Said I love you but I lied

Chapter 4

My tour of the company with Marky is today so I chose my outfit carefully, settling for a pale pink suit, high heels and matching Chanel bag. I arrived in the office thirty minutes before our scheduled appointment to compose myself and gather my thoughts.

I have been in the company's building so many times before that I was quite surprised with all the improvements it has gone through in the past ten years. I keep forgetting how long I have been gone. It seems that my life is falling into place again, after ten long years. The exterior and the landscaping of the building has been modernised along with the interior decor, which used to be quite dated when dad and uncle Chris were heading the company. The receptionist asked for my name and when I answered her, she looked quite stunned as she slowly realises who I am.

Before she can react, John, the head of security who I've known since I was young came around the corner and waved at me. He walked towards me with teary eyes and hugged me tight. He has been a security guard in the company since I was in diapers and the guy who looked after me when dad and mom took my brother and I to work. I remember him buying us sweets to entertain us and letting us watch the CCTV and pretend that we were investigating a crime while waiting for my parents to finish with meetings and events. He is one of those people I have missed. His hugged felt like a great welcome. He tapped my back affectionately and mumbled how I have grown up to be such a elegant and beautiful young woman. I couldn't say anything and just thanked him for the compliment.

Just when we were about to separate, Marky entered the building, greeted John and instructed me to follow him into his office.

We left John by the lobby with a promise to pop in and see him when I can.

Marky's office is at the top floor so we got into the executive elevator. He didn't speak to me until we got into his office and even then, he seems cold and detached. I wanted to coax the old Marky out but I know I need to take it slow.

"Would you like anything to drink, Franchesca?" he asked.

"Green tea if you have it and please call me Kissy, if that's okay" I replied.

He looked at me long and hard as if trying to decide if I was worth arguing with. It is painful to see how he looks at me now. We used to guess each other's thoughts by just a look but by the way he's staring at me, it seems like it's going to take a long time for him to see me, as me again. The Kissy he grew up with and loved.

He ignored my statement, called his secretary to order his coffee and my green tea and then just went back to business. After talking at length about the travel plans they wanted me to look into and finishing our drinks, we headed for the tour of the office.

He is still the gentleman I have loved and will probably always love. He still hold onto my elbow when we walk and opens the doors for me.

We went to most offices along with the corporate library, gym, café and hang-out places and I was impressed. There are a lot of amenities in the company building along with a gym, a squash court, a crèche and a rest area.

The last office we visited is the marketing team who I will be liaising with regarding the travel packages that the company are planning to release. The head of Marketing came out to greet us and to my surprise, it is Tom – Thomas Escudero, my highschool classmate.

"Franchesca, this is Tom. He is the head of marketing. You're going to be dealing with in this project" Marky was confused while introducing us as Tom and I were smiling weirdly at each other.

"Hi Kissy! it's nice to finally see you again" Tom greeted while giving me a light hug.

I hugged him back with so much warmth because he is the first person who actually treated me the same after I got back. No questions asked and I guess that is a big deal for me.

I noticed Marky's face darkening so Tom and I let go of each other.

"I have prepared an office for you in the team Kissy. Would you like to see it now?" Tom asked.

"Ye-" I answered but Marky beat me to it.

"No. Kissy and I still have things to talk about and areas to see" Marky immediately replied.

"I thought we've seen everything?" I said.

"Nope. I think we should head back to my office now" He retorted looking almost angry.

I said goodbye to Tom and followed Marky back to his office. He is really walking quickly now – not very gentlemanly anymore. I wonder if he has a meeting or something he forgot about.

Before we even reached his office, his secretary came out frantically looking for him. The secretary is extremely beautiful, tall and very alluring. She came up close to Marky and started talking about an emergency meeting he needs to attend.

"Kissy, do you mind if we continue this tomorrow? You can come in the morning or maybe you'd like to work at home and then just bring the proposals here?" he asked.

"No, I think I'd like to work in the office if that's okay. Anyway, Tom said I could have a space in the marketing department." I answered.

His face darkened immediately. "You will work in this floor with me. I'll have Olivia set an office for you. You don't have to worry about that." He was very firm with his response.

He seems in such a bad mood. Maybe it's his meeting, I thought.

I said my goodbyes and turned to go. I wanted to give him a hug but I don't know where we stand so I turned and got in the elevator. As the doors were closing, I looked up to see Marky looking at me intensely, with longing and a mix of pain. As soon as he saw me looking at him, he turned and hurried inside his office.