She put a hand to her face, her distress obvious to the man beside her. "He married me before I even knew, but he thinks I am a manipulator. He refuses to let me speak more than a few words before cutting me off. How could I tell him the truth when he refused to listen to a word I said? He has hardly seen me since he found out, and after his outburst, he refuses to discuss the matter. It's not the sort of thing I want to discuss over the phone -- if only he'd hear me out. I even wrote him a letter, but he must have known what I was trying to do because he returned the letter unopened."
"What a bastard. I never thought Raoul could act that way." Luke's anger was all too visible in the harsh lines of his face.
"It all began when he initially reacted so violently about me visiting with Carl. I didn't volunteer anything or discuss my plans after hours. I was angry that he didn't want me to have a private life. I felt that because I was an employee I would have free time to do what I will.
"One evening I made him mad because I refused to accompany him to a party -- I had already made plans with Carl. He gave me no notice and expected me to drop everything because his master's voice had spoken. That was not right." She tossed her head, remembering it all as if it were yesterday. "I nearly blurted out then and there that Carl was my half-brother, and I that hadn't seen him in years. But I thought To hell with it, let him think I have a date. I was resentful of his whole attitude. He left in a huff that night. Carl happened to answer the phone on more than one occasion when Raoul called, and with his sarcastic comments, I pigheadedly decided not to tell him Carl's identity. Carl had no idea what was going on. He assumed that Raoul was rude and domineering, and he couldn't understand why I continued to work for him. I couldn't understand it either. From Raoul's attitude towards me, I didn't think he cared who I dated. Then out of the blue I get a call to his side, the proposal of marriage, and the speed with which it came tells me otherwise."
Kris turned to Luke and he put his arm around her. "I...I love him, Luke, and for PJ. There have been moments when I thought things would work out. Anyway, from that night, he has never touched me, not even when we were married. He made it clear that this was a marriage of convenience with PJ at the centre, and that he would live his life as he wanted. And I could, supposedly, live mine. That is as long as he calls the shots."
She started to cry. "I found out that I was pregnant in Hong Kong and he accused me of all sorts of things. You know how furious he can be if things don't please him. If he thinks he's right, he's right, and that's the end of it. He cut the trip short and we had the ceremony for PJ's sake because I felt that it was important to the child, then he left the next day. I thought about suggesting a divorce, seeing that things were so intolerable, but I didn't say anything because I felt that for some strange reason he would refuse to consider it -- because of the publicity, I suppose. He said he plans to be here a few days, and I was hoping he would allow me to explain things, but so far he has avoided me like the plague. Not that it would make things better if he did let me explain, but at least it would clear the air."
Kris' face hardened with disappointment and anger. "The marriage, of course, is a fake. Now there will be no scandal over my being pregnant. His precious name is saved." Unable to bare it any longer, her voice broke. "Oh, it's all such a shambles."
The tears flowed as she rambled about their peculiar relationship and her deep-seated fear of Isabella's hold over Raoul. After a while, she fell silent, drained.
"My God, you poor child. I had no idea what you were going through. Look, Raoul can be a hard man, but you two must have some kind of chemistry if you're still together. I am sure he'd be mortified if he knew what his accusations had implied -- not even he would have done that if he'd known."
He put his hands through his hair as though baffled. "Let's go back right now and I will tell him. This whole thing is preposterous and can't possibly continue."
"Oh, no, Luke, not now! Not with all of these people staying. Leave it till they've gone. A few more days are hardly going to make much difference with things as they are. I still have to be the glamorous hostess, don't forget, and I'm near to tears most of the time without having a confrontation with Raoul. If I come out all puffy-eyed, I can hardly tell his guests my condition as an excuse. He would hate that at this stage. He has face to keep, you know."
"Okay, point taken...but let me tell you, if I get the chance, I will take it without you being distressed as a result. Come, let's go for that walk. The breeze will blow some of the cobwebs away, and I have happy things to talk to you about."
Suddenly, he started to laugh. "Hmm, I fancy seeing old Raoul with a bawling baby again. Don't worry, this will all sort itself out, I am sure."
"Oh, Luke, it will never be a happy event for him. He only wanted to marry me for appearances and for PJ's sake. People were beginning to gossip about me being around, being young and available. He knew I was devoted to his little girl, so he used it as a sort of emotional blackmail in order to give me a stable life, as well. For some reason, he didn't want to marry Isabella. PJ was probably the main reason, so now he has his cake and can eat the icing all at the same time. His daughter's life is in good hands, and his love life is as free as a bird's. He certainly harbors no feelings for me."
"Kris, that's nonsense! Everyone likes you, and I am sure he does, too. I know the guy, remember? I knew his wife and the life they led. I know him better than anyone does, and he is a softy beneath his crusty surface. As far as I am concerned, he's one hell of a good man. He is a hard businessman, but he's not ruthless and uncaring when it comes to people. He needs someone like you. Gay and young, glamorous, efficient, warm, not brittle and superficial like most of the eligible ladies these days...take Isabella for example. He's no fool, Kris. I can't believe he entered into matrimony unless he'd given it careful consideration, and had expectations of it being a success."
