Marry me

Judith felt like she would be skinned alive today because since Glory came into the picture, Judith was gradually pushed from being Xavier's secretary to being that woman's nanny, but even though she isn't comfortable with the idea she couldn't bring herself to complain.

She couldn't stop herself from pacing around with her phone tightly held in her hand, the person that was supposed to be under her watch , was lying motionlessly behind the doors because of her carelessness. If she was given a chance to choose again she wouldn't hesitate to pick that silly Clara .

On hearing the doctor's words she heaved a deep sigh .

" Her blood pressure went high, but now it's back to being normal." With a bow the old doctor took his leave, Judith rubbed her face with her palm,' what will I do if boss should Walk in now? ' she thought before taking long strides to the surveillance room.

"Tell me we manage to track the bastard down," She said on walking in only to be greeted with the disappointed looks on her colleagues faces, she already gotten the answer like always that person will first hack into their system before calling Glory making it impossible for them to Trace the call or even record it.

This was the first time in the history of lotos they were dealing with such a difficult opponent and Tony was no longer part of the organization.

Rolling her sleeve to her elbows, Judith tap on the shoulder of one of the men who hurriedly vacate his seat for her, positioning herself in front of the monitor, her fingers hurriedly dance on the keyboard keys which brought out some strange looking characters in the monitor, she was about clicking enter button only for Xavier to walk in, his long legs already hitting the back of his head his face dark as the night sky.

" How is she? " his voice came out in furry, his cold eyes fixed on the already trembling Judith who couldn't even maintain an eye contact with him.

" According to the doctor it's not something serious, she just needs some rest." she answered using the back of her hand to clean off some sweets.

" Hope you were able to get some information on that bastard? " Came the question she was so anxious to answer, knowing that he was expecting a positive response.

Since Glory has refused to give him any information on the people or place she lived, he secretly tried to trace the bastard but the idiot was always a step ahead, the bastard isn't someone to be taken for granted since even lotus couldn't get any information on him.

" You know what?,you failed to do your duty, " this cold words were directed to Judith and after he dropped such a bombshell he exit the room leaving the people there frozen, Judith felt her brain stopped walking for some seconds before his words finally register in her head, she calmly picked up her phone and called the headquarters, personally asking for a reduction of her points as per the rules of the organization.

******

Clara on the other hand finally flagged down a taxi, she has been standing at the bus station for what seems like forever.

Even though it was slightly difficult, she successfully convinced Xavier's driver that she could find her way home. She was feeling very uncomfortable having the elderly man trail behind her.

When the car finally pulled at the front of the gate, she was surprised to see Alex standing outside in the cold wind even though he had his coat on, Clara could see the amount of snow balls on his cap down to boat which indicates that he has been standing there for long, guilty feelings overwhelmed her, Alex was such a kind hearted person yet she finds it difficult to return his feeling, the man she loves didn't think twice before picking his mistress over her but here out in the open someone is waiting for her, somewhere in her heart she felt relief that there was someone she is important to but she doubt if she deserves what this man has been doing for her.

A warm smile found its way to his already pale face immediately he saw her approaching him," Silly girl, how many times have I told you not to go out without enough clothing didn't you see in the news last night that it is going to snow today? "

He pulled out a coat from under his own coat to cover her, while he gently scolded her, Clara raised her head to return his smile but she saw the sadness in those eyes which got her panicking,{I hurt him, no doubt I'm the reason for his pain,it all my fault, I shouldn't be here, I shouldn't have return, what was I thinking calling this place home when I can't even reciprocate his feelings,I.. I'm so heartless,he doesn't deserve this he doesn't….} With this thought in her mind, Clara took a step back, she couldn't bring herself to look him in the eyes, she felt like she was a cheat," Alex I'm fine, you are the silly one here, if I didn't come back will you still be waiting in the cold like this? " She questioned walking past him to have him follow behind.

" Yes, why not?" His answer was firm and Clara knew he meant it,he paused for a while saying," when you didn't answer or return my calls, I thought that you were caught up in an inconvenient situation. " he started but his words made her more restless, he called?It was probably when that idiot was on her, remembering what transpired between them made her stomach churn in disgust that she badly wanted every fragment of the moment to disappear.

Actually after he completed his second surgery this morning he called her but it was that idiot that answered instead that was how he got to know that he already discovered the truth, but the shameless man didn't stop at that,

he went ahead to mock him," still not giving up old friend, he let out a harmonious laugh, I told you, you are only wasting your time, but I must say you did a great job taking care of my family, because of this I will be returning the properties I took from your family, my angel is too tired to talk to you now since we just finished making three rounds of sweet love, I missed her and with the way she moan under I can tell she haven't let you in,if not…." He couldn't finish his statement because Alex already hung up, after that call his mood changed to the extent that he couldn't concentrate on his other surgeries ,immediately after the surgeries he ran home hoping that Xavier was only ranting, but on getting home he was greeted by an empty apartment words couldn't explain what he felt at that moment but he chose to wait for her earnestly praying she would come back to him, when it was past noon, he started panicking she wasn't back throughout the afternoon until late evening yet he was happy that she chose to come back.

