Stephanotist

32 — Warmth & Threats

The sun began to rise slowly indicating that the day began to change into the morning. Kezia wakes up when the clock shows 04:45 AM. His eyes were still heavy to see around him. Kezia collected his life and rose from the bed. She saw her husband still asleep. There was an intention to wake her husband but was not because Kezia chose to prepare her husband's needs first.

Kezia went down to the first floor to the kitchen. Deftly he began to cook food for breakfast. Suddenly Kezia was reminded of something. He used to make breakfast for Vernon. But it always ends up intact untouched at all. Kezia wasn't sure Vernon would eat the breakfast he made.

Kezia felt sad remembering that. Before the man takes her back, Vernon often ignores Kezia and always eats out with Sarah.

Speaking of that woman, Kezia had never seen her again since returning home. Vernon once said that he was no longer in contact with Sarah, his lover. The man promises Kezia to keep Sarah away from their new wedding page. But it doesn't cover the possibility that the woman will come back and take Vernon away from her, does it?

Kezia felt uneasy at the thought of such a thing. Moreover, Sarah often makes Vernon torture him with all the accusations that are not true. Had the woman returned to ruin her married life with Vernon, Kezia would not have stayed silent and would no longer be as weak as she once was.

Kezia moved the omelette to the plate then arranged some of the dishes that were on the table. He wiped off a little sweat that was on the edge of his forehead. After washing her hands Kezia decides to wake Vernon up and prepare all the equipment Vernon needs to work in the office.

"Why are you cooking again? Bi Tini can cook for us right?" Vernon said flatly and saw Kezia's bead trying to be indifferent to Vernon's words.

Kezia confirmed Vernon's tie position choosing to ignore Vernon's words, "Come down. Your breakfast is ready. I'm gonna bathe Excelo first." Kezia passed away to take Excelo to the bathroom.

Vernon wanted to say something but was stifled to see Kezia who was falling in a bad mood. He had no idea what caused his wife badmood. Vernon sighed softly and grabbed the black suit lying on the bed. His footsteps led Vernon downstairs. Waiting for Kezia and her son to join breakfast together.

Vernon had to ascertain what made Kezia ignore him this morning. There was no way the woman had suddenly changed just because of Vernon's words that wanted to ban Kezia from cooking because it could trouble Kezia. Vernon will never forget the camera footage he once used to spy on his wife. Surveillance cameras showed Kezia exhausted after doing household activities.

♥♥♥

"Eat your breakfast, Kez" Vernon said as he watched Kezia feed Excelo and forget about the cold breakfast. Vernon finished his breakfast and got up from his chair to take over the activities Kezia was doing.

Kezia obeyed her husband's orders and saw the man's interaction with the voracious Excelo as his father fed the baby along with a pleasant chat.

Kezia laughs when Excelo nosily snatches the baby spoon from Vernon's hand. But Vernon can keep that thing out of Excelo's range. Until they finally finished breakfast and Vernon prepared to leave for work.

On the doorstep Vernon grabs Excelo from Kezia's sling and kisses his son's face in dismay. "Papa work first, okay? Don't bother your mama at home" Vernon told Excelo, who was curious about what his father said.

"Mother." corrects Kezia.

Vernon looked at Kezia and then put his shoulders together, "I'd rather he call you mama" Vernon said.

Kezia was silent and resigned to Vernon's will. This is just a small matter of how Excelo will call her mother.

Vernon immediately handed Excelo over to Kezia's sling and bailed to work. "I'll go first." Kezia nodded lightly, "Be careful on the road." Kezia smiled slightly.

Vernon stepped closer then kissed Kezia's forehead for a little while. "Call me if you need anything." Kezia nodded again.

"All right, I'm leaving first." Vernon turned to the car after saying goodbye to his wife and son. It was Vernon's passion to start a new day. The man also forgot the question he saved when he saw Kezia back in a good mood.

Vernon drove his car at a moderate speed. Vernon smiled more often because of his small family who colored Vernon's life. Vernon's life was boring and monotonous. But due to the presence of Kezia and Excelo, Vernon becomes colored. Even Vernon no longer showed emotions that began to be labile as time went on. Along with those who love him, Vernon again finds life long buried in a bottomless pit.

♥♥♥

Vernon arrived at the office on time. Many employees greeted him as Vernon stepped into his room. Not a few employees saw Vernon looked different at the end of this. The man was more radiant and not stiff.

"You see that? Mr. Vernon has changed little since Ms. Kezia came home." whispered one of the employees to his friend.

"Be quiet! Later Mr. Vernon hears you you can be in stupid trouble!"

Vernon ignored all the whispers until he reached the door of the room. Vernon stops his steps and sees Theodore. "What's my schedule today?" ask Vernon.

"I've given you your schedule at your table, Sir." replied Theodore. But Vernon was a little suspicious of Theodore's suspicious gestures.

Theodore paused for a moment, "Do I have the right to tell you?"

Vernon raised one eyebrow then nodded. "certain. Never hide anything from me" Vernon said with an intimidating look.

"Sorry, Sir. I can't prevent Sarah from getting into your room. Now the woman's waiting for you inside."

"What the—!?" Vernon gave a rude snort, "Since when?"

"Just now, sir."

"Shit. Want to see when j****g it bothers me." Vernon brushed his hair back. "Continue work. And don't let Kezia know about this." Theodore nodded in understanding and lowered his head.

Vernon entered the room with a hot heart. Sarah is a really cunning woman who will never let go of Vernon. Women are like parasites in Vernon's life. Always draining money and messing with Vernon's life after successfully bringing Kezia back. Vernon would not allow the woman to go any further. He had to assert the position of the woman after this.

♥♥♥

"This is the last time we met. Don't try - try again or I'll ruin your life" Vernon said coldly. His jaw hardened looking at Sarah who was not afraid of the threat coming out of Vernon's mouth.

Sarah tilted her head then showed a defiant smile. "really? Well, I was so scared to hear it." the woman stood up to Vernon's desk and laughed like something was funny.

Vernon is still in his position. He suspects Sarah. There's no way the woman still dares to come after the threat from her father, Mr. Clayton's.

"You know, baby, you should remember who I am and be careful after using me." Sarah was standing right in front of Vernon's desk. "You shouldn't have brought that woman into our relationship. He ruined everything."

"We have no relationship - what. Get out of here before I kick you out." threatened Vernon firmly. "Be aware of your position, Sarah. You're the one who's been using me to get your profession." Vernon still controls himself not to vent his emotions.

Sarah bit her small lips, turning her head to the side avoiding Vernon's gaze. "Don't try - try." Sarah said barely audible.

Vernon chuckled, "You scared, huh? I can do anything. Now go before I do anything that could make you regret it for life" Vernon said.

But Sarah did not back down though, the woman laughed again. "You can't, Vernon. I'm the one who can do anything to ruin your life with that woman!" exclaim Sarah.

Vernon looked at Sarah sharply. Why does the woman still like to be alkaline. "What are you—" said Vernon as a flat object lay on his desk after Sarah threw it. Vernon's eyes are perfectly rounded.

"I'm pregnant."

Vernon looked up at Sarah with wrath. "Cannot be. We broke up a year ago." said Vernon.

Sarah pressed her shoulder, "I can do whatever I want."

"You!"

"Why? You're afraid your wife knows?"

"If you dare to do so I do not hesitate to send you to hell. You're a cheap woman."

Sarah chuckles little, "Just do it. I don't give a shit. I just want to get whatever I want." Sarah turned around and picked up her bag and left Vernon's room after giving a sly smile.

Vernon could not keep quiet. He has to do something. Yes, before the woman goes any further.

♥♥♥