Million Dollar Mistake

Love takes a backseat

Chapter 5-

Willa

I knew he was snarling me in the minute I spotted him on the white shirt. The daring look in his eyes even as he flickered one more button off, opening his built chest for me. Despite how desperately and important the conference was for the company, my eyes couldn’t help but meander it’s way to his direction. Christopher’s annoying touch made me even more sensitive to Damian’s daring look. His darting and fiery look at me. When I saw him some hours ago he looked like an ex convict but almost like he went to his room for a makeover, shaving off those beards and styling his hair. Damian White, what the hell do you want from me? At the close of the conference, I attempt to run off but the journalist proved even more desperate. Seeing his prying eyes even as I spoke to the press. I can’t handle this anymore.

“John, I need to….use the…bathroom.”

“Boss should I come with you?”

“To the toilet? Are you out of your mind?…stay here, ensure this clown doesn’t do anything stupid!” Pointing at Christopher, he nodded, understanding the assignment. He had been prying after me ever since the conference, the susceptible Willa really craves his presence.

Entering the toilet and praying his desperation would bring him in there. Maybe it’s hard enough to be tough and a part of me seeks comfort.

Hearing his rumpled breaths confirmed my thoughts, he is desperate.

“We have nothing to talk about!” Seeing him up close fueled the anger I almost overlooked. All those years of being treated as nothing but a s*x slave and the only time humanness was admitted, he signed a divorce.

My words were still fueling from his firm grip against the wall when he pressed his lips against mine. The suppressed passion flame in my inside, lit up. Spurning and burning uncontrollably, I struggled to kill this for two years.

“How dare you!” Charging uncontrollably.

Indeed it felt outrageously furious for me, how could one damn kiss break all the walls of your defense.

“I’m…sorry.” He muttered, his hands till holding his cheek from the slap.

A mild knock on the toilet door arose from outside.

“Boss, are you ok?” Jack’s voice inquired. His voice was the patting I got back to reality.

“We never met!” I affirm, pushing him off my path and stepping out. John and Jack good even more agile.

“Let’s go.”

The sheepish smile on Christopher’s face was the wake up call to a more stern reality. I have to hold it in. Nothing would lead me to that vulnerable space. Damian is dead to me, he has to be.

“Willa?”

Chris called, tugging my arm.

“Yes?”

“I was asking….is the shoot still holding?”

“Of course… John, book the flight first thing tomorrow to California.”

He nodded to the order.

Ever since the Greys company expansion process, fight has been a usual phenomenon for me, however long or tedious but the one back from Hawaii to California was the most boring I ever embarked on. Memories of Damian flashed my head, giving my heart a hard time whether to hold on to the pangs of the past or welcome is claims. I can’t, I have control now- of my feelings and career, Damian White has no place with the new Willa.

“Willa?” Chris called from the frustration on his face, he had been calling.

“Yeah?”

“I said seeing that we are both new here in California, can we live together….it will save the company funds…what do you…”

“No!”

I can’t even explain why I shouted but why won’t Chris just give up.

“Willa…” he pouted, leaning his hands over my shoulders, how I hate when he attempts intimacy.

“What’s wrong with us…cohabiting?…I’m your…”

“Boyfriend…. I know but Chris mixing business with pleasure is a huge no for me and you know it… we have a role to play in the expansion process… let’s stick to our jobs.”

This is is literally my last card, he had better accept it. Seeing his expression go south reminded me of mine, sone years ago. Love is weakness, I wonder why people let themselves get controlled by it.

“But…Willa”

Taking the initiative of turning tables, I let my hands rest on his thighs.

“You know how people talk… please… let’s focus on our jobs… I promise when we get back to NewYork, I owe you one.”

Snapping my fingers at Jack.

“Take Chris to his service apartment…make sure he’s comfortable…”

Jack swiftly tugged at his bag pulling Chris away lightly.

“Is that…pity?” John’s husky voice asked from beside me.

“Pity?…Why?…No?” Scoffing and presenting several questions definitely have given him his answer.

“This way, ma’am.”

He said, pointing at the opposite direction.

