The very next day, Mrs. Wellington was indeed strolling casually in the Accounting department of the 'David Wellington's' where Ms. Lilliana has just been alloted a cabin. She was suddenly transferred out of the most prestigious post that was being assistant to the CEO to a mere accountant. To save face, Lilliana could only assume that role, otherwise she would lose the job too. And loosing the job at Wellington's means loosing the career opportunities in the whole of Italy.

It was the topic of gossip early in the morning. Right now, the gossip was Mrs. Wellington entering the building even when Mr. Wellington was not present. It was unusual. They usually met up for lunch. And she was a thoroughly professional lady who knew the depths of corporate world. Everybody was intimidated.

When Lilliana entered her small cabin, a huge contrast to the luxurious suite she worked in before, her apprehensions heightened when she found Hope sitting leisurely on the chair, scrolling through her phone. She can lie to everybody but not to herself about how much this new wife of her boss intimidated her. She was polite, yet held a all-knowing air around herself. She was confident and radiant. Yet, there was a layer of mystery lying beneath that layer of unbreakable confidence.

"Ms. Ricci?", The name escaped her mouth without any deliberate efforts. She regarded the marriage of her boss as a sham. And so, she hoped the names would remain the same, atleast in private. Hence, she did not try to familiarise her tongue with the consequences of a wedding.

Hope looked up from her phone, a radiant smile adorning her face. Her dark red curls seemed to cascade like rivers, untied and free spirited.

"Lilliana! I thought I would have to wait more...such a pleasure seeing you!"

Lilliana was no fool. She could sense the undercurrent. Hope was never so enthusiastic about seeing her. She was...more like unbothered.

"...and well, it's Hope for you...since you keep forgetting that I am married now.", she did a quick flash of her wedding ring before signalling her to take her seat.

Lilliana thought she was probably here to meet David, and doesn't know that she's no more his PA. Atleast she tried to assume the most convenient.

She hesitantly took her seat, "How can I help you Hope?"

Hope smiled, "You can help me by packing your stuff around here."

That stiffened Lilliana like it was a death sentence. To a woman trying to make her name in the world of architecture, this was a death sentence.

"I have a two years contract here... Wellington's' can't fire me!"

"But David Wellington can. Don't you know he's the CEO and the chairman?"

"But he only transferred me..."

Hope chuckled, "Yeah... because your father did him a favour. But you know me being his wife, I can't see him loose his sleep over something someone did. And I can't allow people throwing themselves on my husband."

"Me and your husband have slept together before, a countless times.", Lilliana hoped her words would leave an impact. A bad one for that.

Hope sat there unfazed.

"My husband has really slept with countless women, a countless times. What makes you special?"

Lilliana tried to argue, but she was shut up when Hope showed her palm.

"I am not here to get into a cat fight with you, for a man, who clearly doesn't want you. Lilliana, if David willingly involves with you, you are free to have him. But if he has expressed his unwillingness, then I would like to secure my position. Look at it, not like my husband's side kick, but as a woman with some dignity.", she pulled out an envelope from her bag, "This is your appointment letter in Carlson's. A secure job, with thousands perks. Carlson's have no relations with David anyhow. They are a celebrity managing company. And Jade Carlson is my good friend. Of all the perks with this job, your CEO being single is one of them. Their company is based in Latin America. I hope you enjoy your work there. I am requesting and warning you to never cross path with the Wellington's again."

*

David entered his cabin, manager of Human Resources department following him.

"What is the chaos about?", he asked sensing the commotion and whispers in the office.

The manager, hesitated for a moment, but then David was not a stuck up boss, who got agitated at things easily. He barely ever fired anyone. He was too soft with his employees. Trouble came, only when Eric Ashton made an inspection visit with his PA because he was a fifty percent shareholder of this company, and also took care of this place when David was out of the country.

Erica didn't inform him about any impromptu visit of her husband so he was sure it wasn't him.

"Sir...Mrs. Wellington visited today.", That caused him to halt his flipping of the file and look up. There was only one Mrs.Wellington as of now. Hope. Yes, she left in the morning after breakfast entrusting him the responsibility of Oliver and came back two hours later. He didn't ask where'd she went.

