Chapter 13- The Revelation

It's Eli! And he's not alone. What do we do?!

Warren's eyes quickly assess the room, and then he grabs my arm and heads for the walk-in closet. He soundlessly shuts the door behind us. A moment later, the bedroom door opens

What is he doing here?

Warren raises a finger up to his lips, but I shake my head

it's okay, we can talk here . This is one of the panic rooms we designed when we first brought the house

it's a panic room?

Yes, and it's completely soundproof

Warren raises an eyebrow, seemingly impressed

That was a very smart idea

I walk over to the wall where Eli's shoes are stacked. I carefully remove the pair closet to the door and slide open the panel to reveal the bedroom. Warren follows me over and watches with interest as Eli and his assistant come into view

This is a viewing window. The painting by the closet door actually works as a two- way mirror. We can see out, but they can't see in

The painting of the mountains?

Yes. The details help to obscure us behind it. I wanted to make sure I could see out and monitor whatever was happening in the bedroom

That's brilliant

I lift my hand to press the small red button by the window

Do you believe me now?

what are you planning on doing with this?

I might donate the clothes, but the jewellery and decorations....

Eli wraps an arm around Lana's waist and roughly pulls her forward

Anything you want, it's yours

Her eyes light up

I can pick anything I want?

Anything. She had some pretty valuable pieces

Are you sure it's okay?

she's dead, sweetheart

Eli reaches up to brush his fingers against Lana's cheek

we don't have to hide how we feel anymore

I...

A conflicted look crosses over her face, and she abruptly pushes him away. Eli glares at her action but quickly schools his feature into a mask of concern

what's wrong?

You promised we would talk. You can't keep trying to seduce me to avoid this conversation!

You're just so beautiful. it's hard to keep my hands off you

oh, Eli

They're making out now

what if they head for the closet? He just promised her my dresses

I glanced at the several pieces Eli hadn't packed with the rest of my things

I refuse to let my husband's lover wear my favourite dress

Then, change into it while you can. I'll turn around and stand watch

Let's see what I have here.....

I picked a red rose dress, I looks romantic and sensual in this red dress

I might not look special, but it has sentimental value

You've changed? Good

what is going on with those two

come see for yourself

No! I can't be watching my husband, and one of his concubines makes out

They've stopped making out at least

I want to be with you, I really do, but I need an answer. Why does your entire campaign revolve around Kiara death, especially when you don't even seem sad about it? Are you really using her death for your own gain?

Eli's face hardens

Are you questioning whether or not I'm grieving my DEAD wife, Lana?

I'm sorry, Eli. Maybe I shouldn't have asked you so directly, but it's been bothering me so much. I can't keep ignoring it when it's happening right in front of me

I'm not blaming you for being concerned

Eli walks over to the bed and sits down with his head in his hands

I thought you of all people would understand

Lana quickly walks over to him and kneels in front of him. She pulls his hands away from his face and grips them tightly in hers

I do! You know how I feel about you. I just want you to trust me enough to let me in

There are a lot of secret things going on. My wife and I lived a very private life together. No one really knew what went on behind closed doors. I'm not sure when it happened, really, but at some point, our love for one another turned darker. As I've hinted to you before, she was a heavy drinker and often took out her anger on me at night

Lana gasps

she abused you?

Not often, but enough for me to realize that our marriage had come to an end. The first time she hit me was nearly three years ago, and it only got worse from there

she hit you?!

Lana's face contorts with fury

How dare she! What did you do?

I've been raised to never put my hands on a woman. I begged her time and time again for a divorce, but she always said it would reflect badly on my campaign. she didn't work and relied solely on my income. if we had divorced, she would have been left with nothing

it would serve her right! How could she?!

Eli solemnly looks to the ground

I cared for her deeply. she was my first love

she manipulated you!

she did, but I also saw it for what it was. I held onto the hope that she would change

Eli....

Lana cups his face and looks him in the eye

I have no idea it was so bad

I was embarrassed. it's not often you hear of a wife beating her won husband. who would have believed me?

