Chapter 02

Sarah’s POV

As I made my way downstairs to meet Richard, my nerves got the best of me like a teenager going on her first date. I never thought any man would see me like this ever but here I was about to stand in front of my husband like this. I wondered what he would see as I made my way into the living room where I could hear footsteps. I wondered what he would think of me, how he would react, and what the outcome of this whole thing would be. 

Would things go south or would he find this whole thing endearing and pull me closer? “Welcome home honey, I made dinner,” I said, walking into the living room, my heart in my throat. Would he kick me out of his life because of this?

“Good evening, Mrs. Williams, I’m here to return the keys of the car.” 

I shrieked at the same Desmond swore and covered his eyes, his cheeks red from embarrassment. “Why are you here? Where is Richard?” I asked, unable to keep the annoyance out of my voice. I pulled the robe closer to my body, irritated that my efforts seemed to have gone to waste. 

Desmond dropped his hands and I blanched at the look of pity in his eyes. Richard wasn’t coming “Mr. Williams asked me to drop off the car because he will not be coming home tonight.” 

I nodded, forcing my brain to process the words. “That’s all right. I’m sure he has a lot of work to do.” Shaking my head, I turned on my heels trying to keep the tears at bay. This was so embarrassing. “You know where to leave the keys. Have a good night then,” I whispered and turned on my heels. Damn you Richard, I’m done trying to get your attention and your love. 

“Ma’am?” he called and I sighed, ignoring him. “Ma’am should I help you clean up?” he asked and I stopped at the stairs staring at him. I almost cursed when I saw the meals sitting pretty on the plates. Was I supposed to throw all that away?

I shook my head and looked down at my outfit. Even if I was going to clean up, I had to change out of this thing. I sent Desmond a smile and raced up the stairs to change out of the lingerie. Thank God I had the good sense to wear the robe over it. My head hurt just thinking about Desmond seeing me in just the lingerie. 

I stripped and quickly slipped into one of my rompers. Well, it was Richard’s loss if he didn’t get to taste all the deliciousness, I had prepared for him. Tears were threatening to fall but I refused to give in. I would die first before I let Richard make me shed a tear. 

As I made my way back downstairs a few minutes later, I felt tears prick my eyes but I didn’t give in. The whole embarrassing scenario played in my head like a tape on repeat as I made my way to the kitchen to clean up. Was this what women went through to make men fall in love with them? Surely it wasn’t this hard? 

I froze, at the dining room area frowning as I stared at the now freshly cleaned table. Where did all the food go? Hearing shuffling from the kitchen, I made my way there and paused at the doorway. 

“You didn’t have to stay Desmond; I could have handled everything myself,” I announced my presence as I walked up to him. He was at the sink washing plates and I found myself gawking at those toned hands of his with his muscles clenching as he worked. 

He turned to face me and I blushed when I saw the knowing smile on his face. I had been caught staring. “I wanted to help you, it’s the least I could do.” I frowned at his words wondering why he was saying that. It wasn’t like he had anything to do with Richard not coming home tonight. 

“I will be leaving now,” he said pulling me out of my thoughts and I looked up to see him walking away empty-handed. With a raised brow, I walked towards the freezer. There was no way I would let him leave this house without something to take home, especially after helping me out with the cleaning.  

“Why won’t you take anything?” I asked as I brought out one of the bowls of rice he had packed. I reached for two other bowls containing salad and plantains and then I closed the freezer. 

I turned at the same time he stood behind me and we bumped into each other. I flushed; my cheeks red as I reached for one of the paper nylon bags on the counter. I had so many after buying so much groceries for tonight. “I can’t let you leave without taking anything.” I stepped back to pack the food, all the while aware of his eyes on me. “Here you go, eat that for dinner or breakfast but take it.” 

He smiled and opened his mouth to speak but I gave him a look. “Thank you, Mrs. Williams. Have a good night.” I nodded and stood there watching him walk away, thoughts of how wrong the night had ended running through my mind. 

That should have been Richard and I; all those moments in here should have been between Richard and me. I groaned loudly and walked out of the kitchen stomping my foot to the living room. 

Tears pricked my eyes again but I held them back, dialing my mother’s number as I took a seat on the arm of the chair. It rang a few times and then went straight to voicemail. I tossed the phone on the chair in anger and fell on the chair, angrily punching the chair. “I hate you so much, Richard.” I groaned as I let the tears roll down my cheeks.