Echoes Of Redemption

(that fateful night)

Tracy just called, she sounded worried, and I tried to understand what she was saying.

"It's everywhere Ma'am, Jonathan is on the news again" I listened, quickly picking up the remote to turn on the TV. My eyes watched in silence, it was the same story every year, that Jonathan never missed. I quickly turned it off, contempt filled me, my phone ringing nonstop. It was Jonathan, I wanted to pick, but I know him too well to come up with a good lie.

I thought today would be a good day to drop the news about my pregnancy, but once again he ruined it, Jonathan always looks for a way to ruin everything.

Slowly I turn off the shower and step out, I can't let him find out about the Twins, they were my everything and I can't lose them to Jonathan.

****

Six years later.....

"What do you mean, he is there already" I asked, my tone elevated as I tried to get clearer words of what Benita, my assistant was saying as I struggled with the steering.

"Keep it down, you two" I yelled at Tiara and Tina who were at the back of the car.

They were my sole reason reasons of surviving after such a horrible divorce, knowing I wouldn't wake up alone to an empty bed filled me with joy.

The moment I saw their little adorable faces, I knew just then, they were more than enough but right now they are giving me a migraine.

"I asked you both to share," I whispered, taking the chocolate from them. "Am sorry Benita what were you saying," I asked trying to stay focused

"He is here Ma, the person you are leasing your room to" she summed up at the other end of the line. "And he is so handsome ma'am" she giggled

"Focus Benita" What was this girl's problem with guys, she has been dumped for the 4th time and she is still not seeing the bigger picture here. "Tell him, I will be right there, dropping the Twins at my mom's" I added, ending the call.

"You said we weren't going to Grandma till the weekend," Tiara said, her voice small.

"Come on baby, don't you miss grandma," I leaned down, brushing a strand of hair off her face, she was definitely like her papa.

"I like grandma's, she gives us a lot of goodies," Tina said as she bounced excitedly.

Just 5 years old and I felt a long time had passed me by, watching them grow was the toughest and sweetest for me

I rang the doorbell, and as the door opened, Joy my mom's maid answered with a brightening smile on her face.

"Look who we have here" she teased jokingly

Tina and Tiara giggled, they were so playful sometimes I wondered where they got it from. Brushing past Joy they both headed upstairs, their laughter filling the echoes of the house.

"Be careful you two," I yelled from behind

"Is my mother inside?" I asked curiously

"You can always come in ma'am Claire" Joy ushered

But, I was too stubborn, my mom and I weren't on good terms, and ever since the divorce, she blamed me for being soft and lenient for not asking Jonathan for alimony, for wasting my life, even when insisted I didn't want anything from him.

She had said she was not doing it for me, the only reason she asked for alimony was for the kids, she loved them so much that I sometimes get jealous.

"Here is their stuff" I handed everything to Joy, who struggled to hold each of them. "Why is it so many, are they staying till Christmas" she asked curiously

"Most of it belongs to Tina, you know how demanding that little lady can be" I reminded Joy. "I will pick them up on Sunday so... Good luck" I quickly added, rushing to my car as Joy called behind. I waved, driving off

Feeling relieved, I called Benita. "Is he still waiting?" I asked curiously,

"Yes, Ma'am, should I ask him to leave" she asked

"No, am on my way" I quickly added ending the call

He must be adamant, I thought marching the speed break

I drove into the parking lot and my eyes fell on the offloaded boxes at the back of a sports car, no one told me he drove a sports car, is he going to be trouble, I was too busy to deal with a troublesome tenant

I got out of my car, picked up my handbag, and stepped into the elevator leading to my penthouse, I dialed Benita's number, and it kept ringing till she finally picked

"What with the sports car" I asked curious

"Ohh you saw that, I don't think he's that bad ma'am" she slowly added

"You don't think Benita, you don't think he is a serial killer or thief" I questioned her as she remained silent. "Who drives a sports car and stays in a lease, obviously a good for nothing do-gooder does" I slowly remind her

"You know what, tell him, the room is out of rent and give him a refund" I added

"But-but Ma'am" Benita stuttered

I quickly cut her short, "infact, don't bother, I will do it myself" I managed to say stepping out of the elevator in my apartment lobby

"Where is he," I asked Benita, whose face was filled with worry, "Benita" I yelled

"He-he is inside, he said he wanted to check it out" she stammered

"You fucking did what? how can you let a stranger into the apartment, is there something wrong with you Benita, you are getting fired after this"

