Chapter 77

Augustus was proud of the tension that he had managed to create in the atmosphere with his statement. His lips curved into a smirk as he invited himself into the house, shutting the door behind him.

Lucy couldn't say anything and neither could her mother. They just watched as Augustus came in and made himself comfortable on the sofa, dropping his suitcase on the table in front of him.

“What is the meaning of all this Augustus? What the hell do you want from me?” Lucy asked out of frustration.

“I'm not here to cause trouble Lucy. If you just cooperate with me, then everything will be fine. Now where the problem lies is when you start trying to act smart.” He explained and then leaned over to open the suitcase.

As soon as he opened it, both Lucy and her mother gasped, their palms going over their mouths. The suitcase contained thousands of dollars, it was so much money, so so much.

“It’s been a long time since you've seen such a huge amount of money right?” He mocked.

“It can be all yours.” He added.

“How?” Mrs Richards asked and Lucy nudged her with her elbow.

“Good question aunt. You see, I offered your daughter a job since she was looking for one but she rejected it because she hates me, I understand. But what I will not tolerate is her starving my baby because of her stubbornness.”

“You're not my baby's father!!” Lucy screamed at him but he wasn't fazed, he carried on with what he was saying.

“This money here is for her to take care of herself, feed my baby well and go for her check ups. I will send money every week until my baby is born…”

“And then what!?” Lucy screamed, ignoring her mother who was trying to calm her.

“You can take the child away? I'm sorry but that's never going to happen! I won't let it happen!” She continued.

“That's where the offer comes in.” Augustus went back to the earlier statement he made when he arrived.

“If you want your child to remain with you after it's born, you have to start living with me.”

“Never! I'll never marry you! Go to hell!” Lucy was furious.

“I didn't say you have to marry me Lucy, I said you have to live with me. That way, we can both raise our child together.” Augustus corrected but Lucy thought he was out of his mind for making such a suggestion.

“My daughter is not going to your mistress!” Mrs Richards yelled and Lucy supported her.

“Well, it's either that or you'll forget about the baby after it's born. I'll get my lawyers to take the baby away from you and you'll never see him again.” Augustus broke the shocking other end of the offer to them and they stared at him, bewildered.

“No…” Lucy lost her breath.

“Why are you doing this!?” She cried out.

“Lucy, don't make me look like the villain here because I'm not. All I want is to be with my baby, I won't let my baby grow up without a father when I'm alive. So you either accept to come live with me or you'll prepare to be separated from the child.” Mr Augustus summarized and got to his feet.

“You will regret this.” Lucy muttered and Augustus chuckled.

“You have only three days to make up your mind.” He said and took a long stare at them before leaving their house.

“No!” Lucy wanted to fall but Mrs Richards caught her and led her to the couch.

“Mom, I can't fight Augustus, I'll never win a legal battle against him.” She cried.

“Yes we will.” That was Mr Richards and he was descending the stairs. He got to where they were and stared at the open suitcase for a while. He had overheard their conversation with Augustus.

“I will fight that bastard with the last drop of my blood. Don't worry Lucy, we will get through this together.” He assured her before pulling her into a hug.

Lucy really needed all the support she could get because Augustus wasn't easy to defeat. She knew this was going to be a difficult run but she was ready to do anything for her unborn child.

****

Cage got home that night and after a cold shower, he decided to get some sleep but he was restless. He couldn't get Mira off his mind and he was surprised at himself for even taking the hotel key home.

He didn't want to meet her but he was being controlled by his sexual urges this time around.

At a certain time, he started to convince himself that he had no reason to say no to a little fun. Just a little bit of fun wouldn't ruin his life, right?

All this while, whenever he thought of sleeping with another woman, Lucy would come to his mind and he would result. But Mia's case was different, Lucy didn't cross his mind for once.

After a long time of battling within himself, he couldn't take it anymore and decided to go and meet Mira. He really wanted to find out more about her because she tickled his fancy. He wanted to know why she picked an interest in him and why he can't seem to stop thinking about her.

He grabbed the hotel key and headed out that night. He got to the hotel and was given directions to Mira's room. He got there and let himself in using the key.

Mira was sitting on the bed with only a towel wrapped around her chest and sipping wine. She grinned when Cage worked in, she had been expecting him.

“What took you so long?” She questioned.

“I had a hard time deciding on whether I should come or not.” Cage replied instantly, keeping a straight face although something else was going on in his head.

His eyes scanned her toned body, dirty thoughts going through his mind. He imagined his hand caressing those full thighs of hers and then his mouth on her pointed nipples.

“Well I knew you wouldn't be able to resist me.” Mira bragged. She dropped the glass of wine and then walked up to him, touching his chest and attempting to kiss him. Cage pushed her off gently, trying to hide his interest in going down on her.

“Who exactly are you and what do you want from me?” Cage asked and Mira smirked.

“I’ll answer that, but let me take care of that erection first.” She immediately got on her knees.