Betrayed But Reclaimed by Her Boss.

Chapter 2

Aria

I walked out of the cell, too ashamed to look at Mr. Anfield. I wonder what he must think of me now. Caleb was foaming at the mouth, infuriated.

“It’s either you drop the charges or be prepared to be sued for emotional and psychological damage, also false identity and fraud. I’m certain with the evidence Ms. Vale has, you barely stand a chance to win in a legal battle.”

Mr. Anfield was rather calm, impatient as he checked his watch. It was past time for his bedtime; despite him being cruel and ruthless ninety-nine percent of the time, he actually forwent his time to come help me.

“Quit staring at me.” He mutters dismissively, and I avert my line of sight, embarrassed he caught me staring.

Infuriated, Caleb glared at me but resigned to defeat. “Fine, but she should expect nothing from me. The house wasn’t gotten in my name; it’s legally hers. She should bear the mortgage alone. As for my ‘brothers’ hospital bills, it was simply an act of benevolence. A lover’s gift.” He smirked evilly at me; I itched to punch him across the face again.

“Once she agrees to that, I won’t press further charges?”

All eyes were on me, but I felt Mr. Anfield's eyes the strongest. I nodded.

“I want a verbal agreement.” He yelled. I glared at him. “She is itching to hit me again. Look at the murderous intent in her eyes.”

My life savings was gone, I barely had enough income to pull me through, and my monthly rent was due. “Yes. I agree.” I forced myself.

“Cool, we are all witnesses here.”

Mr. Anfield left without a second look; I hurriedly thanked his lawyer and followed him to the car. strapped myself in and settled beside him.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience I caused today.”

He relaxed into his seat more, his expression cold. “Sorrys won’t just cut it. You’ll repay me for every second I wasted tonight.”

“Yes, sir.” I muttered and lowered my eyes to my feet. Tears threatened to fall down my face. What I planned to be a blissful day turned into something worse. I lost it all at the end; everything I was enthusiastic about, I lost it all.

Once we reached the hotel, it was an awkward ride up the elevator to the suite. Mr. Anfield and I lived together; I also served as his ‘maid’ whenever he needed it. He also has selective preferences for the coffees and sandwiches I make.

He said nothing to me and left for his room. I was aware I only had three hours to have a night's rest and move on from this incident.

There was a meeting the next morning.

I washed Caleb’s blood off my hands, strands of his hair still stuck in my fingers, and went for a warm, calming shower. My eyes were puffy and red. I was tempted to resume crying, but I would simply keep it on hold till I got to Jessica.

***

I smacked my lips after applying a layer of some nude matte lipstick, an eyeliner to make my eyes vibrant, and concealer to cover the heaviness underneath them. My green-hazel eyes had some brightness today, thankfully. I simply left my dirty blonde hair to fall in its waves down my back. I put on my navy blue skirt and a dark-sleeved shirt, folded to my elbows. My stilettos to go with it.

Just as I stepped out, Mr. Anfiled walked into the dining area, his expression holding the same blank expression, just a bit more tired. He appeared partly dressed, his dark hair damp and sleeked away from his face. His blue eyes watched closely as I rushed to attend to needs.

I took out the coffee I prepared earlier from the microwave alongside the two slices of buttered toast and placed it. He ate methodically, while I wondered why the business meeting had to be held so early in the morning.

Done eating, he stood up, and I hurriedly wrapped his coat around him. This was also part of our routine; I leaned closer, his cologne overpowering, and wore his coat, tiptoeing to match his tall stature.

“The driver should be here in five minutes.” I muttered, adjusting his necktie. He ignored me and sat on the armchair, his legs crossed.

“Make me another cup of coffee. Don’t make it as terrible as the first one.”

“Yes, sir.”

I served it to him. His eyes fell to my fingers; a flash of rage crossed his face. I wondered what wrong I must have done again.

“Is the coffee bad again?”

“Get rid of that trash on your finger before the meeting.”

