Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire (Encounters of the Heart Book 2)

by Ann Marie Bryan

  Her lips compressed. “My needs are being met.”

  “Right. And that’s why you’re hollering out my name in the heat of passion.”

  He might as well have slapped her for her hands flew to her flushed cheeks, and she remained quiet.

  “Come on, Ro. Don’t cut me out of your life.”

  “I don’t want to be this kind of person, Chandler. We both know it’s wrong. I love my husband.”

  “Are you denying that you’re attracted to me?”

  It’s a little too late for that. She was attracted to him but not stupid. “No,” she told him with a healthy dose of reluctance. “But, I love my husband, and I already made vows I want to keep. I can’t see or speak to you anymore, Chandler. Please, forgive me.”

  She disconnected the call, hoping this nightmare had ended. However, by the following week, her entire life exploded before her face when Larry found out she’d committed adultery.

  The tears running down her neck disturbed her reflection. Lord, help me! Fresh tears started and she closed her eyes, trying to repress all thoughts.

  Just then, she heard a familiar voice calling her name. She barely wanted to breathe as she opened her slightly puffy eyes. It was Larry.

  CHAPTER 16

  Larry stood watching Rozene for a moment before calling out her name. Knowing she wasn’t the cry baby type, he wondered what could have rocked her world to put her in such a pathetic state. His heart hurt to see her like this … even though he wouldn’t confess this aloud.

  He had called her by name and now she was looking at him as if she’d seen a ghost at the foot of her bed. Even with her slightly swollen eyes, she was beautiful. He hadn’t been thinking about her in that way these days. He tensed, rebuking his mind for going there.

  An effortless stride took him to her bedside. “Are you okay?”

  She glowed under the intensity of the tenderness in his gaze.

  It had been over six months since she’d seen him and all she could think was, Oh, what a man? Bold. Confident. Powerful. In a class all by himself. Clearly, he must have been burning extra time at the gym. He was all decked out in his signature black Michael Kors suit, white shirt and red silk tie with two-tone basket weave marks, which she had helped him choose for a business presentation last year.

  A slight smile graced her face as she remembered he usually wore black, keeping it traditional, when he was not in the mood for foolishness. Under normal circumstances, he would let her know who was creating havoc at work.

  Most people either loved or hated Larry. No in between. No shades of gray. He was a tough cookie, but underneath that powerful exterior was a soft, sensitive soul with a heart of gold. And she’d opted to love him. She missed him holding her, and missed holding him. She always knew he was right for her … from day one.

  She sighed, wishing things were different.

  Larry wondered if Rozene heard him. She was gazing at him with all sorts of expressions on her face, and … a visceral appreciation of his frame. Sure, he was working out more; he was probably in the best shape of his life. Thanks to her, after she’d left, sleeping at night was a struggle so he would go to their home gym and workout until he was dead tired. When that was not enough, he would give the yard a beat down with his running shoes as if he was beating the ground into submission.

  “I was asking if you’re okay,” Larry ventured.

  “Yes,” she said softly, hoping not to look as love sick as she felt. “Thanks for checking on me. You look great.”

  “You’re welcome, and thanks.”

  He ignored the look in her eyes and focused on the reason she was in the hospital. Admittedly, he had feared the worst and did get a little scared. Okay, straight up horrified, when the police had called him. He was still her emergency contact. Immediately, he left his office for the hospital, and on the way, he had contacted her parents.

  Taking a seat in the chair that was recently vacated by Chandler, Larry flexed his neck muscles to push away some of the tension he was feeling. After all, caring was natural human behavior. “What happened? What did the doctors say?”

  Rozene gave him blow by blow details of the accident. Of course, she omitted her conversation with Chandler.

  Larry slid back in the chair watching her. She was animated as always, that hadn’t changed. Changed. So much had changed between us.

  She smiled at him and his heart leaped and he had to hold still so as not to squirm in the chair.

