Situationship

love prevails

EPISODE 18
Mr. Williams stood by the massive window of his extra-large house. Guards stood motionless in strategic positions, but all their faces were stony. Andy’s dad now feels a measured level of regret for what he did to Jessica. The poor girl did not deserve the kind of treatment he had given her. Andy’s confession of love, coupled with Jessica’s disappearance, made him realize that what he had seen when he visited them was not a drama. If what he had glimpsed that night hadn’t been a drama, which he doubted now, then, he was sure that Jessica must have feelings for Andy also. Frankly, he had never seen Andy as devastated as he had been for the past week; it was like replaying the tapes of Andy’s reactions when he found out that his wife-to-be was dead. He wanted his son to be happy—that was what he promised his deceased wife—but all he had succeeded in doing was to add to his sorrow.
Mr. Williams drank from his cup slowly. He should make things right immediately after they find Jessica. He prayed in his heart that she was safe and not in harm’s way. If not, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself. Andy would surely never forgive him if anything happened to Jessica. Even if he found Jessica, how would he make things right with her?
 
*****
Andy’s hold on Jessica’s arm slackened as he stared at her, horrified. He just could not believe she had just mentioned the seven-lettered word like it was nothing. It was like there was truly nothing between them except a flimsy contract. "What is going on here?" he mused. Several emotions crossed his face; bewilderment, confusion, hurt, anger.
Jessica saw these expressions and she felt her heart sinking. She never wanted to cause Andy any pain, but right now, she was not even sure if Andy had feelings for her. Why should he? She is, after all, nothing but a nobody who agreed to marry him for 20 million naira, while he is the most eligible man that ever walked the surface of the earth. Every woman had their eyes fixed on him, wanting him no matter the cost. Apart from being so distractingly attractive, he is also terrifyingly wealthy, with a capital "W". How would she be able to keep up with him? Would she ever be enough for him? It is obvious that she and Andy are both from two totally different classes, and even though she had had a taste of what it would feel like to be rich when she was small, that does not seem to apply to this situation because, compared to Andy’s wealth, that still passes for being poor.
"Sit," Andy said instantly, snapping her out of her thoughts.
She turned puzzled eyes toward him. "Wh-what? "I'm not—" Jessica mumbled.
"Sit down, Jessica, now." He cut in now, showing nearly no emotion. Andy rarely shows his controlling side, but when he does, it can be a little scary. Jessica finally sank her buttocks into the bed, glaring angrily at Andy for making her feel so insignificant.Andy grabbed the tray filled with food and put it in front of Jessica, carefully keeping his face blank.
"Eat up," he murmured, staring straight into her eyes. "All of it. We will have this discussion when you are through, "Andy marched out of the room without looking back.
Jessica stared at the food in total confusion. Just seeing Andy had brought back part of her appetite, but she doubted she would be able to finish half of the food set before her. Swallowing gently, she picked up the extremely big chicken and took a bite. It tasted so good and her stomach growled in response. She picked up her fork eagerly and scooped the fascinating fried rice into her mouth. A moan of delight escaped her lips as she became instantly aware of her empty stomach, attacking the food with fervor. The fried rice had so many ingredients and colors, exactly what she needed after a hunger strike.
She smiled dryly, but the pain she felt overshadowed her, almost making her lose her appetite.
Knowing that Andy would not be pleased, she struggled to eat as much as she could manage. Strangely, she wanted to please him. She wanted him to be proud of her. She ate more and more. When Jessica could not take more, she was surprised that she had eaten a bit more than half of the food. She picked up the chicken and peeled off the meat from the bone. Jessica wondered why the food tasted so incredibly sweet. She assumed that it was because she had been starving herself for a few days.
The door opened and Andy entered. His presence almost choked her, and she focused on taking in a deep breath. Her throat suddenly felt dry and she picked up her glass of orange juice, draining it at once.
"Thanks," she murmured.
"You did not finish it," he said, gazing at Jessica without revealing anything. He looked strained and agitated, but his stance was firm and strong. Jessica felt that he was revealing his business-like stance by using it to cover the awkwardness. She swallowed.
"I have had my fill". She stated She looked like Andy looked like he also needed the same treat, but she was not sure if she should say it.
"It is OK, wife," Andy said, stressing the word ‘wife’. Jessica shifted uncomfortably, looking at the walls instead of matching Andy’s intense gaze.
"Drew, I—"
"Why are you doing this?" What she saw when he stared at her scared her. The pain she saw in his eyes was so unbearable; it cut through her like a knife. She averted her gaze, suddenly wanting to cry.
"You are killing me. Do you know that?"
Jessica took a deep breath. "I don’t want to hurt you, Andy. I really don't."
"But that is what you are doing, Jess." Do you know how it has been with me ever since you disappeared? Did you take me into consideration before deciding to vanish like that? I have almost driven myself crazy in my search for you, honey, and now that I have found you, you want to leave me indefinitely? And you say you don’t want to hurt me? " Andy looked bewildered and shocked.
"I don’t Drew, I just..." She stood up and faced Andy as a cold shiver went down her spine. "Look at me, Andy; I have been disgraced in public. I have been humiliated beyond redemption. I feel people whispering behind my back everywhere I go. The tears Jessica tried to hold back came cruising down her cheeks. "I can’t bear it, Andy, I just can't." If I continue with you, the gossip would continue, and I can’t put you through that, Drew. You deserve something far better than a wife who would bring you nothing but disgrace. "
