Richard, or Ricky as he prefers to be addressed looked up, having ended his call and then flashed me a smile, giving me a onceover. “Yes, Beautiful?” There’s never a situation where he isn’t flirting. It’s a part of him.
“Where’s James?” I inquired, referring to the man I’m supposed to be one most aware of his location as he is my husband. Or so it says on paper.
“He left a while ago.” Ricky stated, after pondering for a second. He reached his hand out to push aside a lock that fell on his forehead. “Looks like he was in a rush.”
I could only hum, then flashed him a small smile with a nod as I picked up the plate I’d set aside for James and placed it on the stroller, before pushing it back to the kitchen. I settled on a stool there and ate the food so it’ll not go to waste. It’s not like I’ve eaten anything anyway.
I would be lying if I said my heart doesn’t clench at the thought of missing James yet again. He wasn’t always there, but lately it feels as though I’m seeing him even less. He comes home when I’m asleep and leaves before I awake. I tried to wait for him countless times, only to end up falling asleep on the couch.
The only sign of him even being home is his change of clothes that he discards around the room for me to pick up. That and the blanket I find draped on me, no doubt his work for no one in this family cares enough about me. I know that, and yet, I still stay. At least, he cares. These little acts show he does. And for him, I’ll endure it all.
I will just that, because I’m his wife. I’ve been sucking it up for three years, and I plan to keep on doing so, for him. I’m certain he’s just caught up with work, but he’ll come around soon.
I mean, he will…right? All will be well, right?
***
Isabella Montague.
James didn’t show up again that night, and neither did the cleaner which means I had to wash Emma’s bathroom, do Ricky’s laundry, and fix my in-laws room and end up sleeping on the couch yet again awaiting the return of my husband whom I haven’t seen in days.
Something suddenly came up though, because I saw his phone come through immediately I came out of the shower. Confused, I wonder what could be the reason behind the call because he never calls, and he barely answers when I do call him so seeing his call suddenly made my stomach be in uncomfortable knots.
Still, I pushed aside the growing ball of worry and answered the call, bringing the phone to my ear. “Hello? James, darling?” I feel as though I’m on a call with a stranger or something. For some reason it felt awkward.
“Isa.” He breathed out, his family, deep voice that I’ve always loved making butterflies I thought were dead stir in my stomach.
“Darling where have you been? I feel like I barely see you anymore.” I couldn’t help but ask, feeling the need to vocalize my worries. “Are you okay? Is it work? Are you stressed out because of the investors?” I happened to overhear my in-laws talking about him looking for investors for the company.
It’s a developing one, and so would need all the fund it can possibly get so as to thrive. And though they’re doing well, enough to live as to be labelled rich by their peers, I’m certain they are fueled by the need to grow bigger, especially since knowing what fame and riches feels like.
“Yeah, about that…” He ignored my questions, going straight to his original cause for calling. “…I’m bringing certain investors home tonight. I need you to prepare dinner, make it a good one, we need to leave a good impression on them.”
I found myself nodding, despite oddly aware that he can’t see me. Still, I felt glad knowing he was seeking to me for help, even if it’s like this. I yearn to help him anyway I can, for his happiness is all I ever want.
“Of course, worry not. I’ll handle it.” There’s no way I’m turning this down.”
I could imagine him bobbing his head in relief like he always does when he gets what he wants. “Oh, and they’re British, so make some British delicacies so they can have a taste of home.”
“Will do,” I could feel my lips tilting the moment he let out what their nationality is, already planning what I would be making. “What time will you be here?”
“7:30 sharp. Everything should be ready by then.”
“Alright, do you need something-hello? James, Darling…hello?” I pulled the phone from my ear, to check the screen only to see he had already ended the call with me midway.
Those butterflies that stirred in my stomach earlier resumed their earlier state of death, leaving me with a clenching heart. I pushed the thoughts aside, and focused on getting the task at hand done with.
Making my way to the closet, I hastily picked out my outfit for the day. When I stepped out again, I was donning a white button top tucked in jeans with the first two buttons of the top undone. I tied my hair into a messy bun, picking up my phone, and card before heading out.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.