THE LOVE IN ME

Chapter seven

It’s February, the W&S fashion world are busy making arrangement for one Mr Clack Benson he is a well known politician his daughter was about to get married,the company was asked to design the bride’s dress and the groom’s suit. Not just the two of them but to choose a style for the bridesmaids as well, Mike dividend the designers into two teams, Mike and his team are to work on the suits while Melody and her team are to work on the brides and bridesmaids dresses. Eve was on melody’s team “ so if there is no question then every one get to work” Mike said in his authoritative voice “ Carol and Eve should wait” he said standing up from his seat, the rest of the workers were already out “ take this to miss Michel,and see what she says about them”he ordered giving carol a big magazine. “and this is the address, please don’t use any rash words with her and just go as she says” he said the second sentence looking at Eve

“ you know,you can ask me to stay back” Eve said realizing what he said meant

“ if I wanted you to stay back then,I wouldn’t have asked you to wait” he replied giving her a glare, off course Eve wasn’t going to take that

“ then....thanks” she said in closed teeth realizing that carol was with them.

“ what were you trying to say, I see you’ve got guts” carol said as they reached out side “ i and I think he is right you should not say anything when we get there, I will do the talking and you just follow orders” carol added as they enter the cab “ I am not even in the mood for talk so you’re safe” Eve snapped locking the door,They drove silently.

Eve POV

Ever since they resumed work i haven’t been my self, I kept thinking in circles, from Mike to my life,my dreams,how I will overcome this strange feelings,my fears and worries. Things just don’t seems right anymore. Each time he avoids me I feel hurt,if I gets close to him then my body would want to betray me, I just can’t think straight.

The stop of the car pull Eve out of her thoughts “ ma we have reached” the driver said, they came out of the car, only to find themselves in front of a huge mansion

“ holy lord,is this a house or a hotel?” Carol asked she took some steps forward, honestly we are going to take some photos before leaving here. The gates was opened by the house service “ miss is waiting for you” she said as she leads the way, the house was a beauty, green grass every where a big garden by the left closed to a table tennis court,they walked through the foot part which leads the back of the house, there was swimming pool and a relaxing house nearby. Mr Benson truly has a great taste of quality “ how dear you bring this to my place?do I look like a beggar to you uh”said an angry voice.

Eve POV

I turned towards where the sound was coming from, only to see a hand landing on a pretty face, the sound made me looked at carol in shock “ what I didn’t slap you” carol said sarcastically “ I know, I just wanted to say thank God you’re doing the talk” I replied with a smirk

“ you can go in” the servant informed

I slowly walked behind carol who was moving like boss, inside the building was a mouth dropping interior design,the sofas are “please don’t mention” we were asked to sit while she was on call talking about some business meeting, when she was done she walked elegantly and sat opposite us looked around us “ you come here, why didn’t you serve them?” She asked landing a Hard slap on the servant’s face. So she is a crazy girl who gives slaps for an answer, I told myself “ sorry about that they are just too stupid to understand anything” she apologized “ by the way I am Michel nice to meet you” she introduced we shook hands and went straight to business. Just as agreed carol did the talking while I kept chipping in some ideas,we talked about the design chooses some from the magazine for the bridesmaids. We were served lunch, honestly the dish was amazing,we went back to discuss about her dress, “I want something that nobody has ever worn, simple but elegant as me” Michel said dropping the magazine “ so what are your ideas” she asked looking at us

“ we will give you the best I promise” was what carol could say

“ I know you will, so let’s put some ideas together, and you” referring to me

“ you seems to be learning right?cause you haven’t said much since you arrive”she ask

“No i just want to gain more, so I choose listen” I replied which happens to be true, I was gaining more. We suggested some few designs which were great, and when I checked the time it is already 5:00pm and Mike hasn’t sent any cab to come pick us “ enough of the dresses now,let’s talk, actually am bored, I would love to call ken but he is on a meeting,I just feel like staying in his arms right now” she said giving her self a hug

“ God this ken must be lovely” carol remarks

“Off course he is, I mean am totally in love with him” Michel said

“ how does this love feels anyway” I asked but didn’t know why

“ seriously don’t tell me, you have never dated anyone or don’t have crush” Michel asked in surprise

“ yeah to good I haven’t” I replied sipping from my wine

“ damn with this killer body you have, sure you’re killing someone” Michel said checking me out “ honestly if I was a boy I would leave my girlfriend for you” she teased we kept talking until it was 6:00pm the servant informed that it’s time for dinner, Michel invited us join them, we had another mouth watering dish, I wasn’t able to eat properly, I was getting angry how could he send us here with out bothering calling if we are okay or not, he didn’t even call a cab to come pick us. As we were done eating Michel walked us to the gate, she gave us a hug then left,she is such a nice girl with a warm heart, I must say.

