Leandro's Revenge

chapter 06

“Here’s last week’s report,” Maggy, Isabelle’s secretary, went in, placing a folder on the table.

“Thanks.” Isabelle said without lifting her gaze from her computer as she reviewed another contract drafted by the legal team.

“By the way, the supplier who won the bid for the 5-year service contract is coming this afternoon to finalize and sign the agreement.”

“Can you bring the contract, please? I would like to do a final review to make sure we didn’t miss anything.”

“Here it is.” Maggy placed another file on her table. “Also, a delivery has arrived for you.”

Curious, she finally lifted her gaze. Maggy handed her a bouquet of roses.

“From whom?”

Could it be from Leandro? The thought flashed in her head, but she quickly pushed the idea aside, knowing better that he would never do such a thing. He hated her. But he said he wanted to give their marriage a chance. Could it be his way of winning her?

She opened the small card and suddenly goosebumps came over her.

How’s life with your husband? Enjoy it while it lasts.

“What does it say?” Maggy pried, coming over to her side. “What the… that’s a little creepy.”

It was certainly a warning. Who was it? She thought of someone who she might have fought in the past, someone who had the motive to threaten her, but no one came to mind. It unsettled her for a while but, she decided someone must have just played a prank on her. Perhaps it was from Elijah? He always played these types of tricks.

After the contract signing, she decided to visit her parents. The earlier worry has been long forgotten.

“Mommy!” Simon ran to her as soon as she stepped into her parent’s living room.

She crouched and took the little man into her arms. “Hello, baby. Did you miss mommy?”

“Yes! You did not come home for so long. You did not read me bedtime stories.” Simon pouted, sulking.

“Oh, I’m sorry, baby. Grandma will read for you, okay?”

“Why? Are you still not coming home?” Meredith got up to watch the mother and son, her forehead creasing.

Isabelle stood up and held Simon’s hand. She avoided Meredith’s questioning gaze and went straight to the kitchen.

“I need to ask you a favor. Can you take care of Simon for a while?” She glanced in Simon’s direction where she had deposited him in one of the chairs by the dining table. Lowering her voice, she continued, “I’m still finalizing the divorce with Leandro. He’s adamant. I need time to convince him to sign.”

“Aren’t you being unfair to Simon? If your father finds out about this, he will tell Leandro himself. Didn’t we agree that you would tell him first before you bring up the divorce? If he doesn’t want Simon, only then can you divorce him.” Meredith’s voice rose.

“Mom! Keep it down please.” She threw another glance at Simon before she continued, “Once he finds out, the more he will not agree to the divorce.” She went over to the fridge and poured herself a glass of water. Her mother followed and glared at her, but she kept a determined expression. She had been unhappy for a long time now. She had already accepted the fact that he would never come to love her.

“So? He is your husband. You had a son together. He deserves to know. And what will you tell Simon? Do you plan to make another excuse that his father is overseas? Do you know how hard it is to hide this from the Gonzalezs? We allowed you to do this because he refused to see you before. But he’s free now and he doesn’t want a divorce. Why don’t you give him a chance?”

When she finished the glass, she answered, “You don’t understand. I can’t stay married with a man who doesn’t love me.”

“I understand, but Simon needs a father. He’s growing up. You can’t keep both of them in the dark forever.”

When the housekeeper came into the kitchen and began preparing dinner, Meredith dropped the discussion. Isabelle was thankful for the interruption. She knew her mother would have whooped her had she continued to argue with her. She sat beside her son, who was busy playing on his phone.

“You shouldn’t play this much baby. It’s not good for you.” She said softly.

“Grandma only let me play for an hour. Then I practice drawing and writing. And we go to the playground.” He smiled toothily and, as always, it melted her heart. She kissed his cheek and let him play.

Once dinner was ready, Simon put the phone away, which made Isabelle and Meredith smile. He was such a smart and obedient boy. She wondered, if one day Leandro found out, would he love him?

Augustus Smith arrived not long ago. “You’re here. I didn’t see you at the company today.”

“Sorry, I was quite busy. I didn’t get the chance to see you in your office,” Isabelle replied.

“So, how’s Leandro? He came out a few days ago, right? Didn’t you say you would talk to him?”

Isabelle frowned. She wished her father had forgotten about it. Apparently not.

“Let’s talk about it later, hon.” Meredith chimed in, looking at Simon’s direction. The old man took the hint and dropped the subject, nodding.

After dinner, she tucked Simon into bed, intentionally avoiding her father.

“Mommy will be gone for a while. I have a business I need to take care of, and you need to stay with grandma and grandpa for a few weeks. I’ll try to visit as often as I can, okay?”

Simon nodded but frowned.

“When will I see daddy?” He asked after a while. Guilt tugged at her heart.

She sighed. “Daddy is busy. He’s still overseas and he will not be able to visit soon. You can wait a little longer, right?”

Simon nodded again. She then read him his favorite bedtime story and not long, he was asleep. Dropping a goodnight kiss on his forehead, she walked to the door before closing it quietly.

She was glad her father was in his study when she left the Smiths' residence. For the past four years, they had been hiding Simon from the Gonzalezs. It was her wish not to tell anyone. She initially planned to tell Leandro, which was why she insisted on seeing him in jail. And yet, each time, he rejected her. Heartbroken, she decided to keep Simon’s existence and stayed overseas while she was pregnant and came back months later after giving birth. From that day forward, she lived with her parents to care for her child.

Only recently, she went back to live with Leandro after his release as she did not want to raise his suspicions, leaving her no choice but leave Simon temporarily under her parents’ care.

“Where have you been?”

She jumped at the sound of Leandro’s voice from the living room when she arrived. She blinked and saw his silhouette on the couch, a glass in hand. Had he been drinking?

“I went to see my parents.” Isabelle walked closer, the sound of her heels clacking against the marble floor was the only sound in the house. Standing a few feet away from him, she took a deep breath. “When are you going to sign the papers?”

“I told you I’m not signing it.” His voice was low and deep.

“But—”

“Drop it.” He cut her off. “Nothing can convince me otherwise. Don’t waste your time.”

The calmness and decisiveness in his tone angered her. He was seriously not changing his mind. “Are you serious?!”

“Do I look like joking?” The irritation in his tone was clear but it did not discourage her. It only infuriated her.

“I am not putting up with this anymore! Just sign the damn papers!” She burst out.

He suddenly stood, looming tall in the dark. Her skin pricked, sensing his eyes burning holes in her head. Despite the darkness, she knew he was as mad as her.

He advanced toward her. “Tell me, why do you want to get rid of me so bad?”

She stepped back.

“Tell me.” He demanded.

She cringed when she smelt alcohol from his breath. She knew just how violent Leandro could get when he was under the influence. She should not have angered him.

“Let’s talk in the morning. You’re drunk.” Isabelle retreated, knowing better than to anger the beast more. She turned to leave but was brusquely dragged back.

“Since you can’t wait to get a divorce, let’s talk now. Tell me. Why in the hell do you want to get rid of me?” He said, his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close until every inch of their bodies were pressed together.

“Leandro, please. Let’s talk tomorrow when you’re sober.” She said breathlessly.

She wanted to tell him, but she also had pride. She did not want to appear desperate by begging him to give her more. His refusal to meet her for four years was enough proof that he did not bear any pinch of feelings towards her.

For a while nobody spoke. In the dark, they stared at each other. She was beginning to think he was going to kiss her. Then, he finally let her go. Disappointment washed over her. At the same time, she was angry at herself for even wanting to be kissed by him.

Embarrassed, she scurried toward the stairs but before she could reach the top, she heard him say, “I will never sign it.”