Chapter 419 A Restaurant Befitting Marlon (1/2)

Rachel was rendered speechless by him. She took a deep breath before she spoke again- ”Do you really think it'll matter?” I have a mind of steel and if I choose to leave you- I will go with or without my luggage!

Hiram sat up on the bed and hissed at her,”What was that? What did you say just now?” ”SAY IT AGAIN!”

Rachel wanted to continue but Hiram interrupted her viciously-

”Don't forget the promise you made. You need to compensate me for those 12 days,” he reminded her coldly.

Familiar with Rachel's stubborn streak, Hiram decided to end the argument, once and for all, with those words.

The brutality of his words defeated Rachel's courage to speak her mind. She pouted in surrender and said,” Fine! Have it your way! Anyway, the only expensive thing I have is what you bought me. The rest are just cheap clothes.”

She would keep her promise. Since she had agreed to compensate him, she would be at his beck and call, doing everything he asked her to do.

Hiram's eyebrows relaxed as he heard her words. His savagery had fulfilled its purpose and he felt it was best to let the matter rest, as he noted the time. ”Let's forget about it. It's time to sleep- come here now!” he said gently as he lifted the quilt for her.

Rachel took a deep breath, swallowed her unwillingness and walked grudgingly to the bed. She lay down at the very edge of her side and made sure to turn her body away from Hiram.

”What's this for? Are you trying to make space for the kids? They are sleeping very well in their own rooms and we don't need to change that. Now come into my arms!” he groused from behind her. Rachel made no move to acknowledge his urging. Hiram decided to honour his own demands by pulling her, petite frame, into his arms. She didn't stand a chance.

”You can never be free of me, Rachel, not here, not ever. That would be the last thing I expect from you! Do you hear me?” he whispered into her ears as he rested his head against hers.

The next day came, just like the one before it.

Rachel woke early as she did always. Since she had to go out with Hiram soon, she wanted to spend some time with little Jonny and little Joyce, who usually woke up shortly after her.

The children began to stir in their cribs near dawn but remained in torpor till six in the morning. Twins spent their childhood blessed with a perpetual playmate and if one woke, they would wake the other to play with them.

They darted towards the watering can that stood near the garden shed, screeching as they fought over who should get it. ”Jonny, let your sister have this one and I will find you another one!” Rachel said ever so gently. After the morning chores, Rachel stepped out to tend to her beloved little garden: her own little paradise. The children had spotted her in the garden and scurried to help. She was watering the flowers when the twins came hurtling out of the house.

She brought another watering-can from the shed and handed it over to her son.

”Joyce! Stop pouring water so hard on the plant. Look! The poor plant is bent down to the ground!” Jonny felt he should guide his older sister if she didn't do things correctly.

Joyce, on the other hand, who had inherited her mother's obstinate nature along with her signature, pouted and said,” You don't know how to water plants! Look at the dust on their leaves, I'm just trying to wash it away.”

Jonny was not having it! He stuck firmly to his opinion,”No, you're wrong.” He had observed his mother in the garden before and remembered her spritzing water at the base of the plant. If Joyce continued pouring water directly on top of the plant, it would slump to the ground.