A/N: Hey guys, I am back again with another chapter and I would really like to thank you all for just being such an incredible support. The response I got for the last chapter was quite unexpected and I never imagined that so many people would actually leave their feedbacks, so here's a shout out to silver scropion, Pudding, Xaori, JacksFreitas, Adela, Fuegos Fiyerd and anonymous reviewer, for making me more confident about my writing. Now carry on with the chapter and I hope you all enjoy it!
Chapter 28: Cousins
(Leon's POV)
I yawned a little working on some reports that Hunnigan had sent me; paperwork was always more than enough to make me sleepy. And since Hunnigan didn't really know that I was here on business, she didn't hold herself back while sending work my way either. She would often call me and ask whether I would like to accept some field mission or tell me about the missions in which people wanted me back on the field as soon as possible. But I was already on a field mission here, it was basically an undercover mission that even my own agency wasn't really aware of, so I always had to make excuses about supporting my wife and how she still needs me and stuff to turn those requests down.
"I told you that it's not going to happen then it's not going to happen!", Kate's voice made me look up from my work, as she entered her office with her PA and her cousin, Daniel, following behind her.
"But she's a young and beautiful if her name is joined with our cosmetics brand then we'll definitely capture more market", he said to her, speaking very fast.
"Your sister is young and beautiful too", Kate commented in a monotone, moving behind her desk and skimming through the files on her desk.
"But she's not known by everyone, and Juliette Rivera is a very famous", Daniel argued with a weight on his voice, "She has even shot a movie now with a famous label, and once that hits the screen, she would be more popular."
"I am popular should I endorse our brand instead?", she asked him back and he was taken aback by that for a moment, "What do you say honey?", she looked in my direction and Daniel looked at me too.
"Sure whatever", I answered letting out a carefree sigh; "Do whatever you want to do."
It wasn't like Kate would listen to me if I said otherwise. She always did whatever the hell she wanted, and to be honest Daniel was fighting a losing battle here. He had already lost the battle the moment he decided to oppose her judgments and argue with her. All wise men know there's no way to win an argument against women. I sometimes wondered how two women settled their arguments, since there's no way either would back off and admit defeat or accept it was their fault. However, even though the outcome was decided it was interesting enough to see this clash of opinions.
Kate pretended to think for a moment; it was so obvious to me that she had no intention of doing what she said but currently she made it seem like she was seriously considering it. She looked at Daniel, "Nah", she said making a cringing face and shaking her head, "I don't have time for such mediocre stuff", and got back to her files.
"Look Rivera is our best bet, and she's not endorsing any beauty products. Her fame would definitely sky rocket after the movie's success and it would be harder for us to get her to sign the deal then", he spoke once again trying to convince Kate, who had finally found the file she was looking for and started to go through it.
"Well not a problem because I am not thinking of signing her up for this thing", she told him speaking very casually, shaking her head in negative and not even bothering to look up at him.
"You're making a big mistake!", Daniel put a weight on his voice; he seemed to be frustrated from trying to convince her.
"Ah…", Kate let out a sigh briefly looking up before resuming to read the file, "Why am I not amused anymore listening to that", and I noticed Daniel hands curling up in fists, maybe as a sign of anger.
He let out some of his anger with a sigh, "You have no sense of business, you're just ruining your father's name", he accused her not holding back the bitterness in his tone, "Rivera is a star…"
"A model", Kate spoke in a tone of correction, closing the file with a snap and looking up at him. She flashed him that beautifully wicked smile that only meant just one thing that he was in trouble, "Well your so-called 'Star' is asking too much money for shooting a 30 second advertisement and wants to be paid every time she has to make an appearance under the product's banner. It would just push back our profits, and that's not what a finance expert would recommend", she spoke very clearly, "And since you mentioned my father, I'd like you tell you that he didn't appreciate people taking unfair advantage of their positions. So, if your girlfriend really wants to endorse our product, tell her that she has to take the price that we are offering her, unless of course, you want to pay her out of your own pocket, which is totally fine by me. And also she will have to go through the auditions like everyone else; if she's a star she has to prove it. That's all I can do for her", she told him in a resolute tone, still smiling at him.