Kris interjected, "No, believe me, I think you are wrong on this one. It suits him to be married. It keeps at bay the anxious mothers with eligible daughters who keep hoping for their chance to become part of the upper crust society, and it keeps a more permanent hold on a minder for his daughter. He's nothing if not generous when it comes to money, but I think he feels that, along with the Metier name, that's enough."
"Kris, I don't buy it, your imagination is running away with you. He has never been afraid of anyone. He could have married Isabella for the same reasons, you know, also as a marriage of convenience. Add to that the plus of extra wealth and power as a bonus. He could have made arrangements for PJ's future that would have satisfied them both -- he is a great planner. No, Raoul is not as tough and unfeeling as you think. Leave it to me, I'll get to the bottom of things and get back to you. Don't worry, I promise I won't make it worse for you."
Kris couldn't explain the inner feeling that he was very wrong. Thoughts of Raoul's passion and recriminations, his sense of betrayal, and possibly outrage that she had spoken about intimate personal matters to anyone, would be foreign to him. His inevitable reactions were too much to contemplate. It was too late to convince Luke otherwise. She would not be responsible for his actions or Raoul's reactions.
Maybe she shouldn't have told him so much. Things were tough enough without voluntarily making them worse.
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Chapter Twenty-Three
The walk did Kris good, and she was nearly her old self as they crossed the manicured lawns toward the house. She looked up and stiffened. Two figures stood close together on the upstairs balcony...too close. Almost at once, Raoul and Isabella drew apart. Turning on her heel, Isabella walked quickly into the room behind her, Raoul instantly following.
Glancing over at Luke, Kris saw his turned-in eyebrows and figured that he'd seen it, too.
"Oh, no...Isabella. What on earth is she doing here? No one told me she was coming," Kris said.
"Be strong, Kris. Don't forget that you're married to Raoul, not Isabella." He pulled her onto the
veranda and held her at arms length. "Take a deep breath...go on. Breath deep, in...out -- that's it, calm down."
She had to laugh. She had not really known Luke that long, but she felt she'd known him forever. He really was a good friend.
"Don't overreact. Just take it easy. Don't give them the satisfaction of knowing that you are in a tizzy. Sit down while I get us both a cool drink."
Kris sunk gratefully into the chair that he had pulled towards her, and she watched PJ gambol with her dog while she waited.
Before Luke returned there was a movement behind her. The heavily-accented voice of Isabella made her cringe.
"Surprise, surprise. I wondered where you'd gone. You weren't expecting me, were you?" She circled until she stood arrogantly in front of the seated woman.
To Kris' distressed mind, she looked slim and sexy -- and above all, available. "No, I had no idea you would be here, Isabella. I'm afraid I have a full house, and Raoul never mentioned you'd be on his guest list. Can I make arrangements for you to stay at a hotel? Unless, of course, you wish to share a room with PJ..." Kris fought the satisfied smile that was tugging at her lips, reveling in her sarcasm.
"No need to put yourself out on my account, my dear. Raoul has made all the arrangements for my comforts. Haven't you, darling?" She turned as the tall handsome man stepped onto the slasto of the veranda. He looked grim and Kris noted for the first time the strain lines evident on his face.
"Let's go, Isabella."
Although his face was an emotionless mask, his voice seemed deep and husky as he said, "Kris...."
Tingles ran through her body the moment he uttered her name. It wasn't often that she heard his voice in such a tone.
"I'll be gone about an hour or so. You'll have to see to things while I'm away. I am sure folks will want to see the beach after they have settled down and unpacked."
"See you later, darling," Isabella drawled sarcastically, taking Raoul's arm. Throwing her a look of triumph, the couple turned and walked away.
...x...
Kris had hardly pulled herself together when guests started emerging and she had to throw herself into her chores. All she wanted to do was escape to her room alone with Raoul, of course, to sort their problems out. Thank heavens for Luke -- he was his ebullient self and kept the attention away from her. Luke's bubbly presence was a great comfort to her nerves and she was grateful he was close by to help with all the people she had never seen before.
That evening she had planned a barbecue and the guests were delighted at her informal, but efficient, way of entertaining. Kris relished the fact that her evening events required casual clothing, so when Isabella arrived in a fancy dress and flashy jewelry, she couldn't help but giggle. She had told Raoul of the arrangements and was a little surprised that he hadn't told his ladylove to change into something more casual.
I don't feel a thing for him, she thought as she looked at her husband, noting the preoccupied expression on his face. Of course, she knew that wasn't true, but if she chanted it like a mantra, maybe she'd begin to believe it.
The evening was still young when the phone rang shrilly and Luke dashed to answer it. He seemed to know the caller and talked animatedly for some time before signaling to Kris.
