I go back home. I open the door.
'Mom, I am home!', I shout.
No answer.9Please respect copyright.PENANAmzjLsc3WIw
'Mom..MOM!!', I shout as I walk into the different rooms of my home.
She is not there. 9Please respect copyright.PENANA8aJrZXS7tC
I start to panic. I go through my phone to see if I missed a message from her. I don't.
My phone rings- It is an unknown number. I made it a habit not to pick calls from an unknown habit because I was always scared that Kade might be behind it and could easily trace my location. But, this time I pick up the call- figured my mom's disappearance and this call might be related. I answer.
'Hello..', I shakily stammer into the phone
'Kitten, your voice is a music to my ears..'
Kade9Please respect copyright.PENANAbQy5N243R2
I gather my courage9Please respect copyright.PENANAb5i2TtIod5
'Are you behind my mother's disappearance'?
'Ah, my darling wife. You don't mince words do you?'9Please respect copyright.PENANAZejfD5Ozxi
I make an impatient sound. I am about to cut the call when he speaks out.
'Your mother is safe ... for now', he says after a dramatic pause.
'You evil..'
'Uh Uh Uh, mind your tone kitten. I can only take so much', he says sternly.
'Kade, why are you doing this? Leave her out of this. Whatever it is.. it is between us. Don't drag my mother into this. Can't you see she is sick?'
'I know how much she means to you baby. And for that, I am prepared to make ammends.'
My hearts soars with a hope.
'But first, I need you to come back home.', he finishes.
'I am prepared to be generous. Come home and your mother will receive her medication, else she will suffer the consequences of her daughter's foolishness', he says evilly.
'Why you bastar-', I vehemently spit out
'Tick Tok, Tick Tok, Kitty cat', he says and hangs up.
I rush out the door with a destination in mind- Kade's house. I reach there in an hour.
"Kade, stop this madness.". I shout as I open the door.
" Well, well, well.. the runaway wife has finally returned."
"Where is my mother?"
"Relax, my kitten. She is here."
"You monster. How can you be so evil?"
"Tsk tsk ..my darling. Don't be rude."
He walks towards me and lifts my face to his with his thumb and forefinger gripping my chin. His arms snake around my waist, pulling me in.
"Kade..."
"Yes, my darling.."
"Let my mother go. Can't you see, she is sick. Withholding medicine will deteriorate her health.", I say. I put my hands on his chest imploring him to understand.
He looks at me in a sinister way.
"What will you give me in exchange, my darling?"
"What more do you want from me?"
"Everything. I want your mind, soul and body. But first, let us start with your body my sweet."
"What?!", I say horrified.
" That is the deal, my darling. Take it or leave it."
" How can you be so heartless, Kade?"
He does not respond. He just looks at me waiting for my answer.
"I accept.", I say brokenly. I knew I would go to any length to save my mother, even if it includes submitting to my cruel husband.
I avert my face to the side and close my eyes after that declaration. A lone tear escapes my eyes, sliding down my cheek.
He brings his face near mine and kisses my tear away. I open my eyes, shocked at that unusual yet intimate moment that passed between us.
" As I said, I want everything from you", he says by way of explanation.
He picks me up bridal-style before I can voice out a protest. We go to our bedroom and he deposits me onto the bed. He leans over me and slips down my sleeve, kissing the exposed skin of my shoulder.
"Kade..."
"Shh.. darling...I missed you..", he says and nuzzles my neck and kisses it. I melt into his kisses. He undresses me expertly while we kiss. I am nude except for my lacy undergarments.
" You are exquisite, wife.", he says.
His hands are on my hips. His kisses are getting fervent. I know what he has in mind. I struggle.
I know I do not want this. I am not ready.
" Settle down, kitten. ", he says in a mixture of confusion and irritation.
"Do not deny you wanted this to happen too", he says.
"I have never been with a man before.", I confess, not meeting his eyes.
"Never..?"
I shake my head, saying no.
He kisses my forehead and let's go of me.
'You must have had a long day. Freshen up and go meet your mother. She is waiting for you in the guest bedroom'
With that he exits the room. I rush to the wash basin in the bathroom. I wash my face and rush out the door. I knock on the door and she opens it.
Relief floods me. I go and hug her tight.
'Mom, how have you been?', I ask her.
'Baby, I am feeling good. Well, I must say, you did good by marrying Kade.'
'What?.. I don't understand..'
'Such a charismatic and charming sweetheart. He was so patient with me and listened to this old woman talking. He even played chess with me. Such a generous man.'
'Mom, what about your medication?'
'Medication, ah yes. Don't worry about it dear. Kade has taken care of it. He told me that a week ago, he has scheduled my chemotherapy.'
'I don't understand..', I say dumbfounded.
'Oh no, he still didn't tell you.. he wanted it to be a surprise for you. Oh no, I ruined it. But why are you so worried sweetheart? I am well taken care of here.'
'Mom, am glad you are doing good', I smile
'Darling, am tired, I will take a nap. We will talk later when I am fully rested.'
I close her door and lean my forehead against it.
Kade never meant to withhold her medication. It was an empty threat. He just said that to make me come home. That cunning jackal. 9Please respect copyright.PENANAgfa56guDYB
Cold anger replaces my confusion and I storm to his bedroom knowing he would be there.
'You lied to me..', I say upon entering our- his bedroom.
'What?'
'Don't play dumb with me.. you intentionally lied to me to bring me here.'
'It's not my fault if you think the worst of me.'
'You threatened me over the phone!! I don't know what to do!'9Please respect copyright.PENANA8DKeF0oNDU
'A simple thank-you would suffice'9Please respect copyright.PENANATC9BxTrr1y
'You are incorrigible'
A lazy smile spreads around his face, making his face look angelic. I turn away lest I betray the excitement that is spreading low in my belly.
'Thank you', I say out of gratitude.
I can see that my genuine gratitude makes him uneasy.
He clears his throat. 'Dinner is at 7 pm. I will see you downstairs then. I have business to take care of', he says and then takes his leave.
I take a relaxing shower and choose an off-shoulder wine-red gown to wear for the dinner. My closet is untouched. All my designer gowns that Kade got without consulting me are still there.9Please respect copyright.PENANAan30kT7c3D
I look at the clock. Its 5 minutes to 7 pm. After some last-minute touch-ups, I am finally ready for dinner. I quickly glance at the clock. 2 minutes to 7pm. I make my way downstairs and my eyes instantly search for Kade. He is there in his black tuxedo. Looking at me the entire time. He escorts me to my seat.
'You look ravishing', Kade breathes into my ear.
Delicious goosebumps trickle down my spine.
'Thank you', I whisper back.
'You look so beautiful, my dear daughter', my mom says
'Thank you mom', I say.
The three of us have our dinner.
My mother filled the silence and Kade was courteously answering her questions.
Watching them converse in such an easy-going manner made my heart twinge.
He really adores mom.
After dinner, mom retires to her bedroom and we both are left standing awkwardly.
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