Chapter 40

***Kenya.***

The house was an enormous, intimidating structure, which had been infused with a mix of old and new architectural styles. Eco-friendly designs graced the house. The entire set up, one of blending the old with the new; a building style, which Kirsten had revealed to me was a unique style of Macklefields' Real Estates. I had instantly appreciated the ingenuity and found the style, truly fascinating.

The stone walls graced with notable art works, loomed eerily as I strolled down the stairs, managing to find the kitchen. I saw Nancy, the housekeeper, of the Ruthford Mansion, writing some notes.

"Good evening Mrs Ruthford, is there anything I can help you with?" Nancy enquired.

"No, Nancy, am just here to fetch some cold water." I smiled. Nancy nodded her head and buried her head back into her task. After having my fill of water, I gazed around the large kitchen, my eyes taking in the sight. The kitchen stood magnificent, with the stone walls giving a touch of the 19th century. Ultramodern appliances, stood in contrast to the stone walls that graced the kitchen. Clean, the silver surfaces shining, I couldn't help but inwardly applaud Levi for restoring this part of his family honor. The house was indeed an enigmatic beauty. My thoughts drifting to Levi, I decided to ask about him, seeing that I hadn't seen him since the party ended.

"Nancy, where is mymm"

"Your husband?" Nancy finished for me, staring at me awkwardly.

I nodded in embarrassment.

"He is in the Cave, Mrs Ruthford. Asked me to see to whatever needs you have, while he is there." Nancy gave a wide smile. I gazed, puzzled.

"*The Cave*? What is that?" I asked.

I hoped it wasn't something I was expected to know, being his wife.

A blush rose in Nancy's fair skin. "Oh, it's just a recreational room where Mr Ruthford and sometimes his friends, relax."

I stared oddly at her, before I nodded. Curious, I ventured. I wondered if it was something sadistic.

"Could you please point me in the direction of the room?" I asked. Perhaps I would be able to find a stable ground to use against Levi. One that could jeopardize his entire existence.

"Yes, Mrs Ruthford." Nancy agreed and led the way.

Following in Nancy's steps, we walked down the corridor. Going down a set of fancy spiral stairs, we came to a hallway, which had doors. Approaching a big door, which Nancy indicated as the Cave. With Nancy bidding her leave, I was left alone. Opening the door, I silently entered the room, whose interior was nothing compared to the simple door that led to it.

The room was the size of a cinema. Padded walls, laced with emerald green covers surrounded the room. There was a section that held a pool table. Other male toys were arranged in different sections of the room. Warm light was evenly distributed in the room, giving it a superiority. I walked further into the room and saw a door that had 'Cinema' on it. Pushing the door open, I walked into a plush cinema. It was a large space. Dark, except for light that streamed from the video that played on the large screen. I walked down the aisle.

Sighting Levi on the front row seat, I strolled to him. My eyes had lingered on the video of a beautiful blonde haired woman and a younger Levi, both playing on the beach. I recognized the beach house and an ache tugged in my chest. I didn't know what to make of the ache. Shrugging it off, I shifted my gaze to Levi. A drink of brandy in his hand, he slouched lazily in the seat. I observed him, his entire focus on the screen. I had mixed feelings about it. He didn't even acknowledge my presence.

"Is that your wife?" I bit back my tongue at those words. He gave no visible reaction. Levi gave no visible reaction. He only dropped the cup and turned off the screen with a remote.

Expressionlessly, he said. "*You* are my wife now." He dipped his hands in his pockets as he stared at me.

"Am sorry that I just interrupted an intimate moment. I wasworried afterafter the argument with that man." I was embarrassed as I indirectly admitted to eavesdropping on their conversation. He maintained his gaze. Unreadable.

"You haven't interrupted anything." He heaved a sigh, rubbing his face with his palms. Exhaustion weighed on his face, I could see it. "Belle, she was" He paused, gauging watching me, keenly. I noticed a flash of something deep inside his eyes. Something lurking there in the shadows, like a hidden secret.

"You loved her, that is why this is so difficult. Who was the man?" I muttered. I held my breath, not wanting to hear his next words. But I knew that I needed to know, for him to have spurted out such words. Levi's expression grew thoughtful.

"I loved her. But it wasn't reciprocated." Levi remarked, shrugging. His expression, one of sheer indifference, surprised me. "That was Benjamin Moore. Belle's twin brother."

I looked at the blank screen, with more clarity. No wonder he had felt that way. It was impossible to see him man as her twin with all that blood on his face.

"You say it so casually."

"If you've lived in my world, certain things about people wouldn't surprise you."

"Is that why you do things without thinking of the feelings of others?" I accused.

Levi watched me, his eyes studious.

"You simply forced me into a marriage, without thinking of your late wife. Without thinking of what her family would say. Without thinking of your wife's memories, insulting those memories." I pressed, watching him, waiting for him to say something. Levi was silent, watching me, meditatively.

Choosing to ignore words, he walked around me and proceeded outside the room. I was shocked at the gesture. Gathering myself, I hastily followed. Matching his steps.