26| Pool of blood

I woke up the next morning only to find myself lying messy on the bed all alone. I yawned, stretched my arms and legs like today was gonna be my big day. I remembered not sleeping alone on this king-sized mattress, where is he? I can't find him anyway in the room as I glance around.

Was he up and out already? Anyway, it was good sleeping on this bed with him. It was the first time I stayed on the same bed with a man that wasn't my husband.

I lifted myself up, sitting on the bed halfway with my head rested on the headboard. The sheet still covers me from my chest to my feet, making me feel a bit warm underneath. My eyes flicked at the large window and balcony. Cute birds are seated on the handrail, humming sweet sounds for the morning sunrise. They flew away in no time and I yawned again.

The back of my hand rubbing my eyes, I blinked twice and remembered my glasses. I took them from the little cupboard beside the bed and carefully fixed them on.

Today is Christmas Eve. Everyone should be downstairs busy decorating the mighty Christmas tree. My kids are fan of decorations. It's an opportunity for them to put in whatever design and fancy things they desire. Maybe Dexter is down with them too, I guess.

I pushed the sheets to one side, gently putting down my legs from the bed as I begin to fit my feet into my slippers. I was about to move my ass from where I was seated, but then I saw this little piece of note attached to a tray of covered food.

My brows creased a bit as I began to assume who the hell out it there. Is Belinda Carlisle around? Maybe she is because this is supposed to be her duty.

I quoted couple of things in my head, still wondering as I reach to open the plates.

Toasted sandwiches, chicken broth and orange juice. Who the hell dropped this here? Well, let's see what the little note has to say to my question.

"GOOD MORNING, ANGEL. HOW WAS YOUR NIGHT? HOPE YOU SLEPT WELL AND I WASN'T A PAIN IN YOUR DREAMS? PLEASE DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST, IT IS SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR YOU BY ME. HOPE YOU'LL LOVE IT? AND DON'T GO DOWNSTAIRS WITHOUT HAVING A BITE. I LOVE YOU. (DEXTER)"

Nothing other than a smile crest on my lips and I just found myself blushing like he was already here talking to me. "Of course I'll have a bite from it." I spoke to myself, chuckling as I began to shove it into my mouth.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the texture in my mouth. What a splendid flavor. So this guy can cook? I've never thought of him in that way, I mean, I thought men barely cook and little percent of them enters the kitchen to do things but this guy is beyond a caterer. I adore his cooking skills and technics. Don't worry, when I go down to see him, I'll let him know and he must teach me the steps and secret ingredients.

Men cook? Still hard to believe. This dish is the best I've ever tasted in my entire life. I don't think I can find this dashing meal in a five star restaurant.

I kept on eating until I was full. There was nothing left in the plates except for some pieces of bread and as for the soup, everything was finished to the last drop. Nothing was also left in the glass of juice and I ended up belching like a lion who just ate a full human being.

When I got downstairs, the Christmas tree was already wishing me Merry Xmas in advance as it's fully decorated, keeping a big shining star at the top with other fancy things hung all over the branches.

It is so beautiful and gorgeous. Elegant and sophisticated. I can't take my eyes off it as I descend down the stairs.

"Wow," I gasped, eyes lit up by what I see. Belinda is busy picking all the empty boxes and left overs that remained from the decoration.

"Ah, ma'am, you're up already?" Belinda greeted me. Holding some boxes she's about to dump in the refuge bin outside

"Good morning to you too, Belinda. And please call me Triana. "Ma'am" sounds way too formal for me."

She bows her head a bit, "If you insist, Triana." And lifted it back.

I smiled, feeling satisfied. I look around, why is it just the both of us am seeing here? "Where is everyone?" Not even my kids playing around or making indistinct noise.

"Oh, his grace took them out for shopping immediately they finished with the decorations." She informed me. "He said he didn't want to bother you since you're still asleep."

"Did my mom and grandma went too?" She shook her head and I exhaled softly. "Okay—" The rest of my words seized when I heard my phone buzz in my hand. "Just a minute," I excused myself, taking some steps off and Belinda continued what she was doing after nodding her head at me. It is an unknown number. Who is it? And why is this person calling me? I groaned, rolling my eyes all over as I ignorantly pick up the call. "Hel—"

"We need to talk."

Ah...! I recognize that voice. It's him, the devil I was thinking I'd be free from. What does he wants and why is he calling me now? Has he come to realize that we're no more with him?

Hmm, he better don't try to come near me or else... infact, "How did you get my number? I remember changing it, though you never had it before." I snapped harshly, my eyes narrowed at something like it was him. I just wish the object am staring at was him, I could have hit a wood on his head till he falls to death.

"How I got it isn't the matter, Triana." His voice.....so soft like I've never heard him spoken to me in that tone before. "I know you and our kids aren't in NY currently. And am not either—"

"Who cares if you're or not? How's that my business and who the fuck is giving you daily updates on how I live my life?" I didn't wait for him to finish before pounding insults on him. What can he do? He is harmless to me right now because he can't see me.

