by Terri Marie
Angelique wasn't given the name of the family she was assigned to, just an address with the first names and ages of the four boys. When she knocked on the door, the last thing she thought would ever happen was coming face to face with the man she'd fallen in love with…and stayed in love with, even though he'd hurt her so badly.
Angelique stared at Sebastian, the other woman's husband. All those old feelings she experienced when he was near rose to the surface again, pulsing through every vein. She'd dated from time to time over the years, but couldn't force herself to be with someone she could never give her heart to.
"Sebastian, I'm sorry. I-I didn't know it was your children I'd be watching." She quickly turned around, trying to take deep, slow breaths to calm herself. Her cheeks felt as if they were on fire as she took a step away from the door.
"Please, don't leave," he whispered, as he pulled her gently inside.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
He didn't exactly know how to handle having both women under the same roof. While he lay in his bed next to his wife at night, all he could think about was having Angelique in his arms. The two women seemed to be getting along, both caring for the children, but he knew that the harmony couldn't last. Could he hide his love and desires for the other woman from his wife? He was sure he could. Was it wrong? Perhaps, but a forced marriage didn't exactly lay a foundation for a loving relationship. If anything, he'd developed a loving friendship with his wife, but every fiber of his being was still deeply in love with Angelique. He'd wait until the children were a little older, and then ask Natalie for a divorce.
As the weeks went by, Sebastian's subtle glances and the eye contact he exchanged with Angelique, turned into the slow brushing of clothing when they passed each other in the hall. He knew she tried to avoid him at first, but soon it became clear to him that the chemistry they once shared, didn't resurface only on his end.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
A few months later, Natalie was taking the children for checkups, leaving Angelique and her husband alone in the house. She was to clean; he was to go to work. As soon as her car left the driveway, they headed upstairs to the master bedroom, pulled at each other's clothing, and let their bodies fall onto the bed.
Her smooth ivory thighs were just like he'd imagined them to be. Her stomach was soft and flat, without stretch marks, or bruises from rough-housing boys. When he lay on top of her, she opened her legs and allowed him to enter. He experienced not only arousal and release, but also passion for the first time in his life. He wanted to lay there for the rest of the day, feeling her skin against his own, but knew better than to daydream for too long. They quickly got up, dressed, and went about their business. He went to work, she cleaned the house.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
What surprised Sebastian the most over the next year wasn't guilt from being with another woman outside of his marriage, but rather his concern about what his sons would think of him when they were old enough to understand his sins. When Sebastian was with Natalie, he felt sadness. He began to believe she'd be better off in the arms of someone who could treat her like a woman. He'd ask for a divorce soon, so they could both find happiness.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Natalie knew her husband was sleeping with the other woman. She had long, dark hair, so there wasn't any reason for long, blonde hair to be on their pillows and sheets. She also didn't miss the hunger in her husband's eyes when he looked at Angelique. She didn't miss how their bodies touched in a room with plenty of space to go around each other. It shouldn't have bothered Natalie, but she'd fallen in love with Sebastian…She loved her family. As her sons grew, they resembled their father in physique and mannerisms, but after carefully studying them, you could definitely see some of her facial features, and the boys had her dark hair. It baffled Natalie that Sebastian seemed free of guilt. How could he look at his children and not see me?
She was going to keep her husband and started to formulate a plan to accomplish that. Natalie would politely tell Angelique her services were no longer needed, and then she'd profess her love to Sebastian. Certainly he'd pick family over lust, wouldn't he?
Natalie planned to send the nanny out on a few errands with the children, and then have a nice long talk with Sebastian. Maybe he didn't make passes at her, because she'd never admitted to him how much she felt for him. Natalie knew she wasn't ugly, and she'd been careful not to put on too much weight over the years, so she'd buy a low cut dress, have her hair done, make his favorite dinner, and let him see that she was more than a mother, more than a wife in name only. He hadn't come to her to have his needs met since Angelique arrived, which would change. Natalie was sure of it.
Around the same time, Sebastian was contacted by the Montclair's attorney, letting him know his father had passed away from influenza. His mother had died the previous year from cancer, but he wasn't made aware of her death, which didn't surprise him. When he'd left Michigan, communication with his parents was minimal, until eventually it ceased completely. He didn't contact them, and they made no effort either. Sebastian didn't feel upset, because the relationship he had with his mother and father was more like one shared between business acquaintances. He doubted there was ever any love in their marriage either.
Sebastian was to inherit a very large sum of money, including the estate in Castle Lake, which immediately set his mind in motion. Michigan would be a perfect place to start his new life with Angelique. He'd keep his inheritance a secret from his wife, but would always provide for her and his children. He loved his sons and would remain close with them and nurture their relationship, no matter what.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Angelique quit her job suddenly one day; which Natalie wasted no time in telling Sebastian how great it was to take care of her family on her own. She told him she had some surprises for him and had planned a special day this weekend, just for the two of them, and didn't hesitate to add: "Thank goodness I didn't have to fire her. She was terrible with the children."
