His Contracted Bedspacer

RAFAELLA was checking the screen to see if her flight to New York was ready when she noticed a bearded man following her. She was used to it though her time as a CIA agent ended two weeks ago.

She used to be with anyone for a long time, so she can't help but worry about being alone. She was with a co-worker named Gwen, but after quitting the operatives, she was left to manage everything alone. It was also her first attempt to travel back home to be with her mother for three days, so she had to return to the place of her birth and upbringing to carry out her plan. And eventually, she also wanted to move her family to a safer location.

Rafaella quickly bent down towards where the woman's toilet was when the man removed his eyes from her. She promptly pulled out her phone when she entered the women's bathroom but realized she couldn't call any of her old co-workers. She had no right to ask for their assistance because she had already cut her ties when she resigned.

As soon as she got into the restroom cubicle to change her clothes, she heard a woman's voice pleading; she logically entered one of the cubicles and took off fresh clothes from her backpack so the man who followed her wouldn't recognize her. She was finished changing her clothes when she heard the door slam open and close. Then she heard a commotion.

Rafaella instinctively placed her feet on the rim of the toilet bowl in fear as she listened to the voice say, "Obviously, there's no one around. Bring that woman here for interrogation," said the man's voice.

As she listened to what would happen outside the cubicle, she tried to control herself and hold her breath.

"Don't test my patience, woman. Tell me where you put my boss's stolen luggage if you don't want your family to find your dead body in the trash."

The woman insisted in a trembling voice, "I keep saying I don't know," the woman insisted, "You already looked inside my luggage and seen what's inside."

Rafaella could hear one of the woman's frustrated sighs. Then another woman interrupted, saying, "Finish her and follow me."

Rafaella heard the door close and hurriedly put her foot on the floor. She took a quarter coin and tossed it into a corner stall facing further from where she was. After she tossed the coin, footsteps were in the same area where she threw it. She knew then that someone was inspecting it outside the cubicle.

Rafaella heard the door open as a woman shouted, "Hey!" loudly. Followed by thudded of footsteps, then silence followed.

She guessed the woman who was supposed to be in the bathroom might have escaped. When it got quiet, she rushed out of the cubicle and met a gang of youths on her way out. She quickly walked out of the comfort room.

It was a relief when she arrived on schedule and called her flight on the dot. Before entering the tarmac, she slowly passed the old ladies, grinning at them as if she knew them, and finally heaved a sigh of relief after that. Her eyes were also attentive even though she was inside an aircraft. She just leaned on the back of the chair after making sure there was no suspicious movement.

She put on her sunglasses and closed her eyes loosely so she could take a nap, but she couldn't. Returning to her hometown brought her back from what had happened that made her leave. It was an escape for her to go and forget everything that hurt her, which affected her life even though she was able to start over abroad. But she yearned to be with her mother. Talking to her was not enough now that she had time to see her and convince her to live with her in another state.

She usually called Mrs. Wood about her mother's welfare, who used to be their governess, but when her father died, they lacked financial ability. Her mother had no choice but to end her service. But Alexus, who used to be their neighbor and a family friend, hired her as his governess, and it's through her that she found out that he was taking care of her mother after she got out of the hospital. She could still remember the night the mafia lord's men entered their house to get her. However, she managed to escape, not her mother, who fell down the stairs. And it became worst when Alexus revealed the truth about their marriage by proxy, which was consented to by her father.

And that's why she could not understand why Alexus had to interfere with her mother's welfare when he was the one who filed for their divorce. What did the man want to prove when everything was over with the two of them? It was crystal clear that he wanted to cut ties with her.

She couldn't ask Mrs. Wood about those things because she felt her evasive reply. All she could tell her was she had nothing to worry about since her mother was in good condition, but it was not enough even when she had the chance to talk to her mother. She was unconvinced, so now she sought to speak to her mother personally. And she needed to clarify with her estranged husband the nature of their divorce since she got a different story from the official record she requested.

The moment she left the airport, she called the nanny of her twin kids, who arrived before her and had already checked in at the hotel, where they would temporarily spend a few hours before continuing to their destination.

And she decided to call Mrs. Wood to find out if her mother's at home. In one of her calls, her mother explained that she usually spent time at Latimer's residence, which she didn't mind because it was just across their house.

