billion book
Chapter 25 Too Valuable For The Truth
Chapter 25 Too Valuable For The Truth
Shanghai,
PENELOPE
After much deliberation with my family, my dad finally agreed to let me get a job.
At first he insisted I worked at his company- Ager automated, one of China's best automation control
companies- 2years in a role, but I refused.
I knew my father so well, he would have just had me sit in a pretty office all day without giving me any
real or serious task to handle, and that would be even worse than staying home all day.
Being the only daughter and the last child with 3 older brothers, my life have literally been a bed of
sweet roses and I didn't like that much, I needed to challenge myself.
I was never allowed to do anything meaningful, and was always babied even though I'm already 23.
I've always envied and longed to be like the women in 2 of the most popular families of Minnesota- the
Luthels and the Winfreys, so industrious and independent.
So, after college I tried running away to a smaller country and live a while there in solitude, but my
father found me and there I was again, asking for my freedom.
My brothers didn't help matters as they took the roles of big brothers to a whole different level.
So, even at 23 I still never really had a life or pretty much a love life- in general, my life sucked.
That was until I blackmailed my way into convincing my parents that I'ld work for a year before getting
married to whomever they've chosen for me, unless I'll just have to tell the whole of China that Ager
automated exports faulty products.
Since the Xiang family take great pleasure in deciding who their children's life partners would be, mine
was already decided at the age of 17.
But, unlike my cousins and aunties before me, I had the privilege of a year of freedom from my hellish
family, so I took it.
I went for an interview at S.Group for the position of Creative Executive that just opened up, and I got
the job.
But, the day that was my happiest was my family's saddest and I loved it. I needed space from them,
and I wasn't turning back now.
I was also thinking of getting an apartment far from home for the next one year, completely and totally
dependent on only what I earn as an office lady.
My plan was simple, get a job, move out, make friends I can drink and have hot-pots with on
weekends, go clubbing and stay out late without anybody sending troops of bodyguards all over the city
to search for me, and I had just a year to do all these.
I was beyond excited, not just because I was about to take my first step into womanhood, but also
because I was about to meet one of my favorite celebrity in the world- my idol, Heather Winfrey.
You can only imagine my disappointment when I found out that there was a new CEO at S.Group. And
worse of all, he hated everybody and always yells when something wasn't done right.
My first week here, I had already done an all-nighter 3days in a row, and as the creative minds of the
company, it sucks staying up 3nights in a roll.
But today, I still got up from bed, took a shower and hurried to work, because I wasn't going to let a
horrible boss ruin my perfect one year plan for freedom and independence.
I presented the pitch my team and I had had to redo for the 3rd time this week, while he just sat there
grumpy and ready to judge.
"And what if the cost of projections declines due to the current phase in distribution, what then do we
do?" he asked in a serious tone, immediately I finished my presentation.
"Well, the marketing team will have to push up the distribution channels and make it wider, that way
even though the cost of projection declines, it won't hurt us. But we cross our fingers and hope there
will be no decline in the projection, Sir." I concluded, setting relief in the hearts of my co-executives
present.
I looked at him sternly, praying he doesn't ask for a redo, and thankfully for the first time this week, I got
a well-done from my overly serious, always yelling boss, Mr. Daniel Winfrey.
But right there and then, he gave another task that we had to present on Monday. I mean it's freaking
Friday, and spending my weekend doing work wasn't part of my plan.
I have to do something about this before it turns into an every weekend thing- like, what is the hurry?
It's always as though he's trying to finish a year's work in just one month, and it's starting to take a toll
on everyone at the office.
I decided to stay behind after work hours and work on the task alone, while giving my team an off from
the week's stress. No way Mr Winfrey was going to ruin my weekend and theirs too, I won't let that
happen.
I finished by 2am and was about heading out when I heard him talking to someone on the phone.
Wow, he even keeps late night at the office? What a workaholic.
"Livy, I won't let anything happen to you, but you have to calm down and tell me what is going on?"
"You are not going to be alone, never."
"You need to calm down and listen to me please, you can't... hello?! Hello?! Livy?!..." he yelled through
the phone.
Wow, it seems like trouble in paradise, and my curious mind couldn't help but wonder.
Could it be his girlfriend on the phone? I wondered what she had just told him that sent him into a
panic.
I was lost in my own imagination that I didn't see him coming out of his office as he bumped into me,
throwing me down on the floor.
Why is he always in a hurry all the time?
