Chapter 38

Maya’s P.O.V

Yesterday was no different than today. In actuality, I was jumpier than I had been and I avoided making eye contact with Brian when we walked to work this morning. I guess he was thinking it was because of his confession last night, which was partially true. I was just glad that he hadn’t brought it up because I’m not sure if I had anything to say about it.

He brought me lunch as usual, left after kissing me passionately. But I didn’t feel the desire and fire I’d experienced when I kissed Theodore. It was a bad habit I’d been practising for the entirety of our relationship…me comparing Brian to Theodore. It’s not fair on either of them because they were two very different men whom I liked very differently as well.

When I got home, a package was waiting for me by the door. Frowning, I picked it up and unlocked my door before setting it on the tiny coffee table that sat in front of my couch. I opened the box to reveal a designer black dress and a pair of rose gold Jimmy Choo’s. Beneath the expensive items was a note.

Just a little something for you to wear tonight.

Hope you like it.

Yours,

Theodore.

It was indeed a rather flattering gesture but it kind of annoyed me that he had gone out of his way to buy me such expensive things. I don’t want anyone thinking that I’m after their money, which is exactly why I’d refused to cash in his cheque and I had half a mind not to wear this dress or shoes either. Knowing Theodore, he’d be taking me somewhere expensive so I reluctantly ended up wearing them anyways.

I looked amazing, to say the least. The sequined bodice of the dress hugged my every curve perfectly and the sheer sleeves and neckline complimented my dark skin tone perfectly. With the heel I was very much taller that I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to pass through the threshold of the front door. I wonder how he knew my sizes…probably something he pulled off from the private investigator he’d hired to harness information about me. I’d say he’d done his job well.

I coated my lips in maroon lipstick, applied mascara to my lashes and eye liner to outline them dramatically. The second I’d finished with my preparations; a knock came to my door. I went over to open it, revealing a devastatingly handsome man wearing a three-piece black suit, with a white shirt and gold tie. We simultaneously checked each other out, then our eyes met in a heated gaze. I was the first to look away, and laughed at how odd that little moment was.

“Wow, you look…absolutely stunning. Regal even,” he smoothed out in his infamous London drawl.

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Tell me something I don’t know,” I replied haughtily, eliciting an amused chuckle from him. “You look great, I guess,” I teased with a mischievous grin. I closed the door behind me, and gladly accepted his outstretched arm. To anybody who might see us right now, we probably looked like the ideal couple. Too bad that is far from it though.

“Next to you, I’m sure anybody could mistake me for your butler,” he joked and I laughed at his corny quip. I don’t know why, but I seemed to be a totally different person when I’m around him. In fact, I liked the way I was when I’m around him. He knew how to bring out the best in me.

We made it down to the bottom floor and out through the entrance/exit. This time, there was a glossy white limousine parked adjacent to the curb. I turned to him with wide eyes. “First the dress and shoes, now a limo? Is anything of this necessary?” I asked in incredulity. I get that he’s rich and all but wasn’t he going over the top? I was just expecting to have a simple dinner with him, not some out of a fairy tale book meal.

He brought his hand out to stroke my cheek. “Just this once, let me treat you the way you deserve to be treated,” he breathed huskily, kissed my cheek and then opened the door for me to enter. I smiled at his gesture and slid in, before he followed. However, I could have sworn I saw a shadow lurking right around the corner just before I got into the vehicle.

“Did you see that?” I asked him.

He frowned. “Did I see what?”

“It looked like someone was following us.”

Theodore shrugged, and told the driver to start driving. “I think you’re paranoid. Relax, and enjoy the moment,” he cooed cheerfully and opened the mini fridge where there was a bottle of chilled champagne. He popped the cork skilfully before pouring the pale-yellow liquid into two wine glasses. He handed one to me. “Here’s to love,” he toasted and clinked our glasses before he downed the glass in one sip. I, on the other hand, took a tiny sip. I wasn’t really a fan of alcoholic drinks, so you can imagine how much I was against even one glass.

The rest of the ride was silent. Theodore held my hand the entire time, making me feel extra giddy. My phone began to ring and when I saw the caller ID, alarm shook my entire system. I decided to answer the call, since if I didn’t, Brian would definitely get suspicious. “Hey Bry,” I greeted a little too sweetly, causing Theodore’s lip to twist in displeasure.

“Babe, what are you up to?” he asked casually, but there was a distinct edge to his voice. He sounded angry, even.

My eyes flew to Theodore. “I’m-I’m over at Lexi’s house. We’re watching re-runs of Gossip Girl. How about you, where are you?” I said, trying to play it cool but I was seconds way from jumbling up my words. And the lying continues…

He clucked his tongue, almost in disapproval. “I’m at home, having a beer by myself. Are you going to be gone for long? I really want to see you. Can I stop by her house to pick you up later?”

I shook my head asininely, as if he could see the action. Could I get any stupider? “N-no, you can’t do that. Lexi just broke up with her boyfriend and she really needs me to comfort her. Girl code; sisters before misters,” I added quickly, and Theodore laughed at my crazy statement. I openly glared at him and put a finger on his lips to silence him.

