Chapter 44
Angel
Leffman
When I arrived at my apartment, I saw that everything is arranged. I want Sofia to know about my home, my refuge when she thought I was traveling.
She is in a bad mood, angry perhaps, because I didn't answer what she asked me, or is it because of something else? I want this night to be special, without the past, or resentments, not her family, or mine. No one or nothing to remind us of these five years. "Angel, everything is ready," said Carmen. I nodded my head in contentment. "Thank you."
"I wondered why you called me to arrange all this. Was it for Sofia? Excuse my curiousity."
"Yes, Carmen, this is for Sofia, and you have nothing to apologize for."
"I'm glad you decided to win her over, but my girl isn't easy, you know that, right? If you hurt her, you will suffer in her hands."
"I know Carmen, but I hope you know that it's the same if it's the other way around."
"Sweet Sofia will never hurt anyone just because she wants to. If that happens, it will be because you have done something to her."
"This woman. Who hired you? Is it her or me? Be honest, who has your loyalty?" I asked the older woman in a teasing manner.
"She's my girl, Angel. I take care of her food, the cleaning of her apartment and even then I don't tell her anything about you, while I'm with you, it's the complete opposite."
This time however, I frowned at her words. "I hired you to take care of her for me and tell me everything she does when I'm not there, right?"
"I followed all your orders, but I also know that she loves you. How many times have I heard her cry for you?"
"For me?" I asked in surprise, and felt angry at myself all of a sudden.
"When you two fight or you come and go on a trip, you ignore her. When she does something to you and you despise it, like the necklace with the eagle pendant she gave you on your birthday, you hardly even look at it."
I remember that necklace, it was a few months after our first year of marriage. I was so confused when she gave it to me because it had such an important meaning to me and she knew it. I thought she was playing with my head, and if I stayed there with her, I might forget my promise and kiss her.
"Did I t*****e her too much? But why would she cry? It's possible that she liked me, but love? I don't think so."
"God, you and her are so much alike. You are both stubborn, and instead of just accepting what you feel and be happy, you ignore it and ended up hurting each other."
I got ready and looked for that one necklace with the eagle. I hid it with the other gifts that Sofia gave me. Every birthdays, anniversaries, events, etc. i admit, I was the biggrst fool, but I'm not going to ruin it anymore.
"I love you, my child. You were my world. For you, I endured so many things. I want to give you the world, even though I didn't choose your mother and I didn't love her.Some sentences are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on Jo bn Ib.com. Visit Job n I b-com to read the complete chapters for free. It just hurts me to lose you, and when I found out that Sofia was the reason, my whole world fell apart. I lost what I loved and longed for." I talked to my unborn child with the necklace in my grasp.
"I promised you that I would be a great father, that I would have everything, that I would hate her, that I would remove her from my heart and make her pay. But I can't, I just can't. Now, there is even a possibility that she is not at fault. I clung to her because she gives me happiness that I have not felt in a long time.",
I took a deep breath before I finished packing and went to Sofia's apartment. I called her and the call is redirected to the mailbox again.
"What is up with her?" I frowned while looking at the phone and decided to calm down because we were both upset, and it would be like a war.
I rang the bell and it took her a while to open. When she opened it, I saw that she's still not prepared. "Why are you looking at me like that?
"I see you are still in a bad mood," I noticed and walked inside. "Don't tell me you're thinking of going out to dinner like that?" I asked with a raised brow while looking at her in shorts and a t-shirt.
"What if I want to go out like this? What's the problem? I don't see anything wrong with it."
"Sofia," I breathed out her name and forced myself to calm downl. "If you want to leave like that, it's fine, I have no problem."
No one will see her anyway, just the walls of my house.
She stared at me with a blank look on her fave. "Since you know the house already, just help yourself with something while I get ready. Where will we go anyway? I need to know what to wear." She asked with the attitude from earlier still in her. "Wear whatever you want. If you want to go that way, I have no problem." I said with a shrug, but I knew she wouldn't because she's as vain as any fashion businesswoman "Bur wear what makes you feel comfortable."