"Ms. Xiang? What are you doing here at this late hour, shouldn't you be home?" he asked suspiciously,
like I was a thief.
"Actually, I was about to head home when I saw your door slightly open and the lights were on, so I
came closer to make sure you were the one in there." I lied.
I was eavesdropping, and now I've been caught.
"How long have you been working here?" he surprisingly asked me.
I...have been working here for the past freaking month, how could he not know that? He employed me
after all. Am I that dispensable and irrelevant?
"Over a month now, sir." I replied feeling abashed.
Now, I'll really get an ear full for eavesdropping on his phone call. I could tell he's all tensed up, so a
yelling is well on its way.
"Ah, so it's been that long. How time flies when you're trying so hard to catch it. I have stayed away too
long, and now I'm afraid some damages might have already been done." He stated, catching me by
surprise.
First of all, it's how time flies when you are having fun. And secondly, I was expecting some yelling at,
not this. This is my first time seeing him tensed and calm at the same time.
Now, I was dying to know what that call was about and who that was Livy? It's a problem I have, my
curiosity most times gets the better of me, but what the hell...
"Is Livy the reason why you always act like you are running out of time every single time?" I asked.
Shit, Penelope not again...
"I knew it. Ill have you know that it's rude to eavesdropping on your boss's conversations. Next time this
mistake repeats itself, it won't be forgiven. I promise you that" he replied angrily.
Good job Penelope- just perfect.
Now your boss thinks you are a creep, when he's actually the weird one.
I gave up, so I just bowed and let him have the last words as he walked out from my presence.
I might be going insane, but now I'm really interested in knowing what was going on behind that mean
and rude demeanor of my boss.
Minnesota,
JUDY
(2weeks ago)
Frank had returned with clues as to who had given those pictures to Livy, and it turned out to be Daniel.
But Daniel didn't start investigating until after he got the pictures from someone else- which he later
handed over to Livy, so we had to find out who sent him the pictures in the first place.
I had to call Livy over to talk about it, because if someone else knows about the incident that happened
almost 4months ago, then we have bigger problems than we thought.
"Does the name Carlos Gillian ring a bell?" I asked her, as I passed some photos to her- Carlos
Gillian's photos.
She looked at the pictures puzzled for a moment, then looked back up at me.
"Yes, it does. He and Sophy used to date, but that was before her marriage to Markian 2years
ago...Why are you having him followed?" She asked me curiously.
"Well, it seems this man was present the day of Sophy's accident. She had been seeing him behind
Markian's back and was going to run away with him if the accident never happened." I revealed, and I
could see the color lift from Livy's face.
"So...this is some kind of revenge?" She asked anxiously.
"Daniel was just a start. I believe he plans to get these pictures to Markian next." I stated.
This threw Livy into a frenzy as she suddenly stood up from her seat. She tried to brush her hair from
her face with her fingers, but somehow her hands just froze in her hair as she paced back and forth.
I could see she was suffering as beads of sweat made their way down the side of her face. She was
panicking and pacing around my desk without saying a word.
"Livy, we..." I started, but was interrupted with a rather confusing question.
"Why would I kill Sophy, mother? She was my sister and I loved her! I keep trying to fix this puzzle, but
no good reason comes to mind as to why I would what to hurt her... Mother, please- please, I need my
memory back." She pleaded.
Not this issue again, I thought we were way past these already? I'm suddenly feeling very agitated as
to her lack of understanding of the situation we're facing now.
"Why?! Why would you want the memory of you killing your sister back?! Whatever would getting back
such a sickening feeling change? Do you think that I just enjoy putting you in harms way? Livy, it was a
dangerous decision I had to make that your painful memories be repressed. If I could take your place
and forget all the terrible things you've done, I would because it's driving me insane!" I exploded in a fit
of anger.
Shit...that came out wrong- no, it shouldn't have come out at all.
"I know that you don't trust me and that you're hurting from my past mistakes. I...know that each time I
screw up, it must have been bothersome that you always have to save my ass and cover up my crap.
And I know that I'm a terrible person...but I did not kill Sophia. All I'm asking for is just to have my
memories back and prove that I didn't do it." she requested eagerly.
"And what if you did?...How would you live with yourself? I can't take that risk, you are too valuable." I
stated irritatedly.
"Then tell me what you want from me- I'll do anything in return for my memories. Please mother, I beg
of you" she pleaded with watery eyes.
