Double Fatal Desire

CHAPTER 2

FACES OF FURY

"I can no longer cope with your incompetence. You have cost me more pain than pleasure of late. You used to be my confidant and reliable ally for many years".

"But now, I think it's time you decide to quit or take this final chance to clean and clear up the mess your men have caused".

These were the stern words of billionaire Stewart Jones to Miguel, his personal assistant as he had a closed door meeting with key cartel members of his business empire.

Negligence on the part of one of the yet to be identified cartel members misplaced a microchip file that hoisted secret information, access codes and recordings of their last transaction.

The slip-off on the part of the unidentified cartel member leaves Stewart Jones and his massive business empire at risk of being nipped by the local authorities.

Whoever gets hold of the microchip can access and unravel various evidence capable of exposing their illegal mining activities in one of their construction sites on the outskirts of town.

Under the tense atmosphere, the door opened and Mr Stewart's secretary walked in with Jasmine to the amazement of Mr Stewart.

Unexpectedly, Mr Stewart came alive and for once, the fury on his face disappeared the moment he sighted Jasmine.

"Gentlemen, that will be all for now. You will hear from me at dawn", says Mr Stewart.

As they walked away from the board room one after the other, Mr Stewart reiterated.

"One more chance Miguel, and I mean, one final chance. You better give this your best shot".

"If that microchip isn't found, you will have me to contend with. I will not spare you and I will not hesitate to wipe off your entire family clan from the surface of the earth".

Those words sounded so threatening as they filtered through the ears of Jasmine.

In a jiffy, she gazed clearly at the faces of the men as they all walked out one after the other. The intent was that she would eventually have her way with one of them sooner than later and purposely dig out some hidden facts.

What Microchip could he be talking about? Could it be so important that if not found, the entire family of his personal assistant would be wiped out as he threatened?

These were the questions running through the mind of Jasmine as she was still contemplating whether to go ahead and marry this mean looking man or not.

"You are welcome, my beautiful angel, " said Mr Stewart. How gorgeous looking and radiant you are. I fathomed you would come after I left the hospital but never knew it would be this soon".

"Please have your seat and make yourself comfortable". He reached out and beckoned her to sit right in front of his official work desk.

"What do I offer you? Mr Stewart asked. Or would you prefer we go out for lunch"?

Jasmine took a deep breath and replied. "Well, thanks for the offer. But I think I am fine. Let's just go straight to the point".

"Very well then, am all ears. By the way, how is your mum doing for now"?

"Oh stop it Mr Stewart. Please save the pretense as if you care. I am not here to banter words with you or make any room for argument".

"You have the money, you need me to satisfy your lusts and my mum wants her health restored. No problem, you win. So let's just go ahead and conclude all things squarely".

"I am here to finalize with you on plans and your arrangements for the marriage. As you have always wanted and wished, you may go ahead".

"But mind you, (Brenda leaned forward), I promise to make this marriage a living hell and a bitter peel for you to swallow. As I vow to make each and every day of your life miserable on this journey".

"Oh common Jasmine, I expect you to act maturely. You are an adult. Think about the good life and material things you stand to enjoy and gain by getting married to a handsome billionaire like me".

At this point, Mr Stewart stood up as he walked across the office. "I promise to make the world revolve around you, he said".

"I will do everything possible to make you happy Jasmine my dear. Just come to me with open hearts and let go of every stiffness and mental baggage you came here with".

He then began moving close to her. Then he stood behind her, stroked her hair with his right hand and bent his face towards her ears from behind and whispered.

"Very soon, you will be mine forever, and I will prove to you that I am a gentleman that would paint the world with any color of your choice".

"I promise to splash and spoil your very existence with my money. Give me the chance Jasmine, let me lavishly love you and make you happy for the rest of your life".

She became calm as she listened to his words. Her inner anger subsided as he spoke. Then suddenly, the fury earlier registered on her face faded away as she knew she would gradually get used to his routine sarcasms.

They spent the rest of the day discussing and working out terms on how to fast track their marriage plans.

Also during that meeting, the needed funds were immediately advanced and paid to the hospital account.

Doctor Murphy called to confirm receiving the anticipated funds and informed Jasmine they will proceed with the surgical procedure.

The meeting took longer than envisaged. After a long while, Jasmine signified her intent to leave.

"How time flies when you are with good people, " said Mr Stewart. If you don't mind, let me drop you off at any of your choice destinations".

"Not to worry Mr Stewart. I can find my way. I still need to go back to the hospital to check on my mother as well as update her about all plans on ground".

"That wouldn't be a bad idea, " said Mr Stewart. If you don't mind, can I accompany you?".

"Oh sure. Why not?". Replied Jasmine as she gradually began to play along.

They both went out of the office and headed towards the car port.

Mr Stewart was on the wheel as they made their way to the hospital to see Jasmine's mum.

Jasmine's phone rang, and she saw it was Lewis, her lover and manager calling.

"Excuse me please, I need to take this call", said Jasmine as she stirred at Me Stewart.

"Hi Lew", she said as she picked the call. "Sorry I have been so busy lately and that was why I couldn't show up for the scheduled meeting the last time".

Still on the call, silence greeted the atmosphere for a long while as Jasmine listened calmly all through as Lewis spoke.

The sudden scenario of total silence got Mr Stewart thinking who this Lewis was that was talking to his wife to be.

He observed Jasmine was getting agitated. He wanted to cut in but had to wait till she was ready to speak.

"You will do no such thing Lewis. I can make amends. You know I am the best fit for this role. You know how long we have both waited for this". Jasmine responded with her voice trembling and getting louder.

"You know what, give me a second, I will be right there to see you. Please don't substitute me with someone else for the show. I will see you soon my love and we will talk about it all".

"Pull over. I need to go and see Lewis now", Jasmine said.

"Lewis? Who is he?", asked Mr. Stewart. "What could be so important that would stop you from going to see your mum right now in hospital?".

"I owe you no explanations. I have an unfinished score to settle, and until I am done, there will be no marriage because my career is at stake".

"You must be joking Jasmine". Mr. Stewart responded loudly. "Remember I have paid the hospital already and you have no choice but to fulfill your part of the bargain".

"By the way, you are going nowhere and I am taking you to the hospital to see your mum as earlier agreed".

"You want to force me?". Jasmine asked.

"I am on the verge of losing out on a multi million dollar project I have been pursuing with my manager Lewis".

"And if you must know, he is the love of my life and we have been dating for over two years now".

"He intends to marry me after we are done with this forthcoming business deal".

"I have to see him right away to tell him about us, my mother and also so we finalize and go on a trip to Dallas for signing the terms of understanding for the contract".

"Please pull over now, I need to go. I sure would see mum much later".

"You don't dare me Jasmine, I said you are going nowhere", responded Mr Stewart, with a stern fiery look on his face.

"I dare you to stop me Mr Stewart. I will give you till the count of five to pull over or else you will be shocked on my next line of action".