Daniel just huffed in response and stormed out of her office. He wasn't really pleased with whatever Kate said to him, but I guess he bought it upon himself. If he had just held back from dragging in her father in their argument, then she might not have reacted this way. She wasn't really that bothered when people threw their hate her way, but she didn't stand it one bit if people targeted her father. This sheep could get pretty scary when angered. She told her PA to take a break and he gave her a nod of agreement, before exiting the office as well.
I looked back at Kate, as she closed her eyes and let out a sigh of tiredness. The next moment she opened them and our eyes met. I gave her a smile and she returned it tenfold. She raised herself off her chair and walked towards me. "What are you up to?", she asked taking a seat by my side.
"Just doing some paperwork from my actual work", I told her the truth.
"Lately you're doing them a lot, huh?", she just commented casually.
"Don't worry I haven't forgotten why I am here", I assured her with a smile.
She let out a laugh, "You misunderstand me, I am just saying if things get dire at your end, you are free to report to duty", she said to me speaking sincerely.
"Currently things are as peaceful as they can be", I told her with a smile, "And I can enjoy your company for the time being."
"That's good to know", she smiled at me, "But is working your way of enjoying your time with me?", she asked me in an innocent tone.
"Well it keeps me occupied in your absence", I told her a fact.
"Hmm… but now I am here, so what should we do", Kate asked me with a playful smile.
"Well I have a few things in my mind", I said somewhat thoughtfully looking at her.
"So what are you waiting for?", she asked me and winked at me.
"I just can't decide where to start, Mrs. Kennedy", I answered with a smile.
As always Kate turned a hundred shades of red when I referred her with my last name. She was really a very beautiful woman and she looked even more beautiful when she blushed. It was a sight I couldn't get enough of and I was always left a little speechless, admiring her one of a kind beauty. I just wanted to keep looking at her gorgeous face at times but most of the times I just wanted to capture her soft lips. Kate looked away possibly to avoid my gaze and I couldn't stop myself from kissing her cheek. She gasped in surprise, since she didn't see it coming, and blushed profusely turning an even darker shade of red, which just made her appear even cuter.
(Kate's POV)
Leon chuckled slightly, as my face felt really warm. I hit him gently for always taking me by surprise. I didn't really understand why it felt so awkward being referred by his last name. It wasn't that I hated being referred as that; it's just that that I get butterflies in my stomach when he calls me that. It's so embarrassing but at the same time I felt really glad having being called that. It was as if it was a reminder that he accepts me in his life and in that role, which it made me feel really privileged.
Before anyone of us could say anything, there was a knock on the glass door and I looked up to see our legal advisor Mr. Lawrence opening the door to let himself inside the office, "Do you have minute, Kate?", he asked me with a smile.
"Yeah, please have a seat, Mr. Lawrence", I gestured him to take a seat on the couch, "How can I help you today?", I asked as the elderly male took a seat across from us.
"I just got back after settling the incident that happened at the Food Processing Factory and thought to personally give you the updates", he told me with a smile
"There was no need, Mr. Lawrence, I trust your judgments", I told him with a smile. He was the only person who had been really supportive even after my father died, "And besides you kept me informed over the phone calls. They were fined, sentenced to prison for a couple of months and have to do community service, right?"
"Yeah I made sure they were strictly dealt with", he told me with a nod in usual professional tone.
"Thank you Mr. Lawrence I really appreciate it", I thanked him sincerely. It really didn't matter to me what happened to those people but still I couldn't overlook this older lawyer's efforts and concern that he showed towards me, "So anyways what about the legal formality for building the institute?", I asked him.
"It's still in the process, there a lot of groundwork that needs to be done before I can actually file in for a permit to build an institute", he answered, "But I'll try to fast pace it if you want."
"That's fine Mr. Lawrence, you don't have to stress yourself over it", I said to him casually, "Is there anything else?"
"Ah yes… Mr. Cooper would get bailed somewhere around next week", Mr. Lawrence told me with a grave expression on his face.
"That's good to know", I replied with a slight smile.
"Are you sure you want that?", the older male said in tone of confirmation, looking at me piercingly.
"Yeah", I affirmed with a couple of nods.
"If he gets out he might try to kill you once again", he spoke in a very concerned tone.
"He won't", I shook my head speaking in a confident tone.
"You can never be too sure…", he began in an attempt to reason with me.
