CLAUDE
I used to think that having to pick up Sia from school on a daily basis was something I could only stand for so long. But lately, I kept checking my watch and hoping that it would be time for me to leave up work and head towards Creston University.
If it weren’t for my family’s business, I would rather be in the SEALs, engaging in combat instead of being trapped in an office. However, my love for my parents led me back home to take on this role that was destined for me. I was their only hope for continuing my father’s legacy since my sisters were not considered for the position. So, I had no choice but to accept the heavy responsibility.
This tedious task of signing piles of papers was the part I hated the most as being a CEO. I longed for lively discussions and debates in business meetings, rather than being stuck at my desk with nothing stimulating to think about. Usually by that time, my desk would look like a mess with all the files scattered around it.
Releasing another sigh, I glanced at my watch and saw it was already five-thirty in the afternoon. Finally, I needed to leave to pick up Sia..
“Leia, I’m leaving now. I need to pick up Sia,” I told my secretary as I passed her desk.
“Alright, sir. Take care.”
“Thanks. You can head home now and resume your work tomorrow.”
“Okay, sir.”
I headed straight to the parking area. Within half an hour, I arrived at Crestwood, where many students were waiting. I got out of the car and spotted Sia, then approached her.
“Let’s go,” I said, gently pulling her hand. When I touched Sia’s soft palm, it felt like a slight electric current passed through me. I quickly let go as we reached the car, thinking it was a bad sign. I couldn’t allow myself to become too soft towards Sia.
Sitting behind the wheel, I started the car without delay. From the corner of my eye, I saw Sia fasten her seatbelt just as I accelerated abruptly. I noticed her frown but avoided making eye contact. Marriage was not something I welcomed. I appreciated women for their physical attributes but never thought about being tied down to someone. My parents, however, wanted me to settle down to curb my promiscuity. They forced me into marriage with Sia, despite my unwillingness. It wasn’t that I had any issues with Sia; she was beautiful. The only concern was the age gap. She was younger than my youngest sister and she lacked experience. That innocence in a woman was what I disliked. Moreover, I wasn’t ready for marriage. So, I would do everything to distance myself from her, even provoke her until she left on her own.
After a few minutes of driving, my phone rang. I put my AirPod in my right ear and answered.
“Where are you?” Haven’s voice came through.
I frowned. “I’m driving home from the office. Why?”
“I need your help. My car won’t start, and I don’t know what’s wrong. Can you come help me?”
I glanced at Sia, who was looking at me but quickly turned away. “Where are you? I’ll come over.”
Sia sighed, but I ignored it.
“I’m near Le Ciel Dore. My car’s on the side of the road, so you’ll see it easily.”
“Okay, wait there.” I hung up and made a U-turn at the first opportunity.
“Where are we going? Aren’t we heading home?” Sia asked.
“I have to pick someone up. We’ll go home later.”
I didn’t bother explaining further. As we approached Lyndon’s restaurant, I saw Haven’s car with her leaning against the hood, talking on the phone. I parked next to her car and got out. Haven’s face lit up when she saw me, and she hugged me.
“Thanks for coming. You’re the best, Claude,” Haven said, hugging me tightly.
“No problem. Let me check your car,” I said, gently moving her hand away and looking under the hood.
“Can you fix it?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ll call a mechanic.” I called my mechanic and explained the situation. Then I turned to Haven. “The mechanic is on his way. It should take about ten to fifteen minutes.”
“Okay, let’s wait inside. It’s too hot out here,” Haven suggested.
Before I could respond, Haven tugged my arm, and we got into her car’s backseat.
“So, why have you been leaving work early lately? I asked your secretary, but she didn’t know. Are you getting bored?” Haven leaned against my shoulder and linked her arm with mine.
“Yeah, I’m getting bored. I miss being out in the field. Office work isn’t really my thing,” I admitted.
Haven straightened up and faced me. “Want me to do something to chase away your boredom?” she asked with a mischievous grin.
I furrowed my brow, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Haven didn’t answer right away. Instead, she reached for my groin, causing my eyes to widen.
“I could, you know, give you some… oral pleasure,” she suggested playfully.
I quickly intervened, worried her actions might escalate. “Stop it, Haven. We’re friends. We shouldn’t be doing this.”
“Why not? We can be friends with benefits. I can make you feel good,” Haven teased, biting her lip and toying with me.
If it had been Sia, I might have considered it.
Ignoring my protests, Haven unbuttoned my pants and reached inside. “Haven, stop it. This isn’t like you. What’s going on?” I asked, frustrated.
With my free hand, I zipped up my pants.
Haven pulled back, her face a mix of frustration and sadness.
“What’s happening to you? Why are you acting this way?” I asked. Somehow annoyed at her persistent attitude recently.
Her emotions poured out. “You really want to know? I love you, Claude. I always have, since we were kids. But you never noticed me. You always chose other girls. That’s why I convinced my dad to move to Singapore. I thought I could forget you, but I couldn’t. Even though I had many boyfriends, I was never happy. I want you. Only you.”
I was stunned. As Haven held my face and leaned in to kiss me, I abruptly regained my senses. I grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away.
“Haven’t you heard what I said, Haven? I don’t want this. I don’t want to ruin our friendship,” I said, trying to push her off my lap. I couldn’t believe what was happening.
Haven got off me and dropped her panties. I quickly picked them up and handed them to her, but she didn’t take them. She covered her face and sobbed.
I ran my fingers through my hair, turning away. I heard a knock on the window and saw the mechanic waiting.
“Please stop crying, Haven. Fix yourself,” I said, placing her panties on her lap. “I’m going out. The mechanic is here.”
Without waiting for her response, I left the car and watched the mechanic work. Once the car was fixed, I paid the mechanic.
“I added extra. Can you drive my friend home? I need to get going,” I requested.
“Of course, sir. Where does she live?” the mechanic asked.
I handed the mechanic a slip of paper with Haven’s address, which I had jotted down earlier. I needed to put some distance between us; staying close would only lead to her expecting more from our relationship. I knew I didn’t feel the same way about Haven, no matter what she did. She just wasn’t my type.
As Haven’s car drove off, I returned to my own car and found Sia wiping her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Oh, nothing. Just remembered something. Why were you out there so long?” Sia replied.
“I had to handle something. Let’s go home,” I said.
“Okay.”
I was momentarily surprised when the traffic light ahead turned red. I glanced at Sia, who seemed lost in thought, staring straight ahead. Her outfit caught my eye-a white long-sleeved blouse with a big ribbon and thin stockings revealing her thigh.
My hand instinctively rested on her thigh, gently squeezing her soft flesh. Sia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Claude, what are you doing?”
“It’s not like I don’t have the right to do it, do I? I’m your husband,” I said defensively.
Sia stayed silent, just blinking.
Just as I was about to slide my hand inside her skirt, a car honked loudly. Startled, I pulled my hand away and focused back on the road. The light had turned green. Frustrated with myself, I accelerated.
‘Why can’t I control myself around Sia?’ I cursed internally. ‘What does she have that Haven and the other women in my life don’t?’