Just One Stormy Night

CHAPTER FOUR: THE LIE.

The morning came faster than Easton imagined. His phone buzzed relentlessly, but his fingers didn't move to answer. Then, a heavy knock came at the door.

"Francis," Easton said, his voice thick and tired.

He rushed and opened the door and there stood Francis, very much alert and steady as usual. Without waiting to be ushered in, Francis stepped inside and surveyed the room.

"First thing in the morning, huh? You called me, so I'm here," Francis said, folding his arms and looking at him.

Easton took a deep breath.

"I need to tell you everything," he whispered, voice so hoarse as though it had been fighting tears all night.

Francis saw Easton in a state he had not seen for a very long time and motioned him to sit, and Easton sank into the chair like a man weighed down by his guilt.

"It's Isabella," Easton began. "She's... she's pregnant. I didn't know about this until yesterday. She hid it. And she provoked me; I pushed her and kicked her on her stomach, and we lost it."

Francis is a very wise man who doesn't believe in too many words.

He stared at him silently for a few seconds, then adjusted himself on his seat.

"Why would you treat Isabella that way, Easton? You've been so hard on this young woman? What type of evil did she commit that you can't forgive her?”

Easton shook his head, struggling to utter a word.

"I don't know she was pregnant. And I also found out secrets about her from someone."

Francis tightened his jaw.

"You blame her for everything. Did she make any mistake accepting to marry you even though it's arranged?”

Easton's eyes fell to the floor.

"So, she lost the pregnancy, right?" he inquired.

Easton raised his head and nodded.

Francis's voice softened.

"So, who told you all those things about her?. I mean, the lies you accused her of?"

Easton's eyes narrowed. "Someone that knows somebody that knows her fed me with stories about her past and everything."

Francis paused, then asked quietly.

"Who?"

Easton hesitated, then said, "Alessia. It was Alessia who told me."

Francis's countenance changed immediately.

"You mean that snake. So Easton, Alessia has been the one poisoning your mind against Isabella. If you want the truth, you have to hear it straight from Isabella. One-on-one."

Easton nodded slowly.

"I don't want to face her right now. Please can you talk to her and then give me feedback.

"You beat her up at the slightest mistake, and you abused her emotionally by taunting her that she came from a poor home; now it's time to find out the truth; you don't want to face her," Francis scolded him.

Easton could not say a word but stared at Francis.

"Well, you're my friend, and what are friends for if I can't assist you in time of need? I'll go and meet her and talk to her about this" Francis promised.

"Thank you so much, Francis. Who will not have a friend like you?" he appreciated Francis, his mouth beaming with smiles.

Two days later, Francis showed up in Easton's house.

Isabella was surprised to see him in the absence of her husband and Francis could see it in her face.

Francis took a deep breath.

"I know you're surprised to see me here but I came here for good. You also know that I can't hurt a fly," he explained, gesticulating.

Isabella nodded and faked a smile.

Francis sat down facing Isabella. He adjusted his seat and proceeded.

"I have a question to ask you, but I will need an honest answer".

She nodded. "Okay."

"Have you ever... worked at a club before your father became sick?"

Her eyes narrowed.

"No, why do you ask?"

Francis leaned back.

"Because someone is spreading rumors that you used to be a prostitute before your father's business crashed that made him sick. That you targeted Easton for his money."

Isabella's heart sank.

"That's a big lie."

"I thought as much. But Easton believes it. Alessia told him."

"How could she do such a thing? Where did she know me from because I don't know her? She's lying. I've never been with a man. Easton is the only man I know.

Francis looked at her, stunned.

"Never?"

Isabella shook her head.

He stood up immediately. "I believe you. I'll let him know about this. Let me take my leave."

He stood and left.

That night, Easton was waiting for Francis at a fast food which is always their meeting point aside from home.

"Francis, any update?”

He nodded but didn't say a word.

Anxiety was written all over Easton’s face.

“So?” he asked.

“Easton, I must tell you the truth. The truth is bitter but must be told.

Isabella is not the problem here, you're the problem. You allowed Alessia to feed you with all kinds of lies against your wife, and this is what it resulted in.

Easton felt shivers down his spine.

“My friend, you should know before now that Alessia wants to be yours by all means and she can go any length to achieve this.

Each time she tells you anything concerning Isabella, ensure you confirm before taking any action,” Francis explained.

“See how you lost your seed, your blood because of someone's lie against Isabella. Please don't make that mistake again” he continued.

Easton was so quiet for the rest of the day.

Easton arrived at the office first thing the next morning, even before his secretary arrived.

He looked like he had been crying for days when he arrived at the office.

He didn't greet anybody but went straight to his office.

As soon as Alessia saw that he was in the office, she came in to greet him as usual.

“Sir, you’re looking sick. Are you well at all? Alessia asked, moving closer to check his temperature.

“Will you stop that?” Easton ordered slightly pushing her back.

Alessia was surprised because Easton had not responded to her in such a way.

Alessia knew that there was fire on the mountain but refused to run.

“Hope it's not what I told you days ago that is keeping you in this mood?” she calmly asked.

Easton immediately raised his head up and stared at her for a few seconds, then bowed again.

“I don't know why you're this cold towards me this morning. It's quite unfair. All these that you see me do is all because of you……

Easton immediately interrupted her.

“Because of who, you wicked jezebel. Leave this office now before I lose my temper” he screamed

Alessia ran out of his office immediately.

She was so angry because something had altered her plan.

“For Easton to respond to me this way, something has happened and he may be trying to look towards Isabella's direction. Never! Not when I'm still alive.”

Unto the next.