Chapter 23

OLIVIA

It was Sunday and since Mikael was still here at home with us, Chase decided for us to go on a family day.

Yes, family day . . . Chase seemed to be so fond of Mikael that he treated him like his own son even though they just met a day ago. I could feel that he really was looking forward to becoming a father and with Lara's son around, he could definitely practice to be one while waiting . . . though I knew to myself that it was like giving him false hopes as I could never be pregnant with his baby, as in never in this lifetime.

In fact, days ago when Lara and I had a serious conversation regarding the safe sexual intercourse, I already bought contraceptive pills and had taken them religiously every single day to make sure that I would be safe. Provided that Chase seemed to be so into making love to his wife, which was none other than me, Lara was right that I should be extra cautious about getting pregnant. I was just glad that I did not get pregnant prior to taking any protection. Well, fate was still on my side, I guess.

It was already nine in the morning and I was putting on some makeup on my face in front of the vanity mirror when I heard the door of our bedroom pushed open. When I looked over it in the mirror, I saw Chase taking a peek at me.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his tone was evidently excited and he was all smiles.

"Almost," I replied and then quickened my pace. I did apply a pink lipstick on my lips and then viola, I was all set.

I stood up and checked on my reflection in the mirror. I wore a simple white v-neck sleeveless top and a brown-colored trouser partnered with cream high heels. My hair was curled and I let it hang over my back instead of tying it so that it would complement my overall outfit. I huffed as I was satisfied with my look.

Chase walked towards me and embraced me from behind. A smile automatically escaped my lips. I tilted my head as he tried to bury his face on my neck and then I felt him planting soft kisses on there.

"Hmm, I thought we were going to go to church. What's with those kisses?" I asked as his kisses seemed very inviting, as if he wanted us to stay here in our room and do our thing.

"Yes we are, but I want to kiss you. You dressed so beautifully that it is tempting the beast in me. . ." he murmured and embraced me tightly.

I chuckled and held his arms which were snaked around my waist. As I looked at our reflection in the mirror, I could not stop myself from checking him out. He was so stunning in his dark blue v-neck sweater– sleeves were rolled all the way up to his arms, denim jeans and a simple pair of shoes. His undercut hair was perfectly at place, and his small stubbles from his jaw going down to his neck made his entire appearance more captivating. This man would no doubt catch every woman's attention.

"Enough with those sultry ideas, my dear husband. Mikael is already waiting for us downstairs. And just to remind you . . ." I turned around so I could look at him, wrapping my arms around his nape. "You were the one who suggested that we should go to church and then treat him to an amusement park."

"I did not say that those plans would be postponed. I am just complimenting my gorgeous wife here," he uttered softly, his hands reached for the strands of my hair and tucked them behind my ear.

"Alright, Mr. Romantic guy. Thank you for the compliment," I replied with a sweet tone. "Your sultry ideas could wait until tomorrow, right?"

"You bet, wife . . ." Then he gave me a peck on my lips.

We both chuckled. Since Mikael was here with us, we could not get a chance to make time to do some things. Given that Chase and I had done it mostly every day, I bet he was craving it already . . . Well, I had to say I did too.

***

The church was exactly a thirty minute drive from our home. Compared to the churches near Lara's apartment– well . . . not that I was such a religious girl but yeah, I used to go to church frequently whenever I felt like my emotional being was in trouble— the one we went to was huge, rustic and very eye-catching. No wonder a lot of people were visiting it.

Mikael was so excited when we entered the church. Compared to his mom who was allergic to Gods and bibles, he seemed to be very religious as he already knew how to pray properly.

"You pray sincerely, alright? Do not talk too loud and just to the priest. Later on, we will go to the amusement park and have some fun," Chase whispered to Mikael, as if he was talking to his own child.

"I got it, Uncle! I will be a good boy!" Mikael whispered back.

They both chuckled and then after that, Mikael clasped both of his hands together and closed his eyes to pray. My eyes glanced over at Chase, whose face was all smiles. He noticed me looking at him, which made him wink at me before he closed his eyes and prayed.

I smiled. I looked to the front, my eyes landed on the huge cross in the center part of the platform.

As I gazed at it, I could not help but swallow the lump in my throat. Heavy emotions started to build up inside my chest and for a brief moment, I thought about the evil things I had done in the past couple of weeks out of my selfishness.

I won't deny that I was already a sinner prior to meeting Chase, but I became a lot more devilish now that I went along and deceived him, making him believe that I was the woman he loved the most, in order to live a wealthy life and suck some money out of his pocket.

I looked down as I felt a pang of anxiety getting through my veins. I could not even mutter a single prayer as I was all too aware that I did not have any right to do it. I let myself sin and did the worst things . . .

While Chase and Mikael were both busy praying, I stood up in silence and rushed towards the restroom. I found myself weeping inside, clutching my chest as I let out all of the emotions that I had been keeping inside. The good side of me was crying so hard for doing the worst things which she knew she would regret the most, yet the devilish and most powerful side of me was shaking her head as she watched me inwardly.

"I'm sorry . . . I am truly sorry, Chase . . ." I murmured in between my sobs. "If only I had other choices . . . if only life was not so cruel to me, I would have not done this . . . I am so sorry . . ."

Minutes passed and my tears were no longer falling. My cheeks went dry but I still felt the heaviness in my chest. I huffed out and washed my face. I fixed myself up and ensured that there were no traces of my despair on my entire physique.

That was it. I just had to let it all out for me to continue living Reese' life all over again. I promised myself that it would be the last time I would allow that good side of me to interfere with my emotions. I had to keep going no matter what and I should not feel any regrets about it.

I went back to my seat like nothing ever happened back in the restroom. Chase's eyes immediately looked at me.

"Where did you go?" he asked in his hushed tone of voice.

"Restroom." I smiled sweetly and winked at him, then looked to the front to listen to the priest, letting the devilish side of me overpower my being.

***

"Look! It is a Ferris Wheel!" Mikael's little fingers pointed to the big Ferris Wheel. He was truly excited based on the expression of his face.

"Yes, little buddy. Do you want to ride the Ferris Wheel?" Chase asked him, then carried Mikael in his arms.

"Yes, I want to! Can we, Momma?" Mikael looked over at me, asking for my approval.

"Please, Momma?" Chase mimicked Mikael's little voice, which made me roll my eyes, but I had to admit that it was cute though. I haven't seen this side of him and it was truly refreshing.

"I thought we were going to grab a quick lunch first?" I both gave them a stern look while I crossed my arms on my chest.

They both pouted their lips and I swore I could die at their cuteness. They really looked like father and son, and I felt like I wanted to interrogate Lara when she got back whether she somehow had a one night stand with Chase seven years ago. Damn it! What was I even thinking?

"Mikael." I narrowed my eyes as I looked at our little buddy. "Aren't you hungry?"

"I am, Momma," he answered and started biting his index finger.

Then I looked over at Chase. "How about you, Mr. Chase Maxwell?"

"I also feel hungry, Momma," he replied, still mimicking Mikael.

I shook my head as I chuckled. "Alright, we will have a quick lunch first and then we will try all the rides afterwards, sounds like a plan?"

"Yehey!" They said in chorus, which made me laugh already.

"You two are so cute!" I rushed toward them and pinched their cheeks at the same time. "Let's go, then!"

Chase held my hand and I felt his fingers intertwined with mine. "You surely would be an ideal mother, wife."

"Oh, you think so?" I smiled sweetly at him.

He then kissed the back of my palm. "Of course, Mrs. Reese Maxwell."