  “So, they’re observing me overnight,” Rozene concluded. “I give God thanks that I’m alive and no one got hurt.”

  “Thank God. Did the police take your statement?”

  “No, not yet.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be here soon. Were you using your cell phone?”

  She nodded in the affirmative.

  He sighed loudly. “You know I don’t like when you drive and use-.”

  “I know. I was using my Bluetooth.”

  “You need to stop doing that Rozene. What could be so urgent? Are you 911? I’m sure whosoever was calling could wait.”

  Rozene sulked like a child, murmuring, “I know.”

  Larry stared at her for a moment, before telling her, “I’ll call the insurance company to alert them about the accident and you can do the follow-up when you can.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate you coming. I know you didn’t have to.”

  Silence.

  What could he say to that? I felt compelled because you are still my wife. He had no response. Well, except a nod.

  He ran a hand across his face, suddenly frustrated about too many things.

  Rozene watched him. Since difficulty of speech was not a part of his character, she assumed the worst. Lord, please, I’ll listen to anything he has to say, but no talk of divorce. Oh, Lord, they would have to give me a valium to keep me quiet. In the midst of her musings, she heard herself ask, “Honey, what is troubling you?”

  He exhaled deeply, ignoring her term of endearment. “The children called,” and then his voice dropped to a low tone, “they were planning to surprise us next weekend, but they got wind of your accident and decided to come home on Friday. That’s after I convinced them not to worry. They wanted to fly in this evening.”

  Rozene gasped, and then held her head as pain shot through her.

  “Should I call the nurse?” Larry asked.

  “N-no,” she stammered. “Lord, have mercy!” She looked helplessly at him. “That’s three days’ time.”

  “They’ll call you later. They’ll be spending the weekend and then head back on Monday to prepare for the fall semester.”

  “Larry, please,” Rozene begged, “I don’t want them to find out about our separation.”

  “Why didn’t you think of that before you … You know what? They’ll find out sooner or later.”

  Instantly, tears rushed to her eyes and she reached for tissue from the box on the small table near her bed. “I can’t tell them right now,” she lamented.

  “It’s been months, well over six months. Don’t you think they will be upset that we didn’t tell them sooner? They are almost nineteen, I am sure, they can handle it. When were you planning to tell them, Rozene?”

  Crushed. That’s exactly how Rozene felt. Crushed by his casual attitude. Crushed, he’d already given up on their marriage. And crushed because he had called her Rozene. She was not expecting his usual terms of endearment – Babes. My baby. My love – but at least, he could have referred to her as Roz.

  “I-I was hoping …” she stammered.

  Larry’s over-my-dead-body look caused the words to dry up in her throat. “Hoping we would get back together,” he finished.

  “Yes,” she choked out.

  He didn’t respond, but the look in his eyes said it all.

  Unable to handle the obvious scorn, Rozene willed the bed to swallow her up. When the silence persisted, she chanced a glance but the eyes that returned her gaze held no promises.

  “Please. I
need more time. Can I move in for the weekend?”

  He was slow to respond. So slow. “And, how would that convince them? There would be no interaction between us. You know how we … were.”

  “Please Larry, you could try … a little. I’ll tell them when they come home for Christmas. They would have enough time to spend with both of us. I really don’t want them to start the fall semester sad.”

  “I can’t make any promises. Call me when you are out.”

  “Can you please take me to my parents’ home when they release me tomorrow?”

  “Are you still concerned about the media? Sooner or later they too will know.”

  Her mind numbed. The press would have a field day - Another prominent Christian leader fallen. Yes, they would enjoy this salacious story.

  Fear welled up in her. “Please pick me up after my release. I’ll call you.”

  He stood up. “Now don’t expect me to be all lovie dovie with you out there.”

  “Okay,” she said, without looking at him.

  “Tomorrow then,” he said moving to the door.

  “Larry!” she called out in a strangled voice.

  “Yes.” He turned to face her.

