Chapter 44
1101 Words
JUSTIN
“She wants to meet with me. Are you going to let me?” I asked her. I didn’t know if we needed to discuss it, but it was better to let Riz know so we wouldn’t end up fighting.
She didn’t answer right away, and I understood. What wife would want her husband to meet his ex? If I were in her place, I might not allow it either.
“You can see her if you want.” Her words came out through her nose, which made me unable to suppress a laugh. “And you find that funny? Do you miss her?”
Her eyebrows were almost in a straight line, clearly annoyed. I wondered what Riz was like when she wasn’t pregnant. Is she jealous?
“I won’t meet her if you don’t allow me. You’re my wife. And I don’t miss her.” I lightly tapped her nose, but it didn’t seem effective since she was still pouting.
They often say in movies that what you say with your mouth can be different from what you feel in your heart. And that’s what Riz is doing right now. We’re both fumbling through our marriage, but I think if we start with honesty, we have a chance.
She sighed, looked at me, and turned to face me. As her eyes dropped, she adjusted my collar and placed her palm on my chest.
“I trust you. Hear what she has to say, then come home to me.” I could see her hesitation, but she was trying her best to show me her strength.
“Then I’ll see her after lunch.” I cleared my throat. “Do you want to go with me?”
She shook her head several times. “Just you. I don’t want to see her. She might look like the baby.”
“You always say the funniest things.” I pinched her cheek playfully. “Why don’t you get some sleep and come down before lunch?” I noticed her eyes were already drooping.
“Can I? I’m so sleepy. We woke up early. Good thing you didn’t keep me up all night.” She grinned at me. Having Riz this close showed me that when she’s relaxed, her laughter reaches her eyes.
“I’ll take you to the bedroom, then I’m going to the office. Call me or come down anytime.”
When we reached the bedroom, she immediately lay down on the bed, and I covered her with a blanket. I was about to bring her some water when I remembered there’s a mini fridge in the room, and if she gets thirsty, there’s bottled water here.
AT the office, Michelle immediately stood up and greeted me. She’s my temporary secretary since the one she replaced went on a three-month vacation. I couldn’t refuse her because not only is she efficient at her job, but she’s also older and wants to spend time with her children and grandchildren.
“Good morning, sir,” she greeted me. I nodded at her and continued to my office.
My agenda for today was full. Not because of the number of people I needed to meet and talk to, but because the meetings were long. This was about Elvira pulling out some shares while there were ongoing projects. Additionally, there had been a theft at the site, and it wasn’t just trivial items that were missing.
I sat down and read my emails but didn’t bother replying to any of them until I heard a knock.
“Sir, would you like some coffee?” It was Michelle. I just noticed how deep her neckline was. She bent down to pick up a fallen pen.
“Thanks, but I’m okay. I had some just a while ago with my wife.” She looked shocked but forced a smile and straightened herself.
“Ah, okay po. By the way, Miss V called and asked if you were here yet.”
“Tell her to meet me here after lunch.” Michelle nodded and turned to leave when I called her again. “Tell her also that she has fifteen minutes only.”
I think that’s enough time for her to tell me what she wants. The only reason I’m talking to her today is that her departure from Batangas wasn’t smooth. In this life, it’s better to have no enemies. Although I know we won’t become friends, we can at least be civil since we move in the same circle.
A few minutes later, I stood up from my swivel chair and decided to stretch. I walked by the pantry and heard a woman’s voice speaking softly but firmly.
“I’m trying my best. But it’s not easy to do that. Did you know he’s married? I have no plans of being the mistress!”
It was Michelle. But I didn’t know who she was talking to during office hours.
“Look, if you are so desperate, why don’t you just talk to him? I think he’s okay and— Alright! Yes. I know!” she replied, irritated, to whoever was on the other end.
I went back to my desk and waited for the time. My meeting with the board would start soon, and it was going to be intense. I shouldn’t waste time on what I just overheard. For all I know, it’s Michelle’s personal matter.
“Sir, breakfast is set up for everyone. Would you like to go together, or should I go first?” Michelle asked me.
“We can go together.” I didn’t have anything else to do.
She didn’t talk the entire time we walked toward the conference room. The only sound was the click of her heels.
When Michelle opened the door, several people were already there. And one of them was not invited.
“Good morning,” greeted the board members.
I nodded and looked at the two in front of me. “I believe this meeting is for board members only. Uninvited guests are not allowed.”
“Yes. However, I have transferred my shares to my daughter, and after today’s meeting, she will be taking over for me. She has the right to be here.”
Damn. Elvira moves fast. I was expecting her to sell her shares, but giving the remainder to Veronica is a huge problem.
I know her well. And she’s going to use this opportunity to be here every day to get closer to me. She always goes after things that she can’t have.
And she’s the same with people.
- Writer