“Oh, that’s too bad. You never mentioned that she had a boyfriend though. Tell her that I said my condolences, her boyfriend wasn’t probably worth it anyways. I’ll let you go then. Enjoy the rest of your evening,” he said flatly before ending the call. I released a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

Theodore whistled lowly. “My, my, who knew this innocent angel knows how to fabricate a story so well. You even had me fooled for a second there,” he rebutted sarcastically, making me slap his chest.

“I’m in this mess because of you, so don’t you dare call me out for lying. We’ve been driving around for some time now, where are you taking me Theodore?”

He leaned close to me, and his lips hovered over mine. “I love it when you say my name. It sounds like bloody music to my ears,” he murmured seductively and kissed the corner of my lips, before readjusting himself to be reclined against the seat. “And as for where we’re going; I’m taking you back to the place where it all began.”

The place where it all began? What the actual fudge did he mean by that?

***

“This is what you meant by the place it all began?” I aired in disbelief, scowling at him in the process.

He slid his arm around my waist and pulled me to his side. “Of course, love. This is indeed the place where you ruined my favourite Armani suit,” he laughed at my poker face and led us into the last place I’d ever want to be; Ooh La Food.

When we got inside, everybody’s eyes rushed to us. Now, I wasn’t familiar with these rich folks but judging by the looks on their faces, they certainly knew who Theodore was. But how could they not? He was the talk of the town at some point, both him and Yolanda and whatever bogus falsehoods people had been paddling about them. This time, in particular, their eyes widened as they drank me in with their thirsty and nosy eyes. I averted my gaze almost immediately.

The maître d’ showed us to a vacant table further into the restaurant and away from prying eyes. I knew this table was really expensive to book since it offered a lot of privacy and an excellent view of the ocean and star lit evening sky. There was even a dance floor if whoever was occupying this section of the restaurant wanted to dance.

Theodore pulled out a chair for me to sit. I smiled tightly at him, and sat down. “A waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy your evening sir, madam,” the maître d’ spoke in a gentle manner, and made his way back to his post.

“Why didn’t you cash in the cheque I gave you?” Theodore asked out of the blue, and I rolled my eyes at his dumb question.

I snarled. “Why the hell would you give it to me in the first place? I went to your house to pay off my debt and in the end, you wrote me a cheque for £200 000? Why the hell did you make me work for you then if you were just going to end up paying me?” I fumed caustically, but he didn’t seem the least bit affected by my outburst.

He sighed and drummed his fingers on the table. “I just didn’t want you leaving empty handed. I thought it was the right thing to do,” he said calmly.

I opened my purse and slid the piece of paper over to him. “Well, you thought wrong. I don’t want your money. Thanks for wasting my time, by the way,” I said with a mock smile.

He took the cheque and slid it into his blazer pocket. “Look, I’m sorry if my gesture offended you. That wasn’t my intention. I didn’t bring you out here so we could fight, so can we please just set the matter aside and enjoy the occasion,” he recited in an earnest tone. I huffed in annoyance but nodded my head nonetheless.

I exhaled and sat back in seat, trying to relax but I had this nagging feeling that this night wouldn’t end the way I wanted it to. “Good evening, sir and ma-,” somebody who’d approached our table said but fell short when his eyes landed on me. It was none other than Troy, the guy who had made me trip and spill the food on both Theodore and Yolanda.

His eyes went so wide that I thought they’d fall out of their sockets. I grinned at him, and put my elbows on the table. “Long time no see, Troy,” I beamed sardonically and he gulped in fear, no doubt because the last time I’d seen him I had handed his ass to him.

I grabbed the menu from his loose grip and scanned it. All the while, Theodore remained silent as his eyes exchanged between the both of us. Troy cleared his throat and stood up straighter. “W-what will you be having?” he squeaked nervously, and I couldn’t stifle the giggle that tumbled out of my lips.

“The chef’s special would be delightful,” I said in a soothing tone, keeping my mirth filled eyes on the poor lad who looked like he was going to soil his pants.

Theodore shut the menu and handed it back to Troy. “I think I’ll have the same,” he muttered. Troy nodded his head before fumbling out of there like his pants were on fire. Now that was worth coming out here for. “Why do I get the impression that something happened between you two?”

I waved my hand in the air. “It’s not what you think. He is the reason I spilled your food on you that day. I gave him a thorough beating for it so he is simply petrified of me now. Good times,” I chirped in a bright tone. “Now, you Mr Duke said you had something to tell me. Well, I’m waiting,” I gave him a pointed look.

He shifted about uncomfortably in his seat. Gosh, was he really that nervous? I never imagined I’d see the day he’d be this uneasy right before my eyes. He’d always been a suave and level headed man. “Let’s eat first,” he resolved and I conceded to his request.

And so, our three-course meal was served, over which we had a light chat about how the twins were doing, how Ms Duke was and about how Aiden and Brianna were now in school. I wish I could have been there to see them in their cute uniforms. When the last crumble of the chocolate lava cake disappeared from my plate, I looked up to Theodore to see him already looking at me with a far-off look in his beautiful cobalt eyes.

“My wife cheated on me.”

__________________________

Here's today's update!

Did you enjoy it? The truth will finally come out, who's excited about it!

Do you think Maya was being paranoid about being followed?

And what was up with Brian's mysterious call?

Excited for the next chapter?

I'll end off with this question....what is your favourite dessert? Mine is defoes chocolate cake 🍰

Until Friday,

~Deetronite