Episode five
712 Words
OCTAVIA
I was right at our designated spot for brunch, and I had to see Anastasia. Marcelle was supposed to get her since I wanted to drive. I didn't see him yesterday before leaving the house after he gave me the key.
The information stayed in my head till I got back to the house, I was married to the richest man in the whole city, one of the wealthiest men in the world, and I had no freaking idea.
Today must be my lucky day.
No wonder he thought I was weird when I suggested we split the bills. Oh, God!
I felt uncomfortable at this, I was happy when I thought he was just content, but now that I knew he could control this city, I was skeptical.
I had a strong case of Déjà vu, and it was my sister's story all over again.
She married a wealthy man whose family adored her, my sister was content, but it didn't last.
First, she had to quit her job to become a full-time wife at home, and suddenly, his family didn't like her anymore. They cast her aside like she meant nothing. For a long time, Paris remained unhappy in that marriage. Her source of joy, she would tell me, was her little boy, George.
I didn't want mine to end up like that, I was worried about her sometimes, and it pains me to see her struggling to regain the balance in her home. It shouldn't have to be like that.
For a long time, we took care of each other. When our parents died, it was just Paris and me against the world. When she got married, I thought she would be getting the life she always wished for but right now, there was nothing happy about her situation. I hope I made the right choice to marry Marcelle.
"Penny, for your thoughts, dear?"
I looked up, and Anastasia gave me that warm smile she always reserved for me.
I grinned, reaching out to hug her.
"About time you got here,"
"Blame Marcelle. He is always on his phone." She pointed the finger at him.
I narrowed my eyes instantly, "you bullied your grandson into marriage. Cruel."
She sighed, "I know, but I just wanted to see my two favorite people together. I know you can make each other happy."
"I don't know about that. I don't know anything about him," I confess my deep worries to her.
"My Marcelle is an open book, and I believe he will open up when the time is right. You won't regret it."
She squeezed my hand, and I smiled at her.
"Is he always on the phone?"
"No, I am here now." His voice came from above.
"Oh, you startled me."
"My apologies," he said with a straight face.
"Marcelle, I was just telling Octavia how well-behaved you are," Anastasia said.
"Grandma, I am not a dog." He whined.
I chuckled, their interaction might seem odd, but it was evident that they loved each other.
"He is right, and he is not a dog." I defend him,
He gave me a smile that brought down the walls I had erected. Sweet Lord!
"So, what are you guys having?"
"Oh, we don't eat. Just talk all day." Anastasia informed her grandson.
"Okay, so what are you going to talk about?"
I lifted the water to my lips to cool my throat.
"About the possibly of grandkids,"
The liquid immediately bubbled out of my lips. Spilling water everywhere in a very unladylike manner, "I am so sorry." I said as I cleaned my lips with the napkin.
I took some to dry the spill on the table, but he stopped me.
"Let me do it," he grabbed the napkin and cleaned the water on the table.
"T…Thank you," I said as I glared at Anastasia.
As an older woman, she had mastered the act of manipulation.
"Is it something I said?" She said with a sad face but her sides crinkled in amusement.
"I am pregnant." I blurted out.
Marcelle froze, and Anastasia entered into a round of coughing fits.
I passed her the glass of water, and she took some to calm herself.
"What? What did you just say?" She croaked.
- Writer
