Chapter Three
1245 Words
Chapter Three
It had been a week since Sapphire arrived and Olef didn't know if he could endure this. It was like her arrival put his life on hold. No more parties, he had to drink in secret, no more staying out late, hell no more casual s*x. His days were a boring monotony of the office and house.
Sometimes Sapphire tried to talk to him. He ignored her of course. He didn't know what his father told her but he wasn't playing along with it. Just because they were getting married didn't mean he had to make it easy for her. He just got back from work and all he wanted to do was drown in a bottle.
“Olef.”
For f***s sake.
Ian walked over to him at the base of the stairs.
“Your father wants to see you.”
Olef rolled his eyes and went up the stairs. Probably something about Sapphire. He was planning on ignoring it but changed his mind last minute. His father's wrath was the last thing he needed right now.
His father's private office was in his room as well. The office opened directly into the room, divided by a door. Olef stood in front of the large mahogany table silently. His father continued his reading for another two minutes before acknowledging his presence. Yes he was counting.
“You've been ignoring Sapphire.”
Olef could sense the question in that statement.
“ I've been busy. With work. Fuel prices spiked again and it's throwing our entire budget off balance.”
“ Then hedge the fuel costs. Lock in long term contracts at a fixed rate before it climbs further. We'll take a smaller hit now to avoid bleeding later.”
Olef scoffed.
“That's easy for you to say but you're not the one who'll answer to investors when we're locked into overpriced contracts and the market suddenly dips.”
“ I didn't think you were the type to play it safe.”
“I'm not playing it safe. Hedging could cripple us for years if prices drop. I won't gamble the company's future for a short term fix.”
“What do you suggest we do then?”
Olef thought for a moment.
“Instead of locking us into risky contracts, we could…cut costs… on underperforming routes and renegotiate supplier deals. It’ll buy us breathing room without chaining us to fuel prices we can’t control.”
His father raised an eyebrow seemingly impressed.
“Very well then. But you've been working too hard. I think you need time off.”
Olef's eyes narrowed.
“Time off for what?”
“To spend time with your betrothed. The poor girl has been by herself all week.”
“It's not my job to baby her.”
“It is. Considering you're going to be her husband.”
“Father I…”
“You'll be going on a trip to the plaza hotel next tomorrow. I've already booked it and all your activities have been planned. If you don't know what to do,I'll do it for you. Ian will take care of things while you're gone. Is that understood?”
Olef seethed. Silently of course
“ Yes Father.”
***
Olef knocked on the door to Sapphire’s room.
“Come in.” She said on the inside.
He entered and saw her kneeling in front of her vanity searching frantically in a drawer. She looked up and Olef could have sworn she froze.
“ Olef.” She squeaked in barely concealed fright. “I'm so sorry I'm late…I'm searching for my medication and I can't seem to find it.” she said, still riffling through the drawers.
His interest piqued.
“Medication? For what?”
She blinks like she's startled he asked her.
“For what?” He repeats himself.
“My uh…my Anxiety disorder.” She said slowly.
Anxiety disorder?
She winced slightly probably because of the look on his face. So she was also mentally unstable. Perfect.
“Does my Father know?”
She nods, closes the drawer and stands. Olef watched her closely. She looked fidgety.
“We'll get new medications for you on our way out. Just tell me what you need.”
Again the surprise. Like he wasn't already responsible for her.
“Thank…”
“Don't. It's not like it's Charity. I'm supposed to take care of you.”
She says nothing.
“Are you ready then?”
She nods and starts to carry her bag but he beats her to it.
“Then let's go.”
The drive to the plaza hotel was silent save for the music in the background. Olef kept his eyes on the road while hers was glued to her phone. He got her medications as promised but not before taking a photo. He would be sure to do some research later. They arrived at the Plaza Hotel.
“Wow.” He heard her say softly and staring at the palace-like structure. Olef had been here many times so the plaza had long since lost its power to impress him. The only thing it did was remind him of his mother. He pushed those memories down quickly.
“Don't come down, I'll help you out of the car.”
That made her giggle and he didn't know why but it went straight to his d**k. He opened the door for her and took her hand. Partly because he needed to keep up appearances and partly because his father would dismember him if anything happened to her. Sapphire was practically stumbling behind him.
He moved easily beneath the awning, barely glancing at the doormen who tipped their hats in recognition. He heard Sapphire say hello. The brass revolving doors gave their usual resistance and then they were inside. No matter how many times he came here, the Plaza place was still beautiful . Polished marble floors, soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers and almost everything was gilded. They went over to the desk and the receptionist, a middle aged woman with red hair, smiled at them.
“Mr Olef. A pleasure to see you again.”
“More like a bore.”
“ Always happy to see one of my favourite customers.” she says talking to him but smiling at Sapphire.
“Are our rooms ready?”
“Rooms?” She asked, confused.
Olef was confused too but then he realized.
Of course.
“Nothing. Nevermind.”
“Would you like me to double-check?”
“No it's fine.”
She hands him the keycard uncertainly.
Sapphire looks up at him as he leads her towards their room. “ My father only booked one room but I can make arrangements for another one if you're not comfortable.”
“I…um…no it's fine. Really. I mean we're going to be married anyway so what's the point?”
“Yeah.” Pity. Olef was actually hoping she would request for another room.
On reaching their room, the canopy bed was already perfectly made, the chandelier gleamed faintly above and polished wood caught the light just so. Curtains framed the view of Fifth Avenue.
“Make yourself at home.”he said, “I'll be back.” It was already evening and he knew she would want to unpack and change. He decided to give her some privacy and go to the champagne bar for a drink. He'll need it if he was going to get through this night.
- Writer
