Chapter 3
1136 Words
FLASHBACKS 6 YEARS AGO……
They both stepped out of the car and entered the company, Mrs Valencia was already at the office waiting for him, he looked so exhausted and didn't even go home to rest.
“You came here very early..” he said as he gently sat on his chair and began to check the documents that was placed on the table.
Mrs Valencia avoided Raymond's question instead she gazed at me “You left your boss alone to deal with everything himself” she said her voice high and filled with anger
“No…i–i..” I stuttered
“Keep them to yourself, you should be fired” she said in anger her voice firm.
Raymond's eyes, weary from the constant nagging, locked onto Mrs. Valencia. "Mrs Valencia, I don't fire my workers without any valid reasons, so whatever she did I am letting it slide" he said, his voice low and firm, yet laced with a hint of exhaustion.
Mrs. Valencia's eyes narrowed. "No valid reasons? What do you mean no valid reasons Raymond, I saw her board a cab and head home just after I walked out of your office yesterday."
Raymond's gaze shifted to me, but I shook my head, a silent indication trying to tell him that it wasnt true, so he discarded Mrs Valencia words.
"How's everything going now?" Raymond asked, his attention turning to Aaron, who handed him a few documents.
"Everything has been settled, but we're short on money right now. The workers also need to be paid so they can work diligently," Aaron explained, his brow furrowed with concern.
Raymond's eyes met mine once more, and I could sense his desperation. He knew he needed money, and he had no choice but to accept my offer. With a deep breath, he pulled out the bag I had given him, filled with cash. Mrs. Valencia's eyes widened in shock.
"Wow…Where did you get this amount of money?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Raymond remained silent, his eyes fixed on the bag as if willing the money to multiply. He was eager to save his company, and he knew that this was his only hope.
"Let's just say it's a loan from a generous investor," I interjected, my voice calm and confident.
Mrs. Valencia's gaze snapped to me, suspicion etched on her face. "And who might this investor be?"
I smiled, a hint of mystery in my expression. "Someone who believes in Raymond's vision and is willing to support him."
Mrs Valencia turned to me “So then who is that?”she asked
“I… I am going to invest in this company” I said, my voice low and firm.
The room fell silent, the tension palpable as Raymond counted the money, his hands moving with a sense of urgency. Mrs. Valencia's eyes never left me, her mind racing with questions, but I just smiled, knowing that I had helped Raymond save his company, at least for now.
Mrs. Valencia's laughter echoed through the room, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Stop those jokes for christ sake , this isn't the time for it," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.
I nodded, my expression unwavering. "Only an investor can save this company from going bankrupt at this moment, and I am willing to help," I said, my voice low and firm.
Mrs. Valencia's eyes narrowed, her gaze never leaving mine. "What's the deal? What do you want? I am certain you cant just help without any valid reasons, we should be ready to give you something in return" she asked, her tone skeptical.
I smiled, my lips curling upward. "About that, it should be between Mr. Raymond and I, we are going to talk about it" I said, my voice low and firm.
Mrs. Valencia nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Right, right.. I shouldn't meddle too much, but I am grateful you helped " she said, sitting back in her chair.
Aaron handed out the envelopes filled with cash to the workers, their faces lighting up with relief and gratitude. Raymond sighed, the sound a mixture of exhaustion and relief.
"Don't rest now..." Mrs. Valencia said, her voice trailing off.
I gazed at Raymond, knowing exactly what she meant. We still had the press to deal with, and the public's perception of the company was at an all-time low. The scandal of the spoiled fish had left a sour taste in everyone's mouth, and it would take more than just money to win back their trust.
"We need to get to work on the PR campaign," I said, my mind already racing with ideas. "We need to convince the public that we're committed to quality and safety and we need to akeo tell them that what happened the other day was due to something, we can just find a lie out of nowhere "
Aaron nodded, his eyes squinting in determination. "I'll get the team on it right away."
Mrs. Valencia stood up, her movements swift and decisive. "I'll leave you two to handle that. I have some calls to make."
As she walked out of the room, I turned to Raymond.“I fulfilled my promise, you should fulfill yours too” I said my voice low and firm.
Raymond expression changed,but then I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Thanks to you, my company was saved but I have a question for you.."
I smiled back, my expression grim. "I am listening” I said my voice barely above a whisper
“Did you set this up so something like this could happen? Have you been waiting for this moment? So you can take control of everything?” He asked his face filled with curiosity
“No, that's not the case, I helped you because I am your personal assistant, I have been working for you for years and I think it's only right that I help you especially when you are in need” I said my voice low
He nodded “Which is why you wanted us to marry even though I don't love you?” He asked
I glared at him for some minutes before I could give him a response, he was right, what happened to him was my gain and also my loss, I am putting my life at risk right now just because i love him.
“Yes, I want us to marry because I have been in love with you for years and this is the perfect time for me” I said, he gazed at me unsure of how to respond to what I just said.
“Raymond… If you dont love me back within 6 years, I am going to die.” I said to myself silently my eyes locked his.
- Writer