“So how on earth are we supposed to get home” I asked as we walked towards the road

“ ah thank goodness Mike is coming”carol said in relief, seriously so he is going to show up now like a super hero who just saved the night, I told myself

“ hey I am really sorry I forgot you girls were not in the building and by the time I realized it the company driver has already left due to some emergency”Mike explain as he came out of the car.

What a bloody excuse, and pointless one at that,couldn’t he have given his car key to any of the staffs to go get us I asked with in me

“ it’s okay thank God you are here can we go now it late already” carol said as she opened the car door

“What says the time?” I asked in anger

“Eve? not how”carol cautioned

“it okay, the time is 7:07” he replied

“ great” I said walking away

“ Eve what is wrong with you, it’s late tomorrow you can act as long as you want,but for now let’s go”carol plead. As if it was planned,a cab was heading towards me I stopped it, entered with out looking back and left,

“ am sorry Mike” carol apologized

“ it’s okay she is pissed off, I hope she didn’t do anything crazy today?” Mike asked

“ no she just did as instructed” carol replied.

The next day at work,Cindy and carol were about leaving the office when Eve came out of the cab “ were to?” She ask as she heads towards them “ they are heading for miss Michel” Mike answered as he joins them “ but I thought, I would be going with carol?” Eve asked confused,

“ yes,but you’re no longer going” Mike replied and went inside, Cindy and carol were trying to calm Eve down sensing her anger, Eve went inside before they could say anything. After two hours of running errands for melody,Mike’s secretary informed Eve that the CEO needs her attention, she went with out hesitation, she knocked softly before entry “sir” she said as she stood opposite him at his table,Mike was surprise by her attitude “ get Ready in five,we are leaving for Mr Ken’s place”he ordered, without another word Eve went back to her office, took her bag and came out to see Mike waiting for her, he opened the front door, but Eve went to the back instead, he quietly shot the door and drove silently

Mike POV

About what happened last night i would have prolonged the issue, but since carol was there I had to keep quiet.I asked Cindy to accompany carol,so Eve can come with me so that we talk things over. But since when did “sir” come between us,she never used it, or am i just noticing.

It’s been ten minutes since she sat in the car with out saying anything, I kept glancing at her through the rare mirror, and she is just focusing on her phone, God knows what she is doing “Eve did you bring the magazines along?”,off course she did,but the silence was eating me up so I had to ask

“Yes sir” she replied after few seconds. Ok it’s still on the “sir”thing. We stopped at a huge gate,few seconds later it was opened, I drove in it was another three minutes drive before reaching the house, we were greeted by the house service who took us to meet ken “ha!,I have been waiting good day”ken greeted as we shuck hands, after exchanging greetings,we went straight to business, talking from the design to the texture and quality, all the while Eve was silent talking down notes of what was necessary,after two hours of silence it was unbearable for me “ excuse us please” I said grabbing her by the arm and went outside “what is wrong with you?” I asked irritated

“I don’t understand, did I do anything wrong this time?” she asked innocently, God i never knew she could act as well, “ I mean why all this silence uh why?,I didn’t bring you here to keep your mouth shut, at least contribute some ideas or something, and stop holding that pen and notebook like your life depends on it” I said,and above all I was exhausted

“ sorry sir,i thought......”

“ Eve please enough, what so ever you thought are wrong, and the sir thing should stop” I stated and went back.

Eve POV

What’s wrong with him anyway,I thought he enjoys my silence,I can’t help it so I smiled within me, I saw his tiredness and frustration,which made me feels hurt but I don’t know why, and I don’t want to distract myself with these thoughts and feelings,not now that i am asked to bring ideas. I joined them shortly, chipped in some of my ideas then went on a quick break I used the opportunity to call Ella.

