Contagious lies

31 | Family reunion

Ezhil Sirju

It was everywhere on the news. Honestly I couldn't escape it as much as I wanted to. There it was again, written in bold letters 'Mr Reed found dead in his vacation home'. His death was ruled a suicide, apparently he was found in his home covered in blood with a gun in his hand. It was the new gossip at work, especially since Brenda is working with his daughter on a new article.

I found it appalling how we single handedly fooled an entire nation. We all knew the truth, from Brenda to Isabella back to me. We knew what really happened. Yet we were in too deep, going back on our words was impossible and in all honesty I didn't want to.

The man deserved it.

Maybe not as morally correct of me but at least now I can write an article about his dirty affairs. I can write how he human trafficked women and young children without fearing for my life.

"I can't believe you are already leaving Ezhil. It hasn't even been a year." One of my colleagues complained as she leaned on my desk. Arms crossed as she stared at me clearly upset.

"She is moving to Italy with her boyfriend-" Another comment, making me clear my throat.

"Actually-" I trailed off and raised my left hand. "It's fiancé now." I giggled like a little kid. Overjoyed and perhaps a bit excited.

"And you are only telling us now?" Someone screams angrily.

"To be fair he proposed yesterday." I defended myself.

As they all cheered and sent congratulations my way, my thoughts drifted back to the wedding that will take place in a month. It felt a bit rushed and it seemed like Marco wanted to move back to Italy as soon as possible.

I stare at the article waiting to be published. It will stir a lot of trouble and after Isabella's story it will leave a lot of people in disbelief. Personally, I didn't want her to do it. After all she is only telling the world what is allowed to be known. If anyone wanted to dig in deeper, they might find the actual truth but the case has already been closed.

Tiredly I let out a yawn as I clicked on send and closed my laptop. It was already time for me to clock out yet my eyes lingering around the room longer than needed. Taking everything in for one last time.

From the corner of my eyes I can see my phone light up and a message pop up on my screen. "I have to get going. I don't think I'll find better Colleagues else were."

Once we said our goodbyes I made my way down the stairs. Outside a very exhausted looking Marco was waiting for me with bright red roses. I smile as I run into his arms, bury my face inside of his chest as I breathe in and out.

"I missed you." I whispered softly.

He chuckled softly as he placed a kiss on my forehead. "You saw me this morning."

The drive home to his house was rather short. Time seems to fly when I'm around Marco. His house already came into view and as I entered the empty house I turned around confused.

"Where are my kids?" I questioned him with a frown on my face.

Marco leaned against the wall as he watched me intensely. "They are with Serafina and Massimo. According to her they need bonding time with their little cousin."

I nodded my head in agreement. "Well she is not wrong." I commented.

Silence surrounded us for a brief moment. My gaze met his and all we did was look at one another. His arm found its way around my waist and I knew that this is exactly where I wanted to be. In his arms I was safe, and loved.