CHAPTER 37 & 38 : Mathew and Marie – A Forbidden Love
● BROOKS RESIDENCE ●
“How dare you!” Teddy Brooks demand, slapping Genova hard on the face.
Genova staggered a little due to the hit but she stood back, her eyes on the carpeted floor.
“All I told you to do is to look for a way to get Xavier to his car but instead, you did the opposite”.
“Are you here to help me or to sabotage my plan?” Teddy ask, grasping her neck and slamming her hard against the wall.
“Am sorry,Teddy. I do want to help you, I want to help you get back at Desiree but not this way. I can’t let you kill a innocent guy just to get your revenge” Genova spoke freely since Teddy isn’t squeezing the life out of her.
“Why? Because you love him?” Teddy ask.
“Yes” Genova reply, speaking the truth for once, he let her go, strolling back to his desk.
“I made it clear to you that love isn’t part of this. Why on earth will you let yourself fall for the enemy!” Teddy lash out.
“Love isn’t something you can control. The feeling just came and though I tried, I really tired to ignore it, I just couldn’t. When you sent me to Xavier today all I kept thinking was how to save him and am glad I did” Genova said and in return,Teddy hit his fist on the table, startling her.
“You said you were once in love with someone. Then you should know how I feel right now, you should know how terrible I will feel if I end up being the cause of his death or if I wasn’t there to save him” Genova added quickly, making Teddy remember Sophia.
“You are right. I was once in love and I was willing to do everything for her but they took her away from me. Do you blame me for wanting to do the same to them?” Teddy ask.
“I don’t! I don’t blame you but you should focus more on the one who hurt you, don’t let out your anger on the innocent one most especially Xavier. I have never asked you for anything before, so please, do this for me” Genova plead.
“Fine! I will stick to bringing Desiree down but if it doesn’t work then I go back to destroying everyone and everything around her” Teddy said, surprising Genova with his choice to agree with her.
“Do you have a plan on how to take Desiree down?” Genova ask.
“I do have and this time, it better work or you will pay for it”
A while later, Genova walk out of Teddy study, a smile spreading her lovely face.
Her phone began to ring and on seeing the caller, she quickly walk up to her room not wanting Teddy to hear her.
“This is Desiree” The old lady said as soon as Genova answered.
“I know, why are you calling me?” Genova ask.
“I need you to help me with something. You should know that I hate asking for help but you are the only one I know that can help me”.
“If you are worried about the bomb today, I can assure you that Xavier is fine and….”
“I know. I do watch news and as long as he is okay there’s no need talking about the explosion” Desiree said, cutting her off.
“What do you need my help with?”
“It’s about Xavier’s marriage. I have a plan and you have to be a part for it to work” Desiree told her.
● CLUB HOUSE●
Adam was half drunk when Claire found him in the crowded bar.
He gulp down the liquid and was pouring himself another when Claire stop him.
“Why are you doing this?” Claire ask, setting the wine glass aside.
“Why do you think am doing this?” Adam ask in return as a foolish grin curl up his face.
“Am saying goodbye to the first girl I ever love” Adam return gently.
“Is there a need to say goodbye?” Claire ask.
“She’s married. Don’t you watch the news?” Adam demand.
“I do but judging from my perspective. I don’t think their marriage will last” Claire said, piquing his interest.
“Really?”
“From the gossip I heard at work, Turns out Desiree Landon doesn’t approve of Sally”.
“That was why she announce Xavier engagement to that lady Genova during the company anniversary ” Adam added softly.
“Bingo! What I know about Desiree Landon is that she is someone who gets what she wants and so for this marriage, I can bet with you that it won’t last, Desiree will have her way and the two will end up parting” Claire told him.
“So, all I have to do now is to wait?” Adam ask.
“No. What you have to do now is to do what I say and I know of a way you can get what you want, how about making an appointment with Desiree Landon, herself?”Claire ask, a mischievous smile on her face.
● SALLY’S APARTMENT●
“Is your sister always late? It’s getting dark already” Lucia Sawyer said, looking at the time on the watch she had on her wrist.
“She is often late. Don’t worry mom, she will be back home soon” Mathew said watching Marie who gave him a secretive look.
