Chapter 48: Chapter 48

"So...you are my brother's girlfriend?"Ariana asked Alexis who just woke up only to find it was already morning and found the cheerful bubbly girl staring at her. For a second she nearly jumped off the bed out of fear but now she was disturbed

"N..no I'm not" she simply denied shaking her head and trying to get out of bed. It was too much to make her stay especially to sleep in Maverick's bed but calling her his girlfriend was uncomfortable

"That's what my brother's girlfriend would say...don't worry I'm sure he's a pain in the butt... however under that arrogance there's a sweet man with a heart of a puppy, "the girl said with squeals. She had a beautiful smile just like her brother and mother. I guess no one would doubt that she was Maverick's sister. Her behavior was quite lovable especially when she squealed like a typical teen

"Ariana it's not like that...I'm…"Alexis tried, by all means, to stop the girl from saying such. What if the rude doctor heard it all. He would think she was entertaining his sister's assumptions unfortunately Ariana was too adamant and true to her theories

"That's not needed...you make a good couple... Ricky is kind...you are so lucky you know...my brother will spoil you with his love.." the girl said, grabbing Alexis's hands so unexpectedly and kissing them cheerfully. Of course, Alexis was startled and nervous at the same time. She recalled how Maverick's mother was calling her daughter. During dinner, she was so nice to her. Asking her if she needed anything and serving her more food even when she didn't want anything

"Umm... Ariana. I'm not his girlfriend please don't say that in front of your brother"Alexis said in the sweetest way possible not to hurt the girl. She was too pretty and so adorable but Ariana only frowned just as there was a light knock on the door and soon it opened, getting my attention and only to shift my gaze and it was Maverick who walked in. He was a little hesitant and shyer that I saw Ariana biting her bottom lip and giggling as she let go of me and got up from the bed

"Ms. Crawley...good morning," the doctor said calmly. He didn't look at me but tried by all means to ignore me. But what surprised me greatly was how sweetly he greeted me or was he pretending in front of his family

"Morning" I muttered after some time not sure if it was right

"Come on guys...hug each other...so when is the wedding...wait no no...mom said we need to arrange for everything. I need to tell my friends about this...oh my!"Ariana blurted out inaudible words which made no sense and twirled around squealing even more that I was so embarrassed

"Aria...mom is calling...you are late for school, "Maverick said more seriously and his sister stopped and frowned at him.

"Fine bro...but you need to bring her back for dinner okay, "Ariana said, cutely pinching Maverick's cheeks and turning to me "bye sister in-law," she said waving at me and rushing out of the room. A pin-drop silence fell in the room such that I couldn't keep still. The awkward atmosphere was already created and his family took a wrong impression

"It's just.."We both started but stopped when we said something at the same time. He cleared his throat awkwardly and shifted around a little. I saw he was wearing a black long-sleeved cotton sweater with gray sweatpants. A cute look on him

"I'll leave... thanks a lot doc...you have a wonderful family" I proceeded to say when he gave me a chance knowing he saved me once again.

"Ms. Crawley it seems there's something wrong here...kindly come to my office tomorrow in the morning, so I can run some tests on you "Maverick said in a low voice instead of insulting me. I was stunned by how sweetly he was to me now but for how long was he planning to act like he was made out of candy when the inside was so bitter and sour

"I don't need that...there are many hospitals around...I'll find something," I said rudely knowing this was how we talked to each other. He saved me at my worst but that didn't mean I needed his sympathy or help

"This is about your health...your condition is critical...stop being stubborn because the damage is already done or do you not understand your body, "Maverick said, sounding irritated that Alexis's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Why was he yelling as if it was his body or health? He was a doctor and had no say in her private matters.

"Thank you doctor Maverick...but I don't need anything from you...I appreciate what you did for me but I have to go to work" saying that Alexis prepared to get out of his bed knowing she had slept in his bed when Maverick rushed to her and shoved her down

"You should stay in bed for the rest of the day...right at this moment any slight mistake and you'll end up in a hospital bed" he muttered still with his hands resting on her lap. Alexis was bothered by his closeness. His perfume and touch that she shifted uncomfortably and swallowed the room stuck on her throat

"I know how to take care of myself" she lashed out, shoving him away and struggling to get out of bed. Maverick was rendered helpless as he watched the lady before him struggle to move around. She was in excruciating pain that even walking was killing her unfortunately her stubbornness made her not see that.

***

A night without Alexis was a little boring but I appreciated it when doctor Maverick called me to inform me that Alexis had passed out and he took her to his place since he didn't know where her apartment was. I was devastated and all I wanted was to go to her but Maverick promised me he would take care of her

As much as it was hard falling asleep mainly because I couldn't find any reason to get some shut eyes

A good morning started great. I did what I normally loved doing and that was to go for a quick run down the block. just to refresh my mind. I had a lot going on in my mind. So many decisions to make and to top it up getting so many calls and messages from Victor. After I kicked him out the previous night he didn't stop calling me. As much as it hurt me to ignore him I couldn't find the courage to answer him when he was ruining everything.

From then on I just wanted to focus on work. During my studies and graduation, I was wrong to jump into something when I was aware the man wasn't ready. He was never ready and I didn't think he'd ever be ready to move on or accept what was in his heart

"It's fifty," the taxi driver said once he dropped me off at Victor's company. I nodded and dug in my purse for some cash

"Thanks," I said, handing him his money and turning to walk away. Today I felt fresh, especially because I decided to wear a dress.  Notched white-collar sheath black dress stuck to my body like a second skin and reached just above my knees. It had long sleeves and felt so comfortable especially because I added black heels. I was in the mood for some makeup hence I did something which made my entire face to glow beautifully and used some pink lipstick just to finish up the touch and I did forget some eyeshadow and a little blush. I bought a new scented perfume which smelled delightful, and decided to let my hair fall to my waist into curls

"Good morning Ms. Payton...you look beautiful "the receptionist lady greeted me with a smile immediately as I walked inside the building. I was stunned she greeted me with such a smile which I returned

"Morning, Carol?"I said heading towards the elevator. I was a little late because of traffic which happened unexpectedly

"Morning Miss"two employees who were above us as interns greeted me and I smiled at them and joined them in the elevator

"She's lucky okay...so beautiful" I heard murmurs from the people around but I didn't pay attention as I waited for the elevator to stop and when I did. I walked out as if I didn't hear anything about myself. It was uncomfortable how they talked about me in my presence even if it was whispering

"And here comes the lucky girl" Brea was the first one to say immediately after I got to our open offices and she hugged me. Three more came so did Priscilla who was smiling and looking around

"Good morning Vivie looking beautiful today," Priscilla said, giving me a hug. I wasn't sure what was happening but when she dragged me down the corridors until we stopped just before her office. I saw how Brea was glaring at me as if I didn't do something wrong

"What's going on?"I asked looking back at the people smiling at me and when Priscilla pushed the white door open, a scent of rosewood and lavender as well as that new office smell  hit my nostrils causing me to wonder why they dragged me here and not my usual desk

"Ta-da!!"Priscilla said, pushing the door even wider and showing me the vast place painted in white. I was hesitant to get in confused about what was happening

"Come on Vivie...this is your new workspace...sir made it, "Priscilla remarked cheerfully and pushed me inside the room without my consent

"Huh?"

"Welcome to your new office Vivienne congratulations," Priscilla said smiling at me, and picked up a bouquet of pink and red flowers and handed them to me. I was hesitant looking around the room and saw a lot of beautifully decorated flowers which I frowned upon. What on Earth did I do to deserve an office? Was Victor acting smart with me or was he trying to buy me?