Darling, Thanks For Stabbing Me

Chapter 28

“Mr. Reider, as per the request from the board we would want Miss Reider to be present at this meeting.” Mr. Scott informed Derek who was deep in his thoughts.

After few more minutes he spoke.

“Why hasn’t the board asked me to be there?” Derek didn’t like that the board meeting occurred without him.

Mr. Scott was thankful that he was in his monologue because right now he was feeling nervous. It was him who brainwashed the others for her presence.

“That is something which I can’t answer Mr. Reider.” Mr. Scott managed to pass him a weak smile.

“Okay!” Derek shrugged.

Nonetheless he was soon going to ask her to involve in the business but he was worried that it may be too early for her.

He dialed her number which she didn’t answer. He chuckled to himself thinking about the last encounter that happened this morning.

She didn’t show up for the dinner last night and was skipping her breakfast only to avoid him. He understood that and so he stayed silent in the living area. Iris thought he must have left when she peeked slowly in the kitchen and dining area. She even gestured his maid to ask if he had already left.

The maid was shocked to see Derek standing right behind her smiling widely at her childish behavior and gesturing her to remain silent.

His maid nodded her head in response and Iris breathed in relief. She started blabbering and attacked on her meal which he had already served on the table just for her.

Derek called her number but saw her checking her phone before ignoring it. He pestered her till she answered it only to hang up as soon as she heard his voice.

She shook her head before cursing in annoyance and he must admit that he was enjoying it. He confidently walked towards her and saw how she tensed up sensing his presence.

Iris stopped eating as she slowly put the fork back in the plate, raising her head slowly to look at him. He smirked seeing her gulp hard before passing him a small smile. He was about to talk to her when she darted upstairs leaving her breakfast in the mid.

He couldn’t help but laugh at that making Mr. Scott wonder how this miracle happened.

Mr. Scott excused himself and regained his own work leaving Derek alone.

Derek settled to text her and asked her to meet at a restaurant.

***

“Would you like to join my company for internship Sunny?” Aiden asked to which Iris was surprised.

He had done his best to make her admit that she was Iris but she wasn't swayed. She knew he wasn't yet convinced but she is not planning on getting affected by him.

“I-I don’t know. Will it be okay seeing that I am Iris Reider in the world’s eye so won’t it look like two giant owners working together... odd?” She fidgeted.

“Does it matter to you what others say?” he was surprised.

“Nor that it does but still...” Iris felt uneasy.

“My offer is still open. Anytime you feel like going for it; just ask.” Aiden hasn’t even finished when her phone rang.

It was like for the second time and he managed to take a sneak-peak to only find an unsaved number.

She looked edgy to him seeing that number but he was sure Sunny wasn't going to tell him anything.

“I am so sorry about this; it’s just the sales people bothering about the credit cards.” She was not even looking at him and knew she was lying.

Her phone beeped again as she checked her phone infuriated but then her eyes widened for seconds before she smiled sweetly.

“Who’s it?” Aiden’s voice rose without intention.

“What?” Iris looked clueless about it.

“Who is it that has got you all smiles?” He asked sneering at her.

Iris couldn’t believe her ears. Is he jealous? She felt excited about it as she thought to play a little but giving it up.

“Derek. He asked if we could meet regarding something important.” She answered with slouched shoulders.

‘Is she telling the truth?’ Aiden’s eyes narrowed at her.

Even if there was nothing to smile about it but it was still worst because he was aware of Derek’s intentions for her.

“I just hope I can use this opportunity to have hands on experience in business.” Excitement apparent on her face as it answered his question.

Aiden asked her where they would meet and at what time. Iris wanted to roll her eyes at him.

‘Please don’t tell me that he would be there.’

***

“I would help you along with Aiden to help you accept Iris’ lifestyle. Sooner the better because you are expected to be there in one of these meeting.” Derek gave her a serious look which made her intimidated.

“Uh-Okay. I am curious about this meeting, what is it about?” She hadn’t dared to have eye contact with him.

No way was she going to do that because his eyes seem to bore into her.

“Are you scared?” Derek chuckled.

He could see her ignoring him even while sitting just few feet away. He looked around at the Les Salon Bernadarin. He had made it a private affair for the just two of them. She may deny it as many times as she wants but it was a date for him.

His first ever date!

“Why would I be?” Iris suppressed her racing heart and looked straight into his eyes to prove him wrong.

It was a mistake.

She saw his crystal blue eyes intently gazing at her with a crinkle at the corners as if amused by the whole thing.

‘Were his eyes this attractive always or is it just the hormones playing trick on her?’

She gulped hard and looked away when he wasn’t backing off.

She was staring at the ambiance and had to say that it was amazing. It was located one level above the restaurant and we were directed to it from a separate entrance. The sitting was enclosed in etched glass which was accented by wooden coffered ceilings. They used warm and neutral colors making it just perfect place for a date.