"So?"

"...and Lilliana filed her resignation letter just after she left."

David could only manage a nod. Her words from the last night echoing in his mind.

-
"Yes. Our marriage is not a sham. But I'll pay Lilliana a visit to tell her the same."

He raised his eyebrow suspicious, "What are you going to do?"

"I'll smack her for assaulting my husband."
-

He turned to the manager, "Did you see Lilliana when she left?"

He nodded vigorously, "She was working here since long sir. And nobody knew she'll leave. Her reason also was a little less believable."

"Reason?"

"Yeah...she said she has a fiance in Argentina whom she is going to get married, and so she'll be joining Carlson's there."

He stood still to assess it all. Carlson's was Hope's acquaintances. She finished Lilliana effortlessly. Something that would have taken him a whole lot of efforts, disturbance and ofcourse chaos.

He chuckled, "So what's the problem?"

The manager shook his head, "Just that it was sudden."

"Nothing was sudden. I know her boyfriend. Me and my wife will be attending her wedding. She was my PA, and she probably liked to keep it all private. But well, you can spread my words, nobody needs to waste their time speculating."

*

Eric laughed loudly when the four assembled on the Saturday night, and David narrated the incident particularly to Erica.

"I told you that skank was going to rape him one day."

Erica kept a hand on his mouth, "Oliver is listening to your words. Shut your mouth." ,and then she turned to David.

"She never emitted good vibes David. I don't know from where you picked her up. I am glad Hope managed it all without making it messy."

David spared his wife a glance, "Yes...she did. I am only habitual to long silent treatment when something of this kind occured during marriage. Remember that friend of Julia?"

Before Erica could nod in agreement, Eric butted in laughing more, "Yeah...she locked you up in the men's toilet and left lipstick marks on your white shirt. Unfortunately, she was high on something and fainted before she could.."

As much as David loved seeing his dear former best friend enjoying at his expense, he was trying hard to not pour his cup of coffee on his head. The reason being Oliver sitting on his lap, and laughing like Eric, trying to mimick him.

He only restricted his reaction to an eye roll and ignored him, keeping his focus on his sister and his wife.

Garcia was back to her home for the weekend and so they were more at ease.

As the conversation went on, Eric expressed his wish, "Hope, I want Oliver to stay with us for a night. Like, before. If you allow..."

David uttered, "No!", and scoffed.

"I didn't ask you. I asked Hope."

"No from Hope too.", he argued back.

Eric huffed trying to control his anger. And Erica thought she must intervene before it gets ugly.

"David...I promise to drop Oliver as soon as he wakes up. First thing in the morning."

He looked at her, and lifted his eyebrow, "I didn't refuse you. Erica, you are my baby sister. Ofcourse you can have Oliver for the night. But since this asshole asked, I refused."

Erica shook her head at the two, "Why don't you both make up already? It's getting too much on my head to see you two fighting at each and every thing. Now everything is settled. It will be good if you two sort out your differences."

"No!", they both replied in unison.

"That shitty court case is still on.", "He is the same bitch he was before all this."

Hope sighed, "Say sorry to each other. Eric can take back the case. And David can make efforts to make Eric believe that he'd be a good father. All good."

"No!", "Not at all.", the unity they expressed in their denials was something the women seeked to restore in their friendship. But men were obnoxious jerks- they both agreed on it.

"Daddaa..I wuv you!", Oliver smiled cheekily pointing at David, making his father melt in an instance.

Eric, the ever jealous one, "Don't you love Papa?"

"No he doesn't.", David butted in.

But Oliver stood up in Eric's lap, reaching his nose and placing a sloppy and loud kiss, "I wuv you Papa!"

Oliver was the charm of the house, and he lightened up the mood visibly. But the comfort didn't seep well to the women who were tensed at the rift between the two men.

Moments later, they left the vicinity of the dining room to have a girl talk.

"Hope... please don't think about Lilliana. You know she meant nothing to David."

Hope shook her head, "I know she meant nothing. But it was outrageous of her to try on a married man."