"I am sure about this, Mr. Lawrence", I said putting a weight on my voice, "I just know that he won't commit the same mistake twice."
The older male look really conflicted and gave me an anxious look, but before he could say anything Leon spoke, "I won't let anything happen to her", he said speaking confidently, as we both turned our heads to look at him, "So you don't have to worry, I'll protect her with all I have got", he added with a smile, turning to look at me.
I smiled at him and resisted the urge to kiss him, "See Mr. Lawrence, I have my knight in shining armor. So, you don't have to worry about a thing", I said to the experienced lawyer.
The old man looked at us and finally smiled, "If that's what you really want then I won't contest it anymore", he agreed to my wish, "Now I would like to take your leave", he added raising himself off the couch and I gave him a nod, "Have a good day both of you!", with that he left the office.
"He really cares about you", Leon said looking at him through the glass, as the old man walked away to the elevator.
"Yeah I guess", I agreed with a nod.
"Ever wondered why?", he asked looking back at me.
"Well dad always said that he is a sincere and righteous person. He values his commitments, respects his profession and understands his responsibilities. Dad really trusted him a lot with the company because he has always been dedicated to the company and been a very loyal friend to my dad. So I guess he's someone, who doesn't need my father's presence to remind him of his commitments and responsibilities", I explained the possible reason to him.
"But still it doesn't explain why he's supportive of you, and does whatever you ask him to", Leon said with a mysterious smile.
"What are you suggesting?", I asked him confused.
"That perhaps he loves you", Leon said in a very serious and dramatic tone.
I became completely speechless at such a speculation and didn't know how to react to such information. I couldn't stop my mind from thinking about all the interactions I have had with Mr. Lawrence and the possibility that Leon's deduction could be right gave me the creeps. I looked at him anxiously, maybe half scared and half confused. It was then that Leon broke out laughing and I understood that he was in fact joking, and I hit him for giving me such a scare.
Leon apologized but I just huffed at him in annoyance; I couldn't just forgive him for putting such troubling thoughts in my mind. At which, he cleared in out me that meant that maybe Mr. Lawrence loves me as daughter and told me that it was my fault for thinking on such a crazy level, as he laughed at me even more. I hit him a couple of more times, for mocking me like that because I just knew he deliberately said in a such a way that I misunderstand, so he could laugh at me.
After being physically assaulted by me for a couple of minutes, all throughout which he laughed as if I was tickling him or something, Leon apologized to me once again. I was still a little furious at him, so I couldn't help but shoot him an annoyed glare. He asked me to forgive him with a sweet smile and it melted my heart, just like a marshmallow melts in hot cocoa, and made me smile. He then offered to take me on a coffee date to make it up to me. I agreed to his proposal and we both grabbed our coats, and exited the office building to head to a café.
(Leon's POV)
I felt a little tired as I drove Kate and myself home. Hunnigan had a little too much paperwork my way today that even though it was just 6:00 PM, I was already feeling exhausted. It was a good thing that Kate was telling me a few things all through the way because if it wasn't for our conversation then maybe and just maybe I would have dozed off while driving. I yawned, as we reached the mansion gates, and that made Kate ask me if I was bored. I told her the truth that I really feel mentally exhausted when I have to deal with paperwork, at which she just laughed at me saying that I should get some rest once we are home.
I agreed to it with a nod and it wasn't that long that I was pulling up my car in front of the mansion. Usually it doesn't matter to me when one of menservants take the car keys from me, so they could put the car in the garage but today I was more than glad when the butler offered to park the car for me. I handed him the keys sincerely thanking him for his timely aid.
"Why are you parking the car?", Kate asked the elderly butler, "Where are the other menservants?"
"Everyone is out shopping for the Christmas milady", the butler informed her politely.
"Oh yeah Christmas is coming", she said in tone of realization, "I almost forgot. Why didn't you go Christmas shopping?", she asked him.
"I had planned to leave in some time, milady but I am not sure if I should go now that you're home early today", he told her with a smile.
"Francis, just go! We can manage on our own", she said to him casually looking at me, and I gave the old guy a conforming nod as well.
"Thank you milady and sir", he said happily to both of us, "I'll leave once I park the car."