But now, she was shocked to learn that she couldn't talk to her mother without permission from Alexus. But why?

"Please, talk to Alexus as I kept telling you. He can explain to you better about your mother's health. She's fine, but I can't bring her to where you are easy. I need to ask his permission. You know that your mother had a stroke, and it's a bit delicate to hear anything that could trigger it."

"Do you mean to say that my mother is not really at home? She does not live there?"

"That's right, Rafa. But please, ask Alexus."

The information shocked her, but she realized it was fruitless to talk to the governess. She replied, "It's okay, Mrs. Wood. I understand your side. When is he coming home, and where can I find him now? I've been trying to call him, but he's not answering from his place of work."

"They have a gathering today at a hotel. I heard it's Sandy's birthday."

Oh, he's still with her, she thought.

"Alright. Thank you very much, Mrs. Wood. I'm going to see him."

She let out a deep sigh in the air as she dropped her phone inside her shoulder bag while her mind filled with what the governess had said, who was almost the same age as her mother.

She could not understand why Alexus seemed to control those who visited her mother. Since when did he interfere in her mother's welfare? It was only now that she got an idea about it.

It somewhat upset her that their former governess hid the actual arrangement of her mother. She felt like she was betrayed.

Oh, this is beyond my understanding of what his objective is. She reflected. As she peeked out of the cab, she told herself she didn't have time to chase after anyone to see his mother.

RAFAELLA was not surprised to see a crowded function room because Mrs. Wood told her numerous visitors were in the ongoing gathering.

She took a breath when she spotted the familiar shape of the man she was aiming for at that party. The murmur of elegant voices made her stomach flutter as she continued walking forward. The man was grinning broadly at the people in front of him, both men and women. He seemed happy and relaxed.

Her facade became stiff when she saw the lovely face of a woman she was all too familiar with sitting next to him. Sandy.

Rafaella's eyes moved to the man's hand resting on the woman's shoulder. He was laughing at someone who said something to him, then shook his head and looked around. It was undeniable how he was stunned for a moment. The smile on his lips quickly vanished when he raised his eyes to meet hers adequately. Somehow, he felt her eyes on him.

The woman at his side quickly came to meet her when she saw where Alexus's eyes headed and frowning, but Rafaella was looking at the man. She could see his cold eyes on her.

Was that contempt? Rafaella ignored that feeling of a bad case of butterflies in her stomach and shrugged it off.

She got the impression that she would not be able to communicate with him effectively with that icy eyes. The pleasant expression on his face suddenly disappeared upon seeing her, which was a terrible indication.

But she walked towards the man with her heart pounding and felt the hairs on her arms go up, but a woman stopped her.

"Have you received an invitation yet?"

Rafaella just stopped after that. She realized that those who attended that party had received invitations. How private!

She looked at the woman, and with a friendly voice, she replied, "No, but it won't be long. I need to speak with... Mr. Latimer."

She looked back to where she last saw him. He was heading towards them in the middle of the affluent crowd of people in the gathering area of the exhibition hall.

The woman continued, her silver eyes examining her, "Let me try to assist you. I'm Sandy, his fiancée. You can tell me what you need from him."

The woman did not recognize Rafaella, which surprised her. Maybe the five years she spent abroad changed her a lot. Another reason was that she had a black jacket over a plain t-shirt and a hat that held back her long dark brown hair to escape from whoever was trailing her in the airport.

She tried lowering her voice, "I'm his long-time friend."

"That's unthinkable because I know most of his friends," the woman retorted, suspiciously eyeing her.

The redhead's elegantly aggressive tone made her wince. She moved her hat, partially covering her forehead.

And suddenly, the color of the woman's face changed as she stared at her. Blood seemed drained from her face as it looked like she'd seen a ghost, and she speechlessly stared at her. Undeniably shocked.

"Rafaella..." she uttered almost in a whisper.

She whispered to Sandy, "Yes, I'm still alive." Then she looked at the man approaching them and said, "As I've said, I don't think I need an invitation since I'm one of his buddies."

As he passed, the slight blink of his blue eyes gave away that he heard what she said.

