Chapter4
1669 Words
3 YEARS LATER
Cormac's Pov
“Honey, you should appear in the art gallery opening,” Ava yelled out to me.
I paid no heed as I raced to my car. “Hurry, we are going to be late for the meeting,” I told my driver as I slipped into the car.
All my life I've been working for this life-changing opportunity, to finally be recognized in the streets of Europe, and I've seen my one-way ticket.
My fingers scrolled endlessly at their page, they were the new best thing in the streets of New York and every business tycoon was crossing their fingers to have a share with them.
I dialed my secretary’s number, “send my schedule for the day to me.”
“Yes sir, I'll do that right away,” he answered, and I hung up.
“Why are you slowing down?” I asked my driver.
“There's traffic sir,” he muttered.
“Dammit!” I cursed, “Is there no way around it.” I peeked out through the window, searching for a possible route but there was none. Even if they were, I'd be chased down by the NYPD in no time. I couldn't have that.
A sigh escaped my lips and I fell back into the chair, hoping the damn traffic would clear up anytime soon.
In the business world, making a first impression is very paramount. That was the reason I didn't want to run late.
The cars started moving, and we were soon driving down the road. He pulled up in the garage and quickly rushed over to open the car door for me.
Hurrying my way to the elevator, I saw my assistant, “Sir,” he bowed and followed me into the elevator.
“Have they arrived?” I asked as we stood staring ahead at the elevator.
“Not yet, Sir,” he replied.
The elevator chimed open, and we marched out. Walking down the hall, something from outside caught our attention.
A helicopter was flying towards us, more like the roof, and the name DELL was written on the body.
“Is that the director?” my assistant asked.
“My guess is, yes, let’s keep moving,” I urged him, and we hurried over to the conference room.
We walked through the roll of red velvet chairs to the front. There were already some business people situated in their seats, iPads on their right and on the left sat bottled water.
My secretary and I took a seat. First, we felt the vibration before the door flew open and hurried steps ran in. They stood vertically, all dressed in black with their heads on the door. The director had arrived.
A man ran over to the podium, “good day ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the first DEL New York business campaign,” he announced, and we clapped.
“Let's welcome the heir and Director of DEL.” we all stood to our feet and clapped.
It was as though time slowed down, and so did everyone aside from the air that instantly blew in. The first thing that caught my eyes were black slick heels followed by its clicking sound and then up to the black gown, and then they traveled all the way to…….
“Leilani!” I blurted out.
“What?” my assistant asked.
It couldn't be, she was dead. I mourned her. How is she here, before my very eyes? My eyes popped out of its socket, my mouth dropped to the floor from bewilderment. I gaped like a fish, mouth ajar and eyes bulging out.
I stared and stared at her, unable to peel my eyes away. We started clapping once more, however, I was lost in a trance, peering at her. She couldn't possibly be Leilani.
She had her brown hair flowing behind her, straight with no strand in place. Green eyes shimmered like they knew no misery.
I had to remind myself to consciously breathe. Apparently I’d forgotten to do that while staring at her.
The girl that stood before my eyes was a striking contrast to the Leilani I dated and knew. She had sharp eyes that anyone could perceive how difficult her life was. She usually wore her hair down but never straightened. She preferred to make waves with them.
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to have you present for our first ever partner recruit,” she had an accent. Leilani was a New Yorker; she never had an European accent.
“We have just recently toured Australia, now we will love to have our company present in the busiest city in the world, New York City!” she proclaimed and everyone cheered.
“Pardon my manners. I never introduced myself. I am Miss Daphne Aldo. My father is the founder of this company, Del and I am his heir,” she bowed slightly, beaming with a smile as she glanced around.
“What!” I heard a ringing in my ear, and it was as though I suddenly had impaired hearing.
Daphne? That's her name? What in the hell happened to Leilani? That wasn't important. What did she say about her father?
My eyes darted to her form, she was soft, her aura was soothing yet frightening. It was a peace that came with a brewing storm, I felt it.
Leilani looked tough on the outside, but she was soft and a puddle inside, it wasn't hard to c***k her. She acted hard however getting to know her you'll meet an angel, she was a giver and a lover.
The lady on the podium appeared soft, yet, anyone with forthsense could sense that she was anything but soft. Her smile was easy but never got to her face nor did it reach her eyes. They were cold.
“Thank you once again, please send in your emails and portfolio, we'll be picking just five companies to partner with,” she said.
“The meeting has come to an end, thank you,” she smiled, and climbed down, all soft and poised.
My eyes followed her every step to her spot. I watched as she smiled and waved at an elderly woman. She possessed so much grace and elegance. Something Leilani never had.
I was on my feet in no time by instinct, pushing my way to her.
“Leilani!” I called, but she never stopped.
“Leilani!” I called once more. However, the reaction was just like last time. She didn't answer the name.
Deciding to try the name she had supposedly addressed herself as, I called out, “Daphne! Miss Daphne!” I yelled and she came to a halt tentatively.
“Hello there,” she spun and beamed at me. Right then and there I could swear that she was Leilani. Those eyes, they held a different glint, but I knew they were hers.
“Leilani,” I blurted before I could stop my tongue. She arched her brow in confusion. “You are Leilani, isn't that right?”
“My apologies, sir, but I do not believe we have met, have we?” The accent was even more prominent now I was close.
“You know me, I'm Cormac,” I pointed to myself, almost laughing.
“I'm sorry…,” she trailed off, still smiling, “I do not recall the name.”
“What? How could you not, we da?…,” I paused and looked around. There were a few casting a questioning look at me. However, I didn't care.
This lady in front of me was all I cared for.
“Ma'am, this way,” a guard walked up to her.
“One moment,” I stretched my arm to grab her, but I was immediately stopped by the guards.
By a raise of her hand, the guard let go. So much power.
“Can we talk in someplace more private?” I suggested, my eyes darting round the hall to an enclosed place. And then returning to that face.
“I am truly sorry, sir, but I cannot grant your request,” she straightened her stillness, and glanced down at her wristwatch.
“It's Cormac,” I corrected.
“I beg your pardon?” she squinted, confused.
“It's not sir, Mr. Cormac,” I repeated.
“Alright, Mr. Cormac,” she said flatly, “I must really be on my merry way.”
“Sir,” my assistant ran over to me, “I've been looking all over for you,” he said with a frustrated expression. Upon sighting her, He stopped talking and inclined his head in respect.
“Are you going to deny the fact that you don't know me, Leilani?” I queried, my gaze zeroed in on her. How could she be so familiar and at the same time different?
“Believe me, you must have confused me for another,” she said.
“I doubt that,” I grinned and closed in the space between us. “I see you've polished your wits and look, and somehow you think you can deceive me by that? I'm very much as astute as Lei…..”
“Daphne!” a shrieking voice interrupted me.
We all snapped our heads in the direction of the voice. From the corner of my eyes I saw her beam.
“Tommy!” she squealed from my side.
“What?”
“I've been waiting for you,” she threw her arms around him, “what took you so long?”
“Forgive me, my father insisted that I check the gallery before the opening,” he took her hand and kissed it, and then moved on to repeat the same gesture on her damn lips.
“Who's this, Leilani!” I growled before I could stop myself.
“Who's this, Daphne?” the dumb-wit asked, staring me down with a furrowed brow.
what?
- Writer