"He seemed very convincing and I got so confused and -and" I stared at her trying to understand what the hell she was saying

The door opened and our eyes both stared at the figure coming out

"Hey, you could be charged for......" the words left my mouth, I must be dreaming, I moved backward, Benita stared at me concern filling her face

"Are you okay Ma'am?" she asked

"Is he the tenant?" I asked hoping he was not

"Yes ma, isn't he dreamy ma'am" Benita answered

"Will you please snap out of it" I snapped at her

"Sorry ma" I watched as he made his way towards me, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Claire" he called, his eyes filled with surprise

"Hello Jonathan" I greeted back, his eyes held mine, he still looked the same, handsome and alluring as usual, face to face with the man who broke my heart into a million pieces.

"What are you doing here, are you also here to check it out, it nice, comfortable, and homely" I let him continue with the praises since I barely got any while being with him for six fucking years

"No, Jonathan, I own this apartment" I could see the shock in his eyes, and I enjoyed every moment of it

"You must be my new tenant," I said sarcastically

He stared at me, his eyes expressionless, I knew I hit a spot but it felt good for once.

"I'm guessing you won't be staying anymore because I live here?" I asked curiously, pleading and begging that his pride get in the way

"I won't be, thanks for pitching that out" his voice was cold and hard

"Benita please do a refund" I politely asked her

I guess he wasn't that desperate for a place anyway, he is fucking rich, and he could stay in a five-star hotel, what the hell is he doing leasing a room, I stared at him in curiosity filled me

"Am sorry for wasting your time" Benita apologized, handing him an envelope full of cash

"You paid in cash," I asked now deeply curious, this was unlikely of him, paying in cash meant he was hiding or going on a low, I have lived long enough with him to know how he handles things privately without drawing attention

Was that the reason Why he needed to lease a room, was he he hiding or trying to stay low

I could feel his stares at me, "Don't overthink it, Claire, I don't need you in my business" he added, heading towards the elevator

"I never said I wanted to" I yelled behind him as he disrespectfully flung his hand in a, "I don't give a fuck manner".

Benita stared at me

"What?," I asked

"I guess am not getting fired then, since you guys know each other" A smile lit up her face

"I don't know him, Benita, I refuse to know him" I reminded her angrily, stepping into my apartment

***********

"Hey Mom" I manage to say

"Let me call the girls" she quickly added at the other end of the call.

How long will she ignore me, I know she was angry but how long

"You can't keep ignoring me forever Mom" I quickly added

"I don't know what you are talking about" Her voice was calm and reserved,

"Mom please, just stop it" she interrupted me, reminding me the girls were here

"Mummy" Tina called

"Wait let me guess who is talking, is it Tiara" I teased, I could hear their soft giggling, I missed them even if I had just seen them 5 hours ago

"No, you are wrong again, it's Tina" she corrected as I smiled

"Oh is it my beautiful Tina" I called out, "where is Tiara" I asked

"Tiara, mummy wants to speak with you" she called out to her sister. "Hello mummy"

Her voice was so warm and soft, "Why aren't you with Tina," I asked, "Grandma bought us new Barbie dolls" she said happily

"Did she? Did you guys say thank you,"

"Yeah we did," Tina on the line, "and mummy it's not a Barbie doll it's a brat doll" Tina whispered, not wanting Tiara to know cause we all know how sensitive she can be

My attention shifted to the sound of the doorbell, I stood up to answer, unlocking the door, I stared at the figure who stood there

"Jonathan" I called out

"Mummy, who are you talking to? Who's Jonathan?" I could hear Tina's voice at the other end of the call, I ended the call in a hurry, my eyes still fixed on him

"I need your help, Claire"

"Come in" I calmly invited him in, he looked tired, I promised not to get involved in his business but right now he was starting to make me worry and I hated that feeling

"Can I get you some water or something?" I asked waiting for his response.

"A glass of water will do" he answered, his eyes refusing to meet mine. I stepped into the kitchen, walking back with a glass of cold water.

"Here you go" I handed it to him, now sitting opposite him as I watched him, drink the water in one full gulp, "what's going on Jonathan, this is unlike you," I asked curiously

"What's with the sudden looking for a leased room to stay, are you broke, am sure the media would have picked that up" he remained silent

"Thank you for your concern, but am not broke, am in a situation, in which I just need a quiet place to rethink and gather myself" he answered

"A hotel suits that description," I said, trying to annoy the hell out of him

"A hotel has too many eyes on it, I don't want to draw any more attention" I could feel he was hiding something

"Hmmm, so how may I help you," my eyes held his

"The vacant room, I will take it" he finally managed to say, I could see he was struggling to hide how embarrassed he was.