He casually offered the red-haired beauty one of the drinks before putting his free arm around her, "Ex-wife, to be accurate." He said with a blank expression.

Rafaella faced the person she hadn't seen in five years while trying to ignore the woman beside him.

She smirked, "Latimer, I believe we need to chat."

"As you can see, I'm busy. Call my secretary and make an appointment," he replied, thumping his free arm around Sandy's shoulders. "Sandy, my love, don't worry. It won't take long this disturbance."

"I apologize for upsetting your peace, but can you give me at least five minutes?" Rafaella sated. She was trying to control the anger that would erupt in a moment.

"I swear you heard me,' his icy voice said. "You must schedule a meeting by calling my secretary."

"Latimer, I don't have time to chase you. Please tell me where I can find my mother. That's the least you can do, and you won't see me again."

He answered directly, "At my house."

That stunned her, but she quickly shrugged it off.

"Alright, this news to me. No wonder I was told to seek your approval, for God knows why. I want to see my mom, but must I phone your office?" She could not help asking him in a sarcastic voice. She finally released the anger she had held back since entering his party. "You must be aware that I have been contacting your secretary nonstop since I arrived at the airport. If you had not avoided me, I would not be here today. We go somewhere and have a private conversation, or we can have one in front of your fiancée and all your close friends. Take your pick now, as I am busy too." Her words stuttered as she admired the woman's stylish red dress.

He deliberately drank from the glass while keeping his eyes fixed on her from the rim and somewhat playing with time to consider her request.

She erupted and said, "Okay, fine. Bear in mind that you had an option. I have some brief news that I thought you might find interesting. Our divorce that you filed? I wonder why it was not recorded. For whatever reason, we are still married. That means you and your fiancée need to abandon the upcoming pre-marriage ceremony. So much for being a great attorney. Very funny, don't you think so?"

She spun around, ready to leave. Her lower leg almost slipped from under the new high heels she thought were comfortable, and she frantically walked towards the door.

And a smile left her lips when she heard the door open again as she came out. She seemed to expect the man to follow her explanation, and she was right. He did it quickly. His long fingers reached out and grabbed her before she could dodge.

He turned to face her while holding her tightly.

"Why do you think it's not true?"

"You dare to ask me?" She snarled. "You've no idea how shocked I was to discover our divorce was not filed in the registry or processed."

"That can't be done. How did you choose to marry my half-brother? Falsification?"

Rafaella was surprised to hear what he said, "I wonder where you got that information as I'm not married to Luigi."

He looked stunned and speechless.

But she continued. "I learned about it when I saw the requested legal documents and my children's birth certificates."

"What, children?"

When Rafaella realized what she had just uttered, her face turned pale.

"Well..." she took a deep breath through silently cursed herself. "I have children."

"But you're not married?" He asked while he looked around the contours of her body.

"No. I had no desire to get married once again. Remove your hand from me," she muttered as she pulled his hand away.

They fell silent when every sane head turned to face them.

"I wasted the entire five minutes I asked you for. The divorce and my mother are all I ask of you." She made a turn to go.

"Rafaella, hold on."

"I'm done with you. I'll wait for my mom at the Hilton hotel's lounge if you don't mind."

"No, I'm not finished talking to you."

She ignored him as she made her way from him, heading to the hotel's main entrance and stepping onto the road.

She frantically considered that he seemed to have his fabulous party, friends, and girlfriend. She stopped a bit and bent to take off her shoes. Leaving them dangling on her hand as she muttered an annoying curse. She would have the opportunity to process their divorce and ensure it was completed in a way that leaves no room for questioning. She could not believe she was still married!

She hailed a passing cab, but it went passed her. As she continued walking, she let out a quiet curse.

"How often have I told you to speak out loud if you intend to use profanity?" Alexus's voice radiated an arrogant joy that another cab did the same.

She prayed for another cab as she continued to watch the traffic. "Latimer, I'm done with what I wanted to say. Stay away from me."

"I have been, if you remember, spanning five years. You came by this evening."

"My error. Before it was in front of me, I forgot who I was talking to. It won't happen again, I promise. Give me one more thing, please. My mum should be with me."

"And you're returning to your single life?" He growled.

She ignored him.

