Chapter 35

***Kenya***.

It was 7 pm and I sat in front of the vanity mirror, dressed in nothing but my undergarments.

The room I was in was surrounded by sheer opulence. A room rich in taste, showing Levi's unique sense of beauty. An enormous king sized bed stood in the far corner, draped in nothing but cream colored silk sheets. The polished marble floor of the room and the entire stone mansion, bore remarkable Fleur-de-lis designs. White, cream and grey furniture smothered the room, engulfing it in a calm ambience. The entire set up of the house was captivating.

The burgundy dress that I was to wear for the evening's event, lay on the bed. A shimmering halter neck gown, spotting a deep back and thigh high slit on the left side. The silk dress was remarkable. And Ibcouldn't deny my admiration of it. However, Ibcouldn't ignore the anxiety I felt at standing before the entire country later tonight, asserting Levi as my husband. It was going to be an injustice to me and the world, despite the glaring truth.

The confession or incomplete confession from Blake earlier in the day had rattled me. But I still managed to gather my wits in preparation for tonight's reception. Selecting outfits and jewelry the collection I had been privileged to choose from. Rehearsing the words I was to say with Levi's PR team. They had been so considerate, knowing I was new to this. Yet, I had still felt invaded by Levi.

The hair stylist finished my hair, pulling it into a loose chignon. Small diamond pins held it in place. I looked beautiful. Adorned by my shimmering diamond ruby jewelry set, waiting to slip into my dress; a knock came. The stylist opened the door and a fully dressed Levi strolled in, his gait, guarded. He wore a black tux and a matching bow tie. His hair slicked back as his shining black shoes echoed against the marble flooring. He looked really hot. His emerald gaze heatedly assessed me in my undies. I flushed under the gaze, slipping into an ivory silk robe. He had a file jacket in his hand.

"Would you please excuse us." Levi directed at the stylist. She nodded her head and silently exited the room.

"What are you doing in here? I thought after last night we wouldn'twe"

"We wouldn't what? Share the same room?" Levi filled in for me. I frowned as I saw the hint of amusement in his expression.

"Were you hurt by my actions last night, Kenya?" He asked, drawing closer to me. I backed away and he halted. A grin pulled the corner of his lips. Then he slipped one hand into his pocket, pulling out a thin, long diamond chain. It sparkled in the soft light, catching my eyes. Wordlessly, Levi walked closer to me, lowering himself on his haunches before me. I puzzled.

"I am not here to tease you." He started. He reached for my left thigh, inching my robe higher, until my thigh was exposed. My satin skin glowed. He placed one soft kiss there, the action drawing a gasp from me. He lifted his eyes to me and gave me a knowing smile. Without saying another word, he replaced his kiss with the chain around my thigh. Securely placed, he clasped it.

The cool chain, like his soft kiss, was enthralling. I lowered my gaze to the chain, fighting back the pleasure I felt at the intimacy of the gesture. Levi raised himself to his full height. He pulled the file jacket, which he had tucked beneath his arm moments ago and handed it to me. I looked at it cautiously, not reaching for it. He signaled for me to receive it.

"What is this?" I asked as I revealed the contents of the fleur-de-lis crested black, leather file jacket. There were documents, bank documents, that stared back at me. My eyes caught my name and I gasped in shock.

"Those are documents to your new bank account. Prestige Bank would now cater to all your financial obligations. I have taken the liberty to have some figures deposited it. There is a new unlimited credit card in there for you. Whatever you need to purchase. It's all at your disposal now." Levi announced, coolly. I stared at the papers in disbelief. The figures in the account statement, outrageous.

"I don't need your money." I murmured.

Tears began to blur my vision as the figures danced before me. When I raised them again, I was furious. Offended by the implication of his actions. I wasn't stranded. I was capable of earning my living. l had two jobs, well, If he hadn't destroyed one of them. I knew that men and women in his circle thought people, women of my status, were destitute. And he didn't need to buy my silence, either.

"You don't need to need it. It's yours by rights." Levi sternly disclosed. His expression serious.

"I don't need to uphold any rights with you, Levi. You got what you wanted, so let's leave sleeping dogs be." I spat.

My eyes leaked tears and I saw Levi's gaze shift to tenderness. I yearned to fall into his arms. To cry this out. To be comforted by him. But I fought myself, because I hated him. Because the little I knew about him revolted me. I couldn't be blamed for that. Even though I had encouraged him. Even though I had once desired him. I had caused this for myself.

Levi spoke. "We have an event, tonight. Don't fight me tonight, please."

He closed the space between us, and thumbed my chin. His signature bergamot and citrus perfume, sweetly teased me. But I ignored the feelings. As my eyes watched him, he lowered his lips to mine and pressed a sweet, soft kiss there.

"I'll go wait for you downstairs. The guests have started arriving." He placed another kiss on my forehead and exited without another word.