"What?" Vera’s voice shrieked staring at him incredulously.
Vera staggered slightly, her cheek stinging from the unexpected slap. Her eyes burned with fury and humiliation as she glared at Aaron, her chest heaving with ragged breaths. "Where and when has it ever been done? That Vera Louis was slapped.
"You... you dare hit me?" Her voice trembled with rage, yet her pride forced her to maintain a composed front in the presence of the onlookers.
The maids, who had initially covered their lips to suppress their laughter, now exchanged shocked glances, their eyes darting between Aaron and Vera ad though searching for answers to the situation yet not concealing the excitement brewing in their eyes at the unfolding drama.
Aaron’s gaze remained cold and unyielding. His hand still tingled from the impact, but he felt no regret. "I should have done this a long time ago, Vera." His voice was eerily calm, laced with deep-seated disappointment. "Maybe then, you would have realized that actions have consequences."
Vera’s fingers curled into tight fists. "You think you’re so righteous, don’t you?" She sneered, stepping closer to him, her voice low but venomous.
"You act like a man of dignity, yet you’re nothing but a coward— unredeemable coward you are Aaron. Can you do anything by yourself without aid?"
"Vera, stop testing my patience. I might as well send you to meet your ancestors this minute." He thundered.
"I? Meet my ancestors? Aaron, in your dreams" She smirked. What audacity? Talking really big. Vera didn’t believe she had entangled herself into a mess.
"You hate Davis because you know, deep down, that he is and will always be better than you. Even in a wheelchair, he holds more presence than you ever will!" Vera smirked, her gaze cold and taunting.
She has endured enough of Aaron’s nonsensical attitude. He will spend the hours and days in the clubs and restaurants with various girls and ladies and return home with several strangers smell, odours, scents and perfumes. Yet, he will be losing his mind because she gazed at Davis.
Aaron’s expression darkened instantly. A vein pulsed in his temple as his fists clenched at his sides. He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of her words, but it only infuriated him further. "You really think so?"
He took a slow step toward her while she stepped back his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Then tell me, Vera, if he’s so much better than me, why didn’t you stay by his side? Why did you run to me the moment he fell from grace?"
Vera’s face drained of color. She opened her mouth to retort but found herself at a loss for words.
Pamela, who had just arrived and was taking in the scene with narrowed eyes, finally spoke. "Enough," she said sharply, drawing everyone’s attention. She crossed her arms, her gaze locked onto Vera. "If you’re done throwing your little tantrum, I’d suggest you go freshen up. You’re making a spectacle of yourself."
Vera’s nostrils flared. "This is none of your business, Pamela!" Her eyes glaring at her in fury. It is quite clear she is enjoying the show but now—she feigns rightseous
Pamela chuckled, tilting her head. "Oh, but it is, dear sister-in-law. You see, watching you make a fool of yourself is quite entertaining. But I have better things to do today." She glanced at Aaron.
"And you? If you’re done playing the scorned husband, maybe you should reflect on why your wife is so eager to admire another man."
Aaron’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Pamela smirked, then turned on her heel and sauntered away.
Vera trembled with suppressed anger. She turned back to Aaron, her voice icy. "You will regret this."
Aaron scoffed. "I already do."
Without another word, Vera spun on her heels and stormed off, leaving the maids whispering amongst themselves. Aaron exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. The reality of his situation weighed on him heavily. Had he truly lost control of everything? Or had he never had control to begin with?
In Davis bedroom, it was a different atmosphere different from the fracas and chaos of Aaron and his wife.
"Davis, since it is just for shopping. Let’s go by a simple casual aside from the usual black and white you normally wear, let’s choose a cool colour. The weather might be slightly hot later.
Davis leaned back in his wheelchair, watching Jessica as she rummaged through his wardrobe. A small smile played on his lips as she tossed aside one black suit after another, her brows furrowed in concentration.
"Jessica, you do realize my wardrobe is basically a shrine to black and white, right?" he teased, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Jessica turned to him, hands on her hips. "Exactly my point! We need to break that dull pattern. You’re not attending a board meeting or a funeral, Davis. We’re just going shopping."
Davis chuckled. "And what color do you suggest, then?"
She stood contemplatively staring at him " a fair skin, chiseled jaw, well toned muscle and a sheen lustre hair", she muttered.
"Red, blue, green or cartoon color will do". Why she was doing her analysis, she failed to notice the smile on Davis lips as she muttered his features. A thought of regret concerning inability to stand flashed in his mind but he quickly shut it off.
Jessica scanned the closet and finally pulled out a sky blue fitted shirt and a pair of well-tailored beige pants. "Bingo! I think this is simple, stylish, makes you humble and less intimidating".
Davis raised an eyebrow. "Humble and less intimidating? I never knew I was a proud person and settled in a wheelchair still intimidating"
Jessica grinned, walking over to him. "Not everyone, just the weak-hearted. But trust me, a little change won’t hurt."
She placed the clothes on his lap. "Come on, you try it out and if it isn’t working we search for another". She said and winked at him.
Davis studied the outfit for a moment, then sighed in surrender. "Fine, but only because I don’t want to argue with you over something as trivial as colors."
Jessica smirked. "Well, colour is essential in everything so it is not trivial like you think. Let me see if I can get something to wear since I only have a few clothes sent over to me."
As if on cue, Pamela knocked on the door announcing her arrival immediately they have finished dressing up but was shocked at the sight before her.
Davis and Jessica are engaged in a playful banter. "The world is really unfair", she smirked.