Addicted To Greed Read online

  Wilhelm kept glancing at his clock above his office door, not wanting this meeting to go on a lot longer than two hours, he felt anxious, to get to Felicity’s apartment, to clear all this mess up. Mr Anderson nodded in approval and seemed happy for the time being with the proposed plans; luckily it didn’t take more than over an hour to finalise a few small details. Wilhelm arranged another appointment with Mr Anderson next week, happily with Janice knowing his client was satisfied.

  Once finished in the offices, he glanced up to the clock it was 6.30 time to go and visit Felicity, the very thought of her gave him butterflies in the bottom of his stomach, What if he couldn’t resist her again and they ended up back in bed together? He was willing himself to be strong for the sake of his wife and children, they were his life and he didn’t want to lose them at any cost, even if it meant confessing all to Jeannie, hoping she could find it in her heart to forgive him and his moment of madness and lunacy, even though he knew it would break her heart, he was hoping that it wouldn’t come to that, but how would he be able to keep this a secret, the guilt, all the unnecessary pain he had created just for been a pathetically weak stupid man.

  Felicity lit the candles on the dining table after laying the table for two; it looked so romantic, she was pleased with her creation but felt it lacked a finishing touch, where were her Parisian embroiled napkins? Had she left them in Paris at the Madame’s? She began shuffling through her drawers stumbling upon them much to her relief, placing the pair in between the silver English fiddle and thread cutlery she had adapted perfectly She stood there admiring her creation forgetting that she had a boiling pan of water for the asparagus she had to cover and steam for at least six minutes, as an appetizer she was hoping her lemon asparagus starter was going to be mouth watering. For the main course she had already prepared spinach and three cheese stuffed manicotti ready to be put in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. She glanced at her watch checking the time hoping that she would get the timing right with Wilhelm’s arrival. For desert she had prepared and cooked strawberry sugar cookies, satisfied she had all her cutlery placed correctly, she went to grab four wine glasses, two red and two white and placed them to the right of the cutlery with the white glass on the outside cursing herself for forgetting the chilled Franciscan Cuvee Sauvage.

  Wilhelm had called her to let her know would be leaving the office in ten minutes and on his way asking if he could bring anything. She assured him she had everything and all she had left to do was find an appropriate outfit, something casual as she was at home but also sexy so Wilhelm could imagine undressing her later in the evening or whenever he felt the desire. She had already dressed her long blonde hair into a french twist allowing a few strands to fall down at each side, she had applied minimal makeup in the hope that it wouldn’t spoil the satin bed sheets in the event she was taken by surprise with no time to remove it. Although she wanted Wilhelm to undress her slowly revealing her sexy black basque that accentuated her small petite breasts making them look bigger, gently removing her crochet stockings that were attached to her suspender belt. She entered her large walk in wardrobe in search of a black low cut fitted shirt, finding an Alexandra McQueen capped sleeve shirt in white and in black choosing the black as it would conceal her

  undergarments, leaving a little more to the imagination, she teamed the shirt up with some hipster skinny white jeans and Burberry black ballerina flats, finishing her look with a wide black leather belt. She checked herself out in the mirror satisfied with her casual look, a little worried that she may actually look all of her eighteen years and four months but she didn’t, luckily dressing her hair up added a few years to her youthfulness, she looked older than at least twenty one, less than half the age of Wilhelm.

  Wilhelm arrived wearing a pale blue tailored shirt and dark denim Armani jeans with a large bouquet of white lilies and red moonflowers, kissing her on the cheek avoiding her lips, presenting her with the flowers.

  “These are for a beautiful lady.” “Oh Monsieur Guillaume, they’re beautiful thanks. Please come in, I’ll be right back, I just need to find a vase, make yourself at home.”

  Wilhelm walked past the great entrance hall admiring the high ceilings, he couldn’t recall seeing them yesterday or this morning, this was a great opportunity to look around the place in the hope Felicity took her time, he wanted to avoid close proximity, and then he could remain in control of his physical urges and desires. He could hear light orchestral music coming from the state of the art entertainment system, and then the realisation hit him, how very little he knew about Felicity. He looked around but couldn’t see any family photos in order to feed his curiosity, just numerous volumes of Architectural journals and books, some appeared to be over twenty years old and older, others where brand new left untouched still in their cellophane. Wilhelm suddenly found himself having lots of questions and no answers, but this defeated the whole object of getting to know Felicity even more when he came here tonight with the intention of calling it quits before it got out of control. He thought the apartment itself must at least be worth several million pounds, the exquisite furnishings and oversized terrace, how could she afford all this luxury at the tender age of twenty one? He walked out on to the terrace admiring the night sky, it was his favourite time of the day watching the sunset, the view was magnificent some of the city lights already turned on, large office blocks closing down from another busy long working day, how he loved New York, he would be sad to leave.

  “It’s beautiful this time of the evening, would you agree Guillaume?” Felicity handed him a chilled glass of white wine, he almost jumped out of his skin, he hadn’t even heard her approach him, he took the glass and took a large sip of it automatically realising it was a good Cuvee Sauvage, pleasantly surprised returning to the view. Felicity placed her glass down on the table and tip toed behind him stroking and gently massaging his broad shoulders, he felt very tense and welcomed the release.

