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“John, and Paul, you two are by far the oldest and the most loyal workers I ever had the privilege to work for me. So, I want to say thank you both, for your patience, dedication, and above all your loyalty.”

Leon’s tone was placid and his eyes bore no hostility or anguish for a man whom his wife had just kicked out of his home. This new attitude of his got most of the house staff very anxious and slightly jittery.

“Thank you, sir!” John and Paul chorused in a slightly quivering tone. They were both inwardly worried as they wondered if Leon was about to relieve them of their duties.

“I know you all are aware that my wife and I are having some issues and we both have decided to live apart from the main time.”

“Oh no!” The gardener sighed out loud and was quickly reprimanded by Paul’s stern glares.

Leon’s lips curved into a brief sad smile as he continued his speech. “So, I’ll be leaving the house immediately after talking with you all. However, I’ll also be leaving my wife in your care. You all know that she means the world to me and that she’s expecting our baby. So I implore everyone to be there for her at every time. Make her your priority and ensure she is always happy at all times. I’ll always keep in touch but from a distance.”

Another slight murmuring erupted but Leon raised his right hand and it instantly died down.

“Please, I do not want to receive any bad reports concerning my wife’s well-being because whoever gets faulted might not live to tell the tale.”

.....

Leon’s last statement sent chills to every staff member present and they individually dreaded disappointing their boss.

Afterward, Paul, John, and Austin helped move some of Leon’s things to his car before he finally left the villa.

–

–

All the while Leon was addressing the house staff, Ella and Denise both stood by the terrace while watching the drama unfold.

Although they could barely hear Leon’s words due to distance, they could guess he was making his farewell speech due to some of his luggage that was packed outside.

“I must confess, that husband of yours is a real charmer. Look at the way he swept me off my feet a few moments ago with his acknowledgment.” Denise said quietly while studying Ella’s mood.

Denise was a bit worried due to the way Ella had suddenly withdrawn into her shells after Leon made his promises and left.

Ever since Ella stopped crying and dried her eyes, she hadn’t uttered one word to Denise. She was neither sad nor happy and Denise found it difficult to guess what was on her mind.

Instead of commenting on Leon’s final activities in the villa or his departure, Ella simply said, “Denise, I’m feeling hungry again.”

“O...kay!” Denise drawled. “Before you go to the dining room, how about you go to the bathroom and wash your face?” She pointed to the tear marks on Ella’s reddened face.

“Alright!” Ella forced a smile and left to clean up her face. Afterward, she went down to the dining room where Denise and Paul were waiting on her.

“The table is set, sweetie pie!” Denise beamed as Paul pulled out a seat for Ella.

“Thank you,” Ella replied calmly and sat down.

Although, Ella wasn’t really hungry like she initially claimed to be. All she was looking for was any form of distraction and an opportunity to speak to Paul.

“Paul, can you please sit down and join us? I would love to talk to you.” Ella said calmly.

“As you wish, ma’am,” Paul politely bowed his head and took his seat, two seats away from her, as a mark of respect.

Ella slowly picked up her fork and began to twirl it around the delicious pasta on her plate. She avoided Denise’s gaze as she asked Paul the one question that had been bugging her mind, ever since she watched Leon’s car leave the premises.

“What was my husband telling you all?”

“Umm...” Paul scratched his head and stared blankly at the table. “In a nutshell, Mr. Leon told us to take very good care of you in his absence.”

“Is that all?” Ella’s tone bore a hint of disappointment.

“Well, he warned that if anything happens to you in his absence, none of us will live to tell the tale.” Paul looked up at Ella pleadingly and said. “Mrs. Treshvire, I know it’s not in my place but...” He stood up from his seat and went down on his knee. “... I beg you in God’s name. Whatever the boss has done to offend you, please find a place in your heart to forgive him. I’ve never seen him this broken in all my years of working for him.”

“Thank you, Paul, you may now leave,” Ella said softly but firmly.

Paul stood up, bowed his head, and left the two ladies.

“Ella...”

“I don’t want us to talk about Leon anymore. It’s making me feel depressed.” Ella interrupted Denise before she had time to say anything. “Let’s focus our mind on something more productive.”

“Okay, if you say so,” Denise shrugged and instantly change the topic of discussion. “How about our earlier discussed new fashion line for pregnant ladies, are we still going through with it?”

“Definitely!”

Ella’s mood suddenly lit up as Denise observed the spark in her eyes.

“I would address the fashion creative department tomorrow morning and then will swing into action. When I return from visiting my sister, we would schedule a date for the runway show and make it public.”

“Splendid!” Denise clasped her hand together and rubbed them against one another. “I can already imagine you walking down that runway and flaunting that sweet baby bump of yours.”

Ella giggled at Denise’s remark and eat a little of the tasty pasta on her plate before pushing it aside.

As she was about to rise to her feet, her phone beeped twice indicating she had just received a message.

She picked up the phone and read through the message sent from an unknown number with shaky hands.

[Unknown number: Hello Ariella, who knew that pregnancy would suit you this perfectly? Isn’t it an irony to know that we are both expectant? But the sad truth is that only one of us is going to carry our child to term and it’s never going to be you. I’ve got my eyes on you and I’m about to hit you where it hurts the most.]