CHAPTER 9: CRAZY THOUGHT

“What?" Sloane asked in a genuinely concerned tone. “What happened?"

“The thing is, this place was sold off a while ago. I should have moved out before now. But I wasn't able to do so because of money."

There was no immediate response from Sloane. She could not tell why this had to happen now. But at the same time, she would not be able to fold her hands and do nothing about the situation.

“Are you…still there?” Carlo asked her.

"Hmm,” she exhaled heavily. "Yes, I am.”

"Sorry that I've brought you into this,” he said. "It's not supposed to be your problem. It's just that I need help."

“Can you wait till morning? Will that be too heavy to ask? I will pick you up tomorrow morning. I mean you will move in with me here."

A satisfying grin crossed his lips. He was hitting the hammer right on the perfect spot he wanted on the nail.

“Yes, yes," he replied. “That will be so amazing. Thank you so much. Thank you."

“It's fine," Sloane replied. “Please, I have to go now. See you tomorrow."

“Have a good—"

Carlo was not even done with the rest of the goodnight wishes before the call beeped in his ear. The line was dead. She hung up already.

“Hello," he said and looked at the phone's screen. The call was over.

Carlo spent his time trying to find any piece of information that would be helpful about Sloane. He was busy on his phone when his friend, Dave, arrived.

Both men exchanged pleasantries. Dave could see the traces of excitement on the face of Carlo.

“What's with the excitement I see?" Dave asked him as they sat down. “You seem kind of energised."

Of course, he was. Carlo rubbed his hands together as he tried to explain the situation to Dave.

“Hmm," he exhaled heavily. “Okay, man. Here's the thing. I will be away from this house till further notice."

Dave had a puzzled look on his face. He had no idea what Carlo was trying to say.

“Are you going back already?"

Carlo shook his head and leaned forward. “I'm moving in with Sloane."

The statement was heavy in the ears of Dave.

“What the heck, man? You are trying to pull my legs right now."

Carlo got up and shook his head. "Come on, man. You know me too well. You know I'm not playing around.”

Dave cocked his hair. "What has gotten into you, Carlo? What's all this about? You can't do that."

“Why? Why can't I?"

“Do you know how you sound?" Dave queried him.

Carlo grinned and replied, “A moron, I know. But I'm doing it, anyway."

Dave shot up to his feet. “You are a man for goodness' sake. Why would you even want to do that when you have a luxurious mansion like this one?"

Carlo took a step closer to Dave and began to gesticulate as he spoke.

“That's exactly the point, man. We both know she has no idea who I am. If she figures out who I am too quickly, she may not be as free as she is right now."

"Carlo, I don't see this ending well. You barely know this woman.”

Carlo smiled. "Yes, that's right. But I think I've known her a bit to think she's the one for me. Besides, we are already married.”

"By accident, mate!" Dave pointed it out for him. “You guys got married because you chose to shut up when you were supposed to speak up.”

Carlo was mute for a moment. He tried to process what Dave was saying.

Dave was only looking out for Carlo. He had his fears.

"Listen to me, Carlo. I get it. You think you feel something for this woman. Well, Sloane Wentworth is a gorgeous woman. And I think she's different from the rest of her family. Perhaps, you feel something for her. It may be genuine. But man, you kicked it off with lies. And you have to tell more lies to keep it going. In what universe do you think Sloane will keep mute about this whole thing if she figures out you lied?”

Carlo thought about everything for a moment. But he refused to let Dave kill what was still trying to nurture to life.

He smiled and said, “I understand you, man. I will come clean, eventually. But at the moment, I need to pack a few things."

He paused and had a rethink. Then, he shook his head.

“I don't have to pack anything. I already told her I was evicted from my little apartment. So, I have to play along."

Dave gave up. “You are really crazy, man."

Carlo chuckled. “I know."

They both spent the night grabbing as much fun as they could. Carlo was moving out. So, it would be difficult to link up like this again.

★★★★★

The next morning, there was a family meeting in the Wentworth mansion. Everyone was gathered, including Sloane. She happened to be the only one with a somewhat moody countenance in the room. Partially, they've always wanted to take her part away and kick her out.

Ms Barbara cleared her throat and said, “Sloane, right here, made her choice. She has decided to stick with the random man she signed her marriage with. And in exchange for letting her be, she is letting go of her share of the family's business.”

There were slight murmurs in the room.

"Please, stay with me,” Ms Barbara said and continued. “And on that note, I will have to ensure that everything is legally binding. That is the reason I have brought this here.”

She raised a document for everyone to see.

"Sloane, if you sign this, you will be letting go of the little percentage shares you currently have. Are we clear on this?”

Sloane nodded her head. “I understand."

“And one more thing," Ms Barbara added. “Signing this doesn't exempt you from your duties to the family. Your services will be needed from time to time."

Sloane knew what she was getting into. But it was still better than being with Bradley.

“I understand," she replied.

She went on to go through the document and sign the necessary parts. Just then, they heard Bradley's voice.

“Sloane Wentworth!!" Bradley's voice thundered. “Ms Barbara!"

From his tone, they knew he was angry.