"At least, now you're thinking like a business woman. Fine...I'll give back your memories under one
condition... that you take over Luthel Inc and my seat at the Verc." I obliged to her need to strike a deal
for her memories.
My request must have shocked her to the bones as she looked at me with pure terror in her eyes.
She had sworn years ago, never to seat as Chairwoman of Luthel Inc or have anything to do with the
Verc, since she detested the entire idea of what the Verc stands for.
If she refuses to my conditions, then she'll just have to wait until nature takes its course and she
regains her lost memories naturally. But if she agrees, and I restore her memories, I hope her sense of
responsibility would compel her to serve anyway.
Livy isn't strong but she is capable. So, most times responsibilities are the only things that tend to draw
out her uttermost grace and strength, and I pray they would be enough to keep her sane.
I had met with Dr Joe- Livy's psychiatrist, a few days ago and asked if it was possible for Livy to regain
her memories naturally, and he said yes.
When I asked how that can happen so I could avoid it? He just said that the body had its own way of
doing things, and since her memories were forcefully repressed, it created a shift of balance in the
mind.
And to regain that balance, the mind would work it's hardest to heal itself as a defense mechanism.
Which would result in all hidden memories dug up to the surface.
He also gloated that he tried to warn me but I wouldn't listen.
So, for the future of Luthel Inc and our Legacy, this was my last chance to set things in place since I
don't know exactly how long I've got.
"Just because you're sick doesn't give you the right to just dump everything on me like this." She
voiced out, surprising me yet again.
"How...did you...find out?" I asked nervously.
"Markian told me. He said I'm the only who can convince you to have a surgery...Now I know exactly
what I mean to you- just another pawn in your chessboard. I kept thinking how could I possibly be able
to convince you to have a surgery- like...why wouldn't you want to live? And now it all makes sense.
You were planning to guilt-trip me into taking over from you from all along. I- mean absolutely nothing
to you, other than a valuable asset. This company, the Luthel family name is all you care about and not
once did you stop to think of how much losing you would make me suffer!" She yelled, trying very hard
to hide her tears from falling but failed.
She was a mess and it broke my heart to watch her suffer like these. But he who wears the crown,
bears the crown. This is her destiny.
"Fine!...I'll take over Luthel Inc and the Verc since it means so much to you than your family. Just give
me back my memories and do the damn surgery. I- really want you to live and see the monster you
created." She concluded with gritted teeth maliciously before walking out of my office in a haste.
Guilt... do I even have the right to feel guilty at this point? I didn't ask for any of these, I never did. But I
got it anyway.
And if creating a monster is what it takes to protect my family, I'll do much more than that. Hell, I'll even
sell my soul to the devil himself if I have to.
Shanghai,
HEATHER
(2weeks ago)
The epic date between Livy and Markian was well on the way to being successful. The only thing
missing was the key ingredient which was Livy.
The date was suppose to be simple since Livy wasn't one for elaborate and loud events.
So, I figured first: they'ld go for a walk at the Glenwood dog park- Livy enjoys watching dogs but I'm not
sure if she likes petting them.
Then secondly: they both would go to the museum of Russian art, to see some arts. Thirdly: a drive to
Northside Lake for a little packed picnic box experience.
Forthly: after their picnic, they could go see a play at Guthrie theater, and then wrap up the evening
with homemade candlelight-dinner and wine at the comfort of their home.
Pretty simple right? I thought so too, until Markian called me to tell me that Livy wasn't planning to
show up.
All that work and for nothing? I couldn't let that happen, so I called Livy on the phone. She didn't
answer, not until I called for the 3rd time did she pick up.
"Livy, where are you?" I asked clearly upset.
"I'm at home, why?" She questioned obliviously.
"Isn't there someplace else you should be- with your husband?" I asked again.
It's Saturday, and it was a perfect day to have a date, also it was the day in the week Livy wasn't busy.
Markian had asked her to keep this Saturday open, and she agreed, so why was she acting so
eccentric all of a sudden?
Livy I knew would be leaping for joy at the mere idea of a date with Markian. What has happened to her
all of a sudden?
No one changes so drastically, not unless they've been lying about who they were all along.
"So it was your plan after all? I thought Markian have been acting rather strangely and nice lately, it's
been your influence all along, am I right?" She questioned dramatically.
"You are the one acting strange, and I'm dying to know who's influencing you. The Livy I knew would
have already called me a hundred times just to ask me for an assurance that she wasn't dreaming.
