My Husband's Secret

Chapter 3: Lies

--- R E D ---

"Yes mom?" were the first words that came out of my mouth as soon as I answered the call.

I was in the middle of something when my phone started ringing. As much as I wanted to decline the call, hearing the familiar ringtone of the call I had set for a certain person made me picked up the phone on the table beside my seat.

I can create excuses later on. But I know my mother so well. She would pester me and reprimand me if I dare to not answer even her single call. And she would not stop dialing my number until she hears my voice on the other. And if I am late in answering the phone, she would reprimand and scold me. Then the cycle continues.

So, it’s better to answer it right away whenever she’s calling.

[“Where are you?”] her cold tone rang on my ears. [“I called to remind you about the dinner in fifteen minutes.”]

I immediately heaved a deep breath when I heard the word ‘dinner’. I leaned my back against the sofa. My hand landed on my temple and started massaging it.

“I told you already that I can’t join you, mom,” I said with exasperated voice.

[“I don't really care, Red.”] she spat mercilessly on the other line. I could suddenly imagine her looking at me with her menacing glare. And you would be able to do that if you’ve been living under my parent’s roof for almost half of your life.

[“I want you to be here. I want you to meet Leonardos.”]

I exhaled another sharp breath. I was somehow got distracted when the woman in the middle of the room were now gracing her way towards him. My brows furrowed as she continued to strip all her clothes until only her thong was left. My eyes then landed on her long neck. I made a hard swallow as the excitement of burying my fangs on her neck turned me on.

D-mn it! I wanted to taste her blood already! I made an effort to bring this woman here. I could tell that her blood would be sweet and ecstatic just by her scent when I first met her. I have a keen smell when it comes to the blood of my dinner. I could tell if the blood of the woman by their scent . And whenever I taste their blood, they don’t disappoint.

But it seemed that I have to disregard my ‘true’ dinner right now for my mother.

The reason why my beloved mother insisted on me attending the said dinner is because she was trying to match-make me to some… good background and a wife-potential woman. This news was nothing new to me, to be honest. I don’t know how many times she had set me up for a blind date or for a dinner where I needed to meet the daughters of her business partners. It had probably exceeded the number of my fingers.

Good thing I was good at excuses that I was able to evade some of her invitations. And I had already long memorized my excuse. There were different kinds and types. And I was about to say my excuse when my mother monologue my supposed script before I could even do it.

[“And don’t use your excuse that you can’t go because you’re busy, son. I checked your schedule. You have already left work at four. And I saw you entering a hotel with a woman. Leave that dinner of yours. I want you to be here.”] she said with finality.

I inhaled a deep breath. Her voice was serious and there was no trace of humor on it. And if I hear that kind of tone from her, I immediately know that I must obey her.

I was silent for a while as I stared at the woman who was now in front of me. She continued to gave me sexy dance like I had requested earlier. But sadly, I have to leave her here without tasting her blood.

Oh well, its not that she’s a lost. I could still find another one.

“Alright. I’ll be there.” I said in defeat.

[“Okay. We’ll be waiting. Be safe on the road. I love you.”] her tone was sweet this time. I just shook my head in disbelief when a smile appeared on my lips.

“I love you, too…” I replied before she ended the call.

I stood on my seat and then looked at the woman who stopped on what she was doing and looked at me with surprise expression.

“You’re leaving?” she asked as I started making my out of the hotel room.

“You’re leaving me here!” she beseeched. Her pitchy voice echoed on the corners of the room. I could hear the urgency and demand in it. My forehead creased when I immediately realized what kind of woman she is.

Oh. She’s the clingy one.

Then I must thank my mother for calling before I could even indulge further on this woman. Clingy woman is quite stressful because they would not let you easily go. If I ended up a having night with her, she would probably demand a relationship!

“Red!” the woman called out. Oh. I realized that I don’t remember her name.

“I have some important things to do.” I said as I wave my hand for dismissal.

“We will still meet next time, right?” she grabbed my wrist to stop from leaving. I was nearing the doorway when I turned around and looked at her. She was still naked. My eyes dropped on her body before I brought it back to her face.

She must have notice my quick look on her body that she stepped closer and caress my face as if doing so could seduce me.

“Or… should I wait for you—”

“You don’t need to wait for me because there will be no next time.” I said then turned my back to her and did not wait for her reaction.

I run my hands through my hair as soon as I got out of the room. I looked at my wrist watch and saw that I still have approximately twelve minutes left. The drive to the restaurant where the dinner will happen would take me fifteen minutes. But with traffic, I guess I might need another extra fifteen minutes.

