Chapter 13: Leonardo’s POV
Chapter 13: Leonardo’s POV
It had been a few days since Claire had moved out and the feeling of emptiness in our home lingered. I missed her and I didn’t know what to do about it.
I wanted to call her but I knew space was something she needed when she decided to leave and I decided that I didn’t want to overwhelm her. I was hoping she’d call me if I’m being completely honest. But I had received nothing.
I’ve been occupying my time with helping Charlotte heal from the accident and helping her to prepare for her procedure with the doctor he spent so much time searching for.
After Charlotte’s release from the hospital, she expressed to me that she didn’t feel comfortable being alone in her own house. So I told Charlotte she was welcome to come stay in mine for a little while. I wasn’t stepping out on Claire. I would never cheat on my wife. But I did like the idea of the house being less empty.
I pick Charlotte up from the hospital and carefully place her in the car. We drive back to my home. I assist Charlotte out of the care carefully and seat her in her wheelchair. I then call my housekeeper to assist me in bringing in some of Charlotte’s bags which were delivered by her caregivers. The moment I greed to let her stay with me she called
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Chapter 13: Leonardo’s POV
her caregivers and asked them to collect some of her belongings.
I begin pushing Charlottes wheelchair down the arched, long driveway when I notice a man standing at my door.
It was Matthew, Claire’s brother.
Claire had tried to keep his gambling addiction hidden from me but to no avail. I knew all about Matthew’s debts and his bank of choice. My wife.
What didn’t know was who was paying his debts. Claire never asked me for money to support for save Matthew. Little did she know, I would’ve given the money to her every time she asked. That’s how important my wife’s happiness was to me.
I would pay for Matthew to disappear entirely if it ensured Claire’s happiness. But I knew she worried when he wasn’t calling her for money. She loved Matthew. Even in his blackmailing, gambling and twisted ways.
I slowly walk to my door ignoring Matthew as I didn’t want to cause a scene in front of Charlotte.
“Hey brother–in–law, I came to ask for a favor.” He always made it seem as though we were family
when he came around.
“What can I help you with, Matthew?”
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Chapter 13: Leonardo’s POV
“I’m kind of in a bind and have a little debt that I need taken care of. So I need some cash.” He’s not serious. He came here for money?
“Sorry Matthew, but not happening.” I wasn’t going to support his bad habits.
“Claire would never forgive you if you let
something bad happen to me. I just need my money and I’ll be on my way.” He smiled as though he had a solid reason this time. But I disagreed.
“Matthew, I’m sure you already called Claire and she most–likely told you no. So tell me, why would I go against Claire and give you money for your gambling addiction?” I stand up to him directly. I wanted Matthew to be aware of our size difference. In the event, he wanted to do something stupid.
“Because I have leverage this time.” He smiles while looking up at me.
“I saw you carrying this woman over here and if you don’t give me the money, I’ll tell Claire all about your little affair. Well I already called her and told her when I saw you pulling into the driveway” He smirks and cocks his head like a golden retriever.
Matthew knew just how sleazy to be and it
infuriated me but I pride myself in not losing my temper easily.
“Charlotte and I don’t have an inappropriate
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Chapter 13: Leonardo’s POV
relationship and Claire is well–aware of who Charlotte is. I don’t keep secrets from my wife.” That part was true although I think Claire would disagree when I insinuated my relationship with Charlotte wasn’t inappropriate. She thought differently.
“Well I called Claire, so you can explain for yourself once she gets here unless you want to pay for my silence.”
Claire was coming?
The thought of seeing my wife after the past few days made the hairs on the back of neck stand up. I wanted nothing more than to see my wife.
