He hiccupped and then started crying, pointing at Jasper. “Bad Daddy!”
“Tyler! Go to your room! Now!” I yelled at him.
But the boy was glued to the spot. “Daddy…” he sobbed. “Please don’t hit Mommy.”
How had he realized that I’d been hit?
I turned my face towards the transparent glass panels of the mini-bar where I could see my reflection clearly.
I saw a woman who’d been abused at the hands of her husband. My right cheek was a glaring red color.
Jasper let go of me at once and his expression changed. He was putting his civil mask again. “Ty, buddy, who said I was doing anything to your Mom? We were just playing a game, weren’t we, Kiara?” He dared me to say otherwise.
I nodded. “Yes, just a game. No one’s hurting me.”
After Tyler had left the room, Jasper fixed his shirt, ran a hand through his hair, and began inspecting the damage I’d done to his lip. He didn’t even pay me attention, like I wasn’t even his wife; as if I was just another piece of furniture in his office.
“Fix yourself,” he told me. “And don’t even think about leaving me. Be a nice wife, and go to sleep. I’ll be back in an hour.”
Despite myself, I asked him. “Where are you going now?”
“I have some work,” he said in a tone that told me I wasn’t supposed to ask any more questions.
He was already back from a business trip so what work could he have past midnight? I was actually tired of Jasper making excuses at night to get out of the house. Was he going to another woman? At this point, he could have a mistress, another wife, or more of them for all I cared. If I was going to stay in this marriage, it was only for Tyler because I couldn’t risk crossing someone as influential and dangerous as Jasper.
I had married the devil, and I was paying the price.
***
That night, I couldn’t get much sleep. I was lying down, thinking about how my life had turned out this way. I wasn’t going to sleep in our bedroom tonight, so I’d taken the guest room on the same floor. I didn’t want to breathe the same air as him.
For years, I’d wanted to free myself from the reins of my father’s abuse until I met this man who was no one like I’d ever met. He was charming, handsome, kind and caring, and most of all, he was honest, and he spoke his mind. And that’s what drew me towards Jasper. He saved me that night. I loved him with all my heart, and to have him say he felt the same, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. I couldn’t believe that person could be a psychopath. Someone who wasn’t capable of having any emotions towards anyone. Did that mean he didn’t love our son too?
I contemplated packing and leaving with Tyler, but then remembered Jasper’s threat. He would hunt me down and maybe something worse could happen.
Maybe Jasper would keep me apart from my baby.
Maybe he would hurt me again.
I knew the outcomes would be bad, and I wanted to avoid it at any cost. The thought of suicide crossed my mind, but when I looked at Tyler, I wondered how he would survive alone in this world. I was just about to doze off when I heard a knock on the bedroom door.
I looked up to find Tyler at the door, hugging a stuffed bunny to his chest as usual. Some of the maids had mentioned about Tyler talking to his toys, and that made me realize how lonely Tyler must be feeling.
“Can I sleep with you, Mommy?”
“Of course, honey. Come here,” I said.
Tyler hopped onto the bed and slid inside the covers, pulling it to his chin. His round blue eyes stared at me. I’d seen Jasper’s picture album of when he was little, and I couldn’t help but notice how similar Tyler was to his father, but I hoped that’s where the similarities ended.
“Mommy?” Tyler started saying.
I snapped out of my thoughts. “Yes, honey?
“Can I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“Is Daddy a bad man?” he asked.
I was taken aback by this question. No matter how badly he was going to treat me, I would never turn his son against him.
“No, Tyler. Your father is a good man.”
“Then why are you crying?” His eyes searched mine for the honesty. His little hand stroked my cheek where it was turning red. “Daddy hit you.”
I froze. Of all the things, I hadn’t thought Tyler would say this. I pulled him close as the tears began to spill. God, I was so pathetic. “I’m so sorry, Tyler.”
I was sorry because I was falling out of love with his father.
“It’s alright. I don’t love daddy, either.” Tyler said as if he’d read my mind.