But was I ready to be in the same space with him again, it has been six good years, and living together again means I have to go back to trying to deal with him

"Am sorry Jonathan, but It's a No for me," I flatly told him, he stared at me in surprise, "and why is that?" he asked

"Cause you are my ex-husband, and it would be weird sharing a space with you again after six years, I once did share a space with you and seriously it didn't end well" I reminded him

"That was six years ago, we moved on" he retorted back, " do you think I want to be near you, I have my reason ok"

His words sting, how could he say that to my face, our marriage ended because of him, how dare he say that to my face?

"Am sorry" he whispered, furrowing his brows

"It's the truth anyway, we don't want to be in each other company, which means this sharing a room won't work" my voice filled with anger

"Please Claire, I don't have time to look elsewhere, my assistant was the one in charge of looking for a lease room for me, she picked this and currently she couldn't get another, that's why am back" he explained

"Do you know how weird it will be if people find out, my new tenant is my ex-husband, my mom hates your gut, and if she ever finds out?" I said trying to look for a good reason to send him away but he wasn't bulging, what mess did he get himself into this time?

"I am not here to ask you back in my life Claire, I just need a place to lie low, am ready to pay any amount of your choice, I will follow your terms and conditions, I don't mind, I just need a place to lie low" he said desperately

I sighed, feeling conflicted. Despite everything, I still had a soft spot for Jonathan. I knew he had flaws, but deep down, I believe he was a good person. Seeing him in distress made me want to help him, even if it meant putting myself in an uncomfortable situation.

"Fine," I finally said, relenting, "But this is strictly temporary. You'll have to agree to my conditions and respect my privacy. No meddling in my personal life, and no attempts to reconcile. Is that clear?"

Jonathan nodded, a glint of gratitude in his eyes. "Crystal clear, Claire. I promise I won't overstep any boundaries. I just need some time to sort things out."

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright then. You can stay in the vacant room, but only until you find a better place. And don't worry about the payment; I won't be charging you. Consider it a favor from an old acquaintance."

A mix of relief and appreciation washed over Jonathan's face. "Thank you, Claire. I honestly don't know how to repay you."

"Just focus on getting back on your feet," I replied, my voice softening slightly. "That's payment enough for me."

And with that, I knew that our paths were crossing once again, against my better judgment. But sometimes, life had a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and all we could do was face them together, no matter how uncertain the future may be.

"Where is your stuff" I asked curious

"Don't worry, I already asked the carriers to bring them in" he said as my eyes shifted to the door. I stared in Awe at the tons of boxes they kept bringing in.

"Did you pack the entire house, what with the ton of boxes" I stared at him, my eyes desperate for answers

"They are mostly work-related stuff, I need them" he answered, I stepped aside making room for the carriers to offload the boxes in his room.

"Is that all?" Jonathan asked them

They all nodded in response, I could see he hadn't lost his charm after all.

"Well, and one more thing," I turned to face him, "no noise," I added heading upstairs to my room.

I decided to take a long shower, trying to calm my nerves, I hoped I was making the right choice and that I wouldn't come to regret my action, as the warm water dripped down my back memories flooded in, the very night of our divorce

*************

(that fateful night)

Tracy just called, she sounded worried, and I tried to understand what she was saying.

"It's everywhere Ma'am, Jonathan is on the news again" I listened, quickly picking up the remote to turn on the TV. My eyes watched in silence, it was the same story every year, that Jonathan never missed.

I quickly turned it off, contempt filled me, my phone ringing nonstop. It was Jonathan, I wanted to pick, but I know him too well to come up with a good lie.

I thought today would be a good day to drop the news about my pregnancy, but once again he ruined it, Jonathan always looks for a way to ruin everything.

Slowly I turn off the shower and step out, I can't let him find out about the Twins, they were my everything and I can't lose them to Jonathan.

I hope he solved whatever issues brought him out of Vegas to Chicago, I hope he does and quickly.

It was 7:00 am, and my table clock kept ringing as I stared at it, another day to face reality, sometimes I hate having to work but I had to, I needed to provide for my kids, I was able to open my own advertising company after the divorce, with my best friend Mia as my partner I couldn't wish for another.