When a different cab ignored her wave, Rafaella whispered an expletive annoyance which she managed to control. " If I can, I'm going to the hotel with my mum, not that it's any of your business."

Alexus grabbed her hat, which covered her long, lustrous, chocolate-brown hair that fell to her shoulders down her back, rather than responding.

He was staring at her like he was shocked.

"Stop looking at me like I'm furniture and scrutinizing me!" She glared.

"Barefoot?" He was oblivious to her outburst. The smile came, and he raised one corner of his moving lips. "Wearing t-shirts & jeans with high-heeled sandals. What happened to you?"

"Latimer, stop commenting on how I dressed. And don't waste your time contacting me. All I want is my mom and the divorce finality."

"If I'm right, Rafaella, I don't believe you'll enter my home."

She felt compelled to admit it by his eyes. And for a brief second, their eyes met.

Rafaella broke the awkward silence by saying, "I detest this coldness between us, but you began it when you didn't accept my calls," as if she were in a tight spot. "Why do I think you dislike me? We parted ways amicably."

He was still for a moment and was about to say something, but instead, he shook his head.

"Latimer, what have I done to make you hostile?"

"Why is it so formal?" He retaliated in kind. "You sound chilly when you call me by my name even though you are a Latimer and know my name very well. You claim that at that point, our marriage is still intact."

"You believed what I claimed?"

"Shouldn't I be when you trotted here after several years of silence?"

She was speechless, with her eyes wide, staring at him.

"And I want to remind you that our marriage is legally binding and consummated by your choice, even though it was done by proxy."

She rolled her eyes and glanced down the road to cover up the heat in her cheeks. When she managed to respond, she merely muttered, "It... that wasn't tallied. Before everything happened, we had already signed the documents, and it wasn't your fault. As you've said, it was my choice."

"And I could have refused," he retorted. She burned in his eyes.

"Can we not discuss it?" She avoided looking at him to cover up her humiliation. She didn't want to talk to him about what she had done in the past. Everything that had occurred was her idea. She struggled to despise him because of it, but she never regretted what she did since the outcome of her action made her life worthwhile to move on.

"Certainly. You're skilled at that, Rafa. Avoiding the topic that needs to be discussed."

The accusation from the man caused Rafaella's mouth to open.

"You barged into the hotel and demanded my attention, but as we spoke, all you seemed to be doing was trying to hail a cab. Choose a side, Mrs. Latimer!"

"All right, let's settle this once and for all."

"Join me, please."

Once more, he held her arm firmly but without the force of the bruising. "In my opinion, we should not converse on the road."

Despite the strain, Rafaella retreated before realizing she was either caving in or being led away.

"There is no way for us to leave this place. How is your fiancée?"

"I'm only talking to you about the status of something you claimed a while back," he replied.

She saw a sleek black car, and Alexus walked toward it. H opened the door and led Rafaella to the front seat. There's still a faint scent of costly perfume in the air. Was it his fiancée or a different person? Before she could fasten the seatbelt, Alexus sat in the driver's seat and bowed in front of her, which caught her off guard.

"Impressive. Still a gentleman..."

He gave her a brief period of attention before carefully entering the traffic flow. "I don't recall ever making such a claim. Before, you didn't appear to care."

Nope, she wanted to say, although it was a one-sided desire. She adored his confidence just as much as she loved his physique body built.

"Please bring my mother to me, drop me off at the hotel where I'm staying, and I'll take a cab to the airport," she said.

Instead of replying, he started to run the car. She was thrown against the door while waiting for him to turn the vehicle to the right.

"Wait, that's the wrong direction! Where are we going together?"

"Inside my home. Where else can I bring my wife?" He stressed the word "wife" with pursed lips.

She swung the seatbelt around. "Stop the car right now. I'm leaving. You are utterly mistaken if you believe an illegal divorce provides you any rights."

"Just shut up. Your action implies that you're worried we'll be left alone. You are protected from me, Rafa. So, relax. If you want to see your mother, then act properly."

"Latimer, you certainly have a short memory. Tonight, I tried to get you alone, but you refused." Her entire body becomes more and more enraged.

"That was before I understood your desires."

She mocked, "I wouldn't have had to come if only you had answered my calls."

