Guilty conscience
Chapter 62 Guilty conscience
LEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.
‘Hey, buddy.’ Leo mumbled into the receiver while sipping his coffee.
‘Daddy!’ Sinclair’s voice bellowed from the speaker.
Leo smiled sweetly at the genuine look on the boy’s face. ‘How are you, buddy? I have missed you so much. It feels like forever since I last saw you.’
‘I miss you too, daddy. I want to see you.’ He mused.
‘Sure, my boy. Daddy will come get you today. I promise. Say hi to your mom for me, I have got to go. Love you buddy.’
‘I love you too, daddy!’
Ending the call, Leo chuckled to himself. It has been a week since the wedding and to avoid hurting Chloe’s feelings since they were still in their honeymoon phase, he didn’t mention his wish to have Sinclair around. However, he can’t seem to hold himself back any longer.
Chloe got down from the stairs scratching at her sleepy eyes even though she was dressed to go out. “Good morning.” She mumbled leaning in to kiss Leo.
“Morning, how was your night?” He asked downing the rest of his coffee.
She motioned to the chef to get her breakfast and a cup of coffee. “My night was good. Who were you talking to on the phone?” Chloe inquired while she stirred the coffee placed in front of her.
“My son.” He stated not looking up at her.
“I hope he isn’t coming over?”
Raising his head to look at her with a questioning eye, Leo scoffed. “What is that suppose to mean? This is my house, which means my son also has every right to be here.”
“No one is saying your son shouldn’t be here. But we just got married a week ago, our honeymoon phase is not even over and you already don’t mind bringing in a distraction.”
Leo gasped in disbelief. “Did you just call my child a distraction? And what exactly would he be putting a pause to if I may ask?”
Chloe hissed. “Are you asking me right now, Leo? As a newly wed, we should have travelled to enjoy our honeymoon but you refused to take me anywhere with the promise that we would do so later on, excusing yourself that you have many works to do. If I may ask you how many times have we had sex since the day we exchanged vows? How can you be so cruel? You weren’t ecstatic on the wedding night to touch me.”
He folded his arms with an unrepentant glare in his eyes. “If you don’t mind me asking, why would I be excited to have sex with you that night when we get down every other nights before our wedding day?”
She blinked as the hurt gripped at her chest. “You didn’t mean that did you? I am suppose to interest you, I was looking as sexy as hell. You should have been excited to rip those clothes off me.”
Leo’s eyes met with the chef who hurriedly excused herself. “We had sex last night.” He whispered, gripping the edge of the table in annoyance.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, Chloe snickered. “You used protection with me, Leo.”Material © NôvelDrama.Org.
“My bad, I still haven’t gotten used to the fact that we are officially married. And what’s with this discussion?”
“Because I still want you to myself. Why would your son come around now? You both barely knew each other three months ago. What’s with the obsession?”
Seeing the conversation will only head for the rocks, Leo stood up getting his suit and car keys. “I am not going to do this with you so early in the morning. Also you will have to keep my son’s name out of your mouth if all you intend to do is speak about him so spitefully. If you love me, you will love my child.” He told Chloe as he stormed out of the house.
Leo felt his insides rage. Chloe was beginning to overstep her boundaries as regards Sinclair. The little one is harmless, yet she tries to go to war with him. He couldn’t tell what was pissing him off exactly, whether it’s Chloe sudden claim over him or the realization that he is obligated to tell her every of his intentions and plans even when he doesn’t feel like it.
Kingston was sensible enough to not bug him with activities for the day, his soreness must have been glaring for someone as talkative as his secretary to even take note. The only thing he didn’t let himself be reminded of is the inspection of the new car designs assemblage at noon. The noise of the factory hit Leo so hard he felt the urge to run off. However, he had to stay his ground because that is the only way around it. It’s his duty as CEO to inspect.
Scarlett was a little too excited to show off her designs which the engineers had breathe life into. She felt so happy that her brother kept to his promise to include her designs for review. It made her feel more useful and needed.
“Mind if I take you out to lunch?” She squeaked behind Leo after the inspection.
Leo grinned at her. “If you would be paying who am I to decline?”
“You love free things a bit too much.” Scarlett teased.