Damian

The rest of my stay in Hawaii was terrible especially realizing that Willa and her team left the next day. Refusing me the chance to see if the kids worked wonders despite the slap. I owe her an apology, but I guess it’s until our next meeting, whenever it happens. Matthew and his constant pressure to meet one client or the other made it more depressing. However depressing it was, I soon realized that it was way better than returning home to meet Vivian. Cynthia had reported her constant debits from the company’s account.

“Sir, should I drive you home?”

The driver asked.

“No, take me to the office.”

It’s still too early to have a confrontation with Vivian. A little bit of work wouldn’t hurt. Driving back bro the company’s premises, I realized how much I missed it.

“Good afternoon, I wasn’t expecting you today sir.”

Cynthia said with a smile, opening the office door for me to walk in.

“Me neither…just need a little time to cool off…go on like I’m not here.”

Cynthia held a warm smile, nodding as if she could see through the facade.

“If you…hate her so much…. Ask for a divorce.”

“What?”

This is the first time, I’m seeing Cynthia this hyper. Our friendship had grown over the years but to a large extent, she distanced herself from my family or personal affairs. Smith always praised her as beautiful but no matter what he said, I never saw it as such.

“Yes sir… Vivian is literally… wrecking everything down…. I know how hurtful…” She let the files in her arms down on the table, advancing with wet eyes. Is my condition this bad?

“…it may seem….to get a second divorce….but sir, you’re a lot of women’s dream man.” Her fingers lightly brushed my chin. This can’t be what I think it is.

“Thank you, Cynthia….but I’ll appreciate if you keep your mouth off my family business….and focus on your job.”

Picking the file she dropped on the table “….thanks for the file, anyway.”

She pulled down her skirt, scurrying out of the office. I wonder what the hell that was. I guess Vivian has made a fool of me not just in front of my family but now in front of my staff.

For the rest hours of the day, I buried my head in work, letting flashes of my encounter with Willa flash my head and give me a reason to smile. At a considerably dark hour, I picked up my bags to leave. Knowing that it is late enough for Vivian to be asleep. Stepping out of the office, I bumped into Cynthia.

“What are you still doing here….it’s eat past your work hours.”

“How can I leave….while you’re in there, sir?”

Her rhetorical question makes no sense but still a thoughtful act.

“Thank you…I’ll drop you off.”

At the late hour of the day, one would expect a watered down version of anyone’s cologne but Cynthia’s was at its peak, filling the car with its scent.

“So sir…how is Danny?”

“Yeah, he’s with his grandparents… will prolly go for him, tomorrow.”

The thought of Daniel weighed me down again.

“But sir…” She smiled wryly as if cautioning herself from spilling more.

“What?”

“Nothinnng, sir!” Her wiggly body movement was increasing my suspicions.

“Cynthia? I know you’re lying…so speak up…”

“Nothing just that….Vivian brought Daniel with her to…the office…yesterday…”

No, no! That b***h can’t be left alone with my son. Quickly lifting my phone to confirm from dad, he gave his response in affirmation to Cynthia’s revelation. Dropping her off immediately, my legs fastened to the clutch of the vehicle, driving as fast as I could. I pray Vivian hadn’t carried out her damn threats. If she takes Daniel away, my heart! Ignoring the loud screeching of the car as I swerved to a parking space in front of the house. Dashing into the house, calling out to their names.

“Daniel! Vivian!” Pushing the doors of every room to find them. The loud wailing voice of Daniel was the soothing rhythm that relaxed my nerves.

“Daddy!” He yelped, running at me. The dark eye circles and wet shirt on him, showed that he had been crying for a while. His body temperature was running at an uncontrollable pace.

“Shhh! Where’s mummy?”

He pointed at the stairs, I plunged a candy in his hands to stop him from crying before darting at the stairs. Hoping to find her with drugs again and take the bold steps of handing her to the police. The loud and callous moans and laughter emitting from our room. Pushing the door open, pushed back by the overwhelming smell of weed and booze. Pulling myself back to order, I renter. The sight of a blonde man naked on Vivian.

“Whaaaaat?…..bitch! On my f*****g bed?!”