Worthless In Their Eyes, Perfect In His

Chapter 9

Malcolm's POV

I was met with a surprise when I walked through the restaurant door with Eleanor. Eleanor, a family friend and business associate, had insisted that I be present at the meeting she'd be having with a particular fashion designer called Sandra.

I hadn't expected anything beyond the usual business conversation. Then, I saw her. Ruby, the secretary at my company. She sat across the table, her makeup bolder than I'd ever seen on her. Her posture faltered as she saw me. Even as she clutched her purse, it didn't hide the tremor in her fingers, but why did she seem scared?

I found the answer to my question when Eleanor introduced her as one of the managers at Vixen Couture. The words startled me. A manager? I had to control my expression of disbelief before anyone noticed it.

She worked at Vixen Couture, yes, but not in management. But here she was confidently claiming the role with her company ID gleaming faintly on the table. My shock translated to pure amusement.

I took an empty chair, keeping my gaze on her for longer than necessary. She kept fidgeting and avoiding eye contact with me. I simply smiled as the dinner carried on. Eleanor pitched questions about Sandra's designs. Ruby chimed in, her voice shaking a little as she spoke.

I was sure she expected me to expose her any moment from now, but I did the opposite.

“I know Miss Ruby Philips very well and I can assure you her friend Sandra is the best for the job.”

Her lips parted in disbelief and without thinking she countered my statement. Afterwards, she corrected herself and played along with me. I know she must have asked herself, why did he help me?

I didn't even know the answer to that question. Maybe I did it because I was intrigued by the bold move she pulled or maybe because she was my high school crush and I had interest in her or it could still be because of both reasons.

After I attested to knowing her, the meeting rounded to a close, with Sandra getting the gig. Ruby gave me an expression of something that resembled thankfulness, but I could still see the look of fear in her.

“You do realize I should penalize you for using the company's ID to pose as who you aren't.” I murmured, low enough for only her to hear. Her breathing quickened, and I saw fear written over her face. Then I softened my tone. “But I'd save it for when we meet at work.”

The terror in her eyes almost made me laugh. She had no idea why I'd protected her tonight.

My smirk faded as my phone buzzed in my pocket. The hospital called. I had to see my mother. I drove faster than I should have. Mother had been admitted in the hospital for months now, and I only footed the bills, hardly visiting due to my busy schedule.

The sterile smell of disinfectant hit me when I reached the hospital.

“What are you doing here?” I said through gritted teeth.

Kylie, my ex girlfriend stood outside my mother's room, arms folded as if she was waiting for me.

She tilted her head, sliding her blonde hair to the side. “What do you think, Malcolm? I'm visiting the woman who still sees me as a daughter.” Her lips curved into a smirk, one I used to mistake for beauty. “You should be lucky I'm here, and happy I decided to be merciful.”

I narrowed my gaze. “Merciful?”

“I dropped the case.” She said, and my eyes widened. “Don't be so surprised. I could have dragged your name through the mud and ruined that precious company of yours. But I thought, you've got enough demons to deal with. All I feel for you now is pity.” She accompanied the statement with a sarcastic laugh.

I didn't give her the satisfaction of a reply. Instead, I brushed past her into the room. Mother lay frail on the bed, her skin pale and her breathing unsteady. The sight of her almost killed me. She battled a terminal illness. She opened her eyes and smiled weakly as she sighted me.

“Malcolm,” She whispered. I moved closely to her side, allowing her cold hand to touch mine.

“I'm here mom,” I said softly, while trying hard to steady the tremor in my voice.

Kylie stood behind me, showing concern that I knew was fake. Her hand rested on my mother's bedrail. Mother's eyes lit up at the sight of her.

“Oh my dear. Both of you together,” She reached weakly for Kylie's hand, and I felt like separating them.

Then she looked at me and smiled weakly. “Malcolm, my wish…the only thing I hold on for,” she paused and coughed before continuing. “I want to see you settled with someone wonderful. Someone like Kylie would make me so happy. Then…then, I can go in peace.”

I stared at my mother who was unaware she was clinging to hope that was already shattered.

I forced myself to nod. “Yes mom. Your wish would be fulfilled.” The lie made my throat itch, but the relief in mother's eyes was worth it.

Kylie's gaze was heavy on me with a triumphant smile on her lips. I stayed until mother drifted into sleep before I finally left.

As I reached the hallway, Kylie grabbed my hand. “I hope you heard her. Your sick mother wants our marriage at all costs.” She leaned towards me, her smirk broadening. “I can help you. We can make it official. Let it be a contract. You pay me well, and I'd play the perfect mate.”

I stared at her, rage burning under my skin.

She held my hand closer to her and continued. “You pay me generously and I'd play the perfect wife until your mother passes. It's convenient for both of us.”

I hissed, then pulled my arm free from her and walked away without a word. Her laughter followed me down the hall.