“ what up with you and that girl” ken asked Mike as they sat to have a drink,

“ she is my staff” Mike answered

“ I know,something is wrong with you two, I notice the way you two were acting” ken pressed “anyway she looks great and well mannered if you ask me” ken said sipping his coffee, Mike took a quick look at Eve who was busy talking on phone, “ yeah she is great, and stubborn” Mike replied smiling “ so how far with you two?” Ken asked

“ actually she is not even giving me a chance to say anything, the first time I asked her out for a dinner she gave me the worst treatment of my life” Mike told ken all that has happened between him and Eve, “ then I think you should let her know what’s on your mind, maybe it might change her attitude towards you” ken advice

“ that is the issue, I don’t know how she is going to react, I mean she can change at any moment” Mike replied

“ does she has a boyfriend?” Ken asked

“No her friend said she never dated anyone, and she don’t like the talk of it” Mike informed “ and please don’t ask if she is a lesbian, cause she is not” Mike added quickly

“ I was actually going to ask, so maybe she is just afraid, like I said let her know what on your mind” ken advises . They stopped talking as Eve walked in, they did the last job and left, in the way going to the office Mike decided to talk to Eve, “ can we talk?”Mike asked as they were ten minutes away from ken’s house,Eve was quiet as she opened her bag and brought out a hamburger,she took a big bite before nodding her head for him to continue “ok,I wanted to say sorry for what happened last night,i know my excuse wasn’t good enough,but it’s the truth”he said looking at her through the rare mirror,and Eve’s reply was “hmmm”as she kept on chewing slowly

“I am really sorry, and if you hates me because of my first impression then i am still sorry” Mike want further,all the while Eve kept on taking big bites,chewing long and slowly until they reached the office “ actually there’s no sorry between a boss and a staff, so need to be sorry” she replied and got out of the car before Mike couldn’t say anything.

Eve POV

“God it’s so hot,I need a cold bath” I said as I entered my room, today is one of a heck, the thought of Mike apologizing really amazed me,I actually felt butterflies in my stomach,thank God for that hamburger it was a disguise for keeping me shut.And back then at ken’s place I can’t believe my silence makes him uncomfortable to the extent that he plead me to stop,Wow Eve you’re such a bad girl,I told myself walking into the bathroom.

The wedding of Michel and ken was around,the Conner just two weeks to go.Michel and her friends arrived at the W&S fashion world company,Eve and carol welcomed then “I can’t wait to see my dress” Michel scream as they went inside

“Honestly I must say,this company is looking damn huge and beautiful”Emmy said a friend of Michel

“Please take me to the dress room”Michel sounds inpatient,we walked to the dress room carol opened the door slowly, the room was dark, Eve switched on the lights only to see a glamorous dress in front of them,handless,with an hour glass shape,long and touches the ground,it’s just like Michel’s second body “I can’t wait to try it on”she said running towards the dress

“ honestly this is one great wedding dress, I feel like getting married right away”Emmy said faking a jealous face

“I hope the bridesmaids dress is also beautiful” Clara speak for the first time,gosh her voice is so calm,Eve thought.carol showed them the bridesmaids dress,just then Mike walked in “am sorry to disturb, Eve can I have a moment with you”he asked

“ sure” Eve replied, they went to a Conner discussing about some few ideas of what and how to go on summer wears,within few minutes they done,Eve joined the rest girls.carol,Michel and Emmy went to the changing room,leaving Eve and Clara, “you two seems to have things in common”Clara broke the silence between them “yeah carol and I get along really well”Eve replied not sure of what she meant

“No i mean you and that guy, you both looks great which each other”Clara remarks

“ what?noway he is my boss,though he looks great,still don’t think of us that way”Eve cleared “and did I just say he looks great”Eve asked herself

“I see, anyway there’s nothing wrong in dating him, and you can make a good wife, if you ask me”Clara said honestly.to be frank i felt my cheeks turn red at the mention of wife, thank goodness I let my hair down today if not Clara would have seen me blushing,Eve told to her new imaginary friend who she found ever since she started thinking randomly.“ Eve don’t forget to come on time”Michel said bringing Eve back to reality “what were you saying” Eve asked trying not to sound lost “ she is inviting you all to her wedding”Clara said giving her wink, sure she is a devil hope she was not reading my thoughts Eve thought “ off course,and if i don’t come then i will surely bring a gift for you”Eve assures “ better”Michel said giving Eve and carol a hug before leaving. “Damn that Clara is really strange”Eve told carol

“Yep,they said she is soothsayer”carol informed ,Pray she didn’t read my thoughts.Eve prayed within herself.

