“Go up and tell him we are getting ready for dinner.”
“Ok, Mother, I’ll be right back.”
Max appeared with his brother. “This is Steven, Victor’s other son.” He was dark headed like his mother and with the same striking looks as his father.
“Steven, I’ve told you not to play with my planes. They are fragile.”
“Yes.”
“Victor, you’ve had them forever, let him enjoy them.”
“Ashton, they are not toys, they are antiques and worth a lot of money.”
“You put a price on everything. They’re just toys. You remind me so much of Father.”
“He knew the meaning of a dollar, unlike you, Ashton.”
“Victor, you and your brother do this every time we get together. Let’s just have dinner without it, just once, please. Let’s leave your father in California for tonight anyway.”
“Mother, you’re always taking Ashton’s side on everything.”
“Victor, you’re such a baby. Why don’t you leave something for Max to do?”
“That’s enough from you, Ashton. Marbella, would you lead us in prayer?”
“Of course, Sofia,” and we all bowed our heads.
The food was delicious, but no one said much during dinner. “Candice, I hear you are the head of marketing now. Congratulations.”
“Yes, Susan, I was promoted before we left so I haven’t had time for it all to soak in. What do you do, Susan?”
“I own a real-estate Company in Seattle. Things could be better, but we’re doing ok. Victor and I are thinking of relocating to Japan. He’s had an offer that we are seriously considering.”
“This is the first I’ve heard this,” Sofia said in surprise. “I will never get to see my grandchildren.”
“Mother, I was going to tell you about it, but since I haven’t accepted the offer, it would be a little premature.”
“Where is Winston, Mother?” Victor changed the subject.
“He’s in London on business.”
“He’s always away on business.”
“What are you implying, Victor? That he’s not where he says he is?”
“No, Mother, I’m just asking. He’s always out of the country for one thing or the other.”
“He is a businessman after all.”
“Grandmother, can we leave the table? I’m done eating.”
“Yes, Max, make sure you wash your hands.”
“Me too,” Ashton said, “I’m finished and this conversation is getting a bit much for me. Candice and I are going for a walk on the beach if anyone wonders where we are later.”
I was glad this dinner was over. If it hadn’t been cut short somebody would have said too much. The rest of the family went to different parts of the house for one reason or the other.
~~~
Ashton and I walked along the pier, down to the beach. “I’m sorry for all the drama. My brother and I are close, but competitive.”
“I understand sibling rivalry. I have two sisters after all.”
“There is something more between Victor and me, but I just can’t put my finger on it. My father and Victor are closer than my father and I are.”
“That happens in families sometimes. Me and my father are close as well.”
“Candice, I don’t want any secrets between us. If there is anything you want to know about me, just ask.”
This seemed like the best opportunity to ask about the modeling rumor. “Ashton, there is one thing, I didn’t know you modeled.”
He laughed, “Seriously? Who told you that?”
“I just heard it through the grapevine, so to speak.”
“Yes, I did model a little for Versace when I was in Paris. I traveled Europe after I received my law degree. I needed extra money and it was easy to make it by just putting on clothes. So is that all you would like to know?”
“Yes, for now. But you never know when something else might come up,” we laughed.
“Just ask me anything, Beautiful. I want no secrets.”
“Alright, Ashton, no secrets. I promise.” We walked hand in hand along the beach, the air warm and refreshing. “Ashton, do you think your mother likes me?”
“What a question. Mother doesn’t like anyone. Victor and I date for one reason or the other. But don’t mind her, Candice. Once you get to know her you will love her just as much as I do. She has given up a lot for Victor and me, though you wouldn’t feel that way listening to Victor. He is his father’s son alright. My father was selfish. He seemed to love Victor more than he loved me, but over the years I just let it go. Mother would always dismiss it, so in the end I did too.”
“What do you think about Victor’s wife, Susan?”
“Susan? Well she is hell of a mother and I guess a loving wife. Victor is a hard man to get along with. He is an outstanding business man. I’ve always wanted to be more like him in that way. He’s bought and sold more failing companies. Victor is a self-made billionaire and he is a miser of sorts. He’s a silent partner to some of the most successful companies in the world, but you wouldn’t be able to tell the way he acts.”
“Ashton, you are hugely successful too. Maybe not like your brother, but in your own way.”
“I would rather be successful in the things that truly matter, and that’s family and friends.”
“I’ve never heard you talk like this, Ashton.”
“Candice, you’ve only seen the business man, not the personal one. But that’s about to change, because I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Ashton, are you serious?”
“Yes. I’ve never been more serious in my life. You are the one for me.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes and you will make me the happiest man in the world.” This was certainly a surprise. I hadn’t expected him to propose. “I will make it more official when we get back to New York. I’m going to tell the family tomorrow if your answer is yes.”
“Yes, Ashton, I will marry you, I love you.”
“So it’s a go then.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him until we fell in the sand. He laughed, “I guess we are getting married.”
“I guess we are.” I lay on top of him kissing him all over his face. I was so happy. This was my dream come true. I have to get this sand out of my hair, I thought. What a silly thing to think about at this happy time, but after all, I was a black woman and my hair was serious. I smiled inside.
