Ruby's Secret

CHAPTER - 10

"Language is the foundation of civilization. It is the glue that holds a people together. It is the first weapon drawn in a conflict." ~Jeremy Renner

NIKOLAS PALLIS P.O.V

My eyes scanned her face and focused on the freckles on her cheeks and nose. She has a very beautiful face, so fresh and natural, without makeup.

I looked at her left eyes and then to her right, a shade of emerald, drawing me deeper into it, like a pole of magnet, compelling me. My eyes travelled down to her luscious pink lips. The taste of her peach lip gloss from our kiss came back to my mind.

Her eyes changed colour with tears welling up. It reminds me of a forest. The fresh wild green. A sudden painful feeling stirred in my gut that I immediately moved backward.

I knew her. I really knew her.

Her eyes…. Her lips…. Her face…

No! NO…. NO….

She can't be her, that's impossible

They have different personalities, like fire and ice or oil and water. Ruby looked so demure, conservative, workaholic, taking life seriously, focusing on career, reaching her goal, pim and proper with etiquette and the other girl was so...wild, daring, challenging.

"Everything, Okay?" My father interrupted my thought. His voice took me out of my daze making me remember he was with me on the call.

I straightened up and stretched my body. "Yes." I cleared my throat.

I saw Ruby, at the corner of my eyes, she stood up and her eyes still on the floor searching for her glasses.

"Is Ruby there?" Dad asked me. "She came? See I told you, she will be there. You're always overreacting for no reason." He fussed out making me unconsciously shake my head.

She's finally here.

Actually I knew she would be here.

After asking the employee to find her, I called my father to give him an earful for hiring this type of people when he told me that it was Ruby's mother's death anniversary, she will be late.

But I was being stubborn and argued that it was unprofessional of her not to inform beforehand in which he sided with her telling me that he was the one who gave her the permission to take a leave every year on this day. But Ruby, like a workaholic woman, refused and told him she would come back once she visited her mother.

I was impressed by Ruby's loyalty to her work. It was not common nowadays for anyone to lose this type of opportunity.

I was expecting her to show up in the office with my coffee. I missed my espresso. I even felt deprived of the simple pleasure of sipping and tasting it. I didn't know what came over me but I started to crave her coffee every morning. It was very addictive. It released all my tension, keeping my mood fresh and energetic.

"I kept the Greek shipping on the left side of the drawer." Dad informed me as I adjusted my bluetooth to my ear.

Ruby opened her mouth to say something when I raised my hand, a gesture for her to wait.

She just nodded her head and stood there paralyzed hands clasped together, like a kindergarten kid about to sing in front of the class.

I strode toward the table and opened the drawer, taking out the envelope. "Tell me, why did you keep so many employees when only one person works in this damn office? They are liabilities in our company. I can't imagine working with these people."

"I don't think they are worthless. It's just that they know Ruby is the only one who can complete their work and it's her fault also. She doesn't know how to say 'No'." Dad pointed out making me clench my jaw as I think of those employees taking advantage of her.

I shook my head in disappointment and then looked briefly at her over my shoulder. She looked so funny, standing there without any facial expressions.

I ruined my neck feeling exhausted. My eyes burned dry from the sleeplessness. Lately, I was having difficulty falling asleep. Taking over the company, making new strategies, planning and organisation. Setting up a newly acquired shipyard from Greece. And aside from all of these I wanted to also touch the world of hotels. I didn't share these ideas with my father. I have already started my plan and looked for the land. The blueprint is half done and Theo is also ready to be my partner. The only problem is the majority of the board of directors will be hesitating to bid on this project.

"Just look at the paper, and carefully sign it . They are very clever, Niko." Dad warned me, making me nod my head.

Taking the envelope in my hand, I assure him. "Don't worry. I won't fail you. I also made a contingent plan. I'll check there first and then present my own."

"Ok. So I'll see you tonight."

I nodded and was ready to hang up when he suddenly spoke, cursing under my breath. "Your mother said, some woman called? Is she your girlfriend? She wanted to meet her." My father's statement made my face turn sour.

"Just an acquaintance Dad." I replied with tight lips.

"Then be clear to your mother. She started already thinking of your baby's name."

I exhaled heavily and looked away. I was anxious to escape my mother's interrogation. "Okay, I will see her. Bye."

Taking the envelope from the table, I walked towards Ruby. "Come with me." I said without looking at her and picked her broken eyeglasses from the floor. I strode out of the office and went directly to the elevator.

I knew she was following me. I could sense her. My mind was in turmoil, thinking about how to start talking to her.

I was about to close the elevator door when I realized she was not following me anymore.

Bloody hell! Where the hell is she?

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