“You can’t blame a man, can you? That lunch is quite thoughtful of you. I didn’t have breakfast today.” He admitted.
“Come with me then, let me feed you.” She mused laughing.
They settled at a restaurant not so far from the office. Despite Leo’s bluff on wanting to eat a lot, he practically toyed with the food when it was brought to him .
Scarlett exhaled slowly as she watched him. “What’s up with you?”
He shrugged. “Nothing.”
“But you aren’t eating.”
“I am. I would. Don’t worry about me.”
Dropping her cutlery she took a long sip of her water while glaring at him. “Of course I am worried. It’s barely a week brother and you are this miserable.”
Leo’s head jolted up abruptly. “Scarlet, this has nothing to do with Chloe.”
“I haven’t even said that. So it’s obviously has something to do with Chloe. Why do you keep covering up for her?”
“Come on, Scar, it’s just my fault as much as it is Chloe’s. Stop pointing accusing fingers at her for any of my inconvenience.”
“If that isn’t the case then. Tell me what has you looking so forlorn?”
He sighed taking a sip of his drink. “I don’t know, Scar. I feel like I might not be able to pull all of this through halfway. I already feel so caged. I can’t even see my son whenever I want to. I have to walk on eggshells around Chloe just to avoid hurting her.”
Scarlett rolled her eyes. “I thought you said this wasn’t about her?”
“Please, Scar. That’s enough.”
“I understand how you are feeling, Leo. But I think it’s important you state your desires to Chloe. She has to accept Sinclair no matter what. He is your son and she is married to you. You have to tell her how it is exactly. Don’t let her get to you. I’m sure Sinclair wants to see you so bad. This is the time you are supposed to spend your free times with him and make your child happy.”
Leo nodded slowly. “You have a point, Scar. I will work on it. Let’s get done with lunch on time. I think I have a meeting.”
“Alright, bro.” She grinned at him digging into her food.
*******************
AARON’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.
“That’s crap! Total bullshit!” Aaron retorted to Leo’s explanation.
Leo sighed tiredly, he had decided to meet up with his friend after work. He didn’t feel the urge to return home yet. While they drank beer he told Aaron the advice Scarlett had given him on handling the situation of Sinclair with Chloe.
“What’s with the refusal?” He asked.
Aaron put down his beer and faced him. “Are you listening to yourself at all? How about you put yourself in Chloe’s shoes? I don’t like her, but you both are newly married and your attention should be drawn to her. Scarlett is barely twenty, how can you think she would have the right advice to give you?’
“It would have been a different case if the feelings between Chloe and I is mutual. I feel so suffocated already.”
Taking a gulp of his beer, “you brought this upon yourself, so you had better stop complaining. For fucks sake, you put up with her several times before and her argument right now is valid. The honeymoon phase is two weeks, you didn’t take her on a vacation cruise and had her cramped up in the house and the only time you have to spend with her, you still intend to bring Sinclair? Come on, that’s below the belt. Don’t cross the line.”
“But I miss my son.” Leo whined .
“It’s just few more days to go. If you had an important deal outside the country, I am sure you would be just fine with phone and video calls. Don’t drag Chloe’s unbalanced dignity through the mud all because she loves an asshole like yourself.”
“Do you hold a hidden grudge against me?”
“Something like that. My entire week has been excruciatingly boring all because you left me to get married.” Aaron made a distraught face. “I plan to be your worst nightmare.”
“That is if I ever let you.” Both men burst into a fit of laughter. Leo shook his head at Aaron’s silliness.
“All I am trying to say to you, Leo, is that there is no turning back for you now. You have to make this work, probably you will eventually learn to love Chloe right.” Aaron advised.
Leo exhaled, leaning into the couch while sipping on his beer quietly, he had only thought of the present and didn’t try to look into the future of what would become of a marriage of convenience. Aaron was right beyond measures, he needs to find a stable ground with his wife. Even though his mind is undeniably plagued by the thoughts of Darby and that kiss. It felt like fireworks exploded inside of him and he wished there was a way to turn back the hands of time. Huffing out in frustration, he stood up.
“You are leaving?” Aaron asked.
“Yup!” Leo responded. “I think it’s best to go make amends like you have said. I will see you later.”