He is ready to take care of her even though she doesn't have any feelings for him as long as he could see her every day he was okay or was he?.

Clara only returned because she felt this place was more like home and allowed him to take care of her, without noticing that he was slowly dying in pain, that she was hurting such a good person, how can she continue to live here?, she would have to leave him as soon as possible, maybe he will forget about her as time goes by .

" Come let me help you remove that, " he asked to help remove the scarf around her neck when they got in but she politely refused, his face fell thinking that she didn't want him anywhere close to her.

" Your hands must be cold, there is hot water deep in your feet and hands in it , so that you won't catch a cold and end up passing it to the baby. " Alex returned from the kitchen with a big bowl of hot water, which he had already heated up for her.

Afraid she would still refuse, he mentioned the baby even though she still nodded negatively " I told you I'm fine, see my hands are properly covered with…" she stopped talking when he dipped her hands then feet into the now lake worm, " stop being stubborn will you?" He reprimanded her, not wanting to make him feel bad, she let him have his way.

" What will you eat?I will prepare it for you. " He even offered to prepare it as usual because he was not ready to give up.

" Anything will be fine Alex, but let me make it while you rest, you were also in the cold for god knows when. "She has learned how to cook now but he won't let her into the kitchen alone.

" No need I will do it, I can still do that much " he refused her idea of going into the kitchen.

<><><><><>

When Glory finally opened her tired eyes, Xavier was sitting right beside her bed with a guilty expression, she frown slightly at the man," what with that dejected look on your face?, she inquired trying to get up, but he pressed her down instead but it doesn't stop her from talking it's never your fault , so don't destroy your pretty face with such looks they don't belong there. "

" Even with the condition you are in you're still in the position to joke, how are you feeling?" When it comes to her Xavier always seems to be lost on what to do with her.

" I'm fine now, it's nothing serious, sorry I made everyone worried." She apologized, biting on her bottom lip.

" Floral, you still don't want to tell me anything about that person? " Xavier asked taking her hand and staring directly into her eyes, he was running out of patience it's already gotten to the point where she passes out of fear ,why won't she open up to him about the person who is making her this terrified?, his fist are itching to put that person in a wheelchair for life .

" I'm sorry." Was all she always says whenever he brought this up, Glory isn't making things easy for him but all he could do was respect her decision.

" If that's the case, I will not interfere again,as long as you are safe and if I should collect your phone again don't go and take it back, for God sake you are pregnant, you should also think about your child. " he stood up to leave but his shirt was being tugged at it's hem. , he looked back and saw her holding his cloth will her face filled with hesitation as if she wanted to say something.

" What is it?" He asked, taking his seat, "say it I'm all ears," he urged her, flashing her a reassuring smile.

" Remember, the other day, you said, you were ready to be the father of my baby, are those words still valid? " she asked, swallowing the ball of guilt that was stuck in her throat.

Her words caught Xavier by surprise, because it wasn't what he was expecting, they both know , they are not compatible when it comes to marriage,he doesn't harbor such feelings for her and she was aware of this so why is this coming from now?, the image of another pregnant woman waiting for him pop up in his head, instead of replying her he ask instead changing the topic.

" Did he threaten you?" He was sure this was the reason she brought this up, and if it were to be the truth he will go all out to drag the son of a bitch out,even if.., Glory's next statement made him stop talking

" No, I just feel it's the best step to take,my baby will be dew soon. I don't want it to come out of wedlock. "She explained

" It's okay, we'll do as you wish, you are more important ( than my happiness )." he smiled and walked away, he was very frustrated and confused ,for the first time he admitted he made a wrong decision .

****

The NEXT day

Alex didn't come back last night , which got Clara worried, she called but he assured her everything was fine but she knows better than to believe at least not when his voice isn't sounding convincing, feeling lonely after she finished eating, she decided to use today for apartment hunting.

Immediately she stepped out of the apartment, she noticed a familiar car parked opposite the gate.

On seeing her out Judith who was about to make a call , stopped, her jaw dropped as scrutinize the woman with a wide eyes

{Why...wh.... why is this silly woman's stomach this round? How come she chose this time to get fat, or, is she pregnant again during the months we travel overseas? "Judith's thoughts continue to run in every possible direction.

Clara doesn't want to be tagged rude so she walks up to her, to say Hi, even though she knows she was the only reason Xavier will send people to this estate.

