The Richling's Trip-Married To Mr. Rich Jerk 2

8. Trouble.

"Nothing is permanent in this world, not even your troubles." - Charlie Chaplin.

Chapter-8.

Sarah Reeves' POV:

Worst times!

Half of my holiday was spent cleaning and mopping up the entire house. Ella! Damn her! It was her turn to do this business starting this week until the end of this month, but here I am, doing her work.

Where the hell she had been? This morning, it was so stupid of me; yelling out her name to start her chores, only to realize later that I was talking to these four walls. She was already out. I haven't seen such a negligent human being in my entire lifetime. This day was supposed to be my day, doing things that would please me, like watching random things on Netflix or spending time with Mom and talking to her. I planned to take a stroll in the nearby park with her. I feel so awful already, for not caring much about her these past days.

However, how dare of me to think about something that includes my interest since Ella's unreliability and inattention comes into my way every time I decide to do something like this. She really gets on my nerves sometimes. When I called her, she said she was busy and before I could query more, she switched off her cell phone.

Irresponsible creature.

I wheezed and sneezed when the dust slightly contacted with my skin. I terribly hate doing this on my holiday, especially this task of removing dirt off of things and furniture. Most of all, I hate Ella right now, more than I ever thought I was capable of. She very well knows that how passionately I am against doing this cleaning stuff and she has to choose to ignore me and wander all over the city when I only plan to take some rest in my day off.

Well, I can cook, I can iron clothes and clean the mess too, but dusting and vacuuming, just not my cup of tea. Gosh! My day is so ruined! Finally, after all the work I collapsed on my couch and closed my eyes for a while before checking the time. Guess I still have five hours to go back. My stomach growled letting me realize that I skipped my lunch whilst I was busy sulking the whole time.

Lazily getting up, I made my way to my not so big kitchen and opened my fridge. And that reminded me of grocery shopping. Perfect! My stomach can wait for some more time. I need to take a shower first and then groceries. Maybe I can take Mom with me. She would be happy to breathe some great light and air.

+++++

"Does my hair look okay?" Mom fidgeted fixing her long coat as I looked her way. She had a huge frown on her forehead. I smiled at her, "Of course and you look beautiful. Now can we leave? I don't want to be late for work." I grabbed an apple and rushed outside.

"You walk too fast Sierra," Mom complained as she took longer strides, "I can't catch up with your speed anymore." She stopped walking as I sighed.

"You guys named me Sarah," I reminded with a growl as she frowned. "Anyway," I shook. I'm not surprised by this. It isn't the first time. "I'm already walking too slow Mom," I said as she frowned again. Seems like it had been there all the time; kind of permanent. No wonder to me why she looks quite older than her actual age. "Okay fine. Let's take a taxi." I held her hand as we both cross the street together. "And stop frowning."

I remember when this thing happened to me for the first time. I just cried a lot, not able to hold the fact that she partly forgets a few things which are so important to me. When I ask my name to her, she blocks out. And then again, she nonchalantly blurts it out. It was so disturbing in the beginning. I was so horrified, thinking she could be suffering from that forgetful disorder, but she wasn't and I really mean it when I say I never been so relieved in life; not even when I found another job. I do not even want to imagine how I would have been taken it if she had that disorder.

However, that did not easy things though and emotional stress and later, the breakdown. She loved her husband way too much. She loved a man who did not even care. I have learned so much in these years. The memories weren't worth reminiscing, yet, I treasure it. She is still an amazing parent in all sense.

"Do you like going out like this?" I asked as I took out a pack of Doritos. She looked my way carrying a frown. I sighed thinking she's frowning too much. "Or do you prefer staying at home and talk?" I completed my query as she shook. I noticed her hands trembling.

"Are you cold Mom?" I inquired to which she again shook negatively, but her lips turned rather pale. Probably, she's just looking over things. I turned to get a few other things in my basket.