She scanned me and saw black suit tie, and I almost facepalmed. Maybe I should have dressed less formally.
"Stay there and give me a little time."
A few minutes later, she came out wearing a red cocktail dress that hugs her beautiful figure. She paired it black heels, loose hair and soft makeup. And damn, even when she's simple, she still looks beautiful. "Okay, I'm ready." She told me in a casual tone.
"Sofi, if you don't want to go out, we won't. You're obviously not in the mood." I pointed out looked at me like she was checking me out.
I snapped my fingers and she blinked at me. "No, wait, where were we? Sorry, I just got a little distracted."
"It is a surprise and let me tell you first that you look wonderful tonight."
"Thanks, but I am the owner of a fashion company, therefore, good style is my characteristic." She replied with her head held high and I chuckled.
Sofia left the apartment, leaving me standing in the middle of the room and I clenched my jaw. "Angel, calm down and try to take the anger out of her." I reminded myself before I lose what patience I had left and we end up arguing.
I closed the door and made sure it's locked before we got to the parking lot, got in the car and went straight to my apartment. My refuge is not at the center of the city, it is a Penthouse, located in the highest place of society, with intense security. Sofia was amazed to see everything around her, but she didn't say a word to tme the few times I asked her something, she was very evasive.
"We are outside of the city and in the most luxurious and prestigious residential area in the country." She noticed.
"Yes, that's right, and not everyone has access to it."
"I know, they have a good security system."
"Yes, it was also renewed a year ago thanks to your friend's company."
"I know companies have contracts with these residences, but what are we doing here?" She asked impatiently.
We entered the parking lot of the building, and I helped her get out and she was still wondering and curious. I took her hand in mine and led her to the entrance where she entered without understanding anything. "Good evening, Mr. Leffman." The security personnel greeted me like usual.
"Good evening, Jonatan. Any news?"
"No sir. Good evening, Miss." She greeted Sofia who's beside me.
"Mrs. Leffman," I corrected him, "She's my wife, so when she comes here, don't hesitate to let her in."
"Of course, sir. She looks better in person than in the photo." He complimented and Sofia blushed.
We continued in the elevator, and I observed her with a smile. "You seem lost."
"Quite a bit. I'm not going to ask you what we're doing here because it's obvious that you have an apartment. The security guard knows you and you have an entrance code to the complex."
"And how do you know we have an access code?" I asked and she looked surprised by the question.
"Uhm, because this is the same system I want to implement at home, and Isaac has already offered it to me."
"Oh, alright. And yes, I own one of the apartments, I've had the Penthouse for four years."
"Four years? Wow, so you have a bachelor apartment," she said in a bitter tone.
"Not my bachelor apartment," I quickled debunked her, and she looked at me doubtfully. "It's my sanctuary."
The elevator doors opened and she was amazed.
"Wow, that's beautiful," she exclaimed, looking down the hall and smiling in awe. "Is that for me?"
It's a path of roses leading to the terrace, and I turned on the small LED lights to see the path.
"And you keep saying it's not your bachelor pad." She deadpanned.
I put my arm around her her waist. "Believe it or not, you're the second woman to walk into this apartment."
"The second one? Hah. Who was the first?" She asked, annoyed, and tried to get away from me.
"Carmen," I answered while holding back my laugh and she looked at me in disbelief. "Someone needs to clean and keep this apartment clean whenever I'm out you know."
"So Carmen knows about this apartment? I thought we are not going to hide things to each other again?" She asked in an upset tone.
"We didn't trust each other enough to tell each other things and we didn't discuss what we discovered, like you discovered that I am the owner of the Autos-Let, and that you are the owner of Lee Andrew's, but I want us to change that and no more secrets to start establishing trust."