Through out the remaining days before the wedding Eve and mike hardly crossed each other, the distance really helped Eve think properly ,not until the wedding day,Mike asked Eve to come over after the wedding “ but it’s already 5:30pm Mike”Eve protests “ I am really sorry,but I need your help with some paperwork,my secretary is on leave from yesterday since she is not feeling well”Mike pleads from the other side,what ever excuse he gave didn’t sounds relevant to Eve “ fine I will be there by 6:00pm”yuck what a day for me, she told herself.

After the wedding Eve went straight to the office,it was Friday and every workers were closed for the day,except Mike who had big deal with some other company and he expected to bring a good presentation.Eve knocked at the door,

“Come in” was Mike response, she walked in surprise to see him on opened button shirt,his chest was bare no singlet

“ am sorry, if it bothers you, I just found out that my office has an electrical problem,which will be fix tomorrow”he explained, I wasn’t even aware of the darkness,damn you could have do me a favor by wearing a T-shirt or something,Eve grunts within herself “ it okay, I don’t have any issues with it”Eve replied unsure, “ it’s not long I came, i was just bringing the files out when you entered” he said as he showed them to Eve,they worked until it was 9:15pm, they were done with the speech “ I feel like having coffee, I will make one for you”Mike said rising from his seat, “ don’t worry about me, I don’t take anything once it’s past eight,plus I don’t drink coffee”Eve replied with a a smile, “okay then, I will be back”Mike left for the coffee.

Plus one I guess, at least I got to know one of her dislikes,I think this is the right time and moment to tell her,how I feel about her, pray it doesn’t change that smile on her face.Mike thought as he headed back to his office.Eve stood opposite the table her back facing the door,she was busy writing when Mike held her hand from behind “ Eve I want us to talk” he whispered in her ear, this action alone makes her knees weak, she could feel Mike bare Chest on her bare back sending heat to her whole body “ about what” she asked trying to control her senses,Mike slide his fingers in between her hands letting go of the pen “ about US” he replied stress the second word, which swept Eve off her feet,she couldn’t stand strong her heart was beating like an uncontrollable drum, she quickly turned around so as to support her self with the table,her eyes only fell on his chest,she quickly looked up to his face,his eyes meeting with her’s,she swallowed the lungs in her throat before replying “what ..about us” she asked in trembling voice, his closeness was not doing her any good,a part of her wanted to stay in his arms and embrace his sweet smell, “ I wanted to tell you this for a long time now i...,” she put her hands on his chest then quickly dropped them “ just give me space, I am not comfortable with this closeness”she said nervously interrupting him, “sorry” he said giving her a little distance “ I am actually..hm,I am in love with you Eve Nelson” Mike reveals with a smile on his face these words made Eve lost her senses for few seconds,the butterflies in her stomach increased,she wanted to hug him,tell him how she feels,and what was this feeling?the only thing her senses would provide was HEART BREAK,a part of her wanted accept his proposal but no,the past in her won’t let her embrace the present “ Eve are you okay”Mike asked as she has gone silent

“This can’t happen, it won’t happen. You shouldn’t have allowed that word and feelings into your heart, you made a big mistake Mike, it’s a mistake and you should rectify it”she said at that moment she felt her heart broken into pieces, pieces that she can neither put together nor try touching them. “ what do you just say, tell me you didn’t meant any of the words you just said” Mike sounded shocked

“am sorry Mike but that’s the truth, it’s a mistake”Eve replied holding back her tears