"Believe it or not, I still have our kids contacts with me and I can talk to them whenever I want." He didn't say it in a harsh way, but politely and I begin to wonder why he's so calm. This man wasn't like this before.

The father of my children used to be a harsh and temperant type of person. Is this a trap or what? Please tell me, I need to know.

"I'm not stopping you from chitchatting with your kids." I made it clear to him. "They're your very own flesh and blood and I won't deprive you of them. So say what you want to say and get the hell out of my phone." I'm running out of patience, if only I can see the steams running out of my ears and nostrils.

"There's a coffee shop at the lane beside Monie bank, just in the middle of Zürich city. Let's meet there. There's something I want to give to our kids, you have to come help them get it."

I hung up without saying anything. Wether Yes or No or even Okay.

Oh God, what in the name is all these? What does this man wants from me and the kids? Haven't he done more than enough?

All these past years, I was a slave to him. A puppet as at that and now that I thought I'd be free finally, he still located me down to Switzerland. Do I have to die first before he finally let go of me for good? And the kids? They don't want to set eyes on him again, especially....the three of them.

But.... should I text Dexter about this so Incase anything bad happens he can be able to locate me?

I bit my lower lip, busy contemplating on what to do at the moment as I constantly drum my phone in my palm. An idea popped into my head and I quickly unlocked my phone, typed few things and went upstairs to change.

***************

"You look...so different and classy." He says, reaching my hand for an handshake. Something he has never done or said before, but I just ignored him as I took my seat across the table.

"What is it you want to give to the kids?" I like straight and forward things. Don't beat about the bush, just tell me what am here for and let me move my ass quickly.

He awkwardly retrieve his hand from the embarrassment and took his seat. Just then, a waiter approached us. "Two creamy cappuccinos, please." When the waiter nodded and left, he fixed his gaze on me. I assume he's still wondering if this is really me. Have I become too beautiful these few months? "I never thought you're this gorgeous. Don't mind me if I never noticed."

"And do I look like I care?" My harsh response made him jolt a bit, surprise at my new attitude. I narrowed my eyes nastily. "Look, I know what you're planning to do. Act like this good man from another planet, trying to amend his ways. It won't work because I know it's all a trap. And FYI," I scoffed, flicking a strand of hair behind me dramatically. "Am not scared of you, Leo." Of course I just mentioned his name loud and clear. I want him to hear it and know how bold I have become. I won't let him step on me now.

He didn't say anything but just sat there, giving me straight eye contact which I gladly ignored. The waiter came back with the orders. "Thank you." He told him and he left us again. "Come on, have it while it's hot." He says, taking a sip with his eyes still not leaving me.

"Just give me what you want to give the kids and let me leave here. I have other things to do." I snapped, bullshitting his nice gesture.

"Am sorry if am wasting your time but...." He carefully place down the cup, sighing. "You have to first of all tell me why you filed a divorce against us."

I try not to laugh but how much stronger can I hold on to the urge? I bursted out in laughter, almost choking up and his expression turned neutral. "Oh my God, this is so funny." I fixed my glasses, chuckling. "Do you know that you're super funny, Leo?" His brow rose, quizzically. "Do you know that? I bet you don't. So you expected me to be happy? To stay happy in that cage? That bondage? That locker I've been living for the past twelve years of my life?" My eyes narrowed again and I leaned my arms on the table, "I had my chances, so I made good use of it."

"By divorcing me and taking away our kids? Triana, that was not the right idea to solve our problems—"

"Point of correction, Leonardo Calloway!" I warned him, darting my eyes fiercely at him. "You're my problem. You've been my problem since the day I stepped foot into your house. Since the day we got married you never respected me or treated me like a human being. You see me like a nobody, an animal, a piece of shit! That's how you look at me—"

"That's not true—"

"Stop playing nice, Mr. Calloway!" I stormed, shaking the whole place as I almost made a scene. The people around turn heads to our tables, wondering if everything was right with us. Leonardo felt a bit embarrassed. But I don't. I continued. "You and I know that there wasn't a day you loved me or a time you ever told me how much you'd love me. I know we were forced to get married because of something I later found out about but before then, I already fell in love with you."

He was.... surprised. He couldn't believe it. "Y—You fell in love with me?"

I wiped the tears falling from the side of my eyes, "Not anymore. That was then but none of those things are in my heart anymore. They've all turned into hatred and why do you care so much? Weren't you happy with your mistress? You sold the house, Leonardo." I shook my head in pity. "You kicked I and the kids out to the street!"

"That was another thing I wanted to ask you, Triana. I didn't sell our house." Oh wow. What's with the word 'Our'? Got to do with this now? Is he playing? He better keep on playing because I won't fall cheap for him again. "It occurred to me that I came one day and met new faces in the house. I questioned them and they asked me if I wasn't the one who placed the house on sale for them? Triana...." He wanted to reach for my hand but I pulled it to myself. "You have to believe me, you and our kids are my family. I can't chase you guys out of our house to the street, it's not done of me and what do you think our kids would think of me?"

Sorry. So sorry he doesn't know how much his kids hates him like dead. They hate him like shit, like something that doesn't have use anymore.

