“I’ve missed you so much” Phoebe’s voice filled Vanessa’s ears as she welcomed her with so much warmth.
Vanessa couldn’t help but resume going back to work after what had transpired between her and Darryl the previous day. If she had the power, she would avoid Darryl till infinity.
Her mode lightened as she saw the welcoming smile on Phoebe’s face. If Darryl chooses to be a pain in her ass, maybe Phoebe will be an antidote.
“You don’t really miss me,” Vanessa said with a shy smile on her face.
“I really do, but it is fine if you don’t believe me,” Phoebe replied, placing her hand on her cheek in a dramatic way.
“Darryl said you called in sick. I hope you are feeling better now.” The corner of Phoebe’s mouth turned up as she checked up on Vanessa.
“I caught a fever, but I’m feeling better now. As you can see.” smiling, Vanessa turned around playfully.
“Yes, you sure are feeling better.” Her eyes glued on Vanessa as she watched her turn around.
“If you need my help in any way, please do ask me.” Phoebe’s face lit up as she assured Vanessa.
Vanessa felt the warmth around her as she stared into Phoebe’s eyes with a smile on her face. “Thank you so much. I will keep that in mind.”
“We can grab lunch together today, if you don’t mind,” Phoebe suggested.
“I don’t mind, but I have plans with my best friend today. You should come along with us,” Vanessa replied. Vanessa hoped Phoebe would agree to come with her.
“I don’t mind at all. To be honest, I really miss having girl’s day.” Phoebe’s voice was laced with excitement.
Relief washed over Vanessa as Phoebe agreed to join her for lunch. “I’m certain my best friend won’t mind having you around.” Vanessa said with a smile on her face.
“I should attend to the heap of files waiting for me in the office. See you at lunch.” Vanessa added.
“Those files miss you more than I do. Catch you later.” Phoebe said, causing Vanessa to laugh.
Taking a deep breath, Vanessa took a cautious step to her office with only one prayer on her lips. She had really wished Darryl wouldn’t be in the office until she was done attending to the files.
But her prayer was cut off when she opened the door of the office and her eyes fell on Darryl’s figure sitting elegantly behind his table.
His eyes flickered towards her as she opened the door, but with a frown on her face, Vanessa walked into the office. She didn’t even give a second glance at Darryl as she walked into her own office.
Thoroughly, she searched for the files she was supposed to work on, but her table was empty. She could tell it was Darryl’s doing.
Darryl, who is desperate to have Vanessa talk to him, had kept all the files on his table. He knew Vanessa wouldn’t have any choice than to go get it from him.
Unfortunately for him, Vanessa ignored his strategy as she focused on rearranging the files in the cabinet. Minutes morphed into hours as Vanessa engrossed herself in work.
A ruffling sound caught Vanessa’s attention. She heard the sound coming from Darryl’s office. As she listened meticulously, she could hear his footsteps approaching. Her heart beat fast in her chest as his footsteps drew closer to her. Her breathing seized as she heard the doorknob twist open.
Vanessa’s back was turned to the door so she could not see what he was doing moving, but she could hear his movement as his steps moved closer to her.
What is he doing? She wondered but didn’t dare to turn to face him. Exhaling slowly, she stilled as she felt Darryl’s presence behind her. The rhythm of his heartbeat echoed in Vanessa’s ear as she stood still, backing him.
“You should have taken the day off if you knew you would ignore me,” Darryl whispered, his breath tickling Vanessa’s neck as he spoke.
Vanessa remained quiet, ignoring Darryl, but that didn’t make him stop.
“You are wrong if you are expecting an apology from me because I won’t apologize for choosing you, Vanessa.” his voice came out hoarse as he whispered into her ears.
“And I won’t stop until you accept my proposal.”
Vanessa, who couldn’t hide her irritation, snapped. Furiously, she turned, forgetting how close Darryl stood behind her. His presence made her speechless that she forgot everything she wanted to say to him.
A smug look etched on Darryl’s face as he saw that his plan to make her look at him had worked. He was satisfied as he observed the clear view of her face.
Determination to wipe the smug look away from his face, her lips opened, but Darryl beat her to it by taking her hands into his, holding her in an assuring way. “Please, I really need your help with this.” He fixed his unwavering gaze on her.
Vanessa flinched, taking her hands from his. “I am not interested in your family drama. I don’t want to have anything with you. The only reason I came back to this office is that I have not seen a new job. If you are really desperate for a fake wife, look for someone else.” She fumed furiously.
“You think you can get another job if you leave here?” He said, making her stare at him in confusion. “Don’t you get it? If I don’t secure my position as the CEO, you will be affected too. You won’t have a place for her. To be honest with you, you don’t even have a place at Rogers since you left there.”
Darryl inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself. “Just pretend to be my wife until after the coronation and I will pay you, I promise.”
Darryl’s words hit a spot in Vanessa’s heart as she felt sympathy for him. If she agrees to it, he will pay her, and he will also secure his position as the CEO. It will be an agreement of mutual benefits for both, but what if things go haywired? What if they are caught in the act of pretending? Vanessa was deep in thoughts as she weighed the benefits of accepting Darryl’s proposal.
“I don’t know.” She blurted out in confusion.
“I’m not forcing you to give me an answer immediately. Just give it good thought, but I won’t take no for an answer.” Darryl’s eyes remained glued on her as she stared at him.
Silence enveloped Darryl and Vanessa as their eyes did the discussion.
“Lunch time”, Phoebe’s high-pitched voice interrupted the intense staring between Darryl and Vanessa.