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1096 Words
My mouth was agape as I scanned the environment. The colour flowers, fleet of expensive cars, everything smelt of wealth. It was far bigger than my father's house.
I had expected that when I walked into the room, household staff would rush towards me assisting with my luggage.
Instead, we met a woman, legs crossed as she fixed her eyes on the television. Could it be that she was his sister? Then why wasn't she present at the marriage ceremony?
Immediately she noticed our presence and rushed towards Robin wanting to kiss his lips but he turned sideways, the kiss landing on his cheeks.
“What are you doing here, leila?” He asked slightly, pulling her away.
“Come on,” she drawled softly, batting her lashes. “Are you still mad about that?” She pulled him closer with his tie. His eyes softened by a brief second as if he was battling with his emotions. She sure had some power over him, and jealousy stung my chest.
Then he exhaled. “Go home Leila, I've had a long day.”
Her eyes burned with rage with the intensity of someone who is used to getting what she wants.
She gave me a hard stare. “I thought you said she was just your wife on paper and she meant nothing to you!”
“Right, but I'm not ready to speak to you now.” He replied walking away.
Leila huffed. “whatever.” Then she grabbed her bag and stormed off the sitting room.
Robin paused, raising his eyebrows at me. “And you, what are you still there? You thought you were watching a sitcom huh?”
I bit my lips from saying anything. Soon the domestic workers came around and helped me settle into my room.
****
Just when I was about to sleep, I heard a knock on the door and my chest tightened as I let out bated breaths.
“Who's there?” I stuttered, hoping it was one of the maids and not him.
“Open up,” his firm voice commanded.
My heart picked up an irregular pace as I trudged towards the door
Once opened, I met him at the door, dressed in basic shorts and short sleeves that revealed his toned arm dotted with tattoos. His hard gaze fell on me, then he swallowed visibly. I followed his gaze down to my cleavages and I awkwardly tied the robe, covering my body.
Robin cleared his throat. “I was thinking since we are housemates, we may need to set up some rules.”
I nodded slowly, then he made a gesture with his hand. I obliged and cleared the way for him to enter the room.
“Understand that this is just business and in fact, here.” Robin stretched out a printed paper to me and I took it.
My eyes scanned through its contents and I almost bursted into laughter. He seriously printed his rules?
“Why do you look amused?” He asked, irritation dripping off his tone.
I swallowed. “Nothing.”
“Good.”
I scanned through the contents and they were just five rules.
One, don't ask me any silly questions.
Two, don't step foot in my room without my permission.
Three, don't touch me.
Four, don't fall in love with me.
I know the this may be hard for you
Five, we will not have kids.
Signed, Robin Blackwood.
“Here,” I handed the paper over to him.
”I plan to abide by all the rules.” I replied, even if everything in me was breaking. I was trapped in a loveless marriage and worst I couldn't even have kids. That has always been my dream. And cheating on him meant the marriage was over and every perk that came with the marriage would be stripped off instantly.
“Good.”
“If that's all I'd like to sleep.” I said, opening the door for him.
“I wasn't going to stay any longer.” He replied as he took graceful strides, exiting the room. The moment he left, I breathed out loudly followed by the tears I had been struggling to hold. The tears poured down as I slid down the floor and let them pour.
A knock came out the door, jerking up and having me dab my eyes.
“Ma'am just wanted to inform you that your pasta is ready.” The soft voice of Quinn, the maid came through.
“Thank you,” I croaked out.
****
Hunger twisted at my insides, then eyelids opened. I couldn't remember the last night I had skipped dinner. It wasn't unusual to me but because of the event last night, my appetite travelled to a far away land and only returned with full force this morning.
I quickly shuffled my feet into my footwear and headed towards the kitchen. Getting there, I heard the sound of a knife cutting veggies on a chopping board and the sizzling of oil on the pain. Who could be cooking this morning? Quin?
My answer came to me before I could brainstorm further.
“She isn't really bad,” Dave appeared to be on the phone with someone else. I inched closer and pressed my ear towards the door.
“But her father has caused more harm than good.” The person said.
“Yup this is my chance to get back at him.” Dave replied, followed by a bitter chuckle. “She's just a tool.”
“Perfect. From time to time we could make her bend to our needs.”
I gasped, putting my palm over my mouth. What had my father done to his strange man and Robin? What had I gotten myself into? Numerous questions plagued my mind as I stood there transfixed.
I really should leave now before Dave catches me here but I couldn't find the strength to leave. My thoughts had drowned out the rest of their conversations. I leaned against the wall, hoping to hear them but it seemed like the call had ended.
In the blink of an eye the door bolted and I ran faster than a deer, hiding myself under the dining table.
David emerged from the kitchen. “Quinn, are you still here?” He asked, pacing to the parlour and back to the kitchen. Then he moved towards the water dispenser, any moment from now he should be able to see me. I panted and covered my mouth while hoping for the worst.
- Writer
