Two men sat quietly in a corner of the cozy cafe, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of gentle chatter. They sat comfortably in their chairs, casting each a series of knowing glances, both tacitly agreeing on their main purpose for being there. The air was thick in anticipation, but their aura was relaxed and focused, hiding the tension between the two, from outsiders. One of the men finally decided to break the eerie silence.
“Kyle… We’ve laid low for a long time now. It’s high time we acted before our opponent get beyond reach” the man suggested in a hushed tone, his gaze flashing with great determination, expecting the same thoughts from his partner.
“I know, Max. I too have had enough of waiting” The second man nodded in agreement, his tone as a sign of his seriousness. “I am fully prepared for our next line of action”
Max, obviously satisfied by the response, asked, “Have you found a way to make the video more believing?… That video is essential in making our plan work”
“Yes, I have. But….” Kyle paused for a bit, causing the hairs on Max’s body to stand before continuing. “We won’t be using the video. Only the images sorted from it, it’s enough evidence already. Releasing the video might cause an uproar on social media and we might get arrested”
“Hmm.. that’s true” Max sighed in frustration as the realization dawned on him. “It’s fine. As long as the photos are ready then we are good to go. Just make sure the blogger doesn’t expose his identity”
“Whether he hides his identity or not, I already warned him not to get us involved” Kyle added with a grin on his face. “We’ve paid him. He can enjoy the money till he goes to jail”
Max scoffed at Kyle’s sense of humor and uttered,” Liam wouldn’t know what hit him. By the time we’re done with him, he’ll come begging us to let him go”
“Hahaha,” Kyle laughed silently to avoid attracting the crowd. “I wouldn’t even give home the chance to beg. He broke my heart and I’ll break his whole life into pieces”
Max was getting irritated by Kyle’s words. “I thought we already agreed not to mention your relationship with my cousin anytime we are having a meeting?…”
“I’m sorry” Kyle quickly apologized, a half smirk on his lips. ‘I just couldn’t help but imagine how helpless he would be after all this”
“That’s certain. There’s no going back” Max remarked with a deadpanned look on his face. “We just need to make sure he doesn’t find us before we even start”
“That’s when the usefulness of the photos comes in. He’ll be seething in his lover’s act of betrayal that he wouldn’t even notice when she’s gone” Kyle said, confidence in his tone. “The tracking issue is left to you. How far have you gone with it?”
“It’s all good. The fake number plate and license number have been acquired”Max responded, nodding his head in affirmation. “We won’t have any issues with our first move. All we need to do now is look for ways how to stall Liam. We can’t rely solely on the photos. We need more action”
“Alright then, what do you suggest?” Kyle curious asked, his questioning gaze fixed on Max who seemed like he had a good idea. “As long as it’s good, I’m ready to make it work”
Max gaze lingered on the cafe window for a moment before replying,” I don’t have any idea, we’re just going to have to come up with one during the process”
A feeling of unexpected disappointment surged through Kyle’s heart, obvious on his contorted face. “Are you kidding me?” He half yelled, feeling the urge to strangle the man sitting right in front of him. “You should have said so immediately, instead of acting like a soothsayer”
“Whatever” Max snorted with a nonchalant tone. “That’s your fault for being too expectant”
He paused then added, “I just hope we get to fulfill our part of the deal. I get Isabelle and part of the company’s shares, and you also get A share of the company and the heartbreak of your ex-lover”
“Why do you say that like you’ve eaten some bitter?”Kyle asked with an amused tone in his voice before responding to Max’s words. “As long as our plan works, there shouldn’t be any problem. I have no intention of backing out of the deal. I believe you have the same opinion”
“Yes, I do” Max confirmed with a resolute gaze. “So, the deal is sealed”
“Yes, it is”
“But, when do we post the photos on social media?”Max inquired. “Today or when?”
“Well, from my findings, Liam is still at the hospital with Isabelle. So we have to wait till she’s discharged” Kyle suggested. “I mean she’s the woman you’re so much obsessed about, so you should cut her some slack. Let her enjoy her happiness for a short while before you take it away completely”
“It’s not an obsession, I care about her” Max snapped, his face reddened like ripened tomatoes. “Maybe, you should just mind your business”
Kyle was amused by Max’s response and reaction. He knew the guy was just being delusional, but it was none of his business. Their agreement was purely business, with no strings attached. “It’s alright. I just hope she feels the same way”
“She loved me once, I could make her love me again. We just need to spend a little time together and we’ll be fine” Max replied with a serious expression on his face that left Kyle short of words.
You haven’t gotten hold of her and yet, you’ve already made plans?.. Awesome!!!. A strategist indeed” he said, his tone filled with sarcasm. “Are you also traveling for a vacation?”
“Quit with the fawning. It’s weird” Max chided him with a warning gaze in his eyes. “Of course, we are going on a vacation. It’s the best way to avoid Liam. We might never come back”
“Oh! That’s great” Kyle mumbled incoherently, trying to hold back the laughter that was threatening to be released. “What about the company?”
“There are a lot of people interested in companies like this one. I’m pretty sure it will sell at a very good price. I have no interest in running it” Max replied absentmindedly. “We should go prepare for the D-day”