" Looking for me? " she asked, staring at the lady who couldn't pull her eyes away from her baby bump.

Diverting her gaze at the woman's face, Judith hurriedly cleared her throat .

" Boss, would like to meet you, please step into the car. "she opened the car, her eyes still hovering around her big stomach,' but even if it's after we traveled it shouldn't be this big, right?.'thought Judith in her mind.

" I didn't lose my baby. " Clara felt she should inform her, on seeing her reluctance.

" OH... she frowned slightly. Who cares about your baby? " She hissed and continued driving.

They got to a well-hidden apartment at the heart of the city, and immediately stopped,Clara asked, " where are we?" .

" Boss hidden apartment, he's always coming here when he doesn't feel like going home. ," Judith explain as she walked inside the compound and Clara followed behind, when she stepped foot into the place she immediately fall in love with how simple the house was and she started thinking about how to renovate and furnished the house to her taste, { a French window would have been better here } she thought admiring her environment.

{It should be big enough for me to look around the city at night and a swing, yeah!,a swing over there for the baby won't be a bad idea…}

She shook her head vigorously,as if she was clearing some dust out , maintaining a straight face before walking inside the house.

" Why are you not sitting down? "Xavier asked, coming out of the kitchen with a warm glass of milk.

He dropped it on the table before going to her side to draw out a seat and gently help her sit, when he was certain she was comfortable he did the same, sitting opposite her " Why did you bring me here?" she asked, feeling irked that he was sitting with her.

Xavier frowned, he didn't know where or how to start what he was about to say.

" Why don't you first drink your milk? "She took the glass of milk and frowned. He must have done this for Glory too, when she took a sip, she was surprised the milk powder was not mixed properly. Was this his first time doing it?

" This place is closer to your workplace, secluded and located in a quiet environment. If you don't like the seaside Villa this place should be okay for you. '' Clara frowned so it's what she was thinking, the Villa is a compensation for the divorce while this one is because he found out that the baby was his, this man is really heartless to the core.

" If you want me to move out from his house ,you will be getting it but not the way you want, I can still afford my own apartment and move into it and not the one you prepared for me ." she dropped the glass of milk and she was not feeling that warmth from it anymore.

Xavier reached out into his pocket for a cigar ,but on a second thought he threw both the cigar and lighter into the waste bin, this didn't escape Clara's eyes, why is he acting so frustrated and nervous.

" What happened, why are you like this? " The question was already out of her mouth before she could stop herself, she inwardly bit her cheek, cursing herself.

Xavier saw the worry in her eyes , surprisingly he calmed down a little.

" Nothing, why won't you stay in this place? It's very okay and big, very close to the city. Look, you can even see the city lights from here."

{Idiot, she also wants to live in his house but she was not in that position}

" It's not my house and although I don't stay in my family house or in your house, I can still afford a good home for my unborn child, I don't need anything from you or anyone else." She got up ready to leave but he pinned her back on the seat.

" Stop being stubborn Clara, even if you don't want it, you can't stop me from giving it to my child, I will transfer it to your name,when the baby is of age you can give it to him. "

As usual,he is forcing it on her, he pulled her up and made her tour around the house with him, the bedrooms, guestroom, kitchen, bathroom, every corner of the house and Clara couldn't help but fall in love with the design of the house.

"So, how is it? " he asked after the tour.

Clara frowned and looked away " I don't know."but she knows, she loves this place but it was a gift from him.

"Since you don't know, let us go look around it again. "Xavier suggested

" Comfortable. " she quickly said, earning a smile from him.

"Let's go eat now" .

She frowned at his shamelessness and got up , seeing the password he said to her standing behind her using his body to cover her.

{528315 , , why does this number seem to be hiding something she knows 528 is her birthday but it also little star death anniversary but the other number is what she didn't have any idea of 315 }

" Ounch.." Clara yelped angrily and looked at the man who was looking down at her

, " shameless " she glared at him , didn't he know it was dirty he opened the door again and they went in,

" Why did you do that?"

she questioned, but he was only staring at her.

" You made me like this.'' His voice was hoarse and filled with lust, she looked down at the place he made her touch , and she immediately looked away; it was already looking for ways to get out of his pants.

" You were always very quiet like a beautiful painting but now you are strong, you've changed a lot." he commented, making her look into his deep eyes.

{Is this what he thought of her as a beautiful painting and she started blushing.}

" I can't imagine how sweet you will be when you're moaning under me. " he winked at her, seeing him act this shameless made her confused , she couldn't help but wonder if he was the same person she married.

Xavier forced himself to control his desire and offered to drive her home, although she strongly refused, he insists, when they finished eating he drove her home but on getting to the gate he refused to open the door.