ARGON
A few days after signing the deal with Sir Derek, he connected me with his top business partners, who didn’t hesitate to join hands with me after hearing all the good things Sir Derek had to say about me.
“He’s my very good friend’s son. A hardworking man he is, ” Sir Derek had bragged about me to his partners.
They were impressed by the testimonies they heard, rushing to collaborate with me.
I was over the moon by this eagerness from top business men like them. But I had to play it cool.
In a flash, my company was back on track. We now had more workers than before, and lots of partners and clients from all around, seeking to work with me.
My old clients who abandoned me after what happened, came crawling to my doorstep, requesting to be part of the success.
But I didn’t allow them. I showed no interest to their offers, but stood on my words.
“This company doesn’t take old clients who find us unfit,” I had said, especially to my last client who dumped me in my last hour.
He has been emailing and calling. Still, I didn’t listen to him.
But that wasn’t the most interesting part of it. My old business partners, who joined hands with Damien in shaming me…
I don’t even know where to start from, because they got served by Karma in an unexpected way.
Someone uploaded pics of them having affairs with different ladies. This wasn’t an edit or Photoshop, but real images and videos of those oldies, having fun with their lovers in secret.
This was a juicy news that got the press on their heels. They gathered my old partners, bombarding them with questions left and right.
And what could they do?
They were terrified and helpless.
This exposure caused their wives to act on it, breaking up with them. When I heard the news, I was thrilled.
“They were the ones mocking me the other time. Now they are getting served,” I laughed, watching the video of one of my old partners, being attacked by his wife.
The video went viral because his wife kicked him out of his home, publicly.
What a shame.
That news was so satisfying. But it wasn’t as sweet as Damien’s case. That asshole of a king finally got what he deserved.
After losing all those goods he spent lots of money on, Damien went broke in a flash.
He had to start selling some of his things just to pay up his debt. The press had taken this up, and he tried to avoid them from spreading his shame to the world.
It was too late for him already.
“A big congratulations to you, Alpha,” Jerome said, standing before me.
Where I sat behind my desk, I lowered my phone down to have a good look at my beta.
He had a folder in his hands, as he celebrated my success, talking about the news of our company’s growth.
“In just a week, we have made the top ten list on the chart. We are now the talk of the town, ” He said, jubilating.
I grinned with delight, pleased about the news. This is what I’ve been waiting for. The period everyone would submit on seeing my success and fall flat at my feet.
And how was I able to achieve this?
“Brielle,” I called her name within, thinking about that innocent yet grumpy face of hers.
She’s the reason behind my new found success. She’s the main hero here.
“Would you believe that those staffs that left us are back again? They want to work for the company,” Jerome shared, showing me the folder containing the resignation letters of the workers.
“I spotted them through their letters. It’s so funny, ” He laughed.
My lips came curving, recalling what Brielle had said. “Don’t let them back in. If they want to really join, then give them a hard task. That was her order,” I remembered.
I told Jerome to test the staffs by giving them something outside our work.
“The ones that’ll stay put till the end, will be re-hired. But they won’t be given their jobs back. Let’s do as Brielle had suggested.”
“Alright, Alpha. Noted,” Jerome agreed, leaving my office.
I leaned against my seat, feeling so free. But I wasn’t fully at peace, knowing I haven’t done something for Brielle yet.
After we bagged the contract with Sir Derek, she immediately reminded me of her promise and drew herself away from me and from the company.
“The company is back to normal, but now better than before. I’ve played my part, so you can carry on with your work, ” She had said to me that same day, walking out of my sight.
And since then, we haven’t spoken like we used to during that stressful period.
She just locked me.
“What can I do? Hmm… Even if it’s a small dinner plan, I don’t mind, ” I reasoned, thinking of how to show my appreciation to Brielle.
The dinner plan kept hitting hard and I had no choice but to go for it.
“Seems that’s the best thing to do,” I sighed, hoping it goes well.
.
That night, I was at the terrace making an arrangement for Brielle and I. A well decorated table was set, with the color green and red to beautify it.
Everything was ready as I wanted it, but one thing was missing.
Brielle of course.
Getting her here was the issue, so I had to tip Tania in doing the work for me. It wasn’t easy, but she agreed to help out.
Once I was set, I heard footsteps coming towards the terrace.
My heart skipped, wondering if that was Brielle or a servant. But my world came blooming when I saw Brielle stepping in with Tania following from behind.
“Where’s the surprise?” Brielle asked Tania, before dropping her eyes on me.
She was stunned.
I stood in my point, crossing both hands behind with a smile across my face.
Brielle hovered her eyes around before settling them on the table. She wasn’t expecting this.
“Surprise! Do you like it?” I asked, showing Brielle all the things I did for her.
Still, she kept looking.
“So, is this the surprise you were talking about? A table with coloured clothes and two dishes on it? ” She asked Tania, looking at the maid.
A confused Tania pointed at the table and said, “You forgot the candle and flowers.”
“Really?” Brielle lifted her brow at her.
All Tania could do was smile, shrugging at her. And from the way I was seeing it, I could sense that Brielle wasn’t moved by my effort.