The tears on Jessica’s face seemed to hurt Andy more than anything. He closed the distance between them and held her face in his arms, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. The contact made Jessica shiver slightly. "Look at me," Andy whispered, and Jessica hesitantly raised her eyes to meet his. You don’t think I deserve you? You don’t think I deserve love? "
"What are you saying? Of course, you deserve all the love you can get, Drew. "
Is it okay if I have to get it from someone else?that what you want – for me to be with someone else? " Andy asked, with his eyes blazing.
Jessica  felt  all  her  blood  drain  out  of  her.  "If…  If  it  makes  you happy" she breathed quietly, lowering her eyes, Andy had to strain to pick her words.
"You would be able to handle it?" Andy emphasized quietly.
The thought of Andy with another woman was like a sticky bitter bile in her mouth and she had the urge to throw up just by thinking about it. She could not open her mouth, so she nodded softly.
Silence stretched uncomfortably between them. "Fine," Andy said, and left Jessica. Her head jerked up, alarmed by what she had just heard, but Andy had his back to her as he went to stand by the wall.
Finally, he faced her and leaned against the wall. Jessica could not tell what he was thinking about because his face was carefully blank.
"What?" she gasped out.
"You want out and I am consenting to it." Is that not what you want? "
Jessica stared at Andy like he had just lost his mind. She had expected him to beg and try to convince her, but he would not agree. Obviously, I do not agree so easily! Does it mean he never truly loved her? She felt hurt and angry as she continuously stared at Andy. She choked and turned her eyes away from him, trying desperately not to cry. She snatched her sandals from the floor and sat on the bed to put them on, but her fingers were shaking so awkwardly that she just couldn’t.
"Allow me to do it." She did not.know when Andy reached her side and her anger increased.
"No," she said, too loudly. "I can help myself."
"C’mon, don’t be a baby." Andy’s voice held vague amusement, and when Jessica looked, he was trying unsuccessfully to hide his smile.
"What is so funny?" she snapped as her anger doubled. She would not tolerate being made a fool of. The tears she had been preventing dropped suddenly, and Andy’s face clouded confusingly.
"Don’t cry, damn it," Andy said, alarmed, and raised his hand to wipe off her tears.
Jessica wiped her face furiously with the back of her hand, pushing Andy’s hand away. "I am not crying, damn you." I just want to get-"
Andy silenced her with a firm kiss, stunning her. Once he had his lips on hers, he could not stop again; he devoured her mouth completely, using the kiss to reassure himself of Jessica’s presence. That she was truly here with him. Jessica held on to him, unable to let go. "Can’t you see... that you drive... me crazy?" Andy murmured between kisses. Jessica put her hand in his hair, holding him close and allowing his words to sink into her. When they came up for air, they were both breathing heavily. "I can never let you go, Jess, no matter how hard you persuade me." I love you. Don't you get it? I love you so much. "
Jessica swallowed. "I love you too, Drew." She was silent for some seconds, happy that the past few minutes had been a terrible joke.
"But-"
"Shhhh... We would figure it out, baby, OK?
Jessica wanted to protest but nodded. Andy sat on the bed and pulled her onto his lap. She placed her head on Andy’s chest, feeling safe with his strong arms around her.
*****
Jessica still could not believe that she was staying with Andy. The whole world had already tagged her as a gold-digger, but she still could not leave the man she loved so dearly. Running away had given her a taste of what it would be like to leave Andy, and she was not sure she wanted to relive that moment of pain. She had been a bit happy when her uncle and his wife, whom she now saw as her parents, had come, looking very relieved and worried. Florence had cried with relief, and she could see that her uncle, "Funsho," who had been very furious with her at the party, was also deeply worried. He apologized for his irrational behavior but also scolded her for running away without thinking about how worried they would be. She had been so happy, even though she was being scolded. They wouldn’t scold her if they didn’t love her. She missed the little children: the stubborn Jake and the sweet and lovely Theresa. The two children of her uncle were at school and Jessica thought of bringing them over for their long vacation holiday; if Andy agreed, of course.
Jessica still could not bear to think of Andy’s dad and Sonia. She had nothing but hatred for Sonia now, but her father-in-law? Could she blame him? He was thinking of his own son’s well-being, but she still could not get rid of the hurt she felt. Since she had arrived back in the house about three days ago, Andy had made her feel like a queen. The fun she had with Andy, both indoors and out, was mind-blowing. She remembered some of the nasty things she did with her husband, and her cheeks flushed at the remembrance.
"You are not going down memory lane, are you?" Andy winked at her and her blush deepened. How could Andy know what she was thinking just by looking at her? She wondered. Of course, he is the master of his game. "Do you want us to talk about your thoughts or act it out?" Andy asked, grinning widely. Jessica lowered her eyes and swallowed. "Oh," he breathed. "My shy wife." Don’t worry; we can go over your thoughts later. Eat your food, we are going out. I need to show you something, "he kissed her cheeks."
"What is it?" Does my voice sound croaky? Jessica wondered.
Andy smiled, melting her heart, obviously hearing the edge in her voice. "It is a surprise baby." He sauntered off towards the study, and Jessica followed him with her eyes. He turned his head and met her eyes. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she covered it by sticking her tongue out to him. He grinned and blew her a kiss.