Chapter 40

Frederick POV
After the conversation I had with ma Cleopatra, I realized the battle for love had started. I didn't want my mom to hate or dislike Kharis. If there was something I wanted, it was a cordial relationship between both of them.

I sat by the poolside thinking of ways to make my mother understand that my love life was at stake here.

While I sat pondering, a shadow of a woman came beside me, I was startled. I had suddenly forgotten I was not the only one in the penthouse.

"Is everything okay babe"?, Kharis asked.

"Yes love", I answered and held her hands as a gesture to make her sit. Immediately she sat, I pulled her close to my side.

"I woke up and you were gone. After the conversation with ma Cleopatra, you have acted weird".


I could hear the fright and concern in her voice.
"Everything is going to be alright, I promise", I said to her.

"Is it work"? she asked, her eyes bulging out.

"If something is not okay, you are the first I'd confide in. You have become a bigger part of my life already".

"I just care about you and I don't want you fighting anything alone", she said, placing her hands on my hands.

"Are your things ready", I asked.

"Yes, but I wish we would stay here, '' she said, leaning on my body.

I laughed out loud and kissed her forehead. We sat there, by the pool, without uttering a word. I had no idea the thoughts that were going through her mind. But as for me, I wanted to express my love for her, to the world.

I wasn't embarrassed to call her mine. She made me feel things I never felt and I loved it.
I looked at the sky, filled with twinkling stars, I wanted to make a wish. But, what would I wish for?
That Kharis be mine forever?
That my parents would love and accept her?
That Ivy would understand and let me go?

I scratched my hair and Kharis turned to look at me!

"I know something is bothering you. If you do not want to talk to me about it, it's totally fine. But, just know that I'm here, no matter what", she said and stood up.

I watched her walk inside.
I could only admit to myself that something was wrong. I couldn't open up to disclose my fears to her. How would I start it? Here I was professing love to an innocent and broken woman, meanwhile, I had a wife already.

I needed to see Kiel. He called me two hours ago and reminded me that we were still friends. Since the gala dinner eve, we had not seen or spoken about anything. It felt good to know there was one person I could talk to about everything that was going on now.

I stood up, cleaned my shorts, and walked into the house slowly. I kept surveying the living room because I was searching for Kharis. Maybe she was annoyed and felt like I didn't trust her enough to talk about what was making me worried.

She deserved to know everything but I feared I'd lose her. I couldn't talk about Ivy just yet. I picked up my phone and dialed Carson's number. It was time for me to go home and put an end to the agreement.

"Carson, we are ready to move now"

"Okay, Mr. Frederick".

"How long would it take for you to get here? I have important stuff to attend to at home".

"I'll be at the penthouse in 30 minutes Sir".

"Okay then".

I hung up immediately and called Pa Theo. I needed to let him know I was leaving too. As I climbed the staircase to the room, I called him.
After letting the phone ring for a few seconds, he answered it.

"Good evening Pa Theo"

"How are you doing? Hope everything is okay at the penthouse"?He asked, sounding tense and worried.

"Everything is fine. I've decided to go back to New York. I have to be there right away".

"This is the first time you are spending just two days here. Are you uncomfortable or perhaps something is wrong with the house"?

"No Theo, I just have things to attend to urgently".

"Could you come around? I have to leave it in your care, as always".

"Okay son. Expect me soon".

I stood by the door watching Kharis on the bed. She ignored my presence and continued listening to the sound of music echo through her ears.

"Aren't you going to say something to me babe", I asked her.

"I will when you are ready to talk", she answered in an angry tone.

"If something is wrong, I'd tell you even though I do not want you worrying about anything. It's time to go. Please get up and pack your bag"

I moved to where my bag was and began fixing my clothes. I didn't have too much to pack since I came with a few clothes.

I saw that Kharis was acting sluggishly and still didn't say a word to me. It was hurting seeing her avoid me. I walked up to her, wrapped my arms around her waist, and looked deeply into her eyes.

"I love you so much Miss Kharis Carter", I said genuinely.

"If there is something I cannot handle, I'll seek your advice. But how about we pretend to be happy with ourselves. It's so cold and I miss us already", I said.

She held me tight and placed soulful kisses on my lips.
"I'm sorry babe", she said, avoiding my eyes and fidgeting with the hem of my shirt.

I grabbed her hair and whispered, "I wish I could fuck you right now".

The response I got from her was exactly not what I expected. She laughed so hard at what I whispered in her ear.

"Pa Theo and Carson would be here soon", I said to her.

"Let's hurry up then, we shouldn't keep any of them waiting for us. We'll have so much sex by ye time we are back in the mansion", she answered.

"So babe, I was thinking, do you want to go back to school?", I turned to her.

She turned immediately and out of excitement, she ran to hug me.

"Calm down baby girl. I'm only asking you. What do you think, yeah"?
"Of course Frederick, you know I'd love more than anything to go back to school. I want to be a pilot. I still dream about it now and then", she said softly.

"Whew, that's a big baby. The job of a pilot is not easy at all. I have friends that I can talk to", I said and picked up her bags.

We headed downstairs to the living room and Pa Theo was outside already waiting.

"Good evening sir", Kharis greeted.

"Evening my dear. Hope you enjoyed your vacation here"?

"I did", Kharis answered shyly.

Just when I was about to welcome Pa Theo, Carson arrived.

"Babe, Carson is here. How about you take our bags inside. Is that okay", I asked Kharis.

"Of course, I'll handle it".

I saw Carson walk towards myself and Pa Theo. But then, he stopped and began communicating with Kharis. I became irritated.
I really need to talk to Kharis to stop communicating with my employees. I felt disrespected when she did that.

I immediately excused myself and hugged Pa Theo. Walking to the helicopter, I saw Carson help Kharis in.
Was he aware that the woman's waist he held belonged to me?
The nerve of him!!

"Good evening sir", Carson greeted with a smile.

I ignored him and got into the helicopter. The journey was short but the most beautiful moment of it was watching Kharis sleep on my shoulders.

Immediately we landed, I tapped her gently on the shoulder. She shook a little bit but did not get up.
"Babe, we are home", I said softly.

"Hmmmmm, okay", she answered and got down from the helicopter.

"Thank you, Carson. And, that's my woman. Do not touch her like that, ever or you are sacked", I said and walked away.

"I'm really sorry sir. I had no idea", he said loudly.

What sort of lie was that? How the hell did he not know that Kharis was my woman.
Did he think she was one of the random women he took with him on the plane!!

"Hey babe, just go in and continue resting. I ordered pizza for you. They'll call you soon. I love you", I said to Kharis and kissed her right cheek.

"Okay, be careful", she answered with sleepy eyes.

I went out of the house and called Lois.
"Welcome Sir Frederick", Lois said.

"Thank you. I want to step out for a bit to see my parents. Shall we go now? I asked him.

"Okay sir", he answered and walked into the car.
He started the ignition and reversed the car, out of the house.

"How was your vacation sir", Lois asked, looking through the rear mirror.

"It was good", I answered.
I wished he wouldn't ask any more questions. I needed to think about what to say to my parents.