smiled.
"What are you guys doing here?" my husband asked, helping to get my grandmother seated.
"When Anita told me that my son was finally coming to his senses, I knew I had to be there. There's nothing as heartbreaking as seeing your child go through something that you have no control over," Florencia said, looking sadly at her son.
"Madre, I'm sorry," Raoul said shamefacedly.
"Oh figlio, I know you are. Now come here so that I can hug you. It's been twenty years," Florencia said, tears streaming down her face.
It was touching to watch the reunion between mother and son, and emotions were generally just running really high at that moment. The siblings ended up sharing a hug, and before I knew it, we were all hugging.
"So, how are we going to handle Mariya?" my sister asked. I was surprised that she even wanted in on this.
And I wasn't the only one.
"Don't give me that look ok? I've missed out on a lot with this family, and now that my sister knows about me, it means it is safe to say that everyone in this room is my family. I always help my family," she explained.
"Well then, that means I'm in too," my father smiled.
"Good, because we're going to need all the help we can get. Daniel Hugo is proving to be a greater pest than I originally thought," my husband said, annoyance lacing his tone.
"Daniel? What does he have to do with anything?" Luigi asked in confusion.
"Well, besides being the number one suspect behind the Maestri shutdown three weeks back, the evidence against mum is in Hugo Corp," my husband explained.
"Why would it be there of all places?" Marcia turned to Raoul.
"That part I do not know, but that's what bringing you all in is about. I have tried for years to sort this out, and I have failed. However, I believe that with the people in this room, we are powerful enough to find out everything we need to know," Raoul explained.
"Joel, Malia and Rhonda have to be brought in," Salina piped up.
"That much goes without saying. In fact, they should be here right now since they're family as well," Marcia said.
I took out my phone and texted them to come over. The three of them arrived in minutes and we filled them in on everything. They were shocked about what they learned, but they were definitely on board with helping where they can.
Once we'd dealt with all the secrets that needed to come to light, we enjoyed dinner as a family. I inwardly laughed at how this was meant to be a small dinner, and yet it turned out to be the best because it was greater in size.
By the time everyone had left, I was certifiably exhausted, and it was obvious that my husband was feeling the exact same way. Rhonda had managed to stitch his wound up since she'd taken up nursing in the past.
"Are you ok cara mia?" my husband asked once we'd settled in bed.
"I honestly don't know. I'm tired, but everything else is on high alert. I'm afraid Rafe. I'm afraid for our family," I admitted.
"I know, me too, but we need to trust the security team I employed ok? I bought out the whole company, so every one of our family members is constantly protected, whether or not they are aware of it," he sighed.
"Even Rhonda?" I looked up at him.
"I wouldn't want any harm to come to my godchild or their mother mia moglie," he smirked.
"She asked you?" I asked wide-eyed.
"I was just as shocked as you are, trust me, but she said that this way, we'd always be forced to be in each other's lives because this baby connects us," he chuckled.
"That's my best friend for you," I giggled.
"I can't wait for us to have our own little ones," he sighed, his mood suddenly changing.
My heart pained at the look on his face. I know that I can have kids, despite the abuse I withstood in the past. I guess it was just a case of timing for Raphael and I, because I know how badly he wants me to be pregnant already.
"It will happen at the right time mio marito. Everything happens according to God's plan," I reminded.
"I know, and now that I think about it, perhaps you being pregnant right now is a good thing, with the danger looming and all. I think I'd give myself a heart attack if I had one more thing to worry about," he scowled.
"And not forgetting the high chance of the baby not making it because of the constant stress I'm currently under," I added.
"So we agree that right now is not a good time to have a baby?" he asked. I nodded.
"I want to have your kids Rafe, but only once this danger has been dealt with," I said.
"Does that mean we have to have protected sex now?" he groaned.
"Yep! Sucks for you," I giggled.
"Why does it suck for me alone? You don't think it wont be less pleasurable for you?" he asked amusedly.
"I didn't think about it like that, and neither do I want to, so goodnight Raphael," I mumbled, resulting in a deep chuckle from him.
"Goodnight mi amore. I love you," he said before kissing my forehead.
"I love you too," I whispered, kissing his chest, before I gave into the fatigue that was overwhelming me.
I couldn't understand what was going on when I woke up the following day to the sound of the shower going. My husband wasn't beside me, and when I checked the time, I was even more confused to find that it was four in the morning.
"Good morning sleepy head. Up you go!" he said as he walked out of the steamy bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.
"Where am I going?" I asked, fighting the arousal that was threatening to take over me at the sight of the Adonis before me.
"It's Tuesday, so I'm going to go with work, or have you forgotten that we run a company together?" he smirked sexily.
"Of course I haven't forgotten. I just didn't know that we were heading back today," I admitted.
"Well, we can't hide from our enemies. I say we show them that we're stronger than ever, and that they have nothing on us," he argued.
"They shot you," I countered.
"Ok true, but we still can't hide Ari. That's what they want. They know that without us at the company, our business will fail, and working from home isn't an option either. We can't cause unnecessary panic," he pointed out.
"Alright, I'm on board, despite my worry. How are you going to explain Bianca's absence though?" I asked.
"I've never needed to explain myself to anyone, and I'm not going to start now. Katherine has volunteered to be my PA in the meantime," he informed.
"And you agreed?" I asked amusedly. He and my sister have the weirdest relationship.
