Chapter 25 All my fault
Charles POV
When Harvey whispered to me that Nikki had awoken, I knew that a disaster was bound to occur.
True to my instincts, a disaster just occurred and now I'm sure that all blames would be on Linda for making her faint.
The guests dispersed slowly and rumors hung on the air. I folded my arms and paced to and fro the large luxurious living room.
It's my fault! Everything has been my fault, dragging an innocent maid into matters that was none of her business in the first place.
She was only a victim at the hands of her captives and I complicated matters by making her a threat to them.
Despite the ongoings, I was determined not to leave without Linda. Come what may, I don't care again.
Fuck the merger, fuck the Jenkins family. My heart belongs to Linda now and I'll do anything to make her mine.
“Shouldn't you be happy now?” The familiar voice came slow and calm almost a whisper
“Happy for what exactly?” I turned to Harvey “Happy that I just put Linda in a complicated situation? She doesn't even want to see my face!”
“Don't be so dumb Charles!” He replied rather excitedly in a way that marvelled me
“Are you okay?” I asked blinking twice “Can't you read the room Harvey? Everywhere is chaotic! I'm sure the news of how Nikki fainted is viral right now and all the blame would be on the poor maid!”
“What do you really want? Harvey asked gently and I was taken back
What do I really want?
“Why are you upset?” He continued “is it because of the fact that the wedding news might escalate or because you think Linda hates you now?”
“I think she does hate me, I can't get her out of my head. I'm stuck Harvey, I really am” I mumbled
“Well you should be happy. Linda's going home with you” He said and the room shifted
“Are you being serious, like how do you know-” my eyes widened
“She's always the substitute and now Nikki fainted……”
“Oh my god Harvey! It just clicked” I couldn't help but exclaim and the few people in the room turned to me
Harvey swallowed his laughter and pretended he never spoke to me.
In order to save my face, I cleared my throat and walked straight to John who was standing just opposite us, discussing with some friends.
“Mr John, I need my wife.” I said interrupting the discussion
He quickly excused his friends and shifted towards me
“You have to calm down Charles, you saw what happened” he whispered
“It's getting late already and I need to be on my way” I replied expressionless
“But–”
“But nothing John, I don't care what happened. Stick with our agreement” I said and he took a deep breath before walking out slowly, his head hung low.
I tucked my hands in my pocket and stood upright, keeping a stern face.
I exchanged pleasantries with some guests while waiting for my wife.
“I'm so excited that you are about to join the company. Stemming from your good records, It is certain that we are about to hit the zenith” a middle aged woman who has been ranting off my ears finally concluded
“Yeah, I look forward to your cooperation” I replied and extended my hand for a handshake which she readily shook.
Everywhere stood still as Linda walked in, clutching a medium size tote bag. Her hands were tightened and her eyes twitched as she scanned the room.
I discharged the middle aged woman and rushed towards her.
“Linda” I said as I reached out for her hands but she withdrew
“Your wife is here” she said and looked away
Pushing further would only cause a scene as she looked very angry already.
I simply nodded and maintained my distance
“Let's go” I said and before I could blink an eye, she was already heading out.
My eyes met with Harvey's and he gave me a thumbs up smiling.
A huge smile crept on my face without asking for my permission and I hurried out behind her.
We drove in silence.
She looked out of the window the whole time, acting as though I was non-existent.
Her silence pierced my heart. I wanted her to talk, wanted her to look at me but all my efforts to divert her eyes towards me were like watering a stone.
After some resolution, I broke the silence.
“I'm really sorry for what happened, everything that happened” I said yet she remained unmoved.
Instead she wore headphones and leaned further towards the window.
Sweat broke through my forehead and I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“Linda, please. I know it's all my fault. But this silence is killing me” I continued
Silence.
I turned slowly and looked at her, tears were flowing freely down her cheeks.
I pulled up immediately and removed the headphone from her ears.
“Linda-” I tried to speak but she shook her head
“Haven’t you done enough?” She asked, her voice cracking
“Linda?”
“All my life, I've been the one that has to bear the blame even when it was clearly not my fault.”
“I'm really sorry” I pleaded but she laughed maniacally
“What can you fix? Can it fix the fact that I am only a temporary in your life? That my feelings don't matter?”
“You can never be a temporary in my life-”
“Ofcourse, that's because I would always be her substitute. Someone that can be used anytime and anywhere.” She yelled and suddenly the car became hot.
Despite the air conditioner, I was sweating like a Christmas goat.
“I know how you feel. I know it's not easy for you at the Jenkins home, they've used you all your life and I'm tired of watching them. I'll do anything to get you out of there” I said firmly
“You…, you don't understand do you?” Her voice cracked as tears rained on her cheeks
“I understand baby, I do. I only need you to trust me.” I replied calmly and pulled her gently into my arms.
Surprisingly, she compromised and held me tightly, sobbing uncontrollably
“It's not your fault Charles. It's not” she mumbled
“Shh” I whispered and stroked her head gently
I kept soothing her for almost an hour till she fell asleep in my arms.
I gently adjusted her seat, reclining it until she could lie comfortably. Cradling her carefully in my arms, I eased her down, making sure she w
as relaxed before pulling her closer as she drifted asleep against me.
Then I planted a kiss on her forehead and zoomed off.