Mirabelle’s POV:
Mr. Charles raised an eyebrow. “Everything alright?”
“It’s just… an unexpected call,” I said, trying to maintain my composure.
“Take your time.” He said, leaning back in his chair.
I pressed accept. “Mitchelle, what’s going on?”
“Did you let Noah know that you bailed Ken out?” Mitchelle asked.
“Excuse me?” I pressed.
“Well, I don’t think any husband would want to learn that his wife bailed her ex-husband out.” She replied.
I glanced at Mr. Charles, who was observing me quietly. “I don’t have time for this, Mitchelle. I’m in a meeting.”
“Am so sorry for interrupting something so important, Estella. Maybe I can call Noah, and let him know what you did. I guess that’s better.” She added.
“Like I said, Mitchelle. I am busy so you are free to do whatever the fuck you want.” I hung up, turning back to Mr. Charles, who looked curious. “I’m sorry about that interruption. Where were we?”
As I drove back home, my mind raced. What if Mitchelle had already told Noah about bailing Ken out?
I know Noah wouldn’t get angry. He has always been understanding, and supportive.
But he would most definitely be hurt. The thought of him feeling betrayed gnawed at me. What if he looked at me with disappointment? I can’t bear to see that expression on his face. I had always prided myself on being open with him, and now I was hiding something so important. It felt wrong, especially when he had always been honest with me.
I need to tell him first before the truth finds its way to him through someone else.
As the car pulled into the driveway, I glanced around. The house was quiet. The kids were still at school, which meant I had little time to collect my thoughts.
I walked inside the room and dropped my bag by the door, heading straight for my laptop. I opened it and started scrolling through emails, trying to distract myself from whatever was going on in my head.
Just as I was beginning to feel a little better, my phone rang. It was my secretary, Sarah.
“Good Afternoon, Ma’am. I just wanted to let you know that some papers need your signature.” She stated.
“Okay, I won’t be coming to the office today. So why don’t you send them over instead? ” I replied.
“Should I also send the contract from M&S?” She asked hesitantly.
I froze. Regardless of everything, I need to get my company back from Ken.
“Yes, please send it,” I said, taking a deep breath.
“Got it. I’ll send them over shortly.” Sarah replied before hanging up.
Just then, I heard the familiar sounds of little feet running up the stairs. The kids must be home. I closed my laptop, putting aside the paperwork for now. I headed downstairs.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Jamie, our nanny, guiding the kids in. Skyler was already peeling off his school uniform; Tyler was babbling about his day, while Mika clung to Jamie.
“Mommy!” They all shouted in unison, and my heart swelled.
“Hey, my loves!” I knelt, opening my arms for hugs. They rushed to me, their small bodies filling my body with warmth.
“Did you miss us?” Tyler asked, looking up at me with that innocent smile that could melt anyone.
“Of course! But I’ve got a surprise for you. Let’s get you changed first, okay?” I said, ruffling his hair.
Jamie stepped in, already organizing their things. “I’ll set the table for lunch.” She said, moving towards the kitchen.
“Thanks, Jamie,” I called after her, turning back to the kids. “Let’s get you out of those uniforms. Who wants to wear something comfy?”
“Me! Me!” Mika chirped, bouncing on her toes.
I smiled, helping each of them out of their clothes. After dressing them in their casual outfits-soft t-shirts and comfy shorts-we headed downstairs for lunch.
After lunch, I spent some time playing with them until they finally drifted off to sleep. The house grew quiet again, and I took the opportunity to go through the paperwork that Sarah had sent over.
Later in the evening, I heard the sound of the front door opening. Noah was home. I could hear his voice mingling with the soft patter of his footsteps.
He walked into the room, with a bright smile. “Hey, babe.” He said, leaning down to give me a quick peck on the cheek. “How was your day?”
“Busy, as always,” I replied, without looking up.
“What are you up to?” He asked, heading towards the bathroom to freshen up.
“Just the usual paperwork,” I said, forcing a smile.
He nodded, disappearing into the bathroom. After a few minutes, he returned, dressed in his nightwear with a face towel draped over his neck.
“Babe, I want to tell you something.” I began, my voice shaking slightly. “Promise me you won’t get upset.”
He paused, looking at me with genuine concern. “What’s going on?”
I took a deep breath, and then I began
“Mitchelle got Ken arrested for domestic violence, and I bailed him out.”
I noticed a slight change in his expression, as though he was fighting hard to hold his anger inside.
“How did you know he was arrested?” He asked, letting out a deep sigh.
“I received a call from him, from prison. He begged me to bail him out. I insisted he call Caitlyn or your dad, or maybe even you. But he was persistent, so I made a few calls and all.” I explained, my gaze dropping to my hands.
“What made you think I would be upset?” He said, smiling.
“No husband would want to learn that his wife ran an errand for her ex,” I replied, feeling a bit ashamed. “Now that I’m saying it out loud, I realize how stupid it was for me to have done such a thing.”
“Also, Mitchelle called me earlier,” I said my voice barely above a whisper. “She mentioned that I shouldn’t have bailed Ken out without telling you.”
“Was that the reason why you decided to open up to me?” He asked, staring deeply at me.