DAVID WELLINGTON

I had a constant smile on my face as I saw my son, way too deep in sleep, sucking on his little thumb. As much as I knew I should remove his thumb, I couldn't help but adore the scene before me. I do not know why I can't get enough of my own genes.

Hope came out of the washroom and shook her head at me as she saw me bent over his crib.

"When will he wake up?", I asked.

She chuckled, "He was cranky last night. He will compensate his sleep in the morning."

I moved away from the crib, and went to where she was standing.

"How can that asshole calm him down so easily? I think he knows some black magic.", I exclaimed lowly leaning on the dressing table as she did her long fledged skin care routine.

"He's been doing this for an year. Erica got pregnant soon after they got him. So most of the times, especially at night, it was Eric who woke up with Oliver."

I nodded and asked her what I've been wondering since last night.
"Will he ever become this comfortable with me?"

She looked at me and smiled, "Don't worry. He's getting familiar with you. Soon you'll be able to tend to all his needs. But ofcourse Eric has a completely different place in his life."

I agreed, "I need to get in terms with that."

"He's your best friend and Oliver's uncle. You should become fine with this. But well, take your time."

"Best friend my foot!", I whispered nonchalant looking away from her, "That guy gave me a real hard time."

"Admit it to yourself. It was for your own good."

I sighed not agreeing to her words but not even denying them. May be, may be I wouldn't have fought like a madman if there was no prospect of loosing my son. But I guess, I shouldn't spend my time thinking about it.

Garcia has been analysing us quite closely. I've been noticing her gaze on us everytime. More on us than on Oliver.

"Garcia...what are we gonna do about her?"

She looked at me strangely, "What's there to do? We act."

"She's too clever."

She laughed lightly, "Not more than you."

Yes, I might have embarrassed the old lady by pretending to kiss Hope, while in reality, I was only poking her nose. She was standing behind me, a few feets away. Hope was baffled for a few second, redness covering her face, but she realised soon what I was doing.

I looked at her with a cheeky smile, "Let's not pretend anymore. Your lips taste like strawberry. I've tasted them on the wedding day.."

She rolled her eyes, blush covering her cheeks, "She's not here to hear you flirting."

I chuckled occupying the chair that sat between the dressing table and her.

"You know I don't pretend for this one. Girls do fall in love with smart flirting guys. You remember in school.."

She interrupted me, "I remember so many girls falling in love with you and standing in front of your apartment, that Eric threw you out and you had to come to my dorm room."

"Eric has always been a curse in my life."

She snickered, "Let's not blame the poor guy. We both know the girls started camping outside your apartment. And it turned ugly when your neighbours complained."

I squirmed a little as the memory of that time flooded in my mind. It was the peak of my admirer's toxicity. I loved that attention for a day or two, but Eric got sick of it as we were not able to attend our classes also. So eventually, he threw me out, with my belongings in a duffel bag. I escaped from there and took shelter in Hope's dormroom. When the matter exposed, Eric took blame on himself, which nobody from our family believed. But ofcourse, like always, Eric has the last word to himself.

*

"Garcia! I hope you are comfortable here?", Hope asked her for the nth time.

The old lady smiled, "Ofcourse I am. I am thinking about revisiting this place with my husband."

We were in an aquarium, with Oliver in my arms gawking over the moving fishes with eyes wide, and gasping everytime he saw some fish.

We planned for an outing and offered Garcia to accompany us.

"Hoe!!", he called to her pointing at the beautiful goldfish. When she ignored his call, he grew anxious and looked at me worriedly..

"Say mom...", I whispered and he then turned back to her, "Mooom!"

"Yes my baby!"

"Feeshh", he pointed at the goldfish again.

"It's beautiful!", she exclaimed making him nod vigorously.

"I wann it!"
I sigh contentedly. I can finally understand his gibberish talks. It was hard at first but I guess he's speaking more clear these days.

"Ofcourse baby! We'd get a huge aquarium for you...but your dad?", she made a sad pout and pointed towards me.

He swiftly turned his head to me, and then used both of his hands to hold my face.

"Dadda! I wann it!"

Deciding to take an active part in the drama, I shook my head, "Fishes are eww!"

His face immediately turned offended, but the guy didn't stop trying.

