4

Evelyn’s POV

Leonard has been away most of the time for two days now. I see him only in fragments of minutes. We haven't had any time to talk

“What will you be doing today?” Leonard asks during breakfast. 

I plan to ignore him but I blink my eyes and force myself to speak “I will meet with Maya after which I'll go to the company and observe things. I've not— ” I say but he cuts me off

“I've told you that it's time to give up this textile company. It doesn't suit my image. If you want to work, I'll consider creating something else for you. Something better off. You are my wife and you should do what I say” 

I look at him and suck in a breath. I ignore him and don't respond. 

So now he knows I'm his wife? He didn't know that when that woman was straddling him. He didn't know that when he forgot about our anniversary. Or when he bought a bag but not for me. 

It's been two days and Leonard still hasn't said anything about Clara or the handbag he bought that day, the silence between us has grown heavier this past days. He hasn't said anything to me and I've remained stupidly silent about it. 

I don't know how to confront him or if I should. 

And what he's asking me to do now is hard. How can I choose between him and the only thing that still carries my mother's name? This is the same business that made me accept marrying him in the first place. I don't know what to say as I can't find the possible right words to reply. 

“Did you hear me? Why are you not saying it? You've been like this since you came back the other night. I'm asking you again, is something the matter?” He glances at me.

I plan to ignore him all through till he's ready to tell me about her and about the bag by himself. But right now, as I'm thinking of what he's asking me to do, how easy it is for him to ask me to withdraw. How easy it is he wants me to obey everything he says, I immediately brace myself to ask him everything. 

“Did you not hear me? Why are you ignoring me?” He asked again. 

I stamp my fork on the plate before looking up at him.

“Are you still friends with that woman?” I ask. 

He looks very confused like he doesn't know what I'm talking about “what woman, Eve?” 

I chuckle lightly with sarcasm “don't act dumb Leo,” 

“I really don't know what you mean. What woman?” 

“Okay Clara back to town?” 

I see the way his expression drops the moment he hears her name. 

He wipes his mouth with a napkin “Yes…she came for business. But I’ve told you, it's nothing. Clara understands her place now” 

“Does she?” I tilt my head to the side. “I thought you said she was gone for good? I thought you said you not in contact with her anymore?” 

“I know what I said. And it's still like that. But why are you asking me all these questions?" 

“Didn't your workers tell you that I came? You forgot our anniversary and I saw her in your office. I saw the two of you. And she was straddling you, Leo." 

I see the way his expression remains relaxed like what I said didn't mean anything. 

“Oh, about that. I was going to apologize for forgetting but I've been busy Eve, you know this.” he says nonchalantly. “Plus, I don't like it when you act naive and timid. This is Clara we are talking about. You know our history. And you know exactly what she's like. I already told you that she understands her place now. Better than before. You shouldn't for any reason feel threatened" 

“Is that what you are saying? Okay. What about the luxury handbag you bought? You didn't even get anything for me for our anniversary. Was the handbag for her too?” I scoff. 

He looks at me and back at his food. He drinks the glass of water in front of him before turning his focus back to me “I didn't think there was any need for an apology because I have done nothing wrong. I got the bag for her to congratulate her, okay. It's nothing.” 

“It's nothing, so nonchalantly? Is that all you'll say to me?” 

He ignores me and stands up from the dinning seat “I'll be late for work if we continue this. Stop stressing the both of us with all these assumptions, okay?. I'll make up for the anniversary today. Get ready, I'll be home early.” and with that, he grabs his bag and walks close to me. He bends over me and plants a shallow kiss on my cheek before walking away. 

My eyes starts to sting with pain, my stomach churns with hurt as hot tears drop down from my eyes. 

How did I get here? Why can't Leonard treat me like I want him to? What happened to the promising man that asked me to marry him out of the initial contract we had? 

When I hear Annabel's footsteps coming close, I quickly run a hand over my face to wipe off my tears. 

I stand up and leave for my room as she approaches the table to clear the plates.

I pick my phone and call Maya and we agree on where to meet. I've not seen her in a while but seeing her at this point will help me get my mind off things. Even if it's for a short while. I start to get dressed.

I put on a black palazzo trouser and a white off-the-shoulder smoky top. I pack my hair in a ponytail instead of letting it fall to my shoulder. When I'm done, I apply a little lip gloss on my lips. I wear my best perfume, pick my Zara black hand bag and head downstairs.

The drive to the cafe is short and quiet. Just as Mikel pulls up in front in the parking space of the cafe, I see Maya stepping out from her grey Lexus. I come down from the car and make my way towards her. 

When I reach her, she throws her hands around me, pulling me into a tight hug that almost sends us both to the ground.

“Girl, you are glowing. Being a billionaire’s wife suits you” she tells me when she releases me from her hug.

“You are the one who's glowing for someone who is not a billionaire” I say with sarcasm trying to match up her energy so that she wouldn't notice any indifference.

“I know, right?” She affirms and giggles.

We both go inside the cafe and find a table where we sign and order. 

“Tell me, how was your dinner date with hubby. I saw that he got a handbag for you?” Maya asks with all enthusiasm in the world. I let out a low chuckle as the buoyant that was on my face elier disappears into a thin smile. 

I smile as I sip my coffee “Yes” 

She grabs my handbag from the table and examines it “this is definitely not the bag” 

“Yeah. I didn't come with it” I lie. How do I tell Maya that my husband bought a bag for another woman on our supposed anniversary that he forgot?

“Awwwn. I'm so jealous of you. I wish someone like Leo could ask me to marry him for a contract. I'll do everything possible to make him love me. Look at you, you are happy. I'm so jealous” 

We both laugh at her words. But if only she knows. 

After spending time with Maya, I go back home.

When I get home, and go into our bedroom, there's a dress with a bouquet of roses on the massive king sized bed. The dress is a black diamond dress. It's shiny and beautiful. 

I walk closer and gasp as I start to trace my hand over the dress. I take some of the fabric in my hand and feel it. Just then, the bedroom door cracks open behind me.