Damian
I leaned against my car, eyes fixed on Willa. She was with a guy I've never seen before.
Why was she smiling at him like that?
I've never seen her smile like that ever since we got married.
As Willa approached me with the guy by her side. I didn't remove my eyes from her.
Her eyes met mine and for an instant, I saw the fear and uncertainty in her eyes but she quickly hid it.
"Who is he?" I heard the guy by her side asked Willa when he noticed my cold face and piercing gaze.
I was expecting Willa to say something but she was quiet.
She looked confused on how to address me.
She glanced at me, then back at the guy.
"I…we…" she stuttered.
"Erm…Max, meet Damian my husband" She finally spoke
"Your…husband?" Max asked looking surprised.
Willa nodded.
"I never knew you were married" he said.
"Does she look like she is single?" I fired at Max.
He looked at me and smiled.
"Hi Damian, I'm Max" he said facing me and extending his hand towards me for a handshake.
I looked at him, my fist clenched.
He saw this and dipped his hand into his pocket.
"You can leave, Max" I said, my voice low and commanding.
Instantly, Willa looked at me with eyes wide opened.
She looked surprised.
But I ignored it.
Max, sensing tension, hesitated before nodding.
"I'll call you later, Willa" he said, casting a wary glance my way.
I glared at him and he took his leave.
"Get into the car" I told Willa with a commanding tone
She reluctantly got in.
I started the car and we drove home in silence. Willa's eyes were fixed on her lap, avoiding mine.
I gripped the steering wheel, anger burning within me.
We got home and I pulled over at the parking lot.
The moment we entered the house, I slammed the door shut. This made Willa flinched.
"Who was that?" I thundered, my voice echoing the whole building.
Willa's eyes widened, fear written all over her face.
"He…he is just a friend" she stammered.
"A friend?" I repeated then laughed at her mockingly.
"You're married to me, Willa. You shouldn't be found around any man" I said angrily.
"But…he is just a friend. Am I not allowed to make friends anymore?" she asked
"As long as you're still under my roof, you are not allowed to make friends especially male friends" I fired back at her.
"You think you can just go out with some stranger, flirting and laughing, while still married to me? I asked her.
Willa's face paled.
"I wasn't flirting," she protested.
"I'm lying right? You're a cheat and a liar" I said, ensuring each word piercing through her heart.
A tear fell off her face, but I didn't relent.
I was ready to rain insults at her so she can see I'm not one to be played with.
"Listen to me carefully, I do not want to see you with Max again nor any male friends of you" I growled
"Do I make myself clear?" I asked angrily
"Yes…" she replied silently
"Get out of my sight this instant before I lose it" I shouted
She raced to her room like a thunder bolt.
I watched as she scurried away, her fear palpable.
How dare she flirt with another man right under my nose?
I took a deep breath, calming myself down.
I went into my study, pouring myself a whiskey.
The amber liquid burned down my throat, but it didn't soothe my rage.
I couldn't shake the image of Willa laughing with Max.
Her smile, her eyes sparkling…
"What is wrong with me?" I asked myself.
"In as much as she is still under my roof, I would make her stay here a living hell until she begs to leave" I thought inwardly.
The next day, I was at the dining sipping my coffee when I heard a phone buzzed.
I checked whose phone it was and it turned out to be Willa's. My eyes narrowed when I saw the caller's name on the screen.
"Max again" I said.
"Hello" I growled, answering the call.
"Hi Willa" Max said from the other end.
"Stay away from Willa," I spat, my anger boiling over.
"Hey Damian! I thought it was Willa initially" he said
"I'm just checking on her. We're friends" he added, his tone turning defensive.
"Friends?" I repeated, incredulous. "Who do you think you are to be friends with Willa?"
"You're making a mistake, Damian. Willa deserves someone better than you" he spoke.
My fury erupted.
"How dare you!" I roared, slamming my fist on the table.
"Listen to me Max, don't push me to the wall." I said angrily
"Let this be the last time you will ever call Willa" I added and ended the call immediately not giving him chance to say a word.
I slammed the phone down, my anger still simmering
Willa came in at that moment and was wondering what happened.
She picked up her phone and realized I answered Max call.
She didn't say anything but rather walked away.
My phone buzzed and I picked it seeing it was my assistant, Lydia.
"Speak" I said harshly.
"Sir, your meeting with the investors has been confirmed and it is stated to begin by 10:00am" she said.
"Okay" I said and ended the call.
My mind lingered back to Max.
Who did Max think he was?
Challenging me?
Threatening my control?
I recalled our marriage, a business deal.
No love. No passion.
Just a union of wealth and in the name of strengthening family bond.
I hurriedly went to my room to get ready for my meeting.
After I was done, I called my driver to set the car and not keep me waiting.
I got downstairs and was about opening the door when my phone buzzed.
It was an unknown number.
I didn't answer the call.
The phone rang again and I answered it reluctantly.
A sultry voice purred on the other end.
"Damian, darling."
My heart skipped a beat.
Vivian.
My past.