As the car was being driven toward the garage across the big lawn, Alexus quietly got under the awning and stopped it.

"Walk with me. We can discuss it upstairs." He spoke before exiting the vehicle without giving her another glance and forcing her to choose.

Rafaella paused briefly, then picked up her purse and shoes. She looked about the mansion, which she had never seen before.

Standing at the house's front door, Alexus turned to face the rear. And he was holding the door with one hand as she ran after him.

Without saying a word, he motioned her down a few steps into the living room.

She removed her shoes and let her tired, swollen feet fall onto a luxurious white fluffy carpet. The plushness of the rug appealed to her. She couldn't help but savor the comfort it gave to her legs by closing her eyes for a minute.

He was observing her with those unreadable eyes when she opened her eyes and realized where she was. She swallowed hard and pretended she didn't notice how he looked at her.

"Do you want anything to drink? "Alexus made the offer when he sat in the sofa's corner across from her.

"Yes, please. Water will do, thanks," she darted him a smile. She tried to hide how uncomfortable it made her feel to be alone with him, knowing they were not legally separated.

He tapped the side table's button while nodding. He said, "Water here, please."

Rafaella heard the approaching footsteps a short while later. She peed at the older woman's recognizable face and noticed a modest smile on her lips.

She drank water from the crystal glass and quietly replied, "Thank you, Mrs. Woods."

Their former governess gave her a satisfied smile once more, but Alexus interrupted.

"Bring mom here if she's awake."

He received a nod from the governess before she discreetly walked away.

Rafaella gave him a big smile and said, "Thanks." Her happiness at seeing her mother was visible in her eyes.

"However, I don't believe hearing the sad news would benefit her condition. I advise you to remain here while I speak with the attorney who handled the matter."

"The lawyer who is now your brother-in-law. Anyway, thank you for the offer, but I don't believe staying under one roof is a good idea," she added after clearing her throat.

"Considering that we are still married, why did you say that?"

"I don't want your fiancée to assume the worst and confront me. So, while waiting for the procedure, staying in the hotel where I booked is appropriate. Besides, the only thing binding us is the paper to finalize it. I deemed it finished when I didn't hear from you for a while." She spoke up.

"What about you, then? Is my brother still being pursued by someone? Are you safe there?"

She purposefully lowered her eyes to her feet, partially hidden by the soft carpet's thickness.

"No, there was no issue like that. Everything's fine when he's gone," she admitted, meeting his eyes." And living alone is safer."

"What are you saying?"

"I don't think I can afford to put anyone's life in danger with the kind of job I had. I still have my doubts about safety. Nobody knows."

"What?"

Rafaella was silent as she considered the implications of her words. "Considering what happened to your half-brother, it's wise to play it safe."

Alexus regarded her intently as if he was not convinced. His brows furrowed. "Is someone following you then? Are you in danger or something?"

She heard footsteps behind her before she had a chance to respond. She could not express how she was shocked when she spotted her mother seated in a wheelchair. She got to her feet. But at the same time happy to see her at last.

Alexus and Mrs. Wood quietly left the premises. Rafaella ran in a fit of emotion to hug her mother.

"Mom?" She could not help sobbing. She didn't care that she was seated on the hallway's chilly marble floor. Her attention was on her mother.

"I'm so glad to see you, Rafa," Mrs. Jones said gently. She softly stroked the face of her daughter. "You seem doing well."

"Yes, mom. I'm fine. "Despite her tears, Rafaella grinned and nodded. She kissed her mother's hand. "Mom, I missed you beyond words."

Mrs. Jones gave her daughter a sad grin as she stared at her. "I missed you too, honey. Whatever happened since your dad died, I still remember how we used to be, a happy family. And it would be great to see you both with your sister Cindy. I understand that she has her path to follow as you do. So never be sad on my behalf as I am happy where I am. Alexus is always there to assist me. So, please do not consider me but think about what is best for you. Have you heard from Cindy recently?"

"Sure, mom. She didn't want to return here yet but called twice recently to inform me she was fine."

Her mother's eyes once more showed grief. "We fell apart as a result of your dad's disappearance. I appreciate Alexus' consideration and politeness toward me."