Just an Heir // A Silent Lover (prequel)

A Silent Lover 10: Defiance

 

Defiance

 (Chapter Ten of Just an Heir’s prequel – A Silent Lover)

“Stephanie, this basket is too heavy,” Carlos complained silently.

Stephanie placed the carpet on the grass while Rafa silently watched his mother. When done, Carlos placed the basket on the side and sat down on the carpet before removing his black shoes. He was still on his corporate attire, yet he came with them. He didn’t forget bodyguards of course, since they were in a public place.

She sat down beside him after removing her sandals and placed Rafa in front of them. He was holding his teddy bear which was his life ever since he’d received it from Carlos. He can’t sleep without that bear.

Then, she looked at Carlos. He looked like he hadn’t gotten too much sleep for the past few days. He had dark circles under his eyes. Most of the time, she can smell alcohol in his breath. He looked like he lost weight. “Carlos, you should look at yourself in the mirror. Seriously, you need to rest. Why not take your day-offs? It might help you gain your lost weight.”

“I have too much work,” he replied coldly.

She went behind him and began to remove his tuxedo. “For now, relax.” She placed the tuxedo on the carpet beside them. The green-colored longsleeves he was wearing right now looked good on him. She massaged his shoulders. When she heard him moan softly, she knew she was doing it right. “Liked it?”

“Yes,” he whispered calmly. “That’s enough.”

She smiled at him and returned to her original seat beside him. Rafa was currently playing with his toy cars. However, when he noticed the folded tuxedo, Rafa lay on it and was asking for his milk. “Mama, milk.”

“I’ll do it,” Carlos told her, and she nodded. She opened the basket to remove the contents. There were two small containers inside. She gave Carlos one. When he opened the container, his lips twitched a little. By the time she finished preparing the snacks, Rafa was already sucking the contents of the baby bottle.

It was only about sunset. Because they were on the highest elevated part of the park, they got a decent view of everything. There were families happily playing. She can just imagine her family that way. A man smiled at a woman, who was also smiling. She wanted to imagine Carlos smile again. She was the key.

After thinking deeply for days, she realized that she might be already in love with Carlos, even before he confessed. She deeply regretted rejecting him because she did not trust herself enough. To be honest, the reason why she rejected him was unacceptable. He was a fine man. He had everything a woman could ask for. He was a very dedicated partner. Even though he was giving her a silent treatment, he was still an obedient husband. He was still a gentleman. He never disrespected her in any way.

When he fell asleep, Stephanie kissed Rafa’s forehead. She placed him on the stroller where he can be covered so that he won’t get sick. Right now, there was an awkward moment between them.

The sunset was such a great view. It calmed her so much. She saw him looking at the sunset as well.

She suddenly missed her parents. “My parents used to bring me and my siblings to the beach so that we can watch the sunset. Sometimes, only me and my mom. My mom is an avid fan of sunset.”

“My mother, too,” he replied and faced her. “She loves the sunset. My parents and I used to go here.”

“Where’s your mother?” she can’t help but ask him.