I stared at the fake ring on my finger and felt awash with embarrassment. I nodded and walked away. My chest tightening. I almost forgot about the ring. I bit my lips and forced it out. It bruised my skin a little, but it was finally out.

***

I pulled the door of the car open for Mr. Nathan; once he was in, I went to the front seat and settled as well.

“Brief me on the meeting.”

“Mr. Gerath is the CEO of one of the emerging luxury brands, Andio; he caters to the male demographic and has been featured in global magazines such as Forbes. I’ve sent his company’s quarterly revenue and their market trends to you. For a business that started years back, he is quite impressive. There are also subsidiaries that generate additional income.”

“Anything to watch out for.”

“Not really, he is married but has been indicted in some rumors that believe he behaves inappropriately to female staff and waitresses. The rumors were cancelled as false and defamatory.”

His tone became stern. “Put your hair in a bun.”

“But sir…” I tried to protest but quickly gave it up; it was futile trying to fight against him. The drive was quiet to the meeting.

***

For a meeting scheduled at 8:00 am, Mr. Gerath's absence at 10:00 was rather infuriating.

I could sense Mr. Nathan’s frustration building up. I tried to reassure him. “His secretary said they’ll be here in ten minutes.”

He relaxed, although visibly pissed. Soon enough we heard the relaxed strut of two men. One was visibly overweight and middle-aged, who I assumed to be Mr. Gerath; the other man was a bit taller and slender and held a tablet like me. That was his secretary. We acknowledged ourselves, and I ushered them to the table.

I settled beside Mr. Nathan and prepared to record the meeting. “You appear awfully relaxed for someone who had a meeting scheduled earlier. Makes it hard to believe you are responsible for building such a successful company.”

“You are indeed, as they say, ruthless and way too uptight.”

“I’m glad my reputation precedes me. I am a very busy man. Every second is of huge value to me. I wouldn’t want to waste it now, would I?”

Mr. Gerath, uncomfortable, shifted in his seat, already offended and flustered. His secretary stood up. ”I apologize for the lateness; it was unforeseen and beyond our control. I hope we can look past this and proceed with business.”

I pleaded silently with my eyes for him to let it go; he was very unforgiving. We began the meeting while I briefed the outcomes of an alliance with us and how their income would be effectively managed.

I noticed Mr. Gerath staring at me; it was evident he was barely paying any attention. “All this talking is making me thirsty. Can your assistant… Your name?”

I smiled tightly. The rumors might be true. “Ms. Vale.”

“Too formal.” He chuckled weirdly. “Can Ms. Vale pour me a glass of water? I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Anfield.”

With a rather tight smile, I walked to his side and reached for the jar, pouring a glass of water. His eyes were on me, while Mr. Anfiled's blue eyes appeared darkened for some reason.

Mr. Gerath muttered, “You would look much prettier with your hair down. Let me…”

Before I could react, I felt my long wavy hair fall to my back; my eyes widened at his behavior. I felt someone draw me behind their back, it was Mr. Anfiled. He appeared enraged, his fist folded. His hands encircled tightly around my wrist.

“Let’s renegotiate the outcomes of this meeting next time. I can see clearly you are not here for business.”

“There’s nothing wrong with mixing business with a little pleasure.”

“It’ll be my pleasure to wipe that smirk off your face with a punch. Are you still up for it—mixing business with pleasure?” He said coldly.

Mr. Gerath paled a bit, and I was dragged by Mr. Anfield out of the cafe with him.

Once outside, he stops and stretches out his hands. “Your hair tie?” he ordered, still furious.

I was confused temporarily but gave it to him. “Come here.” He draws me closer to him, and I feel my hair packed into a manageable ponytail. Once he was done, he wordlessly left me.

I opened the door for him, a bit timid. “Thank you.” I proceed to sit in the front.

“Prepare for us to head back tonight.” I nodded; there was a meeting tomorrow with the Audit and CFO.

My phone buzzed. It was Jess. “Your mom was released yesterday from jail. She went to your house, and the security caught her ransacking your apartment.”

My heart skipped. No, no, no.