A look into the wishing well 8

Olive was relieved to walk out the fertility clinic. She felt short of breath as if she was having a panic attack. She stood in the parking lot, trying to compose herself. He heart was still beating rapidly. She still could feel the scars from the C - section delivery when she ran her hands across her midriff.

She thought for a moment what this would mean? But no these were her babies... She could not risk losing them if a big court case came about. But why had George not been straight with her? It would not have come to this.. And the other child?? Nothing, he had said nothing. My George, I had come to love him and given up on other suitors and Pierre in particular because I believed George was the man for  me? Was I wrong? 

One part of her felt sympathy for him and another part felt rage. Why had he not told me? I am his wife and even though this was covered up by the family, at least I deserved to know, she thought. 

In all this she kept thinking of Pierre. What if she had not treated him as badly as she had? What if she had run away to him in Paris? But she had burnt that bridge with such finality and with such humiliation for Pierre - he would not feel the least bit of sympathy for her or welcome her with open arms.

Money meant nothing to her and as long as she was in the arms of the man that loved her, nothing else really mattered. She could adjust and face whatever hardships as long as she knew who was supporting her. 

She accepted she had made a choice. She had chosen to love George and George was the one she would love. With a woman logic does not come to mind, her heart had said George. 

Going home she had resolved, that she would speak to him and find common ground. She would forgive him. She had to forgive him, her choice was that it was the only choice she had. She had not spoken to him in months. 

George had tried for months and months to talk, to try reconcile their differences. To find a way but Olive would not yield. He had stopped sleeping in the same room in the same bed as he could not take the cold treatment she was giving him. 

Today she would wait in the reception lounge until he came home so she could talk to him. She waited til the early hours of the morning and finally fell asleep. 

Again the following day she waited for him and he did not turn up. So she asked the night watchman the time her husband usually turns up? And when was the last time she saw him?

"Madame" he said, " It's been more than a week since he last came, but he has called twice to make sure everything is OK." 

Rather disappointed on hearing that Olive went to bed that night trying to figure out what to do next. 

It was Friday morning and Olive was making preparations to go to the offices of her husband to iron matters out and to ask him to come home. She would forgive him.

She expressed enough breast milk for the triplets and told the maid if they got hungry she should use the powdered baby milk. 

Before she could even step out the front door, Benjamin, George's older brother walked in. Smartly dressed always. Well groomed but with a strong smell of smoke and perfume. His moustache and small intense eyes gave him an unkind and sinister look.

He was charming but could be short tempered. He was well known for his short fuse and volcanic eruptions in anger. 

'Olive, where are you rushing too?' Benjamin said with an engaging smile and he gave Olive a kiss on the cheeks.

'My brother is one lucky man. You get more beautiful and younger by the day.. Surely there must be a secret. Hmmm?

" oh no big bro. It get it from my mother I think. And it is so nice to see you. I was about to pop out.. " Olive said

"Don't worry Olive it won't be long I came to see my little nieces and nephews. I was in the area and I thought I would pass by. I have not seen you since they were born!" 

Olive knew somehow this was not the real reason he passed by. Benjamin or Big Bro as he was normally called hated George. That he did not try to had, even in his most diplomatic language it was clear his dislike for his younger brother was deep. 

At that time the maid brought tea to the patio. The nanny brought the kids in their cots for their uncle to see them. He acted delighted and seemed smitten by them. He told Olive it was great her genes were so strong that the family would have three gorgeous children. 

When the nanny left and it was just Olive  and Benjamin. There was silence for a while until Benjamin broke it.

He looked at Olive and this time the smile was not there. 

" So you were going to George's office? " he asked.

Shocked that he knew olive asked " how might you know that I am going to see him? I could be going shopping?"

" cut the crap Olive, you and I know George has not slept home for over a week. We know the hotel he has been staying in and for certain he has not come home to you. 

I know its worrying but he is OK. Married couples go through these things time to time "

Olive blushed but said nothing.

"Listen Olive. You have beautiful children. And I would hate to lose my little nieces and nephew. And it would be especially devastating for George too. To lose children twice is too much for any man to take."

Olive had gone pale, she knew there was a threat in it somewhere and the blackmail was just starting..

" why should we lose our babies and too who? What do you know that we don't  know big bro? And you of all people are blackmailing us with what?

" well olive those are not George's babies. And should things go, let's say wrong for us or should I say me, then it will go wrong for you.

The real father will find out about the children and the mother and we will encourage him to file for custody too. It could be messy?"

"What is it you want me to do?" Almost in tears Olive said as she looked at the clock.

Benjamin's response was calm and calculated, " our mother is poorly and she is adamant she keeps our late father's wishes by making George the one holding the controlling interest in the company. This should not happen! 

George must tell mother to change it to me. It is only right, fair and culturally appropriate as the eldest brother to control the company. Don't worry George will get his share. As long as I am in charge. 

If not he has every chance of losing these kids and you too my dear. So please talk to him..."

To be continued