Ties that suffocate

Immediately we arrived home, I wasted no time in getting down from the car and rushing to my room.

I was full of thoughts.

What I had overheard between my dad and father in law was confusing. What could they have been referring to?

I moved away from the door quickly when my mum was about stepping out and ducked into another hallway by the side. Good thing the house was full of hallways anyway.

I had so many unanswered questions. I didn’t know my mum knew Charles on a familiar level. Though I do remember my dad saying he had history with Charles, and it was not so good.

I hadn’t bothered to ask then because of the situation of things.

But now I felt like I needed to know.

It was not out of place for my mum and father in law to speak seeing as they were in laws. But so many things were not adding up.

For example, how conveniently my mother had “accidentally” spilled her drink on her dress just as soon as Charles had excused himself to take a call.

I needed answers. I wondered if I should confront my mum, but then me and Alexis didn’t  exactly have a perfect mother-daughter relationship. So there was no point. Besides, I didn’t exactly love speaking to my mother except necessary.

Many of these thoughts filled my mind as the cold hands of sleep embraced me.

****

I had not stepped out of my room for two days. There was really nothing to do around and Aaron had said he didn’t want me “loitering” around the house.

I wasn’t even in the mood to get out of bed anyway so I just stayed in. Besides seeing Aaron’s face wasn’t one of my favourite things to do.

Heather constantly brought my meals and anything I needed up to my room.

But today I decided I had had enough of being indoors. I have never really been an indoor girlie, I was always outside, partying, shopping, hanging out with friends or any other fun activity.

I had called my dad and have him send someone bring my over.

There were about five to six cars parked in Aaron’s garage but if he didn’t even want me using his dining I highly doubt he would let me drive any of his cars. So I just called for mine.

I had also told him I was going to stop by the office to see him. He was elated.

I got dressed in a black leather pants, a body hug white tank top that had a v-neck line but not so much to reveal too much cleavage. I had my hair in waves and I picked my favourite sunglasses and a heel to match.

I met Heather when I went downstairs and told her I was stepping out for a bit.

“Uhm ma’am,” she called as I was about leaving. She had not stopped calling me ma’am even after I told her to just call me Elizabeth

 “I wanted to tell you that you could have your meals downstairs now if you want. The boss is out on a short trip” she said.

“Aaron traveled?” I asked.

“Yes ma”

“When?”

“This morning ma”

Of course he wouldn’t tell his wife he was traveling. I didn’t care anyway. He could travel to the stars and live there for seven hundred years if possible, his cup of tea.

I smiled at Heather and headed out.

****

My father was very happy to see me. I could see that immediately I stepped into his office.

“Elizabeth!” He exclaimed “you have no idea how happy I am to see you dear”

He smiled warmly as he stood up and spread his arms for a hug.

I relunctantly hugged him.

“How are you dad?”

“I’ve been better. I was pleasantly surprised when you told me you were stopping by” he said as we both took our seats, me sitting across him.

I shrugged “just wanted to see you. And know how you’ve been doing”

He had this solemn look on his face now “how are you? How is Aaron treating you? I know everything happened on short notice but I really hope you guys bond and eventually fall in love with each other. Sometimes love doesn’t just happen, it grows”

I almost laughed “I’m still going to get that divorce you assured me I would have later dad”

“Are you guys not bonding?” He asked, looking worried.

I shook my head “no dad. We are not. We live like strangers. He even brought his girlfriend home”

He raised an eyebrow, obviously shocked.

I waved my hands nonchalantly “oh never mind, it’s fine. Our marriage is for a reason and once it clicks, I’ll bounce”

“Can I ask a favour Elizabeth?”

“Dad the last time you asked for a favour, I ended up getting married to a stranger. I wonder what you are going to have me do next” I said wittily.

“No no” he shook his head “I was just hoping you would try, to you know get to know your husband better. He’s a wonderful man Beth. If you put in effort, he could learn to love you”

“Dad stop” I raised my hand signaling a pause “this wasn’t part of the deal. You didn’t mention anything about anyone falling in love with each other. You said I had to stay married till the company stabilized and that I could get a divorce. That you would support me. Why are you changing your stance now?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not changing my stance dear, if you eventually still want a divorce I’ll respect your decision. I’m just telling you to try. You never know, you could find love in strange places” he said with a smile.

I shook my head vehemently “not interested, thank you. The love of my life is elsewhere and not in anyway like Aaron Vanderbilt”

He shrugged and said nothing.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something dad” I asked and he gave me the look to go ahead “you did mention somehow that you and Charles had some kind of history. Would you mind if I ask what it was?”

I noticed him shift uncomfortably “why are you asking?” He asked.

“I’m a member of their family now, it won’t hurt to know about everything there is to know”

He was hesitant. I could feel it.

He was quiet for a while but eventually he spoke

“Okay I’ll tell you”