MIRA' S POV:
“ A- Anthony. “ I called out pulling away from Damien's hold. Damien followed my eyes to the doorstep and smirked, tucking his hands in his pocket.
“ You're home.“ I tried controlling my breath as I walked towards him. Instead Anthony left the living room without sparing another glance at us.
I wondered what would have gone through his mind seeing his wife in a compromising situation with his ‘best friend’.
“ Mission accomplished, right? “ I glared at Damien. Who only stood there with an irritating smirk on his face.
“ Damien. Why are you doing this? “
“ Doing what? Claiming what's mine or saying the truth? “ He approached me with his arms open, smiling viciously.
“ Can't you see that, Anthony doesn't care about you or the child? “ He raised my chin so my eyes could meet his blue ones.
“ But I do. “ The feel of his fingers only ignited my anger.
“ Get out. “ Hitting his arms away, I stepped past him but stopped in my tracks.
“ And, Anthony cares about the mother of his child and his child because it's HIS. He just feels betrayed by a friend he called family. “
“ See yourself out when you're done. “ Finishing off, I left Damien all to himself but not to meet Anthony. A trial to convince Anthony that nothing happened is futile because he doesn't believe the child is his, so how would he believe nothing happened downstairs. Completely futile.
I sat on the floor of the garden slowly watching the sunset into dusk like I loved doing. Permitting my thoughts to drown itself in imaginations. Wondering where I could have been and how I could have been if only my father was alive.
Wishing this was all a nightmare I could wake up from. Everytime I opened my eyes, I saw myself in the Reynold’s garden. The home my actions landed me into. The family I signed into. The man I woke up to as my husband.
The cold breeze continually kissed my skin raising goosebumps but, I couldn't bring myself to leave the garden. Nature always had a way of encouraging my thoughts and also pulling me out of them.
I feared going back into the house would make me wary and slice my already opened wounds. I never bargained for this.
Laying down on the grass, I turned to my side only to lock gaze with Anthony from his window. Most of the times I sit with nature, I see Anthony staring or catch a glimpse of him withdrawing from the window frame.
Today, he stood unlike other days that he’d leave as soon as I see him. He stood unmoved, staring blankly like usual. I couldn't really get a clear look of his facial features but, my view from here was definitely enough to give me butterflies and warm my cheeks. This man was beautiful.
Our gaze was locked for a while till a butterfly landed on my thighs pulling my attention with it. I smiled, admiring its naturally endowed beauty. Then it flew away. Turning back to the window, Anthony was nowhere to be seen anymore.
I couldn't help the feeling that came at that realization.
“ Mrs Mira, it's time for dinner. “ The chef announced from the garden entrance.
I stood up dusting my white sundress glancing back at Anthony's window.
“ What do we have for dinner Mr oscar. “ Following behind him, I inquired.
“ Today, Mr Reynolds asked that we make something Italian for you because he knows how often you visit that Italian restaurant. “ Chef Oscar replied, stopping so I could lead the way.
“ Really? “ I gasped in astonishment. Why would Anthony do this if he hates me so much and how did he know I go to an Italian restaurant almost often.
“ Yes, He asked that we make something homely. To make you feel calm and satisfied. And, he's your husband Mrs Mira, it's only fair he knows your likes and dislikes. “ Chef Oscar spoke asI neared the dining area.
After that, he courted briefly in acknowledgement as he left. I stood, with his last words about being my husband continuously ringing in my head.
“ Sure. “ Breathing out, I sat down awaiting Anthony's arrival.
Opening the covering, I was met with a mouth watering sight. I was met with spaghetti alla carbonara, the other was lasagna and fiorentina steak and barolo wine by the side.
The view made my stomach growl In hunger. I really couldn't wait to munch on everything on the table. Realizing only my plate was served, my eyebrows scrunched together in reasoning.
Just in time chef Oscar walked in with dessert.
“ Mr Oscar, Why is it only my plate that is served tonight? “
“ Umm, Mr Reynolds won't be eating downstairs tonight. “ Not only did my brows scrunch but my nose too joined at his words.
