Yearning for Love

Romantic Tension

Caroline was pissed and unapologetic about what happened. She rested on the railing and stared out into the open view, admiring compounds and peaceful families. At least, that was the most she could get from such a deceit.

“Caro,” She heard Andrew’s voice call her from behind.

“Don’t call me that!” She snapped in anger, turning back at him sharply.

“I am sorry. I….fine. I was rude. I shouldn’t have kicked you out of the room. I shouldn’t have said those hurtful words to you.”

Caroline laughed, not believing a word he said.

“You think I am stupid….”

“No you aren’t. I am sincerely sorry. I would love to make things up to you, but first come back to the room.” He told her nicely.

Caroline wasn’t sure the reason behind his sudden nice character. She stared back at the door and saw Millie gazing at them with her arms folded.

“Why are you suddenly nice to me? How do you expect me to trust you again?” She asked. “I am illiterate after all, and do not deserve to be by your side. You said so yourself.”

“I was wrong. Look, Caroline, this is hard for me too, okay? I had lost interest in marrying you and wanted to move on, but you’re pregnant. How can I leave you in that state?”

“I am sure you could have done so, if your reputation weren’t on the line,” she hissed.

“Could we talk in the room please?” He asked, giving Millie an uncomfortable look.

“No!” Caroline stepped back sharply, preventing him from touching her. “Let us talk here.”

“Fine. There will be a party for every wealthy entrepreneur in my city this weekend. I want you to be in attendance with me. It’s a couple hangout, if you wish to put it that way.”

Caroline was shocked. She placed her hands on her lips with an unbelievable look.

“You want to introduce me to your wealthy friends?” She asked. “You know that will make it more official, right?”

“Yes, I want every single person I know to know about us. I will be introducing you to them personally.”

Caroline couldn’t believe her ears. She hugged him tightly and pecked him on the lips, ignoring his irked look.

“Will you do that for me?”

“Yes.” He said, not happy with his choice.

Caroline hurried back to the room with so much excitement and opened her bag for an outfit. Then she recalled it was a high class party, and she couldn’t wear anything basic. Thinking deeply about what to do, she called Laura.

“How is your marriage going?” Laura asked, stretching the word marriage.

“It was rocky at first, but I think he thought about it and came to his senses. He is thinking of introducing me to all his business partners this weekend.”

Laura was shocked.

“That’s massive. Is he really making the official announcement?”

“Yes Laura. He is.”

Laura didn’t seem happy to hear that.

“Ooo….”

“I was hoping for a suggestion regarding the outfit I could wear. I haven’t attended such luxurious parties before, so I do not know….”

“I am sure looking at yourself will be nice, “ Laura suggested nonchalantly.

“You want me to wear my outfit the way it is?” Caroline asked, staring at her bag.

“Trust me, you will stand out being yourself. Just dress as you are and let people accept you as you are.”

Caroline didn’t have a good feeling about that.

“Well, I don’t think….”

“Do you trust me, Caroline?” Laura asked.

“Yes I do, but I can’t….”

“Dress in your long purple gown. The one you wore during my high school graduation. I am sure people will love your simplicity.”

Caroline nodded in agreement and pulled out the gown.

“You might be right. I am sure everyone will love me for me.”

****

Andrew Pak watched Caroline leave and when he was sure she was out of sight, he turned to Millie.

“Are you happy now? I am going to officially announce that I am her husband to my rich business partner.”

“There is nothing wrong with that. It will help you both bond more.”

“You aren’t helping, Millie. I am looking for ways to get myself out of this and you’re trapping me in it more….”

“I am not, I am just helping. You will thank me later, I promise.”

“I hate when you make me do this.” He confessed before making his way towards his room. He stood at the entrance of the room and sighted Caroline bringing out a purple gown and trying it before the mirror.

“What the hell is that girl holding?” He thought, confused about why she paid so much attention to the gown.

He pulled out his phone and dialed his designer, who responded promptly.

“Yes, Andrew.”

“Caroline and…..I meant my wife and I will be attending the office hangout this weekend. I want you to prepare a nice gown for her and also send me the make up artist on that day.” He requested.

“I will be on that. Can I get her measurements?”

“My mom has that. Request it from her. Ensure the gown is ready before that day.” He turns back to Caroline who looked displeased with her gown. “I don’t think this lady has any preparations at all.”

“Sure!” His designer agreed and hung up. Andrew placed his phone back into his pocket and walked on. As soon as he was in, Caroline folded the purple gown as quickly as she could and placed it back in her bag. He was a bit confused at her alertness.

“Why did you do that?” He asked, confused.

“I don’t want you to see the gown yet. I will be wowing you on that day with my special choice.”

“O….” Andrew sounded sarcastic. He took his towel and walked into the bathroom. “Tell Millie to help pump the water. I am not sure the water is going to run for long.”

Caroline nodded, smiling at him as he took his shirt off. He turned back to her in confusion, wondering why she stared at her in admiration.

“What?” He asked.

She looked away instantly. He gazed at her for a while and thought of an idea. He was bored anyway and needed a bit of excitement.

“Do you want to join me? We can take a shower together.” He suggested.

She was surprised at his request.

“Really?”

“You are my wife. It shouldn’t be a weird request, should it?”

She shook her head and sent a quick message to Millie before walking in with just her towel. Andrew felt the strange feeling of fear again around her. The strange feeling of vulnerability and neediness. Perhaps he was making a mistake. Perhaps he shouldn’t have called her in.

“Have you showered with a guy naked before?” He asked, slowly removing her towel. He sighted her body trembling. Her eyes were still on his, looking so innocent. They looked as innocent as they initially were when he first slept with her. He was drawn to her at that time and wanted to quench his lust. He shouldn’t want her again! He should be done with her, but for some reason he wanted her again. He wanted her so badly! He placed her towel on the towel rack and turned to her lips.

“Remove mine.” He requested.