BOUND WITH LIES AND LOVE

MOVING ON

CHAPTER 4

RYAN'S POV

It is another day at work, but every memory from the party last night feels haunting to me. I can't get over the realization of losing. There were moments of hope I had of having her, but after last night, it dawned on me that I can never have her. She never wanted me.

“Good morning, sir.” My P.A. walked into my office space and broke my thoughts.

“Pamela, how are you?”

“I'm fine, sir.” A soft smile settled on her face as she hugged a file to her chest, and then my gaze fell back to my desktop screen.

I glanced at her as she was still standing with documents close to her chest.

“So, what can I help you with?”

“I came to submit the updated document you asked me to do.” She handed the files as I noticed the smile still settled on her face.

The smile looks like bribery, but I am not ready to bend to her request, so I moved to the next item without asking what she wanted.

“What is my scheduled meeting like for today?” I straightened up to unbutton my suit jacket and then leaned back.

“We will be having a meeting with the Jeffries company, and we will be finalizing our partnership with them,” she said, flipping through the papers in the files.

“You know what?”

“What, sir?” Her eyes glittered with something hopeful.

“Just drop the file here; I will look into it. Get your report ready for the next meeting we will be having. Is that clear?” I narrowed my eyes at her inquisitively.

She nodded her head and was about to leave but paused in her steps.

“Sir, I would love to know if you have found someone to take my place since I will be leaving to further my Master's degree in California and then I will start a new life over there.”

No wonder the smile on her face; I had completely forgotten about it.

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

She rolled her eyes up as if thinking of someone or something. I don't want to go through the hassle of searching for someone and then get disappointed. Working with Pamela has been stress-free on my side; she does her job diligently, and I must commend her for it.

“Yes, I have someone. In fact, she is very hardworking and will be dedicated to this job because she needs it,” she explained further.

“Pamela, look.” I swallowed hard and spoke softly.

“I don't doubt you; I just want someone who is as dedicated as you and will be responsive if needed.” I continued with my needs.

“Believe me, I've known her for years, and she is my friend. She's good, and she will be appreciative enough to have this job.”

“Okay then, tell her she should prepare her C.V. and come tomorrow for an interview. Will that be okay?”

“Of course.” She smiled widely, her face glowing with excitement. She was about to leave when Dan appeared at the door, and his smile faltered.

“Dan?” She stared at him for a long time, and I found him staring nervously at her.

“Pamela, what are you doing here?”

“Dan, what do you mean she is here?” I chimed in, looking at him in confusion.

“She is my P.A. here; she has been my P.A. for some months.” He looked at me with awestruck eyes.

“How come I haven't seen her?”

“That's because you don't come to my office often.”

“Oh, I see. Pamela, it's good to see you.”

Pamela didn't say anything and stood still, clearly struck in shock.

That look is as if someone has been hurt, or should I call it heartbroken. I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case with her. Dan has always been a playboy from the moment I've known him.

“Pamela, are you okay?” I called her out of her shock, and she turned and quickly blinked her eyes twice.

“Yes, sure, I'm fine. I will just...” She chuckled.

“I will just excuse you both.” Then she left with her head bowed, and Dan kept staring at her until she was gone.

“Hey, man.” He wheeled the chair around and plopped down.

“What connection do you have with Pamela?” I asked curiously, my brows furrowed.

“Forget that, man.” He clicked his tongue and waved his arms.

“She is no one, just one of the girls who thought she could flirt with me back then.”

I could perceive his obvious lies—a lie that I couldn't buy. The few months I've known Pamela, she has not shown any signs of being someone who flirts. In the time I've known her, she is decent and won't stoop low to be what he claimed.

“Okay, that's fine,” I replied, not necessarily agreeing with his lies, but I wasn't ready for a long argument.

“So, why are you here?” My gaze drifted back to my desktop screen like someone who is not ready for any attention.

“Well, I came to see you.”

“Or maybe to spy on me to be sure I'm not hurt by your engagement?”

He let out a mocking huff and moved closer to the table.

“Man, I'm not stupid enough to do that. You told me you've moved on, and I'm taking that as an answer, so I don't know why you keep being jealous over and over again.”

My eyes were off the screen, and I could feel my fingers digging into my palms as I clenched my jaw, a mix of anger and agitation starting to bubble up. I swallowed hard and narrowed my eyes at him.

“What do you want?”

“I want to make it official and tell her parents about our wedding plans.”

For the time I've known Dan, he has never been serious with any girl; he is ready to flirt with more than two girls, and they all fall for it. And now, all of a sudden, he is serious with Sarah to the extent of marriage.

“Why are you getting married, Dan?” I raised my eyebrows.

“I know all these things you are doing aren't serious, so speak up. Why are you doing this? Why are you suddenly talking about marriage?”

He averted his gaze from mine, and I knew instantly that was the truth. The only reason I presume could be behind his decision to marry Sarah is nothing but a name and fame to attach to him. And now, he has gotten Sarah.

“Look, you may be right.” His eyes returned to mine.

“But all that matters is that I've gotten Sarah, the key to my open doors. After years of our marriage, we will separate after achieving my goals from her,” he boasted scornfully.

I looked at him, half impressed, half disturbed, as every word from his mouth dripped with pride. All I could think about was being worried for an innocent person who does not deserve this. Sarah doesn't deserve this kind of harsh treatment.