Chapter 4

It began, I started hearing little moans, I roll on the bed and stretch my hand towards Jesse, but didn't feel him there.

I immediately sat up, I start to panic, for some reason it felt like I was being choked.

I shouldn't think that far, it could be the maids, or maybe someone is watching porn.

I couldn't sleep, I just sat on the bed. I could hear little footsteps like someone's tiptoes, I lay on the bed pretending to be asleep, and Jesse carefully gets on the bed.

Suddenly that harsh smell chokes me, and I start coughing.

"Honey? are you alright?". Jesse asked concerned, he starts patting my back.

I try to catch my breath" I'm fine". He grabs the bottle of water on his lamp desk, he gives it to me, I drink up and hand him the empty bottle.

"Are you sure you're okay?".

" Yes".

"You really scared me there". I turn my face in his direction.

" Where were you?".

he nervously laughs "What do you mean?".

"You weren't in bed, where were you?". He doesn't say anything " Tell me, what you went to do Jesse?".

He groans with annoyance "Why are you so nosy? I just went to get a glass of milk because I couldn't sleep, why do you have to be on my neck all the time?". Then why do you smell like her?, that's what I wanted to ask, but I couldn't bring myself to say it, was I afraid of the outcome.

The next day I finally decided to go to my art gallery.

I was at my studio, doing some painting, I have three studios, one at my father's house, one at my art gallery, and one at my house.

"You have someone here to see you". One of my employees said 

"Okay, bring the person in". 

" Hey!" I hear Luther's voice, and I instantly get excited.

I exclaim with excitement "Luther!" I wanted to hug him so badly, but I was on my painting apron and didn't want to stain him.

He gives me a playful tap on my back "Hey kiddo".

" Yo Luther!" Stella exclaimed punching him on his arm. I literally heard the punch.

"Ouch!, nice to see you too". He whines

"What are you doing here?" I asked excitedly.

"You know, just decided to meet the one who fired me from the only job I literally enjoyed for years".

I laugh "I'm really sorry Luther, I would be lying if I said I didn't miss you".

"It's alright, have to admit, I've missed you a lot, that's why I decided to drop by".

" How's life by the way, how's your new job?"

He scoffs "Wasn't easy to get one, but if you need pizza". He hands me a card "You can call me, just opened a small pizza business. you might have to give that to Stella, so she'll be able to read it to ya".

This doesn't make sense "I thought you'd work for one of my father's companies, that was what was arranged".

" Really?, wasn't told that, I was just told to get lost" he starts laughing.

"But I told Jesse to-". he jumps in

" Hey, don't sweat it, how's married life? must be fun huh".

For some reason I didn't respond, usually, I would jump and say how wonderful it is and how Jesse has been the perfect man, but now, I'm scared, I'm not so sure anymore.

"It's been great" I force a smile. I take my staff, I get on my feet, I pull my apron "Why don't we go outside, some pigeon must be missing me by now".

We went to the place I usually throw bread crumbs to pigeons, I just needed to get my mind off what I heard last night, I just needed to stay positive.

" You know, if something is bothering you, you can always talk to me". I smile hearing Luther say that.

"You always had a way with words Luther, thank you, but I'm really okay, you don't have to worry about me".

"Are you sure? cause even your painting looked so....so...depressing, you used more black".

I scoff " I guess I can't help my painting expressing my feelings". I let out a sigh "I don't know what I can do Luther, I feel so helpless, and I hate feeling that way, I feel I can't do anything, I'm so scared to be left alone, to disappoint my father".

" Is it Jesse?, if it's him, I swear am going to kill him! I never even liked him!"

"It's okay Luther, I should be able to handle my marriage, it's fine".

He asks concern "Are you sure?".

I smile at him "Yes I am, I promise it's nothing to worry about".

Talking to Luther made me feel better, I couldn't tell him about what was going on, I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone really.

Luther was on his way back when he bumps into someone 

"Well well well, speak of the devil". Luther said glaring at Jesse.

Jesse rolls his eyes "What the hell are you doing here?".

"Just decided to pay the young lady a visit".

He scoffs " Sure you did, didn't I tell you not to come here anymore?".

"You did, but she didn't ".

" You got some nerves, tell you what, if I ever see you near my wife again, you'll have to answer to me, and this time, your small little business will go bye-bye, I will make sure you don't see one job, not even the smallest work, try me". He was about to walk away when Luther stops him

"Go ahead and take everything, since that's what you know how to do best, at least I won't have anything to lose, if you hurt her, you are dead and I'll make sure of it". Luther walks away shoving Jesse

I finally got home, I take a sit on the couch in the living room, that smell again, it was strong, someone was on the couch with me.

" What are you doing here Benita" I turn my face in her direction "You shouldn't sit here".

"Why not?".she really knows how to get on my nerves.

I force a smile " Get me something to drink, please".

"You should tell your other helpers, I'm not one of them you know".

I get angry "Stella!" I yelled.

"Yes, miss?".

" get her off my couch!"  I could hear struggling, Benita cursed at me, but I didn't care, she decided to play this game with me.

I decided to go to my bedroom, I wanted to wait for Jesse to come home but, it seems he isn't any time soon.

I take my staff, and I climb the stairs, reaching the top, I perceived that harsh smell again, what horrible perfume does she use?.

I suddenly feel someone push me before I knew it I lose my balance, I tumble all the way down the stairs, I couldn't hear anything, it was like everything had gone blank.