"Pweeaassee Dadda!", and with that he placed a sloppy kiss on my nose.

And God forbid! But I had to internally curse in order to stand straight and not turn into a puddle of water because of these tactics of my son.

The two ladies accompanying us laughed, and I saw a few onlookers stopping to take a look at my adorable son.

I nodded and hid his face in my neck, and whispered, "Dad will get you a whole ass aquarium with hundreds of whales in them."

I did not want people clicking his pictures and posting them everywhere . Eric has been protecting him on this front. I can't spoil it.

After roaming for a few more minutes and him squealing happily at the fishes, we went for a lunch. I booked the premises because I didn't want prying eyes on us.

Thankfully, Garcia was enjoying. Once we were done with the happening lunch, I dropped them off and headed towards my office. I've been putting off work as much as possible so as to focus on Oliver. I've done nothing the last year but work. So it is not a matter of concern. But it still needs my attention because people slack off if I am absent for too long.

As soon as I entered my office, people started greeting me. I stopped almost a fifty times to greet them back and take work updates before I finally reached my office.

Lilliana or Lilly as everybody here called her, passed me her sultry smile and started narrating about all the important tasks I had at hand. The office time is generally till 5, but since I was present today, people extended their presence for an hour before I dismissed them all. It was my head office and so it was necessary to attend this place as often as possible. I checked my Australian branch and personally talked with the architects that I have mentored. They seemed to be faring just fine. But I'll make sure I contact with my Australian clients to assess their genuine feedbacks. I hope I don't have to go there anytime soon though.

It was seven when I was done with it all, but I still stayed back to finish any unattended work. It was then, when Lilliana casually strolled in. I am not a strict boss like Eric, and I firmly believe that to get my work done, I need to treat people good. Same was with my PA, who was very much friendly with me. Yes, I may have blurred the lines of friendliness in my drunken state and I regretted it deeply the next morning. But when it created no problems with the work, I decided not to fire her, or transfer her. She is efficient in her work and it will take a lot of effort to find her replacement.

I did not think much when she came in the cabin. And only noticed her objective when she did not sit across me, but crossed the table and leaned on it, just beside me.

I looked up, a little apprehensive, "What is it Lilliana?"

At that moment I noticed that she was wearing an extremely short dress, something I did not see before. Did she change into these inappropriate clothes?

I immediately looked up in her eyes, not looking anywhere else.

"You are here after so long Sir. I am expecting us to have some fun tonight."

I knew exactly what she meant. I can accurately differentiate between an innocent and a provocative tone. But right now, her tone only made me cringe.

"I am here for work Lilliana. Got no time to fool around."

I looked back into the blueprint in my hand. Some influential people demand me to personally look into their architecture plans. Not that any plan conceived under my name passes without me checking it once. So yes, it is a whole lot of work.

My chair is swinged in her direction, startling me for a second. Isn't she being too courageous with me!?

"Oh c'mon sir! Don't you think I deserve an 'appreciation' for how I've been managing things?"

"A thousands euro extra bonus is not enough of an appreciation??"

"No! Because I want you."

I understood it before. Sexual acts have never really grossed me out because I understand that people have needs. And needs are always seeked for. The only time I've been a one woman man was when I was in a serious relationship with Venus. That too, I learnt it all in a pretty hard way. After almost loosing her twice. After Venus, I knew every moment of me was out of recklessness. I've done all in the past year to piss my dead wife off. But now, I had another ring on my finger.

Hope and me may not share a typical husband wife relation, but I knew her respect and honour is now in my hands. And I do not intend to do anything that sabotaged it.

"I think you have forgotten something.", I flash her my left hand that had my new wedding ring, "I am no more a man who can engage in sexual acts with no strings attached."

Her face displayed a displeased expression, "Your marriage is a sham. We know how we got Ms. Ricci to marry you!"

That particular claim enraged me more than I'd like to admit.

I stood up, pushing my chair back, and creating a good distance from her, "Sham or not, you've signed a NDA regarding my personal life. And if I see you crossing your boundaries, it'd do you no good."

I was calm, still calmer than anyone would have been at my place.

"We were involved before..."

"Because I wasn't in my right senses. Your father was an old client. I respect him. But you can expect your transfer letter tomorrow."