He pulled her to the kitchen out of ear shot.
“Why can’t we tell mom that Sally is married?” Marie ask as soon as they were alone.
“That’s because it’s not our thing to tell. Sally has to be the one to tell her, we can’t interfere. Have you been able to get through to her?” Mathew ask since he gave Marie the task of calling Sally.
“I have but her phone is dead ” Marie reply just as Lucia walk in, startling the two.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost? What’s the matter?” Lucia ask, noticing the suspicious way her twin are acting.
“Nothing” Marie and Mathew said in unison making them more suspicious.
“Start spilling it. What are you two hiding from me?” Lucia ask.
“You guys won’t believe what happen today. There was an explosion at Landon real estate and Sally and Xavier happen to be there, it’s pure luck that they didn’t get into the car and….Oops!” May stop talking when she walk into the kitchen to see Lucia in the room.
“Mom! You didn’t tell me you were coming” May said giving Lucia a hug.
“I told no one and I’d like for you to continue what you were saying about an explosion” Lucia said, disentangling from the hug.
“Oh that? It’s nothing” .
“Will someone tell me what is going on? Why are you all keeping mute when it comes to Sally? Did something happen to her?” Lucia ask, worried about her daughter.
“I can assure you that nothing happen to Sally. She’s okay but we aren’t the right person to break the news to you, Sally should do it herself” May said softly.
● XAVIER’S APARTMENT ●
” Don’t get down, yet” Xavier said as he stop his newly purchase car in front of his apartment.
Sally watch him walk round the car to open her door and as gently as he can, he help her out of the car.
“Stop fussing over me. I only grazed my arm and nothing else” Sally said, starring at the band aid use to cover her injury.
“To me a graze is a big deal. Am just glad that you are okay” he said, pulling her into the warmth of his arms.
Sally wrap her arms around his waist, smiling with sheer joy but that smile soon vanish when she someone approaching them.
“Sally Sawyer! You better have a good explanation as to why you got married without telling me!” Lucia yell at her daughter.
“Mom” Sally call, pulling away from Xavier.
“Your mom?” Xavier whisper and when she nod in return, he quickly walk towards Lucia, his hands outstretch.
“Hello Mrs Sawyer, I am Xavier Landon, Sally’s husband” Xavier said, waiting for her to take hold of his hand but she ignore it and went towards Sally, taking hold of her hand instead.
“We are leaving” Lucia said.
“What? But mom I….”
“Do not mom me! Your marriage to this man is not valid. I don’t want you with him, I don’t want you around anything that has to do with the Landon family!” Lucia burst out in anger startling Sally and Xavier…….
CHAPTER 39 & 40 : Xavier’s Sacrifice – Facing the Enemy for Love
● XAVIER’S APARTMENT ●
” I can’t stand being here, Let’s go, Sally” Lucia Sawyer said pulling Sally stood her ground.
“I can’t leave,mom. Xavier is my husband whether you like it or not”
“I know you are angry mom but if you just come in with us and….”
“Don’t call me mom and stay out of this!” Lucia yell at Xavier.
“Don’t talk to him like that, mom!” Sally defend.
“If you don’t want me talking to him like that then you should come with me”.
“Am not going! This is my home now and Xavier is my….” The rest of her words were left unsaid when Lucia slap her.
“This is why you and I get into arguments all the time. It’s because you don’t always agree with me!” Lucia said, already regretting her action.
“What is going on here?” Someone ask.
While Xavier and Sally stared at Desiree, Lucia stood still, her body tense with fright and anxiety as she stared at Desiree.
“Why are you here grandma?” Xavier ask.
“I have a very important matter to talk about with you”.
“Can we save it for later. I need to handle this” Xavier said, closing the gap between him and Sally.
He took hold of Sally hand and turn to Lucia.
“I know our marriage took everyone by surprise but we are married. Sally and I knew what we were getting into when we agree to this marriage. So you asking us to get a divorce is impossible” Xavier said to Lucia.
“A divorce you say. Seems like we are on the same page. I am Desiree Landon, Xavier’s grandmother and let me tell you that I definitely agree that they should get a divorce. They are not a match at all, don’t you think?” Desiree said, moving towards Lucia.