“ He said he's really busy. So we would take a lighter dinner to his study room. “
“ Study room? “
“ Yes, study room. “
I couldn't help but conclude that it was this evening’s occurrence that led to his behavior. I really didn't want to eat here alone, especially today because the dinner was Italian. I was anticipating seeing his expression, as the juicy taste of the food burst in his mouth and teasing his taste buds.
“ Ohhh I see. Thank you. “ At that, he dropped something that looked like cannoli and Italian love cake on the table.
Now I don't think I would eat this all.
“ Oscar, isn't this a bit- “ I paused, noticing he had already left.
So I shook off the gut feeling growing and dug in while rubbing my growing baby bump.
………….
It was exactly 2:36 am when I decided to head downstairs to find snacks. Tiptoeing into the kitchen, I searched around for something to snack on. Most preferably ice cream, and cookies. I scanned the fridge almost losing hope till a certain fancy bowl caught my eyes. Ice cream.
“ Yesssss. “ I raised my voice a bit while punching my fists in the air.
“ Shuuuu Mira. Anyone could wak in. “ Placing my index finger in my lips I giggled.
I couldn't find cookies anywhere around but I knew we had some probably locked in the store room.
“ Ohh well, this would do. “ Shrugging my shoulders in satisfaction, I exited the kitchen smiling while scooping large portions of the strawberry flavored ice cream.
“ Tasty. “ I moaned nodding my head
Distant sounds down the hallway called my attention. The sounds got louder as I took careful steps towards the source.
“ Licenza Quella Stronza! “
Translation: Fire that b***h!
Anthony bursted out from his study room and my jaw practically dropped open. He could speak Italian?
“ Mi é costata millioni. Anche lei ha il permesso! “
Translation: She has cost me millions. She has to leave!
Everywhere went silent but footsteps were still audible.
“ Stacca dal mio telefono, idiota. “
Translation: Get off my phone, i***t.
Despite the shock, my hands still found a way to scoop more ice cream. Curiousity won the war so yes, I turned the door knob letting myself in.
His study room held a strong scent of his manliness giving away his presence. Anthony stood beside his reading table in black sweatpants and black t-shirt flipping through documents. Sexy.
“ Mira. “ He stated. His borrowed Italian accent still evident in his voice. Something about the way he calls my name makes my heart skip all the time.
“ You're supposed to be resting. “ Stating, he didn't spare me a glance so I wondered how he knew I was the one who came in.
“ Yes, my silly cravings thought otherwise. “ No response.
“ I didn't know you speak Italian, Anthony. “ Still no response. Just the continuous sounds of paper flipping.
“ You look like you've not gotten any sleep. “ Silence.
“ I just wanted to appreciate you for telling the chef to make something Italian for dinner. That was really thoughtful. “ Making my way close to him I stood staring at his chiseled sharp jaw as he ignored me.
“ Don't get ideas Mira. The doctor advised you eat well. And it's quite obvious you like Italian food.“ That hurt for some weird reason but I brushed it away.
“ Right. But still, Thank you. “ I replied, sending a forced tight smile his way.
“ My ice cream is melting. “ I awkwardly announced trying to lighten up the dull mood but, it was to no avail.
Since Anthony was extra grumpy, most likely because of his phone call, I decided to get myself farmiiar with his study room. Prancing around like a little princess in a new castle, I walked from corner to corner admiring his taste.
“ Mexican silk. “ I noted scooping the last ice cream. Anthony sat on the chair, with both legs apart, both hands on his thighs with his phone on one hand. He seemed to have been staring at me because when I turned to him, he was already looking at me but his eyes were still blank. No emotion.
His gaze lingered a bit longer than usual but not as long as the one in the garden. Conscious of my features, I checked the corner of my lips for ice cream remains, which I did so I turned away.
“ I didn't get the report of the activities and supplies made today. “ Those gray orbs adorned with golden specks always challenged my dull brown ones.
“ It would be sent to your email, early tomorrow morning. “
“ Goodnight Anthony. “ The tension in the room churned to a different direction so all I wanted to do was to bury my head under my pillow.
As soon as I got out. I walked hastily Into my room not in fear but something else I couldn't pin point.
Before getting in, I saw a shadow run pass the opposite direction and I gasped.