Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Alvin initially turned three-sixty with his behavior. He treated Kate well, made sure she ate and had enough rest.

While Lisa, Annette, and Miranda prepared for Christmas Eve.

" Where would you like to go? He asked caressing her hair with her head on his lap.

" I don't know. You choose" she started typing on her phone.

" Let's go to the beach... I don't know much about it but they said it's fun"

" And the park? It's been long I had fun. You don't mind, do you? She asked knowing he won't approve.

" Perhaps I can teach you how to drive your new car. You haven't taken it out for a drive" she sat up smiling then wore her flip flop standing up.

" I see that gladdens you" he chuckled watching her dash upstairs to get the keys. He dropped his hands to his lap contemplating while she returned to the living room with the keys dangling in her hands.

" I got it. Let's go" she sassed in long strides which had him smiling. He took her to the driving range showing her how to drive a car.

" How did you get your license? He asked as she lowered her head in shame

" I can drive Alvin maybe not that good but I'm good enough to leave Colton by the roadside. You should have seen his face when I drove off" she squirmed poking him.

' I can imagine. Anyway, you have to learn more. Practice makes perfect. Keep going never stop to admire your work unless that will be the day you start to fall. No one is perfect" he spoke as she made mental note on it liking his new self though she knew why he was good to her. It won't hurt to enjoy the moment right? She thought sitting on the pilot seat once again holding the steering wheel listening to his baritone voice guide her as she steered the wheel stepping on the brakes whenever she missed a route.

" Easy sweetie, you're getting better at this. Let's take a break" he stated taking her to a seven-star hotel to eat.

" What would you like to eat? she looked at the menu and ordered for pasta rasta. He ordered the same.

" I missed your mom's cooking. She made the best meals" he complimented as she suddenly thought of them and sighed.

He noticed it holding her hands" we'll visit your family after Christmas and New year. Don't worry I sent them gifts. There are qualified nurses taking care of her. Trust me I got them" he muttered cutting steaks for her. She wanted to oppose but gave it a rest. This was her chance to make him love her again. She'd be a fool if she hasn't thought of rekindling their relationship but she didn't have the confidence. It's no use pretending everything was fine between them when he tried to have her caged the other day.

" Thanks. I really miss them" she spoke eating her steaks then the waiter served the pasta rasta while they dig in.

The waiter seemed to be in deep thought as she left their table which didn't pass Alvin by and he was proven right when a chubby older man walked to their diner.

" Good day sir. Miss, are you K chef? I just love your culinary skills" he stated which had Kate staring at him dazed she was that popular.

" You are aren't you? I'm a big fan" Alvin squinted his eyes as the man took a seat beside her expressing his interest in her talent and how he would love to hire her.

" Really? A chef? Omg. I'll think about it. Shit. I'm just surprised people notice me. I mean I was doing what I love" she sassed nervously looking at Alvin's murderous gaze and quickly introduced him.

" This is my husband Mr. Shawn" she introduced without a name obviously scared the man might change his mind.

Mr. Shawn stretched his hand for a handshake " Nice to meet you Mr...? She was about to cut him off when Alvin spoke.

" Alvin, Alvin Reagan" there were powerful meanings in those names, and that had the poor man scared as he retracted his hands to his sides taking a few steps back.

Kate's ecstasy turned to a frown realizing the man was reconsidering offering her the job as soon as he heard his name. That was enough to lose her appetite as she stormed out of the diner. She just lost an opportunity to work in a seven-star hotel again because of him. Was she meant to be controlled by him all her life? Her job was to pleasure him and give him kids?

She walked for a long time that her legs hurt. As the adrenaline rush wore off, she didn't know where she was. That moment, she thought of running away from him. Disappearing to somewhere remote. A place he can't find her.

If only she had the money. She didn't bring her credit card. So she sat down and cried her eyes out then her phone rang. It was blurry at first due to her teary eyes then she wiped it off with a handkerchief then picked it.

" Hello, who is this? Her voice hoarsely clearing her throat.

' it's me Carla: Dante's elder sister. I want to talk to you about something important" she spoke almost like she was holding her anger.

" Can we talk over coffee after Christmas? Is that's ok with you? She stated surprised to hear from her former boss.

