You'll Fall For Me, Today or tomorrow

Clarissa burst into laughter at her son’s outrageous reply. She knew how much Damian loved his toys and food, so naturally, he’d want those as rewards too.

Now that her mood was significantly better, Clarissa was ready to spoil her son with whatever he wanted.

“Darling, what reward would you like? Tell me, and I’ll get it for you.”

“Really? I want a box of chocolates! And the railway set you didn’t buy the last time. And, and, I also want to eat…”

“Okay, okay. You can eat a little, but not too much. Haven’t I already bought you the railway set?”

“But I like the big one, Mommy. The set you bought was small,” Damian whined.

“Very well then, we’ll get the big railway set and one box of chocolates. You can only have one chocolate a day, but since you’ve been so good today, I’ll let you have two. And, you have to brush your teeth after eating. If you don’t, I’ll take back all your rewards. Deal?”

Damian truly disliked brushing his teeth, but for the sake of toys and chocolates, he reluctantly nodded his head.

“Okay, deal. You have to keep your promise, Mommy.”

“Of course! But you have too as well, darling.”

Clarissa and Damian were so engrossed in their conversation that they seemed to be living in their own world. Even though Matthew was seated right beside them, Clarissa never once acknowledged his presence.

The mother and son just enjoyed their time together as Clarissa cuddled and played with Damian the entire ride home.

Once they were back at Zen Highlands, Clarissa ordered the railway set for Damian under his watchful eye. She had stashed away a box of chocolates previously, so all she had to do was pretend to find it in the fridge before surprising Damian with it. As expected, Damian was so happy he couldn’t keep his hands off of it.

As she watched her son smile from ear to ear, Clarissa felt her heart burst with an incredible amount of love and happiness.

And at that moment, that heart had space for only Damian and no one else.

Matthew silently made his way upstairs to pack and change into a new set of clothes before coming back down. When he saw how Clarissa still had her undivided attention on Damian, a cold glint flashed across his darkened gaze.

Without a word, he turned and left Zen Highlands.

Later that night, when Clarissa was playing with Damian, Julia received a call from Matthew.

“Mrs. Tyson, Mr. Tyson said he won’t be coming home for dinner tonight.”

Clarissa was shocked but still gave a nod of acknowledgment. Yet, she couldn’t shake off that feeling of unease.

She didn’t mind that Matthew wouldn’t be home for dinner, but it was odd that he would inform Julia instead of herself.

Clarissa even checked her phone to ensure that it was working, and yet, there were no texts from Matthew.

Is he doing this on purpose?

Or am I overthinking it?

“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Damian suddenly piped up.

then. Your father’s not coming home for dinner, so we can eat his share and

will be hungry when he comes home. Can we

as you wish, my darling. When your father’s home, don’t forget

the dining table,

Clarissa woke up in the morning, Matthew’s side of

her clothes and made her way

Lawson, did Matthew

Mrs. Tyson. But it was late when he came back. He left

Julia immediately added, “Maybe work has gotten busy? I hear it’s common

and nodded.

the day, Clarissa didn’t see

convinced herself it was just her overthinking things. On

behavior continued to the third day, Clarissa knew in her heart that she

the cold shoulder? For

what she might have done

him kneel on the washboard? But that can’t be, as I remember him being quite

lack of restraint in bed and refused to be intimate with

as he always gets what he wants. My rejections in bed are always futile against him, so

visit? Is he mad at me for being rude because I

very likely

George. If she had, the hospital visit might

had done was in the best interests of the Tysons, so why couldn’t Matthew appreciate

wait for Matthew to get home.

end, Matthew never returned

up with him wanting a quarrel or

imagine, one that could bring about terrible consequences. All it took was one wrong step to have a third party take advantage of the situation, thereby leading to broken

and rage, sleep was an impossible

call, Clarissa

I want you home right now! If you fail

reply, Clarissa had hung up the phone as

was that Damian was still fast asleep. Otherwise, her demeanor would have undoubtedly scared the daylights out of

Matthew was finally back at Zen Highlands. An irate Clarissa had been waiting for him on the couch, staring angrily with

furrowed, Matthew walked into the living room

although

all night without

at the hospital the

why you haven’t told me anything. For the past few days, you never once informed me if you’d be working or going to the hospital. Are you intentionally

looked haggard as he massaged his temples, “I’ve

Is Julia your wife

was, Matthew knew

at how she got riled up only after three

Julia

And what’s with that icy gaze of yours? Just say it if you’re sick of me! I’ll leave immediately with Damian