Her zealousness to make things work always cheers me up and makes me work harder, maybe that was the reason after the divorce I was able to move on.

I got dressed in my plain white tee shirt and blue jeans with my pump-toe heels, my hair was tied neatly in a bun, and looking at myself in the mirror I looked good as I headed downstairs

"Good morning" Jonathan greeted from the kitchen, he was shirtless as I stared at his perfect muscular body.

My brow raised in question. "I never knew you go around shirtless," I asked

He stared at himself, a grin appeared on his face. "Well pardon me, madam, I never knew going shirtless was part of your terms," he said sarcastically

"I do have guests coming in and out of the apartment, so it will be strange if they meet a shirtless guy in my apartment, especially one that was my ex" I reminded him

"Fine, you complain a lot, you were never like this,"

"I guess six years changed did some changes" I replied, he stared at me, his eyes emotionless, I shrugged, trying to compost myself

I walked and brushed him, heading to make myself a cup of coffee, I needed it, this drama was straining me this morning.

"You know I tried calling," Jonathan said his eyes fixed on me

I wasn't ready for this, please just don't, "Jonathan, don't" I stopped him before he continued.

"No Claire, we need to talk" he insisted, but before I could respond the doorbell rang, "are you expecting someone," he asked

"Nope, it's too early to be expecting a visitor" I managed to say, heading toward the door. "Please go put on a shirt" I begged.

I unlock the door, standing face-to-face with Matthew, my eyes widened in shock

"Ma-Matthew" I stammered, I could hear Jonathan's voice calling, asking who was at the door as he walked and stood behind me shirtless

Matthew and Jonathan stared at each, their eyes not leaving one another, finally Jonathan speak

"Who's this Claire," he said his hand on my waistline,

I stood frozen, letting out a little hiccup. What the hell was he doing?

(Jonathan pov)

Who the hell was he and why was she restless, she quickly pulled my hand away from her waist, her eyes still fixed on him.

"Matthew, what are you doing here" she asked him

"Can I come in, or are you too busy" his voice filled with anger, I could sense it, she glanced nervously at me before letting him in. I could see the history etched on her face, a mixture of vulnerability and fear.

Mathew as she called him, with his disheveled appearance and piercing gaze. Exuded an aura of expressive masculine energy.

His mere presence seemed to awaken something motionless within her, disturbing the calmness I had grown used to.

As he entered the room, his eyes locked onto hers, both filled with longing. It was clear that they had something going on together.

I stood there, a silent observer caught in the crossfire of their unspoken feelings. Questions filled my mind, but I chose to remain on the outskirts, an outsider between two love birds.

"Who is your friend," he asked Claire, she shrugged before she spoke, "he's my new tenant" she quickly told him, was she ashamed of me or what?

"And ex-husband" I added without realizing just what I did.

(Claire POV)

What is he trying to do, ruin me? why would he say that, what is wrong with him?

I eyed Jonathan, facing Matthew who stood bewildered

"What's going on Claire, is he your ex-husband?," he asked curiously

"Unfortunately, yes but he is just leasing the down room, for the time being, he's not staying permanently" I assured him as Jonathan glared at me

He should be grateful I was in a good mood, cause he would have been sleeping outside today.

"Why is he leasing a house, he could stay in a hotel or a relative, doesn't he have one"

I know Matthew was just showing concern and I felt bad putting him in that situation, Jonathan's eyes which carried contempt, slowly he walked away heading toward his room.

I was a little bit relieved, I hoped he would come back with a shirt, at least he could make the whole situation more bearable, now back to Matthew who is still trying to grasp the content of why my ex-husband was sharing an apartment with me.

"And you trust him back into your house, who knows if he has another motive for being here," Matthew said

"I don't think so, I know Jonathan if there was something else, I would know" I replied back

"How? How would you know, 'cause it's obvious you don't want to see beyond this facade" I could feel the disappointment in Matthew's voice. "I can't believe you forgave him that easily after the pain he put you through"

"I didn't forgive him, Mathew, he needed help and I couldn't turn away, Babe, I know you are not in support of having Jonathan here" I tried to calm Mathew's mindset about Jonathan but he seemed adamant

"I just don't understand, how you can trust him again so quickly" Matthew sighed. "He hurt you so much and now he is back in your life, potentially to cause more pain"

"I hear what you are saying, Matthew, but I believe that people can change," I said softly " Jonathan has his bad side, but I believe he deserves a chance to prove himself and make things right,"

"But what if he is just using you? What if he is pretending to need help so that he can take advantage of your kindness?" Matthew's voice was laced with worry

"I can't live my life constantly suspecting others," I said, my voice steady. "If Jonathan has ulterior motives, I trust that I will eventually see through them. But for now, I want to offer him support and help me out in a way I can, he is still the father of my kids" I reminded Mathew my voice low.