We both gave him a nod and he went to park the car. We headed inside the mansion and it was really odd with no one around. It felt almost lifeless, without people in here. Kate commented about her relatives not being home either, as we climbed up the stairs to her room. When we reached the room, I dropped myself on the couch tiredly and Kate let out a laugh once again. She suggested for me to use the bathroom first to get changed, but I told her to go ahead, wanting to rest a little. After asking for confirmation once and getting it, she headed inside the bathroom.
I don't know how long I waited exactly, but it didn't seem too long to me before she was out. I dragged myself to the bathroom and had much needed hot shower; it woke me up a little. When I exited the bathroom, I found Kate lounging on the bed reading something. I walked up to the bed and let myself fall face forward on the bed, earning another amused laugh from Kate, but I didn't really care about that. I just grabbed a pillow and put it under my head, and struggled for some time to be comfortable.
"What are you doing?", Kate asked me, her voice sounded somewhat puzzled.
"I want to sleep", I answered her truthfully, "I am trying to be comfortable", I added still trying to get a comfy position.
I felt a weight shift on the bed and the next moment Kate pulling the blanket on me. Although, I didn't really need the blanket on me now but still its warmth felt nice. She adjusted the blanket on me for few seconds, while I chose to stay still like a dead man, and then all of a sudden my olfactory senses were stimulated by a provocative floral scent, "Sleep well", Kate whispered in my ear and gently kissed my forehead.
I turned to lie on my back, as Kate resumed her position and kept a pillow on her lap, continuing to read her book. I didn't know what really overtook me but I shifted my head to the pillow that was on her lap, which startled her a little. She pulled aside the book and looked down at me concerned.
"Are you feeling alright?", Kate asked touching my forehead and I closed my eyes at her touch, "I thought you were going to sleep."
"I am not going to sleep", I told her the truth. She had woken me up in a whole another way, "And I am feeling fine, I am just really tired that's all."
She huffed a little, "Of all the time, you had to be exhausted today, such a bad timing", she commented in a somewhat disappointed tone.
"What do you mean?", I asked opening my eyes looking up at her.
"Well we are the only ones at home", she told me with a smile, "It's the perfect time…", she added winking suggestively.
"Hmm… now when you mention it; it does seem exciting", I couldn't help but agree, playing along with her.
"It is!", Kate spoke emphatically, "If only you weren't so tired, we could have done something totally wild and crazy", she added biting her lower lip seductively.
"I am not that tired", I said smiling up at her mischievously.
"Oh please", she said rolling her eyes and not believing me.
I lifted my head off her lap, raising myself on the bed and grabbing hold of her delicate shoulders, which made her gasp in surprise. I flipped her whole body to the side and pinned her down on the bed, "A man is never too tired to do something crazy", I told her with a smile, withdrawing my hands from her shoulders and keeping them by her side.
Kate stared up at me in utter bewilderment for sometime because it took me probably a fraction of a second to pin her down like this, but soon enough her lips curved up into a gorgeous smile. I took a moment and just adored the beauty lying before me; her long dark hair sprawled on the mattress, the radiance of her pretty face, the mischievous look in her deep blue eyes, the slight blush on her cheeks, the way her chest rose and fall with every breath and those tempting pair of luscious lips. It was all more than enough to make anyone's engines running full speed, and unfortunately I was no exception. I was extremely tired a moment ago but now I felt completely opposite. I don't know where this burst of energy came from but I didn't feel the need to rest anymore.
"So… what do we do now?", Kate asked me continuing to smile beautifully at me.
"We can do whatever you want to do", I told her with a smile, meaning every single word of it.
"How about you take the lead this time", she said raising her arms and hooking them around my neck and making me stoop a bit closer to her, "My heart just raced when you pushed me down just now but don't be rough, alright?", she added in a requesting tone and raised herself a little so she could kiss my cheek.
"I just know the thing we could do or rather you could do for me", I told her with a smile, knowing exactly what I wanted her to do.
"What?", she asked in a quite innocent tone, not doubting my intentions even for a second.
"Play piano for me?", I more of requested it to her. I didn't want her to force herself into playing it for me.
Kate laughed out loud, withdrawing her hands off of me, "You're probably the only guy who thinks, listening to someone play piano is wild and crazy", she said to me, as we both got ourselves into a sitting position.