What happened to you?" I asked curiously.
"Like you said, 'the Livy you knew'... she is in both our past, so stop bringing her up every single
minute. If you don't have anything meaningful to say, I'll be hanging up now." She replied crudely.
I was completely abashed at her rudeness, but before she could end the call I asked,
"Was it all a lie? Was there never a time when you loved Markian? Were you only pretending and
telling me what I wanted to here back then?"
"What do you know about love? You like to get involved in other's business, don't you? Could it be
because you're too pathetic to handle your own shit so you try to manage other people's own? How
dare you ask me if I ever loved Markian! Who are you to ask me about my personal life, huh?! If you
cared about your cousin so...much, then you should want what is best for him, right? Do I look like
what's best for Markian? Can't you see I'm slowly destroying him?!" she yelled angrily.
She called me pathetic because I tried to help she and Markian?
"Yes, I know I have no right to meddle but Markian asked for my help. And I might be pathetic but at
least I don't hurt the people I claim to care about. No matter what Markian had done in the past and
how he had treated you so far, it's not enough reason for you to hurt him in such a way. You are
right...you're not the best for him, but he deserves to hear it from you. If you ain't a coward, then go on
a date with him today, sit through it all, then look him in the eyes and tell him his efforts at futile. Tell
him to his face that you don't love him and that he should stop trying to fix your marriage. I'll only stop
meddling if you're bold enough to say those words to Markian. So stop being a coward and follow your
heart like you always have. That's what I admired about you the most" I challenged calmly before she
hung up.
Her words might have been filled with anger and it did sting a little, but there was a certain bitterness
and sorrow in them too.
Why is she trying so hard to hate everyone and everything? But most importantly, why was she trying
to getting everyone to hate her.
Well, I don't know what part of what I said got to her, but she went to meet Markian that day and they
had their date.
I could tell it went really well because Markian called to thank me for my help, and he sounded very
happy making me feel proud.
But I was still sad even after I left Minnesota for Shanghai because, what Livy had said was actually
true and that's why it stung a great deal.
I tend to give really good advice but, terrible when it comes to following them myself. Which was why I
decided to make things right with Kevin no matter how pathetic I might look doing it.
(Present day)
Being back at Shanghai have been the worst experience for me so far.
What can I say? I don't think I've ever humiliated myself as much as I've done this past week. I'll be
returning to Minnesota soon, but I kept having this sinking feeling of regret.
So, instead of ignoring it and making excuses to forget it, I chased it in hope that maybe, just maybe
something good might come out at the end.
I don't know when or how it happened, but I may have really liked Kevin a whole lot than I actually
thought I did. And believing that he was always going to be around, I took him for granted.
So, since I decided to follow my own advice, I had to be true to my feelings at last.
Kevin was the first person I wanted to see the moment I got off my flight, but I had a lot of meetings and
follow-up meetings to attend, I also had some work I needed to turn in before leaving S.Group for good.
Our investors, shareholders and marketing team needed to be introduced to their new CEO personally,
and it was my job to do so.
It took a while, but I was finally standing in front of the hospital where Kevin works. I could see my
reflection from the glass door and was amazed at myself.
Even though it was already evening and not much people will recognize me, I still had a disguise on. I
had a scarf that covered my head and neck, and I had my dark shades on at night.
I had already asked for Kevin to be called out if he wasn't busy, so all I just had to do now was to wait.
Few minutes later I saw him step out in his white coat. Damn...I suddenly remembered why I fell for him
in the first place.
I had gone for my regular blood sugar check-up at the hospital when I first saw him standing at the
reception desk.
He was chatting away with one of the ladies over at the receptionist desk, something about a patient's
mother creating a scene earlier.
Even though my Mandarin wasn't very good, I was still able to understand with the way he gestured as
he explained.
I caught myself staring at him until our eyes met and I immediately blushed. I quickly finished signing
off my examination file and took on my heels only for have him follow me.
He was so bold and I liked that about him, so I gave him my card.
Before the day ran out I got a call from him and we met up at a club, then later I took him to my place.
Who would have thought that something that had started out as a fling was going to turn into whatever I
was feeling now, which is compelling me to do things I've never done before.
On seeing me, he was shocked as he took me by the hand to the parking lot like he didn't want to be
seen with me by anyone.
At first I was abashed, but I remembered that that was the plan, at least until he left my place that night
in anger.