“ how dear you uhh,how dear you”his voice changed from soft to rage,Eve saw a face she has never seen in him, she has seen him been angry in some occasions if things go wrong with most of the company’s agents, but not to this extent, it was a face she never wished to see in him again “ Mike , Mike please stop” she said shifting away from the table and Mike continued following her “ Eve how could you,how?”he asked as if demanding an answer “ Mike please stop, just.....stop” she plead

“you want me to stop, when you already started it”he replied and kept following her until her back touched the wall “ Mike ....stop”she tried to calm him down

“ENOUGH”Mike yelled,making her let go of the tears she was holding “ you said I made a mistake, a mistake of loving you, how could you say a thing like that Eve? how?, I never made mistake in any of my discussion and loving was not a mistake, I can’t believe I fell in love with a heartless girl,a girl who only thinks of her self, you could have asked for some time to think instead of calling my love a mistake Eve”he shouted at her,Eve realized that his anger was making her choke it felt like there was no oxygen left in her “ the only mistake I made was telling you at the wrong time”he continued “Mike....i...i...can’t....I can’t.....breathe” Eve said gulping down some air, Mike left her in anger took his suit and shot the door, “Mike Mike”Eve try calling him back, she was to weak to run after him,as the sound of the car fade-away Eve started to cry uncontrollably she felt deserted and empty, like she lost against her self.She cried her heart out,she regrets ever saying those words,to the extent of hating her own self,tears kept flowing down her cheeks like river washing away her beauty.

Eve cried through out the night,she searched for her phone and found it in her bag, it was already 6:10am,and saw Ella’s missed calls,she ignored it and drag herself out of the office, she saw John entry the building “Eve? Good morning”he greeted as he came closer “ good morning John, can you please give me today’s off”she asked her voice was lost John could hardly hear her properly “ did you got beaten?what happened you look haggard”he asked shocked to see her in that state “ am fine, I am just tired”she said and started crying, on a normal day this is against the rules of the company but in her condition she needs more than a day off, “ sure you can, and please do take Serious rest” he advised, She just nodded in agreement and left before the staffs starts arriving.

Eve entered the house ignoring her mom and grandma who where having their breakfast “young lady,what says the time?”Mrs Nelson asked Eve who kept dragging her feet towards her room, “ I am talking to you miss,and you don’t walk out off me and when I am talking,where did you spend the night”Mrs Nelson asked standing up from her seat “ mom please not now”Eve said turning around to face her mum who was shocked to see her in that state “ what happened?who did this to you”her mom asked as she walked up to her“ am fine just need some rest”Eve mumble out and entered her room closing the door with her back, she slide to the ground and continued crying.

At the mike rush in as he was late for the meeting “Mike what kept you so long” John asked as he joined him heading for the conference “ I woke up late” Mike answered as he opened the door, “ I am sincerely sorry for keeping you wanting” Mike apologize as he and John get seated for the presentation,the meeting was over in two hours time, and the deal was signed,every body went away except Mike and John

“dude,Eve looks lost when I saw her this morning,it seems she past the night here”John said, Mike ignored he and went on doing what he was doing “ am talking to you,I remember you telling me that you will ask Eve to join you yesterday since I couldn’t make it, so what happened”John asked again, this time collecting the pen Mike was holding “ nothing happened,I did what every guy like me would do, I proposed to her and she did not only turned me down but also insulted my feelings,I mean who does that?who John,show me”mike replied holding back his tears “ God am so sorry,what’s up with her anyway? why is she head bent on ruin things, but still the way she I saw her this morning, wasn’t good at all”John said concerned “John please can you do me a favor,stop talking her name in my presence,and one more thing don’t ever say anything that is related to her in my sight”Mike stated and left the room.

“Eve,Eve are you there?Eve”Mrs Nelson called out as she knocked on Eve’s door,she turned the door knob and it opened, she entered looked around and found Eve lying on the floor, to her surprise Eve was still on her Friday dress “Eve what is wrong with you,are you sick, come on get” her mom said rising her from the ground, Eve was still crying “what happened hmm?talk to me,Eve say something, why didn’t you go to church and why haven’t you taken your bath since yesterday? Eve?” Mrs Nelson question in tears, the last time Eve acted like this was when Mrs Nelson told Eve about her dad and the heart break she suffered due to his quest for love,ever since then Eve never wanted to hear or listen to any love story,she became aggressive towards any male who wanted her beyond casual friendship,now her condition is ten times worse than what happened before,what could possibly be the reason for this,Mrs Nelson thought “ Eve talk to me please” she pleaded “ am fine, I just need rest, and please for my own good don’t ask me what happened please” Eve request as she lays on her moms chest.After few minutes of comfort she slept off.