Lucia stared at her and she remember what Desiree did at the hospital years ago.
“You look familiar, have we met before?” Desiree ask, cutting into Lucia thoughts.
Not bothering to answer, Lucia took hold of Sally hand and began to pull her off.
Xavier made an attempt to follow but Desiree stop him.
“Your mother in law is angry, let her anger dissipate first, just let them go” Desiree said softly.
“Why exactly are you here? “
“To talk business with you”
“Am in no interest for that….”
“Have found an investor for us” Desiree said cutting him off.
“Who?”
“Genova”
“Genova? Where on earth did she get the money to invest with us?” Xavier ask, stunned.
“I don’t know. All I know is that she will be joining the company as an investor, make sure you treat her well after all she’s bringing her money to us because she trust us ” Desiree said, tapping him lightly on the arm before making her way to her car which had her chauffeur on standby.
“Where on earth did Genova get such money to invest?” A confuse Xavier mutter to himself, looking puzzled.
● SALLY’S APARTMENT ●
“Why are you being this way, mom! It’s not a big deal that I married Xavier” Sally said the moment they got to her apartment.
Seeing Mathew, Marie and May present in the room, Lucia pull Sally up stairs to talk In private.
“To me it is a big deal. I don’t want you with that man. Any man will be good but a Landon, definitely not!” Lucia yell at her.
“Why are you against the Landon or are you just against Xavier?” Sally ask.
“For once, Sally. Stop arguing with me and do what I say. Xavier is not the right man for you” Lucia said softly this time, taking hold of Sally arms.
“Do you know something about the Landon? Like a secret? Is that why you are so bent on it that I leave Xavier?” Sally ask, finally noticing the desperation in her mother words.
“What can I know about someone I just met today?” Lucia return, turning away from her.
“You do know something. You wouldn’t have behave the way you did if you just met the Landon. Is it Desiree? Do you know the dirt on her?” As soon as Sally ask that, Lucia turn around.
“Do you know about Desiree?” Lucia ask and Sally gave a nod.
“All I know is that Desiree killed someone called Sophia”.
“How do you know that?” Lucia ask and Sally explain.
“That explains it” Lucia said sometime later when Sally finish her explanation.
“What do you know about the Landon mother? Tell me about it” Sally said softly and once again Lucia turn from her gaze.
“I can’t tell you. All I can is that Desiree Landon is a devil and you shouldn’t be around her, which is why I want you to stay away from Xavier”
“I can’t do that mom. I love Xavier and I knew about Sophia’s death before I married him” Sally reveal.
She walk towards her mom and took hold of her hand.
“Xavier isn’t like his grandma. He’s different, he’s kind, sweet and also a victim of his grandmother cruelty. I have this great urge to protect him from her which is why I married him,so don’t ask me to leave him, I can’t do it” Sally said softly.
“You really are in love with him” Lucia said, seeing the love shinning in her daughter eyes.
“I am and also we can use this opportunity to bring Desiree down”
“We can’t! Desiree is too powerful and cruel and….”
“And she’s not above the law. We just need to find evidence against her and she will be lock up in jail forever. I once suggested this to May but we had no proof. But we can get the proof if there is none” Sally said quickly.
“What you are saying isn’t a simple task and I won’t let you put yourself in danger just to get evidence against that witch” Lucia said.
“Don’t worry mom. I won’t be doing it alone, Xavier will help me”.
“Do you think so? She’s his grandmother” Lucia said doubtfully.
“Even if she is. Xavier knows what is right from wrong and he will definitely help once I tell him about it, trust me” Sally said tightening her mother hand in reassurance.
The knock on the door reveal May who was treading with caution.
“Sorry to intrude but Xavier is downstairs. He wants to talk to mom” May said.
“Promise me you won’t be rude to him?” Sally ask her mom who reluctantly gave a nod.
Together they went downstairs to see a nervous Xavier waiting.
“Mrs Sawyer I….”.
“Just promise me one thing. You keep my daughter save” Lucia said cutting him off.
“I promise” Xavier reply quickly.