"Heather- what are you doing here?" He asked worried or should I say anxious.
He kept looking behind our shoulders like we were doing something suspicious or wrong, and I didn't
quite understand why.
"I came to see you. Since you've not been returning my calls or messages, I thought I should come
personally." I answered.
He shook his head in protest. But I was here to say something important, and he was being distracted
with continuously looking to see if anyone was coming.
So I held his face with my hands, keeping his eyes focused on me and only me. My hands felt hot from
the touch of his skin and my heart was beating faster, and for the very first time in my life I was short of
words.
I just pulled him in and kissed him with everything I had. I sensed what was coming next, I had seen his
eyes and his pupils didn't dilate at the sight of me anymore.
But I was already here, and rejection have never been my strong suit.
I could feel his stiffness at first, surprised by the kiss, but the next moment he was trying to push me
away, to break away from our kiss- my kiss, and soon he overpowered me.
"You shouldn't have done that, Heather- you shouldn't have..." he warned breathing heavily and so was
I.
"Why not?...I came back to say that I was sorry, and that you're not just a booty-call or a boy-toy to me.
I should never had treated you like one either, so I'm very sorry, Kevin. I'll do better this time, I'll make
things right..." I confessed shamelessly.
I didn't noticed I had already started crying until, he pulled me close enough to wipe my tear with his
thumbs as he held my face with both hands.
My feelings were all over the place and I had a tight knot in my stomach that was slowly killing me.
"I never should have read meaning to what we had...It was wrong of me. But..." he stated but I
interrupted quickly,
"No buts, please... we can start again."
At this point my heart was breaking, because I knew exactly what he was about to say and I just
couldn't bear to hear, so I kept shaking my head in disapproval and mostly denial.
"Heather, we can't- we won't work. I stirred up these feelings in you and that was wrong of me, because
you don't really love me."
What?...How dare he try to undermine my feels for him? Do I look like a kid who would get confused
about her feelings for a guy?
I'm a grown ass woman for crying out loud.
"(sniff)...I know what I'm feeling, Kevin... don't treat me like a fool because I'm not" I replied, irritated by
the idea that he could think so little of me.
"Of course you're not a fool- You are Heather Winfrey. But whatever you are feeling right now started
because I walked out of you house that night. Whether it's regret or guilt, it only started and intensified
with every minute you tried to reach me but I wouldn't reply. I don't think one needs a big event to
cause a realization in their heart of how much they love someone- I don't believe that. If you truly love
someone, you'll know from the very first moment." He stated calmly, and I understood where he was
getting at even though I didn't want to.
"I made a mistake by taking you for granted, because...because I never really thought you'll ever leave.
I don't want to not have you in my life...isn't that love? Isn't it what matters the most regardless of the
events that caused the realization?" I asked a bit confused.
Some people need big events to make them realize their feelings, while for some it's love at first sight.
So, what's wrong if it's one or the other. Isn't main concern the fact that it's still love?
"I'm not the right person for you, Heather. I'm so sorry." He revealed as his hands slowly dropped from
my face to my shoulder.
So, this is a breakup? I didn't come here for no damn break up. I came here to get my man and that's
what I'll do.
"Is it because of all the rules? It's fine now, we can both go on dates and hold hands in public- anything
you want, I'll do it....Hell- I'll even stay in Shanghai if that's what it takes." I proclaimed stubbornly and
boldly.
"I met someone. I'm with someone else and I like her a lot. We are still getting to know each other but I
really do like her and I want to be with her" he declared sternly.
I became stiff but with anger not surprise. How long has it been and he has already moved on with
someone else?
"Is she wealthy? Does she know you as much as I do? Does she know how you love to scream my
name each time we..."
"Heather, stop! I appreciate that you think you love me, but I'm not me when I'm with you. Have you
thought about what happens next? Fine, we kiss and make up and eventually starts dating, then what
else? You'll always have to pay for every meal, every ticket, and I'll always have to concede to you
because I can't afford the things you like and the places you go to. Your type of things, they ain't my
type of things. I'll always be in your shadow because you are- Heather Winfrey." He explained and that
broke my heart into tiny pieces.
"I can learn. I can learn to step back, to concede and let you take charge..." I started but he interrupted,
"but then that wouldn't be you at all. And just like how I don't want to change for you, I don't want you to
change for me or anyone at that... Please believe me when I say i didn't make this decision in a haste. I
thought long and hard before making it. I'm so sorry, but- this is the end for us" he concluded, as his
hands completely dropped from my shoulders and he walked away.
