World-Glow Enterprise,
Top floor…
Raymond pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his drawer. He extracted one out of it and lit it up with his lighter after placing it in-between his thin lips. He took a long, satisfying drag, the white smoke from the cigarette swirling around him as he exhaled. This was the first time he was smoking in the past two months. He doesn’t usually smoke, unless he is in a bad mood. And right now, his heart was in turmoil.
With a slow turn, he swiveled his executive chair towards the floor-to-ceiling window of his enormous office, his gaze drifting out of the window to see the bustling and hustling street of Manhattan, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him. Looking at the breathtaking scene of Manhattan from his office was quite a scene to behold.
It’s been two days already and Lina still hasn’t gotten his meaning yet? After everything that happened two days ago, Raymond doesn’t want to play cat and mouse game with Lina anymore. He wants his wife to come to terms with her feelings for him. From their make-out session a few nights ago, he was sure she wanted him just the way he wanted her. He didn’t know what was stopping her from confessing her feelings for him.
No woman who wouldn’t fall in love with him. With his status and wealth as a plus, Raymond can choose any woman from anywhere in the world, and she would fall in love with him without even forcing her to do so, but he knew Lina was different from other women. She doesn’t give a fuck about his status and wealth at all.
Raymond’s grip on his cigarette tightened as he thought about how Lina seemed oblivious to his desires. He had deliberately delayed returning home, hoping to give her space to reflect on her emotions. But now, he was growing impatient. It seems that his wife was too dumb to grab the stunt he was pulling.
Just as Raymond was about to stub out his cigarette and leave the office to go back home, and talk sense into his little woman, a knock at the door broke the silence. Assuming it was his assistant, Raymond did bother to turn around before he called out, “Come in,”
As the door swung open, Lina stepped into the office room, her eyes widening in awe at how enormous Raymond’s office was. This was the first time she had entered such a big and spacious office. The space was sleek with modern arts adding a sophisticated design to the walls.
Its interior was filled with a palette of cold colors – greys, icy blues and silvers, which exactly mirrored Raymond’s cold personality. The overall effect his office was giving was that of sophistication, with a sense of refined power that was both intimidating and fascinating.
Lina’s gaze roamed all over the room, taking in everything in the room, until her eyes landed on the familiar figure that was seated on an executive chair, her eyes immediately fixed on the back of his head. She couldn’t see his face, so she wasn’t able to see his expression. With a quiet confidence, Lina approached Raymond, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpet not wanting to alert him.
Raymond furrowed his brow in annoyance after not hearing Lucas’ voice. This was unusual. As he was about to turn around to see the intruder, his breath was caught in his throat as Lina’s familiar feminine scent wafted into his nose. Looking into the floor-to-ceiling window proved his suspicions as he saw her reflection. His lips curled up in a satisfied smile. Finally, his cupcake finally got his meaning. He quickly stubbed out his cigarette.
As Lina’s tiny arms were stretched out to wrap around her husband’s neck, Raymond swiftly turned his chair around, his right hand stretched out. He immediately pulled Lina into his awaiting arms, trapping her in a tight embrace. Lina’s eyes widened in surprise, not expecting Raymond’s sudden action. How did he know I was at his back? Lina was puzzled.
A startled scream escaped Lina’s mouth as her forehead collided with Raymond’s. Tears immediately formed at the corner of her eyes, making her look like an injured kitten. She bit her lower lips, trying to hold back her tears.
Raymond’s grip on Lina tightened, his eyes softening at the sight of her beautiful face. Looking at her this close after not seeing her for the past two days, made him realize how much he missed her. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her sweet vanilla scent, which immediately calmed his racing heart. A low, satisfied hum rumbled in his chest as he held her close, feeling her body warmth on his.
He couldn’t describe how happy he felt at the moment. Lina’s hands were frozen in their raised state. She was in an awkward position. She could feel Raymond taking in her scent. His arms always felt like home. How had she missed his warm embrace? As Lina was about to reciprocate, Raymond raised his head and stared deeply into Lina’s eyes, like he was searching into her soul.
Finally, Raymond’s voice broke the silence, his low, husky tone making Lina’s body tingle. down Lina’s spine.