Her eyes widened at that and she immediately composed herself, "But...Sir.."

"Be glad I am not depriving you of your job."

*

Back in my car, I was grateful a driver was driving me home. What happened back there, unnerved me more than I'd like to admit. It felt more like an assault. But I can't blame her because I was initially involved with her. My limits reached the threshold when she brought my marriage with Hope in the conversation.

'Your marriage is a sham. We know how we got Ms. Ricci to marry you!'

I am still trying to evaluate why it stung me more than I thought it would. With Hope beside, I have someone to lean on. I can leave my child behind at home, with the woman I trust, someone who'd care for him more than me. We sleep together, laugh together, worry together. It is better than I expected. And may be that is why I got all defensive when someone called my marriage with Hope- a sham. But who am I kidding! It is a sham. I can't give her what she deserves. I have been a blatantly selfish man in asking her to marry me to make things better for myself. But she may want something in life. She may want someone who loves her. She may want someone who'd worship her like his only woman. And I can't give her that. Life and love has given me enough trauma to last till I die.

"Sir? Is everything alright?", My thoughts break at hearing the voice of Mason, the driver. He was more like a family than the staff.

I smiled nodding at him, "Just work. So many things to handle."

"Your PA manages thing just fine I guess. But if you think it is still too much, you should get two assistants. Right now you have a lot to focus back at home."

I nodded, considering the idea.

"Inform the staff to arrange an opening for two PAs exactly."

He furrowed his brows, not knowing I've no PA as of this moment, but agreed nonetheless.

*

When I came home, Garcia was already going to her bedroom and I guess my dear son is in bed.

I went to our master bedroom, only to find both- Hope and Oliver busy in his story books. He was pointing at random pictures and she was explaining who the character was. If I am not wrong, the story is already over, but this little shit has no trace of sleep in his eyes.

When they noticed me, I was warmly welcomed and Oliver showered my face with kisses. My mood was lightened up and I felt less bad about what happened earlier. But it was still roaming in my mind.

*

HOPE WELLINGTON

I turned in my sleep, well aware of the man that sleeps beside me. But something seemed amiss. I opened my eyes and they fell directly on the crib where Oliver was sleeping peacefully. And then I turned to look at him, David only to find him missing.

Where did he go?

His medicines often make him drowsy and so he sleeps as soon as he hits the bed and doesn't wake up till morning. Did he not take his medicines?

Wondering to myself, I got down the bed. The bathroom was unlocked and he was not there. I went towards the balcony of our room, and surely he was leaning on the glass, staring ahead as if lost in thoughts. He did not look fine when he came back from the office. When I asked him, he did not say anything. But now I am sure something is bothering him.

Is he missing Venus?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before heading to where he was.

"Why are you standing here like a ghost?", I said once I reached there, and leaned on the glass balcony, mimicking him.

I know. He is anything but a ghost. Standing in nothing but his track pants, his muscles prominently bulged at all the right places. We are married for more than a month now, but I can't get enough of him. And I can't get used to this.

I looked away, not wanting to get caught perving over my dear husband.

"Just couldn't sleep.", he whispered lowly. Not a retort. Not a taunt. Neither a joke. It is something serious.

I turned to him completely, "What is wrong David?"

The 'David' made him look at me. He knew I was asking seriously. And he knew he can't dodge.

A troubled wave passed through his expression and he avoided looking at me. But I knew he'd speak.

"Hope... Lilliana....she basically threw herself on me today. I.."

I stiffened at his words. This was completely unexpected and I definitely felt a hot rage inside me. But I remained calm on the outside. This is David. Like a typical wife, I cannot go berserk on him.

Nonetheless I asked what was the unanswered part of his declaration.

"Did you..?"

He got it before I could complete the sentence and shook his head, "No No! Absolutely not."

And as fast as his earlier statement enraged me, this one acted like a bowl of ice.

We fell quiet then. I did not know why he'll mention this to me. He probably was regretting why he told me this. But he still did. May be as a friend. Yes, I did ask him this question as a friend. As a wife, I can only share the space near him. Nothing more. Nothing less.

"Why?"

