CHAPTER TWELVE
2339 Words
MIRA’S POV
I squinted my eyes in doubt of what I had just seen. The shadow passed again and I screamed at the top of my lungs. Running back to Anthony's study.
Luckily, he heard my scream and caught up to me before I could reach his door. Anthony rushed out of his study, face evident with worry.
He stretched his arms and pulled me close to him. The fear that gripped me increased my heart’s pace as I tightened my eyes trying to bury my face in his chest. I held the back of his shirt like my life depended on it. His soothing back rub managed to calm my senses and steady my breathing
“ It- it- it's there. “
“ Shuuuu… “ Anthony tightened his hold moving his hands to the back of my head.
“ I- I saw someone there Anthony. Someone is in this house. “ I stuttered out looking into his eyes that held a hint of worry.
“ It's okay, okay, come. “ He intertwined our hands leading back to his study.
He led me to a chair and poured me a glass of water to calm my nervousness. After that, his denamour changed from caring to angry. I tried to distract myself from what I had experienced so I began gulping the water in fear.
“ Yes. Raid this house immediately. I sense an intruder in here. “ Placing the glass down, I was met with Anthony's back view. He stood at the window frame looking outside with his phone held to his ear before ending the call.
“ You believe me? “ I threw him a light smile as soon as he turned to me.
“ All this wouldn't have happened if you had stayed in your room from the onset! “
“ What? “ My smile disappeared at his words. Definitely not what I expected.
“ I wouldn't have done that if my husband performed his matrimonial duties to his pregnant wife at least. “
“ Mira I'm not going down this route with you right now. “
“ I can't believe you’re accusing me of someone Intruding our house. What if I hadn't seen the person, what would have happened to you, To me, To our Child?! “ I snapped in anger and astonishment at his ridiculous conclusions.
“ Damien’s child you mean. That's why he keeps hovering around you. “ He stated calmly, leaning on the wall while glaring daggers at me.
“ Even if this is Damien's child, I'm your wife and you're to take care of me. “
As soon as those words left my mouth, I mentally face palmed myself. Though he never exposes his emotions, I knew my words hurt him. His silence said it all.
“ Anthony I didn't mean- “ A knock at the door interrupted my clarification.
“ Boss. Hacker code 332. “ A deep manly voice called out, making me scrunch my brows.
“ Yes. Fred, come in. “ He got off the wall inserting both hands in his pocket awaiting the person behind the door.
A hefty looking bodyguard entered the room. All focused on Anthony as they shared a knowing look. Meanwhile I stood there like a log of wood with my arms folded and eyes switching between both of them confused and suspicious.
“ I hope you aren't trying to kidnap me or kill me because what's with the hacker code, mysterious door unlocking and silent communication with your eyes? “
“ Right. You can go to your room now Mira, no intruder was found. I guess it was all in your head. “
“ I'm sure I saw- “ I looked back to the unmoving bodyguard who didn't spare either of us a glance.
“ Mira. It's late please, the baby needs to rest. It's unhealthy. “ Anthony said swaying on his toes and sole with his tongue poking the inside of his cheek.
“ Oh now you care. “ At that, I left his study and went back to my room with his bodyguard escorting me to my door. About closing my door, I overheard him talking on the phone
“ Yes boss. She just got in now. “
Rolling my eyes, I tucked myself into bed and wandered off to dreamland with one thought on my mind.
“ If Anthony claims to hate me, why does his little actions show otherwise? “
…..
“ Thank you chef oscar. “ I grinned appreciatively at the chef for bringing me the bowl of mixed fruits I requested.
Taking a curt nod, he headed out of the dining area. We were currently sitting on the dining table with three housekeepers behind, just in case we needed assistance or there was a complaint.
Gina stood directly behind Anthony who tapped on his phone absentmindedly while sipping coffee. Anna stood behind me and Rebecca stood beside the door.
Placing a slice of watermelon in my mouth, I moaned at its natural taste. Doing the same for the apple and other fruits, I moaned in satisfaction not knowing how loud I was.
“ Could you stop that? “ Anthony's voice made me stop chewing for a second.
“ Sorry, it's just so good. “
Picking up another slice of fruit with my fork, I feltl Anthony’s eyes, burning my left cheek.
“ Stop moaning Miryana. “ He sat, staring at my wet lips for a while before he snapped back to his phone.
“ Why? “ Poking a slice of strawberry, I raised it to my lips still waiting for him to return his gaze to me. Which he did.
I bit the strawberry, allowing its juicy water to taint my pink lips. I watched as his gray orbs cloud with lust at the sight of my already wet pink lips.
His eyes dropped down a bit to my cleavage then back to my lips that sensually ate the strawberry slice.
Someone cleared their throat pulling us out of that trance. Turning to the source, I was met with a curly haired man that looked to be around Anthony's age..
“ Roy! “ Anthony acknowledged his presence.
“ Anthony! “ Roy’s tone sounded elated than Anthonys.
“ I hope I'm not interrupting something. “ He chuckled, patting Anthony's back as he made his way around him to sit at his left side, which was directly opposite me. Interesting now I'd have to share my fruit. The person he spoke to avoided my eye contact at all cost.
“ No man. I was about to call you so we could head to the meeting. “
“ Sure…. “ Roy threw him a ‘ I'm not stupid look’
“ Well Roy, this is Mira Reynolds, my wife and Mira, Roy Demarkos, A very good friend of mine and business partner. “
Before I could speak, he stretched a hand towards me and said. “ It's good to finally put a face to the name. Descriptions did no justice. “
Sending him a polite smile, I took the handshake. “ It's nice to meet your acquaintance Mr Demarkos. “ The handshake was firm and polite which I appreciated, unlike Damien.