"Well your crazy piano skills makes my heart go wild", I replied with a flirty smile and she laughed once again, "So will you be playing for me or not?", I asked her once again, as she tidied her hair.
She smiled and gave me a nod saying, "Sure!"
(Kate's POV)
Leon got off the bed and held out his hand to me. I took his hand he pulled me off the bed effortlessly. We walked through the empty hallways up to the piano room. It wasn't really the first time that the mansion wasn't filled with people. It happened so many times in the past that I was all alone with no one around, since we never had too many maids and menservants from the start. It was only after Aunt Pamela and my cousins started living here that she kept employing more and more people to look after the mansion; otherwise it was just Maria and Francis that took care of the place before her moving in.
Even as an adult and with those two around, this placed appeared to be a little creepy to me. But now that I was walking by Leon's side, the place didn't seem so like before. Things always seemed brighter and places always felt warmer when he was with me. It was just a little over a month since he had been with me and we already were very casual with each other. I never thought we could be this way because when I met him last month, he wasn't really fond of me, but now that we were getting along well I never wanted it to change.
I turned on the lights of the piano room and we walked further inside the room to the sleek black grand piano. We both sat on the little seat in front of the piano, which was just enough to accommodate two people, and I lifted off the cover from the keys. I stared down at the keys and I drew up a blank. I didn't know what to play for Leon or what would he like. I looked at him a little confused and he returned my puzzled look.
"What happened?", Leon asked in a concerned tone, "You don't feel like playing?"
I shook my head, "It's not that. I was just wondering what I should play for you", I asked for his preference.
"The thing you played last time, the tune your dad wrote", he answered in an obvious tone.
I smiled at his choice. It should have been obvious that he wanted me to play that tune after all he liked it from the moment he had heard it, "Alright", I gave him a nod and turned to play.
"Wait!", he stopped me before I could start playing and I looked at him inquisitively, "I want to record it this time", he said retrieving his phone from his pocket, "Okay play!", he added and touched the record button on his phone.
I turned to face the grand piano once again and my hands hovered over the keys for a bit. I took a deep breath, remembering the initial notes of my father's tune and lowered my hands on the keys starting to play it. Usually I didn't have to remind myself of the notes because after having practiced for so long, it all came to me naturally, as long as I had practiced it enough. It doesn't matter to me if I missed a note or two at times but today I didn't want to miss a single note. I wanted it to be my best performance ever, because it was for Leon.
I closed my eyes to shut out any form of distraction and dedicated myself to the music. I felt it course threw my whole body and my heartbeats rose. My hands felt a little shaky for some reason but I wasn't done with playing this tune yet and I needed to continue. Leon was watching me. It was the first time that he had requested something of me, and I just couldn't disappoint him by not playing the whole thing. It was possibly the only thing I could do for him.
I couldn't help but remember all the times Leon helped me out of a tough situation. The times, he had supported me when there was no one by my side. The times, he put his life on the line to protect me. The time times held me in his strong arms to comfort me, just because I was scared or feeling down. The times he amused me, made me smile, made me laugh and made me happy. I was reminded of all those moments I spent with him starting from the time we met on the balcony right down to here when I am playing for him. The way he looked at me, the way he smiled at me, the way he kissed me and the way he loved me.
(Leon's POV)
I couldn't help but be fascinated, watching Kate play the piano. Her eyes were closed, her long hair was flowing because of the breeze and her hands glided over the keys like a professional pianist. Although, I hadn't ever been to any piano concert but I could say that Kate was marvelous at playing the piano. She played it with so much perfection that one could feel the emotions in the music. It was overwhelmingly powerful, so much so that I felt chills running through my body.
My heart was beating fast and like the last time the combination of this music and her beauty was getting the best of me. I just wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her as passionately as I could but I kept a lid on those feelings. I patiently watched her play, listening to the music that touched the soul for a couple of minutes. She was panting a little, when she was done playing the music. She took a moment to grab her breath while I stopped the recording on my phone.
"Wow, That was really amazing!", I couldn't help but say, clapping in appreciation for her performance.
"Thank you!", Kate smiled brightly, turning sideways to look at me.
"But I really wasn't expecting that new tune though", I expressed my surprise with a smile, "You'll have to play that one for me again."