There was no time to make changes. I needed to show her that I’m serious about this surprise.
“That’s not all, ” I said to Brielle, gaining her attention.
“I still have something else for you. But I can only show you, if you will join me for a few minute, please,” I requested, hoping Brielle would agree to this.
She stayed quiet at first, but soon agreed to my wish, walking towards the table.
I was so glad by her decision.
Quickly, I helped Brielle to her seat, even though she was acting all grumpy. She sat comfortably and asked, “What is this surprise you want to show me?”
“We just started. Let’s spend some time doing other stuffs before we get to that part, okay?” I said, calming her down.
Brielle crossed her arms, looking at all the decorations I made for her. She wasn’t moved, but hummed at everything.
This is hard, but I’ll make it work.
I started with the meal, serving Brielle.
“What is this?” She asked, pointing at the meal before her.
My heart skittered at her question, wondering if there was a problem.
“Leaves and paste all over a pasta? Who made this food? It’s looking fancy and…” She poked the meal with her fork, and that got me laughing.
“I made it,” I revealed.
Suddenly, Brielle gasped at me, bursting into laughter. “You? Are you serious?”
I nodded, finding her expression heartwarming.
“Waw! This is indeed a surprise. I never knew you could hold a pot and turn on the stove. I am impressed.”
“Is that a compliment or a mockery?” I asked, suspecting Brielle.
She didn’t answer. She just smirked at me and shrugged.
Come on! She’s mocking me!
I laughed out, getting Brielle to join in.
In no time, we were catching up with different topics, talking like two complete strangers who just met for the first time.
And to be honest, it’s the best conversation I’ve ever had in a long time.
Deep into our chat, I felt an urge to ask Brielle about something. It has been eating me up for some time now, and I won’t be at peace until I get an answer from her.
Clearing my throat, I asked, “Brielle, if… If you don’t mind me asking, may I know why you took it upon yourself to help me and my company?”
She stopped eating and faced me.
I thought she was upset with the question. That got me apologizing immediately.
“No, it’s fine. Ask whatever you want. Is that all?” She lowered her fork down to hear me.
I summoned my courage and kept on talking. “I have never been good to you in the past, but still… You made so much sacrifices to save me. From the calling of Sir Derek to defending me before the public, and selling your jewelry… Why? Why did you help me?”
“Have you forgotten?” She questioned, crossing her arms.
I didn’t respond to that, but waited to hear from her.
That’s when Brielle reminded me of her promise to my late father, talking about him with passion.
“He was good to me in my time of need, so I’m doing the same by helping you. After all, I did promise to give you your happiness and leave once you get married to Estelle,” She said, chuckling.
Again with the promise. She keeps saying it’s because of the commitment she made to my father.
Why do I feel there’s more to this?
It can’t just be about promise. She’s not being honest with me.
“And speaking about Estelle…” Brielle sipped out of her wine. “Where did your sweetheart vanish to? I didn’t see her at the mansion or at the factory all these time. Did she travel for another modeling show?” She questioned.
The thought of Estelle and her father brought nothing but anger to my heart. Those two left me to suffer.
“Have you decided on your wedding date? You know you’re taking time. We are already in the second month, ” Brielle asked, bringing up the wedding.
I frowned at it and said, ” Leave that aside. Let’s talk about other things.”
Her brow came lifting at my words. Maybe she suspects something.
To bury the matter of Estelle and her father, I brought up the topic of the surprise I promised Brielle.
“First, close your eyes,” I said to her.
She didn’t object but did as I said.
I carefully bent down and pulled out a red box from the table. Gently, I drew her dish away and placed the box before Brielle, telling her to open her eyes.
When she did, she gazed at the box then at me, wondering what was inside.
“Take a look, ” I said.
And when she opened the box, Brielle was surprised to find all the jewelries she sold, inside the box.
The same ones my father gave to her. I had to get them back.
“It was given to you as a gift. It won’t be nice to lose such precious items, ” I said, staring at Brielle.
Her eyes glowed over my action. It made her beautiful, especially with the light of the candle reflecting in her brown eyes.
“Argon I… You didn’t have to do this.” She lowered her gaze back into the box, letting out a smile.
Her smiles… She likes the gift. That was enough to bloom my heart.
Touched, I got to my feet and came behind Brielle. I pulled out the sparkling diamond necklace inside and carefully brought it close to her neck.
A gasp escaped her lips when she saw this. She lifted her head to look me, as I stared back into her eyes, hooking the necklace around her neck.
She didn’t look away. She kept gazing at me.
Slowly, I felt drawn to her.
I was done hooking the necklace, but my hands weren’t ready to let go. My fingers slowly trailed Brielle’s neck, feeling her smooth skin.
She felt my touch. Her body said it all.
Just when my hands could caress her beautiful skin…
“YOU BITCH! ” A familiar voice yelled from the entrance of the terrace, ruining the moment.
As soon as Brielle and I looked…
“Estelle?” I was stunned to find her here.
“What are you doing with my husband! ” She roared.