I heaved a deep sigh upon remembering the last minute reminder of my mother. Well, this happens all the time so why would I be surprised, right? It would be a hindrance on my end if I ended up embarrassing her for such dinner like this. My mom is a keen type of person who remember the single detail of mistakes you’ve made against her, especially towards me.

I exhaled another set of deep breath.

I should think really start thinking of plausible excuse that I can use to my mother so she would finally stop bugging me on her attempt of finding me a wife.

It took me half an hour before finally arriving at the restaurant. It’s luxurious interior immediately greeted upon me. A waitress was heading in my direction, and like reflex, I inhaled a deep breath when she started entering the proximity of my ability.

"Welcome to La Cruixe, Sir. Do you have any reservation?" the waitress greeted with a sweet smile.

A grin formed into my lips as her scent started lingering into my system. This waitress’ scent is much better than the woman I brought to the hotel earlier. My eyes flickered when a thought crossed into my mind.

I won’t leave this restaurant without tasting her blood.

“Reservation under the name of Beatrice Montenegro.”

"This way, Sir."

The waitress lead me toward the end of the restaurant, bringing me toward the private rooms. And along the way, I could not help but check the waitress out from head to toe.

She’s neatly dressed, maybe because of her uniform or her job was to

soon as he arrived in his destination, the waitress then opened the door for me.

“Thanks,” I flashed a smile that is enough to seduce the waitress, the first step to lure a woman. I smirk when I saw how she instantly blushes and dropped her gaze to the floor.

Before my mother could reprimand me in front of her guest, I finally entered the room. Everyone stood upon my entry. I looked at the family standing across the table, and my eyes specifically landed on the woman in the middle. We exchange a quick look before I looked back to my mother who was waiting for me.

I saw how my mother gave me a meaningful and warning look as soon as our gaze met. She was smiling at me. Anyone would think that she really looked pleased in seeing me. But knowing her for almost all of my life, I knew that behind her smile waits her silent reproval.

I went straight to her direction despite the invisible hostility. I tapped my father’s shoulder for recognition before giving my full attention to my mother. I immediately gave her a kiss on her cheeks as she wrapped her hands over my shoulders for an embrace.

“Good thing you’ve taken my words seriously, Red…” she whispered as she tapped my back and kiss. In could hear the stern reprimand on her voice. As soon as we pulled away, the fake smile was back on her lips.

I just shrug my shoulders and finally gave my mother’s guest some attention.

“I apologize for being late. I was stuck in traffic on my way here,” I said as I flashed an apologetic smile.

“It’s alright, hijo.” The old man smiled. The wrinkles in his forehead tells me that his way few years older than my father.

“We’re having a good time while waiting and the food was not yet serve so I think you’ve just arrive in the right time.” The head of the family said.

I smiled then utter my gratitude before finally settling on the vacant seat beside my mother.

Since this dinner is what my mother wanted, she casually brought up a topic that everyone would understand about. The food was serve afterward and she was looking from my direction from time to time when we started eating. I could see that she was insinuating that I should do my job while I am here or else I’ll be paying for the consequences later on.

I was forced to get along, to talk to the daughter of the Leonardo’s as if I am very much pleased in meeting her.

I had lost my interest on her after I scented her blood. It’s below average of the usual scent I allowed to savor. I have sensitive taste buds. I always have a benchmark to assess the blood that I was having.

The dinner went okay. Not until my mother noticed that I was not talking to her prospect-as-my-wife anymore.

"So son, why don't you invite Kiera to go out." My mother said as she glanced at my direction. She showed that kind of smile again. The kind of smile that if I ever decline and disagree with her, I would always receive her series of reprimands later on.

I gritted my teeth as I looked back at the daughter of her colleagues. She beamed when our eyes met. I won’t deny the fact that she’s fine, alright. My mother always chose the woman who is too good for me. If she has a good quality of blood, I might consider my mother’s suggestion.

But no. I looked back at my mother as I let go of my utensils.

"How many time I've to tell you mom that—"

"—your busy, yeah I get it." My mother interrupted and rolled her eyes at me. My eyes widened in surprise that she actually did that in front of her colleagues.

“But why don’t you try dating Kiera? I heard she’s free tomorrow,” mother then directed her attention back to her colleagues.

I stared at her for a while. I really need an excuse that would stop her from forcing me to meet her favored women. I really need an excuse that is believable against her and would stop her from finding me a wife.