“That’s good cause if you fail to watch over her and make her happy and if you so much dare make her cry, I will be your worst nightmare” Lucia threaten and Xavier swallowed hard before replying.
“Sally means a lot to me. I won’t ever make her cry” Xavier said and it wasn’t until Lucia smile that the tense atmosphere dissipate.
“Since we are all acquainted now, why don’t we drink a toast” Marie suggest.
“And where exactly will you get the wine to toast with ?” May ask.
“Marie and I found a hidden bottle in the kitchen cabinet” Mathew said already moving towards the kitchen.
“No! Not my vintage wine!” May said running after Mathew and everyone laugh.
Lucia on the other hand hope within her that she’s making the right decision by letting her daughter be with Xavier Landon.
● LANDON RESIDENCE ●
” You want to do what?”
“I said that I want to help you in any way to end Sally’s marriage to your grandson” Adam reply, starring at Desiree Landon.
“But why will you help me?” Desiree ask.
“It’s simple. I want them to separate, you see I have this interest in Sally and if your grandson didn’t come in my way, Sally would have been my woman” Adam reply.
“You are the company’s model, right?”
“I am but what has that got to do with this?” Adam ask.
“Nothing. I just wanted to know and you are sure that you want us to work together?” Desiree ask.
“Very sure”
“Fine then. I have this thought in mind and if we pull it through, you get your Sally and I get back my grandson. Interested?” Desiree ask.
“Interested” Adam said in return.
A while later, Adam got to his car and made a call to Claire.
“It’s on,Claire”
“Really?”
“Yeah and we even have a plan. A plan which will get those two falling in bad terms”.
“Tell me about it” Claire urge.
A while later, Adam ended the call to start his car.
His only hope with all this is that he gets Sally, the girl he loves.
● BROOKS MANSION ●
Teddy was alone at the balcony, having some alone time when he got a call from his investigator.
“I found her sir and she’s currently in the city” the man said down the line.
“Really? Where? Or better yet, bring her to see me” Teddy let out in a rush.
“That’s going to be hard cause….”
“No more excuses, Payne. Have been waiting for long in finding Lucia Sawyer and now that you’ve find her, you are saying it’s going to be hard?”
“Am not tolerating it. Bring Lucia Sawyer to me and do it ASAP!” Teddy yell before ending the call……..
CHAPTER 41 & 42 : Desiree’s Downfall – The Truth Comes Out
● A WEEK LATER ~ XAVIER’S APARTMENT ●
After clearing the dirty dishes, Sally made way to Xavier who was busy with some paper work.
It’s been a week now and though she told her mother that she will find evidence against Desiree, she hasn’t even begin and that’s mainly because she hasn’t tell Xavier about her plan.
Whenever she brings it up, she just can’t seem to tell him cause she doesn’t want to hurt him by telling him horrible things about his grandmother but if she doesn’t do it, Desiree is bound to get away with her evil deed which is unfair to Sophia.
“Can I have a word with you?” Sally ask, earning his attention.
“Can’t it wait?” Xavier ask, giving her a pleading look.
“It can’t and I need to tell you this before I get cold feet about it” Sally answer quickly.
“Fine then, come tell me” he said, motioning her to seat beside him which she did.
“Take a look at this” Sally said showing him the letter the unknown man had given May and her colleague.
She watch him read the content before setting it aside.
“What does this mean?” Xavier ask, turning to her.
“It says that your grandmother killed Sophia, her stepdaughter”
“That’s impossible. Though I don’t remember much about my aunt, I do know that she killed herself. She went mad and committed suicide”
“That’s what Your grandma made everyone believe but she really killed Sophia” Sally told him.
“Do you have any evidence to back up your words aside from this anonymous letter?” Xavier ask.
“I don’t and that’s why I need your help in getting the evidence. If your grandma really killed Sophia then it’s unfair to the dead Sophia”
“My help? You aren’t getting it. For one, I don’t believe that my grandma killed Sophia and I know that Desiree is cruel and manipulative sometimes but she isn’t one to kill” Xavier said, getting off the sofa.
“But….”
“End of discussion Sally. She might have been a cold and heartless woman but she is my grandmother. How can you suggest that I do that to her?” Xavier ask, silencing Sally.