  “Just try to relax and enjoy it.” He did as he was told and found himself loosening up a little, Felicity’s hands felt almost too good to be true, just using the right amount of pressure to alleviate his aching shoulders, he wondered if this was one of her many talents.

  “Was it a hard afternoon at the office Guillaume?” Without even thinking he replied yes. He had already finished his first glass and Felicity went back to the fridge to refill their glasses, he awaited her return sitting down on the large wabi cushioned swing seat, closing his eyes and taking a big deep breath, all thoughts about ending this affair had simply deserted him, maybe it wasn’t a bad idea after all getting to know Felicity a little better, let this affair run its course.

  They both spent the evening in each other’s arms contented and at ease with one another, the food was more of a surprise, he hadn’t expected she be so talented in the kitchen department.

  Several months passed by and it was time for Wilhelm to go home and visit his family as it was Christmas time and he had made promises he would be there on the eighteen of December so they could all go Christmas shopping together. Felicity became enraged as they hadn’t spent a night apart since that night at the Rubicon.

  “I don’t understand why we can’t spend Christmas together over here in New York, why do you have to go to England for three whole weeks?”

  “Felicity, sweetheart I have already explained I promised my wife and children months ago, I can’t disappoint them all now.” “I understand you have a family Wilhelm and they need to see their father at Christmas time but what about your wife, is she aware you’re having an extra marital affair behind her back?”

  It was the first time Felicity had made any reference towards his wife and he was a little unsure of what she was trying to say, he took his time to reply carefully with the hope it wouldn’t upset Felicity even more than he could begin to imagine.

  “Listen it is something I have to do, I’ve never missed a Christmas away from my children or my wife for that matter, I didn’t know I was going to mee
t you and fall in love all over again while I still had a wife. I’ve never found myself in this situation before and I really don’t know what to do for the best, I suppose I could just visit for two weeks instead of three and use the extra week to go to Italy with you, how does that sound?”

  “Well I suppose if you put it like that how could I resist Italy, you know how much I long to go there.” He kissed her lips and thanked her for understanding, not expecting more confrontations about his family, that was his business and none of hers, it was bad enough the very prospect of facing Jeannie after his liaisons with Felicity, he didn’t want Felicity making it more difficult than it already was.

  He placed a call over to his best friend Anthony Wallace in England informing him he would be over for Christmas asking if they could meet up, he wanted to discuss the new proposal that Smith & Brothers had offered him regarding the coliseums.

  “Wilhelm old chap how the devil are you?” “Less of the old chap if you wouldn’t mind, may I remind you that you are two years my senior. By the way I am great couldn’t be better, how’s the lovely Margret and yourself?”

  “Oh just great Margret has just completed her marathon in aid one of her pupils who fell sick and needs specialised equipment for her to walk properly, you know how she is always dedicating herself to her school and children in need, a Florence nightingale of the twenty first century.”

  “Yes but remember old friend that’s how you guys met in the first place, her good deeds for various charities don’t forget.” “How could I forget, she’s the greatest wife a man could have, with the exception to Jeannie of course.” Wilhelm soon changed the subject, he didn’t want to get into a conversation about his devoted wonderful wife, and it would only make him feel guiltier.

  “I’m coming over on the eighteenth of December, hope you can find time to catch up with me, I am only over for a few weeks, as I have more loose ends to tie up over here in the states that require my full presence I am afraid. If you have the time maybe you could you look over some legal papers for me?” “Nonsense, Wilhelm, drop by anytime. I have four weeks holiday to take and Margret insists I take them, we’ve both made no plans to travel this year as the children are joining us here in Cumbria.”

  “Super, I’ll give you a call beforehand. Send my best wishes to Margret my friend.” Wilhelm put down the receiver and realised Felicity was behind him with her warm hands slipping under his shirt to stroke his chest, he felt instantly aroused forgetting all his worries and loosing himself in the moment, he led her to her bedroom and made passionate love to her over and over until he fell into a deep sleep unaware there was already a seed growing in Felicity’s womb.

  Felicity laid there fully awake unable to sleep, seething with jealousy regarding Wilhelm’s wife and children, she hated them, the fact that they could take Wilhelm away from her and leave her all alone at Christmas was devastating. She informed the Madame and much to her surprise the Madame invited Felicity over for Christmas, she was hosting a huge dinner party with many rich young and old bachelors. Felicity couldn’t refuse the Madame as she was the only living relative alive in whom she could visit. Christmas was especially difficult for Felicity as she had no family she could share it with. A close colleague who she had befriended at work invited her over for Christmas dinner with her husband and children, she politely declined in the hope Wilhelm would change his mind and decide to spend it with her. In her frustration she got up quietly not to wake Wilhelm and poured herself another glass of wine, hoping it would relax her and send her off to sleep, however just one sip did the opposite and she could feel herself on the verge of vomiting. She ran to the bathroom and put her head into the toilet where the whole contents of the evening meal were washed away after a few flushes. Felicity had the sneaky suspicion she was pregnant and bought a pregnancy kit at the local pharmacy, she had to know for sure so she followed the instructions on the box and waited anxiously, two lines slowly began to appear, this gave her the confirmation she needed, she wrapped it up with kitchen roll and placed it in her private safe along with the naked photos of Wilhelm and herself in the mists of passion with a huge smile on her face. She would surprise him with them at breakfast tomorrow, before they both headed off to work.

