Chapter 43: Chapter 43

It all started that night. The conversation with attorney Drew was left in hang, Richard informed him to give him little time to contemplate. Both parties fixed a date to meet up, and like it was predicted Richard flared up and ruined everything. Henrietta had brainwashed her attorney that he didn't see lies in everything she told him. The truth was palpable but he chose to believe only her lies and pay deaf ears to other important things.

No matter the circumstances, Richard would never let go of his son, not when he was undergoing medical. That night the babysitter confronted him, actually, she wanted to inform him about Miguel's health. He was ill, and it had been three days since it all happened.

Charlene wanted to remain silent. However, her subconscious was killing her. She wanted to wait for him till he told her what the matter was. She apparently noticed how restless he had become for the past few days. After all, they were a couple, they were supposed to share problems and solve them together. He had no reasons to hide anything from her; that was her thought.

Richard arose at dawn, he was the first to wake up before her. It was when he was fully dressed up for work she arose. Instead of bringing up the topic while she also had to prepare herself for campus, she went straight to the bathroom to prepare herself. She bathed, dressed up before catching up with him in the bedroom, ready to leave for work.

“You returned home late at night. I thought I'd be able to stay awake but I fell asleep before I knew it.” She chirped.

“There are a lot of shits I'm fixing up. I'm sorry for staying awake all night. Is there any problem?” He gestured to the maid with his briefcase to leave the bedroom.

Charlene shook her head vigorously. “That's not the problem. If you're not in a hurry, there's something I'd like us to discuss before you leave.”

He checked his watch. “I still have about thirty minutes.” He informed her, then gestured to her to proceed with what she wanted to say. She walked him to the couch. She sat down carefully while he also did the same. “So, how was it going?”

He took in his lower lip and released it afterwards. “I can't say anything about it. I can't give her what she wants.” He seethed, trying hard to suppress the anger that was about inside him. Apparently, he was always infuriated every time a conversation was redirected to Henrietta.

She sighed softly. “But you know what damage this is going to cause you...I mean us.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What damage is that?” He asked pleasantly.

She looked at her left side, and faced him again. “She's using every weakness you have. There's some articles about us and they're going viral.”

He chuckled irritatingly. “They're lies. This marriage may be arranged but it's different now.”

“Only both of us know about that. What about them? How do we prove that to them? I'm just muddled.” She paused to catch her breath.

“They should believe what they want to believe. Anyways, who cares about other options. I'm tired of their bullshit.”

“You should do something now. The worst happens when you least expect it.”

“Mum is supporting her, and that's what is ruining everything for me. Mum is a manipulator, there's no way I'm going to win when she's involved.”

“Mother?” She raised an inquiry look.

Richard laughed silently. He expected her to be surprised. It wasn't like he caught her in action but he knew Luciana was the one braving Henrietta, she could not do it all alone without her help. Richard knew how much Luciana loved and trusted his ex-wife, she would definitely do anything for Henrietta. Right from the beginning Luciana wasn't in support of Richard taking care of Miguel, not when he changed his babysitter every month because he always found flaws in them. Luciana assumed that if he was with his mother, a babysitter wouldn't be needed. On the other hand, she didn't like Charlene.

“I don't know what she's trying to achieve by fighting against her son.”

“Maybe she thought Henrietta was the right woman for you. Mothers know best, but... sometimes they can be wrong. Richard, what do you want?” The question came out suddenly.

He furrowed his brows, puzzled by her question. “Like what?”

“You know what I meant. Please don't pretend like you do not."

He sighed out exasperatingly. He sat purposely and leaned forward. “What I want is to have Miguel and you by my side. That's all, nothing else. Have I answered your question?” He frowned, standing up.

“Wait!” She rose, and stepped closer. “What can I do for you?” She asked. Perhaps he might need her help and support.

“Just sit back and let me do it alone. Have a pleasant day, sweetheart.” He pecked her forehead smoothly. He took his phone and left the room.

Charlene stood on the spot motionlessly. She scanned the room, running fingers through her long golden hair. “I think I need to talk to mum.” She went back to the bedroom, she grabbed her hand then left the bedroom.

She stopped by his room. She was super elated to see him playing again, his eyes were palpably full. “Has he eaten?” Charlene asked his babysitter.

“Yes ma'am, he had his formula this morning.”

“I ask the doctor to come over today, but I have to rush to campus. Please look after him carefully.” She kissed his cheeks while his babysitter was handling him. She stood upright, staring at him worriedly. She exited the room, had her breakfast before going to campus.

Immediately the class was over, Fiona approached her. “Good morning, Charlene. You're late.” Sitting next to her, she whispered to Charlene.

“I'd have skipped school but not when our examination date is already fixed.”

Her eyes scanned her body, she cocked her head and raised a brow. “You look exhausted.” She said knowingly. “Are you okay?”

She nodded with a light smile. “I'm perfectly fine.”