“So, you finally got the message, babe,” Raymond whispered, his hot breath caressing Lina’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
Lina’s face was full of confusion. What message was he talking about? Lina’s head was full of questions. She had called him multiple times without him answering. Does that mean he sent her a text message?”
“Did you send me any message?” Lina tilted her head as she stared into Raymond’s eyes that were full of disappointment.
Raymond’s face fell, his eyes clouding over with disappointment. His heart was immediately filled with unknown anger. He gently but firmly lifted Lina off his lap, settling her on her feet. Lina’s confusion deepened seeing how Raymond’s brow had formed creases.
If he doesn’t speak, how would she understand what he meant. “Raymond, what’s wrong…?” Lina trailed off as she watched Raymond pushed the chair they were seated earlier forward. He sat on it without sparing a glance at her.
He picked up his laptop and began to work, purposely ignoring Lina. Lina confusion immediately turned into anger. He hadn’t come home for the past two days. He didn’t give her any explanation for his action, instead, he started questioning her in a weird way. Not only that, he was purposely ignoring her, using her to work. He isn’t the only one that has a temper. Hers was even worst than his.
Lina took two steps forward, slamming her palm on his desk. “I’m talking to you Raymond. Don’t even think about working if you don’t explain yourself.” Raymond was shocked at Lina’s fiery outburst. This was the first time he was seeing this fiery Lina.
Raising his head and seeing the blazing anger in her brown eyes, he pursed his lips, trying to control himself from standing up and pulling her into his embrace. It’s either Lina gets to understand her feelings for him today, or they continue ignoring each other until she came to a realization. He was done waiting for her to understand her feelings herself. It’s like if someone doesn’t make her understand, she wouldn’t.
Seeing that Raymond just looked at her briefly before continuing his work, Lina head was almost removing smoke. “You jerk. You acted all lovey-dovey with me earlier as if you care, and now?” Lina yelled, not even realizing she was losing control of her emotions.
Raymond smirk secretly with his head bowed. He was liking this show. It’s like he would be getting Lina to misunderstood him once in a while, so he can get to see this passionate side of hers which he found endearing and intriguing. He couldn’t help the feeling of satisfaction flooding his chest to know that he was the only person who can evoke such emotions from her.
Seeing that Raymond was still working instead of answering her, Lina angrily walked towards the place her purse fell down earlier. After picking it up, she made her way to the door, planning to storm out of the office. Would Raymond allow her to do as she wishes? That would be a big ‘No.’
As she twisted the door handle, she found out that it wouldn’t budge. She turned around to see Raymond’s hand hovering over a button on his desk. Lina was really enraged at the moment.
“Let me out this instant, Raymond!” Lina exclaimed, her body shaking with anger. This turn of event was something unexpected. She was here with the intention of taking her husband back home. Why did everything suddenly turned out into a misunderstanding?
Instead of opening the door, Raymond continue typing away on his laptop. Lina, who couldn’t stand Raymond’s arrogant attitude anymore, rushed forward, her sandal heels hitting the floor with the same anger brewing in her.
Lina circled Raymond’s desk. She rushed towards him, her fists raining down on Raymond’s chest, who at some point had raised his head at her. Raymond wasn’t angry at Lina hitting him, instead he was amused. After he made her had her fill, he caught her fists in his hand. “Enough Lina! Stop being so difficult.”
“You… how dare you accuse me of being difficult. Open the fucking door and let me go!” Lina was standing while Raymond was seated. Their position made Lina powerless, and she struggled against Raymond’s grip, trying to free herself.
“Why are you angry Lina? I thought you said you don’t care about what I do, just as you claimed days ago? On whose invitation are you here?” Raymond’s words were like a jab to Lina’s heart. He dare question the reason why she was here? Wasn’t it obvious she was here because she cared about him?”
“You dare ask me why I’m here?” Lina glared at Raymond, who had a mischievous smirk on his face. She wanted so much to slap that smirk out of his face, but Raymond’s hands were still holding hers, so that wasn’t going to be possible.
“Hmm, tell me, why are you here? Is it that you have fallen in love with me and can’t leave a single day without me, that’s why you are here?”
Though Raymond’s tone was playful, his heart was racing fast in his chest as he awaited Lina’s reply.