Kate's smile faded a little, "What do you mean new tune?", she asked as lines of bewilderment ran across her face, "Didn't I play my dad's tune?", she questioned seemingly anxious.
"Well you did start with it", I told her the truth, "But you started playing something completely different in between, see", I played her the recording when she started playing something different.
Kate seemed a little speechless, "Oh", was the only thing she said seemingly disappointment, "I am sorry I didn't realize I was playing something different. I thought I was playing my dad's tune all this time. I am really sorry", she apologized to me sincerely and looked away from me and towards the piano keys.
"You really don't have to apologize", I grabbed her shoulders and turned her face, so she looks at me, "The new tune was really a treat", I told her the truth but she didn't seem convinced, "Your dad's tune is very good there's no two thoughts about it but the new one you played today was great!"
"Really?", she asked in confirmation.
"Yeah", I gave her a nod, "It was more intense and it felt our own…", I spoke sincerely looking in her majestic blue eyes, "I mean… your own", I quickly corrected myself.
Kate smiled once again and I withdrew my hands from her shoulders. She thanked me once again and before I could respond, she leaned in and kissed my lips. I was pretty sure that she just wanted it to be a peck, but my body reacted to it faster than my brain could have comprehended it. My hand grabbed her face, making her stay, and I closed my eyes, returning her kiss. She could've have pushed me back or put up some form of resistance, but I was more than glad that she complied, because it was something that I really wanted at the moment. I put an arm around her waist and pulled her on my lap to close the distance between us.
I felt Kate wrap her arms around my shoulders, as I wrapped mine around her body. And even though it was middle of December and it was really cold outside, but her body felt so warm. Her scent was extremely provocative and yet I only wanted to savor the taste of her lips. It was the only thing that mattered to me now, as she kissed me tenderly. I had kissed so many women but it was really hard to resist the temptation of her lips, because it was one of a kind experience.
Kate's soft and smooth lips engaged my own just the way I wanted them to. Our kiss started really slow but it didn't lack any passion from either of us even for tiniest fraction of a second. It was as if our lips were meant to quench the thirst of the other. The things started to heat up and I felt my heart race once again, as we deepened the kiss allowing each other to explore a little more. It got more and more exciting and even more addicting the longer we continued on with it. I didn't really want to pull away from this kiss and I was glad that all those lung capacity training were helping me now.
I felt Kate grab my shirt really tight and I realized that even though I could go on for a minute or two, but she was reaching her limit. She was trying really hard to sustain this kiss, but it was obvious that she would be falling short of breath soon enough. I kissed her passionately for just few more seconds and pulled away from the kiss. She was left panting due that lengthy kiss and kept a hand over her chest, catching her breath. Her face was flushed red, making me want to kiss her once again but I wanted her to regain her normal breathing first.
(Kate's POV)
Leon's kiss left me breathless and flustered but it was the most amazing experience as always. I got off his lap and we smiled at each other, sharing a mutual laugh for actually doing something close to crazy. I reached out to wipe my lipstick that was smeared on his lips and very unexpectedly he grabbed hold of my hand, and kissed my palm, before smiling at me. I returned that heartwarming smile, shifting my hand to rest it against his cheek, gently caressing his cheekbone with my thumb and maybe just maybe he leaned into my palm.
We both looked at each other just caught it one of those silly moments, and as I stared into his sky blue eyes, I felt my own eyes welling up with tears. I wish I could take away his pain and comfort him, like he always did for me, but I was quite clueless as to what could ease his ail. I noticed his gaze briefly shifting to my lips and I smiled, just knowing what needs to be done. But before I could put my thoughts into action, we heard a loud crashing noise from downstairs and it startled me a little. Leon and I gave each other a puzzled look, before lifting ourselves off the bench and heading downstairs to find the source of that noise.
When we reached topmost landing of the first floor, we could hear someone screaming at top of their lungs. We hurried down the steps to know what the whole commotion was all about. When we stepped into the hall, we spotted that everyone were back from their shopping. It seemed that Aunt Pamela and Vivian took every one to shop for the Christmas, so maybe later they could assist them carrying their shopping bags perhaps. The maids and menservants were in their casuals and seemed a little frantic, since Vivian was shouting angrily at them, as they tried to clean the broken pieces of what seemed to be a glass chandelier.