"It's Carl," he said simply as he handed over the receiver.
Raoul entered the room in that moment, having overheard Carl's name. He threw her a harsh look, one that was enough to caution even the most hardy to step carefully. He did a smart about turn and left the room. Kris assumed that Luke hadn't seen him, as she was sure he would have said something.
Trying to sound normal, she took the receiver and said, "Carl, darling, it's wonderful to hear you! I am so glad you came while we are here, too. How is Angela? I am so happy for you both." She paused as he spoke next.
"No, Carl, of course -- I understand you won't be coming over right now. Angela must be exhausted. Flying is always tiring at the best of times. Anyway, Raoul has business people here in droves, so I'm pretty busy. I'll phone in the morning and definitely make a plan to see you. PJ will be so excited to know you are here; she misses the kids' company. No, I'm fine, really, but I do need to talk to you, big brother of mine. I need some peace and quiet for that. Love to you all, and see you tomorrow. Sleep well." She replaced the receiver with a smile on her face.
Kris couldn't contain her delight that they had arrived, and she did not feel quite so alone knowing that she would get good advice from her brother.
It had not been too difficult to avoid Isabella as she followed Raoul about like a sheep, and he made it obvious that he didn't want to be in Kris' vicinity either. Unless, of course, he couldn't avoid it. However, it had to happen sooner or later that they were in the same group.
Drinks altered Isabella's personality, and she immediately started to talk too loud. Nonchalantly she leaned against the person nearest to her and tried to whisper, "It is so nice for Raoul to have such a good little hostess for a wife, but I hope all this domesticity doesn't reduce him to pipe and slippers by the fire." She swung around and, with a huge fake smile on her face, said to Kris, "You naughty thing -- artfully designed dresses don't always hide everything and I have decided you are pregnant!"
She swayed slightly; the alcohol she had consumed previously had made her verbose. Her words had the desired effect -- everyone in the room had stopped to listen. She was triumphant as she turned towards Raoul. "No wonder you had to marry her, you passionate fool, you. Not like you to be caught, 'eh?"
"That's enough!" Raoul hissed. His eyes glittered hard and cold. "You are making a fool of yourself; I am taking you back to your hotel."
"But, darling, I'm having an absolutely fabulous time, and the night is still young."
"My apologies," he looked around at the faces agog with interest. "Where is your bag?" He watched her as she picked up the sequined purse. "Let's get you out of here."
Kris was at a loss for a moment, but Luke rallied and saved her from having to speak. He apologised for Isabella saying that she was overworked and stressed out and that the alcohol had gone to her head. "And, of course, folks, we all know she thought she was to be the next Mrs. Metier -- a woman scorned can be a pretty vicious animal. Especially when mixed with alcohol."
Kris was stunned that he had said such a thing, but he had broken the ice and soon had the party laughing again. Somehow, there was an air of relief now that Isabella had gone.
Kris wondered how long Raoul would be gone too, but when one hour turned in to two, she was convinced that there was more to Isabella's relationship with him. The woman was jealous and devastated at the thought of Kris being pregnant. Her insecurities and anger at not being Mrs. Metier had surfaced with every drink tonight. But I am not that secure either, and who is he comforting?
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Chapter Twenty-Four
After Luke had said goodnight, and when the last guest had gone to bed, Kris kicked off her shoes. With a good strong mug of coffee delighting her senses, she sat by the dying embers of the fire. The night was warm and the air was scented with the flowering ginger she had been nurturing near the house. At last, she was alone.
She nearly jumped out of her chair when the phone rang. Running to pick it up before it disturbed anyone, she heard Carl's agitated voice.
"Kris, it's Angela...she's in pain! Would it be possible for you to come over? She looks horrible. If she has to go to hospital, would you mind watching the kids for us? Oh God, I don't want to hear that we may lose our baby." His voice had a ring of desperation to it. Unhesitatingly, she assured him that she would be right over.
Putting down the receiver, she stood pensive for a moment, her hand on her own stomach. Fate worked in strange ways. Here she was, pregnant and healthy...and unhappy. Then there was a woman delighted to be pregnant with the man she loved who was equally thrilled, both on the verge of losing their child.
She went to Luke's room and called softly. His response was fuzzy f
rom sleep, but he soon appeared. When he saw Kris still fully clothed and obviously upset, he forced his eyes open, instantly wide-awake.
After she had explained about the call she said, "I told Carl I would come straight over -- at least I can help with the kids. Actually, it may be better if I get them out of the way and bring them straight back here. I'll play it by ear once I get there. One other thing, Luke -- I can't face Raoul about this." She looked at him anxiously. "Can you tell him what's going on when you see him...please?"
He smiled at her. "Don't worry, I'm your man. Besides, you are not driving over there by yourself at this time of night. Give me a second to get dressed."
"Luke, really, I can go over by myself."
"If you had a reasonable relationship with your husband, not even he would allow it, so not another peep out of you. I'll meet you at the car."
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