DESIRE FOR REDEMPTION

Silence dominated the atmosphere when I arrived home. Not a single noise can be heard. Usually at this time of the day, the servants are already busy preparing for dinner and setting the dining table. But for unknown reasons, I don't know where everyone is tonight. 

I was about to head upstairs to inform Angelou about the dinner at the mansion, when I heard a squeaky sound in the kitchen, like someone was opening something. My senses immediately got alarmed. Although I am not in trepidation that someone might have intruded on my property due to tight security, but nonetheless, I shouldn't take this for granted and still be aware of any danger that may arise. 

In swift yet light-footed steps, I sneak towards the kitchen, more than ready to tackle whoever is inside. I didn't also bother to call anyone, since I am fit to fight with years of training in martial arts. With steady hands, I firmly pushed the sling door open. 

The one that owns those pair sets of eyes look astound and startled, just like I do. Obviously unprepared for seeing my presence unannounced. 

"What are you doing? And where are the servants?" 

Shock registered in my eyes upon seeing Angelou holding a spatula and wearing an all white apron. I hate to admit it, but she looked damn hot with that apron on top of a simple tee and shorts. She stared at me with confusion as she slowly lifted the one she was holding. 

"Uhm… Cooking?"

"Why? Where's the cook?" I tried not to focus on her face, not wanting to look again beneath that.

"I had everyone have their day off today so I can cook something for our dinner" She commented before returning her attention with what she was doing. 

Her words made me speechless. There's a lot of questions entering my mind but all I could say was… "Why?" 

I heard her sigh deeply before responding, without even looking back at me. "Let's just say that this is my peace offering for intruding your privacy the other day. My own little way of saying that I am truly sorry for what I've done." 

'Is this even real? Angelou making an effort to make up with me? She's cooking for me as her way of offering peace? For real? Wow! That's new!'

That made me even more stunned. I stared at her incredulously as I let her words sink in my brain. 

With all honesty, no one has ever done this to me. I had previous affairs and relationships, but no one dared to prepare something for me to the extent of being totally hands on with it. This really bedazzled me and somehow I felt deeply honored by her simple efforts. 

But, I have a goal to accomplish and I don't intend to let myself waver or even to get distracted again, simply because she showed me an act of kindness. I set aside this bewilderment and stoically focus on what my brain was telling me. 

"Stop what you are doing because I will not eat that" I uttered dispassionately.

She looked back with a creased forehead and quizzical eyes. Her face turned void and lost its enthusiasm. I wanted to take back what I've said seeing how it had affected her, but determination reigned over me. 

"I'll just eat it myself then and have the servants…" 

"No you won't" I break off her sentence immediately. "Dad wants us to dine with him tonight, there at the mansion. My aunt will be joining us, together with her family. Just a simple dinner, nothing fancy. We are mandated to come, so prepare yourself. We'll be leaving in an hour." 

With that, I hastily stormed out of the kitchen and went straight to my room. Without dwelling much on what happened downstairs, I meticulously search for something presentable to wear. 

An hour later, Angelou and I were on our way to the mansion. And because of her graciousness and generosity, I don't have my driver tonight, which somehow annoys me. Not an evening I wanted after a day of pure hard work.

It wasn't supposed to be a long ride, but since it was rush hour and I am in fact in one of the busiest cities the world has, the trip took longer than expected. I had to extend my patience with the traffic jam and had no other option but to wait impassively. 

"Does your Aunt know about our… Uhm, arrangement?" 

She was the first one to break the iceberg. I intended to distance myself from her by not speaking to her, even if physically I couldn't. I didn't even spare her a glance. 

"I don't think Dad told her about our arrangement. So tonight, we will be playing a part again of being a happy and hopelessly in love couple" I exclaimed straight-faced, focusing solely on driving. 

"Alright. I'll try my best." 

The moment we arrived at the mansion, we headed straight to the main entrance. But before I opened the door, I murmured something under my breath. 

"Aunt Felicity has always been special to me, so don't you dare mess this night for me. Stay close to me and answer only when you are spoken to. Am I clear?" 

"Crystal clear." 

That's the only time I gazed at her since we left home. The way she speaks tonight, from the time I arrived home until this very moment, there's not a hint of rejection or contradiction in her. It was as if she was really an obedient wife and a supporting partner and we don't have anything against each other. 

My eyes began to move downward, eying what she wore. Tonight, she was wearing a less elegant wardrobe. It wasn't as fancy as what she wore during the charity event, but it wasn't bad either. The simple black fabric that hugged her petite body, perfectly intricate her features. It proudly showcases her creamy fair skin, the hour-glass shape of her waist and her flawless well-shaped legs. She really knew how to flaunt her assets with less effort, making it hard for me to resist her charm and beauty. 

'Well, you were enchanted with her before, even in uniform. How much more now that she has fully developed. Looking at her was like looking at Mona Lisa herself. She's a beauty any man would desire to own. You're one lucky bastard to call her yours even just for a year.' My inner self praised her and mocked me at the same time. 

"Give me your hand." 

Again without arguing, she extended her hand gracefully. I couldn't focus as we went inside. Feeling the warmth of her palm and the softness of it against mine, made my heart beat triple times. I pretended not to care and acted normal, but deep down inside of me, there's something in me that words couldn't explain. 

"Angelou! Welcome to my humble abode, my dear beautiful daughter-in-law" My father automatically says when he sees us, which makes the rest of the group look our way and one by one they acknowledge us. 

"Good evening… Dad" Angelou timidly responded and honored him by hugging him back. 

"My oh my, dear nephew, I never thought you had good taste. She was far better than the last one I saw you with" Aunt Felicity cheerfully exclaimed before giving me a peck on the cheek then switching her full attention to Angelou. "Hello, my dear. I'm your husband's ever disapproving Aunt. But for you, kindly disregard the disapproving part. You're so pretty, my dear!" She added with sheer delight.

"Thank you." 

"Aww… Did I make you blush, my dear? Now you really look like an angel. Oh Gabriel, I'm in love with your wife already! She's adorable!" 

My aunt's words made me glance at Angelou. Her cheeks were rosy pink, something that wasn't there earlier when we were outside. Being this close to her, I could vividly see her reaction, especially her eyes, that somewhat pulled me to linger more on what was in front of me. 

Her eyes are sparkling, they are glowing remarkably. Those almond shaped sets were a mixture of gold and brown, like a mystical forest speckled in autumn sunlight. It gleamed like delicately polished stones, evoking an undeniable feeling of sensuality and vibrance. I can't help but stare at her and be swept away by her eyes alone. 

'Oh God! What's happening to me?'

I forced myself to ignore her, as I quickly shut my eyes and cursed inside my head. I might not be able to control myself or even betray my own self, if I prolong staring at her. 

"Excuse me. I need to use the toilet." 

I didn't wait for any response and marched away from everyone. The minute I was alone and far from sight, I heaved heavy and nerve-racking sighs before leaning back at the wall. 

'Fuck! What are you doing to me, Angelou? How will I be able to resist you, when every time I look into your eyes, I get lost at it. And how can I get you out of my system, when every time I try hard to do it, fate seems not to let me succeed.' I shake my head vigorously, hoping it will wake me up and make me focus again on my mission. 'Wake up, Gabriel. You cannot be distracted. Better not fall into a trap. Don't dig your own grave, because once you do, it's game over for you. It would be the end. And you know what's worse, you'll be the sore loser all over again.'

I splashed my face with running water, letting its coldness clear my head, as I desire for redemption over myself. I can't let this insanity overrule me. I need to fight back to prevent a probable betrayal of my own self.