  Courage failed her as she stared into his emotionless eyes. She closed her eyes against the onslaught. She didn’t matter to him, not anymore. “It’s nothing,” she murmured. Her heart was full but now was not the time. She buried her head in the pillow when the door closed behind him.

  CHAPTER 17

  Rozene perched on the edge of her bed, smiling inwardly. My precious gems are coming home tomorrow. The children wanted to fly in earlier but she reassured them that she was okay. Nevertheless, they made sure to call every day.

  In the midst of her happy thoughts, her mother’s words rested heavily on her heart ‘You can’t make him love you again, Rozie. You have to trust God.’

  Larry had picked her up from the hospital the previous day and had driven her to her parents’ home. Thankfully, they were allowed to use a private exit at the hospital to avoid the press and some of her loyal readers. Larry appeared grateful too. After all, he didn’t have to whip out any fake smiles. He’d even surprised her by willingly playing the role of a caring husband. She was appreciative too that Don had not mentioned anything to do with Chandler and he’d handled the press on her behalf.

  She made a final sweep of the bedroom before picking up her purse from the bed. Half an hour ago, with her father’s help, she had loaded her personal items in the BMW SUV Larry had sent over.

  “I’m trusting You, Lord,” she whispered. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family. Lord, I’m also looking forward to being with my husband.”

  Excited, yet a bit shaky, she danced slowly around the room declaring, “My hope is in you, Lord.” A smile lit her face as she recalled the Scripture, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” And she vowed to keep her mind stayed on the Lord.

  A few minutes later, she all but bounced down the stairs and said goodbye to her parents. Then with Bose speakers blasting Darrell Evans’ song, “Trading My Sorrows,” she headed out on her fifty-minute drive home.

  And she was still smiling when she opened the electronic gate to what used to be her haven of tranquility – The Kanate, an impressive two-story home, which was elegantly nestled in the midst of a tapestry of trees, well-manicured lawns, and beautiful gardens. A thing of grace and beauty, aptly described its contemporary French design which captured the allure of past and present times. The classical theme was obvious in the structure - from it gray-blue tiled roof and stone exterior to its magnificent arches, columns, and curved windows. Adding to its appeal, deep contrasts of lights played over the structure making a strong yet refined statement.

  She and Larry had had fun times collaborating to decorate their home, around ten years ago. Ensuring that their home whispered elegance yet comfort through its exquisite artwork, handcrafted furniture, unique decor, and all the latest amenities of modern life.

  She smiled when she opened the garage, for Larry had left the space closest to the entrance door for her to park. He’d volunteered to leave work early to help her unpack the vehicle, but she quickly reassured him that she would be okay. He was definitely not at home because she noticed the Audi was missing.

  As soon as she entered the formal living room, Rozene let go of her suitcase and began to turn in slow trance-like circles, taking in the wonderful feeling of home. Home. A quiet sigh of relief left her, easing her soul. Everything she had ever wanted was here. She felt alive and comfortable in her own space again.

  She had told Larry to give the house staff the weekend off. And he did. He had also mentioned that Armela, head of the household staff, wanted to see the children. He had assured her she would. Armela had been with the family since the children started middle school.

  Almost two hours later, after restacking her personal items, Rozene glanced at the small digital clock on the dresser. Larry should be home in another two hours, if he stayed true to his usual routine. Somehow, she felt he would. She decided to grab a bath and dress into something appropriate before he arrived. She knew exactly what to throw over her curves – a red pleated romper, one of Larry’s favorites. My bed’s calling my name, was all Larry said smiling, whenever she wore it. It didn’t matter what time of the day it was, it was “bedtime” and like a sheep, she allowed him to lead her to a greener pasture. She was always happier for it, anyway.

  Giggling, Rozene strutted across the grand master suite towards the bathroom. On her way there, she stepped into her huge walk-in closet across from Larry’s and located the romper. “Hmmm. I should probably save this for Sunday,” she said, looking over the romper. “Yes. Sunday it is.”