I'm so sorry, Eli. You didn't deserve to be treated like that

I was miserable for a long time, but then you came into my life.

Lana's face softens

when you walked into my office asking for a job, I knew I had to have you. You looked so beautiful

Lana gives him a sad smile

The first time you and I slept together, I felt I was destroying your family. I didn't want to be seen as a homewrecker, but I couldn't stop loving you even if I tried

I think it was fate that brought us together

She nods.

it's hard for me to be sad about my wife's passing when I have so much to look forward to with you. I'm not tied down anymore to a loveless marriage

I never should've questioned you. it was wrong of me to think ill of you

I can understand why you did. I just feel sorry for the way things had to end. I would've liked to know that she was happy instead of rotting in a morgue

Eli wipes away a crocodile tear, and Lana whimpers

i hate seeing you in so much pain. Tell me how to help?

This may not be the right time, but to hell with it. Marry me, Lana?

Lana's eyes widen in disbelief

What?

It feels like I've waited an eternity to ask you to be my wife, but now that Kiara is gone, we don't have to hide our feelings from her. We can finally be together

oh!

Lana flings her arms around Eli's neck and embraces him fiercely. Eli rubs her back while rolling his eyes in exasperation

I love you! I've loved you for so long, I can't believe this is really happening! I can't wait to tell my family!

oh no, Lana. I think you misunderstood me

she draws back

what do you mean?

we can't ho public yet

But...why?

As much as I'd love to tell the world you're mine and mine alone, we have to wait a few months until things settle down

Lana's face falls

Do you want to keep our relationship a secret? Haven't we earned the right to finally show everyone how we feel for each other?

if circumstances were different, them, of course, but they're not. My wife's death is still under investigation, and you know how the police look to the husband as the first suspect on the list. I don't want to give them any reason to doubt me, and if we were to come out now, it would look suspicious

I guess I can see your point

Eli kisses her nose

We just have to be patient for a little bit longer until it all dies down. You can't tell anyone, though, not even your family. Do you understand?

Lana purses her lips

Are you sure you're not doing this to gain sympathy for the elections coming up? if you simply explained to the public that your relationship with Kaira was over a long time ago, I think they'd- -

Eli doesn't allow her to finish the sentence. Shutting her up with a kiss, he spins her around so that his body is pressing her into the bed. she yelps as he grabs her leg and hitches it up around his waist

I can't wait a second more. I have to have you, sweetheart

The two kiss savagely, and their clothing is ripped off in a matter of minutes

Are they...?

Jesus christ

on my bed?!

Warren and i turn away from the viewing window, and I shudder in disgust

I can't believe him. He's screwing his damn secretary in my bed after talking about my death and accusing ME of abuse! Can you believe the lies this asshole spins?

it's obvious she doesn't know anything, though. Otherwise, he wouldn't have lied to her like that

That's true. I would've thought she of all people would be aware of what's really going on

The grunting and moaning coming from the other room starts to get louder. Warren peers through the window

Damn, he's still fully dressed, and they're going at it

Really? What's going on now?

oh, wait?

Warren's eyes widen, and then he shakes his head in disgust

what is it?

He just finished

He finished? it's barely been five minutes

He made the weirdest face

I wrinkle my nose, knowing exactly what he's talking about

what are they doing now? Eli usually falls asleep pretty quickly after sex

I think you might want to see this

see my cheating husband with one of his many mistresses? No, thank you

it doesn't look like she's very happy right now

Curiosity gets the better of me as I turn back to the window

That was amazing

it was fine. Now, get up and get dressed. I have a lot to do, so you can see yourself out

Lana sits up in surprise

You want me to leave?

I thought I made myself pretty clear

Lana pouts

I can keep you company while you work? There isn't much for me to do at the office

Get out of my house, Lana

Eli walks out of the room and heads towards his office. Lana watches him leave with disdain. The hurt and disappointment on her face are apparent, but she does, and she's told. After fixing her hair in the mirror and making sure her clothing isn't wrinkled, Lana exits the room, closing the door behind her

is he serious? THAT'S how he treats the woman he supposedly wants to marry? What a sick joke

I can honestly say I wasn't expecting it to end this way

I guess things have changed , and obviously not for the better

Do you think he loves her?

