Scars Of Marriage.

chapter 38: Cleaning the Necklace.

When Richard came home from work, the children had already gone to sleep. He gently checked on them. We had dinner and went to bed. I had already taken a bath, so I changed into my nightgown and sat down on the bed. I couldn't help but think back to that message.

Richard finished having a bath, changed into his sleepwear, and sat down beside me on the bed. "Honey, what's the matter?" Richard asked as he hugged my shoulders to him.

"I can't help but notice your worried look. I don't like it. Who has annoyed you? I will quickly work on them," Richard sternly added.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Nothing much. Look, I received this message today," I said as I passed him my phone.

"This person says he knows you? Shiba? I will quickly make some calls. Let's track this number and find out about this name. No need to stress yourself; you are now famous. This might be a stalker," Richard comforted as he held my fingers tenderly with his left arm while quickly dialing someone's number.

"Find out everything about this number I am going to send you. Also a name, Shiba," Richard said to the person on the other line. I couldn't hear what the other person said, though.

"I don't have a second name; just find out anything about that name," Richard added before he disconnected the call.

"Don't worry, take a few days off. I know you want to launch your collection, but it can wait; your safety is paramount," Richard said as he gently pulled me to his side, hugging me to him.

"I haven't been honest with you, Swan," Richard suddenly said. I slightly looked at him.

"About my family, I personally sent my father to jail; he hurt my mother," Richard said. I suddenly sat up straight and looked at him.

Richard looked stern and strict due to his rigid face, but he had emotions, just like anyone else. I had vowed to be with him and bear all his burdens. I held his hands in worry and comfort.

"It's fine. It's been years now. I have never gone to visit him there. My mother went mad because of him and jumped out of the window of our house in Huner; that's where she met her end. I normally return to Huner for her death anniversary. Last time," Richard explained.

"When I went to Huner last time, it was because of a business meeting and also her death anniversary," Richard said.

I tightly held his hand as I listened to him. "When I laid my eyes on you, saw your wounds and state, my heart immediately told me to save you no matter what. I don't regret doing so. You have brought so much happiness and joy into my life. I feel that I am finally complete," Richard said as he held my hands too.

"I also developed a psychological shadow after seeing my mom's body laid out on the ground in a pool of blood. I always dreamt about it for several days. I was worried that after knowing this truth, you would avoid me. I am sorry; I was selfish," Richard said.

I quietly held his face and turned his head towards me. "I can never run away from you; you are my joy too. I love you, Richard. You are so strong to have withstood such a scene in your childhood up to now. It's very difficult for a normal person to do so," I gently said as I kissed him.

"Thank you, swan, for trusting me, loving me, and allowing me to be by your side. I will not let anything happen to you, no matter what," Richard said before he hugged me. We silently cuddled and slowly went to sleep.

The next day, Richard told me to stay at home until the results of the investigation were revealed. I followed his request and stayed at home.

In the evening, Richard returned home, but I could sense that he had drunk some alcohol; his mood was also visibly low.

"Honey, what's the matter?" I suddenly asked as I walked towards him.

Richard immediately hugged me. "My swan, how could anyone do that to you? I will definitely kill them!" I heard Richard speak in anger and pain.

"Okay, no killing people. Come with me, take a bath, and cool down," I gently said as I led him to the master bedroom. Although Archie and Tracy were asleep, one couldn't be so sure with them; I didn't want them to see a drunk Richard.

I helped Richard undress as he incoherently complained and rebuked. I then led him into the bathroom and switched on the shower head. I had no option but to get myself wet; Richard was a tall giant of a man, and it was a hassle helping him take a shower.

After the struggle, Richard finally complied and brushed his teeth. I hurriedly washed and followed him out.

We changed into our nightgowns and headed to bed. That night, Richard had a nightmare. I woke up and quickly hugged him in comfort before he went back to sleep. It really seemed like something did indeed happen, I thought.

Morning quickly arrived; birds sang, and Archie and Tracy's voices rang around the house as the nanny dressed them for school.

I looked to my side and found that Richard had already woken up.

Suddenly, I heard the bathroom door open, and Richard came out with a towel around his waist. He has always been a good-looking man; why did his sexiness increase today?

Richard then came towards me and kissed me. "I haven't brushed my teeth," I said.

"I don't care; I love you no matter what," Richard said before he went to change his clothes. I slightly blushed at his words and rushed to take a bath.

When I came out, Richard was struggling with his tie, so I hurriedly went to help him with it.

"What happened yesterday? You came home drunk. What if the children saw you?" I reprimanded.

"It won't happen again; I promise. Don't get mad at me; I am scared of you getting angry," Richard said as he hugged my waist.

"Now you know how to be scared. Release my waist; you will get wet," I said.

Richard shook his head in refusal. "Give me a kiss; I will let go," he said.

I helplessly looked at him with a gentle smile before I proceeded to kiss him.

We then headed down the stairs after we had changed. The kids were already dressed and fed, and they were ready to go to school.

"Mom! Dad!" they simultaneously called. I guess it was a twin thing; they always seemed to talk at the same time with the same exact words.

I softly patted their heads and kissed each one of them respectively before escorting them to the car.

"Timmy, have a safe journey. Take these troublemakers away," I said.

"No problem, Mrs. Swan," Timmy brightly smiled as he replied.

When I wanted to turn back and leave, I found that my left leg couldn't move. I slowly looked down and found Archie tightly holding it. I scooted down and looked at him.

"Archie, what's wrong? You said you loved school before," I said.

"Come to school with me," Archie childishly said.

"You are now a grown man. Which grown men do you see carrying their mothers around everywhere they go? Do you want to be laughed at?" Richard sternly said.

Archie hesitantly let go of my leg. "It will only be a few hours at school; you will find me at home. I will cook you lamb chops," I gently coaxed. Archie finally let go, and Timmy led them to the car before they left.

"Come, drink some hungover soup," I said as I led Richard back into the house.

Richard finished having his breakfast and stood up. He was always on time for work. He hadn't told me how the investigation went; I guess I still had to stay at home for a few more days, I thought.

"Oh! I almost forgot. I noticed that your necklace had been worn for so long. I have a friend who does some jewelry cleaning; he will be coming to town. Let me take it to him to clean," Richard suddenly turned around as he said.

I nodded in understanding as I tried to remove it. Richard immediately approached me and removed it for me. He kissed me and then went to work.