  Instead, she opted for an ankle-length, royal-blue dress and also selected a royal-blue and gold sandals. Dress and sandals in hand, she strolled down the passageway and entered the huge, chic but functional bathroom with its super-cool circular lounge area, his-and-hers sinks and accompanying built-in dressers, Jacuzzi, and shower.

  She was placing her dress on the chair near the Jacuzzi when she heard her cell phone ringing. She dreaded hearing the phone ring these days. Chandler was becoming bold in a way that was unnerving. She had eventually opened the envelope that he had sent with Don and saw her ticket for a week’s stay in Paris along with hotel accommodation. In a fit of anger, she had ripped up the envelope and its contents.

  Walking back to the bedroom, she located the phone in the outer pocket of her purse on the daybed in the lounge area of the room. It had stopped ringing but she noticed it was a private number. Just then, the phone rang again. Private number? She wrestled with whether or not to answer, and then decided to. “Good afternoon.”

  “Afternoon, my love!” Chandler responded joyfully. “How are you, baby?”

  “I’m doing well, Chandler,” she said stiffly. “Is there something -?”

  “Now that’s just rude. You’re trying to rush me off the phone. You didn’t even ask how I was doing.”

  Rozene shifted from one foot to the other, attempting to control her annoyance.

  “Are you still there, baby?” His voice dripped with honey.

  “Chandler, do you need something?”

  “Yes. You.”

  Walked right into that! “That’s not possible.” Ever again, she wanted to add. “If that’s it, goodbye.”

  “I need to see you, Ro. You promised you would see me as soon as you were out of the hospital and I’ve been waiting for your call. Did you deliberately lie to get rid of me at the hospital? I’m holding you to your word, I need to see you.”

  His voice grated on every nerve in her body, but she decided to play cool. “I can’t see you now. My children are coming home so I’m spending the weekend with them.”

  “Can I meet them?” he asked eagerly.

  “No!” Are you crazy? Certifiably crazy? Her heart was still palpitating wildly wh
en she tried to soften the blow. “No … no need for that.”

  Chandler sighed, his attempt to be patient obvious. “I’m going to be in their lives so it would be nice for them to meet me.” From what he had read on social media, he knew Mason and Madison were attending MIT.

  He is on something. That was the only answer that made any sense. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Chandler, but I have to go.”

  “When am I seeing you, Ro?”

  “I will call you soon. Bye.” Rozene cut off the call before he could respond. Annoyed, she threw her phone on the bed, and was startled as it began to ring. Without even looking at the caller ID, she powered the phone off and dropped it on the bed again. She was gazing at it with hostility when the house phone rang.

  She froze. Waves of trepidation ran up and down her spine as she slowly approached the nightstand to inspect the caller ID.

  Phew! She grabbed the handset and sank down on the bed.

  “Hi, honey,” she answered breathlessly.

  Larry paused. That was unexpected. But then, so was the lurch in his heart rate at her term of endearment. “Your cell is going to voicemail,” he told her abruptly. “I was just checking if you made it.”

  She didn’t want to lie so she ignored his statement about her cell phone. And she was most definitely going to ignore his curt tone. “Thanks for checking on me. I unpacked and was about to…” She paused, feeling he had no interest in her next move. Instead, she asked, “Will you be home soon?”

  “Another two hours or so.”

  She paused, noting his tone seemed to ask, Why do you care?

  In that moment, Larry almost kicked himself, for he’d decided to not be confrontational since they would be under the same roof for the weekend. He tried again. “Is there anything that you need me to pick up? Armela already stacked the fridge but I don’t know …”

  “I haven’t been to the kitchen yet. But, I’ll use what is available for the time being.”

  “All right.”

  “Okay.”

  She placed the cordless phone back on its base. Mercy! He’s soooo stiff. I hope this is not how he’s going to be for the weekend. She knitted her brows as her mind swung back to her conversation with Chandler.