“Then do you think we should let this matter slide and let Sophia murderer go scot free? All am asking is that we get evidence and if it turns out that your grandma did it then….”
“Enough Sally! Enough!” He said suddenly, his voice coming out thunderous.
“No more talk about this and I will pretend you never said it, okay!” He added and when she said nothing, he went upstairs.
Ever since their marriage, this is their first fight and it’s all because of Desiree and Sophia.
Sally took in a deep breath when her phone beep of a message.
★ OUT CLUBBING AND AM TOO DRUNK TO DRIVE, CAN YOU COME HELP A FRIEND? ★
★ SORRY CLAIRE , BUT I CANT, WHY DON’T YOU JUST CALL A DESIGNATED DRIVER ★
★ DON’T TRUST THOSE SHIT. SEEMS LIKE I WILL HAVE TO DRIVE MYSELF AND I WAS HOPING WE COULD GET TOGETHER AGAIN SINCE IT’S BEEN SO LONG ★
★ FINE THEN, TEXT ME THE ADDRESS★
A while later, Sally left a note on the fridge for Xavier, explaining her outing with Claire.
She would have love to tell him herself but he might still be angry.
It was well into the evening when Sally got to the club in one of the car Xavier bought for her.
She walk into a crowded room and when she fail to find Claire, she called but there was no answer.
“Did she leave already?” Sally mutter as she turn to leave only to collide into someone.
“Sally” Adam call, his arms around her trying to steady her.
Ever since the anniversary night, Sally hasn’t seen him.
” Hello Adam. I came here to see Claire, do you know where she is?” Sally voice came out very loud and that’s due to the loud song played by the DJ.
” Claire left some time ago. Had to call the driver for her” Adam said.
“Oh, then I should leave too” Sally said but Adam stop her.
“Don’t! Stay here and keep me company, please”.
“Am sorry Adam but I….”
“For old times sake. Okay, if you can’t keep me company then share a drink with me, please” Adam plead again trying to get her to stay.
Sally knew that if she didn’t agree, he wouldn’t let her go and so she decided to just have one drink with him.
The whiskey given to her was quite strong and it taste a bit weird.
Does whiskey taste like that? Sally thought as she put the glass down and stood up.
“I shared a drink with you like you want and so, I have to leave” she said, staggering as she took a step.
“Just one glass and you are drunk. Seat here, let me take you home”.
“Yo….you don’t need to” Sally said, her words slurring, her head spinning.
“It’s not a problem. I will run you home in your car and come back for mine, you definitely can’t drive like this. Just hand over your car keys” he said and slowly she pull it out of her pocket and gave it to him.
And that was the last thing she remember before dozing off.
Xavier descend the stairs, his anger having dissipate.
Sally had gone far by claiming his grandmother is a murderer but he had gone far too by yelling at her.
They’ve never argued before and since he knew that he is the one who lost his temper, he decided to apologise.
On getting to the sitting room there was no sign of Sally except for the note she left on the fridge.
Xavier called Sally through a video call but there was no answer.
He was about calling again when she called him through a normal call.
He didn’t have on his hearing aid and so, he decided to send her a text.
★ WHERE ARE YOU ? ★
★ OUT WITH CLAIRE. DON’T WAIT FOR ME, I MIGHT BE LATE ★
Xavier muse on this message, wondering where Sally had gone to with Claire when Genova called.
He didn’t want to answer but she might be calling for work cause after all she’s part of the company now.
Reluctantly, Xavier put on his hearing aid before answering.
“Guess who I just saw?” Genova ask down the line.
“Am not in the mood for guessing games. If you won’t talk then it’s best we….”
“Sally. I just saw your wife going into an hotel with a man”Genova said quickly.
“What did you just say?”
“You heard me and if you don’t believe me, you should come take a look” Genova reply and end the call.
A while later, she send him the hotel address with a little message.
★ SEEMS LIKE YOUR WIFE IS SEEKING FOR ATTENTION OUTSIDE ★
That got Xavier leaving the apartment and straight to this so called hotel his wife is.
