His Black Secret

Chapter 3

"Incredible"

That's all I can think of as I drive back to the office. I can't believe Noa King nearly slipped through my fingers because of an oversight. She is extremely talented and smart.

Her idea for the project is just as I pictured it when the idea first came to me.
The use of bright and warm colors, the concept and taking her into consideration all the major constraints.
I envision an atmosphere that is calm, cheerful, warm and sophisticated. One that will encourage the women and children who eventually gets to stay there (even if temporary) and experience a sense of home, safety and pure bliss to move forward, and Miss King just brought my Vision to light.

Such an  incredible and Fascinating lady. So beautiful too. I can't stop thinking about her. I want her. She will definitely do well for the project.

"Janice"

"Mr Hofer you are back. I will call Miss Lawrence about the meeting now"

"That will not be necessary . I wouldn't be needing her and the team after all. I liked Miss Noa King's idea and have decided to go with it.
Can you reschedule my 10am tomorrow and put Miss King there. She's coming around so we can talk and finalize everything."

"Ok Mr Hofer. I'm on it now.
Will that be all?"

Uhm...
"and oh I don't care whose mistake it was concerning Miss King's interview time.
Yours or the HR .. I don't care I just don't want a repeat of that ever again".

"Yes sir. Sorry it won't happen again"

I sit in my chair and  look out from the floor to ceiling window overlooking the city.
Not that I have nothing to do. I have a ton of work but I just can't concentrate for some reason.
Noa king just isn't beautiful, she is extraordinary. With her flawless radiant mocha skin tone, her almond shaped honey brown eyes and her alluring voice which for a reason sounded deeply sensual to him.

The bolt of awareness that shifted through me was a huge surprise.
But I recovered quickly, unlike her who looked alert and flustered at our touch.
The entire effect was shocking to me but very welcomed.

My phone rings at that very moment.
I deflate when I see the caller Id.

"My lawyers had to move the time up because something came up"

"Hello to you too Iris"

" So can you still make it?"

"Moved to what time?"

"To 4pm"

I quickly check the time on the Hermès watch on my wrist and realize it's 3:10pm. I can get home in time for the meeting if I leave now.

"Alright, I'm leaving the office now"

The distinctive click signified my wife, soon to be ex wife has hanged up.
I keep a tight grip on my iPhone 11Pro still holding it to my ear as if i really had something more to say. Which I did until she hanged up on me.

It has not always been like this. We had been friends, really good friends in the university. We started sleeping together with no strings attached fresh out of the University, when we both started our businesses. But later decided to start dating seriously when Iris got pregnant in the sixth month of us sleeping together.
My company had started picking up and getting recognition then.
Iris had also opened her art gallery and was doing quite ok, so we decided to get married. To build a family for the baby.
It was all bliss and we enjoyed each other's company. Even though we were not exactly in love, we tried to make the marriage work. I was surprisingly happy for the baby.
But almost four months into the pregnancy, she miscarried. She had cervical inefficiency.

She kept blaming herself and became cold and numb to anything with everyone close to her including me unfortunately.

Only work ; selling her art pieces and painting interested her. She became a shell of herself (still is), and I lost my wife, my dream family and my friend at the same time.

I tried, God knows i tried to make it work.
Seeking Counseling with her, taking time off work to be with her, a vacation, I even suggested we try for another baby. But she was just adamant and immune to the idea. She just didn't want to do anything, especially with me. She refused my touch and Intimacy was just a no go area. She was just miserable. And she made us miserable. But I still stayed. For 2 years. Until we both came to the realization that its just not working.

2 years of trying and we decided to end it all together.
it's the first time both of our lawyers will be sitting down to agree on a divorce settlement that will benefit both parties.

I'm not really happy my marriage came to this, but I know it's for the best. We just couldn't go on even if we tried. I am just indifferent about it and hope everything goes on as planned , until now.

Meeting Noa King today, I feel something I haven't really felt for any woman before. It was consuming and I like it!.
Excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins, An exhilarating feeling. The first woman to grab my attention in this manner, and a very beautiful one as that. I couldn't have asked for a better timing too.

I call my close friend and lawyer Greg Archer. He's the best at what he does, I couldn't have asked for someone better. I told him about the change in plans and we agree to meet there instead of the original plan of he coming over and us going together after work around 6pm.

I pack up and walk to my Secretary's desk.

"Janice can you please cancel all my appointments? Something urgent has come up"

"oh ok Mr Hofer, I am on it. see you tomorrow then".

I nod at her and head for the lift.

                        ***

" What was that about?"
I can never understand Iris sometimes

"What was what about" Iris replied snidely

"What just happened in the fucking dining room Iris ? Why do you do this? Why???
You asked for a fucking divorce we decide to finalize and settle amicably with our lawyers and you suddenly decide to be difficult.
Why are u suddenly dragging this issue?"

I know I am getting irritated, and need to calm down but I just can't!

"Why are you being unreasonable and irritable? This is nothing new! People do this all the time.
I just think that living separately is not necessary... I mean, just even thinking about moving out of my home cripples me emotionally. Come on ! living together while we are divorced isn't that big of a deal"
she replied rolling her eyes.

"Do you even hear yourself Iris? Do you? Why wiIl I still want to live together after a divorce? That is like a recipe for a disaster.
For God's sake! we sleep in different bedrooms, we barely talk to each other. It's like living with a ghost! At this point we are only tolerating each other. Why will I still want to be in a house where so much negativity exists?
And if you're doing this because of the house then don't bother because you are not getting my house!"
My God this is so frustrating.

Acquiring this house in one of the most expensive areas in Knightsbridge, London was the greatest milestone in my life. I have had my eye on the property since I saw the "for sale" sign on it. And was  happy it was still in the market when I was financially ready get it for myself. It has been home to me for a few years and great memories has been created here.

"I told you, I don't need this stupid ugly house!
I just need time to adjust to the situation before I can finally move on. And why are u so eager to move on all of a sudden? It better not be what I'm thinking Jan!"

"I don't care about what you need! or want. Go and see a counsellor,your therapist, talk to your family and friends, do whatever you have to but dead this preposterous idea!" I turn to walk out on her before I say or do something I will regret.

" and oh ... I don't give a fuck about whatever you are thinking" I walk out of the house, get into my car and speed off. My heart is racing at a mile and my head is pounding. I'm so angry right now.
I guess I'm sleeping out tonight.

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