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Sebastian knew his wife's comments were pure fabrication, and that she was behind Angelique leaving his house. It irritated him to hear Natalie speak such vile lies about the woman he loved. He couldn't understand it. The next day, Sebastian had asked to speak with Natalie, and her excitement over being summoned to his study was obvious.
"Natalie, I'm going to start my own business," he began. Sebastian tried to speak slowly, giving himself plenty of time to choose his words carefully. "There's a building for sale in Southfield, Michigan. I'm buying it and starting my own pharmaceutical company. I'll be moving out there. Because I'll be very busy, I would rather keep you and the children here and come back on the weekends. Tyler starts school this year, and the neighborhood here has lots of children his age." He didn't let his face soften. Sebastian was quite proud of himself for the way he'd handled it, and for speaking so authoritatively. Just like a good businessman. He wanted to make it perfectly clear to Natalie, that this topic wasn't up for discussion…or so he thought.
"…You're…leaving us?" gasped Natalie.
He expected her to agree like usual. Her words hit him hard. Natalie's eyes quickly began to overflow with tears, and Sebastian feared she'd begin to beg. He didn't expect to feel his gut twist, his jaw tense, or his pulse to pick up speed. Leaving Natalie was one thing, but leaving his children was another thing altogether.
"It's Angelique, isn't it? You're going to Michigan to be with her! I gave birth to your children, Sebastian, and I've been a good mother and dutiful wife," Natalie pleaded with a trembling lip.
"I know this." He bowed his head and stared at her hands, folded upon her lap.
"Do your children mean nothing to you?" She lifted his face. "Look me in the eyes, Sebastian, and answer my question."
He knew at that moment, when he stared into her eyes, that he couldn't continue to allow the mother of his children to feel so horribly. Even though Angelique had come back into his life, he couldn't just up and discard N
atalie. So he asked himself if he felt so overwhelmed with guilt, because he was in love with his wife? He was pretty sure he wasn't before, but why was he crumbling inside? You're not only removing your wife, you're removing your children.
"I know you aren't in love with me, Sebastian, but I've grown to be in love with you. I want us to try. We've been together for all this time. You can't just walk away from us. It isn't right!" She sobbed and threw her face into her hands.
He got up from the chair and walked to the window. The view was of the backyard of another home, but where he stood was their home. Placing his palm against the cold glass while he looked at the swing set he'd built, his conscience ate at him. Have I fallen in love with Natalie? If things worked out with Angelique, he would lose the chance at being a father to his boys. Tyler, Sean, Jacob, and Vincent, would want nothing to do with him for hurting their mother. If it doesn't work out with Angelique, maybe Natalie would decide to find someone else, then I'd have no one. The thought of another man taking his place in his children's eyes filled him with the greatest fear he'd ever known. To avoid all of that, Sebastian would have to buy a house in Southfield Michigan, stay in it with Natalie and the boys, and put Angelique in the big stone house in Castle Lake. He could easily go up on the weekends. Yes, that's what I'll do.
"I want you and the boys to move to Southfield with me, Natalie. We can start over and be a family." Sebastian picked up Natalie's hands, lightly squeezing them, to provide comfort. When he saw the tension leave her face, his gut continued to twist with guilt. He knew the only way to rid himself of feeling like a horrible man, was to see where a real marriage to Natalie could lead. Then he could tell himself he had tried. Yes, I'll do this too.
"You can't be with Angelique or any other woman, Sebastian. I know you were with her," Natalie insisted with a firm voice.
"She moved away. We'll start a new life, just us. I'm sorry for everything, and I promise to try and be a better husband." He was sure this plan would be seamless. He'd keep Angelique out of site and out of mind, while he focused on his wife.
Natalie leaned slightly forward and he wrapped his arms around her. Sebastian kissed her lips, sealing his good intentions, as he pictured Angelique's full mouth on his.
Chapter 3
The children adjusted just fine to their new, larger home in Southfield. They had a very big yard, plenty of friends, and the family ate dinner together every night. Montclair Pharmaceuticals was growing strong. Natalie loved the comforts that came with the extra money her husband was bringing in. She was able to purchase new clothes for the children, enroll them in special programs, and with Sebastian's permission, she bought herself a small car. She hired a sitter, and once a week Natalie met with a card club, where she'd made some new friends. She realized her husband worked hard, so she didn't fuss too much when he had to travel. Now that Angelique was out of the picture, things would continue to get better. Sebastian kissed her in the mornings without being prompted, kissed her when he came home, and even made love to her when he wasn't too tired. Natalie considered her life to be as perfect as it could get. Sebastian even told her he loved her sometimes.
As the boys grew older, Natalie could tell her husband enjoyed his time with them even more. He took their sons to sporting events, taught the boys how to hunt and fish, and each time they'd charge through the door after an outing, she'd prepare a snack, then sit with them in the living room and listen as they recounted their day.