The assurance did not do much to ease her worries, and so Erica being herself tried to explain, "You know...he has a vast history. But you shouldn't let it hurt you. As much as I know my brother, he won't do anything that would bring you humiliation."

In reply, Hope kept her hand on hers reassuring, "See...I know I may have to tackle these things alot in the future. But I have seen a lot of David since school. As long as he doesn't do anything, I'll be armed enough to stand firm."

The matter was laid behind, the two women secure in their own predicaments.

"So...when are you planning to tell your heart to David?", Erica asked

That froze her. She did not think of that. The unexplored possibilities. Is it okay to share her feelings with him? He seems fine now, but there is a difference between being fine and being ready to bear the burden of someone else's feeling. And as far as she knew, David would never be ready for that. Her hopes about nurturing her love with him were next to zero. But that little hopeless heart, still seemed to rejoice over the fact that David was finally near.

"I've...I've not thought about it.", she dismissed the topic before her heart could further delve in the discussion.

Erica understood and sighed. She'll probably try with David.

Post dinner, she called David to the kitchen to help her bring the desert the dining room. As she served, David stood beside her already knowing his sister is upto something. Otherwise, she would never willingly invite David in the kitchen.

"What is it mother hen?"

Erica set the tray aside and turned to him.

"I have to say something."

He chuckled, "I know. Now say it.", but then he straightened, "Don't tell me that asshole cheated on you. I'll whip his ass, get you divorced and take you and Evie back to my penthouse."

Erica rolled her eyes at her dramatic brother, "You can only hope for that opportunity David. My husband loves me alot."

"You never know. This man is a sneaky rathole."

"I am serious David."

He sighed, "You are no fun. Okay tell me, what is it?"

She looked at him for a moment, contemplating, "I see you really happy. I mean, you look better than before."

He nodded, "I feel better than before. Oliver is the reason."

"And Hope?"

That made him smile, "Hope is the reason too. You want credits for your bestfriend?"

She shook his head, and came to stand just beside him. Both leaning on the kitchen counter.

"Why don't you give a serious chance to yours and Hope's relationship?"

That made him halt, not physically but mentally. His thought process froze for a moment, wondering where she was coming from.

"Serious chance?"

She nodded, "Ofcourse. Now this is your life. Hope and Oliver. Your family. Don't you think it is perfect to fully indulge in them. I mean, you are being a perfect father to Oliver. But Hope too married you. We know it was without any expectations but let's be practical, every girl has a whole lot of expectations from her marriage and her husband. You may not take over as a perfect husband on the very first day. But you can definitely try to be one."

David did not think about it.

He did not because he was becoming comfortable with the arrangement. Having a friend in the form of a wife, fulfilling legal obligations and having a great mother for Oliver. He also knew that Hope has to have a love interest in her life. She has had one back in school, someone he has to know about. That guy may come back in her life. If not that, she may find a love for herself later in her life. Then, she will leave him and Oliver, to live with the person who really provides her that love. He had thought about it. What he did not think was he can be her future. He himself promised he will only take her time till she finds someone she loves. But he did not think he can himself be the provider to her. Not just a domestic provider, but an emotional one.

"I_ I don't know Erica... I'll _i'll think about it."

He probably won't. But Erica knew, she has stirred the calm.

*

DAVID WELLINGTON

My sister's words were still swirling in my head, when I saw Hope discreetly yawning. It was late night, and she had an early morning today.

"Erica! I guess we should leave now. I want to sleep."

She nodded, and turned to Eric, "Let's go see them off."

He scoffed, as expected, "They live just downstairs. I am busy with my kids."

Yes, the kids were sleeping and he was busy staring at them.

I rolled my eyes, "Erica...I really don't want to spoil my night. So it will be better if only you see us off."

She stood up glaring at the two of us, "You both are thirty plus, but your level of pettiness surpasses it all."

I followed the two women who were bitching about their husbands, in not so quiet voice.

When I got into the lift with Hope, she waved a last bye to Erica before the lift closed.

We did not have to wait much and reached our penthouse. Hope liked silence and so I did not bother her much. Atleast for the five minutes we took to get prepared for the bed.

