Chapter 5
1418 Words
Lillian stared at the pieces on the floor. It was as if it were her life that was in pieces.
“You have to find a way to get another copy of the document. I am sure he must have another copy." Thomas said, his voice sounded unremorseful.
Lillian held one of the pieces in her hand. "I don't know how to ask, what do I tell him?" She said sobbing.
“Must I tell you everything? Just lie to him that you lost it or something?” He waved his hands in the air.
"This is why I don't want you to know about this.” she bluntly said.
“So you intend to do this alone without informing me and you think I will not find out.” He giggled loud.
She bent and picked the rest of the pieces. “I can not possibly lie to him.”
Thomas eyed her evilly, "Do you have a better idea?”
Lillian sat on the bed with her head buried in her palms. She could not figure out any other option than to lie to Sir Douglas.
She thought he was committing a great responsibility to her and he would be disappointed if he learned her boyfriend tore the document.
After some thought, she put a call through to Sir Douglas.
“Hi Sir, it is Lillian.”
She looked at Thomas who gestured for her to continue.
"Yes, Lillian, I know it is you. Is there something you need in regards to our discussion?” Sir Douglas responded.
"Sir, I ... .I…" she looked at Thomas, he looked furious and he snatched her phone and put it on speaker.
“I am really sorry, sir; I called to ask if I can get another copy of the document you gave me. My bag was stolen and…”
Sir Douglas cut in, "It is fine, and that won't be necessary again.”
Both Thomas and Lillian's eyes locked and widened in shock.
“Sir, please don't cut off the deal; it was silly of me to have been careless.” she sounded sorrowful.
Sir Douglas continued, "That is not going to happen, ok. If your decision hasn't changed, I am inviting you over for dinner next weekend.”
Thomas gave a devilish smile and pointed at her to be careful.
"A dinner?” she seemed shocked and, at the same time, uncomfortable with Thomas around.
"Yes, at my mine.” Sir Douglas replied.
Lillian responded to Thomas's gesture and asked, "What is the occasion, sir?”
"It is my birthday in a few days.” Sir Douglas said, happiness in his voice.
“Congratulations in advance sir." Lillian felt amused.
“Thank you, and I am going to officially introduce you to everyone, including the board members, on that day." Sir Douglas said.
The following conversation led to the end of the call. Lillian dropped her phone on the bed; she felt happy from within; it was going to happen.
"We shall attend together.” Thomas's voice instantly killed her happiness.
Lillian got close to Thomas, "Baby, there will be no need for that." Holding his hands to persuade him.
"Don't you get it? We are in this together, and I am going with you, and that is final.” Thomas released his hands from hers.
*******
Lillian stood outside her small apartment, dressed in the same worn clothes she had worn to countless job interviews. But today was different, she was about to embark on a journey that would change her life forever.
A sleek black Toyota car pulled up, and a chauffeur stepped out to greet her.
"Good morning, Miss Marlowe. Sir Douglas sent me to bring you." He said politely, shoving way for her to enter the car.
Instantly, Lillian felt a shiver run down her spine as she got into the car. And out of nowhere, Thomas sat inside the car before the chauffeur could stop him.
Lillian got embarrassed. “Let's go, sir; he is my boyfriend."
"Stop dreaming if you think you can stop me.” Thomas looked at her and back to the chauffeur.
The car drove them to one of Sir Douglas’s luxurious mansions on the outskirts of town, where Sir Douglas greeted her warmly. "Welcome, Lillian."
Amazed at the beauty of the mansion, “Thank you, sir, your house is lovely." Lillian said.
Sir Douglas smiled. "Are you going to introduce him?” He said, pointing at Thomas, who adored the interior of the mansion.
"He is my boyfriend and he insisted on coming with me.”
Sir Douglas smiled impressively, "I understand him. Who will have his girlfriend with a rich man and be calm?”
Thomas caught their eyes fixated on him and approached them, "Good day Sir.”
"How are you young man?” Sir Douglas stretched out his hands and Thomas took it and took his seat.
Sir Douglas then faced a lady standing behind him. "Get to work now.”
Over the next few hours, Lillian was pampered and taken care of by a team of stylists and makeup artists.
Her hair was cut and styled, her nails were also manicured.
Finally, Lillian looked in the mirror, she barely recognized the person staring back at her. She looked confident, sophisticated, and wealthy.
Sir Douglas smiled, he was satisfied with the result. Thomas' mouth was left ajar, he couldn't believe his eyes. Seeing how beautiful and elegant Lillian looked.
He had never imagined her to look this stunning. “Damn!"
Thomas approached her but Sir Douglas got to her first.
"Now, let's get down to business. You have this night to know necessary things about my company, meet the board members and shareholders, and learn how to navigate my world."
Lillian nodded; she felt excited and, at the same time, nervous. She was ready to learn, ready to take on this new challenge.
Sir Douglas got Thomas dressed up as well. The event started well, everywhere was flooded with wealthy personalities.
Sir Douglas made his intent known, presenting Lillian to everyone present, and the MC propelled a toast.
“To a new administration,” Everyone chorused.
Back in her seat, Lillian couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. She glanced around the hall, but everyone seemed engrossed in their conversations.
Lillian tried calling Thomas, but he is not picking up and he's not in sight since the party began.
The woman's piercing gaze made Lillian shiver. She quickly looked away, focusing on the conversation with Sir Douglas.
But she couldn't help sneaking glances at the woman, who was sipping her drink with an air of confidence.
As the evening went on, Lillian found her way to the toilet. She felt someone's presence with her which turned out to be the same woman who had been watching her.
The woman seemed to exude an aura of power and sophistication. Lillian felt a little curious and, with a surge of courage, decided to approach her.
"Hi ma'am," Lillian said, trying to sound polite and confident, with her hand stretched forward. "My name is Lillian."
The woman raised an eyebrow. "I know who you are," she said, with a sarcastic voice. "You are the little orphan who thinks she can fill Sir Douglas's shoes."
Lillian felt insecure; the woman seemed to know a lot about her. Felt a sting from the woman's words. "I am just trying to learn," she said, trying to defend herself.
The woman snorted. "You will never be able to handle this world, Lillian. You are just a temporary amusement for Douglas."
Lillian felt a surge of anger, "I don't understand you."
“A piece of advice, decline this offer before you regret it later. Don't say I did not warn you."
Before Lillian could respond, the woman turned and walked away leaving her to have a second thought.
She wondered what the woman meant by being a temporary amusement for Sir Douglas.
She returned to her seat and Sir Douglas appeared at her side with a concerned look on his face. "You look disturbed, what happened?" he asked.
Lillian looked towards where the woman sat and shook her head. "I don't know who that woman is, but she seems to hate me."
Sir Douglas looked in her direction, and his expression turned serious. "Hmmm, that is Alice, my business partner. She is not someone to toy with."
Lillian felt a shiver run down her spine. What had she gotten herself into?
- Writer
