"Yes, we weren't entirely innocent. We had kissed and touched each other intimately. But guess what? We had each other's consent then." Vanessa replied. "Who was it?"
"Why does it matter now, Nessa?" Raymond asked sternly.
"Because, whoever ordered you to do it, may directly or indirectly have a hand in my father's demise"
A chuckle left Raymond's lips, which made Vanessa glare at him. Raymond pulled himself from the sofa and walked towards the only bookshelf in the study. He pulled a book out of the numerous books, and said;
"I know i did hurt you so much. I believe you hated and still hate me. I have beared all your anger and hatred till now. And it feels like, i am immune to them now, even though I am not" and peeked at Vanessa. "Nessa, I am truly sorry for all the pain i caused you. I know it's hard for you to believe i acted on my own accord because you believe me more than I believe myself. I'm so sorry I hurt you that badly. I truly am sorry"
Vanessa saw sadness flash his face for a second. She would have missed that look if she wasn't staring murderously at him. All her anger dissipated when she realized how broken he was. Even though, his face had regained its normal composure, she knew he was deeply hurt and broken, just like she was.
She watched him as he opened the book he took from the shelve and took out a necklace.
She felt she had seen that necklace before, but couldn't recall where exactly. She dismissed the thought, when he extended his hand towards her. She took it and rose to her feet. He turned her slowly to have her back face him. He putted the necklaces on her, turned her towards the mirror on the wall. They stared at their reflection in the mirror for awhile, then Raymond kissed her nape. Everything he did rang a bell. She felt he was giving her a message, he wasn't ready to talk about.
"I think you are fine now" Raymond said wearing a broad smile which made Vanessa's heart skip a couple of beats. "That necklace was made perfectly for you. It's beautiful. But you bring it's beauty out, Nessa"
"Raymond, thank you" Vanessa said and flashed him a genuine smile.
"The pleasure is all mine"
Vanessa who more than a head shorter than Raymond, rose her heels and moved her head slowly towards him. Raymond bent his head down to meet her midway and their lips met. They smelled each other's breath for a while before they began to bury themselves in the taste of each other. When they separated their lips, Vanessa looked shyly away and Raymond smiled.
"I have to go now" Vanessa said and looked at Raymond.
"So soon? Are you going somewhere?"
Vanessa raised an eyebrow and kept her gaze on his face.
"Oh, i had wanted you to talk to Aida. But it seems you don't have much time"
"I don't think she likes me that much. I feel her hostility"
"She's scared. She thinks you don't like her"
"Why?"
"She knows. I had Mary tell her"
Vanessa nodded understandably.
"Then I'd like to talk to her. I'm scared, Raymond! What if she despises me? I have never been there for her. I'm sure she despi..."
"Relax, Vanessa. She's only a girl. She's more like you than you'll ever acknowledge."
"Oh! Then it's not going to be easy. Because i am stubborn"
"I'm glad you know about that" Raymond said and chuckled. He turned the knob, opened the door and signalled Vanessa to walk out first. Only Mary was at the sitting room when they walked out.
"Maa, where's Aida?" Raymond asked Mary.
"In her room."she answered. "Are you leaving?" Mary asked as she looked at Vanessa.
"I would to talk to Aida first" Vanessa replied and Mary nodded understandably.
"Her room is the second door on your left on the first floor" Raymond whispered into her ears and Vanessa nodded. Vanessa smiled at Mary and began to walk towards Aida's room. Vanessa's body language only screamed, tension.
"She'll be fine, right?"