As Raymond stepped out of the elevator, he was greeted by the familiar hum of the office. His assistant, Lucas, stood up from his desk, a hint of concern etched on his face. His boss looked stressed. It seemed like he had not rested well. He just came back from a trip, and resumed work immediately. Being a C. E. O is not easy, he thought.
“Welcome back, sir. How was your trip?”
Raymond nodded curtly. “It was fine. Get me up to speed on the Smith account.”
Lucas hesitated, sensing his boss’s tension. “Of course, sir. But first, may I ask if everything’s alright? You seem…”
Raymond’s gaze cut him off. “It’s like you have been idle for the last few days.” He questioned Lucas. “I’m sorry sir.” Lucas apologized. “Just brief me on the smith account, Lucas.” He ignored his apology.
As Lucas began his update, Raymond’s mind wandered back to Lina and their confrontation. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that he’d made a mistake, that his anger had damaged their fragile relationship.
After the briefing, Raymond immersed himself in work, pushing aside thoughts of Lina and Ashley. But the memory of Lina’s hurt eyes lingered, haunting him.
*****
Meanwhile, Lina sat in her room, her thoughts reeling from the confrontation with Raymond. She couldn’t understand why he was being so secretive and hostile. Well he had the right to be so, since they don’t really know each other well.
But Lina, being a stubborn girl, is determined to enter into Raymond’s cold heart. This big fish is in her hands now, she can’t let it go at all cost. She had thought about Ria’s advice of trying to make their fake marriage turn into an original.
Determined to uncover the truth, Lina decided to take matters into her own hands. She needed to know more about Ashley and her connection to Raymond.
She picked up her phone and dialed Jenkins’ number, taking the first step.
“Jenkins, can you come to my room, please?” She said after the butler picked up his call.
“Of course, ma’am. Right away.”
Jenkins arrived promptly, his expression concerned.
“Lina, what’s wrong? You look troubled.” Jerkins asked after entering her room. “Ignore that for now, it’s nothing.”
“I need information, Jenkins,” Lina said, her voice firm. “About Ashley. Who is she to Raymond?”
Jenkins was surprised. Though, he had seen the news of Ashley returning to the country due to her famous status in the entertainment industry. She had been on the news for a few days now. But he didn’t think Ashley and Lina would have crossed paths so soon.
“Please, Jenkins. I have to know.” Lina begged, seeing the butler’s hesitation.
Jenkins hesitated, his eyes darting around the room as if ensuring they were alone. “Ma’am, I shouldn’t be telling you this, but… Ashley was Raymond’s girlfriend five years ago.”
“They were deeply in love, or so it seemed.” Jenkin had been a servant in the Walton’s mansion, before turning into a butler. He had known Raymond since he was a child. He could be said to know more about him.
Lina’s eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. “What happened? Why did they break up?”
Jenkins’ voice dropped to a whisper. “Ashley left Raymond without explanation. No note, no phone call. She vanished. Raymond was devastated. He became… withdrawn, cold. It took him years to recover.”
Lina’s heart ached for Raymond, despite his recent behavior. “And now she’s back?”
Jenkins nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Ashley’s a famous actress, known globally for her talent. But few people know her humble beginnings. She rose from poverty to stardom.”
Lina’s interest deepened. “That’s remarkable. What’s her connection to Raymond?”
Jenkins’ expression turned somber. “Raymond and Ashley’s relationship was intense. They met in high school, since they were classmates back then, and their romance blossomed. But Ashley’s sudden departure left Raymond shattered.” He just took over the C. E. O post then. The heartbreak almost made him lose his position.
Lina’s mind whirled with questions. She was also shocked by all that Jenkins said. She felt she and Raymond experienced the same pain. The person they loved left them for another. “Do you think Ashley’s return is related to her career, or more?”
Jenkins shrugged. “Possibly, ma’am. Ashley’s been in the spotlight for years, but her personal life has been scrutinized. Maybe she’s seeking closure or reconciliation. And she also said in her interview last week that she came back to the country this time around to take back what was hers.”
Lina was shocked. Any person that knows about her past with Raymond would know that she was talking about getting back together with him. Lina’s determination grew.
No matter what, she can’t let her succeed, even if Raymond still has feelings for Ashley, she will make sure to kill those feelings.”I need to know more about Ashley’s past, her relationship with Raymond, and why she left.”
Jenkins nodded. “I’ll see what I can find, ma’am. But I can’t guarantee I will be able to get anything. Nobody knows why she left, but it was concluded she left because of fame.” He told Lina. “Be cautious, Raymond’s emotions are raw, and Ashley’s presence may stir up old wounds.”
Lina’s resolve strengthened. She would uncover the truth about Ashley and Raymond’s past, no matter the cost.
*****
Ria’s estate.
Ria had planned to rest at home for today. She didn’t go to the company. After cleaning up and arranging everything, she was tired. It’s not like she doesn’t have a cleaner that helps her clean, it’s just that once in a while, she likes doing all this herself.
She planned to cook, but seeing there isn’t anything in the fridge, she rushed to the grocery store to get some foodstuffs.
As she was struggling with the heavy bags, taking them out of the trunk, she saw a pair of hands reaching out to help her.
Raising her head up, she saw a handsome guy putting on a black shirt and pants. Ria’s eyes met the stranger’s, and she felt a sudden jolt of surprise. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with kindness, and his chiseled features softened into a warm smile.
“Let me help you with those,” he said, effortlessly lifting the heavy bags from her grasp.
Ria’s cheeks flushed as she relinquished the bags. “Thank you,” she murmured, feeling a little self-conscious.
The stranger’s gaze lingered on hers for a moment before he turned to offload the bags from her trunk. Ria couldn’t help but notice the way his black shirt stretched across his broad shoulders.
As Jayden offloaded the last bag out of the trunk, Ria smiled, feeling grateful. “Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it.”
Jayden smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “No problem at all. I’m just glad I was nearby.”
Ria’s gaze lingered on his face, and she felt a flutter in her chest.
“By the way, I’m Jayden ,” he said, extending his hand.
“I’m Rihanna.” she replied, shaking his hand.
As they stood there, Jayden nodded toward the building. “Shall I help you with those bags upstairs?”
Ria hesitated, unsure if she should accept. But Jayden’s kind smile put her at ease.
“That would be great, thanks,” she said.
As they walked toward the building, Jayden asked, “What floor do you live on?”
“Third floor,” Ria replied.
Jayden’s eyes lit up. “Are you kidding? I’m on the same floor, just a few doors down.” He sounds surprised.
Ria was also surprised. “Really? What’s your apartment number?”
“304,” Jayden said.
Ria’s eyes widened. “I’m in 307! But I’ve never seen you before.” She frowned.”
Jayden chuckled. “Well, I guess our path never crossed then. We are neighbors now.” Ria nodded.
As they stepped into the elevator, Ria felt a sense of familiarity with Jayden. His easy going nature put her at ease.
When the elevator stopped on the third floor, Jayden led the way to Ria’s apartment, effortlessly carrying the bags.
As they reached her door, Ria fumbled for her keys. Jayden waited patiently, his eyes scanning her apartment complex.
“Thanks again for your help,” Ria said, unlocking her door.
Jayden smiled, setting the bags down inside. “Anytime, neighbor.”
As he turned to leave, Ria called out, “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee or something?”
Jayden eyes sparkled with surprise, then pleasure. “I’d love to.”