MIA'S LOT [Wattys 2019]

Chapter 15

"Mia, there's something you need to know, " Joe said as he entered into my office on Friday morning. He looked troubled. I wonder what caused it. I've always known him to be a cheerful person, he always saw the best in everyone and every situation. But, right now, he looked gloomy.

"I know I do appear to be a shaman sometimes, but, you do know that I do not read minds. You have to tell me what's bothering you. And please stop staring into space, it's giving me the creeps. What exactly happened? Did you have a fight with Jules? Is money missing from our account? Is there a scandal involving our artists? "

"No, none of that happened. Well, you know you had been away for the past one week, brooding.." he started.

"Yes, I know all that, you need not remind me of my past schedule. Please get to the point. There's a lot of work that needs to be done right now. Before I forget, did you inform the artists about our plans for them to follow the themes of their paintings? " I asked

"Yes, I have " he replied.

"And have you gotten their feedback? "

"I will check my mail to see if there's any once I leave here "

"Fine by me. So, start talking Joe "

"Your father came by the office when you weren't around," he said and my pen which I was holding, dropped. Not again! How many times will I have to tell these people that I do not want to have anything to do with them. They could all be swallowed by a whale for all I care.

My father has been trying to mend the shattered pieces of our relationship. He keeps blaming the devil. Devil my foot. He forgot about the devil when he tried to take my only inheritance from me. When he first came to beg last year, that was the first time after I had left his house, he, as usual, had ulterior motives. I had just risen to the top then. Crystalz and Pearlz was one of the top rising industries and had just received an award. That was my first appearance on the news. I had always kept a low profile prior to that time, I still keep one though which I know will not be lasting long any time from now.

He came to the office, trying to barge in because he was my father and caused a ruckus outside the company which attracted the attention of a few paparazzi which I had to pay off not to publish the news. He wanted money for whatever purpose which I never bothered to ask him. Of course, as any sane person would do, I refused. He made it seem like I was ungrateful for all the sufferings he had gone through because of me and I was rejecting him now that I had become popular. He was no longer one to be reckoned with.

My mother, on the other hand, had tried severally to use my secretaries to see me but to no avail. Both are pure trouble and I needed none in my life now. After their failed marriages, both decided to cohabit. I guess it has been working out for them because I really don't give a shit about them or their children. So, back to the situation at hand.

"What did he want this time? Did he ask for anything? " I asked him.

"He did, actually and that's the bad news," he said

"Let me hear it. Nothing they've done has ever brought good news anyway"

"He brought some pictures. " he started

"What pictures? "

"Of yours and Ralph, pretty intimate. Also, pictures of your dinner with Ralph "

"Wow! He really had to stoop so low??" 

"He is set to blackmail you, said it was the only way left to get to you and that it was important he speaks with you. I did a little investigation about him and your mother if you don't mind. "

"Definitely not"

"It turns out that they had met with Ralph too and he had paid them a huge amount to keep silent about it, so far so good, they have been behaving and have not done anything since then. That's what his PR executive told me"

I place my hand on my head. Why can't I be free from these people? Have they not done enough damage to my life? I'm sick and tired of all these. Seriously! 

"So, when are you finally going to forgive Ralph? "

"I've forgiven him "

"Your actions do not relate to your words. You've been ignoring him. He called me, you can't lie to me, Mia. He has apologized, besides, this was bound to happen given his previous title. The man is no saint, cut him some slack. He has sent flowers and gifts and what have you, yet, you didn't give him a chance to speak to you, and you claim you have forgiven him, how? "

"It was just a lot to take in and I needed space. Is that too much to ask? " I said and he raised a brow. 

"Fine! I will call him now, Are you happy? "

"Nothing makes me happier than seeing you happy. Thou shalt not take that out of context. I still love my wife above everything else. "

"Yeah, whatever " 

I dialed Ralph's number and I could hear the ringtone outside my office's door. Either I am hearing echoes or my mind is playing a fast one on me or not. One look at Joe told me all I needed to know. That guy cannot keep a secret to prevent human extinction.

"He's there, isn't he? " I asked and he nodded.

"Well, what is stopping him from coming in? "

"You are," he said and opened the door. Ralph came in sight. "I'm just going to disappear like always," Joe said and left.

Ralph walked in and closed the door. He walked up to me and asked, "Am I forgiven? " I nodded and he pulled me into a hug.

"It's been hell living without seeing you or talking to you. Every night I imagine coming back to my suite to meet you lying under the covers, in my clothes, waiting for me in bed, though I prefer a naked version," he said, winking.

"I wanted to relive that experience over and over again. I missed you, I promise to be a good boy from henceforth. Scout's honor " he said placing his hand on his chest.

I smiled, "I will hold you on that love. I've missed you too" I said hugging him back. I could see Joe from the window giving me thumbs up. Unto the next phase of our relationship, I guess.

Maybe happily ever after isn't so overrated after all. Please don't forget to Vote and Comment