White Lies and Sweet Compromise( 𝐁𝐖𝐖𝐌💕)

Chapter 29

Lionel felt like the earth was revolving faster than usual then only to slow down at a snail pace then rush on again.

He could not keep his eyes off Leela. It had been a few years since he had seen her and to be honest the mousy cherub that was Kylie's shadow and dearest companion was a sight for sore eyes.

He remembers how she had blossomed into an appealing teenager her chubbiness turning into all the right curves. He had frequently watched her from his window when she came over on Saturdays to swim with Kylie marvelling at how attractive she had become and how much he appreciated it.

Now here he was watching her again amazed at her transformation into womanhood.

Womanhood had taken Leela to another level altogether. He found himself wondering if she was some figment of his imagination but as much as she had changed into a sexy, slim creature with hair now a straight bleached blonde instead of her mousy brown unruly curls her deep blue eyes and that tantalising scatter of freckles on the bridge of her nose and upper cheeks were evidence that it was her.

There was another evidence that he could use to attest to the fact that it was her but he doubts he would get that close to her for that discovery.

He pulled his mind from where it was heading knowing that such a path would leave him in a predicament that he could not handle at the moment. He took a steadying breath and focus on the activity before him. He and Kylie were now being taken through the pediatric department as they had earlier cut the ribbons officially opening the new addition to the clinic.

He felt a sense of pride knowing that he and Kylie made this possible. That they were allowed to use their wealth for something other than personal gain. He was now walking beside Leela who he saw was looking rather pale and more white than her creamy skin should be.

"Are you alright?" he whispered drowning out the chattering Mr Caswell as he stared with concern at her.

She gave him a polite smile and a quick nod before stepping away and keeping her distance ensuring she remained polite, smiling and professional throughout the whole affair but he could not help but notice the little beads of sweat that dotted her forehead.

He took the time to comment when needed, add his input and agreed with Kylie on occasions when necessary but first the chance he got he was by Leela's side not the least bit ready to accept her telling him that she was alright.

To be honest he was wondering if she was nervous seeing him again and if she was scared their past would once again tarnish their lives. He wanted to assure her that he did not set out to make that happen, but he questions she would believe him. They had both been hurt by the decision that was made for them and the fact he did nothing back then to stop it.

"We need to talk," he told her quietly.

"No, we don't as I have nothing to say to you," she returned keeping her eyes trained on the chattering Mr Caswell.

"Lee we have to ---," he started but she cut him off.

"We have nothing," she whispered harshly, "What we had you let them rip it from me and did nothing to stop them!"

She walked away leaving him standing there his heart once again shattered, his world still empty and dark. On an impulse, he removed his wallet from his pocket and pulled a photo from its confines and stared at eyes that were a perfect replica of her mother. With a trembling finger, he traced the smooth surface of the photo before he slipped it into its slated slot and pushed himself to focus on the proceedings at hand.

He was thankful when the cameras stop rolling, Mr Caswell stopped talking and the occurrence boiled down into another bustling purpose-filled day at the Clinic. He wanted to find Leela but he politely accepted the refreshments that were prepared as an excited Kylie fluttered about losing herself in the world that made her thrive.

She was busily chatting away with a parent as she scooped the young woman's child into her arms and proceed to share some matter with her.

He saw the nurse that had been with Leela when they arrived and walk up to her. She smiled openly at him but he politely asks where he could find nurse Snowden and once getting the information he proceeded to find her.

He felt like an unsure teenager and his palms were sweating. He found the nurses station and gently knocked on the door he walked in when he heard a familiar voice bidding entrance.

When she looked up to see it was him her smile faded and she backed away to the only window as if trying to put as much distance between them as she could.

He wanted to say something but the words were stuck in his throat as he looked at her. He tried to speak but all his mouth did was open and close. He felt so unlike himself and if truth be told Leela was the only one to let him behave the total opposite of himself.

"What do you want Mr Withers?"
she asked coldly "To warn me not to make any unnecessary problems and drama for your opulent family?"

She shook her head and laugh harshly as she raised her hand in what appears to be defeat. He watches as a thousand emotions rushed through her as her hands came to wrap themselves around her waist as if trying to hold in all the emotions.

"I wish to God I could drag you and your family through hell, make you suffer the pain that I felt at the rejection that I got from the people who I looked up to, who I even ended up loving as much as I love my own family," she said in quiet anger. "But you're nothing but heartless cowards who will toss aside anything or anyone who threatens your pompous society lifestyle even denying a mother the right to her child and a family their livelihood.

I came back Lionel, yes I did but it was not to hurt you or your wretched family because if I did I would hurt my child as well, so like a thief I lurk in the shadows taking any chance to get a glimpse of her when she goes to school. That's what I did because she deserves better."

The unshed tears were evident in her voice but she ensured she stared at him holding on to every fibre of strength as he knew it would break her to have him seeing her tangled in her emotions.

He pushed his hands into the pocket of his pants as all he wanted was to wrap them around her and let her let loose all the pain, hurt and anger and said.

"Ky is leaving for Africa this Thursday there will be a farewell party at the mansion with some close friends Tuesday evening, I would like you to be there."

"No thanks," was the swift refusal."I remember all too well what a party and your friends bring."

She felt a bittersweet sense of triumph at the look of regret that masked his handsome face.

"It was not a request Lee," he told her staring at her seriously but before she could say anything he turned and leave closing the door quietly behind him.

With a sigh, she walks to a chair slumped down on it and rest her face in her palms. If only she could stay away, but knowing this was an opportunity to see her child in person how could she refuse?

𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷

Sup loves ❤️

The past never remains in the past as much as we would like it to as Leela and Lionel have come to see. What will happen to these two as they like Wendy and Deacon tries to find their path and build a better present.

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