But when I came out of the closet, I saw her already sitting on the bed, picking out my medicines.

This woman literally checks the number of pills remaining to make sure I ate them on time. If her count is a little ambiguous, then I am surely going to hear an earful. And when she scolds, even Oliver lays back silently, as if he is the most innocent kid in the world, born to a notorious man who is a headache for his mom.

"Is your count fine today?", I teased because I knew it was.

She looked at me, and raised a perfect eyebrow, "It is. It has to be."

And then I am handed over a bunch of medicines, "Here. Have them. Next week, we have to go to the hospital for your checkup. Although they can come here, but with Garcia present, we must not take any risks."

I nodded as I gulped those bunch of positive poison in my system. Eating these medicines has given me a life lesson. To never take my health for granted. I hate them. But I can't avoid them now.

"Also, Dr. Camden from America will look into your case. I've scheduled an online appointment with him this Wednesday. Make sure you do not forget it."

I hummed in reply finally done with these pills.

"And yes, we have to take Olie for his vaccination. Around 18th."

"Okay!", I pulled the duvet over me and her, while she was still busy planning her next week, even though we still had a Sunday at hand.

"Oh! I know you are planning to buy an aquarium. Make sure you do it when Garcia and Olie are not at home. The installation process is pretty noisy."

"Ofcourse babe!"

"Also, next weekend I will have to be present at this concert scheduled for some management. I'll have to fly to Spain for a day and a night. Will you be able to manage here? I can ask Erica to come over though."

"I'll manage. I promise."

She laid down comfortably, but her mind was still working, "Even Harry messaged me to schedule a dinner with him. He wanted to come and see us."

"Ofcourse...your judgemental brother thinks I am not good for you."

She nodded, "Don't you think the same for Eric after they have been married for years now."

"That's different."

"It's not."

*

In the middle of the night, I woke up because I was feeling thirsty. The medicines made my mouth feel dry quite often. My water intake has increased so much. Unfortunately, my side had no bottle, because I apparently left mine downstairs.

Groaning to myself, I sat up. And as soon as I did, I felt a cold wave of air hitting me. Ofcourse, leave it to me, sleeping shirtless with ten degrees outside. Now it was a task to leave the comfort of my bed and go down to fetch my bottle. I glanced beside me only to find Hope sleeping peacefully. Thankfully, her side had her bottle, filled upto the rim.

I bent forward to pick it up and gulped a lot of water to quench my thirst. Her night table was a little further away so I had to bend uncomfortably to ensure I kept the bottle properly. But what happened next completely froze me. As I was keeping that bottle, the woman directly under me turned in her sleep, and her hands reached out to hold me by my neck. Another hand landed straight on my bare chest. Her tug was gentle but firm, and I had to keep my extended hand beside her head so as to not crush her in her sleep.

She was deep in sleep, I could see. For Hope would never do this when awake. She gets flustered after a friendly hug.

She rounded her hand around my neck and fully turned in her sleep. I turned accordingly to not wake her up. And soon after, her face was in the crook of my neck, her other hand tightly holding my torso. Her warm breaths were tingling me near my jaw, and to my surprise, every cell in my body seemed to wake up and go into alert mode.

It was innocent. Completely innocent from her side. But as soon as her red hairs fondled my bare chest, nothing was innocent for me. I looked down, trying to see her face, fresh and smelling like a citrus fruit because of her elaborated skincare. That was probably the moment when I knew Hope was not just my friend or my wife, but a very beautiful woman capable of making me swoon over her.

I looked away, feeling somewhat defeated. Who am I kidding? She was beautiful since school. Her puberty years also spoke a lot about her beauty. And her beauty was not the standard kind. It was more like those unique enigmatic persona that has people admiring you from far. And I'd be a liar if I say I didn't admire her that way. Heck, I liked her even when we became friends. But there was a huge contrast between us. She was a simple and pure girl, who doesn't deserve getting her heart broken. And me, I think there was barely any queen bee in the school who was devoid of my charm. I realised this when Eric said something to me.

'I am fine with your habits of sleeping with every girl out there. As far as they know what they are getting themselves into. But your new friend, that redhead, she is not that kind. And for God sake, don't involve with her that way if you have to break her heart!'

