CHAPTER 6

SCARLET

“Ding, ding, ding,” The ringtone was alarming but I paid no attention to it since the call wasn't coming from my phone. 

I was heading to the dining area to be served breakfast but the mobile's ringtone kept picking my attention. 

“Ding, ding,” it didn't stop and by impulse I went back up the stairs. It so happens that the sound was not from the home phone but from Julian's room and I felt the need to check. 

I stood at the door more than I should. In a way, I pondered if it was okay to enter his room; it's not that he's around, it just sort of feels weird.  

I know my boundaries and all. I shrugged off my meandering thoughts. 

What could possibly happen?

I pushed the door slightly, peeping in to confirm my conception. Okay, the air's clear! 

I entered the large king-like scintillated bedroom that seemed to have a beginning but not an end. 

I was taken with much deeper surprise than I could have possibly expected. 

It wasn't just large, it was a stark representation of his brooding nature. 

It felt like I was in a dark heaven painted with shades of Julian and Jesus, the warmth carried romance but its contrast breathed horror. 

I couldn't get my eyes off its furniture, elite interior and branded couture. It shouted filthy, dirty rich, the kind you see in movies and desire selfishly.

“Ding, ding,” the ringtone was about getting faint. Speedily, I picked it. 

“Good morning, Vivian Cross speaking,”

“Morning Mrs. Cross with you on this call is James Hayford of Ford Airlines Limited and I was looking at having a brief conversation with your husband,” a very deep masculine tone pervaded the second end of the call. 

I don't exactly know what I'm to say judging that Julian isn't home, I mean what if it's a costly business deal and it falls through due to his absence. 

“Julian-” I started then paused. In fact, I froze as Julian appeared from nowhere. 

What? — my mind rumbled.

I didn't know what to say, “Ju-l-i-an-" because I was where I wasn't supposed to be.

Okay, you're not gonna hear an end to it!— I told myself

Julian's gaze confirmed my reasoning. I swallowed thick and took a hush breath into my gut. I wasn't afraid per say but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intimidated by the bulge of discontentment which he tried very hard to make me see. 

He stood across the other end of the bedroom, naked and wrapped in a plain soft white towel, don't ask me how I know—I can tell from its visible appearance and the ease with which he circled it tightly around his waist—did he come out naked? Somehow my mind wandered around these. 

Looking straight at him, unabashedly, I felt all manner of unholy things; fear, anger, anxiety and friction since my eyes conceded to uncouth entertainment which I have never seen before!

He took long strides from where he was then hurriedly came to me. His figure towered over my petite silhouette and it made his dominance prominent. 

I swallowed! 

He pulled his mobile from my hand which was shaking right beside my right ear and I trembled. I stared back at him and sullenness stuck to my face like a mask. He remained silent. 

His horror was replaced with glee as he placed his phone on his ear. Not sure if he was still pissed at me, I strolled to leave but his grip on my left hand was a stark reminder that he wasn't done with me!

“Morning Mr. Ford, it's a pleasure receiving your call.” Julian started and because Julian was in a strict proximity to me, I heard the response of Ford. 

“Mr. Cross, the pleasure is mine. I had a briefing with the executives at Ford Airlines and we've come to a summation. We'll be doing business with Cross Industries and I'd love us to have a tea session at Perithan Hotels if you allow.”

“I'd be delighted. Your humility is as remarkable as I've heard.” Julian said.

“Thank you. And yes, come with your gorgeous wife. I've learnt of her astonishing taste for fashion pieces. I'll be happy to hear directly from an expert.” 

I heard this part and jumped out of proportion. 

By the love of God, no!

Julian glared at me, angry and lost for words and I knew I hit the wrong jackpot. 

What the!

Shit! 

His grip around my arms tightened. He bit his lips, eyes circled around me and I knew I was dead. 

“Definitely.”

“Perfect, I look forward to it then!”

“Thank you for your time.” Julian finished and I swallowed my breath. 

I didn't know where to start from but I started anyway. 

“I...just-” 

“Save it! You had to register your demeaning self as some person of worth, didn't you?” Julian roared on my face. 

“What are we talking about here? I...”

“Shut up!” 

I froze!

He picked my hand up, glaring straight into my face then yelled again. 

“Do you realize what you've done?” 

“Please enlighten me!” I yelled back. 

“Oh, it's true what they say. Poor people do love to pretend they can bark!” He hissed.

“Rich people are just filthy and rude!" I spoke back.

“Are you listening to yourself? Do you even look in the mirror? Sometimes I wonder how you can be you and still breathe.” he insulted again. 

I had nothing to say back. He needn't tell me how pathetic my situation was. I'm fully aware. I stood in utter discomfort and my eyes scampered around. 

“You really have no clue how foolish your choice was. You've openly proven that you're near to becoming of no use to me! Remember what happens when you become useless.” he threatened and my mind went to the thought of my dad dying then going to jail, which at one point in this faux called marriage seemed to me like a piece of joke, not anymore! 

“Get out!” he roared, face red, eyes thick.

I GASPED!