For The Stars Have Sinned

“Rishel, is there a problem? Lyndon told me you’re ignoring him.” Mama’s eyebrows met. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

I looked at Mama for a moment before looking back at the laptop on the center table and typing away. “I’m just busy, Ma. I’ll call him next time,” I said.

Mama sighed. “That’s what you always say. If you and Lyndon have a problem, talk about it. The wedding is next week and the engagement party will be held tomorrow. How will you treat your future husband if you don’t get along?”

I stopped typing and looked up at Mama. “We don’t have a problem, Ma. Don’t worry, I’ll call him tomorrow.”

“You should, Rishel. You have been engaged for several years and you should make your relationship public, otherwise the board members will question your engagement to Lyndon.”

But I’m not ready to be tied to that man. I already knew he was Klo’s father and he was certainly the one who bedded me that night, but why did he hide that truth from me? I entrusted him with finding the man who slept with me but I didn’t know that he was right in front of me. He made me look stupid!

My fist clenched. Mama seemed to notice my anger so she frowned even more. “Rishel, this is not the right time to think badly of your future husband.”

My attention returned to Mama. “What do you mean, Ma?”

“Is Lyndon the man who bedded you?”

My heart skipped a beat as cold sweat trickled my back. I bit my lip as my face lost color. I quickly looked away and sighed. “When did you find out, Ma?”

Mama gasped and her face turned pale. She covered her mouth, and when she calmed down she spoke. “I did not, but I had a guess when I saw my grandson’s appearance. He looks like Lyndon. And seeing you like this made my guess stronger. I just didn’t think my hunch was right, Rishel.”

I smiled bitterly. “Does Papa know?” I asked.

Mama shook her head and looked around before speaking again in a low voice. “Don’t tell your Papa first, Rishel.” She sighed. “You don’t know but Lyndon’s company saved our company when you ran away from the media. Many big companies knocked on the door to collect a penalty and your father almost went into debt but Lyndon helped. He took over the all the bills we can’t pay anymore. So your father owes Lyndon a lot and I don’t know what he would do if he found out that Lyndon was the man who molested you.”

I clenched my fist at what I heard. Yes it is. I did not think about that. My parents didn’t even tell me about the consequences of what I did. They are the ones who took the responsibility that I left the country so I can’t blame Mama if she hesitates to compromise Lyndon.

I sighed. “I understand, Mom.”

She stared at me for a few seconds before looking away. “If you can’t marry Lyndon, just say Rishel. I’ll talk to your father.”

A soft smile appeared on my lips. “No worries, Ma. I’m not young anymore and I know what I’m doing.”

She gently stroked my hair and sighed. “I don’t want to make your decision difficult for you. If you don’t want to be with that man —- ”

“No, Ma. Even if I file a lawsuit, there will be no evidence of that night.”

But deep within me, I was still thankful that it was Lyndon. I didn’t know what will I do if it was Levi who bedded me. I couldn’t bear to look at Klo if it was the other way around. At least, I have a good feeling of Lyndon before I knew the truth.

The only thing I can’t forgive him for what he did was that he made me believe that he didn’t know who bedded me. He made me look so stupid!

After a thorough conversation with Mama, I decided to talk to Lyndon. I can’t just avoid him forever especially we have an engagement party tomorrow.

So I drove to the company. I glanced at the tall building of the business empire he built. I took a deep breath before stepping inside.

But my feet halted when the front desk stopped me. “Excuse me, Ma’am. Do you have an appointment?” she asked.

I glanced at her slightly. “I’m looking for your CEO.”

The woman stared at me for a few seconds before looking down at the log. “Uh, what’s your name, ma’am?”

“Rishel Larica.”

“I’m sorry but you are not on the list of those with an appointment today, ma’am.”

My eyes narrowed and looked at the elevator as it opened and spat out a familiar face. Hah. It’s Kervy again. I wanted to avoid him but I thought he was my only way to Lyndon so even against my will, I walked closer to him and called his name. “Mr. Kurt Vincent!”

He looked at my direction and I saw the shock in his eyes. “Rishel. What are you doing here?”

“Is Lyndon here?”

He stared at my face for a few seconds before nodding and ushering me into the private elevator. The front desk didn’t protest when she saw me with Kervy. A few more minutes passed and the elevator door opened again. Kervy stepped out first. I just followed.

I was suddenly nervous when I stood in front of the big door. Lyndon is said to be inside according to his secretary who is sitting in the cubicle outside. Kervy bid goodbye after he took me to that floor. He said that he will prepare for his upcoming wedding. I almost forgot, luckily he reminded me.

I took a deep breath and opened the door and stepped inside. Lyndon was busy reading a pile of papers on his desk. From time to time, he will frown. When I went inside, he looked up at me.

“Rishel,” he greeted as if he expected my arrival. It seems that his secretary has notified him.

I sat in the visitor’s lair that he pointed out. “I wanna talk with you,” I said.

He looked at the watch on his arm before he stood. “Let’s talk outside,” he said and led me out of the office.

He took me to a restaurant that was only a few minutes away from his office. I also felt hunger. I haven’t eaten lunch yet. So when he gave me the menu I accepted without hesitation and chose. We didn’t wait long before the crew put the food on the table.

“What do you want us to talk about?” he asked in the middle of the meal.

My hand that was about to reach for the rice stopped mid air, and I put down the spoon. I took a sip of mango juice first before looking directly into his eyes. “You know how I conceive my son, right?”

The small smile on Lyndon’s lips disappeared. “Yes.”

“And you told me that you haven’t caught the man who bedded me that night.”

“Bedded…” he whispered and wet his lips. “What’s your point, Rishel?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“That man… It’s you. Am I right, Lyndon?” I asked with narrowed eyes.