The Facade

Chapter 29

I spent the whole day following Marlon around as he made use of the property. He'd kiss and hug me at moments, show off the fish he'd catch in the stream and share a drink with Norman.

I took out the home footage camera I'd brought on the trip and recorded some moments with Marlon. He goofed around on the grounds of the estate, doing anything to make me laugh. Marlon truly seemed relaxed, he needed to get away from it all. There was a youthful air about him that I hadn't noticed before.

Eula was always nearby but she didn't dare act out in front of everyone. She was a master of deceit.

I helped Celia set the table in the dining room. The sun was setting outside and the men were finishing up. As I placed the fine china on the table, I couldn't help but think about what happened earlier in the guest house.

After my conversation with Eula, I found it hard to control my emotions. I wanted to tell Marlon what happened, but I found no point in it. He had every right to be in love at that moment in his life, and Eula's reminiscing about it shouldn't be my problem.

Eula helped us set the table, wearing a snarky smirk on her face. She knew she was able to get herself into my head. She was satisfied knowing that she somehow made me unsure of myself.

I was taking out of my thoughts once Celia put her hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you for helping, Rose." Celia showed gratitude. "You didn't have to."

"She wanted to." Eula smiled. "It's in her blood to do work."

Cella's mouth turned into a frown. "Celia, how about you head into the kitchen and make sure all the food is warm."

Eula knew her mother was trying to get rid of her. She rose a brow and glimpsed at us, then silently went into the kitchen.

"Rose, I couldn't help but notice you seem like you have quite a bit on your mind." Celia asked with concern. "Is everything alright between you and Marlon?"

I placed my hand on one of the dining chairs, my breath hitching in my throat. "Well."

"Is that food I smell?" Marlon shouted with a smile as he came in. He was still shirtless and dirty from outside. His spirits were high from all of the activities he did that day.

"Oh no, you boys head back and wash off before you come in here!" Celia placed her hands on her hips. "You're not gonna dirty up my furniture!"

"Come on, after a day of being men we need food to sustain ourselves." Marlon flexed his arms, showing off his body.

"No, no, no. You walk right down to that guest house and wash off." Celia insisted. Marlon blew a raspberry and began walking toward the door. Then, before heading out, he quickly ran into the dining room and placed a kiss on my cheek.

"I'll be in the shower." He told me in a low voice, then headed back outside.

"Isn't that sweet?" Eula asked as she stood in the kitchen doorway behind Celia and I. Pushing past her, I began to get plates with Celia and setting out the food.

"Hey. Why don't you head back to the guest house and freshen up?" Celia suggested. "I've got this."

"Are you sure?" I asked and she nodded with a smile.

"Go be with your husband." She said warmly. My husband. I began to make my way back to the guest house. When I reached the front door, I heard water running outside.

After walking around the guest house through the grass, I found Marlon in the outdoor shower. He was concealed from the waist down by a wooden barrier, but the rest of him was totally naked. When I walked up on him he was allowing the water to run over his head, but then he noticed me after turning around.

"Want to join?" He invited. I coldly rolled my eyes and began walking off. With furrowed eyebrows, Marlon shut the water off. "It was just a joke."

"How funny." I crossed my arms, looking away from where he stood in the shower. Marlon huffed. When I glimpsed back, he was leaning forward with his hands placed on the barrier.

"Rose, it's only been a few days and I feel that you're not even a pal to me anymore." Marlon admitted.

"I was just a pal?" I asked, my back still turned to him.

"Come on, Rose, you know what I mean." Marlon sighed. "We were friends. Great friends."

"And now we're colleagues." I answered with sarcasm, turning around toward him. There I stood in front of him, looking in his eyes. He still was leaning over and gripping the barrier between us.

"Sometimes I wish we never agreed to do such a foolish thing." Marlon said quietly. "I miss having you."

"That's the problem. You've had me too much Marlon. I've put my whole life on pause for you." I reminded him.

"And I don't know how I could ever thank you for it." Marlon shook his head. "You're saving my career, Rose. My career is everything to me."

"And mine is everything to me." I answered back to him. "And if I cannot continue with that soon, then I cannot stay in this marriage."

"You have a contract." Marlon shook his head.

"I'll buy my way out." I told him coldly. He lowered his head, water droplets dripping from his hair.

"Must you do everything to keep yourself out of my life?" Marlon asked me.

"You never asked me to truly be apart of it. You're push and pull, Marlon. Sometimes you're flaming hot, sometimes your freezing cold. You want to decided when I'm in your life and when I'm not. It's my turn to make decisions now." I told Marlon. He looked into my eyes with that Brando look, but I wasn't budging.

His strong body stood up straight, Marlon was finally accepting my stance. "Alright." He agreed.

"Good. If this is not done by New Years, it's through." I warned him.

"Fine. Our expiration date is New Years." Marlon agreed. But then, he placed the palm of his hand on my cheek in the most sensual way. "But until then, you're mine."