I scoff and roll my eyes

That's the furthest thing from love that poor woman can get. He's just using her

To do what?

I pause, I can't come up with a logical explanation

Maybe he wants another woman by his side during the campaign?

No, otherwise, he wouldn't have told her to keep things a secret. Lexa can't even tell her own family about their relationship

Warren chuckles

what?

Lexa?

what about her?

Her name is Lana Hale, not Lexa

I think I'd name the name of my own husband secretary, thank you very much

Warren gives me a hearty laugh and then turns towards the door

I'm going to go check to see if Eli and "Lexa" have left. Stay here. I'll come get you when the coast is clear

Warren leaves the walk-in closet and quietly heads for the bedroom door. I sigh and turn away from the viewing window , resting my head against the wall. The shelves in the walk-in closet are barren after so many years of displaying all of my favourite shoes. The hangers have been stripped of my clothing, leaving an empty, aching feeling in my chest

why did he think it was okay to take all of my things and box them up like that? What was his goal? I bet he's just making room for the next woman in line now that I'm completely out of the picture

The thought of another woman's clothes in my closet makes my mood drop immediately

Am I that easily irreplaceable?

I stand there in the closet, reminiscing for a few more minutes when a thought suddenly occurs to me.

Warren should've been back by now

cautiously, I turnto face the viewing window again and pee out into the bedroom

There's no movement. Why isn't he back yet? No, I shouldn't be worried. Warren is my bodyguard for crying out loud. He can take care of himself

For some reason, I can't stop worrying about what might have happened. Against my better judgement, I defy Warren's orders and reach for the closet door. Carefully and quietly pulling it open, I search the room to make sure it's still empty. Once I'm satisfied that I'm alone, I step out into the bedroom and close the closet door, effectively cutting myself off from the saferoom

I could check -

Before I can finish my thought, a pair of heels sounds from down the hallway, heading towards the bedroom

Is Lexa coming back?!

Quickly, I fling open the door and run out of the bedroom. As her footsteps are closing in, I make a run for it towards the staircase, hoping she doesn't see me . My heart is hammering in my chest, and my breathing has rapidly picked up

I can't let her catch me!

When I reach the living room, I search for a good place to hide until Warren comes and finds me

Maybe behind the couch? No, no, no! What about under the blankets? Behind the TV?

Frantically, I wack my brain for a good idea until it hits me

The curtains!

No wasting any time, I quietly race towards the curtains and slips behind them, my body completely concealed. Letting out a sigh of relief, I try to calm my rapid heart rate. Thankfully, I don't stop waiting long

Kiara? Are you in here?

I'm being the curtains!

Soundlessly, Warren walks over to the curtains and pulls them aside. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him fiercely

That was too close

Agreed

What took you so long? I was starting to get worried

I got stuck in the hallway. Apparently, your husband likes to walk around when he's talking on the phone

I nod

I'm glad you're okay

we should go

how do we get out without being seen?

I left a door -

Suddenly, Eli comes barrelling down the stairs. Warren shoves me onto the rug behind the couch, and I land with a loud thump. The sound causes Eli's head to snap in our direction. Warren freezes about me

Mr. Garcia?

The shock in Eli's voice is unmistakable. I listen carefully, but my frenzied heart isn't doing me any favours. Terrified, he'll hear my shaky breathing, I clamp my hand over my mouth

Hello, Sir

what are you doing here?

Eli's calm voice sends a shiver of ice down my spine. Warren's body is rigid with tension as he assesses the situation

I came here as fast as I could. Someone tried to kill us in the cabin

Eli remains silent

I don't know how to tell you this, Sir, but your wife didn't make it out. She died

Was she taken to a hospital?

Warren's brow furrows

No, it was too late to save her

Where's the body?

Disposed of

Good

My heart stops

What?

I hear the click of gun, and Warren puts his hands up

Is it good that your wife didn't make it?

Yes, because then I wouldn't be able to do this

Eli fires the gun

.....