Past Revenge

Laurel hurriedly applied her make up while making a call to Steven. She hope Steven will be understanding with their present situation. After she finished her make up she went out to their back yard and smile when her eyes rested on her children. Jerry was running after his ball with his arms flying by his side. His dark hair do need a trim it seems. Jayden was sitting in the corner and building his blocks as usual. He sure is a quiet kid although he is somewhat very strong headed when he wants. He look up and smile at her sweetly, his green eyes sparkling brightly. Jacob was busy running around as usual and Ria was chasing him happily. Laurel calls her children and give them a soft kiss on their heads and whispered soft words to them. She motioned to Leah, "There may be a late meeting today so I may have to come home later than usual. I have put some new toys out for the kids in their playroom," she said as she wave to her kids and sent them a flying kiss. She then went to her car and start easing out into the traffic. She speculate on how to convince Steven on not taking the contract from Whiton enterprise. Its been three years and she still is not willing to meet anyone associated with her past, especially the man responsible for all her sufferings. She closed her eyes and sigh tiredly. How long is she going to suffer because of her trust and loyalty. She sometimes wish she could start her life all over again if she can still keep her lovely kids. Thinking of them brought a smile to her lips and she chuckled softly, making her blue eyes sparkle brightly. When Laurel reach the office Steven was alredy sitting on his desk with a coffee in his hand. When he heard her enter he turned and smiled at her warmly. "Morning. So what is so important that you ask me to postpond my morning happy hour and make me come rushing to work," he lightly asked. Laurel poured coffee and make a face at him. "What happy hour are you talking about. I know you are estatic to have an excuse to come early to the office," she jokingly replied. She knows that Steven really enjoyed helping the kids in his neighbourhood solve their problems. Be it in their studies, family problem, peer pressure or any kind of problem they are willing to share with him. She knows that he is truly an amazing man both physically and mentally. She slowly turned to Steven with a serious ecpression. "What do you think about the offer from the Whiton enterprise?" she asked softly. "Given our present schedule i think we can afford to take them up on their offer, don't you think?" "Hmmm. I was leaning more on the side of not taking up their offer." "But why?" Laurel nervously paced the floor, her brows furrowed. She knows that she owe an explanation to Steven, but how can one explain one's insecurity and vulnerability without sounding weak, childish and most of all selfish. She nervously licked her suddenly dry lips and gluped her coffee before facing her employee and dear friend from whom she had withheld her personal life as much as possible. She cleared her throat nervously as Steven is clearly waiting for her answer. "I...that is...I don't know. Well, personally i don't fell like working for them, that's all." Steven raised his eyebrow. "Really. May i ask why." "I'm sorry. But i'm not ready to have this conversation just yet. I was wondering if it is possible for us not to take this contract. You being the expert, i want to know how much this decision will affect us." Steven looked at Laurel intently, not missing the way her hands fluttered, her nervous way of breathing and the sudden paleness of her face. "Given our present situation, if we take up this contract it will help us earn profit plus a goid reputation as they are one of the most influencial company. Which means they are our doorway to many more opportunities. Given the growing trend, if the company is satisfied with our work we will soon have more contract as they seem to be extending their company this side of the continent." Laurel suddenly felt her knees weaken when she heard Steven's words. What does he mean when he said about extending their company. But this is her home. She can't just leave like before. She have to think of her kids. She slowly sat down. Steven got up and grasp her hand, gently squeezing. "I'll not force you to talk about something you are not ready to discuss. Also, we don't have to accept the contract if it is making you uncomfortable. However, we cannot reject them outright or our reputation will suffer." He then started pacing up snd down the floor. "You know what. I think i have found a way to solving our problem," Steven said excitedly. Laurel hopefully looked at him. "We know the amount of their quatation, right? What if we made up some technical excuse and told them that we can't accept their quatation unless they double it. What do you think?" "That might work out just fine. I'm sure they won't be willing to pay that much for the work and at the same time we will be saving our face by not rejecting them outright. I think it's a brilliant idea." Steven whistle softly. "I suddenly realise that i am a very intelligent man who deserve to get a raise starting from today," he winked. "Well, well. Mr.Intelligent, i promise to give you a raise when i see a wedding invitation from you know who," teased Laurel chuckling. "My dear, i will keep that in mind," bowed Steven and started looking at the design on his desk. Although he kept his eyes on the design Steven wondered what Laurel is hiding from him. He met her in the park two years ago while he was taking a break from his studies. She was playing in the park with her adorable kids and when one of the boys started crying he went up to them to help her. They started talking and when she learned that he was interested in interior designing she offered him a job and they have been working together ever since. He does not know about her previous life much since he is not one to pry. However he knows for sure that Laurel had faced many hardships before they met. She is a young single mom with three very cute children. Her life cannot be an easy one but from her appearance no one would have guess. Laurel secrectly glanced at Steven and wonder what he must be thinking about their conversation. She knows that she owe him an explanation if he wants his support. She sigh. Why is life so unfair? She had moves so far away and yet the past seems to come to her out of no where. Of course, she will have a talk with Steven, but not today. Today she have to concentrate on her work as one of their client needs to be placified.