ARLAN’S POV.
When my secretary, Charles announced isla’s presence, a million and one thoughts ran through my mind but I wasn’t going to chicken out without knowing why she had come.
“Good morning, Ms. Newman.” I greeted while showing her to the sofa to have her seat. I walked towards the sofa very slowly, trying hard not to show myself leaping.
“Nothing is good about the morning, Arlan.” She retorted.
“Whatever she is here for, in certain she is up to no good.” I told myself. Forcing a small smile on my face.
I sat opposite her, studying her as she crossed her legs and leaned back, her piercing gaze locked on mine. Isla always had a way of commanding attention, but this time, I wasn’t going to let her have it easy if her intention was to undermine me in my own space.
“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Ms. Newman?” I asked.
She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she let her eyes sweep across the room before finally settling back on me. “Let’s cut the pleasantries, Arlan. What were you doing at the Newman’s’ mansion yesterday?”
The question made my heart raced than I’d anticipated, but I didn’t flinch. Running a hand through my hair, I leaned back in my chair and gave her a calm look. “I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I replied. “I wasn’t anywhere near your neighbourhood last night, I think you must’ve seen it wrong.”
Her lips curved into a humorless smile. “I never mentioned what time of the day but you seems to be know the perfect time.”
“Shit!” I cussed under my breath. “Well, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m not the one you saw.” I managed to mask my anxiety.
“Of course, you are not the one I saw. I don’t expect you to tell me the truth so easily. But considering how high you jumped to escape, I’d say you must’ve been left with a few bruises, isn’t it?” She asked.
“As a matter of fact, I saw you leaping towards me a while ago. Poor Arlan.” She shook her head. “I’m sure that must hurt like hell.” She taunted.
There was something taunting about she let her words and it was beginning to get to me but I wasn’t going to let her see me falter in front of her.
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “Ms Newman, if you must know, I missed a step and tripped. That’s all.”
She let out a loud laugh. “I was wondering where Saraya had been getting her acting classes from, seems like she was under tutelage. I must say your skills are impressive, Mr Arlan Reef. Shouldn’t you have been in Hollywood?” She asked mockingly.
I leaned in and clenched my fist. “I don’t appreciate you …”
Just then, Charles entered the room, carrying a steaming cup of coffee. He placed it on the table in front of her, giving her a polite nod.
“Thank you,” she muttered absently, picking up the cup.
The silence that followed was tense, and I could feel her sizing me up as she took a small sip. Then, setting the cup down, she leaned forward slightly.
Charles shut the door behind him and we were alone to ourselves once again.
“I didn’t come here to debate with you, Arlan. I came to warn you.” Her voice was loud as usual. “Stay away from Saraya. Otherwise, your little bruises will be the least of your worries. Next time, you might not be able to jump or walk ever again.”
I chuckled, though her words were a thinly veiled threat. “That’s quite the vivid imagination you have, Ms Newman. But Saraya and I-”
She cut me off with a sharp glare. “Don’t even try to explain it away with you two being business partners. Business partners don’t act sneaky in the dark, that I know for sure. Whatever you’re thinking, whatever you think you’re doing, it stops now. This is your only warning.”
Leaning forward, I rested my elbows on my knees and locked eyes with her. “And if I don’t take this warning seriously?” I challenged her.
Her smirk returned, colder this time. “Then you’ll be wishing you had. Trust me, Arlan, I’m not someone you want to test.”
With that, she rose, smoothing out her skirt and tossing her hair over her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ms Newman.” I apologized. “I won’t be able to see you off. You know your way out, right?”
She paused briefly at the door, glancing back at me. “This is me being kind, Arlan. Don’t make me regret it.”
The moment the door clicked shut behind Isla, I stared at her abandoned coffee cup on the table which was stained with her red lipstick.
Though she had left, it felt like she was still there with me in the room. “That evil being.” I cussed out recalling her smug face, her numerous threats, they all swirled in my head, pushing me over the edge.
Without thinking, I grabbed the cup and hurled it at the door with all the strength I could muster.
The poor thing shattered on impact, the sharp sound echoed through my office followed by a soft thud on the floor.
I sat there, breathing heavily, my fists clenched at my sides as I tried to steady myself.
The door flew open, and Charles rushed in, his eyes widening at the sight of the broken cup and spilled coffee. “Sir, is everything alright? I heard-”
I turned sharply, my glare cutting him off mid-sentence. “Did I ask you to come in here?” I snapped, my voice was deep yet loud.
Charles froze, his hands shook slightly as he made an attempt to explain himself. “No, sir. I just-”
“Then get out!” I barked, pointing at the door.
He hesitated for a moment before bowing his head. “My apologies, sir. I’ll leave you to it.”
Without another word, he retreated, carefully closing the door behind him.
The room was silent again, save for the sound of my heavy breathing. I stared at the mess on the floor, the dark stain of coffee from the wall spreading to the floor, and forced myself to take a deep breath.
But I couldn’t take isla’s words away from my head. “Stay away from Saraya.”
“Why is everyone telling me what to do and what not to do?” I asked.
First it was Matilda and now it was Isla. “Who do they think they are?”
I clenched my jaw, my hands balling into fists. She had no right to dictate what I could or couldn’t do. If Isla thought she could intimidate me, she was gravely mistaken.
I leaped over to the window, still angry. “I must find a way to put an end to all of this.”