Ares Knight
I opened the door to Leah's room when I came back from sealing the deal with Alaperrus And Co. Even though she had hurt me many times in so many ways, I could never be mad at her. I only play mad. And I love it when she's regretting. I searched the room with my eyes and sighed in relief when I saw Reina's crib. It was 12:13am in the morning but there was no sign of Leah. I saw the window and I made my way to the balcony. Leah's body was slump against the cushion as she slept peacefully. She was so cute when she sleeps with her hair all over her face. Leah doesn't know the power she had over me. Before I met her, my heart was colder than ice. Because of my father and my past. I was broken and conflicted. But when I met her, she melted a spot for herself in my cold heart and squeezed in, locking herself there. She never came out. I had never loved anyone like I love her. I love her more than I could tell. She was the only person that understood me even if she never knew. I love her so much that if there's something beyond eternity or forever, I would love her till then. I wouldn't care who I would hurt or kill. As long as it leads me to her, I would do anything. Even if it meant to risk my life to protect her, I would. She was my life anyway.
I walked over her and shook her slightly. But she didn't even budge. I sighed and picked her up, making my way into the room. I placed her gently on the bed and pulled the duvet over her. I stared at her beautiful face for a moment long before sighing and walking over the windows. After closing them, I attempted to leave the room but Reina caught my attention. I went over to her crib and stared at her. She was awake and she had a face that says 'I'm about to cry'. Leah was tired, she needed rest. So that left me no choice.
I picked her up and craddled her small frame in my arms. She was so tiny. I carried her pacifier from her baby bag and chucked it into her mouth. As she sucked, her rosy cheeks motioned her movements. She was staring at me with her big dark eyes that was just like mine. I began shaking her a little to comfort her. She used her tiny fingers to hold my index finger. As I stared at her, I felt my heart fill with a sudden love for her. She played with my finger, pulling at it and smiling at me. I grinned at her.
"what are you smiling about?" I asked. Reina let out a small broken baby giggle. I started walking around the room with her, playing with her. I placed her on my chest gently and walked around the room until she went back to sleep again. I placed her gently inside her crib and tucked her in. I touched her cheeks and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
"good night my little angel" I whispered. I sighed and straightened up. She was a beautiful little thing. I went over to Leah who was still sound asleep. I brushed away a strand from her face and kissed her temple.
"good night beautiful" I murmured.
**********
Leah Knight
I woke up before Reina the next morning so I decided to get showered and dressed for the day before Reina would wake up with a cry. I got out of bed and straightened the bed covers. I walked into the bathroom and quickly stripped off for shower. After showering, I wrapped a towel around my body and brushed my teeth. Luckily, Reina was asleep when I walked back into the bedroom. I opened the wardrobe to look for clothes to wear. I never really expected to find some but I did anyway. I pulled a dark colored skinny jeans and a baggy loose beige coloured sweater. After putting on my undies, I pulled on the clothes. I grabbed a pair of black loafers to complete my look. I looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror. My eyes were brightening again and my hair was in its natural waves, somewhat damp. I decided to leave it before dabbing some lip balm on my dried lips. Almost immediately, Reina began to cry.
I sighed and walked over to her crib, picking her up. I practiced my usual routine. I cleaned her up, bathed her, applied some lotion and baby powder to her body, put on a fresh diaper for her before dressing her up. There was a little bit of cold, so I dressed her in a warm pastel blue top and sweater then a pair of white cotton trousers and socks. I pulled on a blue cap over her head then wrapped her in her showel. All this time, she was staring at me with her big dark eyes, shining like beads. I smiled at her lovingly, placing her inside her baby carrier.
"you're so beautiful" I gushed, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. She let out a small baby squeal and I chuckled.
"let's get you something to eat" I said before carrying her and leaving the room. Ares definitely has something to be proud of. That is his huge Brazilian mansion we're living in. I walked across the magnificent living room and towards the entrance of the kitchen. The sounds of pans, pots and kitchen utensils clicking filled the space. When I walked in, I saw the housemaid, Bianca, pulling out the stuffs she needs to make breakfast.
"good morning Mrs Knight" she greeted, flashing me a smile. I sighed and walked over to the small kitchen dining corner and placed Reina's carrier on the table.
"morning. And Bianca, please call me Leah. I don't like the sound of that name" I chimed, flipping my long hair back a little. Bianca was a lot older than me, she could be my mother. But the way she was talking to me with unnecessary respect, it makes me guilty.
