The Deceiver's Game

Chapter 8: Territorial

DARVIAN

I was confused when I came in my office. A cup near the doorway, papers scattered on my table and a first aid kit on the table near the sofa.

What the hell happened here?

Then suddenly I remembered about the girl. She isn't here. Could she be the one who made this mess? But why did she have to use the first aid kit? Is she hurt or something?

Whatever happened, I need to find her as I was the one who brought her here. I can't afford if she got hurt and her family made that a reason not to continue the wedding.

I picked up the cup which mysteriously had its handle missing. I don't remember leaving it here and I'm certain something really happened here. You don't need to be smart to know that, just look around the office and you'll know. Especially when you look at this glass here.

I placed the cup back on the table where I left it this morning and decided to go down the lobby to ask for the girl.

Everyone seems busy but eventually stops the moment I call them.

"Did you see the Laurent woman?" I asked an employee who just shrugged and said that she was too busy and didn't even notice that I had a guest.

Useless.

"You" I called a guy who was busy handing some papers to someone but immediately came when he saw me.

"Yes sir?"

"Do you know where the Laurent woman went?" I asked.

He thought for a moment but still answered with confusion.

"I... don't know what she looks like. I'm sorry Mr. Blackwood, I just know her by name but she rarely—"

I sighed while he was talking and took my phone out to show him a picture of the Laurent woman. He stared at it for a minute, trying to remember what she looked like... with a smile on his face.

Now I'm also starting to hate that woman's face.

"She's my fiancee, just so you know" his smile dropped and looked at me with an ashamed and scared eyes.

That's right, fear me.

"I—I'm sorry sir. I think—I mean, I remember seeing her while—"

"Just tell me where she is!" I hate how people don't go straight to the point! Who does he think I am to be interested in what was happening to him that moment?

"I thi—I remember seeing her with Mr. Xavian, I don't know where they went but they left—"

I immediately left him without hearing what he was going to say. The first part was enough. More than enough to question my cousin's life decision because what the hell was he thinking?!

I got to my car and drove to nearby parks, restaurants, shops, everywhere they could be in.

Then I saw them in that place again having the best time of their lives. Laughing and smiling to each other like some dumb couple who cares nothing about the world.

I went there and parked my car before marching in. There are less people here and most people choose to sit outside so there are lots of vacant seats inside. What do you expect? Of course I chose a seat not far from them.

"Is the word annoying also printed in your DNA? I think it's also hereditary and unfortunately, you and your cousin got it"

I frowned when I heard her question but what I heard next is the awful sound of my cousin's laugh. That's not even funny, why would he laugh at that?

"Is that who I think she is? And look at the man with her" I heard a woman whisper to one of her amigas.

"She is! Isn't that man...oh my god, that's her fiancé's cousin, am I right?" I secretly looked back at them but their attentions are too focused on the people they're talking about.

"I heard words about her, I thought she decided not to date anyone after the failed relationship she had with one boy"

"Maybe she had a change of mind. I mean, look at the man with her. That's the vice president of Blackwood corporation, who wouldn't want him?"

Their conversation pisses me off. Who wouldn't want him? Just because he's the vice president? I am the god damn owner and CEO, for f**k's sake!

"But her fiancé owns it and he's also the CEO" one of them said. There we go, one who sees what's better.

"Yeah but..."

I patiently waited for the next girl's reply. Let's see what you can say about me.

"If you heard what he's like, you'll probably understand Ms. Laurent's decision. I mean—the guy with him is more likable than—"

And I decided not to hear everything anymore. He's more likable? How? I'm more charming than him, more experienced and more worthy of women's attention.

"Okay you made me laugh. I'm starting to like you now. I mean, not in a romantic way but —"

He what now? I thought we were together in this plan, why would he say that? We'll have to have a serious talk later.

"I know, I'll never assume that. Also, thanks...I guess?"

I don't think I can listen to them anymore. Why do they laugh and talk like old friends catching up with each other? And why would he order another coffee just to talk with her more. And did he just say that he likes to talk to her more than me? Is he really my cousin?

"Tell me more about you"

I stopped from getting up my seat. I don't know but... I kinda want to know that too. I want to know her more so I can find a way to destroy everything about her family. She's the apple of her parents' eyes, it'll be easy for me to do that.

"Why do you want to know me? Aside from being your cousin's fiancée"

That's what I said! So why did you come here with him? People are talking about you...about how your decision is right because I'm not as likable as my cousin.

I don't get myself. Why am I being affected by their words? Why do I feel like I need to prove myself worthy to be her fiancé? Why are people on their side? This isn't good.

"Why would I change him? You know, a beast won't change just because of a girl" he asked.

I don't know what he said but based on what she answered, he asked her to change me. Change me? What the hell is he thinking?

My blood started to boil while listening to his little dialogue about me. About how sweet and caring I am. About how I think that doing that makes me look weak and pathetic to other people. About how she should understand me.

Is that it? He's treating me like a helpless child in front of her? Is he saying that I need saving like I'm a damsel in distress? Where is the cousin who's always on my side?

I can't do it anymore. I stood and pulled a seat to their table, making sure that I could see both of their faces before I sat.

"Do I need to start hating this coffee shop?"

This coffee shop where I also saw her with another guy. I wonder what the employees think about her, seeing her with different guys in just half a day knowing that she's already tied to someone.

"Don't I get an invite for this little fun date of yours? You should be with me, I'm your fiancé and not him, in case you forgot"

I looked at her straight into her eyes but no matter how hard I try to look intimidating, I can't see a hint of fear in them.

"Why are you here? Again?"

Wow, she had the guts to ask me that. But I didn't mind her question and turned my eyes to my cousin.

"What do you think are you doing? Taking my fiancé out while I'm gone"

My blood is still boiling but I already mastered controlling myself. I can't let that smirk of his get into my nerves.

"I was just talking to her about you. Also, just a little apology for what I did to her pretty face. Though it didn't really do anything to her beauty, it still stands out. Look at those guys" he whispered the last part which made me turn my head and saw men throwing glances at her.

They fancy my fiancé. They're wanting what's mine.

"No, I don't think—"

"They are! I mean, if I were them, I'll also do the same. I might even make a move or something" he cut her off.

That's it, this won't do anymore. What's mine is mine, I need to do something about this as soon as possible.