"Do you know how expensive it was?", Vivian spoke really angrily, "It was such a unique piece and it would have looked perfect, but because of your clumsiness it's all in pieces. Can't you guys be a little more careful? If you can't then you don't deserve to be here! You all are fired starting this instant!"
I couldn't help but shake my head, as the servants exchanged distressing looks, "Now calm down, Vivian!", I addressed her and she shot an angry look at me as well, "I know it must have been expensive but you can't be impulsive and fire every one over it", I looked down at the chandelier, "We can buy a lot more like these but we won't be…"
I was in the middle of speech when Leon pulled me to himself, as something went zooming past us, "You don't tell me what to do!", Vivian yelled at me and I looked back at her. Her face had turned red and she was fuming up in rage, "It's all your fault", she blamed me, "You are the one who is lenient on them", she took a step towards me, "They think they can get away with anything, but I won't let them", she yelled angrily.
"Vivian, dear calm down", her mother said to her, as she looked around.
"No mom!", she yelled back at her, "She has to go, she's the root to all my misery!", she said to her crying and it wasn't the first time I was hearing her say that, "She took everything away from me."
I watched Vivian lift up a vase and without a further warning threw it at me. Leon once again moved and shielded me to avoid getting hit by that, "Vivian!", I heard him yell to her, "Stop you might hurt her!", she threw something more at us.
Aunt Pamela moved to hug Vivian, "Kate, why do you have to make things worse for her!", she said to me, speaking bitterly.
"Sir, please take Kate back to her room. Ms. Shaw's anger worsens when she sees Kate", Maria said to Leon and he gave her a nod.
Leon and I moved away from the scene, as the servants tried to calm down Vivian. Aunt Pamela was trying to reason with Vivian but I knew the moment I get out of her sight, she'd calm down in an instant and even forget about the chandelier. We walked back to our room not talking to each other; I wasn't even sure what to say to him. When we got inside, I just closed the door behind us and settled down on the couch in my room. Leon dropped himself next to me and gave me a smile and I smiled back at him weakly.
"So… what exactly is the deal between you too?", Leon asked me and I let out a sigh.
"She just hates me", I stated the obvious with a shrug.
"Hmm… that was pretty evident from all the vase-throwing practice she does on you", he said somewhat seriously but the way he said it made me let out a laugh, "I want to know why she's so mad at you?"
I let out another sigh, "She loved Aiden", I told him remembering when it all started.
"Aiden?", he repeated slightly puzzled.
"The guy I was supposed to get married to", I cleared it out to him.
"Oh", he said in tone of realization, "Continue."
"Aiden and Vivian are friends, very good friends actually", I told him the truth looking at him, "Although, Dad knew Aiden professionally, since we were already dealing with his company, but Vivian was the one who introduced Aiden to my dad on a personal level, that's how our alliance with his company was strengthened. And that's how I met him a few times as well. I guess Vivian was hoping their friendship to turn into something more but it didn't happen because Aiden never saw her that way. Instead he expressed his wish to date me to my father, since he couldn't contact me directly because my involvement with the company was minimal when my father was alive. And later when Aiden expressed his wish to marry me and dad agreed to it…"
"She snapped?", Leon said and I gave him a nod.
"She wasn't like this before, but things, circumstances change and so do people", I said with a shrug.
"Didn't you think of backing out of the wedding for her sake", Leon asked me in concerned tone, "I mean you didn't want to marry the guy either."
"Well she never told anyone of us that she loved him. It was just when things took a fast track towards wedding she lost it and blamed me for everything. I didn't even know what she was talking about at first but when I realized I told my father and Aiden that it would be too harsh on her if I go through this", I told him the truth.
"And what did they say?", Leon asked me speculatively.
"Well Daddy was fine with wedding not happening but Aiden wanted to talk to Vivian about this", I answered his question. Leon kept his silence and I continued, "So dad accompanied him while he had his talk with her, since she was still in a delicate state of mind, and I think Aunt Pamela was there as well. Dad told me that Aiden talked over it with Vivian and apologized about putting her through it, and if he had known about her feelings then he definitely would have thought better. Her friendship and wellness matters to him a lot and even though he loves me he won't marry me because it would be too hard on her."