We walked slowly back to the house, swinging our hands. I guessed everyone had gone to bed for the evening since there was no one around. “Would you like a snack, or better yet a night cap?”
“I would love a vodka and cranberry, and some cheese and crackers.”
“Coming right up, Mrs. Williams. Has a pleasant ring to it, don’t you think?”
“Yes it does. I’m going to love being your wife, Ashton.”
“I’m going to love being your husband. I wonder if my father will show.”
“I’m sure he will, Ashton. Give him the benefit of the doubt.”
“What’s all the chatter about?” Victor asked, entering the room.
“We were just talking about Father.”
“What about him? Have you talked to him lately?”
“No, I haven’t, Victor. He’s not taking my calls.”
“I didn’t know that. He is getting older, Ashton. You have to be the one to make the first move.”
“I have tried and you know it. He only talks to you. Victor, you only want to hear his side and I’m about fed up with you both. After everything Father has done for you.”
“That’s a joke and I’m a little offended by it. You know that I certainly don’t care at this point.”
“I’m not in the mood for this, Ashton. You acting out in front of a stranger none the less.”
“She’s not a stranger. She’s going to be my wife.”
“Your wife? Does Mother know this?”
“I bet she will by morning,” he answered drily.
“I’m not a run and tell your mother kind of man and you know it.”
“Anything to make me look incompetent, you will do.”
“Let’s put this behind us. I need a drink. So Candice, are you ready to join this dysfunction?”
“I love Ashton and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”
“Isn’t that endearing. He can be a cad you know.”
“What the hell, Victor. You know nothing about me.”
“I know enough about you, Little Brother, to know you have never been faithful in your life.”
“Things change, Victor, and people change. But you, Big Brother, will never change.”
I didn’t know what to think about Ashton and his brother, but I could tell this ran deep on Victor’s part. He would go to any length to hurt his brother. “Why are you two arguing with each other?” asked Susan as she came in.
“Listen, Susan, this is between me and Ashton, so butt out.”
“You will not talk to me in that tone, Victor Williams. I’m your wife and the mother of your children.”
“Mother of my children you may be, but my wife, not for long.”
Susan started crying. “You won’t divorce me without losing everything you own, you smug bastard. You wish you were Ashton, that’s why you drink.”
“You will never see a dime of my money, Susan. Remember we signed a prenuptial agreement.”
“There are ways of getting around that and you will take care of your kids. You think I’m stupid? I know you have been sleeping with that assistant of yours.”
“You whore!” Victor yelled as Susan ran from the room in tears.
“Susan!” Ashton called after her.
“Let that Bitch go. I’m sick of her anyway.”
“You didn’t have to talk to her that way, Victor.”
“You just take care of this sweet little thing here, and I’ll take care of that bitch.”
God. I didn’t know what to think of what had just happened. Victor was nursing that Scotch like it was his last. He’d started dinking as soon as he walked into the room.
“Victor, you need to put the bottle down. I think you have had enough.”
“Who asked you to think, Little Brother? I will do what I want, as long as I can afford it. So you’d better stay out of my affairs.”
“Candice, we’d better call it a night I’m tired, and I know you are too.”
“Sure, Ashton, I’m ready.”
We began walking upstairs. “I’m sorry you had to witness that mess. Victor is out of control.” He opened the door to my room. “I’ll see you in the morning, Sweetness.” We kissed goodnight.
I didn’t know what to think of Victor. He was a ticking time bomb. I showered and slipped on my nighty, hoping Ashton would come back during the night and make love to me. I lay across the lightweight linen, feeling refreshed. I just wanted to sleep.
Chapter 10
I woke up to Ashton stroking my breast. I didn’t open my eyes yet. I just wanted to enjoy his touch. He started kissing my breast, teasing my nipple with his tongue. It felt so good. He took tiny nibbles at my nipples and I moaned uncontrollably. “Ashton,” I called his name. He moved from nipple to nipple until all I wanted him to do was enter me.
I wanted him. He moved down between my thighs, licking my mound until I exploded in his mouth. My back arched and I bucked wildly. “Make love to me, Ashton.” He entered me slowly and with the first movement of his body I knew it wasn’t Ashton. My eyes flew wide open. “Victor! What are you doing?” I opened my mouth to yell.
He placed his hands over my mouth. “If you scream, I will kill you, so don’t you make a sound.” I didn’t know what to do or say. I was frozen with fear. I laid there and let him have his way. My body was betraying me because it felt right in a sick way.
“I knew you wanted this, you Bitch.” He still had his hand over my mouth. Tears started rolling from my eyes. How would I tell Ashton his brother had raped me? I felt his sperm flowing through my body. I was going to be sick.
Victor lay on top of me, trying to catch his breath. He looked at me with his cold, steel blue eyes. “Listen and listen close. Let’s get one thing clear. Ashton is my brother and I will make him believe anything I want. Tell him and I will make sure you never see him or work anywhere again. And believe me, I have that kind of power.”
He turned around on the side of the bed, putting his clothes on. Then as he started to leave, he looked at me and said, “You know what? I can see why my brother wants to marry you. You’re a terrific piece of ass.”
