The Concealed Secret

Chapter five

CHAPTER FIVE

Amelia couldn't believe her eyes, she rubbed her eyes with her palm severally to be sure she was seeing clearly. Standing before her was the same man she had left in the restaurant, the man who had happened to be her ex.

She got out of the office, checked the description of the office to be sure she hadn't entered the wrong office.

"I'm supposed to be meeting with Mr. Ruby Smith, what are you doing here Mr. Ruby Miller". She said, her voice mixed with frustration and confusion.

"I'm Ruby Smith, the same Ruby Miller you know". Ruby said, his voice shaking slightly. "I changed my last name to Smith, my father's first name to honor my father after I graduated". He explained.

Amelia clapped her hands together, clearly frustrated. "I'm not concern about your explanation," she said, her voice rising in anger. "Don't tell me you're Mr. Ruby Smith - that cannot be possible. You can't be the man I'm supposed to meet today" Amelia shook her head, her thoughts running, her legs couldn't carry her again as she rested on the wall for support.

"Yes". Ruby said,his voice above whispering.

"You are my business partner". She asked again, her voice cracking as tears fell freely down her cheeks.

"Yes, I'm your business partner of Zenith Company". Ruby said, his voice shaking as he spoke. Amelia felt like collapsing as the realization was so heavy for her to bear.

"Why". Amelia sobbed. "This is too much for me to take in".

"The same man that broke my heart ended up becoming my business partner". She said and let out a scream. The office secretary rushed in to know what was happening but Ruby waved her away indicating that he would handle the situation.

"Amy, please, I'm begging you," Ruby pleaded, his voice soft. "Sit down, and let's talk about this."

But Amelia remained standing, her body shaking as tears streamed down her face.

Ruby kept trying to convince her to sit, his voice gentle and calm. After a few minutes, she finally gave in, she sat down with her hand cupping her face as she sob silently.

"I know I have hurt you so bad but Amy, can we let go of the past and focus on the present. I mean we are now business partners, we have to work together in unity for the company now. Let's put the past behind us". Ruby said.

"Really, Ruby". Amelia looked at him with pain in her eyes. "You really expect me to just forget about what you did?" She cried out, her voice shaking with anger.

"Every time I see my child, it reminds me of you, and it brings back all the memories of the pain you caused me. How can you ask me to just forget about that?"She slapped her hands together in frustration, tears streaming down her face.

"Amelia, all I can say is I'm sorry, please forgive me and let's move on". Ruby said again, his eyes full of remorse.

"It's okay," Amelia said, her voice shaky. "I think we should go to the conference room and have our meeting. I'll try to put this behind me." She forced a small smile, but it was clear that the pain she was feeling was still very real.

"We can have the meeting here". Ruby said.

"Okay," Amelia replied, her voice still wavering. "I sent you the letter inviting you to this meeting not because I'm looking to discuss anything in particular, but because I wanted to get to know my new business partner. Is there anything you would want me to know?" She said, avoiding gaze with him as she talked.

"Yes, I have a lot that I would want you to know ''. Ruby began, glancing through a book pretending to be reading from it. "I don't know why the company doesn't have your contact and address, I think as a shareholder in the company, you should leave your address and contact". He said.

Amelia nodded and let out a deep sigh.

"As co-owners of the company, we need to work together to ensure its success," Ruby said firmly. "I ask that you make yourself available to come into the office and take on some of the responsibilities. I can't do it all on my own."

"Concerning that, Mr. Ruby". Amelia said as she sniffled. It was clear that she was trying her best to forget about their last relationship. "I can't promise to always be available because I have my business that I'm running". She said,

"But it's important that you're involved in the company," Ruby said. "We can't just send you your share of the profits every month without you being an active part of the business."

He spoke firmly but carefully so as not to upset her, but also wanting to make his point clear.

Amelia let out a frustrated laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'll try my best to be available," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm only doing this because of my mother. I promised her I'd take care of her share of the company, but I don't know how I'm going to do that if I'm expected to be here all the time."

She looked up at him, her eyes blazing with annoyance. "Is that all you wanted to discuss?" she asked, her voice sharp.

"I think it would be best for you to sell your share of the company," he said, avoiding a gaze with her. His voice sounded more like an order than a suggestion.

Amelia's temper rose. "Are you seriously telling me that, or have you been planning this all along?" she demanded, her voice shaking with rage. "I will never sell my share to someone like you, who would take advantage of me like that"

"I'm not being selfish," Ruby said, his voice cracking slightly. "I understand that you have your own business to run, and you still need to be committed here. I just think It would be easier for you if you sell the company to me. I'm willing to give you a fair price". Underneath Ruby's words, he was thinking something else entirely. He was really desperate to get the company to himself.

Amelia didn't say a word. She simply glared at him, then stood up and stormed out of the office with anger, the door slamming behind her.

Ruby let out a long sigh, then muttered under his breath, "Oh, no. I should have waited to say that."

"But anyhow it is, I would make sure she sell her share for me".