Chapter 17

17 BUSTED LUKE’S POV Daring the night, the rain fell heavily, creating a nice and soothing sound, and this was indeed a remarkable moment.

1 was settling down on my couch, eating brownies, and watching a basketball match. Harriet sat close to me, leaning her head on my shoulder, and her hand was right on my chest. She wasn’t the type who was actually interested in sports stuff and all that, but she decided to watch this one all because of me.

As soon as the game was over, Harriet turned off the television, and I couldn’t help but give her an unfriendly look. She smiled at me, hoping the expression on my face would change. But little did she know that she was just fooling herself.

I gestured for her to turn the television back on, but she refused, shaking her head. I wanted to snatch the remote from her, but then she drew her hands backward. A glare was directed at this lady before I grabbed the remote.

I turned the television back on, with a lot of thoughts stirring around in my mind. One was about that good–for–nothing goofball, Ariel. The latest moments spent with her and how she just made me look like a fool.

Then the second was about this girlfriend of mine, whom Riley accused of treating her terribly. And then there was my grandfather, who was probably still in shock after that horrendous episode. Life could get really dark sometimes, but I have to say, I needed things to brighten me up once again.

“So, Harriet, I need to know something,” I said, with my eyes still fixed on the television.

“Okay, what is that?” Harriet asked slowly, probably thinking of the question I was about to throw at her.

And if she had some senses, her mind would reveal to her a hint.

morning, Riley told me go I fixed my eyes on her; my gaze was know what I’m talking about.

still normal, and the glare had not yet risen. “Earlier this and it was literally not good news. I believe you already Harriet looked so stupefied, and I could sense the fear arising within her.

“Now tell me, Harriet,” I uttered after a deep sigh. “What have you been doing to Riley while I was not around?”

Harriet looked at me. I could see that terror had captured her; her senses had fled away, but she had to quickly come back to reality. “Why are you asking me this, Luke? What did that girl tell you?”

“As a matter of fact, she told me that you have been treating her badly whenever I wasn’t around. To the point that you even refused to let her eat on several occasions.”

“That’s a lie!” Harriet defended herself instantly. “Why the hell would I want to do that to someone? Do I look like a heartless person to you?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” Her tone was mixed with mazes and spleens.

་

“One thing I know is that Riley is not the type of person who lies. Her words are always true; everybody knows that.”

“So, what are you trying to say?” Harriet didn’t waste any time attacking me. “That I’m the one who’s lying here, right?”

I wore a stolid face, not wanting to say anything until she was done with her lunacy, which she seemed to have just begun.

“Look, Luke, I don’t know what’s gotten into your head these past few days, but you need to stop! Your cousin told you that, and you believed her–believed her over me.”

“Like I’ve told you before, Riley would never lie.”

“But I think you’ve seen her true colors today, right? She’s nothing but a liar!”

“You better keep your voice down,” I cautioned her in a frosty tone.

“No, Luke, because I need to put an end to this!” She stood up, glaring at me, and I just kept my eyes on the television.

“Well then, go ahead,” I told her casually, increasing the volume of the television.

“Your attitude towards me lately is the total opposite of nice and romantic,” she spat. “I’ve noticed that, Luke. You’ve just been acting strange for some days now. You barely talk to me, don’t give me your attention, and get angry at me easily.”

As she voiced all of this, I was busy giving my attention to the movie. I had no idea why the television wasn’t loud enough to prevent me from hearing what she was blurting out.

“Are you even listening to me?” Harriet queried, her anger clear in her voice.

“I was just waiting for you to finish whatever you were saying.” I looked at her. “Are you done?

“I have no words for you,” she said softly, slowly shaking her head. With a tone as sad as that, her words would have struck me hard. But I had to leave no room for that.

One of the maids was walking to the kitchen, so I called for her, gesturing for her to come.

“Yes, sir, how may I help you?” The maid asked politely the moment she approached me.

“I just want you to give me simple answers to my questions.” I glanced at Harriet but focused my eyes back on the maid. “Can you promise to say nothing but the truth?”

“Yes, sir, I promise.”

“Good.” I nodded and then looked at Harriet. She turned her face away, scowling.

I turned back to the mhis The maid glanced at Harriet and then focused her attention back on me. And with that action, I had already jumped to a conclusion.

“So, Riley told me that Harriet has been mistreating her when I’m not around. Is this true?”

The maid looked at Harriet again and then lowered her gaze. Perturbation was written all over her countenance.

“There’s no need to be scared, alright?” I said it loudly. “Who is your boss around here?”

“You are, sir,” the maid answered instantly.

“Good, I would like an answer to my question. Does Harriet mistreat Riley when I’m not around?”

“Yes, sir, she does.”

I looked at Harriet with a chuckle. “Is she also lying?”

Harriet didn’t answer me. Her arms were crossed, and she had her gaze fixed in another direction. She was steaming up, and the same goes for me right here.

I turned to the maid once again. “How long has this been going on?”

“I don’t know, sir, but I think it should be about two to three weeks.”

“Wow, and Riley kept all of this to herself?” I was quite surprised. Two weeks was enough for someone to leave the house after receiving such harsh treatment. Oh wait, I forgot–I once had a wife who put up with me for three good years.

“Tell me now, Harriet. Why do you have to do such a thing? She’s still young, you know. Since you are my woman, you are supposed to be a hero to Riley, not a villain. So tell me the reason for your actions. I’m listening.”

“Riley caught her having sex with a guy in your house,” the maid chimed in.

17 BUSTED ****

ふく G “Say what now?”

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