" There's no need for that. Stay away from my brother. It's enough your husband is about to bankrupt my company and his foundation. Stay away from him. You whore. You're the reason men maltreat women. Slut! Whore! You should be ashamed of yourself. Bitch" she cussed and cut the call while Kate blinked severally mopping over her insults.

She deserved it. She'd cheat on her husband. Dante doesn't deserve to suffer for something he knew nothing about. She did this to herself. She fell for the devil. She was going to heed to her warning by sticking to her miserable life till she gave birth to her baby.

She couldn't Dante would tell Carla about their one-night stand. It wasn't his fault so she chose the latter: Alvin has to release their property. It's not like she would be able to run away from him. No one knew where she was. No one can help her.

Dante got her worked up for nothing yet she didn't blame him. She looked at the sky muttering' why me?'

" There you are" she raised her head and met Alvin's eyes with no emotion.

" Let's go home," he said holding her up but she yanked his hands off walking herself. He scoffed trailing after her then strode to the front with the notion that she was lost.

With a bang, she pushed the door to his bedroom open walking to her side of the room to get changed.

" What the hell Kate. What's your problem? When did I upset you again? He asked grabbing her arm.

" Let go of me. There goes my chance to be employed. Do you know how much I wanted that Job? Maybe you realized I can make it without you. My life would have been much better if I didn't meet you. I can't even work. You want to turn me into a baby-making machine. A bed warmer. Someone acknowledged my talent. He wanted to employ me but what did you do? You..." Her yelling was cut short with a knock on the door. She was just transferring her aggression to him.

" We're not done with this" he pointed out letting her arm go then muttered a come in while Lisa strolled in with three two boxes in her hands while Annette had the same.

They dropped it on the lavished table then switched the lights on revealing beautiful Christmas decorations with colored light glass balls and garlands. Kate would have made a' wow' jaw-dropped sound if she wasn't angry.

More boxes came in soon there were rows of them which had Kate narrowing her eyes at Alvin. He'd send her Christmas clothes for the past two years but it wasn't that many.

" Merry Christmas Mrs. Reagan from your lovely husband and his household" they chorused smiling from ear to ear.

" Open them " Alvin ordered as they proceeded to open them one after the other.

Lisa brought out a gold sequin dress with a tiny strap with a V neck. It had flares at the bottom like a fishtail then Lisa held another purple lace dress with a lot to reveal this went on for some minutes till they revealed the first wear for their unborn child. She smiled at them most of the time but that wasn't what she wanted. She was never one to lust after material things. All she wanted was her freedom.

After rearranging her wardrobe and disposing of her former clothes they exited the room informing them about dinner.

Kate sat down taking her heels off then her necklace which didn't come off. She grumbled striding to the dressing mirror to have it her way then felt his hands around her neck unhooking the piece of gold, placing a kiss on her shoulder in the process.

" You are free to work there or any other place once you give birth. Don't fight with me anymore. It's not good for the baby. I know you're mad. You've every right to. Obey me this last time. I won't make things difficult for you because of Simon" he coaxed raining kisses on her shoulder with his hands on her belly.

" I need a bath, Alvin. Your parents will be here soon" she spoke tending to disengage from him but he turned her over raising her chin up.

" We're about to be parents and I want this to be perfect. For our unborn baby. I promise to be a good father to him if you want I can make things work between us. I want your support. I know I've done some terrible things in the past. Can we just get past that for his sake? He said tenderly as she nods waiting for a proper apology which never came. It seems that was all he wanted to say.

" I want to make this work with or without your help. Hmm? For our baby? He was inches from staring at her quivering lips.

" Fine. You're the boss. I need a hot bath it's cold" she finished uncomfortably with his closeness then he kissed her caressing her jaw to grant him access. She returned his kiss with the same fervor pouring her frustration, hate, love, and loss.

They were gasping for breath when they withdrew as he caressed her cheeks then her lips meeting her eyes then kissed her again with muffling sound from her.

" Get dressed we'll continue this after dinner with my family. Christmas is at Dad's. Keep it in mind" he informed her staring into her hazel eyes. She licked her lips and strode to the bathroom disappointed in herself for being weak to his touches.