Chapter Nine- Expect the Unexpected

Ares Levine did not appear trifled one bit as his mother prattled on. Lenora Levine was sick because of him. What about it? “Are you out of your senses? Sure, you don’t like her but she is your wife! You starved her for two entire days. Do you want her to die? Do you want to kill her?” Ares stared head on, not perturbed by his mother’s reprimands. “Wife or not, what she did was wrong. She deserved to be punished and so I taught her a lesson. We did not need her anyway. I did not need her.” Ares did not hold a morsel of compassion in his heart. Not for anyone. Not even his wife. The only reason he hadn’t kicked Lenora out of his life let alone mansion was because of his mother. She had some sort of affinity for Lenora. He couldn’t fathom why. Even if Lenora was telling the truth, he didn’t care that he was in the wrong. Why should he care? Are’s mother didn’t take his words lightly. Luna was livid. Lenora was a good woman in her eyes. Luna knew the woman was sharp but not foolish. Only someone with nothing to risk would snoop on Ares Levine. Lenora must have made a mistake, she was sure of it. Unfortunately, Are’s doesn’t take to mistakes or the people who make them. Luna was overcome with emotions and just barely managed to sit on the sofa. She was at a loss for words.   With a deep breath, Luna managed to compose herself somewhat. “You’re a guarded man. I understand that. We owe a lot to you. Even I as your mother owe you for making the Levine family who we are. However, you need to overcome certain things. I am your mother. I know you. Lenora is important to us. You need to understand that. It’s important to me. I need to know that you have some sort of companion.” The woman was working herself up. Each word came out harsher and with more difficulty.   “Yes, it was an arranged marriage. Even if it pains me to see you divorce Lenora, it is something I will accept. I will accept anything other than you inflicting torture on her. If that means bringing home someone else, I will let that pass too.” Luna bit her tongue after she nearly divulged information about the secret child. Lenora had accepted it but the older woman still felt guilty.   Ares was quiet as he digested his mother’s words. He didn’t care for Lenora. Rather he didn’t care for anyone. He was content in himself but the prospect of finding another woman to replace Lenora… The mere thought tired him. Aren’t all women the same? They just have different hair, different coloured eyes but regardless, they’re all the same. No. Are’s wouldn't settle just to please Luna.   The woman in question placed a hand against her chest, her breathing getting more and more labored. “Do you understand? Is it clear?”    The longer that Ares took to answer, the more overwhelmed Luna became. Before she knew it, she was fainting once more, falling back into the sofa rather than the floor. Another trip to the hospital came in clutch and resulted in hospitalization once more. Lenora was unaware of the kerfuffle taking place. The young woman was satiated on warm soup, soothing her rumbling stomach after days of painful cramps. She was thankful to Luna. Time and time again the woman had shown her compassion. Well, at least as much as a member of the Levine family could show. Lenora made herself comfortable with her companion once more. Her bed was her safe space in the past few days that she was cooped up in her room. Lenora had made herself memorize every line and divot in the wall as she stared absentmindedly at the paint. Lenora was dismayed. She knew that Luna cared for her somewhat but she wouldn’t cross her son. She cared for Ares more. That was her son after all. “Excuse me. Miss?” So deep in her thoughts, Lenora didn’t realize James was still by her side as she sported a twisted smile, lacking mirth. “I’ll check on the situation. Hopefully Mrs Levine has talked some sense into Mr Levine. I’ll let you rest.” Lenora had no energy to respond but James let her be, aware of how tired the woman was. As soon as the man left, tears gathered on her lashes. Lenora wanted to leave this place as soon as possible. As darling as James was, this place was weighing her down emotionally and mentally. Lenora was sure that if she didn’t walk out of her on her own two feet, Ares would drag her out. Lenora was unaware of the man in question as he made his way up the stairs. James was met halfway by Ares who appeared more disgruntled than usual. “Is she still breathing?” James paused at the lack of warmth. “Um. Mrs Levine? She-” “Leave. I’ll get a better answer myself.”  Ares didn't care for James to answer and stalked off to Lenora’s room himself. James wanted to stop him but fear held him back.    Lenora heard the door open. She thought it was James returning with son news and so with the remnants of her energy, she raised her head. The woman cursed herself, wishing she never did so because of the sight in front of her. Lenora stared at Ares and he stared at her. Neither saying anything. The young woman wasn’t sure where it came from but she gained new found strength. “Mr Levine. Could you please hurry the divorce proceedings. I can leave any minute. I will be out of here and you won’t have to deal with me any longer.” The woman didn’t have to pack much. Everything had already been placed into her small bag. She was resounded in her decision as she hoisted herself up with the help of the bedpost.   Lenora didn’t dwell too much on how her entire life fit into a small bag.   “I made mistakes. I am not pretending I did not make any. You have granted me my life and I am grateful for that. Divorce is something we both want. It’s  the best if not the only option. I have a lawyer who can draft something up. We can be divorced within the hour.” Ares thought he would like the sound of Lenora asking for a divorce. It was what he wanted after all. Unfortunately, the pleading irked him.  “You think I forgive so easily? Two days locked in a room? You have no idea what I did to the last person. Do you?” Lenora had no clue and neither did she want to know what had unfolded. What she escaped from.   “It appears that luck is with you. My mother has a soft spot for you. It settles it. You will remain as Mrs Levine for now. Forget about getting a divorce.” Lenora was left speechless, everything was falling all around her, “I can convince Luna. She’ll listen to me.” “No. You will listen to me. Be a good wife or you’ll have more things to worry about than getting no food for a few days.” Lenora was left to her own devices after his outburst. The man had left by slamming her door shut.   Lenora was stuck. She didn’t stop her tears this time. She knew she had no other option. Her fate was sealed. Lenora wanted a divorce and then she didn’t. Now she realized how naive she had been. The young girl cherished the idea of a divorce, something that was too good to be true. Luna was someone Lenora cared for but how much? Could she give up sanctuary just to please someone? Hell, did she have any other option than to agree?   Lenora was stuck with these very thoughts for days on end as James tended to her. Every whim and need was fulfilled. Every single one except for the one she truly wished for.  It was four days later that Lenora went to her trusty doctor. She had been having a rough time mentally but also physically and emotionally. The doctor picked up on her morose attitude and it only struck her that she was still pregnant. How could she forget something so important? Lenora thought not to beat herself up on it too much. Stress was something that she needed the least right now.   Unfortunately, fate did not agree as the doctor beamed in joy. “You’re expecting twins. Many congratulations!” Lenora was shocked.  Surely she had not just heard what she thought she had?