I uttered the question, looking at the adjacent tall buildings competing to reach the point higher than all the buildings around them. It was to distract myself from thinking that I asked this question in a tone, that a wife uses with her husband. With claimed rights. It made me retreat immediately.

"You don't have to answer. Please. I do not mean to ask it in a way..."

He clicked his tongue and turned to look at me, "Why do you not mean to ask me in that way? You are my wife for God sake!"

I closed my eyes tightly and sighed. This is not good. Not good at all. He's giving me an impression that I can ask him in that way- that particular way how a wife questions.
It unnerved me. I would not like to push myself in an illusion that is nothing but a bubble that will explode the moment I touch it.

"Hope...", I heard him, calm and silent and then felt his hand, taking hold of mine.

"I am ashamed of involving with her. I thought me being reckless will make me forget everything and I will return to the life that I used to have before Venus. In that one year, when I was away, I have done things that I am not proud of. Lilliana was one of those women who I involved with."

I knew it. I knew it from the day when I went to his office and he mistook me as his PA. I shouldn't have been surprised or shocked. And before me, he has been with women who probably meant nothing to him.

"Say something please.."

The vulnerability in his voice made me look at him. Of all the things that can wrench me apart, seeing him weak and sad, are the top most. I realised this the day he was mourning for his dead wife. Because that same day, I was mourning for him.

I took his hand and made him sit on the recliner. He only looked at me intrigued, thinking of my reaction.

I took my own place beside him.

"Be honest with me...hmm?", he only nodded in response, "I was your friend way before you married me...so...we don't really need to hide things."

He only nodded in response, still looking at me, with that gentle vulnerability clouding his eyes.

"Why did you reject her advances today?"

He seemed to intake a sudden breath at my question as if he was struggling to even think so. And then I saw his eyes drifting to the ring on his finger, the six emeralds lined up on the platinum band, symbolising the marriage that he has commited to.

"You do know that your marriage with me is not a reason for refraini...."

"If you complete that sentence, I will throw you off this balcony right at this instance.", that shut me up. That actually shut me up and I looked at him a bit startled.

He looked angry, and for the first time on me. The realisation alone made me squirm in my place. It was as difficult to deal with an angry David, as it was easy to deal with a happy one.

"Yes, I have been a rascal and a Playboy all my life, but I know when to draw a line. You are my wife, and you are suggesting me to cheat on you?? Are you Dumb Hope Wellington?"

I shook my head, "I am not suggesting you to cheat. But I know...all of us...have..needs."

He rolled his eyes, "Needs. I have my hands for 'needs'. And for you? I am very much available for your 'needs'. We do not need to seek other people for our 'needs'. But why in the world would you suggest that!?"

I was speechless, literally speechless. He was suggesting we sleep with each other!? As in sleep sleep!?

I shook my head and looked away, "You are mad!"

He sighed and sat back, keeping his legs on the table, "I feel assaulted. I did not think deep on this aspect of my life since I was busy with everything else as soon as I came back. The liver treatment. The marriage. Oliver's custody. World war with Eric. And now I hate myself more for making so much mess around me. Lilliana's actions were like a slap on my face. And I did not indulge in her suggestions...not only because I am married and want to be loyal to my wife. But because I am married to you. I cannot cheat on you. Fuck! The thought alone makes me feel like a snake is slithering on my skin. I hate it. I hated more what that scum woman said about us..she said..", he shut his mouth as if realising that he was about to say something wrong.

I furrowed my eyebrows, "What did she say?"

He looked away, "She said our marriage was a sham. And I can do whatever."

Now that enraged me. That woman. And her audacity. She was only involved in the matter because she was his PA, not because she had a free pass to sleep with him.

"You are bothered about this?", I asked him already knowing now what bothered him so much. Only that the reason was still unknown.

"I am bothered about the fact that a third person is saying so, when both of us do nothing that could point out that the marriage is a sham. Only that we are not physically involved. Yet. And that there is no lovey mushy feelings between us."

Oh dear! Only if you knew.

I chuckled, "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."

With that, I stood up and walked away, "I was sleeping so good. Try not to sneak out of the bed in the night, like a ghost on rounds. We have a child with us."

I had a smile on my face because behind me, was a dumbfounded man, my dear husband to be exact, with whom I just established that our marriage was not a sham.

*