I took her hand and smiled. "Welcome to my house, Mrs. Leffman. This is my home, my space, my refuge."
She looked at me with love and doubts, I brushed her hair aside and kissed her. The one thing I've been longing for to do since I woke up.
She turned and followed the path of candles to the terrace and saw the table with wine and roses.
"Do you like it?"
I asked and watched her reaction. She has a smile that makes me fall in love as she admires the view.
"Angel, it's so beautiful! I can see almost the whole city." Sofia exclaimed in excitement and admiration.
"This is the tallest and farthest building in the complex. I liked this one, because the view you have here, is not like in the other towers."
"It is so spacious, and ugh! I have no words to describe it."
"Don't you think it's cold and empty?" I teased her, remembering the words she used to describe the house we lived in, the one I looked like.
Sofia laughed and it's music to my ears. "I only saw the hall, the terrace and the view, but I have yet to see the rest of the house to give my opinion." "True. Now, do you want to meet him or do you prefer to eat first?"
"Who cooked?"
"The food isn't ready yet, I have to cook," I replied with a sly grin and she sent me a dirty look.
I took her by the hand and led her into the kitchen, and made her seat on one of the stools. The kitchen isn't that special. It's mostly black, because it's my favorite color, but it's modernized and convenient to use.
I took off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves, and stood behind the bureau. "What would the lady like to drink? I have whiskey, vodka, tequila, rum, wine, beer or cocktails."
"Wow, exquisite collection." She commented withh an impressed nod. I like to collect drinks, so I have all the brands and type of liquors. "Surprise me."
"I figured you'd say that because that's the idea. To surprise you every minute of the night," I took a few bottles while I watched her continue to admire every part of the house. I made a cocktail for her and gave it to her.
She took a sip and hummed. "Hmm, Delicious, what is it?"
"It's a cocktail, it has a touch of white rum, vodka, lemon juice, grenadine and my secret that I won't tell you."
"Do you want me to get you drunk?" She asked with a raised brow.Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.
"No! I want you to be conscious, so that drink should last you until the dinner is ready." I told her with a grin and get to work. I started cutting vegetables and putting out dressings.
"What are you preparing? Can I help you?"
"No, just stay there and look pretty for me. Why don't we talk while I cook? Let's eat chicken b****t marinara with chili and garlic."
"Wow, that looks delicious, doesn't it? I see too many things on the table."
"It's actually very easy to do. You have to have chicken, obviously," I started and she laughed. "As well as slices of bread, corn, lime, paprika, red pepper, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic and thyme. I can also play around with the ingredients and add what I want." She looked impressed by that. "Quite a chef,"
Her phone rang, and she picked it up, but I took it from her, and she looked at me with disbelief.
"Not tonight. No phone for you or me."
I turned off her phone and put them away.
"What if it's something important?"
I shrugged without a care. "Then we will know tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" She replied with a confused yet amused tone. "Does that mean dinner includes breakfast?"
"Tonight, I want to pamper my wife. I owe her that her for five years." I gently said and sent a look of regret her way, but she just smiled.
"One dinner is not enough then."
"I know, but I have to start somewhere, and tomorrow I'll see what I have in mind."
I continued to cook while Sofia asked me what I was doing. We talked, we laughed. I mentioned that it was my grandmother who taught me how to cook and she finished the cocktail before dinner.
"I finished the drink. Can I have another one, Mr. Chef slash bartender?"
"Beautiful Lady, I'm afraid not for two reasons. First, I want you to be conscious and second, your sugar."
"Let's not get started on that, I've taken my medicine and as long as I eat something every three hours, I'll be fine, and my sugar won't drop," she whine and pouted. "Please?" She asked and batted her eyelashes at me.
I sighed before giving in and I serve her another drink, but softer this time. When she tries it, she made a face. "You lessened the alcohol content."
"Just a little," I confirmed and she pouted and I gave her a kiss before biting her lower lip softly. "Don't pout or I'll be tempted to bite your lip and I'm cooking."