"Do you miss your father, sweetheart?" She suddenly asked in a painful tone, leaving me startled. It's the first thing she spoke since we entered this store. I twisted myself to look at her and her gaze was rooted somewhere else. Upon following my gaze, I realized her eyes were fixed on a couple that effortlessly enjoyed each other's company. They looked like a newly married couple, smiling and so in love. I sighed, big time I might add.

I stood facing her, stopping her to look at them as I turned her body. "Why do you ask Mom?" I questioned back instead as I heard her let out a small sigh. I just wish she forgets about his existence, which is not possible. Damn, I am just bitter about that guy and I don't think I can ever be able to not despise that person.

She did not speak a word then after. I know what would happen next. I don't want her to stress over such a thing. She would invite unnecessary pressure issues to her body, which would only worsen her condition. Hence, I decided to bring her out of her reverie, "I can't say about my father," I rolled my eyes dramatically as her eyes smile a bit. She knew I haven't used the term since what would feel like ages. And that's what makes her smile a bit. Placing a bunch of apples inside the trolley, I continued, "But I sure miss my mother," her brows arched up instantly as I shrugged, "Sometimes." I whispered as she chuckled.

"Do you think I'm too sick to manage anything?" She inquired. It did not take it long for me to deny the fact. Surely, she is, but she would turn quite hysterical.

"Mom, you are the best," I assured her kissing her cheek as she giggled. "Whatever you say, Sarah." She replies uninterestingly.

"It's not that Mommy dear," I refused to let go. "I mean yes, a father is that creature in a daughter's life, mostly in her adulthood that would help her in everything. The absence of the person can be negative sometimes too, but I can't hang a card saying father figure needed, right. You can't avoid the positive things, Mom." I paused to have a look at her. She just stared at me puzzled. Although, I continued, "Look at Ella. She had been so strong, cause we both know she had been away from the so-called our father more than me. She has full control over her emotions. That's what makes a person stronger and careless at the same time. In short, caring less gives fewer reasons to be sad. Right?" I concluded as she nods a little.

"I'm happy, Ma. Don't stress yourself. It's not good for you in any way." I tapped her arm as she grimaced again.

"What do you mean by that? What happened to me? And stop saying that again and again. I am completely fine." She objected to making me roll my eyes. She added again, "I don't like it, Sarah. Ella never says something like that to me, and I like that about her." She expressed making me give her a look of distrust.

"Of course," I muttered as her eyes curled in annoyance.

"She even smiles a lot when you're not around." She added making me chuckle. "And she always makes sure I'm not feeling lonely when you're away." She concluded as I nodded.

"Glad to know that you have a better relationship with her," I chuckled. "And don't you worry Mom; I'm fine without your husband in my life."

"I hate talking about him." She twisted her brows in slight anger. I stared at her incredulously, "You started asking about it a few moments back."

"Don't play about it, Sarah. I don't think so." She hissed. Why do I forget about her incapability of remembering things?

"Sure. Now let's head back. I don't want to be late."

I paid the bill and was on my way to the home. I took a quick shower and got myself ready. I was still on time as I wore my hood and was almost out when I suddenly thought about my dearest mommy. I forget to see her before leaving.

"Mom!" I called as she parted her eyelids a little. I went kneeling in front of her as I kissed her cheek.

"I'm leaving for work and locking from outside. Call me if you need me okay, here's the phone. I'm keeping it here." I placed the phone beside her pillow. She nodded weakly turning away.

Sighing, I kissed her forehead last time and then left the place but not before sending a text to Ella to reach home as soon as possible.

I can't believe she still hasn't made it here yet.

+++++

"Oh come on Sarah," Ollie insisted and I turned other way trying to stay away from him and his requests.

"Chicken." He provoked teasingly and then smirked and I quirked up my brow.

"Just one drink honey, you never drink!" He hissed glaring at me playfully and I shook my head.

"Yes. Because newsflash buddy, it might be a party place for others but for me its work and I can't be reckless." I start pointing at the glass, "I can't have it now. I need to continue being here instead of getting wasted." I stated and he visibly rolled his eyes.

