Chapter 30

 Max's POV 

I acted thoughtlessly and did not intend to behave in such a manner. Each day, I make an effort to control myself when around Priscilla, but I struggle. My dislike for women continues to grow whenever I see Nelly, and I end up directing my anger towards the wrong person. I must apologize to Priscilla before she becomes overwhelmed. Her well-being is critical because it affects the health of my child. 

I stood up from the floor and followed her upstairs. I entered her room without thinking, and I was shocked to see Priscilla standing there wearing only her panties.

I swallowed hard, unable to tear my eyes away as I observed her beauty. Her skin was flawless and radiant, her breasts round and shapely, her buttocks perfectly formed. Her waist was delicate, and despite being pregnant, she still looked incredibly attractive. I couldn't help but stare. My mind urged me to look away, but I couldn't. My fascination was overwhelming.

"What the fuck are you doing? Can't you knock?" Priscilla yelled, attempting to cover herself, but her gestures were futile, and my eyes refused to leave her.

"Max, snap out of it. Stop staring at me!" Priscilla yelled, finally bringing me back to reality. I quickly averted my gaze, looking anywhere in the room except at her.

"Umm." I cleared my throat, desperately trying to choose my words. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were undressed. I'll come back later," I stammered, quickly turning and walking away.

My heart raced against my chest, knowing I had made a mistake by looking at her. Her image would linger in my mind, tormenting me. Why was life becoming so miserable with each passing day? Perhaps it was due to my lack of intimacy, or maybe there were other reasons.

I walked to the kitchen and found Marie inside, occupied with her tasks.

"Good afternoon, sir," she greeted politely. I offered her a small smile before approaching the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water. Pouring it into a glass, I downed it all in one gulp. After finishing, I placed the glass on the counter.

"Sir, if you don't mind, I wanted to tell you something," Marie said, with a hint of hesitation evident in her eyes.

"Go ahead," I replied, curious about what she had to say.

"Sir, during the times you were drinking, Mrs. Priscilla never slept. I saw her crying late into the night. She did not seem well at all. I believe she couldn't bear witnessing you drown your sorrows." Marie's words weighed heavily in my stomach. Only my grandmother used to do that when I was sick or upset. I couldn't recall a time when Nelly stayed up late or shed tears for my sake. Was it because of Priscilla's compassionate nature or her troubled past? Needless to say, it wasn't because she was falling for me. Priscilla's ego wouldn't allow that. It must be something rooted in her past.

"Did she eat, though?" I asked, a lump forming in my throat. I couldn't fathom why I had acted poorly towards a pregnant woman. She must have been under considerable stress during her pregnancy.

"She ate, but not much. You should take good care of her, sir. She's young and fragile, and both she and the baby need special attention for their well-being," Marie advised, to which I nodded my head in agreement.

"Thank you for informing me, Marie. I appreciate it," I said, making my way back upstairs. I was certain Priscilla had finished bathing and was now dressed.

As I made my way upstairs, I saw Nelly coming down. A grin spread across her lips. I don't know if she had any shame left in her after everything she did to me, because right now she was acting shamelessly. And she had the nerve to expect me to believe that she loves me and wants to fix our marriage. I will never trust a woman ever again. All they want is money, money, and more money without even working for it.

"Hi, dear husband. I'm planning to make dinner. What should I make for you?" Nelly asked with a smile. God knows why she was dressed so modestly today. Wearing long dresses was her thing, I only remember her wearing them when Auntie Suzie was around. But she is not here. I shouldn't care about what she is doing, it is none of my business. Without saying anything, I walked past her and headed upstairs.

I could feel Nelly's eyes on me, but I didn't even bother to turn and see what she was up to. She can do whatever she wants, and I couldn't care less about her.

I stood in front of Priscilla's door, took a deep sigh, and knocked.

"If you are Nelly, then don't bother coming in," Priscilla yelled from inside. She must hate Nelly a lot, I couldn't blame her though, I disliked her too after everything she did to me.

I opened the door and entered. Priscilla was dressed now. She was wearing denim shorts that barely covered her long legs, and an oversized shirt, and her black hair was let down along with white Crocs. She looked so youthful and beautiful too. I regret checking her out when she was naked, I will start looking at her in the wrong way now, something I never want to happen. I wanted to keep our business clean - baby mama and baby daddy - and that's all, nothing more, nothing less.

"What do you want Max? Have you come here to throw money in my face or call me a street kid who is interfering in your life?" Priscilla asked calmly as she combed her hair. I walked towards her and stood a few steps away. I looked at her through the mirror.

"I came here to apologize. I'm really sorry for venting my anger on you unnecessarily," I said. Priscilla scoffed at my words.

"You are just apologizing to make sure that your baby is safe, other than that, you don't give a shit about me, so cut the drama!" Priscilla said, her tone devoid of emotions. "And yes, I'm going to find a job. I'm not going to live off your money, so you can keep on reminding me about it. I will not take classes either. I will go to a public school and continue my studies, and you have no say in that."

My chin quivered, and my chest tightened. I should have thought before acting. Priscilla was stubborn, and nothing could stop her once she made up her mind. I had no choice but to blackmail her. I couldn't let her work in this condition, let alone attend public schools. What if something happens there, and she harms herself or my baby when I'm not there?

"You are not going to work or attend any public school," I stated matter-of-factly. Priscilla glared at me through the mirror.

"What makes you think that I will listen to you?" Priscilla retorted. She looked calm, but only I knew what was happening in her head. She must have been thinking of how to punch my face black and blue until I allowed her to do what she wanted to do.

"You will do what I want because you have signed a contract that states as long as you are still carrying my baby, you do everything I ask you to do. You are not allowed to go out without me, no matter what happens. If you break all the rules in the contract, you will have to pay me 5 million, or I will take you to court. You might even end up in jail for breaking the rules I made in the contract. Don't force me to do that to you..." I said calmly. Priscilla turned to face me, and before I knew it, I felt her fist connecting with my cheek, experiencing a slight pain and tasting blood in my mouth.

"I thought you were different, but no! You are just like all the rich bastards out there." Priscilla said angrily. "I hate you so much. You tricked me into this nonsense. Now you call me a street kid, and you throw money at my face like I'm the one who came to you. What do you think of yourself, that you can do anything just because you are rich?" Priscilla asked, her face red with anger and tears welling in her eyes as she yelled at me. She can be angry at me, but I'm not letting her out of my sight.

"Of course, I can do anything because I'm rich. That's why you begged me for money that day, it's because I'm rich, and there's nothing you can change about that. You are under my control at this moment," I said. I didn't want to hurt her, but she was leaving me with no other choice but to do so.

" You are such a dickhead. That's why your wife cheated on you, you deserved it. "Priscilla shot back. I didn't take her words to heart. I knew that she was just angry and hurt but I couldn't put her life in danger when she was in danger already.