Page 16 of The Fashion's Mogul's Secret Wish

“You… you are a crazy woman. How dare you!” I took the hand he was waving at me and brought it around to his back, forcefully. The pain was too much for him as he almost fell bringing me with him. I shoved him against the tree close to us. I pressed the side of my arm on the back of his neck to keep him still.

He was at my mercy, and he knew it. “Don’t say another word. I’m going to be saying this up close and personal, so you better listen carefully. I don’t care whatever twisted fantasy you have about me, keep it to yourself. I am not interested in you, not even remotely. Don’t think I’m defenseless.” I gripped his arm tighter and pressed on his neck to heighten my point. He nodded weakly, a plea on his lips.

“Good, I’m going to let you go. Run and leave this neighborhood. I don’t want to see you around me or my home.” With a tug, I pulled and shoved him against the tree to disorient him. I let go of him and watched as he fell. He curled into himself holding his arm.Pathetic.

I slowly backed away and jogged away from him. He wasn’t going to follow me anytime soon. I was in no mood to jog again. I ran until I got home. When I entered the house, I was relieved. That encounter was dangerous. I had to be more careful. Entering my room, I took off my clothes and took a long shower.

I ate some breakfast and went into my sunroom to go over the files I wanted to cross check before next week. Although I tried to concentrate, my mind kept wandering from Karl to Howard and then…my son. With a start, I pulled out my phone to call the detective, Chris. He answered after a few rings.

“Hello, Chris. I wanted to check your progress on finding my son. Any update?” I asked, hopeful.

When I heard his sigh over the phone, my heart fell. “Nothing noteworthy as of now. Do not worry, I’m working tirelessly to find him. I won’t stop until I’ve exhausted every option.” I knew he was trying his best, but I was still disappointed.

“I understand. Thank you. Stay in touch.” I ended the call and looked up at the domed ceiling. I felt incomplete and lost. I desperately wanted someone to hold me and comfort me.

I looked at my phone wanting to call Karl. I shook my head. I shouldn’t distract myself and Karl wasn’t going to solve this. I was still waiting for him to get back to me.Why hadn’t he?

Chapter 14

KARL

Iheardthesoftsounds of someone’s heels as they drew close. Selena stopped beside my seat and gave me a reluctant smile. She wasn’t happy with myrelationshipwith Marie, which made her act aloof around me. I didn’t expect her to come to see me today.

“At last, she’s gone.” Selena laughed and took a seat beside me. I set down my cutlery and faced her. “Come on, tell me what happened?”

I sighed. It’d been two days since I had sent Laura away, and I was enjoying the peace of mind it brought. What I didn’t expect was for Selena to ask about her.

“I found out she was lying, and she had plans to dupe me.” I cut into the steak and brought it to my mouth. I chewed, remembering Laura’s spiteful face.

“It was obvious. I’m glad she’s gone. Where’s Jason?”

“Probably watching cartoons in his room. The real question is why are you here?” I was sure someone, perhaps Rose, told her about Laura’s absence.

“Can’t I visit big brother and nephew anymore?” I stared pointedly at her. She rolled her eyes and blew on her fingers. Rising from the seat, she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’ll go hang out with Jason. Excuse me.”

She walked away. Selena wouldn’t open up until she wanted to. Having sex with her best friend wasn’t helping my case.

I finished my meal and left the dining table; I had other things to deal with. It was a Sunday, and I had gotten enough rest. I entered my office and opened the curtains to let in fresh air. I checked my schedule and noticed that I had a party to attend during the week.

Fashion week was near, and I wanted to host a party to drive publicity for the fashion show. Crucially, I hoped it would bring new clients and fresh eyes to the show. My company had been sending out invites. However, the person I wanted there the most wasn’t invited. It was partly because I had avoided calling or thinking about her. What happened in my office was not necessarily a mistake. I just went too fast and felt my heart soften around her. I was wary of the feelings growing within me. Was I ready for it?

I scrolled through my contacts and stopped at Marie’s. With a deep breath, I dialed her number, my heart beating slowly in my chest as I listened to the ringtone. A moment later, the call connected. She didn’t say anything.

“Hello, Marie. How have you been?” I tried to break the ice even when I was unsure of how to start the conversation.

I waited for her reply, my fingers nervously tapping on the edge of the table. Sometimes, I forget how cold she could be. I could make up any manner of excuse to appease her, but I didn’t want to lie. She deserved better than that.

“I wasn’t sure what to say to you. I know I’m calling late, but I’m working things out. Though I might be slow to understand my feelings for you.”

Marie was the only woman in my life to whom I felt comfortable acknowledging my uncertainty.

"Is communicating so hard? Karl, sometimes I wonder why I’m attracted to you. I thought we were making up a few days ago, then all I get from you is silence. Now, you’re calling me out of the blue, what for? You want to hook up?" Marie replied, her tone distant and guarded.

I looked at the ceiling and thought about my next words. “No, never that. Listen to me…when my heart beats too fast in my chest, it is for you. It’s hard to keep my thoughts straight and talk to you, like I’m walking on ice. I might sink anytime if I’m not careful.” I surprised myself—and her. Saying that out loud felt freeing.

“I didn’t know that. I…am sorry my doubt hurt you. I’m insecure about some things, especially new territories like this. You make things so hard, Karl, though I want…forget it. Why did you call?”

I wanted to push further to hear what she had to say. I shook my head slightly, a sad smile drawing up my lips. “I want to invite you to a party.” I paused, waiting for her reaction.

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