  Wilhelm woke to the aroma of baking bread along with the scent of grilled bacon, he was ravenous, grabbing his silk robe, a present from Felicity, he made his way to the open kitchen where there was freshly pressed orange juice, Felicity had already several papers of his choice delivered daily, underneath was a brown envelope containing the pregnancy test applicator and the compromising glossy photographs, she would enjoy watching the expression on his face change dramatically.

  “Would you like more coffee darling?” “Please if you wouldn’t mind and more bacon would be great, this entire wonderful love making gives my appetite a huge boost!”

  “No problem, would you like more orange juice?”

  “That would be great.” Not bothering to glance up he began to read the wall street journal, flipping through the pages, nothing really interesting, his eyes stumbled onto the large brown envelope, wondering if it had been placed there for him.

  “Felicity is this for me sweetheart?” She glanced over from the coffee machine realising he had stumbled upon it before she could finish off grilling the bacon; she made her way to the table with orange juice and coffee.

  “Yes , of course, your bacon will be along shortly.”

  She couldn’t miss this opportunity.

  Wilhelm tore the top of the envelope off pulling out the neatly folded kitchen roll out first, unwrapping it gently to reveal the pregnancy test applicator, he looked at it in confusion, not quite believing what he was seeing, then the realisation came flooding in, Jeannie had shown him exactly the same with Ella, Destiny, and Chase. His face colour changed, he looked like he had seen a ghost, and he was nearly as white as Felicity’s table cloth.

  “Jesus Christ Felicity, I had no idea, how far on are you?” “Seven weeks to be precise, it also came as a shock to me Wilhelm, but we haven’t been using any protection of any kind, it was just a matter of time, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “You informed me you were taking the contraceptive pill and assured me this couldn’t happen. I’m in shock, I don’t know what to say, what’s going to happen now?”

  “I was taking the contraceptive pill, it may have happened on the days I had perhaps forgotten and what do you mean what’s going to happen now?”

  “Jesus I don’t know what to say, how could you forget to take birth control tablets? Please tell me this is some kind of joke?” “A joke is that what you are hoping and then this will all go away Wilhelm? I can assure you it’s no joke why don’t you take a look at what else is in the contents of the envelope, and then perhaps you’ll take me seriously?”

  He reached into the envelope taking the entire contents out looking at his naked body along with Felicity’s both enjoying sex, he ran to the toilet to vomit the entire contents of his breakfast up.

  Felicity sat back in amazement sipping her hot fresh coffee waiting for his return. She placed a call to work informing them she was too sick to work today, saying she had been up all night with a sickness bug. They were more than sympathetic asking if they could get her anything, she assured them she was going to see her doctor and would let them know of the outcome later in the afternoon.

  Wilhelm returned and sat down at the table with his head in his hands repeatedly asking why? Had she staged the whole show all along, pretending she was interested in his work? Interested in him? What the hell was going on?

  “Who the hell took the snaps of our lovemaking Felicity?” She paused for a second enjoying his hurt expression. “A known contact of the Madame’s from the New York Times I’m led to believe, he was very discreet I may add. I even forgot he was present the first night I brought you here after our wonderful meal at the Rubicon.”

  “Why Felicity? How could you be so sure we were going to have sex? It’s a big g
amble for not knowing what could have happened that evening. I could have walked you home like the perfect gentleman.”

  “Oh c’mon Wil helm, I never expected that to happen, you see when I first laid eyes upon you I knew I had to have you all to myself one day, it was all part of my plan you see with the Madame, she coached me and the rest was easy I reeled you in slowly like a giant heavy prized fish.”

  Wilhelm found himself speechless absorbing the information in like a wet sponge. This was more than blackmail he felt himself getting angry and began to lose his temper.

  “So what is it the hell you’re after my wealth? Is this what it is all about money? Surely the Madame provided you with a lot of that, you can’t want for anything, so why what’s this all about Felicity?”

  “It’s all about you and me Wilhelm, our future, our child we could be so happy together. I love you and wanted you the day I set eyes upon you at Monika’s and Richards’s engagement party.”

  Wilhelm paced up and down the open plan dining area in disbelief; he needed to get out of this apartment away from Felicity all this was too much to take in.

  “I must go to my offices, I need to meet an important client at nine, and we will discuss all this later, providing you’re not going to do anything stupid in the meantime?”

  He could feel his stomach doing summersaults and resisted the urge to vomit again. “I won’t Wil helm, you have my word, but rest assured the photographs will go into distribution all over the world if I don’t get what I want! I’ll be awaiting your arrival when you’re finished at the office.”

  He couldn’t believe what he was hearing staring over to Felicity with a shocked and wounded expression with tears in his eyes, his whole world had just come crashing down on him.