Driving out of Aaron’s crib, Leo found himself on an entirely different route to his home. He was heading to Darby’s instead, it took him a moment to reckon with his action. However it was too late to back out. He sat in the car staring at the building. It would have been easier to accuse his sudden action to alcohol if he was drunk but then the heart knows what it wants. Doing nothing, Leo sat rigidly for twenty minutes. When it felt like he has probably had enough, he ignited the car and drove back home this time around.
Chloe was seated in the living room watching TV in wait for his arrival. It’s still a bit early into the night. The door opened revealing Leo. He moved forward and sat next to her. The both of them stayed quiet for a few minutes not saying anything.
“I am sorry.” They blurted out at the same time.
Leo laughed lightly. “Please I would like to go first.”
She smacked her lips, nodding in response. “Alright.”
“I am really sorry for walking out on you this morning. I was being selfish and refusing to put myself in your shoes. We are just married, it’s your right to enjoy the best of moments in the first few weeks of your marriage. I shouldn’t have tried to guilt trip you like that. Forgive me please. I’m really sorry.” He said reaching out for her hand to kiss it.
Chloe’s heart melted at his reaction, she had been bothered all day long worried that he might be having a change of heart as regards their relationship. Even though the guilt of what she did still eats her up that makes her feel like she deserves whatever treatment she gets from Leo. She still wants the marriage to work. No one else is fit to be with Leo except her.
She cupped his cheek with her freehand. “I’m sorry too, baby. I know this is becoming more frequent. But I promise you, I am genuinely sorry. I don’t have anything against you spending time with your son. I just want you to pay me more attention, we are married now. It’s important that we communicate better with each other and also try every means to spice up our marriage and make it worthwhile.”
Leo bobbed his head in agreement, “I promise to make it up to you. What do you think about Switzerland next week? There are some dream land destinations in the city. I’m sure you would love it.” He grinned, leaning in to kiss her.
Giggling, Chloe pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. The both of them moaned against each other with Leo pushing her further into the couch. The kiss continued as their hands roamed each others body. Desperate to have him inside of her, Chloe struggled with Leo’s trouser zipper. Just as she unzipped it, Leo jumped off her in a rush like she just burned it.
“I’m so sorry.” He muttered, trying to catch his breath.
She sat up feeling embarrassed with her hand rubbing at her nape. “What’s wrong with you?”
Leo raised a hand shutting his eyes tightly. “I just need a minute, please. I need to go to the bathroom.” He said running off.
Coughing his insides out, Leo leaned against the wall as he stared at himself in the mirror. Chloe would squeeze him alive if she catch as much as a glimpse of the thoughts in his head. The image of Darby looking so hot and tempting in the dress she wore to the club days ago and him shoving his tongue down her throat had crossed his mind. Guilt had gotten a grip on him and he didn’t want to keep up with sex with Darby’s image in his head. It would be unfair to Chloe. Cursing loudly under his breath, he kicked hard at the bathtub.
A knock came from the other side of the door. “Are you okay in there, baby? Are you sick?” Chloe’s concerned voice muttered.
Feeling ashamed for the unexpected attitudes he has been putting up all day, Leo opened the door while sitting on the tiled floor with his hands wrapped around his legs. Chloe sat next to him, rubbing at his back. His face looked pale.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling unwell?” She asked caressing his hair.
“I had beer on an empty stomach at Aaron’s.” He told the half truth, his belly worms were clawing at him hungrily.
Chloe chuckled. “Why didn’t you say anything? I was expecting you to ask for dinner the moment you walked in. Come let’s go eat.” She smiled kissing him lightly on the lips.
Leo felt disgusted with himself, he felt like a lying cheating bastard who doesn’t deserve someone as thoughtful and considerate as Chloe.
“No, baby. Let’s just remain like this.” He mused cuddling against her like a child.
Grinning from ear to ear at his over all cuteness, she rocked him gently. “You need to rest, baby.”
Leo nodded against her bosom, “I would, just a minute more.” He said wrapping his arms around her waist. For the first time in forever being here with Chloe actually did feel a bit like home. Maybe this isn’t so bad after all. Just a little bit of adjustment, maybe. He hopes that is the case and not just him feeling guilty.