"He will take over from now till dawn." Jon emerged from behind as he kissed his cheek only to get a scowl from Ollie but he ignored it. "Let's party. You need to be there with us more than here." He completed as he dragged me. I smiled at Ollie followed by a teasing wink.

"I'm not going. It's your boyfriend, that is taking me with him." I chanted with banter as he narrowed his gaze.

"Back here soon, darling. I won't answer Mr Derris on your behalf." He smirked.

"Have fun." I laughed waving him and joined Jon and his friends. They were really nice and cool. I really liked being with them. They were so untroubled and open about their interests, like Ollie and Jon. I feel a certain level of comfort with these two guys. They make me forget my issues for a while. I have known Jon for a long time and now I got to know Ollie. He is so vibrant and doesn't dwell thinking over the future and gives in randomly. I wish I could think like him. It would help in for a change.

A while later, I don't know what got over me, I was dancing like a maniac, without a care in the world. Jon grinned wickedly as he curled his arms around my waist. I noticed him passing a teasing look, directing towards Ollie who glared at him, telling with his eyes to back off.

To mess with him more, I placed my arms around Jon's neck and brought him closer. I was quite comfortable with him. He was like a brother to me. We've known each other for a long time as we worked at Anthony's gym together.

Soon, I was matching steps with him and danced enjoying my time.

"He's coming. Get ready." I giggled and unlocked my arms which were around his neck and sat on one of the stools and watched these two sweethearts.

A few minutes later they both joined me. "Where's my drink?" I asked suddenly wanting to have whatever Ollie was having.

"I see!" He smirked and I disliked it less this time.

"Here," He handed me the glass and ordered one of the waiters to serve me once I complete it.

And surprisingly, I gulped it in one go. Probably because I was thirsty and dancing earlier. As he said, I need to pull it off and enjoy for once.

Okay, I was not thinking straight!

I am going to live for myself tonight. I was so high with the belief of being carefree, fed by my friend here. I want to get drunk and forget about my disarranged life for only tonight.

No big deal. Or so I thought!

"Easy easy," Jon said and I shrugged.

"I need another one," I stated and later I had no idea how many drinks I have had and I started witnessing two Ollies and two Jons. I was giggling. I have been drunk, obviously. But not as crazier as now.

Ryden Parker's POV:

"What's the point in taking this discussion further, Dad?" My tone ditched me as I myself could feel the resentment coming out from my tone of voice.

He leaned back to find more comfort as he continued playing on his phone. I stared at him in disbelief but then looked away, the moment I realized the fact that he was more likely to give attention to on that damn game!

Sometimes, I don't understand him. I clearly find nothing profitable anymore dealing with Mr Suarez and his smiling daughter, Ms -- Whatever her name was.

She was flirty. Is it that difficult to grasp a single fact that I had a zero interest in her? It's been days since that first meeting. We had another one right after that following week and still, they did not get back to us about this deal. It was very profitable but the way they act is totally maddening and irksome. And not to forget, Ms Suarez and her interference in my life. It's like she is fully focused on going out with me and also what I wear, how I look and what I eat. That's completely unprofessional.

I agree this would be the absurdity if we reject Mr Suarez's deal but his daughter is making me so irritated.

"Dad!" I hissed out loud and all he did was a frown followed by a puzzled look. Does he have no idea what I was sulking about? Does he?

"I'm leaving. You make closure to this deal. I should have known; it's such a waste of our time." My eyes twisted as he finally paid attention to my words. "I mean the way they behaved during the first meeting completely shows that how unethical they are. Ms Suarez behaved like we were long lost, friends." I let out my infuriation and all he could do was curb his smile.

Great!

"She seemed to like you." Dad finally spoke, but not hiding his knowing smile. I almost rolled my eyes for his statement.

"What's the point of taking this meeting any further?" I repeated getting up to leave the conference room.

