Lawrence's POV
"THIS IS FUCKING BULLSHIT!", I shouted at the top of my lungs shocking the people who were in the boardroom in the process.
They had just put on the market share slide and Aubrey's stupid campaign already had 20%. She was number two on the list of the most performing companies in the renewable energy industry.
Damn, you Netherenes.
I know for a fact that Aubrey wouldn't be this aggressive without that fucker giving her a boost. He was number one for a reason. "Sir, I believe we still have the upper hand they won't be able to cover the 10% gap", my Finance Director said making me furrow my brows. "Luther if you know Netherenes, then you also know he's competitive. He won't stop at 20, we want to remain higher so the only way we can defend our share is if we make sure he does not reach 30%", my COO said making me nod.
Maxwell Jameson.
Stealing him from Netherenes cost me a fortune but it was worth it. He knows how to get things done and wasn't afraid to give it to me when needed. "Understood Sir", Karen Luther said then sat and turned to the marketing team. She was another steal I took from Fitzgerald, the number two on the billionaire list. She knew her numbers and was also worth every penny.
One thing that I learned from Netherenes was no one reached the top on their own. You need to have the best team money can offer and make them do your bidding while you focus on the bigger picture.
Honestly, when I stole Maxwell and Karen I thought I would make the two shake but nothing worth my time happened.
They replaced the people they lost with even better people and moved on. It's something that I still struggle to understand but I decided to focus on other things since it didn't impact my position.
The marketing team started giving us a run-through of what they had in mind but I couldn't focus. All I thought about was Aubrey. What made her partner with Philip and whose idea it was to come at me? I knew that sleeping with Maya would hurt her but not to the point of attacking my business.
I expected a few fights here and there but I was willing to bet on her forgiving me. I took out my phone and texted Alfred. I hadn't heard from him in months but if I wanted to get an understanding he was the one to talk to.
Me: Hey man, wanna meet for a drink?
Alfred: Got a meeting until 8. Is that ok?
Me: Yap...
Me: The usual.
Alfred: Rodger!
"Let me work on the strategy. You need to blow up some steam", Max said making me nod as we walked out of the meeting room.
He was right. I needed space.
"You're right man. Thanks", I said then went to my office. I took my phone out and then went on Instagram. I was just exploring when I saw Aubrey kissing someone and the beach. I clicked the photo just to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me, I was right. It was her and the fire boy.
What the fuck!
JaxFort
How could she be so blinded by love? She was number 8 on the list. The only woman.
Why did she have to date such a low-life, good-for-nothing firefighter?
Why did she pick him over me!!
The anger that I felt was too hard to contain so I decided to go the bar earlier than I wanted.
Two hours early to be exact.
I intended to review some budget proposals that the Marketing team submitted after today's strategy meeting but the photo spoiled the mood for me.
"Mr. Columbus, welcome. The usual?", the bartender asked and I nodded. "Coming right up", he said cheerfully then left. It didn't take long for for me to get a drink and it was Jazz and relaxation from there.
"Hey man, sorry I'm late had to pick up the wife", Alfred said while pulling a chair for Denice. She gave me a weak smile a weak smile then returned her focus to her phone. "Hey, man. It's ok. Hello Denice", I said trying to keep things casual. "Hey Lawrence, sorry for interrupting your bonding time. Just wanted something to eat and I'll be out of here", she said sounding too formal for my liking. "You know I don't mind right?", I said and she nodded. She looked a bit less hostile this time around.
"Hey, man! The usual for me and the wife needs some food", Alfred told our usual bartender. "You got it boss!", the bartender said then disappeared.
"What going on?", he asked in a low voice as if he didn't want Denice to hear. I took my phone out and showed him the fire boy's post. He released a breath but said nothing. "What hurts me the most is, she was never this happy with me! I want her back so badly Alfred. Without her, it's like I'm missing something. I don't even know what!", I found myself confessing out of nowhere. I guess I drank more than I intended.
"You can't say things like that while you're fucking her young sister Lawrence. That's messed up", Denice said then returned her focus to the menu she just got. Alfred looked pissed. "Do you mind?", was all he said to her. She raised her hands in surrender then turned the other side.
"She's right man. Maybe I need help? Yeah, I need to talk to Mother. She'll know what to do", I thought out loud. "No man. You need to move on. Aubrey will never come back to you, give up man. Look at yourself", Alfred said but the thought of letting Aubrey go didn't sit well with me. There was no way I was going to do it.
If Aubrey wouldn't listen to me then I'll find another way to get her back. Yes, if she gets dumped then she won't say no to going on a date with me. I will win her over by taking her on the most romantic date ever. Hopefully, I'll kill two birds with one stone.
End the #abrighterfuture campaign and get my girl back in one night.
Besides all she ever wanted was for me to support her business. If I support her then she won't need Netherenes.
I'm a fucking genius!
"Lawrence. Whatever you're up to, you need to stop", Lawrence said making me pretend to play dumb. "What are you talking about?", I asked, he shook his head. "Don't man. This will end badly for you", he said then sipped his drink.
What did he know? he had a perfect marriage.
I diverted the topic by asking him about his business. It had been a while since we talked. I missed my friend. Denice left right after she was done with her meal, it was a huge relief because I could finally be carefree without having to think twice before I talked. I didn't want her to go tell Aubrey what I was planning.
"Do you think she will ever forgive you for sleeping with Maya?", his question came out of nowhere, and it surprised me. I knew he hated what I did, the cheating was not something he tolerated at all. "Come on man, I dated her for four years. I know what makes her tick. She will forgive me, you'll see. I just need to get that firefighter out of the picture", I said confidently making him furrow his brows.
"What?", I asked making him chuckle. There was something sarcastic about it. "Nothing man, I just realised that you will never change. We're done", he said then stood up and walked away.
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The FIRE in You
Romance"Dark brown eyes, and brown hair combed neatly. A three-piece tailor-made suit with his initials on the sleeves. A teasing beard that tickled me every time he hugged me or rested his head in the crook of my neck." Dreamy right????? Keep reading 🧐🧐...