Today is work how am i going to face mike,Eve asked herself as she put on her clothes, her eyes were red,having dark circles around them, she cared less,she took her bag and left the house “Eve wait here have it”her mom said running to meet her “ don’t worry I will just something to eat as soon as i am done with work” Eve replied as she entered the cab. As the cab stoped in front of the company she highlighted and walked in as confident as she could at that moment,she went straight to her seat drop her bag,when Cindy and carol came to her

“what happened babe, you didn’t come to work on Saturday” carol asked concerned

“ and what happened to your face?beaten by some gang or what”Cindy asked turning Eve’s face from side to side

“Enough and I don’t want to talk,so please give me space”Eve said rudely

“Ok we will give you enough space to clear that dirty tone from your mind” carol said and they both left.Through out that day was cold,the rest of the days got worse as if fate decided to punish,her she was sent to Mike’s office who now sees her like an invisible massager, each time Eve try to look at his eyes,she only saw hatred and disgust.She ran out of flesh within few days due to lack of sleep,constant crying and poor feeding, “Eve today is the staff meeting so were are the sketches of our team work” melody asked “and this dressing if yours these days,are unprofessional,you that right?”she said mockingly, honestly Eve was no longer dressing as expected if her,instead she wears long shabby gowns and ties a neck scarf around her now,thin neck.At the meeting every body presented their sketches except team C which Eve is the leader “ so which team is next?”Mike asked in a rough sharp tone, Eve was lost in thoughts not aware of her surroundings,the room was silent waiting for Eve to speak “Eve,Eve,Eve”melody call “ EVE!” carol shouted a little loud,at that point Mike took a look at her, a tear dropped from his eye as he saw how Eve looks, he quickly cleaned his eye,thank God no one was looking,their attention was on Eve,Mike thought,he tapped the table making Eve jumping out of her thoughts “what happened are the rest teams done?” She asked as she pushed back the tears that were gathered in her eyes “ yes mam can go no now”melody taunt

“you know what I think melody should speak”carol suggested taking the sheets from Eve “ yeah sure” Eve agreed, all the while melody was talking Eve went back to her thoughts.soon the meeting was over,Eve walked back to her seat “ girl what’s wrong with you since last week your behavior has been moving from bad to worse, what happened?”Cindy asked as she and carol joined Eve “ am fine, it’s just that I have been thinking of something lately”Eve replied giving them a weak smile “so.....,,”

“am sorry if interrupted anything,miss Nelson the MD asked me to give this to you fill in the necessary details and take them to the CEO’s office” John secretary said interrupting Cindy “ if you would excuse me I have some work to do” Eve told carol and Cindy as the secretary left “sure”Cindy replied as they left.

Eve was done with the files and went to Mike’s office,she submitted the files,and he asked her to come complete the rest as well.

Mike POV

After that night I wanted to hate her but I couldn’t,so I tried avoiding her which was best for us, I never looked at her face again,and I was able to do that with much effort,not until that moment at the meeting,i wouldn’t have believed if someone had told me,she looked pale and weak, now that she is here I wanted to hold her,comfort her and promise not to hurt her in any way, apologized for my attitude, the way I talked to her and everything, I can’t bear to see her in this shape of agony, but still the memories of that night hunted me, it kept coming to my head like it just happened “sir,your scheduled meeting with Mr Wright is up” the secretary informed cutting Mike short of his thoughts “thank you, I will be there shortly” he respond,Mike stood up from his seat and walks towards the door “Eve” he called, she answered hoping he would give her a chance to clear the mess between them,but Mike did the unexpected “just close the door when you’re done” he instructs and left,then Eve gave way for her tears to flow,now it’s clear to her that there was no second chance with mike.

she told her self that it was love,but one thing is certain, she can’t allow her self to accept it, this was her greatest fear.

Would Eve accept the fact that she is in love with mike even when the writings are clear on the wall ?