“ Gina. “ At that, she knew exactly why I called and poured him a cup of coffee.
“ Would you like fruit or french toast Mr Demarkos? “ I offered.
“ Oh no, Thank you Mira and please call me Roy, I'm a family friend so no formalities needed here. And I'm pretty sure Anthony would want you to finish the fruits alone seeing how intrigued he was. “ Roy smiled, sipping his coffee, stirring back the tension.
“ Anthony, later today I'd like to go shopping for myself and the baby today. We are bored of staying home all day. “ I informed my husband after a while of awkward silence.
“ Alright and we have to discuss your mother's ongoing treatment later on. “ Anthony still hadn't spared me a glance since then, almost like he was scared of looking at me. But I knew better, He probably felt irritated by my actions earlier.
“ Have a nice day Roy, it was indeed good meeting a family friend. “ With that, I bid them goodbye as I headed to my room with the housekeepers following me closely behind.
……..
The sound of birds chirping and the scent of the beautiful garden flowers blessed my nostrils as a form of awareness and welcome. The breeze greeted my skin, placing my thoughts at the right place.
Sitting on a bench, I took a deep breath and opened my emails. Sending feedback on the supplies and the decorations by my team at the office. Also making lists of essentials to be sent to the suppliers.
People wondered how I was able to pull through even when working under stress. But I just loved interior decorations coupled with the fact that I was a good painter. I loved art because it spoke my emotions without my voice being heard.
While checking the supplies made yesterday, I realized some of the deliveries were not ordered and they were under delivery of the ordered quantities.
Still scanning through, A notification of an unopened email came up so I opened it, it was from the hospital or should I say the obstetrician. The mail contained the date of my appointments with her and other necessary details.
“ Seems like I have an appointment tomorrow. “ I smiled at the knowledge of my child’s wellbeing.
Pushing that aside, I got to work and the problem at hand. I massaged my head wearily. Feeling a slight migraine creeping up.
“ It has just been two days. “ Complaining, I dialed my assistant’s number.
“ Edna. I sent something to your email. Please check and give me feedback immediately. Those unrequested supplies should be reported back so as to reduce the cost. We can't take risks here. “
“ Sure. Alright. Yes I'm okay and I'll be resuming tomorrow. Yes. Feedback immediately please. “ With that, I ended the call and headed inside to get ready to go to the mall.
I decided to shop for myself and the baby today. It was high time I started getting baby essentials at a slow pace.
………..
Walking into the baby boutique, I was greeted by a young woman who probably saw me looking lost.
“ Hi, welcome ma’am. You're welcome to Baby’s care. “
“ Thank you. “ I replied, still glancing around the environment, impressed with the catchy interior decorations. What can I say? It's my line of profession so I'm allowed to leave comments on them.
“ First time mum? “
“ Yes, is it really obvious? “
“ Not really. I have been working here for years now so it's safe to say I could tell through body language. “ She informed me, smoothing her custom work polo which had her name as well as the boutique’s name embedded on it.
“ I don't know my baby's gender yet so I'm just getting a few essentials for now. “
“ Sure. Come it's this way. “ Victoria, as read on her name tag, led me down an aisle of baby outfits till she got to the section for essentials.
“ I’ll be over there attending to other customers but if you need my assistance, you could call for my attention. My colleagues are also around to assist. Enjoy your shopping ma’am. “
Victoria said pointing at an aisle where 3 pregnant ladies stood.
One with her daughter pulling her gown while wailing for a toy at that section, The other heavily pregnant while waddling her way to a different section and the other with just a little baby bump. Barely visible like mine, just scanning through everything there.
Looking around, I saw her colleagues attending to one customer or the other but there was something in common, literally all the women here were pregnant so it felt like a pregnant women association.
Giggling at my silly thoughts, I commenced shopping. Picking up a baby feeding bottle set, I contemplated the colors but decided to stick to a transparent one.
“ This baby bottle warmer seems like it would come in handy. “ I muttered to myself.
“ Gosh, I wish I came with Lily or someone else so I could get a second opinion. “ While weighing my options, my eyes shifted to a couple down this same aisle.
He held her hand comfortingly as they selected clothes from the rack laughing at intervals. While she searched for more, he grabbed her, placing a reassuring kiss by the side of her head painting her cheeks red. The connection was felt by anyone around. It was very obvious that they were swooned by each other which I found quite cute.
‘ The type of affection you yearn for right? ‘ my inner voice asked. But, I couldn't compare what they share to my situation. They were in love. They chose to be in love and get pregnant but mine, life threw a contract marriage and pregnancy at me. I didn't choose this yet so that's why I just couldn't compare it.
I was snapped back to reality by a harsh hit on my shoulder. So I staggered a bit, making my purse fall to the ground.
“ Oh sorry. “ I said, grabbing my fallen purse back up. As soon as I raised my head back up to apologize, I saw a figure clothed in all black hastily walking towards the exit. The scary part was this person had the same figure with the shadow I saw early this morning.
Following the person, I hastened up my pace to get a view of the facial features but by the time I had arrived at the end of the aisle, I looked outside but the person was no more in sight which was strange.
Just then I felt a tap on my shoulder and I flinched.
“ You! “
- Writer
