In Love With My Bully-Chapter 61: Fragments of us

When I arrived at the Williams’, her guard came up to salute Martin and to give a briefing. I exhaled sharply; I didn’t know how I would be received. I didn’t know what I was walking into, but everyone’s story except Gwen’s had one constant: I loved Nita.

The door was slightly ajar when I got to the porch, and I heard familiar voices laughing and giggling.

I stepped inside, and for some reason, I felt something: jealousy.

Victor.

Sitting across from Nita, a frozen laughter on his face as he sipped his tea like he belonged there with her—the mother of my child. My wife. Nita looked back to find me; her own laughter instantly died, like she wasn’t happy to see me or something.

Her hand rested on her baby bump in a protective manner. Victor set his cup down slowly and got up.

"Mr. Numero, welcome."

"We can drop the formalities seeing as you have quite the friendship here with my wife."

"Richard?" Nita called. "What are you doing here?"

"I didn’t think I needed an excuse to see my wife, you know, the woman carrying my child." I strolled further into the living room and stared Victor down. "What are you doing here?" fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

"I just came to see how Nita was doing. She offered me some tea, and we were catching up."

"Yes, that’s what exes do, isn’t it?" I growled.

"Richard, you need to stop." Nita said.

"Is this why you wanted a divorce so you could frolic around with this fool?"

"I think that’s my cue to leave." Victor said. Nita got up and gave him a hug before he left. As soon as the door closed, she descended on me.

"How dare you? Was it not just a few days ago I found you kissing your ex? Who the hell do you think you are? I have done my best to be patient, to give you space, but like I said earlier, I will not let you insult me. You will not question my fidelity unless you have proof of it."

"What more do I need? I just found him here with you playing house like a couple of old lovers."

"I would think a cup of tea isn’t enough gratitude for the man who assisted in saving my life, don’t you think?" She folded her arms in front of her.

"That’s the excuse. He saved your life. I took a blow to the head!!! I cannot remember the past two years of my life!!! It is gone because I tried to save you!!!"

"I need you to leave. There is no future for us. Not like this. If by chance you remember who you became, I hope it’s not too late to find your way back because this... this isn’t the man that loved me." She said and walked away into the house.

I knew coming here was a bad idea, but I still did. I thought I could change her mind about the divorce, but it has only been cemented.

*****

The divorce papers arrived hand-delivered by a lawyer Nita had hired. I didn’t need to open the envelope; I knew what was inside. Why did I feel like my heart was being yanked out of my chest? For someone who had no memories of the past two years, I sure did carry around a lot of emotions.

I threw the papers in my desk; I couldn’t face the finality of it. Maybe after tonight’s event, I would consider it, but not now. Not today. Today was Chayara’s birth ceremony, and I intend for it to be a good day.

Gwen looked quite lovely, but I could tell she was already fed up with the baby fat. She wasn’t very maternal; she had hired two nannies to take care of Chayara, whom she spent as little time as possible with.

The ceremony was a small one, with close family and friends to celebrate with us. The press was already on fire with the news of Gwen having the first Junior Numero baby. I didn’t want to feed them with more ridiculous conspiracy theories.

I was having a laugh with my mother, who didn’t know of mine and Nita’s divorce yet. When I was told of my mother’s illness, it felt like my world was crashing down. I take that back; it didn’t feel like it was crashing down.

My mom was ill, my father has a son out of wedlock, I have a baby and another one on the way, I have a wife who I signed a ridiculous contract with, and oh, Sam turns out to be a backstabber.

My missing two years were more interesting than my entire life.

My eyes caught a glittering flash of red, and I turned my head to look properly when I saw her. She was a dream, lovely and sweet. The more I think about it, the more I believe I was in love with her.

But she arrived with Victor; the man was a leech.

"You are going to lose that girl, Richard." My mom sat beside me.

"Yes, to him."

"Sorry, I invited him. He did help in saving her after all. To me, he is a hero."

"Mum... you are not helping." I handed my empty glass to a passing waiter and headed to my wife. I hadn’t signed the papers, so she was still my wife.

"Nita," I greeted, deliberately ignoring Victor.

"Richard," she said. "It’s a nice party."

"I thought you didn’t want to come." I pointed it out.

"I had a rethink. Besides, Victor convinced me to."

"You look..." My eyes roamed over her, drinking her in. "...breathtaking."

She blinked, caught off guard. "Thank you."

I turned to Victor, my jaw tight. "Can I have my wife back? I would like to dance with her."

"Over to you."

I held out my hand to her, and for a moment I thought she would refuse, but she placed her hand in mine and followed me to the open floor.

The music was slow; I placed a hand on the small of her back and was guiding her gently. Her scent was familiar. She felt good, her body so close to mine. Her bump was kind of in the way, though.

"Did you sign the papers?" she asked, avoiding my gaze.

"No."

"You should, as soon as possible."

"Why the rush?"

"I’d like you to have your space."

I inhaled sharply; the song continued as we moved. It felt natural. I decided to know, to test a theory. I tilted her chin up and leaned down to kiss her. The moment our lips met, a memory exploded in my mind.