I grabbed my bag and was ready to go, "Am done having this conversation with you. You only wanted to talk about shit but you lied that you want to give the kids something."

But then, he held my wrist, stopping me from moving further. "I did a lot of things in the past. Let me amend everything. Just give me a chan—"

"Move!" I jerked him out of my way. I hate nonsense. I thought he'll use his wisdom and back off immediately but there he goes again, running after me like a begger. "I said let go!" I pushed him and he staggered but that still didn't stop him from coming after me.

"Triana, we still have things to talk about. I have to tell you everything. It was my father's idea."

Immediately I heard the last word....I stopped and turn around to face him. "I don't understand. If you're trying to tell me about the deal your evil father and my selfish father made, then I don't want to hear it."

He shook his head, disagreeing. "That's not the only thing you need to hear, Triana. It's wasn't like I never felt something for you all along," he placed one hand on his chest, coming closer. His deep tone soften, "I really felt something for you but because of my father, I couldn't prove it."

"Wait, I still don't get it." I place one hand on his chest, nudging him to stay back as I take few steps backwards, putting a little space in our midst. I don't talk with the past, I talk with the future and present. "What are you talking about? You loved me just as I did too? And you never told me about it? Infact, you shouldn't expect me to believe you because you never treated me like your lover."

"Will you just give me a chance to explain everything to you?" When I rolled my eyes and hissed, he continued. "My father asked me to quit the acting industry if I want to get richer. He said he'll only make me a billionaire if I agree to marry you. But as time goes on, I began to develop something for you, though, I was already in a relationship with Anne Marie. She was my highschool bestie and we lived near by back then. When I told her about it, she agreed and asked me to go for it, after all, we can still have our secret wedding done and hidden. It was all a drag for me. My father using me to get what he wants all for his selfish interest. He planted cameras everywhere in the house and asked me to torture you because your father slept with one of his girlfriends back then in college, so it was his part of revenge by using me on you. I even couldn't believe he kept grudges that much."

My eyes and mouth wide open in deep shock. These I've heard, are too much for my ears only. I had to cover my mouth, tears running down my cheeks. I have no other words to say. This is ridiculous. Unbelievable. Preposterous. Wicked. This world is full of evil. I didn't believe that word until today.

"Triana, there are still many you don't know about." He said, tears rolling down his chins too. "I loved you for real. I never wanted to hurt you. I've never hit a woman before you. My father made me do what I did, please forgive me."

The tears were too much to bear in my tear glands. I bursted them out. Sobbing soundly like a child that just lost her way home.

"It wasn't my intention to hurt you, I swear. I loved our marriage and everytime am away, I misses you." He slip his hand into his pocket and brought out a brown envelope. "Here, have this. This is the only thing left with me right now, after everything my dad took from me. He was mad about the divorce so he took everything away from me. From the company to my properties. I only had this because I got a chance to saved it. And as am speaking with you now, I have nothing. Absolutely nothing reading iny account balance, he had all my bank accounts blocked."

I look down at the stuffed envelope before taking it from him. "Why are you giving it to me?"

"Triana, I want you to take it." He sighed and when I nodded, refusing, he insisted. "I never got the chance to take good care of you like a husband needs to do for his wife. For twelve years, I never showed you any love or affection. You can spend the rest of it on our kids. You guys are the only ones I choose to call family."

Boom!

I flinched.

A loud gunshot shook the environment and everyone began to run for their lives. Screaming and dashing here and there in confusion. I feared for my life too but when I heard a loud groan coming from my side, I turn to see it only to see Leo slowly going down on his knees, his hands clutch tightly on my legs as thick dark red blood gush out of his mouth like a running tap. The gunshot that startled everyone, directly planted a bullet at his back, coming out of his chest.

"Leonardo!" I screamed, throwing my bag away as I bend down to help him up but my strength doesn't have the ability to. I held his face and began to tap his cheeks as he rest his head on my arm. "Leo, Leo, Leo, please look at me, I beg of you."

"T—Tri—Triana...?" The words skipped from his mouth, blood still pumping out continuously. "You're a Legal Bride. Every man's dream wife. You deserve a man much more better than me." He coughed out blood. "I...I don't deserve you. I'm not meant for you. You need a man to give you the world you deserve. And I hope you'll find that person."

"What are you saying?" I cried."Stop talking nonsense....."

"Please, take good care of our kids....I love them so much and, I....I love you more." His eyes gently shut down like a desktop computer and I never heard a word from him again.

"No!!!!!!!!!!!!! Somebody please help me! Somebody please come to my aid!" I cried out my lungs but to no avail, everybody hid for shelter and the only sound I heard next was an ambulance and siren of the police cars approaching.

A black car stopped in the middle of the road and I recognized the faces of the people that stepped out instantly.

"He's dead, Triana." Dexter confirmed his pulse and I bursted into a loud cry again, still clutching onto his lifeless body.

Charlotte and Scarlett surrounded me as they began to soothe me, whereas Cyrus and Maverick stood beside Dexter, sadly staring at the dead body on the pool of blood.