I ran to the bathroom, feeling the vomit in the back of my throat. I laid there on the bathroom floor for the rest of the night and cried until my eyes where blood shot and swollen. I finally pulled myself together enough to get in the shower, just wanting to scrub off the filth and the lies of what had just happened.
I washed myself until my skin turned red. I couldn’t look in the mirror without crying. I couldn’t tell Ashton, it would break his heart and he would hate or kill his brother. I couldn’t be the one who caused a rift in his family.
Morning came sooner than I wanted. How I would face Ashton after what had happened, I didn’t know. My hair was a wreck and I could still smell Victor’s scent on my body. I badly needed to talk to someone. I tried Brenda’s number but she didn’t answer so I left her a message.
I could do this. We were going home tomorrow. I only had to make it through today. I blew dry my hair and tried to put on a brave face. I went downstairs where everyone was gathered in the kitchen. “Where have you been, Candice?” Ashton asked without turning around.
“I’m just a little under the weather. It must be all this fresh air.”
“Candice, Baby, you look terrible, let’s get you back in bed.”
“I’m ok, just get me some juice, please.”
“Anything for my girl.”
“Yeah, you better go back to bed, Candice,” Victor said with sarcasm. I looked at him with such hate, you could have cut it with a knife.
“You look terrible. Did you have a rough night?” Sofia asked. “I thought I heard you and Ashton doing something you shouldn’t be doing under my roof.”
“Are you kidding me, Mother? I wouldn’t do that. At least not here.”
“I at least know that much, but the power of a woman…”
“That’s your little boy, right, Mother?” Victor shot back.
“Now’s not the time, Victor.”
“Ok. Ashton, what about a little polo today? I feel fantastic. I slept like a baby. I called some of the guys at the club and there’s a game.”
“Sorry, but I need to stay here with Candice if she’s not feeling well.”
“It’s ok, Ashton. I’ll be ok if you want to go.”
“No. I need to stay with you until you feel better.”
“Mother is here to keep an eye on her, right Mother.”
“Of course I will, Ashton. Go ahead and have fun.”
“If you’re sure you will be ok, Babe?”
“Go ahead. I’ll be alright. I just need to lie down.”
“Get your gear, Big Brother. I am going to put a beating on you and Camden.” Ashton kissed me on the cheek and left with his brother.
As soon as they left the room Sofia turned and stared at me with distaste. “What the hell was Victor doing leaving your room this morning? I could hear your moaning through the walls, you slut.”
I sat there as she scolded me, until I could listen no more. “Do you want to know?” I said with all my bitterness in my voice.
“He’s my son and father to my grandchildren.”
I looked her straight in the eye and it just came out. “The father of your grandchildren raped me. Yes. Your son raped me.”
“You are a liar and you know it. My son would never rape anyone. You listen here, Girl, I want you out of my house today. You pack your things and I will get you b
ack to New York ASAP. Spreading these lies.”
“Don’t you worry. I’m leaving on my own.” I ran upstairs before I broke down in front of this old bitch. I needed to pack my things and leave before Ashton and Victor returned. I just stood there in the pretty bedroom and cried. The happiest time in my life had just become the saddest.
I heard the door opened and turned to see Marbella. “I overheard you and Sofia talking in the kitchen. I’m sorry, Candice, for what happened at the hands of Victor. But believe me. I do understand because I stood in your shoes thirty seven years ago.” I turned fully to look at her in shock. Victor had raped her? No way, Victor hadn’t raped this old lady. “His father raped me many years ago. I kept quiet about it, because I didn’t want to hurt Sofia. She couldn’t handle much more and she wanted her marriage to work. He did it more than once because I didn’t have the courage to tell anyone.” Why was she telling me all this? “I wanted you to know because Ashton is a decent man and you must find a way to tell him.”
“I just can’t tell him, Marbella. What would it do to him if he thought his brother was capable of rape?”
“I know, but find the strength to do so if you genuinely love him.” A fountain of tears started rolling down my face. “There is something I must tell you one day, but now is not the time. I trust that he will make the right decision and that he loves you more than anything. Believe it or not, love will conquer all.”
“I have to believe that, Marbella, if only for Ashton’s sake.”
“When he gets back from his polo match I will make your excuses, but remember you must tell him. Your car is downstairs. Remember, only the truth prevails.”
“Thank you, Marbella, I hope to see you again sometime.”
“You will, Sweetheart, on your wedding day.” She kissed me on the cheek and I walked out of the room.
I drove back to New York in a daze, not knowing what to think or do. What would Ashton think about my early departure? How was I going to face the man I’d promised not to lie to? I had to call it off. I couldn’t marry Ashton. His mother hated me and his brother had raped me. What a combination. Even though they didn’t matter to me, Ashton loved them both.
I returned to my apartment feeling low and disgusted with myself. I needed rest. I took a valium and passed out. I slowly woke to my phone buzzing like crazy. It was 4:00 in the morning. Who the hell would be blowing me up at this time of the morning? I glared at my phone. Ashton had left twenty messages. I just didn’t want to talk. I wondered what Marbella had told him.
Black Lies White Lies Page 9