“Why would you say that, sweetie?”
“Because he made you cry.”
I didn’t say anything. Then, he continued. “That day after school when I went to George’s house, I saw George’s mommy and daddy smiling. George’s daddy didn’t hit his mommy. I don’t see you and daddy smiling like that.”
I shook my head. “We do. Sometimes.”
Tyler stared at me like the kid was calling it bullshit. I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation with my almost four year old son. His birthday was in two days.
To change the topic, I asked him. “What do you want for your birthday?”
Tyler inched closer. He smelled of baby soap. I’d come to love that scent. “Chocolate cake.”
“Well, you’re going to have one of the best cakes for your birthday, you know. Daddy made sure of it.”
“No. I want the one that you make. George’s mommy makes for him too.”
I kissed the top of his head, smiling. “Alright. I’ll bake you one.”
“I love you, Mommy.”
My heart soared with happiness. Tyler was the only one in this world who truly loved me.
“I love you more, honey.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“That’s a lovely necklace, Kiara.” Mary complimented me, her were on my neck piece.
Mary Whitman was the wife of one of Jasper’s business associates and usually accompanied her husband, Mark, in all the elite parties.
I touched my necklace. “Thank you. It’s was an anniversary gift from Jasper.” I forced my best fake smile, not that she noticed.
Mary nodded, her eyes glinting with sheer envy, even though she spent a hell of a lot more on clothing and jewelry than I did. I was also under the impression that she had a crush on Jasper. I wish I cared.
“How lucky. My husband barely has any time for buying me gifts. It’s just me shopping for stuff alone, which reminds me, what are your plans for Thursday?” she asked me.
I was free on Thursday; in fact, I was free most days. You didn’t have much work to do around the house if there was staff to do the tiniest of house chores, plus the only job I had right now was to look after Tyler, and I took great pleasure in it. Mary had a very bad habit of dragging me along to her little escapades where the cocktail parties mostly ended up with male hookers trying so hard to make Mary feel loved. I’d been smarter since and avoided that at all costs knowing the such events would be infested with Jasper’s men who reported to him my every move. Either that or one of the things in my handbags would be bugged.
“Actually, Tyler’s got a school thing going on, so…” I lied.
“Aw, honey. You could always ask Morgan or someone else to do that job,” she said, as if attending a son’s school event was the last thing a socialite woman should be doing.
“I prefer doing it myself, Mary.”
“You’re no fun.” She giggled. I noticed she was waving her hand in my face for the past hour, so I decided to give her what she wanted.
“Love that new ring. Where is it from?” I asked her, faking enthusiasm.
Mary giggled. “Tiffany & Co. Mark told me to choose the best.”
Mary blabbered on and on about a new mansion they were planning to buy this year. I was trying to think of a good excuse to ditch this conversation. My cheeks were hurting from all the fake smiling,
and my feet were killing me because of the high heels. I needed a break.
I excused myself and started making my way out of the house, away from the crowd and the chaos. I was in a hurry to get out of these stilettos. I didn’t understand why Jasper thought it was fine to parade me around in these. It wasn’t like I was having a freakin runway show.
My mind was preoccupied with a lot of things, and maybe that’s why I didn’t see the waiter with a tray of drinks. I bumped into him, and it sent the flutes flying. They crashed on the floor, and a bolt of excruciating pain shot through my ankle. It twisted as I stumbled and plummeted towards the floor.
I closed my eyes and willed the pain to subside. I wondered what punishment Jasper would give me for being so clumsy in public. Some ladies scrambled to help me up to my feet, but I just couldn’t stand up. It hurt too damn much.
“Try to move your ankle, Kiara,” Mary suggested as she touched my leg.
“I can’t,” I yelped.
“May I have a look?”
That voice. I’d heard it somewhere.