At first I just stood there sobbing uncontrollably, unable to move a muscle.
Who decides when it the ends? How do people manage these feelings after a breakup? Because, my
feelings were all over the place. I felt like screaming at the top of my voice, but I couldn't even move.
I was upset at myself for coming here in the first place- I should have just taken the hint already. Or if I
had tried to fix things earlier, before going to Minnesota, maybe things would've turned out ok.
I was also sad because for the first time in a long time, I felt something strong for a guy but like last
time, I couldn't protect my feelings.
I would've cried my eyes out at the parking lot and that wasn't me. I don't cry, I haven't done it in a
while- but today I just can't control myself at all.
My head was bowed and the scarf that covered my head and neck were getting soaked in tears when I
had a voice from behind, startling me.
"Are you gonna keep crying here- all alone?" he asked making me jerk in surprise.
As I slowly turned to see who was being so insensitive to my pain, there he was in all his glory. Mr.
Callum Jeffery Vincent.
JEFFERY
When I first came to Shanghai few months ago, I was really excited to be working with Heather
because, I've heard so much about her from Markian.
Our first meeting was actually beyond my expectations as she carried herself with such poise and
grace, it would take a eunuch not to fall for her charms.
But I had to keep a leveled head and compose myself because I heard she had a strict policy about
mixing business with pleasure.
As the days went by, I realized how her discontentment towards me increased as well as her lack of
concentration and focus.
At first I thought it was her battle with her brother that was getting her on edge and making her lose
focus, until I realized she was also having boy problems.
When I got a little clarity that she had a guy, I couldn't help my jealousy and irritation so I became a little
hard on her, making her dislike me even more.
I heard she even gave me a nickname (Mr. Rude), but I didn't mind at all because it was her.
I've been so busy all my life that I've never really given romance a chance, but something about her
just beckons me and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, I just couldn't help myself.
I found myself calling Markian to ask if there was anything I could do to help out with the shareholders'
voting concerning who remains or becomes the new CEO of S.Group.
I was excited when I found out I was eligible to vote for anyone I wanted to vote for that day.
I really wished she'd won so that we could continue with the Decels Digital project together, but it didn't
happen- and she even got furious at me.
When Markian had suggested that marriage pitch, I hoped he wasn't joking because I had no reason
not to go ahead with that plan.
I mean, don't get me wrong. I've never been a fan of arranged marriages, but if it's with Heather-
there's nothing I wouldn't do to be by her side.
But she turned it down without even giving a spare thought to it and that stung a bit. I still wanted to
help her by giving her my shares in S.Group if it would ensure she isn't left without anything, but she
didn't want that either.
She must really hate me and I don't even know why?
I stayed a while in Minnesota, hoping she would come to ask for my shares but she never showed up,
neither did she want to be friends. Like I've held out an olive branch to her several times but she have
always trampled upon it like it's nothing to her.
I was beginning to get frustrated so I left for Shanghai hoping to see her again when she comes back
for her finally handover.
But it's been a week she got back to Shanghai and not once did she try to meet her brother at the
company, neither has she set foot here to say hello to her former employees- nothing.
Today, as fate may have it, I went to Xia Lufang Hospital to do some donations and there she was at
the parking lot with a young man.
She even kissed him- passionately. I swear my blood pressure spiked at that moment and I'm sure
anyone around would have seen sparks coming out of my head.
I shouldn't even be looking at there, it's her private matter but I couldn't help myself. Not too long, I
could hear her soft sobs.
What the hell was that bastard saying to her that was causing her pain?
It took everything in me not to march up to them and put an end to this torture. Yes! Watching her cry
for another man tore my heart into bits and piece, and I wanted to comfort her so badly.
I wanted to be the one holding her right now, I wanted to be the one who dries her tears- not these kid.
So, I involuntarily moved closer, staying in the shadows as not to cause her further embarrassment.
Since I couldn't get myself to stay out of the matter, I should at least know the reason for the pain that
was being inflicted on me by seeing her so heartbroken.
"I met someone. I'm with someone else and I like her a lot. We are still getting to know each other but I
really like her so much and I want to be with her" he declared.
I was finding it hard to believe that Heather was being rejected- is he insane?
"Is she wealthy? Does she know you as well as I do? Does she know how you love to scream my
name each time we..." she replied angrily.