"Have patience, son," he chuckled passing me Mr Suarez's file as I monotonously opened it. "Have you acknowledged his company's status? Look at those headlines and stuff. This is a big deal for us. Just wait for what he had to say." He narrated as I watched the documents quite intently this time.

Yes. I know that either but I don't know why I was intending to ignore this one. Probably his daughter made me think like that. Her actions and those annoying beaming forced me to ignore and avoid taking this deal.

"I'm pretty sure he's going to accept today." Dad's confident voice rang and he smiled encouragingly nodding at me.

"Fine." I agreed with taking back my seat.

"They should be here in no time." He informed glancing at his wristwatch and just like Dad had said, in no time, they were here and now sitting with us in this room with the other members.

Mr Suarez settled himself across Dad and Ms Suarez sat in front of me, facing me. She had this annoying smile all the while and I don't think she realized that how deliberately I ignored her, even though I made sure to make it seem so evident.

Soon, the other members too took their seats.

"So..." It was Dad and I cut him off. It's something Mom does too and believe me he dislikes it to the core but it's been a normal casual thing for me now.

He passed me a displeased look and I shrugged it off. "Let us make this quick, Mr Suarez," I start and watch towards Dad and he warned me through his eyes to behave. Of course, I will. I just want to settle this real fast. "So, I say that if you are genuinely interested to deal with our company then only I suggest you continue." I professionally uttered as I paused to look at their expressions. Except for his daughter, all the other people carried a serious face.

"I don't want to care what your conditions were and what your company's situations are. Forget about everything for a moment. Let's not waste both of our valuable times and tell us what you think of this merger. If yes, then we can proceed, if not I have more important tasks to get them finished by the end of the day." I completed all at once and viewed at Dad. He was giving those dirty looks secretly and his expression said what he might be thinking right now; that we just lost this big and profitable project. Mr Suarez had a hidden smirk though, as he eyed me improbably and then his gaze stopped by his daughter, who, I guess, had practically nothing to do with this thing. And to my utter annoyance, she blushed looking at me and then at Dad.

She signalled something to Mr Suarez and he nodded.

Will they care to explain?

"So?" I asked and he nodded.

"Can I talk to you and your Dad personally?" My forehead creased upon hearing his request as I shared confused glances at him and then at Dad. He had a frown too but nodded anyway and soon the conference room had only four people.

"So what is it, Mr Suarez?" I quizzed as he again passed a smile towards his daughter. What's wrong with him?

"I would not lose this contract for anything Mr Parker." He started as he adjusted himself contentedly and gulped half the glass of water.

"I thought this was easy!" He muttered glancing at his daughter and the confusion levels were increasing each passing moment. What is he up to?

"Ah...Dad!" That was the first thing she had ever said since they were here as she smiled glancing my way. This is turning creepier now.

"Okay, let me do this," she paused. The next thing she said knocked the air out of my lungs and undoubtedly, happens to be so extremely stupid and appalling at the same time. "I love you since the moment I met you and I want to marry you?"

"What!?" I and Dad screamed in unison as her blunt delivery only made me shaken and sick.

Is she for real! Love me? She plans to marry me? "Are you crazy?" I revolted. She nodded with a gleaming face and had no remorse on her expressions for her inanity and boldness.

That's completely sick, dense and unbelievable. And furthermore, she had a convinced smile; rather I would address it as an overconfident one. Ignoring our reactions, Mr Suarez jumped in. "We would continue this one if you agree to this alliance. Our both companies would grow stronger and it would be beyond profitable." He explained only to gain a grim expression from my side.

This type of behavior is not tolerable at all. I already predicted her being immature and dense but that coming from Mr. Suarez is really infuriating and disturbing.

What were they thinking!?

Truly unprofessional, brainless and disgusting. Now I realize what those uncanny smiles were all about!

"So what do you think?" He added glancing at Dad and did I just witness the old Parker smiling at me sheepishly.

Am I in trouble?

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