All heads turned towards the owner of the voice. Clad in a royal blue suit, he stood before me. His dark wavy hair matched his familiar brown eyes and concrete jaw that had once been babyish and smooth. He was a boy who’d followed his brother’s instructions; who used to be weak and powerless. Now, his demeanor screamed power, and if that wasn’t enough, he looked even better now. He was breathtakingly gorgeous.
“Vincent?” I whispered. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Was I dreaming? Or was he really back after so many years?
He passed me his familiar friendly smile, but the worry was clear in his eyes. “Let me see.”
I felt a bit intimidated by him, so I glanced back down.
Vincent knelt down to where I was sprawled on the floor and inspected my ankle. I whimpered at his touch, but he was being gentle as he pressed the spot. His eyes met mine and he caught me staring. “It’s a sprained ankle. You need to ice your foot twice a day for once a week. Don’t exert pressure on it. I’ll write you some pain meds which will help to reduce the pain.”
“Thank you, doctor,” I teased my brother-in-law.
“You’re welcome, Kiara.” He smiled again, but it felt guarded. “You need to take some rest now, and also, avoid high heels.”
I laughed. “I can surely do that.”
“Come on, I’ll help you up,” he offered.
“No, it’s fine. I just...”
I didn’t have time to protest as Vincent scooped me up in his arms, bridal style. I couldn’t even stand with the sprained ankle. He carried me upstairs, and threw open the doors of the guest room before he placed me on the mattress. I noticed he had closed the door of the room behind him.
There was silence in the room; the only sound I could hear was my own breathing. Vince’s once boyish features were now masculine and sharp. The air between us was different. I remembered it used to be friendly and easy-going. So many things had changed. Now, I couldn’t even look in his eyes without feeling like I was being analyzed; as if I were a rare species in a science laboratory.
“Didn’t think I’d still see you here. Can’t say that I’m pleased,” Vincent commented.
I gave out a mocking laugh. “Funny that’s coming from someone who never attended our wedding even after the invitation was sent out.”
I thought there’d be a hint of guilt or even shame, but he seemed appalled by my little revelation. “I’m sorry. Did you say wedding?”
Confused, I asked him. “I thought Jasper persuaded you to come to our wedding. He said he’d tried his best but you wouldn’t listen.”
All the remaining color drained from his face, “You’re saying you married Jasper and I didn’t make it to the wedding because he couldn’t get in touch with me?” Vincent chuckled. “I call that bullshit, and you’re naïve if you believed him.”
“I had no choice but to trust his word. I’d lost your contact number, and you never stayed in touch,” I exploded. “You said you would come back, but you never did.”
“If I had come back for you, Kiara, would you have chosen me over him?”
I couldn’t even meet his eyes because the unspoken truth was right there. I’d been smitten and in love with Jasper. I hadn’t seen Vincent as anyone other than a good friend and Jasper’s younger brother.
“My brother is a lucky bastard,” Vincent murmured. “I’ll get you an ice-pack for your leg, but we’re still not finished with our conversation.”
Just when Vince was making his way out of the room, Jasper walked in. Jasper’s hard stare was glued to me, and that forced me to look away. He was about to create another scene. I could have used one of Lucas’s disappearing acts right now.
“When did you come back?” I heard Jasper ask.
Vince laughed that masculine boy-next-door laugh that any woman would fall in love with.
“Well, I’m doing great, Jasper. Thanks for asking,” Vince said, sarcasm dripping in his tone. “I don’t even get a bro hug?”
“I don’t have time for this childish conversation. Until when are you planning to stay here?” Jasper asked him, eyes fixed at Vince with what seemed like murderous intent.
“As long as I want,” Vince answered.
“You can’t!” Jasper said.
“I’ll have to remind you, as much as this house is yours, it’s mine too.” Vince continued. “In paper. If you want me to drag my attorney into this, that’s fine with me too, but I will stay here.”
“Stop overreacting. You weren’t here all these years. Why now?”
“There were things that needed to be taken care of. Since I’m here now, we can look after the company together just like old times. Don’t you think it a fabulous idea, Jasper?”
