*Kiara*
I continued to weep bitterly while my shoulders trembled violently. I could feel bitter and grieved in my heart as if I have gulped down a cup of broadleaf holly leaf tea mixed with vinegar. “So, what are you saying now, Kiara? You're leaving me?” Henry questioned, his voice was quite distant as if his words were floating in the air, vanishing in the wind. I gradually lifted my head to look at his face, which had pulled extremely long in the gloomy and cold air, “Henry, I can't keep the truth away from you forever,” I told him and I watch as the muscles on his face shook as he smiled horribly, “So what now? You're canceling our engagement and go meet your boss lover?” he raised his voice slightly, but I didn't flinch, more tears just kept streaming down my cheeks. “I never agreed to the engagement, Henry,” I choked on sobs. Suddenly, he jumped to his feet, looking enraged, “I love you, Kiara, I love you and I always respect decisions. But is this how you're going to repay all my kindness?” he had lost his temper and exploded with rage. It was like a hurricane was forming in his eyes, he had never lost his cool like this.
Taking note of what to do, I went on my both knees and began, “Believe me, Henry, I appreciate all that you've done for me and if I were not in love with someone else, then I would gladly accept to be your woman forever” I paused to catch my breath then continued, “I don't want to be in a loveless relationship with you, Henry, you deserve someone better. Please, I'm begging you, for Aiden's sake, just let me go” I cried out, allowing my tears to roll down my cheeks freely. His deep black eyes were devoid of emotion and without saying a single word, he stormed off. I curled up into a ball and wept more and more, cursing my bitter life under my breath. Moments later, I didn't know how long I sat there, but when I couldn't get more tears from falling, I stood up and left for Aiden's room, where I left my cell. I dialed his number directly, peeking at the wall clock to know if it wasn't too late. Thankfully, he picked up at the second ring and his frantic voice spoke up before I could think of what to say, “What happened, Kiara? I've been expecting your call for a while now. How was it? Did he do anything rash? Has he sent you out of his house?” he asked a series of questions in a breath, and I couldn't help the small smile that emerged on my lips.
“There's nothing of such, Alexander, so calm down” I ensured, and I could hear him sigh in relief at the end of the line. “So, what? He can't possibly keep you after learning that you still love the father of your child?” I released a deep sigh and sank ruefully to a couch in Aiden's room. “You see, I'm confused. I narrated everything to him from the beginning. I mean, without leaving any stone unturned, but he seemed not to be convinced. He was asking about our engagement,” I said into the phone, “What engagement? Is he out of his mind?” His yelling voice blasted into my ear and I almost cringe, “Calm down, Alexander, I'll find another better way to make him understand” I said calmly, “No, Kiara, he wouldn't listen, I'm sure of it just anticipate me tomorrow morning, goodnight” he hung up directly, without allowing me the chance to protest. Another round of tears filled my eyes, as I stared at my phone screen, “It's all my fault, I caused everything” I sobbed, dipping my fingers into my hair.
The following morning,
I was awoken by the tiny ray of the morning sun that permeated into the room and lingered on my face. I lowered my head slightly to see Aiden's sleeping face, facing my belly. Smiling sweetly at this younger-looking Alexander, I brushed off the strings of his hair from his face and then kissed his forehead. I crawled out of the bed afterward and proceeded to the bathroom to prepare his bath. However, a sudden loud commotion from outside ceased my movement, and it was then I realized Alexander's words from last night that he would be coming to this place this morning. With my heart in my mouth, I scrambled to the other end of the room to look out of the window. And to my surprise, there were a lot of guards surrounding the gate and some of them were exchanging words with someone from outside. I couldn't see the person's face clearly, but I presumed it was Alexander.
Without a moment's hesitation, I hurried out of the room. Passed through the zigzag staircase and to the front door of the villa, where my movement came to a sudden halt by the sight of the figure standing there. He unhurriedly turned around to look at me, his face expressionless and hard to read, “Where are you going in your night robe, Kiara?” he asked in an extremely quiet voice. I swallowed hard twice, looking in the direction of the gate, “I have a guest” I responded breathlessly, looking from his face to the gate from time to time, “Whoa, then tell your guest to come inside” he retorted blandly, tucking his hands in his trouser pocket. He has all dressed for work already, “Your guards are not letting him in, can't you see it?” I almost yelled, glaring at him with a gush of coldness surging in my heart. “Then that only means that he's not welcome here, don't you understand?” he evaluated, staring at my face with his brows lifted. “This doesn't make any sense, Henry, just let him in and listen to what he has to say first” I requested, my voice trembling inexplicably.
