4: The past

Joseph stalked into my office carrying much more files than I could ever bear. I think my head is going to explode with all these load of work and there's Jaycee asking me to go to Paris with her. I didn't want to, cause of the work I have on ground but damn. Those tears. I've always been a softie for tears. Normally, I dislike women who cry but with Jaycee it was different. It touched something in me. I don't even know why. It's not like I'm in love with her. She's just my wife.

"Got what you asked" Joseph dropped the papers to my desk some even faltered to the floor.

"I didn't ask for all these papers, I asked for a direct reason to why my company shares are reducing"

Joseph crossed his arms staring at me. His blue eyes were fixed and I know he was thinking.

"Let's get this straight Damien, you don't expect whoever is stealing from you to leave written evidences everywhere do you?"

"Of course not" I shrugged.

"Then relax. The investigators are working this out. With your power, we'll probably get them soon" Joseph said and I nodded. I know but I'm just too impatient.

"What you got there?" I pointed to the pile of papers. Joseph came and stood beside me.

"These, my friend, are the records of all the shares in your company"

I took paper after paper in my hands. This is all too much. I was the president of an empire and yet I feel so useless. Why?..because an idiot is stealing from me and I  don't know who!

"I'll have to read all these some other time." I said to Joseph. He went and took the seat opposite me. "And also, prepare my Jet. I'm flying to Paris tomorrow"

His brows went up. "You have nothing scheduled there"

"Jaycee wants to attend Chloe fashion show"

"And you're going with her" Joseph rubbed his palms together.

"Why do you look suprised?"

"Nothing. It's just, your company is disturbed and your going to fashion shows with Jaycee"

"She's my wife" my fist were forming balls. What? Why so possessive?

"I know she's your wife but I've never seen you honour a woman's decision. You're always firm" he placed his hands on my table drawing his head close. "I thought you didn't have a heart" he chuckled.

Of course only Joseph can talk to me like this. Even my Secretary would've been fired by now.

"I repeat. She's my wife" I was getting irritated now. "Just get my jet ready"

"I will. Lover boy" he got up and strode out. A vision of me throwing my stapler at his head passed before me and I shrugged it off.

*******

The continuous beeping of my phone made me groan. I grabbed it to see it was my alarm. It's even past time for me to get back home. I started arranging my things with the thought of finishing my work at home.

Loud noises outside my door made me raise a brow. Suddenly my office door burst open to reveal a very familiar blonde. She was wearing a tight red dress that couldn't show anymore less. Her lips was painted fiery read and her lashes, thick with mascara. Gosh! Doesn't she ever get tired?

Behind her was my secretary looking terrified. Of course she's fired after she doesn't give me a good explanation for this.

"I'm sorry sir, I tried to stop her...." Nelaini started but I raise my hand to shush her.

"You may go"

She walked out of my office after a curt bow. My eyes focused on the lady in front of me again and she had a smirk on her face. Why is she here? What does she want? Questions like that flew threw my mind.

"How can I help you as you can see, I'm preparing to leave already"

Bethany walked over to where I stood fiddling with my tie. "That's a shame" she grinned. I took her hands in mine pulling her away. I went to continue gathering my things.

"What do you want Bethany?"

"No more Beth?" she pouted blinking rapidly and trying to look cute.

"I don't have time for this" I sighed. Her fingers played with the flowers installed by the side of my desk.

"I just came to say hi Dammy." I scowled at the name she called me.

"What for?"

"I'm taking you out to lunch" she clapped her hands together as if she just came up with a Grande plan and I was going to fall for it.

"I'm fully scheduled Bethany. Now leave"

"Why can't we have lunch?" Her face look hurt but I wasn't buying that. I tucked my hands in my pant pocket.

"Why did you come back?"

A wide grin spread across her face. "So you haven't forgotten me. If you have, you won't be dwelling on the past"

I picked up my bag and headed for the door. I could hear her heels clicking noisily behind me on the tiled floor.

"Damien wait"

"What?"

"Please. Lets just have lunch" she came so close to me I could scent her floral perfume. It was choking I'll admit. It was a bit too strong or she sprayed too much in her hair. She adjusted my already fixed collar. "Just one lunch and I'll tell you why I came back"

It's not like I was interested in why she came back but, I do want to know what she wants. Bethany doesn't just come around for nothing.

"I'll see you tomorrow evening" I said and walked away. Thankfully, her heels wasn't heard behind me again.

******

As I drove home, my mind kept whirling on why Bethany was here. She's supposed to be in New York. Not Miami. Her presence isn't in anyway affecting me it's just, it hurts any time I see her.

Of course, I and Bethany had known each other a long time ago. We were just two weeks away from striking the alter when she proclaimed her love for Alberto Señior. I was surprised. Every one was. Alberto was not just a shareholder in my company, he was a good friend of my dad and in his late sixties but Bethany choose to marry him. Why? Because at that time, he'd struck a gold mine. And now she's come back inviting me to dinner?

Jays little figure was perched on the rocking chair immediately I stepped on the porch. What was she doing out here in this cold? I knelt by her side taking her face in my palms.

"Jay"

She moved a little blinking her lashes so her eyes gets used to the brightness around her.

"You're back" she murmured.

"What are you doing out here. You could catch a cold" she pouted showing just how stubborn she was.. I wouldn't have minded kissing her but I was mad at her right now.

"I was waiting for you"

"Did I ask you to wait?" I asked. My voice came out harsh but I didn't care. I was angry. Angry at Jay for lying out here in this cold and angry at Bethany for coming back. Her eye lid drooped as she slowly got up.

"I won't wait next time" she said and walked into the house taking my bag. Now I feel guilty. None of this was her fault. I sighed in frustration. It wasn't her fault I was home late neither was it her fault that she was stuck in this marriage with me. Everyday I see her crumble and I try my best to make her whole but I don't know how long I can keep doing that. I'm crumbling , myself.