My brows furrowed.

Wife.

Then a smirk immediately wounded my lips.

Why have I not thought of that?

“So son, what do you think? Kiera is thinking of another dinner tomorrow.” Mom said.

I finished my wine before giving my entire attention to my mother.

“No mom. I have a promise to my wife.” I finally said which made everyone stay still on their place.

The room fell into silent. My eyes remained at my mother who looked at me with wide eyes and parted lips. The smirk on my lips became wider. If I had known that this kind of excuse would work, I should have considered using it against my mother.

It took my mother a while before she managed to drag herself to reality. When I looked at my father, he didn't seem to care what was going on. But he must have heard what I had suddenly announce. And when he meets my gaze, he only showed me his one brow raising as if he could see through my lies.

Well… father was always keen and observant so I knew that he has the idea that I am lying.

But I am ready to prove my lies. I just need to find a woman… who could play along as my wife in a given time frame. And maybe I should consider the scent of her blood in order to work the plan that I am thinking.

“Your son… has a wife?”

Our attention suddenly darted back to the Leonardos. Mr. Leonardo looked at me with furrowed brows, then he slowly dragged his gaze to my parents. He looked at them in disbelief.

“You told us your single? How come he’s already married, Diana?” Jose Leonardo accused to my mother. I shifted on my seat, especially on the fact that I did not like how he looked so offended and disgusted with my mom.

“I can’t believe this…” his wife reacted afterward. She stood on her seat to show how disappointed she is.

Well, their reaction is given. But I do not like how they are treating my mother for my mistake.

“How could you suddenly choose my daughter for your son, Diana? Are you trying to make my daughter a mistress!” the woman exclaimed.

I exhaled a loud breath and stood on my seat.

“I understand your incredulity but do not blame my mother on this. She did not know that I am married. I kept it a secret. So, you are not allowed to raise your voice in front of my parents.” I said coldly.

“And as far as I can remember, even if I am single, my mother did not promise any marriage to your family. How come you’ve assumed that your daughter is the chosen one, madam?”

Lisandra looked offended at what I had said. And because of disappointment, she dragged her daughter out of the room as her husband followed.

I was left alone with my parents. And I could already feel the heavy and scrutinizing look of my mother. I looked at my wristwatch to somehow avoid the possible questions she might throw against me. I needed to find another excuse to leave this room before she could even do it.

“Mom—”

“Don’t you dare make another excuse of leaving, Red.”

I gritted my teeth when I looked down to my side and meet my mother’s gaze. She is looking at me and the stern expression she was wearing was enough to make me a hard swallow. Without voicing out what she wanted to happen, I dragged the chair to face her direction and slouched myself on it.

“I did not know you’re married,” she pointed out. Her eyes squinting in my direction. I looked directly at her for as long as I can so that I could show my mother that I have no time to kid around.

“I’m keeping it a secret.” I tell her with straight face. Her brow shot up in return, as if she was really having a hard time believing that I have a wife.

“Why are you keeping her? I want to meet this wife of yours. I want to know where she came from and know if she’s better for you.”

I heaved a deep breath. “This is exactly the reason why I am keeping her away from you, mom.”

“Well, knowing her is natural, Red.”

“But—”

“Or are you perhaps lying to me that you have a wife, Red? You know very well what will happen if I found out you’re lying this time, right?” she said warningly. Her eyes then blazed in red. I straightened my back and did the same.

I know. Once she found out that I have no wife, hell would surely rise.

“No, mom. I’m telling you the truth. I am married but my wife is working abroad. If you want to meet her badly, I needed to inform her about this so she could clear her schedule. She’s busy.”

Fvck. I really need to send an emergency help to my friends. I need them to help me a suitable wife!

She was silent for a while. Her eyes still blazing in red. After a few seconds she stood on her seat. My father did the same, as if he was only waiting for my mom’s decision before he is allowed to make a move on his seat.

“Alright then. Inform us when she clear her schedule. We’ll immediately set a dinner with her. But I want it within the month, Red. If I find out you have no wife, you’ll lose all your inheritance and I’ll disown you. You know very well that I am not kidding,” my mother said warningly. And after she uttered those words, both my parents turned their backs and left me inside the dining room.

I exhaled a loud breath when the door closes behind. I leaned my back against the seat as I took out my phone inside the pocket of my coat. I find Fire’s name on the list. I immediately tap it for a call. I shut my eyes tight. After a couple of ring, he immediately answered.

“911.” I said before he could even say a word to me.