"So they both agreed to call off the wedding, what happened that it got back on track?", Leon asked me puzzled.
"I guess a few days after that Aiden came to meet Vivian here at the mansion. I ran into him while he was waiting for her in the sitting area. He asked me about stuff, when Vivian joined us. I thought she would be mad but she wasn't. Still I decided to leave them alone, but she stopped me and it was then when she said that she doesn't want to stand in our way and that she is fine with us getting married", I couldn't help but remember that time, "I was too shocked to respond but Aiden was in his right mind. He said that we could never do that to her, and even though it would be great to marry me but it would be nothing if Vivian was losing her mind over it."
"And then what happened?", Leon's voice made me realize that I had stopped talking.
"She cried", I said looking at him, "She cried her feelings out, telling us she never wanted to stand in our way and she wants us to be happily married. She apologized to Aiden for everything, and asked him to go along with the wedding. Aiden asked if she was sure about it again and again, and she confirmed it every time. He hugged her and told that it was best thing she could do for him", I took a pause, letting out a sigh, "That night Aiden and Vivian waited for dad to get back home, and when he returned, Vivian was the first one to break the news."
"And your Dad agreed right away?", Leon asked in a doubtful tone.
I shook my head, "No, he didn't want to rush things. He wanted Vivian to think things through. But she said that she has thought things through over past couple of days and that she has been selfish. And that's why she wants Aiden and me to get married. She requested my dad to agree to it but dad thought it still was too soon, and pressed on the fact that we end the discussion there."
"But it didn't end there, right?", he more of stated than asked.
I hummed in agreement before continuing, "Vivian told us the psychologist she was seeing for her depression diagnosed her with a mild form of bipolar disorder. She said that it's treatable but not curable, so she might throw angry fits from time to time, but it doesn't mean she's as angry as she acts out. She wanted us to go through the wedding because there's no point to wait on her to feel better about it or feel up to it, because given her mental condition it could happen even if we took 10 years. She wished for dad to agree and he did, but he said that it would just be a simple ceremony. But Vivian was against it, she asked him to go all out and even suggested to be my bridesmaid. I felt it was wrong but I don't know why I agreed to it."
"And how did she react to it after that?", Leon asked me a little thoughtfully.
"She was happy that dad agreed to it and went out partying with Aiden and her friends, and pulled me along as well", I told him the truth, "She was normal almost all the time but sometimes she just had fits of blind fury when she saw me, like the day you and the President visited."
"But still it doesn't explain why she holds a grudge against you?", he enquired of me.
"I guess she resents me a little for stealing the guy she loves, because it's not the first time you know. Most of the guys she liked, ended up liking me, so I guess it built up over time and when she gets those angry fits that resentment is multiplied. You saw it right? The moment she saw me she wasn't angry about the broken chandelier anymore, she was angry at me. Her anger just intensifies when she sees me, and she doesn't care if she hurts me during those times or hurts someone else while hurting me. But she's not a bad person, Leon, she's just…", I didn't have words to express myself.
"Bipolar", he completed my sentence, speaking in a very sympathetic tone, "She can't control her anger and it's not her fault."
"Yeah", I smiled at him for being such a understanding person.
"And it's not your fault either", he said in convincing tone, looking down at me, "I am sure Vivian would tell you this herself if she could bring herself to it."
Leon smiled at me sincerely and I mustered up weakest of my smile. I looked away, not really sure about his words but it wasn't like I could do anything to help Vivian either. I would probably end up worsening her condition even more. I let out a sigh feeling a little helpless. Leon threw an arm around my shoulders and kissed the side of my forehead. It didn't change things but if definitely made me feel better. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, because that's what all I could do at the moment.
A/N: Thanks a lot for reading the chapter and I hope you had a fun time reading through the chapter. I wasn't intending the chapter to be this long but I kind of got carried away when I was enhancing the couple's romantic interactions and then didn't really had the heart to cut it, so sorry if you find those scenes a bit of a drag on. I'll still be looking forward to hear your thoughts on the chapter so don't be shy and leave your comments. Also, I'd like to sincerely apologize for any grammatical mistakes or typos in the context that might have been confusing. I'll see you next week, till then I hope you have a great time! :D