Her love for Sebastian was stronger than ever. Natalie was so grateful Angelique was out of the way. Hopefully far, far away. She never worried when Sebastian had to travel, being gone sometimes for days in a row. He always called and said goodnight to her and the boys. He even brought home gifts. Natalie felt sad when he was away, but knew he missed her as much as she missed him and would hurry to come home to his family.
When Tyler turned fifteen, Natalie said it was okay for him to work during the summers at Montclair Pharmaceuticals. She didn't complain; the business would be handed down to their boys someday. Their eldest son shared all of the great things he was learning, especially on the weekends when Sebastian didn't have meetings. Natalie began packing them special lunches, and had even purchased Tyler a couple of suits to wear to work. They look so cute, she'd think when they'd walk out the door.
For their wedding anniversary that year, Natalie wanted to do something special. With the boys back in school, she got ready the second Sebastian walked out the door for work. He'd send her flowers and chocolates like he always did, and maybe he'd give her another necklace. Natalie loved getting gifts, but this year, she really wanted to surprise her husband.
She made reservations at The Chamber, a five-star restaurant in Southfield, for lunch. Natalie made herself as beautiful as she could. Her dark hair flowed down her shoulders the way he said he liked it, she put on a little makeup and perfume, and slid on a new skirt and blouse. Natalie climbed in her car and drove the fifteen miles to his office, smiling the whole way, as she listened to the local radio station.
She was beaming as she approached Sebastian's secretary. "Hello, Janet, I'm just here to steal my husband away!" she announced excitedly.
"You look very nice today, Mrs. Montclair. But I'm afraid he isn't here. He stopped at The Chamber to have lunch on his way back from a meeting. Would you like me to call him for you?"
"No, that's okay. I'll go surprise him," said Natalie, as she walked out the door. She was sure she could still make the day special, even if he'd already eaten.
When she spotted Sebastian's black Lincoln in the parking lot, she walked briskly through the doors in search of him. Natalie promptly found her husband. She could recognize those broad shoulders and strong neck anywhere, even if he was facing away. He was wearing the grey pinstriped suit she had bought him for his birthday, and her heart began to melt.
"Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!" she joyously sang. When he turned around to face her, she saw Angelique; she was sitting in front of her husband, sipping on a glass of wine. "I'm sorry," Natalie heard her whisper, and watched her walk out of the restaurant.
"What are you doing here? What a surprise!" Sebastian said as he stood.
Natalie glared at his red face but spoke calmly. "Why were you with Angelique? Today is our wedding anniversary and you're spending it with Angelique? I made special plans for us for lunch, and you made your own plans with Angelique?" Her eyes began to water.
"No, no. You have it all wrong. I was already having lunch. She was driving through town and stopped to eat. I literally saw her as she passed by my table," he explained. He reached out his arms to embrace her.
"I'll see you when you come home, Sebastian, whenever you’re done with Angelique…"
Natalie turned around, clutching her purse tightly in her fists. She slammed her car door and drove back home, while wiping her lipstick off with a tissue soaked with tears. There'd be no flowers or chocolate surprises to smile over, but in their place would be successful attempts at shielding her pain from the children, and making excuses for their father. She glanced at the clock as she helped out with homework and cooked dinner, all the while smiling and joking. When the boys went to bed, she threw her new outfit in the trash, then lay staring at the ceiling until her husband came home at three in the morning.
"I'm sorry, Natalie, I had to work late. You can ask Janet, she worked late as well," he explained softly as he sat on the side of the bed.
"I believe you. I'm sure you don't have any interest left in Angelique."
"None. I only have eyes for you," he said softly.
Natalie felt his lips on her cheek and wondered how long it had been since they were all over Angelique. An hour? Two hours? Through all the time he took giving his explanations, not once did he wish her happy anniversary. Not once. He never mentioned her new clothes or how pretty she looked. He lay beside her in the bed with his eyes open and a slight smile on his face.
The alarm went off at six the next morning, and Natalie open
ed her tired eyes. She had maybe gotten an hour of sleep. She rolled over, and Sebastian's side of the bed was empty. She let her hand move over the cool sheets, wondering if he'd left the moment she fell asleep. Maybe he was sitting in his study or at the table reading the paper. Walking into the kitchen, Natalie noticed his car was gone from the driveway, and no note was left, like he'd usually leave if he had to be at work early. Coffee, she thought, and put a pot on. She cooked breakfast for the boys and sent them off to school with kisses on their foreheads, then walked to his study and sat in his chair. Natalie rarely came in this room. She respected her husband's privacy, and knew he worked hard, so this room she left alone. Until now.
On the top of the desk was a stack of bills. With the silver letter opener Natalie had bought for him, she carefully sliced open each envelope. There were utility bills for two addresses. Another envelope contained cancelled checks made out to Angelique Barns. Natalie's hands began to shake violently and her mouth watered sourly, causing her to vomit in Sebastian's Detroit Tigers wastebasket. She quickly gathered the papers, threw on some clothes and shoes, left a note for the boys: I have my card club tonight. Here's money for a pizza. I love you, and then she walked out the door. Her first instinct was to go to the office and confront Sebastian.