CHAPTER 10
The next day, Brenda was about to drive to the soup shop when Christian's car blocked her path.
Pride held her inside her car; she didn't step out.
Christian tapped on her window. She rolled it down.
"Christian!"
"You sleep alright?"
"Yeah, I did. And you?"
"I couldn't."
"Why?"
His voice was quiet.
"I was thinking about you."
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Oh?"
"What are you up to?"
"Remember the soup shop I told you about? I'm feeding them today."
He smiled.
"Can I come?"
"Christian, you've got better things to do. I don't think you'd be interested."
"No, I insist."
She parked her car, climbed into his car, and they drove off together.
At the shop, others were already cooking. Brenda kneaded dough for the rotis while Christian sat with the children, playing and laughing with ease.
After she was done,she approached Kenny, concern etched in her voice.
"My love, you called me?"
Brenda kissed her forehead and sat beside her.
"I saw you get out of that man's car." Kenny pointed at Christian.
"Yeah, he drove me."
"Is he…?"
"Is he what?"
"Single?"
Kenny laughed, winking.
"If he is, why not try your luck? Look at him—tall, tan, handsome, and great with kids."
"We're just friends," Brenda said softly.
"Then migrate from friends to lovers." Kenny's words hung in the air as they served the food.
Christian walked over to them sat between them, introducing himself with a handshake attempt. Brenda gently stopped him—Kenny's hands didn't work well, and a handshake would only remind her of her struggles.
"My name's Kenny," she said with a warm smile.
"My friend's single…"
"Kenny…" Brenda tried to interrupt, but Kenny pressed on.
"She has no kids, and by now she should be a grandmother. So, will you marry her?"
Christian chuckled.
"If she lets me."
They laughed, the moment light but hopeful.
Brenda left the two, exhausted, and soon fell asleep on the drive home.
"Hey, wake up," Christian whispered near her ear.
Opening her eyes, she saw the familiar sight of her house.
Christian helped carry her takeaways inside.
"Aren't you coming in?"
"No. It's late. You look tired—I'll let you rest."
"You're right. I am."
She watched him drive away, the night settling heavy around her.
Morning came with a sharp call from the office.
"Brenda, hurry! A client is here, and things are tense."
Heart racing, she rushed to her car, mind spinning with possibilities.
She entered the office—Kai sat casually in her chair.
Greg quickly added, "I could've handled it, but he insisted on seeing you."
"Sir Kai, any problems?"
His eyes flicked to her cleavage. She caught him, unamused.
"When you speak to someone, look at them—not elsewhere," she said, steeling herself.
"Oh yes, Belair."
"Madam, not Ms. Belair," she corrected.
Kai smiled thinly.
"I asked your staff to double the delivery, but they refused."
"How soon?"
"Next delivery."
"Next delivery is in two hours. To double it, you need to double the cheque—and a new contract. I only do business on paper."
He feigned surprise.
"Oh, I didn't know."
She smiled formally.
"The supply increase begins after contract signing and payment."
He was here just to make noise. That much,she knew.
"Madam, can we talk privately?" Kai motioned to Greg.
Brenda excused Greg, who left quickly.
Standing behind her, Kai lowered his voice.
"I've been trying to call, but I think you blocked me."
"This is work. Personal matters aren't discussed here."
"You won't let me near you. I had no choice but to come."
"Now that you're here, say it."
"Belair, do you love me?" His tone was unfamiliar, using her first name alone.
"Do you love me?" she threw the question back at him.
"Yes. You know I do."
"Then leave Simone. Be with me."
"It's impossible. I'm engaged."
"People break engagements. Leave brides at altars."
"Belair,I can't."
"Exactly. I'm just a ticket for a good time. Good for sex and nothing else. You only come when you want satisfaction."
"Belair, it's not like that, it's just…"
He kept using her surname, trying to charm.
"It's like what? Simone won't submit like I do. She won't let you have your way sexually. That's her flaw. She's perfect in everything else. I have flaws in everything but sex!"
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
He reached to wipe them, but she pushed him away.
"Don't come near me!"
Her voice was cold steel.
Ignoring her, he stepped closer—until a hand gripped his shoulder from behind.
"She said don't."
Christian stood there, eyes locked with Kai's.
He pulled a tissue from the box and wiped Brenda's tears.
Kai's eyes burned with rage.
Christian's voice was calm.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. I just want to leave."
"Let's go."
He grabbed her bag and keys.
At reception, Greg asked, "Is she okay?"
Christian nodded.
"Yeah, just help that man out of her office."
They took the elevator down.
Brenda sat in the back of Christian's car, heart pounding, breath shallow, the storm far from over.