Chapter Five

"Don't worry, you'll meet him soon." DJ assured. He couldn't remind her that he hadn't spoken to or seen his brother in a very long time. He didn't have a good relationship with his family. He thought he would tell her, but later.

Ashley peeled her eyes on him, watching him intently. She wanted to read his reaction to the question she was going to ask next.

"Was I good girlfriend to you?"

DJ grinned. Contentment brightened his gaze. "You are the very absolute best girlfriend ever! In all my dating years, I've never met someone like you." There was pride in his voice. Pride and love. So much love.

"I'm the happiest to have you back." He stood up from the settee and moved to the bed. He knelt before her and took her hand in his. Staring into her eyes, he poured out his heart. "I love you Ashley."

She stilled. His confession a huge surprise. "I don't know what to say."

He smiled, his eyes never left hers. "It's fine. Take your time. Take all the time you need. I don't mind courting you all over again. I'll get to do it twice." He teased.

Ashley smiled at him hesitantly. He looked too happy and in love. She hoped she returned his love before and could return it now.

She was beginning to feel exhausted. Her head ached slightly and she winced. DJ didn't miss her discomfort.

"Are you alright?" Concern adorned his voice.

She nodded, her hand went up and gently massaged her temple.

"It's enough talking for today. We could do this some other time. Right now, I think you should rest." He helped her lift her legs onto the mattress. He tucked her in to sleep.

"I'll visit tomorrow." He kissed her forehead before leaving.

"How is she?" Knox worried voice welcomed DJ as he descended down the stairs.

"She's resting now. I'll visit again tomorrow." I need to take my leave now." DJ said.

DJ paused, approached Knox with a sullen face. "Thank you. Thank you for bringing her back. Thank you for letting me see her." DJ was so close to tears.

Knox nodded. He said nothing. Before now, he wouldn't have let DJ talk to Ashley. Today, he had to and he had his reasons.

★★★★★★★★

Back at the Leon household, a debate on the burial rites of Lilian was being discussed.

"Lillian is still missing. It's been months! Months! And we still haven't found her body. I don't even have the remains of my dear wife. How cruel!" Bruce lamented. His palmed his face to express his hurt and frustration.

Rachel moved close to him, placed a hand on his shoulders. Patting him, she tried to comfort him.

"I can't believe such a disaster would befall my sister." Just like Bruce, she faked her grief.

After killing Lillian, they had arranged for her car to be driven into the river. It was a very detailed planned accident that no one suspected. The report was that Lillian's body must have drowned in the river. Search parties were sent out in search of her but nothing had been found.

"We'll have to arrange for a small procession for her." Mr Fox said.

"Even without a body?" Bruce jerked up in alarm.

"A burial without a body! Such a terrible thing to befall someone. Her wickedness caught up with her even in death. Else, why would such a horrible thing happen to her? Mrs Fox remarked. She was unable to hide her hatred towards Lillian even in death.

"We are left with no choice. We would have to make a press release regarding the unfortunate incident. There's nothing much we can do. I think we should get on with this matter so everyone can move on with their lives." Mr Fox wanted to move on from this. He never really liked Lillian and he didn't care what happened to her. The charade of being so concerned for Lillian's safety was wearing him out.

Bruce and Rachel were exceptionally pleased at the turnout of events. No one suspected that they had anything to do with it. Everything was going according to plan.

"I guess we would have to suspend the gala night when you take over the company." It was Bruce's father, Daniel Leon who spoke. "It'll give us time to plan a good burial for Lillian. It's the least we can do."

"Why do you need to do that?" Mrs Fox shrieked. "I don't think you need to do that. We can instead put a hold on the burial until after the gala. That would even afford the search parties more time to look for her."

Ever since Mrs Fox discovered the secret relationship between Rachel and Bruce, she had been their biggest supporter. She knew what her daughter stood to gain if she ended up with Bruce. And inadvertently, she would benefit from it too. She can't let that silly dead girl ruin her daughter's life. Not while she was alive and not while she was dead.

"I think you're right mom." Rachel supported. "We have to let people know that Bruce is capable of doing what needs to be done even in dire circumstances. We can't let a matter such as this disrupt the company's event." Rachel quickly added. She didn't want any more delay in Bruce taking over the company. Once he assumed his position, then they could be together.

"I think Rachel is right dear." Mrs Leon urged her husband. "We have been planning this event for a long time now. The invites have already been sent. It won't be good for our image if we cancel the gala for reasons we can't yet disclose."

"And what would we say when they begin to ask for Bruce's wife?" Mr Leon raised his concern. "It would not tell well for our image if Bruce is all alone. A single man is deemed irresponsible in our business. The board will have a problem with our son taking over."

"May I suggest something?"

Every head in the room turned to Mrs Fox as she continued. "No one knows about Lillian's death. And many people do not even know Lillian personally. If someone else should stand in as Bruce's wife, no one would know."

"What are you trying to say?" Mr Leon asked impatiently.

"What I'm saying is that. Let Rachel take Lillian's place. Let Rachel play the role of Bruce's wife at the gala." She spoke with great care and uncertainty, weighing their countenance on how they judged her suggestion.

"That is not a bad idea. What do you say dear?" Mrs Leon inquired from her husband.

"But…" Mr Leon tried to speak.

Mrs Leon turned to her husband. "I don't think you should think too hard about it. Rachel is a darling. She is exquisite and charming. She will make a good wife for Bruce."

Mrs Fox thought to cement her suggestion with the final blow.

"We could get them married tomorrow."

Bruce and Rachel exchanged looks. A smile of accomplishment graced their lips. They had succeeded. Or so they thought.