CHAPTER 140
LILY’S POV
After we dropped the kids off at school, I headed to the office. Robert had wanted to take me in his sedan but I refused bluntly, having no other choice but to board a taxi. The last thing I wanted was to keep being close to him.
If I didn’t have to see him again then the lingering feelings I had for him will dissipate completely. Worse, if he dropped me off at the company and Noah saw him, it could spark another fallout between them-something I wasn’t willing to risk after seeing how badly they both injured themselves yesterday.
Robert persisted, even instructing his driver to tail me as I walked down the road, attracting a few people’s attention. The only way I was able to ward him off was by threatening to scream and alert nearby policemen that he was harassing me. The fear of those made him give up, although reluctantly.
Just because he took the kids to school today and will be bringing them back home doesn’t mean it’ll happen again. I made that clear to him. But something kept telling me he wouldn’t heed my words. I hadn’t seen anyone as stubborn and persistent as him.
Even though the kids had given us an ultimatum to resolve our issues and get back together in one week, that wouldn’t be possible. I have thought deeply about it and felt repulsed at the idea of taking Robert back. I’ll just have to monitor the kids closely and stop whatever secret plans they intend to execute on the last day.
Robert promised to talk to them too which he’ll probably do when he comes to pick them up in the afternoon. I know they’ll listen because as much as I hated it, they were starting to love and see him as a father.
While in the taxi, my heart climbed to my throat as I replayed what happened in the past and how I promised Noah never to take a taxi again. I was on high alert like one who had taken a stimulant, paying close attention to every turn and stop the driver made until we reached the destination. Even the driver noticed my uneasiness but before he could ask, I already got out of the car. I didn’t want to talk to strangers, especially strange taxi drivers.
As soon as I arrived at the office, I dove immediately into work like there was no tomorrow. This time, I made sure to back up all my files and folders, transferring the critical ones to my phone and flash drive. The memory of what happened yesterday still haunted me and I wasn’t about to let history repeat itself. I still hadn’t found out who was behind it but with the problem solved, I didn’t have to keep worrying about it.
While preparing a pitch for a perfume company that sourced their ingredients from the sea and wanted the commercial shot somewhere like the beach, I couldn’t concentrate on coming up with something creative and mind-blowing as always.
I kept thinking about Robert, the lingering feelings I had for him and how I could get rid of them completely. And sadly, how handsome he was looking today. The hatred and anger I felt towards him had blinded me, making me not to regard his appearance. But I couldn’t help noticing it today, every bit of it. He looked even better than before without that cold and distant demeanour I once knew him for.
My mind also kept going back to the ultimatum the kids had given me, wondering if they were being really serious about it. What if they do something I don’t see coming and I end up losing them forever? My heart won’t be able to live with that pain and guilt.
Letting out a heavy sigh, I stopped typing and pushed my laptop away. Placing my elbows on my desk, I lowered my head and massaged my temples, hoping to ease the tension and discomfort building up inside me. But the thoughts kept coming, ravaging my mind, making me more anxious and irritable.
The door creaked open. Lifting my head, I saw Noah walk in. The side of his face where Robert had punched him yesterday was swollen and bruised, but fortunately, the discolouration wasn’t too noticeable. With a few days of rest and a cold compress, the swelling should subside, and the bruise should fade completely.
His eyes flickered with a mix of worry and concern as he saw me.
“What happened?” He asked as he closed the door behind him and approached. “Why do you look so down?”
I blew out a breath, my loud exhale and slumped shoulders hinting at the exhaustion I was facing.
“I thought I told you to take your mind off it. I’ll be fine. Everything will be fine. You don’t need to be worrying yourself into a stupor like this…”
“It’s not that,” I mumbled.
“Then what is it?” He asked as he settled behind me. “Is it the kids?”
My expression grew bleaker as I nodded. But I didn’t say anything. If I told him about the ultimatum, I know he’d strongly not be in support of me getting back with Robert since he hated him so much. He’ll probably pressure me into leaving the country with him or maybe even getting rid of Robert because that’s the only way the kids will be able to forget him. So, I rather just keep my mouth shut and figure out a solution on my own.
“Maybe I can come over today and talk to them,” he suggested kindly.
I shook my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s natural they’re be acting like that because they’re approaching adolescence. Let’s just give them some time. If nothing changes then I’ll call you over to talk to them for me.”
This was a family matter and I didn’t want him getting involved, not to mention Robert will be bringing the kids back from school this evening and they might run into each other again. I was doing everything I could to prevent them from crossing paths again.
Noah had wanted to spend the night at my place yesterday to keep me company and make me feel better. But I told him it wasn’t a good idea the same thing I was telling him now. I just hoped he didn’t get the wrong idea and think I was pushing him away.
He let out a sigh. I couldn’t really tell if that meant he didn’t have a problem with my reply. But the Noah I know is always respectful and understanding in the choices I make.
He began massaging my shoulders, his fingers digging deep into the valley. The last time he did this, it felt good, so heavenly it made me lose myself, transporting me to a world of bliss. But now, it only made me feel more irritable than I was.
From there, he began running his lips over the base of my neck and the expanse of my shoulder, worshipping them with kisses. But that only repulsed me further.
“Noah… Noah…please stop, I’m really not myself today,” I said, trying to stop him but that only made him double his effort.
“Don’t push me away Lily,” he said with a breathy lust filled voice. “Please, Lily. Let me make you feel better. I’ll make you feel so good you’ll forget everything about that man.”