Sabrina sighed, "It's actually stupid, Windy, you might not believe me."
"Just spill it." She pushed forward.The eagerness in her made Sabrina to start explaining.
"You are telling me that you never knew it was him?"
Sabrina shook her head.
"Oh my heart." Windy laughed as she placed her hands on her chest.
Sabrina picked a fry and threw it at her before she held herself.
"It's funny no lie. But he's treating you well, right?."
"Very well."
Windy smiled, That's good."
"Yeah, I think… I'm starting to like him too."
"Are you for real?."
Sabrina slumped on her seat, "I think so, I don't know, it's complicated."
"But it will be good if you do though."
"What if his family members doesn't like me?."
"Think positive, Sabrina. Don't let Lexis out of your grip. He's a freaking billionaire for Christ's sake!."
Sabrina just smiled and palmed her head, "I think the relationship won't work out because of my phobia. What if, just want if Lexis grows tired of me because of it?."
"You still haven't gotten over it?."
"No, I doubt."
"Just let Lexis know about your phobia," she placed her hand on top Sabrina's own, "I think he's sensible. I doubt he's going to have the same mindset as Jason."
"If you say so."
Windy grinned, "That's my girl! Don't you ever think of ending the relationship with Mr billionaire. For one to catch such a goldfish is a lifetime blessing."
Sabrina giggled, " You are really crazy Windy."
.
.
.
8:14pm
Sabrina's wasn't home yet. Lexis paced around the sitting room anxiously. Where could she have gone? Or was she hard-up midway?
The sound of the door opening tore him from his thoughts, and he took long strides to the entrance door to see Sabrina, looking all fine, except for the worn-out expression on her face and the new shirt she wore.
"Sabrina?," he inspected her, "where have you been? Where did you go?."
"Sorry," Sabrina rubbed her eyes, trying to ignore the warm feeling that erupted in her chest seeing the care on his face, "I went out to have a meal with Windy."
"Who's Windy."
"My best friend."
"Okay." They moved to the parlour. Sabrina made her way upstairs directly and without pulling her clothes, she jumped on the bed. She didn't even remember to confront Lexis about the hockey he gave her earlier. She was exhausted.
Slowly, she drifted into sleep.
Lexis got in some minutes later and saw Sabrina, sprawled roughly on the bed.
He chuckled lightly and covered her with the duvet.
Tugging some of her long black hair behind her ear, he kissed her cheek and lingered for a few seconds before he withdrew back.
He got up and strolled to his study room.
Bringing out a frame from his drawer, he gazed at the picture of a beautiful teenage auburn-haired girl that was smiling. Her smile was sunny, her brown eyes as warm as honey and full of life.
Claire.
She would be a fully grown woman now.
For seven years. The last time he had set his eyes on her, she was only seventeen.
Until her mysterious disappearance.
He kept the frame aside.
Sabrina was the woman in his life now, and he wouldn't fail to protect her as he carelessly let go of Claire.
He just needed to know one thing; did she leave willingly or had Maris threatened her to?
.
.
.
Two days later….
Sabrina wore the black gown she and Lexis had shopped for the other day.
It was the perfect dress she could wear to meet Lexis' family, she thought.
She applied masacra and lipstick and smacked her lips, before smiling at herself in the mirror in satisfaction.
She looked good.
Checking the time, she found out it was quarter after six and the family's feast was to start by 7:30pm.
She wore a pair of black platforms heels and put on some sliver bracelets to match with the necklace Lexis had given her.
She walked down to the parlour and saw Lexis, already dressed in a black tuxedo, his shoulder-length hair packed in a low pony tail.
She stood, for a while, admiring his beauty.
The moment he heard the clicking sound of her heels, Lexis raised his head and gave her a warm smile.
"You look fantabulous, wife."
Her cheeks reddened, "And you look gorgeous."
He placed his phone inside his pocket and stood up, "First time my wife took the initiative to compliment me."
That earned a smile from Sabrina, "That's because I didn't feel like then."
He hugged her, "You really look pretty."
She grinned, "Thank you."
Lexis released her, and glanced at his watch, "It's time to go, it's already 7:17pm. We should start going, Mrs Woodsman." He addressed as he made way for Sabrina, who giggled.
"Yes, Mr Woodsman."
They both headed to the car. Lexis told the chauffeur he'd be the one driving, hence, his help wasn't needed.
He sat on the driver's seat while Sabrina sat beside him on the passenger's seat.
They drove in silence.
Sabrina looked out of the window to admire the beautiful night, bright with stars, which was intensifying the beauty of the surroundings.
Night views were something she loved—the calm, relaxing feeling she gets when the nighty breeze hits her…the quiet, relaxing silence that she'd always loved.
She could easily recall those days like this she spent with her mother.
When she was still alive.
"It seems you love nature," Lexis' voice brought her out of her trance, "you love gazing at the outside world."
"Yeah," She grinned, "I'd always wanted to be an artist, just like my mom, because my love for nature is beyond my own understanding. I derive pleasure from the calm and beautiful atmosphere. Feeling the mighty breeze alone could swallow all my pains and loneliness. Drawing and painting with my mom when she was alive were one of my favourite hobbies. She was an artist too. Even when she died of Hepatitis, I still continued to paint and draw to feel at peace. But all that stopped when my hard work was given to someone else by my father." She smiled sardonically at the thought.
Lexis looked at her.