Arrangements

12

"Leonard Wildia, you asked for me?" I hear as my door is opened. It's Fiona.

"Fiona..."

"Attorney Fiona," she corrects. "I'm not here for little reunion with you. Let's stay professional," she warns.

I stiffen my back. Guess this is how law changed her.

"Have a seat," I offer. Fiona sit on my couch while I remain standing near my office table.

"Why are you here?" I ask.

"Obviously, I had an appointment with your father."

"What is it about?"

"I don't think I have to answer your question. Why did you call for me anyway? I have a schedule to follow."

"You were Claire's best friend. Maybe you know where she is now?" I walk near her. I hope she knows.

"You're right. I was. Until you came in the picture."

"What do you mean?"

"I warned you when we were still in college. I told you she's only after your fame and wealth. You didn't listen. I couldn't take it anymore so I had to leave her."

"I didn't listen because you were lying."

"I don't care anymore. And just to inform you, I have her."

"Really? Where is she?"

"She's in London."

"Where in London?"

"You're not possibly thinking I'll tell you everything? You must not know yet. I am now Anna's best friend."

"What?" I take a step back. I am surprised. "How? Since when? So you were in Anna's house when Claire went there?"

"Mr Wildia, I need to go." She stands up, ready to leave. I hold her right arm to stop her.

"How did you become friends with Anna? You weren't even acquainted."

"I had to make it up to her for what Claire had done to the both of you."

"What exactly are you saying?"

"You ask too many questions. Don't you know anything? You have her journals. Give them to me if you plan to play dumb forever." She pulls her arm out of my hands and takes her leave.

The journals again! How can I read them when I know they're only reminders of bad memories?

My secretary called me through my office landline and informed me that the wedding invites are now disseminated. She also told me that my tuxedo for the wedding is finished, it is now all ready. I entrusted her everything that needs fixing and arranging for the wedding. I just need to get it done already.

I drive to the Winters' residence to visit. Anna isn't around, she goes shopping with Fiona. It still feels weird for me that Fiona is now Anna's best friend. She was very close with Claire.

Chairman Winter discusses to me the conditions within this arrangement, including the presidency I will have in Winter Life. It is an insurance company of the Winter Group.

I feel pressured... and scared. What will happen to me once I file for annulment?

Our wedding is now few days away. Fiona continues to ignore me while Anna stays strange.

Dave arranges an appointment with me. We use the conference room for our meeting. I thought it would be about business but it is a personal meeting.

"Leave Anna," he commands. I just laugh at him.

"I'll give you part of my company shares." He adds.

"Our marriage will put me into the presidency of Winter Life. And I will have hectares of land under my name. And you will offer me just part of your company share? I didn't know you know how to pull a joke."

"So you're only after their wealth. Aren't you contented with your family's? Your father is one of the richest in the country!"

"You think this is all about money?"

"Then what else do you want?"

"You leave Anna. That's what I want." I demand.

"I will if you leave first."

"You can't do anything after the wedding. Why would I listen to you?"

Dave loses his cool and slams the table. "She can marry anyone but you! I know about you and Claire. It's not long ago since your break up. I know you will only hurt Anna!"

"Who are you to talk? You who celebrated your annulment! You were even proud that you cheated on her, bragged about your illegitimate son!"

I am caught off guard as he throw a punch on me.

"Don't call my son illegitimate!" He pulls my collar.

"Just go take care of your son and don't involve yourself again with Anna's life," I say and push his hands off of me.

"I will see you again." He says and walks out. That guy!!!