Mathew let out a frustrated sigh. " I just wish you would prioritize your self-being. You have been through so much already."

"I understand your concern and I appreciate it, Babe," I said reaching out to hold his hand. "But I need to do this so that I can be able to move on, I need to understand that Jonathan still means nothing to me,"

Matthew looked into my eyes, his expression a mix of love and worry. "I just hope you are making the right decision, I am always here for you, but promise me that you won't ignore any red flag that may appear."

"I promise, Matthew," I replied sincerely. "I won't let my desire to help Jonathan blind me to any potential warning signs. I'll stay Vigilant and take care of myself."

With a small smile, Matthew squeezed My hand. "Alright, then, you are about to head to work," he asked

I know he was trying to be supportive, he was the best, I met Matthew just two years after my divorce, and I promised myself not to accept any man into my life but Mathew came and changed that perspective.

"Thank you, Matthew," I said, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Your support means the world to me, and I am grateful to have you by my side"

"I love you" Matthew whispered as he hugged me.

***************

The drive to the office was smooth, I was already drained, and I was grateful Matthew understood why I had to accommodate Jonathan. It's not like I wanted to, it's just that I felt he needed it.

I parked my car and slowly stepped out, heading to the elevator, my phone chimed as I stared at it, It must be Benita. I stared at the numbers as they counted upward, with the sound of the bell the elevator slid open, and I stepped out.

"Thank God you are here Ma'am," she said in a haste

"What's going on Benita, isn't it too early for your drama"? I told her walking towards my office.

"The investors are here ma'am" she quickly added

I turned to face her, "already? I thought you said on Thursday," I stared at Benita in disbelief, the only reason she still has a job here is that I trusted and liked her, apart from that she is a terrible, terrible assistant.

"Am sorry ma'am" she apologize

I sighed. "What about Mia," I asked

"Ohh she just stepped out, she has an outdoor meeting,"

I handed her my handbag. " how do I look" I asked, slowly turning around for Benita to get a good glimpse.

"You look good ma'am" she responded

"Good as in okay," I asked for a better answer

"Yes ma'am" Benita responded with a sheepish smile

I sigh once again, realizing that I couldn't expect much from Benita. I took a deep breath and walked towards the meeting, trying to mentally prepare myself for the investors.

As I entered the room, I was greeted by a group of men and women in suits, all absorbed in their conversation. I could feel their intense energy as they discussed business matters, and it only added to my nervousness.

I took a seat at the head of the table and cleared my throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Good morning, everyone" I began, trying to sound confident.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. I assure you, that we have some exciting opportunities to discuss."

I could sense the skepticism in their eyes, which only fueled my determination to prove myself. I believe in the potential of my company, and I need them to see it too.

The meeting started and I presented our business plan, showing our achievements and future goals. I could see some of the investors nodding in agreement, while others looked unconvinced.

After what felt like an eternity, the meeting concluded. Some investors expressed interest, while others remained on the fence. It wasn't the resounding success I had hoped for, but it was a step forward nonetheless.

As we all stood up to leave the room, one of the investors approached me. "Thank you for your time, Ms. Parker," he said, extending his hand. "I appreciate your passion and dedication. We'll be in touch soon."

I shook his hand, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," I replied sincerely. "I look forward to hearing from you."

I walked out of the meeting room with renewed strength, ready to face whatever came my way. And as for Benita, it was clear that changes had to be made. But for now, I focused on the next steps to push my company forward. The journey was just beginning, and I was determined to make it a success.

I sat at my desk, my eyes fixed on the pile of documents in front of me, it was going to be a long day but I had to get to work anyway, my thoughts were interrupted as I stared at Benita who stood at the door

"What is it, this time Benita," I asked

"You have a guest ma'am" she answered

I stared at her for a while, curious. "And who might that be"

"It's the handsome tenant" she replied, my eyes widened, what the hell, I stood up quickly and headed out

And there he stood, looking all perfect and captivating, I walked towards him, trying to keep all disturbing thoughts out.

"What do you want Jonathan" I asked, desperately seeking for answer to his sudden appearance.