June lay on the bed while Rafael had his bath.
The dinner with her mother-in-law and Clarence was riddled with tension. She could barely eat the food and spent time turning over the meal until it was over.
Throughout the meal, Mrs Beatrice made snide comments and June was left with a frigid smile while she tried to contain her husband. Not to mention his late wife’s sister he somehow forgot to tell her.
June was so caught up with thoughts of how the night panned out that she didn’t notice her husband walk out of the shower until he stepped into her sight with a sober look.
“I am sorry.” He said with eyes clear and sober.
“What for?” June managed a small smile.
“My mother. All of this.” Rafael joined her on the bed. “You didn’t sign up for this. You are already having a hard time. I shouldn’t add to it.”
June sat up on the bed and held his face in her palm. “Your mother is human. After the round I’ve had with women, it would be hypocritical of me to judge.”
“Just say the word.” Rafael hummed, “Say the word and I won’t do it.”
June stiffened. She hoped that they wouldn’t speak on the elephant in the room but since it was out there, she decided to ask. “Why?”
Rafael stared into her eyes, patient as she spoke.
“You never told me she had a sister. Cara.”
“I didn’t mean to withhold that information.” He said. “It skipped my mind.”
June smirked, “She’s a big part of your life. The one you had before I came along.”
“She was Cara’s sister.” He explained. “Since the incident, I avoided speaking with and about anything relating to my late wife. You broke the pattern.”
June couldn’t help the blush that pattered her skin.
“If you aren’t comfortable with the arrangement, I won’t do it,” Rafael stated. She could tell he meant every word.
“You shouldn’t…”
“I won’t. Not if it makes my wife uncomfortable.”
Flowery feelings bloomed in June’s heart. “Oh yeah?” She placed her leg over his form and in one second, she hovered over him. “I think your wife can handle it.” She sat on him. “Amongst other things.”
The atmosphere charged and she lowered her lips onto his own. Soon enough, the couple indulged in a passionate session of lovemaking.
*****
Business resumed as usual. Evelyn had yet to recover her memory but could walk around the house. A nurse was hired to take care of her in the house while she explored her art and tried to make sense of her identity.
JL Architectures received praise for the office project they concluded. The project was so well done that it added credibility to their firm and placed them at the forefront of South City’s business world.
More offers were placed on the table and everyone got busy. One day, June walked into the office and was bombarded by Lucy with news she was eager to share.
“We got nominated for the South City Resort project! The government wants us to be a part of the process!” She announced with a squeal that almost rendered June deaf.
“Calm down and speak clearly,” June said with a wince.
Joel Patel was happy to take the reins. “South City’s Resort Project. The government has been seeking a credible construction firm to spearhead the biggest project in the city.”
“They decided to bring in three good firms to pitch a design for the project and the best one would be awarded the contract,” Lucy said with a big smile. “We made the list!”
A big smile grew on June’s face. “Let me see!”
The trio huddled in the office as they read the email, affirming they were in the race for the year’s biggest project. It was a thing to celebrate!
Meanwhile, April was in her office when her assistant came with news.
“We just got news on the South City Resort project.” He said, handing over an iPad. “We have been nominated to present a design for consideration.”
Apil smiled as joy took over her heart. “Finally! A piece of good news!” She read the document and the smile on her face grew. “Quickly! Gather the team! We must not fail! This is the perfect opportunity to reclaim our spot at the top.”
“Yes, ma.”
The assistant left the office to carry out his duties while April picked up her phone to make a call. Not long ago, she received inside news that her company wasn’t in consideration for the South City Resort project.
She had taken it upon herself to make a very personal visit to the Minister in charge of the resort project and in a very compelling way, convinced him to give her company a chance in the race for the contract.
Although he was an old man, she gave it everything and endlessly toiled all through the night in a secret location to get the deal in the bag. Now she was reaping the rewards of her hard work.
If her wretched sister got in the news for completing a meagre project, she would be on the news for something bigger. Lontoc Constructions would return to its former glory and there was nothing anyone could do about it.
She would take care of it herself. For now, she just needed to thank the minister who made things possible. She would nurture every relationship and make sure she had enough power to retain her position at the top.
“Hello, darling,” April said seductively, pulling the elderly man’s heart at the end of the call.
“I take it you’ve received the news,” He said, “You made me so happy the other day, I wanted to hand over the deal to you.”
April pouted. “Why didn’t you, Darling? Do I need to convince you of my expertise once again?”
A shrewd laugh left the minister’s mouth before he spoke. “I would love to have you again, April. You are the best I’ve had in a long time. However, that would not be possible as Lontoc Constructions hasn’t been at the top of their game recently.”
April lost her smile. She knew things were a bit shaky with the company’s image but she didn’t expect to hear it from such an important person.
“What do you mean, Daddy? My company has been at the peak of operation in recent times. We have just faced a turbulent due to the baseless accusations made against me in recent times.”
The minister shrugged, “As much as I agree, there are still some hearts to be won to secure the Resort project. I have gotten you a part in the race for the project. I believe you should be able to beat the others and win the deal. No?”
“Of course not!” April said, faking a smile. “Our company is the best you can find in South City. No company comes close to us. Rest assured, there is no competition when we come into the picture.”
“Good. I will be holding on to your words. I recommended you to the president. You should do well and prove your ability by winning the others and securing the contract. Do you remember our agreement?”
April rolled her eyes at the old hag. She promised to ‘service’ his rickety old body in exchange for his help. Although she had other plans in the works as regards his ridiculous conditions, she could only play along in the meantime.
“Of course, darling. How could I?” She cooed and he smiled. When he was appeased, she asked the question that had throbbed her heart since she received the good news.
“You said I was in the race with others.” She began, “Which companies are we up against?”
The minister hesitated. “That is confidential information. Besides, you will in time find out. You will all be summoned for a meeting soon. There you can meet.”
April wasn’t satisfied. She liked to have an advantage over her peers. She hated being caught off guard, especially with a deal of this magnitude. It was only fair that the minister told her every piece of information.
Didn’t she spend a horrible night with him working for it? April protested. “I need to know those who I am up against. Who knows? They might have worked things out while I am left in the dark.”
When the minister remained silent, she continued to plead, “Please tell me, even if it’s one person. I need to know, hm?”
The minister let out a sigh, deciding to spill. It was just names. It was only fair his bed partner got an advantage so she would perform new tricks during their next meeting. He was looking forward to having her warm his sheets once again.
“Fine. Knight Constructions is a top contender and a new corporation. JT? JB?” He tried to remember the name but failed. April’s heart froze upon hearing his attempts.
“JL?” She asked.
Her blood boiled when she heard the affirmative words of the minister.
“Yes! JL! That’s the one.”