“Mr. Allan, one moment please.” Michael looked at Edward Phillips and waited for him to approach. The other board members stayed at the top of the stairs and watched. Julie didn’t know what they were watching for or why they watched. “Mr. Phillips. Is there a problem?” “Yes. No, I mean, I wanted to apologize to you about the horrible misunderstanding. I know now I should have verified the facts before I formed any conclusions or opinion. Will you accept my heartfelt apology?” Michael didn’t respond right away. Nor did he respond, as Julie expected. Seeing the mistreatment of my wife in there by several people, I’m not in the mood for rational thinking. She’s upset and I am taking her home. Have a good evening Mr. Phillips.” With that, Michael gave Edward Phillips his back and climbed into the car. The driver shut the door. Next, he moved to the driver’s side. “Hold up Edward, don’t drive away yet.” “Yes, Sir.”
It didn’t take long for them to return to the condo. Julie couldn’t believe how the evening went. What there was of it? Michael acted like a different person. A person who listened to her and didn’t yell at her. He didn’t become annoyed with her if she said something that didn’t agree with his views. She struggled to express her thoughts without appearing weak or easily swayed by his improved behaviour. Julie didn’t have to, though. Michael didn’t want or need to talk to her anymore. He’d gone quiet in the car the rest of the way home. But he didn’t let her be. She now buzzed with energy from all of his touch. Michael buried his nose in her hair and breathed in the soft scent of her shampoo. It was something she found he did late at night or when he insisted; she watched television with him. Thankfully, Michael didn’t paw at her like others had over the years. It became comforting to feel his arms around her. Julie didn’t always like
Michael had always believed he’d been the one to avoid Julie being pregnant. Wearing condoms was something he did with everyone of his lovers. He didn’t trust any woman to do it correctly or intentionally mess it up to trap him with a baby. When he discovered the birth control, he sensed something was amiss. With knowledge of her whereabouts, Michael was certain Julie wasn’t cheating. That left her not wanting to risk becoming pregnant. Before the divorce paper incident, Michael knew he wouldn’t have been happy having children with her. But now. Now, he liked the idea of having a child with Julie. Nothing would make him see this as entrapping her with a child. Confident in the success of his marriage, he refused to sign the divorce papers. “Julie, there won’t be any what ifs, and I won’t sign the divorce papers. You know what? This is crazy. I’m sick and tired of all of this. Come with me, love. I want you to witness something.” He stood up from t
Julie watched Michael as he absorbed her words and processed her meaning. She waited for him to lose his temper with her. Julie wisely kept her thoughts to herself. No one wanted to hear her thoughts. At least, not if they were facts. Her thoughts were like fiction, or she presented them like that. Michael still said nothing. He stood there looking at her like she’d hit him. “Michael…” “God. All this time. You believed I married you just to punish you. It never crossed your mind. There might be more to it.” “Michael, I formed my opinion on your words to me and your actions. You told me this the day you enforced the event contract, and again when you made me sign a prenuptial agreement on a lie. You said if I signed it, I could continue running my business and here we are. My business is gone, and you’ve changed your story again. How can I know anything? If you deceive me or act contradictorily. What incentive does it give me to believe you?” Julie
When Julie next saw Michael, she wasn’t expecting what greeted her. He’d not slept, during his university party days or when he buckled down to study. But when he stumbled into the kitchen the next morning, he looked like he’d gone through one too many rounds with a liquor bottle and the liquor won. She had his coffee ready. “I thought you were working today.” Or did I misunderstand you a few days ago?” Julie didn’t hold any grudges. She struggled even now not to apologize to him. Accepting all the blame to make it disappear. That was what she fooled herself into believing in the past. She knew that wasn’t the case, because once she took the blame, it became a weapon to figuratively beat her with. “Thanks. I decided I have more important things to do today.” “Oh, okay. Ms. Higgins has breakfast on the table, and I’ll be in my office.” “The image consultant is coming today. I need to discuss some things with you beforehand.”
“Leon, I can’t do this. The doctor will think I’m crazy.” Aria hoped the doctor would take pity on her and give her something to help her. She didn’t like the feelings she now felt. Aria wanted her light, airy, and happy feelings back. She didn’t want to care anymore about everything. Her energy stank and she didn’t like feeling like this. “No Aria, he won’t. He’s known for discreetly handling situations like yours. He’ll get you through this,” Leon said. His words were firm but tried to keep a note of compassion in his tone. Leon hated these agency people for dragging along for so long. Prior to taking any action, he was not close enough. He had to ween her off their constant presence in her life. Combat them when they manipulated her from seeing him. She burned the candle at both ends to satisfy them. All because her face and her father’s name meant profit for them. Now they wouldn’t return her calls. The pills she depended on would eventually run out, even without his i
Everything this morning reminded him of what he’d lose if he didn’t get this right. She made him coffee, the shower was ready for him, his clothes laid out. He was too scared to find her gone, barely able to speak to her in the kitchen. Juliette talked to him as if they hadn't fought the previous night. He needed to convince her to stay and show how much it meant to him. God, was he a lovesick fool? Is this what that meant? Michael spent most of the night searching online for solutions. He’d found a lot. It all sounded like it wouldn’t be enough. He’d started sending out emails demanding appointments with people like his lawyer, and banker, among other people. He’d ordered a real custom engagement ring and wedding band for her. Even paid through the nose for fast delivery on it. She couldn’t go around wearing Aria’s rings anymore. He knew she hated the rings because he’d bought them for Aria. Even if she didn’t love him, it must hurt her. He’d be
Michael was unsure and a little confused about Albert’s vague warning about a social media post. It's a terrible time for a media frenzy. He lacked time for tidying up. When he received the link from Albert, he clicked on it and went to the site. The post was an article on a supposed scandal. He didn’t recognize the author’s name. Names can quickly change these days, with an overwhelming number of journalists and reporters. But someone tried hard with this to make a name for themselves. The article mentioned Aria, Juliette, Leon, and himself. CEO Partners Play Fast and Loose with Love Construction Moguls (OB Construction Investments and Management), business partners Michael Barron and Leon Opus; are doing more than sharing an office these days. Model, media influencer, and Senator Cain’s daughter, Aria Cain, found herself between the devil and the deep blue sea, being seen kissing both men publicly in the same week.