I was not sure if I would break her heart or not, but commitment scared me always. I could not commit till I finally married Venus. And as much as I hated to admit it, Venus had her heart broken a lot many times with me. I was an established jerk. And somedays, I think may be that is what karma is. I broke her heart so many times, so she broke mine for a lifetime.

But I was glad atleast Hope was saved. But at what cost. The day I realised she got her heart broken and left school, everything seemed like a joke to me. She did not deserve this.

"Eat your medicines Dave..", her sleepy voice interrupts my thoughts and I look down at her, trying to snuggle more into me.

I rolled my eyes. She was even dreaming of my medicines. This woman is going to be the death of me. Both literally and figuratively.

Before I fell asleep, the moment of our kiss at the wedding flashed in my mind. I will have to accept the fact that Hope is special. Very special for me.

*

The next day, I woke up to Hope, all red in embarrassment. Yes I was on her side of the bed, but she was on me.

"I.. I'm sorry...I..I don't know how..."

"Shhh!", I replied in a sleepy voice, hiding my face in her pillow, "You should have told me you were a cuddler. I don't mind cuddles."

I peeked open my eyes to see her blushing at my comment.

"..I.."

"And you know I don't mind if things escalate more than the cuddles."

She tried hard to stop her blush from getting darker and rolls her eyes, moving away from the bed.

I had a goofy grin on my face as she leaves, but it stops the moment I hear the bathroom door shut.

Do I regret making inappropriate jokes with her? Hell nah! That is how our relationship has been since we met in childhood. And if I stop, that would be more awkward now.

But we are not anymore just friends, and she's no more just my subject of amusement. Yes, her reactions over the course of time have not changed a bit and that makes it more funny. She's a woman now, I am sure an experienced one. How can she manage to blush like virgin mary?

But that sudden thought had him standing up from the bed, and knocking on the bathroom door.

He heard the running tap stop, "Yea David?"

"Come out Hopeless! Like right now!"

He heard her grumbling to herself as she opened the door, "What?"

She was irritated, visibly.

"You have not told me the name of your lover boy yet!"

She narrowed her eyes, "Now where did that come from?"

I stood at the bathroom door, so she couldn't close it. On my face that is.

"Tell me one thing! Are you a virgin?"

Her eyes widened for a moment, before she looked at me like she would eat me. Not in a good way.

"Ofcourse not! But why are you asking?"

"I am asking because you blush too much! Like I touch you a little and you blush profusely. That's not normal."

She sighed and came out, walking past me, "What is normal then? I should be as shameless as you?"

"I am not shameless. I only seduce you."

I said that to rile her up, but ofcourse failed because she blushed again.

"...I mean I flirt with you. That's harmless flirting. But tell me? Are you trying to remain virgin for that asshole who you loved? God damnit Hope! You were in school. He must be some chipmunk catching cooties because he fucks with random women! Why'd you remain virgin for a bastard like that!?"

She looked at me, and the corner of her lips lifted, "First of all, I am not a virgin. Second, yes! That asshole fucks random women, and we'd have to get a STD to check if he got cooties."

"Why are you looking at me?"

She laughed, "Why do you look like you got caught? You may have cooties too. Should I schedule an appointment with a pathologist."

Wow! Way turning this on me. I huffed.

"You can't do this Hope! You know as a schoolboy, I lacked resources to track that shit pant down, but now I do. I can bring him here and have him apologize to you for not reciprocating your feelings."

"He didn't know I loved him. I never told him.", she retorted.

"You are defending him.", And I wasn't feeling good about it, "Do you still love him?"

She rolled her eyes, "If you have functional eyes, try looking at my ring finger."

"I have seen your ring finger. If you have a functional brain, try recalling the time I put it there."

I was smug about my reply, but she didn't give me enough time to enjoy.

"You know it is inappropriate to talk to a married woman about her lover."

"...past lover.", I corrected.

She narrowed her eyes at me, and I became uneasy. Yes! Mighty David Wellington is feeling jealous of an unknown man. And now his wife has realised that.

*