Our food might burn, or I'll forget all the things I prepared and just have her for dinner.
She looked taken aback but quickly composed herself and rolled her eyes. "Whatever."
I finished cooking until dinner is ready. I served it while it's hot, and went back to the balcony.
"Beautiful lady, please," I pulled the chair for her and she sat down with a smile. I sat in front of her and raised my wine. "Let's toast because this is the beginning of something wonderful." "Cheers," She clinked her glass with mine and we started to eat dinner and I waited for her reaction. "Mmm, Angel, it's delicious." She commented with her eyes closed.
"I told you," I grinned and we continued to eat. "Will you tell me why you were in a bad mood?" I asked and her facial expression changed.
"I don't want to talk about it and spoil the night."
"Sofia, you almost had an accident on the road, not to mention that you treated me badly," she sent me a meaningful look. "Well, yes, I know, I don't want to be a hypocrite but I'm worried."
"I sulked and you weren't helping, so I got distracted and Amelia and I almost had an accident, but I told you I don't want to talk about it anymore."
When I heard the sound of brakes, Amelia screaming, and Sofia didn't answer, I imagined the worse case scenario. That moment, I felt like my world stopped in a minute.
I sighed and didn't force her. "Be careful while driving, I don't want anything to happen to you. Do you want dessert?"
"We have a dessert?"
"What kind of chef am I if I don't make a dessert for my wife?" I cleaned the plates and went back to the kitchen to look for the dessert. I cut a piece for the both of us and held it.
"No way. Did you bake it?" She gasped in surprise when I placed the plate in front of her, and I nodded. "It's even a Redvelvet, and it's complicated to bake."
"I know, but I know this is your favorite dessert as well. Since I want to make you happy, what could be better than this?
Sofia took the fork and I waited in anticipation as she ate it. "Angel is delicious, can you bake for me every week?" She requested and I laughed to hide my relief.
"It it was up to me, I'll cook for you every day."
When she finishes the dessert, I saw how she shivered. "Let's go inside the house, so you can warm up a little."
"No, I'm fine here, the view is beautiful." She refused and hugged herself.
"You can continue to see it from the inside, Sofia. Come on, It's getting cold and you can get sick."
I turned on the heating, the music and I invite her to dance. She looked at me in surprise but accepted it anyway. We dance to the romantic song by Richard Marx's 'Right Here Waiting'. For me, it perfectly describes exactly how I felt about her. The song we heard next was Tracy Chapman with the song 'Baby Can I Hold You', and I started singing it while she looked at me, as if the lyrics were written for us. When the song it about to end, she surprised me when she kissed me.
It was a kiss that was so tender, soft, shy yet so real, but at the same time, deep and passionate.
"Sofia," I called her name and looked directly into her eyes. "This afternoon, you asked me what I felt for you and what I felt for Elisa." Before I can continue, she silenced me with another kiss.
"I don't want to know. Not today ateast. Tell me the answer tomorrow because we'll ruin the night."
I gently shook my head and held her hands. "I knew the answer for many years," I started and she looked at me with fear in her eyes. "I love you, I always have. What I feel for Elisa is guilt and regret. The past few years, I held the pain of losing my baby just to hate you, but I just couldn't. Every day it became more difficult for me, but I got tired of hiding something that I don't feel. I know we are full of lies, and filled with so much doubts. When you signed the divorce and I saw that I would lose you. I couldn't take it. I know we need to work on our relationship and trust, but I want to make a commitment to you."
I held her on both cheeks so her eyes wouldn't look away from me.
"I promise you that from now on, I will trust you, that if I have any doubt, I will ask you first, that I will not lie to you, that I will find the truth and I will make everyone who lied to us pay and that if you will allow me, I will love you for the rest of my days and repay you for every moment I have tortured you these years."
I kissed her again, giving my whole heart to this woman, not caring that she might destroy it later.