“I knew you will come” Genova said, walking towards him the moment he got out of his car.
“Where are they?” Xavier ask, his voice ruffled with anger.
“I took the liberty of getting the info from the reception desk. Follow me” Genova told him as they made way to the lift which took them upstairs.
“They are in here” Genova said, slipping the card key into the lock.
The door open and there was no sight of anyone in the sitting room except for male clothes and Sally’s clothes which were tangled up on the floor.
“They made quite a mess ” Genova mutter as Xavier made way to the bedroom.
He open the door to find Sally sleeping in the arms of Adam.
Adam woke up at Xavier arrival but Sally didn’t.
“See! I told you that she’s cheating on you” Genova said with triumph.
“What’s going on?” Xavier ask, his gaze on the sleeping Sally.
” I hope you don’t get mad but Sally and I have been….together ever since your marriage. We didn’t want you finding out like this but now that it has come to this then it’s time to tell you the truth” Adam said, sitting up.
“Truth that you two are cheating on me?” Xavier ask.
“Not cheating but if you want to put it that way then it’s your problem” Adam said softly.
“Why isn’t she waking up to tell me this herself?” Xavier ask.
“She’s a little drunk. We were at the club before coming here and after our…after what we did together, she’s exhau….” Adam didn’t get to complete his words cause Xavier gave him a punch which got him hitting his head on the bed rest.
“What the hell is that for!” Adam ask, getting off the bed while clutching his jaw and head.
“You know, there’s a limit to your nonsense and this have gone far as it can for you two” Xavier said, pointing at Genova and Adam.
“What do you mean by that? Don’t you believe me? I clearly saw them coming in together” Genova said.
“Together? Why not just come out and say the truth or do you want me to guess it myself?” Xavier ask waiting for them to speak and when they said nothing, he began to talk.
“Sally went out after getting a call from Claire then somehow she ended up with you who probably gave her a spiked drink and then you brought her to this hotel, a hotel Genova payed for. You put her on the bed after discarding her clothes then you do the same and waited for me to arrive with Genova, right?”
“He wasn’t suppose to know that?” Adam mutter at Genova who push him away from her.
“Xavier it’s not what you think. Sally is really….”
“Enough! Have heard enough of your lies. Do you really think am a fool? Sally never calls me through a normal call, she only calls me through video call or message me but whoever was with Sally’s phone made her mistake of calling me through the normal call and Genova.
When we were coming to this room some minutes ago, the receptionist never gave you a card key but miraculously, you had it with you when we got to the door. I have no doubt that the room was bought by you just to achieve this goddamn scheme of yours!” Xavier yell at them.
“Xavier, give me a chance to explain, I just….”
“Save your explanation. All I want you to do right now is to get out and that goes for you too!” He said to Adam who quickly left the room followed by a reluctant Genova.
Xavier let out a sigh and sat on the bed starring down at his wife with love and tenderness.
● BROOKS RESIDENCE ●
“Come in, Miss” The man who had brought Lucia to see Teddy urge her into the house.
Lucia had been a bit reluctant when she had first got a visit by this man but when he told her that it’s a matter of life and death, Lucia agreed to see the man called Teddy Brooks.
“If you will wait here, I will go bring my boss” the man said just as another man appear, a more older man.
“Am here already, don’t bother” Teddy said, taking a seat while starring at Lucia.
“You must probably be wondering why I called you here?” Teddy ask, going straight to the point.
“I will be lying if I said no” Lucia reply softly.
“I will get straight to point then. Do you know Sophia Landon?” Teddy ask and immediately Lucia stood on her feet.
“If it’s about Sophia then I know nothing” Lucia said quickly, turning to leave.
“I know you know Sophia. She wrote to me about you years ago, when she was at the hospital, she mention that you were one of the nurses who took care of her before she gave birth to our child” Teddy said and that made Lucia stop.
“Please, I need to know what happen to the child she gave birth to. When I return to the city, Sophia was dead and there was no trace of our child, tell me what happen to her?” Teddy ask, his eyes filled with pain.
Lucia swallowed hard before turning back to Teddy.
“The child Sophia gave birth to….died” Lucia reveal shattering the poor man heart…….