“Sorry but I can only see you for few hours today. I’m being monitored and I have to go back soon.” Simon told Monique the half truth of his situation. He didn’t want to tell her his current situation and affect her life more. He will explain things later when she’s grown and can be more understanding of the situation. “Anyway, I’ll see you again next time. I’ll try my best to come out and stay with you.”
“And with mommy.” Monique added fast, hoping she’d be able to live her life with a complete family.
“Yes, with mommy.” Simon affirmed even though he knew it was impossible. It was ironic how he and Denise created a little angel when both of them have been living their lives in darkness, doing things that only demons do and caused people to live miserably. Simon also thought of these things and he still couldn’t believe that God still blessed him with a child, so sweet she could melt his heart.
“Give me a sec. I’ll ask Vincent something.” Stefan stood up and this time, Monique didn’t stop him anymore. She already felt at ease around Simon and her fear of being neglected has already vanished. Stefan didn’t take long with his conversation with Vincent and when he came back, he was smiling faintly towards Monique. “They allow us to spend two more hours with your father. How about eating lunch with him?”
“Okay.”
Monique didn’t really have anything against the idea of having lunch with her father. In fact, she loved it and she was thankful that Stefan asked for an extension. She didn’t know what really happened but she will wait for her father or mother to explain things to her.
Across the coffee shop was a restaurant and to make most of the remaining two hours, Stefan decided to have lunch their with them.
.....
When they crossed the street, Monique was no longer holding him. She was already holding Simon’s hands and she looked really happy with him.
Taking this opportunity, Stefan pulled out his phone and called Cayenne but there was no answer from her. The phone kept ringing but no one picked it. ‘Is she actually upset from the news?’ Stefan questioned because she didn’t send him anything. She didn’t message him either.
Seeing his expression, Elena immediately send Kyle and Luiz a message. She didn’t know which of them is bringing their phone so, she contacted both of them for reassurance.
When they’re about to enter the restaurant, Stefan’s eyes lit up and a huge smile appeared on his lips. Obviously, Cayenne called him back. Who else could make smile like a fool?
“Ask everyone to order whatever they want. I’ll talk with my wife first.” Stefan told Elena in a hurried note as he walked to an empty corner where he can speak to her.
The bodyguards formed a semi-circle around him, keeping one meter between them to make sure that they’d be able to move easily. It’s also to insure that no one will disturb his conversation with his wife.
“Are you busy with something?” Stefan asked as he leaned on the concrete wall behind him. “You didn’t message me at all.”
“Are you sulking in public?”
“Can’t I?”
“Why are you being childish now? And do you really expect me to message you after allowing someone to spread that rumor earlier?”
“Sorry. I didn’t really expect someone would make a story out of it.”
Hearing his words and imagining his sulky face, Cayenne chuckled on the other end of the line. “Just kidding.” She said while descending the staircase. “I wasn’t really worried. I know you wouldn’t break my trust again.”
“Right. There’s no way I would. I’d rather die than break it. Experiencing it once is more than enough. I wouldn’t want it to happen again.”
“You better be. And mind you, it’s easy to get the divorce papers.”
“You are really upset with the news. Why would you remind me of the divorce papers if you’re not?”
“Oh! I am just refreshing your memory.” Cayenne retorted nonchalantly and Stefan felt a little apprehensive of what might be waiting for him at home because of her response.
“Hon, let’s shop in the afternoon.”
“Why would we go shopping? We have plenty of food and we don’t need anything else at the moment.”
Stefan scratched the tip of his nose, thinking of other things that could help him assuage his wife from being upset. If it was other people, they would really think Cayenne was okay base on her words alone but Stefan has studied her ever since the first night they slept together. He knows every little thing about her from the tiniest gesture to the biggest hurls of emotions. He knows her probably more than how much she knows of herself.
“Since you don’t want to shop, I’ll just go on my own.”
“Yeah. Go ahead.”
“Just send me a message if you want something. I’ll get it for you.”
“Green mangoes.” she mumbled softly and even though he clearly heard her, Stefan pretended to have heard nothing.
“Did you say something?”
“I want green mangoes.” Cayenne repeated audibly. “I want lots of them. Also, go to that Filipino restaurant we ate last time and buy two of their special ‘bagoong’. It’s perfect for green mangoes.”
“I remember that someone special to me was having period cramps not long ago.” Stefan countered with faint laughter intertwined with his words. She can tell that he was teasing her again.
“It’s fine. I have you anyway. I’ll let you spoil me for the rest of our life.”
At the end of their conversation, Stefan knew that Cayenne was not longer upset with him. ‘She probably felt upset not with the issue that surfaced earlier but with the fact that I didn’t really inform her of this whole matter. It’s really my fault. Alright, I’ll just get those green mangoes for her.’ Stefan already made up his mind. Of course, he wont just get those mangoes for her. He’ll buy more of her favorites to make up for stressing her.
“Heh! Now that I can shop on my own, I’ll buy more of those couple things.” Stefan grinned even more with this idea popping in his mind. Even the guards could tell that he was up to no good again.
‘The boss dotes on his wife the most.’
‘He’d probably earn more scolding from the lady boss if he shops of those couple items.’
‘I’m a man but I really wish I’m a woman right now and the boss’ wife at that. She’s really lucky to have met a man like him.’