"I'm not allowed, Mrs Knight" she replied, breaking eggs into a bowl.
"okay, well maybe Ares might've lied about marrying me so you don't need to. Cause I'm not his wife" I said, rolling my eyes. Bianca chuckled.
"oh my dear, I don't think you know the boss well" she says. I frowned a little.
"oh trust me, I know him too well" I replied. I looked at her. "would you mind if I help out after I boil Reina's milk?" I asked.
"no. Not at all" she says. I smiled and nodded, walking over the cupboard to grab her baby milk.
After feeding Reina, I chucked the pacifier into her mouth before walking over to the counter and helping Bianca make breakfast. A few minutes later, the man of the house walked in. I was the first thing his eyes could catch and I felt uncomfortable under his scrutinizing gaze so I shakily continued my work.
"Good morning, Mr Knight" Bianca greeted.
"morning" I heard his reply. I didn't want anything to join me and him that morning so I kept my head low.
"uh Bianca, do you mind taking Reina outside for some fresh air? I'm sure Leah can handle the cooking". My heart skipped a beat at Ares's request. What was he up to?
"okay Mr Knight. If that is okay with Mrs Knight?" she asked. I still refused to bring my head up.
"it's fine" I murmured.
"okay then. I'll be outside if you two would need anything" she said, leaving my side.
"okay" Ares said. Few moments later, the back door closed. I still wouldn't look up at Ares.
"good morning, Leah" he voice called in a velvety way.
"morning" I murmured, still looking down.
"I would really appreciate it if you'd stop staring at me" I said grudgingly, after some minutes.
"can't help it. You're like a magnet that attracts me" he mused. I rolled my eyes at his cheesy pick up line. I heard his footsteps becoming closer and I quickly shifted to the coffee machine.
"dark or milky?" I asked.
"dark" his voice sounded so close and as I turned, his body was too.
"look at me" he says in an authorative tone. I sighed and slowly looked up.
"dont" I said as I closed my eyes when he reached out to touch my face. His thumb ran across my chin as if he was cleaning something off from it. I slowly opened my eyes.
"there are two words I don't like in this world, Leah. Don't and Stop" he chimed then his expression changed into a thoughtful one. "unless you put them together" he smirked, squeezing a grape into his mouth. He left my jaws hanging.
"my friend would be coming over so I suggest you make breakfast for three" he informed casually, like he didn't just tripped me with his words. I flipped the pancake that was on the pan unto a plate and poured the next mix.
"I'm not eating with you" I replied, without sparing him a glance.
"I used to let you win whenever you want, Leah. But not this time. Breakfast for three" he ordered and left the kitchen.
"control freak" i hissed.
I made as many pancakes as possible then cut some fruits to go with.
"hey brother!" I heard a voice call from the dining area.
"Dean, my man" Ares's voice chimed in greeting. I guess his friend's here. I picked up the bowl of fruits and walked over to the dining table. Later on, I brought the syrups, pancakes and coffee while Dean and Ares settled down.
"hey, Mrs Knight" Dean greeted. I sent him a smile as I served.
"hello" I replied.
"I'm Dean. Ares's colleague, friend and PA" he introduced.
"nice to meet you. But PA's are usually hot chicks from all those cliché romance novels" I mused, half joking. Dean laughed.
"I like her, man" he told Ares. Ares maintained a cool facade. I took my seat opposite the two after serving my own plate. Ares and Dean made small conversations while I ate silently. Well, maybe not for long.
"Leah, we're going to the court. To finish off the signing of the marriage papers" Ares informed. I frowned at him. Way to spoil my mood, jackass.
"I haven't signed any of the papers in the first place" I said in a matter-of-factly way. Dean looked questionably at Ares. Ares smiled and tossed a pile of papers at me. I picked it up and my heart dropped to my stomach, almost out of my whole body.
Mr Van Shuger tricked me!
"you're welcome" Ares mused. My eyes began to tear up as I realized how stupid I was. Ares planned all of it, and I had absolutely no clue. I guess I was really Mrs Knight.
i will not cry in front of him - I reminded myself. I sniffed and bottled up all my emotions before dropping the papers on the table. I pushed my chair back and quietly stood up and left the dining area. I didn't stop anywhere, I just raced upstairs to the last floor of the mansion......