Off Her

CHAPTER 5

Alora’s POV

It was 5am in the morning when I woke up. Without having breakfast, I went out of the house and entered my car. I am now heading to another busy day in the office. The moment I arrived, I was immediately juggled with multiple tasks going back and forth to the different departments. It is how usually a day at work is going. Not to mention, as part of top management, all of my everyday work should always be done along with Felipe. And as usual, we do work while not looking at each other. We’ve been in that situation ever since we got fakely married 2 years ago. I was used to how it was between us. Although, it’s a little awkward, but I did not let that bother me as it will only for sure hinder me from doing what I should supposedly do at work. It was afternoon, when we were both settled in his office scanning the piles of documents in front of us. Along with us was his secretary, Mob Greyson. He is around in his 40’s and has been working with Felipe for 15 years. He seemed to know him very well, as he on every inch of Felipe’s move could understand. Felipe and I were at the same age. Time flies too fast as were are now near on the age of 29. While, Alex Griffin was already in his thirties just recently and Tania is still in her mid-twenties. We were all occupied with the pile of paper work when the door opened. Alex, Tania, and two other childhood friends of the Griffins, Lucas Alvarez and Javier Vasquez, barged into the office.

“Busy, eh?” As Lucas said, heading towards Felipe, tapping his shoulder.

“What made you guys come here?” Felipe asked.

“Yow, that was cold bro.” Javier commented.

“Never mind him. He’s always grumpy.” Tania said, glaring at Felipe. Everyone seemed to laugh. Then another two person popped in the door. It was Natalie and with another unfamiliar face that seemed to be her friend.

“Oh. Hey guys. It looks as though everyone is already here.” Natalie smilingly said while exchanging greetings with them.

“Welcome, Nat and Sofie. Alex greeted back.

“So. It looks like we’re all here. We should get ready for the party tonight.” Tania said excitedly.

They all agreed. “Yes, we should.” Everyone said in chorus.

“Let’s get going guys.” Alex said while preparing to leave and so is each one of them. They are all heading out one after another. I stood up and then as I turned around, Felipe was still at his chair.

“I don’t want to see you at that party.” He said while looking at the document that he had in his hands. Even though he was not looking at me, I knew pretty well that he was talking to me. He does not want me to go to the party? His conduct towards me has gotten worse.

“The chairman asked me to go. The Italian ambassador wanted to sign the contract at the party as it was the only free time he would have.” I said. I saw his jaw clenched. This is not good. He is again getting mad. He slammed the document he was holding onto the table, and stood up, putting his hands inside his pocket.

“Same reason again this time.” He said it with a smirk still not looking at me, and then went out of the room. I was just staring at where he was standing a moment ago. I was surprised at the sound of a bang the moment he harshly put down the document. I hope he did not see that one shown on my face. Why did he not want me to go to the party. This must have been one of his ways of showing his hostility towards me.

The party was held at one of the biggest five-star hotels owned by the Griffins. I arrived at eight in the evening. There were many guest cars parked. They all look very expensive. I was still inside my car preparing the document that needed to be signed. I have second thoughts about this. Should I go in there? Felipe would be furious upon seeing me. I came up with a plan to just have it quick then. I will just instantly look for the whereabouts of the ambassador, and right after that he would sign, I will leave right away as I don’t want to destroy Felipe’s mood at this party. I stepped out of the car and went to the big room of the hotel where the party was. As I went inside, I was approached by loud music and blinding party lights. The room is big enough to accommodate hundreds of people. In the middle, there were people dancing, and in each corner of the room were chairs and tables for people who prefer not to dance and just wanted to have a drink and deep conversations with others. The room also has a second floor where the bar is placed. I looked around, trying to look for the ambassador. As I was roaming around, I saw various types of powerful and influential people coming from different businesses and industries. It does also look as though the chairman has not yet arrived. As I did not see a trace of someone that I had been looking for, I decided to go upstairs. I took the stairs and as I came up, I was stunned at what I saw. At the corner beside the bar was a big sofa. Everyone was there sitting, enjoying the drink and the conversation. As I turned my glance to the left side of the sofa there, I saw Natalie. Sitting beside her was Felipe with his arms around her. They were both talking and laughing at each other. Seeing how happy he is right now brought severe pain. I grab hold onto my chest. I feel vulnerable now. I could no longer hide this amount of pain. Did I like him this much? He suddenly looked in my direction and noticed me standing there. Then suddenly, everything around me, the people, the music, the lights, and the world in general, went slow.