"She challenges me even more than Bianca, but in a good way, and she knows what she's talking about. She's the only person I know who could even keep up to Bianca's standards," he explained.
"Careful now. I might just believe that you're falling in love with my little sister," I teased.
"Never! I'm a happily married man, and she's too young for me," he chuckled.
"Good thing you started with being happily married," I mumbled.
"You're the only one for me Aretha Maestri," he said before leaning down and landing a hot one on me.
"Now go and get ready. I'll pick out your outfit," he smirked.
Nodding dumbly, I walked to the bathroom and got ready. When I walked out, the bed was made and my chosen outfit was on it. It was a black dress, paired with a turquoise blazer, strapped heels and accessories. He even picked out a matching handbag and underwear.
I got dressed and packed the stuff I would need into my handbag. I passed by the study, and my thoughts were confirmed when I found that he'd already taken our laptop bags down. I got downstairs and was instantly hit with the smell of coffee. I found him setting out muffins, croissants, a fruit salad and cereal.
He looked dashing in his all black suit and turquoise shirt. If there's one thing I've learnt about my husband, it is that he likes us better when we're matching. It has everything to do with the image he believes we portray when we appear to be on the same page.
"Before you even say anything, don't forget that it's our thing," he smirked.
Ah yes, he's also made it 'our thing'.
"I wasn't even going to comment since I already know," I giggled.
"Good! Eat up so that we can get to the office quicker," he smiled, handing me my cup of coffee.
I'd missed this; having breakfast with him before we go into work for a hectic day. I knew it would be hectic since this week we were preparing for the gallery launch. My husband may have been away, but that did not mean that company operations stopped.
"Oh shoot!" I slapped my forehead.
"Do I even want to know why you just murdered your poor forehead?" he raised an eyebrow at me.
"I knew there was something I was forgetting, and it's too late now," I groaned.
"What is it?" he chuckled.
"I forgot to cancel the catering order for the foundation gala," I informed.
"Why would you cancel it?" he frowned.
"You don't think it's a bad idea to have the gala tomorrow night, and then the gallery launch this weekend?" I asked.
"Why would it be a bad idea? They are two different events and I doubt the one will take away from the other. If anything, they'll attract the same people and then some. Besides, everyone loves a good Maestri party, and we're giving them two in one week," he shrugged.
"I wish I could smack you for your nonchalance," I admitted.
"I'm wounded cara mia, especially since I took so much effort in making sure that everything for the gallery is ready," he smirked.
"What do you mean? I still have to finalize things," I asked in confusion.
"No you don't. Everything has been organized. The artworks arrived from Argentina last night. When I heard you were having troubles getting them this side, I knew I had to help," he smiled.
Have I mentioned that I have the greatest husband in the world?
"You're amazing," I said after kissing him.
"Only because my wife makes me amazing. Without her, I'm dull," he pouted.
"Too bad she's Superwoman without you," I joked.
"The sad part is how true that is," he chuckled.
"I'm barely superwoman Rafe," I blushed.
"The articles on you would beg to differ, and I'm pretty sure our employees feel the same. Speaking of work, we need to get going. I'd like to avoid the astonished looks from my presence, at least until lunch time," he huffed.
"You're going to hide in your office?" I giggled.
"Pretty much," he shrugged with a smile.
"Chicken much?" I teased.
"Me? Never!" he said dramatically, a hand to his heart.
"Let's go," I laughed.
We took the Bentley, with me driving, and the familiar black SUVs escorting us. It's definitely something that I wont be getting used to any time soon, but I know is absolutely necessary; at least until the danger is eliminated.
We reached the building at half past five and there were only three other cars in the parking lot. Only one security SUV followed us, and they parked in my parking spot since my husband and I took one car.
We headed into the practically empty building, and I could see the genuine relief on my husband's face at the vacancy of the place. He really didn't feel like facing anyone, or at least not yet, which made me laugh since he looked pretty nervous for someone who 'has never needed to explain himself to anyone'.
"What's funny?" he looked down at me as we headed up.
"Just seeing you so nervous, when an hour ago you were confident that no one had to question you on anything," I replied amusedly.
"I'm just thinking about how everyone will react to me being back since they had to deal with a changed you," he argued, causing a scowl to grace my face.
I hadn't thought of that.
"I'm sure you still don't owe anyone an explanation," I said.
"True, but my showing up with a sling around my arm isn't exactly going to better their trail of thoughts now will it?" he countered.
"It's still none of their business Rafe," I sighed.
"Coming from the woman who told me that I should be nicer to my employees," he raised an eyebrow.
"Being nice doesn't mean you have to have tea with all of them and tell them what's going on in your life. You can still be nice while being a private person. The two don't correlate in any way," I pointed out. A slow smile appeared on his face.
"And this is why you're my wife," he said before kissing me.
It's safe to say that his nerves had been calmed.
Despite that, he didn't show his face the entire day, and it was the same story the following day. Since he'd told my sister not to go into his office a lot, people were still under the impression that he's still not back.
Ladies and gentlemen, the world's greatest and weirdest husband.
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ELO SMURFLETTES!!!
And so you have the truth about Mariya, but what's her connection to Daniel? I hope this chappie was good for you guys!
Thank you so much for the support! Let's get this story past #5 in General Fiction!
Please continue to vote, comment, share, add to your libraries and follow. I love you guys!
Katee (^^,)