Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Augustus

My head starts to ache soon as I open my eyes like a thousand bull dozers passed over it. Fucking hangover.... Recollecting the events from yesterday makes the condition worse. I rush two tablets of Tylenol into my throat and gulp down the uneasiness that starts settling down. My angel will be gone today. The brightness in my life will soon be replaced by a doleful dark. My heart bleeds like a reprehensible soul craving for her luminescence. I hold my head tight as if it could ease the pain and decide to leave the abode before she absconds.

Buttoning up my crisp blue shirt with a complimentary tie I walk through the corridor taking rapid long strides with my coat hanging on one of my arms. I am supposed to have my breakfast and head for a meeting in my office which is to start at nine but my stance betrays me. I push the sleeves of my hand covering the Rolex and make a note of the time. I still had ten minutes of buffer left with me. I wasn't supposed to watch her before I leave. I made a mental note of it yesterday yet her presence makes me weak from the room next door. I may stop her from leaving before I realize what I have done but for one last time I wished to see her.

Pushing aside the curtains of her bedroom I perceive her arresting form. Standing at the foot of her bed I tug my hands in my pant pockets and descry every bit of the eye catching prettiness that makes my heart go crazy. Her beautiful face rested on a cream color floral designed pillow like an Angel resting in the clouds. Her forehead was pale and slightly creased. I wonder what she was dreaming off probably dreaming of something unpleasant in the fairy land which was where she actually belonged.

Her long eye lashes kissed her cheeks like the making of a pretty doll. Those beautiful chubby cheeks were crimson red as if she was blushing at me for appreciating her so close. Her little nose was thin and sharp like the tip of an arrow marking its way straight to my heart. Her soft pink lips were so inviting, challenging me if I could resist myself from kissing them. Turning my gaze away before I lose my control my attention falls on her wild curls. Her naughty tresses refused to stay docile brushing her cheeks with the slight breeze emerging from the window. She stirs giving rise to a cute moue and my heart misses a beat.

I smile looking at her pretty rims that change to a pout. That was a lot of disturbance caused to my pretty angel and I need to put a check on it at the earliest. I walk gingerly not to disturb my beauty and push away the locks cautiously with the pads of my fingers. I then tip toe to the windows and pull down the curtains to arrest the sunlight gaping into the room. Her face immediately relaxes in the dark serenity and a soft smile crosses her features which involuntarily reflexes a smile on my rims. Intractable giving one last look at her baby face I plant a gentle kiss on her forehead and place a letter on the night stand, which woefully were my last words to her.

Angelica,

I may not stay beside you

But I am always there behind

Watching you not to fall

For if you drop,

I'm consistent on board,

Extending my hand always for you to hold.

Have the best life ahead sweet heart... free from worries.

Love you always,

Augustus.

Angelica

I stir lightly on the bed and open my eyes. Looking ahead at the wall clock it was 11 in the morning, indicating Augustus had already left to the office. The house felt unusually calm which stirred unwelcome feelings in the pit of my stomach. I turn my head and my eyes cast a glance at the letter placed on the night stand with a beautiful rose tugged to it. I read the contents and my eyes start brimming tears.

The words of Augustus cause the replay of my dad's words. "Augustus would never harm you princess, he cares for you more than you can imagine." There were many times that he did scold me but an underlying love was hidden behind his every action. His words never sounded romantic but his ways were always trust worthy and intrinsic with certainty. He loved and cared for me although he would never allow it to surface saying those cheesy lines of a romantic hero.

I cogitate every detail of his behaviour and an epiphany drawls shaking my roots, the guilt of my views against him that now perceive deceptive and chicanery. I close my eyes and reason the pros and cons of my actions, the result of my decision and the impact of it on my life and dread the consequences of blunder I can probably never correct.

Does my marriage with Augustus still hold a chance?

All throughout the day I had no work to do. The breakfast was already made with another sticking note on the fridge by Augustus asking me to finish the contents in the plate. The lunch was prepared by Martha with mouth watering sushi and lasagna and every other dish that involved my favorite cuisine. Finishing a sumptuous meal I decide to tour the place as I had nothing else to do.

Though I came to this house several times, I never took into the details of this charismatic palace. Now that I have sufficient time, I wished to traverse every part of it justifiable enough to mark it as mine.

The mansion was artfully decorated with beautiful sculptures of medieval age. The art pieces were voluptuous including the mesmerizing paintings of Leonardo-da-vinci, Pablo Picasso and many other influential artists. The house comprised of six bedrooms, two magnificent kitchens, a fully equipped gymnasium, a theatre room and a library comprising of more than five thousand books which included ancient literature, books on geography, poetry and books comprising of archeology. I wish to study all of this in my free time. No wonder my mother always called me a book worm when I was small.

The entrance of the mansion was marked with lush green trees and beautiful plants on either side with varieties of flowers. In the midst of the nature's beauty was a big fountain that marked the centre of attraction. I could spend my whole life sitting beside this marking beauty.

Ahead of the awe striking nature's paradise was a huge garage with all the latest and high priced cars parked in a line. At the garage entrance was a valet standing. He bowed to me tipping his hat. "Madam I am here to assist you. If you need to go anywhere, please let me know." He informs in a polite voice. I thank him and walk ahead to further explore the earth's basket.

Towards the right was a breath taking swimming pool to which I go instantly attracted. Dipping my legs inside it I play like a six year old recollecting the past times when I used to play with my mom. After sometime I go to the bedroom and change to a swim wear to enjoy the cool waters of serenity. It has been a long time since I went for a swim. The last few months were quite hectic with work in the office and marriage arrangements that I seldom could devote time to myself.

It was nine in the night when I hear the twisting of the door knob and my heart started to beat frantically.

Augustus came inside locking the door behind him. His tie was hanging lose to his shirt and face completely drained and exhausted. He was rubbing the temples with the tips of his fingers. Probably he had a bad head ache. I wish I could give a massage and ease him of the pain.

As he turned the other side I could get a perfect view of him that resembled the physique of an athlete. The shirt he was putting on did little to his sexy figure exposing the strong muscles of his robust chest. His coat was gone hanging on his right arm. Pulling out the phone from his pant pocket he typed something and lighted a cigarette.

Walking ahead to his right he reached the bar. Pouring a drink he eases on a comforter with his legs crossed and relaxed on the centre table. My legs trepid in agitation receiving his distraught state and impulsively my hand makes contact with the crystal flower vase sitting on one of corner tables when his eyes meet mine in a complete shock.