Fiona thought of what could make her look ponderous and the only thing that popped in her head was the upcoming examination. She thought it was enough reason to make her feel nervous. “Wait! Are you anxious about the upcoming examination? Don't worry, it's our last examination. Except that only two of us will study together.” She looked over to where Javier was sitting.

“I'm getting used to the treatment, Fiona. You don't have to remind me.” Charlene didn't bother to look since the statement was directly about Javier. “And I'm not anxious. I have the whole time to prepare myself.”

Fiona was about to switch gaze, when he rose from the seat it prompted her to keep her eyes fixed on him. “Seems like someone is coming over to say hi.” She said jovially.

“That's the most hilarious joke I ever heard this year. But, it's not funny.” She looked over to see him coming to where they were. She thought he was going to pass but he halted when he reached their side. “Hey, how are you today?”

“That's lame as I thought.” Fiona mumbled to herself.

Charlene arched her brows as if she didn't hear what he said. “Huh?”

“Stop staring at me like that. If I'm not welcome I'll just leave.” He said dryly. He attempted to walk away but Fiona held him, while Charlene looked at him in awe.

“Where did you think you're going?”

“It seems like she doesn't want me here.” He gestured at Charlene.

“Is that what you think? You cut yourself out totally. I didn't take it as an offense that you love me.” There was no point hiding it, Fiona was aware of everything. Only a coward left after confessing his feelings; that was their conclusion. And Charlene had promised herself never to persuade him any further.

“May I sit next to you?” He asked politely.

“Sure, it's a free world.”

“I'm a coward. But that's the only way for me to get rid of the feelings I have for you.”

“And were you able?”

“Not every feeling. Only friendship.”

“Good for you.” Charlene said surly. Rather cold than usual.

Javier passed a notebook over to her. “I've summarized all our syllables for the semester in that notebook. You may need it.” Charlene raised her eyes at him. Her best friend had come back to his senses. He always did it for her every time the semester was coming to end. He would get her the simplest textbook to read, and assisted her with any difficulties.

“Javier?” She looked right into his eyes.

“I'll leave now.” Then he rose to leave.

However, Charlene spoke up before he could take a step. “Good timing, we're heading to the library. Let's study together. Now that you're back, Fiona and I need you to explain this to us. You don't expect me to study halfway. We all have to ace your exam.” She said with a smile.

KATHLEEN INFORMED HER she was on call, she would be returning home late that Charlene should come to the hospital instead. Before heading over, she decided to drop by the mansion and change her dresses.

As James halted the car at the garage, she alighted from the car and trudged inside. “Welcome ma'am.” A maid assisted her with her handbag.

She entered Miguel's room. Astounded, she caught Henrietta with Miguel in his room, carrying him. Charlene stopped on the track, she was surprised to see her in the mansion. “Is everything okay? What's wrong with Miguel?”

“Ma'am, she just got here.” The babysitter interrupted her thought even before Charlene could ask a question.

“Whatever that happens to my son has nothing to do with you. If you desperately need a child, you should get pregnant and have yours. I won't have you take care of my son while I'm alive. ” Henrietta sneered.

“And what are you doing here?” She asked disgustingly. She felt nothing but repugnance every time she saw her.

“What does it seem like I'm doing here? Is that a rhetorical question I'm supposed to answer, wench?!” She laid Miguel back in his crib.

Charlene grunted softly. She wasn't in the mood to fight her, she would rather pass. To prevent a fight, she had to leave and feign ignorance to her questions. “Tell the maid to bring my lunch to the bedroom.” She completely ignored her and directed to the maid standing not far from them.

“Yes, ma'am.” She bowed.

“Really? You're such a coward.” Henrietta insulted her.

She halted by the door. She inhaled and exhaled deeply, subsiding the anger that ignited in her. She continued with her ponderous steps and exited the room.

Henrietta clenched her fists ferociously. She already violated the rules by trespassing on private property. Nevertheless, she had an excuse but it wouldn't be enough to justify her reckless act. Action is based on emotions. “How long has he been sick?”

“Three days ago. It's malaria.” His babysitter replied.

She looked at Miguel pitifully. “ Malaria? How is that possible?” Surprised. She thought. “I'm taking Miguel with me.”

“Ma'am, you can't. Sir Richard never said you're coming over and I know we're all fired. I don't want to get arrested for allowing you to take his son out of this mansion.”

Her protest put Henrietta in fluster. “Do you plan to stop me?”

“I already informed him you're here. You can't get him out of his room.” The babysitter said fearlessly, not minding the consequences of opposing her. Since she was doing as she was instructed, she was less worried about what Richard would do after getting to know the gatekeeper allowed Henrietta into the mansion and she also allowed her to carry Miguel. Even if she was going to lie, there was a CCTV camera in his room.

She abruptly gazed at her. She had a look of puzzlement on her face. “How dare you talk to me in such an insolent manner?” Henrietta raised her hand and slapped her across the face. “How dare you?!”

She stared into her eyes, holding her cheek. “You can't take him with you.” She said with finality.

“Stop me if you can.” She threatened her.