Jasper was fuming, but he hadn’t lashed out on his brother.
Not yet.
I remembered the young man who didn’t make a lot of eye contact with his brother; who was easily intimidated and bullied. The Vincent that was standing before me now appeared confident and in control, not at all fazed by Jasper’s dominating hard stare.
When Jasper didn’t answer, Vince turned to look at me. He was only a few inches taller than Jasper, the difference in their height hardly noticeable, “I’m sorry, my lady, I just got carried away when I met my dear brother after a long damn time. I’ll get what you need.”
“It’s alright, Vince.” I insisted.
Vince had already left the room, leaving me alone with Jasper who shut the door behind him.
“Are you not going to throw some confetti now that your best friend is here?” Jasper mocked.
“You said you invited him for our wedding! You lied!” I hissed, I was more disappointed in myself for being a gullible little idiot than I was on my husband.
“Yes, I lied,” Jasper admitted. “I realized he didn’t need to be part of the ceremony. I couldn’t risk him screwing up my plans.”
“What plans?” I asked.
“Plans of marrying you, of course,” he stated.
I could no longer keep the questions to myself.
“Why me?” I asked. “You could have had anyone you wanted.”
“Those women you see during the parties, they are wealthy and independent. And I despise them all. I like someone who is docile and would depend on me which is exactly what you were. No offense, Kiara. When I saw you in the restaurant the first time, I knew it had to be you.”
“You never really loved me, did you?”
“I do love you, in my own way. I have an attachment towards you. It’s just not the same as everyone else. I wanted to survive in this community as a normal person, and you seemed like a good decoy.”
An attachment like one would have to their pets.
I’d accepted my twisted fate that night when I found out that he was a psychopath, so hearing him admit that he loved me in an unconventional way didn’t surprise me much.
“And stay the fuck away from Vincent. He’s no better
. The company is what he is after.”
Before he could continue further, Tyler threw open the door followed by Vincent who was holding a pack of ice and some medicines.
“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Tyler walked towards the bed. His eyes were sad, and it darted up towards Jasper. I knew what he was thinking. He thought Jasper hurt me.
“It’s my shoes, honey. I just slipped and fell.”
“Mom?” Vince glanced from Tyler to me and back. “You’re Tyler’s mother?”
“Yes,” I said.
The sleeve of my dress slipped off my shoulder, and just as I tried to cover the marks, Vincent’s eyes narrowed into menacing slits when he looked at Jasper, and I knew right then what he’d seen and assumed.
Vincent turned to Tyler. “Hey buddy, tell you what, Mommy’s not feeling well at the moment. How about you go down to the party, and enjoy with your friends. Then we all open your gifts together.”
“Okay,” Tyler said excitedly and exited the room.
After Tyler was gone, Vincent shut the door and took a swing at Jasper. A trail of blood trickled down his mouth and there were spots of crimson on Vincent’s fist. This was the second time he’d been punched in a week. First by me, and now by his brother. We were setting up a new record. “Next time, Jasper, I won’t stop at a punch. You hurt a single hair on Kiara’s head, and I’ll make sure everyone finds out your true face. We both know how good Lockharts are at keeping their word.”
Jasper pulled out a white handkerchief from his jacket breast pocket and wiped his mouth with it. I felt a sense of triumph at seeing him get hurt. I should have felt bad but I didn’t. Jasper’s hands were balled into fists; he was wearing the same deadly expression from when he’d hit me in his office the other night. It was a clear indication that a storm was coming soon.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
I hardly saw Vince since the birthday party. The only times I met him was when he visited to check up on me for my sprained leg. Whenever he visited, he spoke professionally like a doctor and left at once. When the leg got better, I started to move around the house and we bumped into each other now and then, but all we exchanged was a smile or just a simple hello over our regular meals. I was disappointed and glad at the same time. Disappointed because I wished to see him more often, and glad due to the fact that I didn’t want to involve Vincent in my marital issues.
Psycho Billionaire: A Dark Romance Page 21