Chapter 4

Malachi’s pov.

“I’ve filed for a divorce.”

I storm into the office and thoughts of Antonia saying she’s filed for a divorce flash through my mind. I grunt in anger as I drop my phone and settle into my chair.

Antonia… Antonia would never behave like this.

I understand she’s angry at her grandmother’s death. I'm not totally irrational, but I didn't know her grandmother would die. If she’s making decisions like this because she lost a loved one…. No, Antonia would never behave like this.

Not to me.

My door comes open and a worker walks in. A female. I watch as she goes about, oblivious to my presence. I watch to better confirm if this is being done out of nefarious intentions or not. When I see it’s not, I speak, “I have a question to ask you.”

At the sound of my voice I hear her breathing go silent.

She definitely knows who’s speaking. When she turns her face is devoid of all color and her response is less than chirpy, it’s shaky and intimidated, “Mr Finn. How may I assist you today?”

There’s nothing of that flirty tone almost every woman takes when they speak to me, but I don't much care for it right now. I ask a question that makes me have a sour taste at the back of my throat, because I already suspect what the answer will be, “What are you doing here?”

A fast minute passes without any reply from her. I’m about to get even more annoyed when she responds, a surprised tone to her voice now, “I don’t understand what you mean by that, Mr Finn.”

I restrain myself from growling in annoyance, “What are you doing in my office? Isn’t my secretary meant to work on those files?”

The look on her face tells me I might have crossed a line and it’s no surprise because I know this woman, she’s enduringly loyal to Antonia. I’m the one who pays her salary though so I don’t give a shit about her loyalties, I ask coldly, “Do I have to rephrase myself once more? Or are you going to give me the answer I need?”

She responds in a steady but still intimidated tone, “Mrs Finn delegated all her work to me yesterday. She says she won’t be handling it anymore.”

The news settles into my belly like a block of ice and I ask without thinking, “Is she seeing anyone right now?”

The look on the face of the woman standing in front of me becomes more offended though she hides it well as she responds respectfully, “I don’t understand what you mean by that, Mr Finn.”

I ask through a low growl now, “Is Antonia seeing anybody right now? Is she having an affair with a man?”

My thoughts seem to be bordered by nothing but flames and anger. I’ll admit that it wasn’t very wise of me to have that one night stand with Skye when she came back. If it wasn’t for that she wouldn’t be pregnant, the relationship we share wouldn’t have come to this, and probably Antonia wouldn’t be asking me for a divorce.

How dare she ask for a divorce!

What did she expect me to do now that Skye’s pregnant? Abandon her and the child?

That child has nothing to do with this, and no child of mine will be born into need when I'm fully able to provide for him. I stand up and straighten my posture. My confidence returns as I reassure myself.

The woman in front of me is still shaking lightly but I don't care if it's from anger at my attitude or my infuriating nature. She can’t do anything about it.

“She’s not seeing anyone Mr Finn.”

I don’t bother with a nod this time because I don't care anymore.

Antonia can’t live without me. Even if anyone is going to ask for a divorce, it’ll be me and not her. That isn’t going to change.

I walk to the door, but the minute I set my eyes on Antonia’s cleared out table in the next hall, a slight surge of soberness and anger goes through me again.

Having Antonia as my secretary has been really good. She’s smart, intelligent, and capable. She works for me, and I take care of her and buy her pretty clothes she barely wears. That’s how things are.

She can’t live without me.

I scoff and walk out.

Some tulips and a new bag should have her giving her decision a rethink.

She’s probably just messing with me.