He filled her glass with wine and saw as she indulged herself in the dinner like always to avoid any conversation. Even when the meal was finished she hadn’t looked at him.

“Am I getting to you?” He laughed to which she frantically shook her head.

“No way! Why you ask? Do you really think you are the only handsome and attractive man I have seen till date?” She asked in a cold tone.

At least that’s what she thought but for Derek her voice shook hinting that she was trying her best to make him believe.

“Oh so you are saying that I am attractive huh?” He smirked trying his best to keep a straight face.

“Yes, you are attractive so what? Even Aiden is attractive and sexy.” She gave him a crooked smile.

Derek’s smile faltered. How could she mention his name in front of him? Was she really thinking about Aiden at this time?

Whatever! He wasn’t going to let this ruin his date.

“If you aren’t affected by me then why do you keep ignoring me?” He asked with a smug face.

Iris was thinking that would have provoked him but he seemed calm. What the hell!

She started gathering her things, “Thank you so much for this dinner. Next treat is on me.” She smiled.

“Shall we go?”

Derek stood with her and left bills behind with a huge tip. He walked besides her placing a hand on her lower back which made her stiffen.

“Can you remove your hand?” She glared at him.

“Why not!” he chuckled but suddenly gripped her waist pulling her closer.

Leaning down to her ear, he whispered seductively, “Only if you allow me to hold you this way. Mmm…” Iris shuddered as he smiled.

His breath fanning her neck wasn’t helping her. Derek enjoyed the blush and red ears; he was satisfied with the effect. Standing straight he gestured to her.

“Shall we, Cara Mia?” He intentionally emphasized the last word.

Iris’ fist clenched.

When they reached the parking lot, Aiden was already standing there and she doesn’t know why but felt guilty.

Aiden’s eyes traced Derek’s hands and his jaw tightened.

“Sunny, Come.” He demanded her.

Derek saw that Sunny was fidgeting in her place. It was clear that she wanted to leave but his hold didn’t allow her. He felt angered.

“She won’t Aiden. Why don’t you go by yourself?” he said in a dominating way.

“I would have but I have some business with my fiancée.” Aiden crossed his hands across his chest.

Derek’s grip tightened on her waist as she winced in pain. She glared at him before releasing his fingers one by one from its place.

“I will go now. Thanks Derek.” She smiled and turned to go.

“Wait!” the authority in his voice clear as Iris stopped slowly facing him.

Derek walked to her with fiery eyes and suddenly cupped her face with his palms before kissing her right there.

She was too shocked to response and same with Aiden.

It was only after few seconds when she came to her sense and pushed him away but he didn’t budge. She was scared more for him because Aiden was still here.

Derek pulled back and was about to kiss her one last time when he felt someone push him away forcefully interrupting his reverie. Iris stumbled with the force.

“How dare you!!!” those harsh words from Aiden only made him smile.

Derek straightened himself and grinned.

“Because I can!” he shrugged vexing Aiden more.

“You!!!” he had unleashed the beast in Aiden.

His fist connected with Derek’s face and saw him roll his head to left with the impact. There was a cut near his mouth and it oozed blood. Aiden was fuming with anger.

Derek wiped his mouth with the back of his hand but still gave an annoying smile.

“I love her Aiden. What could you do about that?” he was pushing his button and enjoyed it.

He wasn’t ashamed to accept his love for her but Iris eyes widened. She felt she heard it wrong, how that was even possible. She hadn’t spent much time with him. Was it because she looked like Iris to him?’

Her eyes were ready to pop out.

‘Does that mean he had always loved me?’

‘No, No, No, No.’

“But I look like Iris; your sister Derek!” she yelled in frustration.

“So what, Sunny? If I say that I have always loved my sister not the way I should have and that is the reason I cannot help but fall for you; will that be enough?” He asked studying her.

Aiden fisted his collar and hit him again this time in the stomach making him stumble and groan in pain.

“Shut the f**k up! How dare you say that without any shame in front of me Derek?” Aiden glowered.

He could kill him right this moment. Not only Derek accepted it openly but also dared kiss his fiancée in front of him intentionally. That bastard!

“Aiden No…” Iris called to him infuriating him more.

“Why Sunny? Don’t tell me you enjoyed this!” He was disgusted.

She flustered. How could he ask her this? Did she enjoy this?

She can’t say that, how could she say that it did ignite some not-so-welcoming warmth in her but she didn’t enjoy it for sure.

Exasperated she glared at him.

“It’s none of your business Aiden.” She grumbled and reached towards Derek who was now enjoying the show.

Their eyes widened when she reached for his tie and fixed it pulling up.

“And you! Next time, try and touch me without my permission and I will make sure you aren’t capable to watch your own kids playing around.” She huffed and tightened the tie around his neck making him suffocate for a moment.

She turned and left them both behind.

Idiots!