When you what- have sex? The thought alone sent me into a frenzy.
No, this was a bad idea, but why can't I leave here? I was watching the woman I like confess her
feelings for her ex-lover and I want to stop listening or looking, but for some reason I just can't stop
myself.
I was going mad with jealousy, and I didn't even know I had it in me to be jealous of another man.
"Heather, stop! I appreciate that you think you love me, but I'm not me when I'm with you. Have you
thought about what happens next? Fine, we kiss and make up and eventually starts dating, then what
else? You'll always have to pay for every meal, every ticket, and I'll always have to concede to you
because I can't afford the things you like and the places you go to. Your type of things, they ain't my
type of things. I'll always be in your shadow because you are- Heather Winfrey." he stated.
Oh- the spineless fool has a gigantic ego, huh? This is all because he is scared of being neglected? I
should have known.
Any man who was foolish enough to turn down Heather must just be a coward, nothing more.
"I can learn. I can learn to step back, to concede and let you take charge..." Heather declared,
'No- Love, you shouldn't do that. You shouldn't change who you are for anybody,' I wanted to scream at
her.
"but then that wouldn't be you at all. And just like how I don't want to change for you, I don't want you to
change for me or anyone at that..." he answered, surprising me.
Well, well...I'll be damned.
The fool actually has a little bit of sense in him after all, and I was amazed at this realization.
Maybe I'm being biased here but I can't help myself- my feelings were all over the place.
He walked away while she just stood there crying her eyes out.
I found myself unconsciously drawing closer and closer with each sob, until I was just a feet away, but
she didn't even notice.
Please don't cry, I'm here now- were the words I wanted to say, but instead I asked,
"Are you gonna keep crying here- all alone?".
Who asks such a cliche question in a moment like this?
I could tell she was holding back a fury like no other as she turned slowly to face me. Note to self:
before I cause more damage than already have, I need to learn how to speak politely and nicely to her.
"C'mon!- this is all I get? Are my crimes that grave to be punished in this manner...?" she asked
rhetorically, as she raised up her head talking to the wall above us.
She then brought down her head with a frustrated sigh and looked at me with uninterested eyes.
"Look, I don't have the strength to listen to your teasing today, so do you mind if we reschedule?" She
asked sarcastically.
I scoffed as I shook my head in protest, but she didn't mind me anyway. She just turned back and was
about to walk out on me when a group of people came storming in the lot.
By now, every reporter and paparazzi in about 5mile radius wants to get the juicy story of why Ms
Heather Winfrey was retiring as CEO at such an early age.
And looking at how she dressed for this her unfortunate date, I could tell she wasn't ready to let the
public know her reasons- yet.
She still wasn't over the whole CEO fight with her brother, that was why she doesn't want to make an
appearance at the company or have a press conference.
She used to be so bold, strong and confident, but these days I don't see those precious qualities. As of
right now, 2 things were certain.
First, she wouldn't be able to evade these reporters without my help, and secondly, I don't want her to
face these alone either, so I had to butt in.
"I can help you escape them, you know?" I stated, not trying to sound conceited but it still turned out
that way.
"Yea? And what would I have to give in return for such kindness?" She asked sarcastically, while
unknowingly hiding behind a BMW 7series.
"Dinner...right now? But if we must leave before they get here, we have to leave now" I ordered hastily,
and she complied but only because she was under pressure.
It didn't matter to me though, I was just glad that finally I'm able to get her to sit less than 3meters from
me.
We got out of the parking lot unnoticed and soon we were on the road. Even though it was for few
minutes but those emotions I felt back there really did a number on me, and now I was super hungry.
I wondered if she was too, so I searched the GPS for the closest fancy restaurant were would be
befitting for Heather.
I don't enjoy eating out, so I make my own food whenever I'm free, while other times the helper does
the cooking. But I guess there's a first time for everything right?
Heather enjoys eating at super fancy and expensive restaurants so why not indulge her this time.
I may be miserable with words, but when it comes to treating a lady to a good meal, I'm confident I
could get at least a pass mark.
I was hoping for the ride to be quiet with not much conversation, because well, I'm miserable with
words.
But she had to get somethings off her system, as I could see so obviously that she wasn't comfortable
with me in the car.
"Heather, you can relax. I don't bite" I stated.
But instead of doing what I asked, she just gave me a rather suspicious look.
"Don't you? Then, what do you want?" She asked bluntly.