“I wouldn't have done that when he used to be my guest,” he said flatly, and then grabbed my arms. “Let's go in now,” he said in a deep musky voice and then dragged me inside immediately. “What are you doing, Henry? Let go of me now” I shrieked, wriggling my arm from his grasp. “Go get ready, I'll be waiting for you downstairs” he notified, “Why? What do you want?” I questioned gloomily, glaring right into his eyes, “I'll drop you, so get ready” he proclaimed and turned away immediately, “What?” I muttered, not knowing what kind of trick he has got under his sleeves. “You don't have to do that, Henry, remember I still have to drop Aiden at school,” I told him in my delicate voice. He turned around to look at me, his lips were curled up in a mocking and sarcastic smile, “Yes, Kiara, we'll do that first" with that, he walked away. I felt like collapsing with shock as I watch his retreating figure. What could he possibly be scheming now?
I placed a call through Alexander as soon I got back inside Aiden's room, “Hello, Alexander, are you okay?” I asked frantically, pacing the length of the room. “Yes, Kiara. His guards refused to let me in, insisting I book an appointment with him first before I can see him” he explained, and I could tell from the atmosphere that he was driving. “Then let's do that, he didn't even allow me to come out earlier to see you. I'm getting fed up, Alexander. I have no idea what he's plotting now” I said with an exasperated sigh. “No, Kiara, don't be fed up. We can do this, babe, and I'm sure everything will be alright soon” he let out persuasively, and I could only nod in affirmative as if he could see me. “Don't you think I made a mistake by not calling him before coming to his house directly?” he asked, “Hmm… That's true. So will you call him first?” I asked, too, standing in front of the dressing mirror. “Yes, I'll do that immediately after I drop this call. How's my son?” he inputted. I tilted my head to the bed and smiled, “He's not awake yet, but I'll go wake him now to prepare him for school” I responded, my gaze sweeping back and forth around Aiden's face. “Okay, babe. Let me call him now,” he hung up immediately, and I heaved a deep sigh then proceeded toward Aiden's bed.
Aiden and I were together in the same car while Henry and his guards kept on our tail. “Mommy, when are we going to start living with daddy?” Aiden suddenly asked, and I swiftly darted my eyes toward my new driver to know if he wasn't listening, “Aiden, be a good boy at school and don't pick a fight with anybody” I advised, framing his cute little face in my hands, obviously trying to change the subject, “Yes, mommy, I won't pick a fight” he answered obediently. I smiled sweetly at him and leaned over to kiss his forehead, “I love you, mommy” my heart gladdened, “I love you more, sweetheart” a few moments later, we arrived at Aiden's elementary school and waved to him bye. The car took off immediately, and I subconsciously glanced back to see Henry still trailing behind me. I felt a tight knot twisted in my chest as I couldn't decipher what in the world he could be planning by following me around. However, whatever It is, I can never choose him over Alexander. Alexander is the one I love from the bottom of my heart, I've never felt so drawn to another man in my entire life except him. Releasing a painful sigh, as I leaned against the seat, I just hope Henry realizes this soon and lets me be with the man I love.
I sauntered around the boutique, walking from the female compartment to the males and watching how the buyers shopped with interest and satisfied smiles on their faces. This brought a smile to my face, but the smile was unstable as my heart seemed to be filled with mixed feelings of emotions. I suddenly stood rooted in a spot, peeking at every nook and cranny in the boutique. I know for sure that Henry would take everything from me once I leave him. Suddenly, my gaze flickered toward the surging of the entrance and I stared at the tall and strong figure that appeared at the entrance with a cold expression. Nobody could tell what was in his mind, he was just used to being calm and indifferent. I just stood there motionlessly as if I were meditating quietly and meditating. Right then, he looked over at me and his lips lifted in a wide grin. I trotted toward him and grabbed one of his hands and headed to the office.
“I never expected you to be here,” I told him as soon as we both arrived in my office, “Yes, just coming back from his office and I thought I should come here first,” he said with a grin, his teeth dazzling in my face. “Tell me something, what did he say?” I asked keenly, searching his face. “Hmm…” he began, buckling my waist and pulling me onto his chest. “Well, I'm so glad you two haven't gotten married yet, it wouldn't have been so easy,” he said, picking a strand of my hair and twiddling at it with his fingertip. I just watched his face in silence, waiting for his next words, “I was able to convince him with my words, and he seemed to agree with me immediately” he dropped the news and my face lit up instantly, “Are you serious?” I asked with a beam and he nodded vigorously. However, recalling his actions from this morning, the smile on my face could no longer continue. “Are you sure, Alexander? Did you tell him I'll be leaving his place?” I interrogated, feeling anxious. “Sure babe, that was the major reason for my visit, isn't it?” he lifted my chin up to look at his smiling face, “You have nothing to worry about, Kiara, we've talked things out as a man to man. So, I'll come to pick you up tomorrow morning,” he said, and then hugged me, pecking my hair slightly.