Ouch...that hurts real bad. She can be sweet and cute to even cry in-front of that kid, but towards me
she's an alpha female?
Fine, as long as it's her, I'll concede every single time.
"I thought I told you. I just want to have dinner with you, that's all." I replied casually.
"You've said that already but why? Why do you want to have dinner with me?" She asked eagerly.
"Because I'm hungry..." I shrugged in response, but she pressed on.
"C'mon... you just witnessed me in my most vulnerable state and you're trying to say that you're not
about to use it against me? Why aren't you even asking what happened?" she asked, degrading me
intensely.
I was hurt by her words, was that really what she thought of me? Someone who would use her
vulnerability against her?
"You have problem trusting people don't you?" I asked abashed of how low she thought of me.
Why would I want to use her weakness against her? Just what type of a monster does she think I am?
"I'm a Winfrey. That's not just a name but a title that comes with many benefits, but Trust isn't one of
them." She replied honestly.
Wow, and to think that she had learned just how fragile trust can be at a very early age from her family,
is just a sad. No wonder she finds it difficult to get attached to people.
"Well, you can relax. I'm not the terrible monster you think I am. I will never use your sincerity and
innocence against you. I have a little sister and if anyone would do such a heartless thing to her, I'll kill
them." I confessed sternly.
"How much of that did you hear back there?" She inquired.
"Not much... I just saw him walking away and your voice sounded familiar and so did your silhouette,
so I came closer and found you." I lied.
I could tell she was feeling embarrassed enough, I didn't want to add to it.
"I got dumped today... and I cried shamelessly like a child. I've got so much free time now that I've
become jobless and the first thing I had to do was...that" she tried to explain nervously.
"It's a good thing you cried." I replied casually.
"What?"
"That way your soul feels lighter and your mind clearer. Crying is also the best remedy for a breakup, it
shows you have a pure heart." I explained clearly discarding every misconception.
It seemed like that was the perfect thing to say at the moment because she soon became comfortable
for the rest of the ride.
We got to the restaurant and I ordered what I wanted to have because I was completely famished, but
Heather didn't feel like eating anything.
She just sat there and stared at her phone, but occasionally I could sense her stealing glances at me
as I ate my meal.
God, how can anyone be so hot and cute at the same time?
"Are you sure you're not hungry?" I asked with raised brow, after I caught her staring at me dreamingly.
"Oh, I'm hungry alright... but for something else, not food" she flirting teasingly.
"I'm not gonna be your rebound, Heather." I clarified, before returning to my food.
I may not have dated before, but I know how breakup works. The next thing after a breakup is to find a
rebound, who most times could be anybody that shows a little bit of sympathy towards the broken
hearted.
I'm not gonna be that guy, unless I'll have a chance to be much more than that for a very very long
time.
"Then, why the hell did you ask me out to have dinner with you?" she asked in frustration and irritation.
Should I have waited for her to rebound first? Nah, heaven knows I couldn't bear to watch her with any
other man.
"Well, if I hadn't I was afraid you'll just keep standing at that parking lot, crying your eyes out" I
confessed.
It wasn't entirely a lie, but I wasn't in any mood to indulge her in this matter. I will not be brought so low
as to be just a rebound guy.
"I would have stopped crying- eventually...I just don't understand you. Why wouldn't you want to be with
me? It's not like we have any history or future together, it could just be a one time thing and we would
both be off to our various lives." She suggested earnestly.
"(scoff), I would not be subjected to a one night stand, Heather. If we would ever have anything
together, it will surely have a future." I stated with a warning look.
"Are you gay? You do seem to dislike women- I mean, not even a single gossip tabloid have mentioned
you with any woman at all. And that could only mean 2 things: firstly, that you are married, or secondly,
that you're gay." She commented suddenly.
"I'm a busy man..." I replied,
"Oh please, no one is that busy" she said with curious eyes.
"Heather, I'm neither married nor am I gay. And I can prove it to you if you are so curious, but we'll have
to be in some sort of relationship for that to happen." I stated precisely.
"You...(phone rings)" interrupting what she was about to say. She paused and grabbed her phone, then
urgently requested to be excused.
Who could be calling her at this hour and why? It seemed rather urgent though, I hope all is well.
5mins later she returned with a worried frown on her face.
Oh no, something bad must have happened, she looks disrupted.
"What happened? Who was the call from?" I asked concerned.
"It was from Markian...he said Livy tried to kill herself few minutes ago." she struggled to muffle out.