Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Maya's POV

I knew that this was going to happen, but I was still hurt. Mark's father conducted my interview and eventhough he seemed naughty in the beginning, he turned nice when he admitted what he was asking me to do was a test. He seemed so different when we reached his mansion. He turned into a complete beast. I couldn't believe he slapped Mark in front of me. My poor heart ached for him so much. He was going through all this because of me and I felt so sad.

He didn't seem like the kind of person who will talk back to his Dad but he did that because of me. I felt like a bad influence on him all of a sudden. I wanted to tell him to go back to Tilda but my poor heart could not let him go. I can't stand losing him. It's as if he is carrying my heart with with. I let out all my tears as I burried my head in his chest. Why does life have to be so cruel. Mark has fought so much for me. In the beginning, he despised me just to hide what he feels. He tried his best to get over his feelings for me but he couldn't.

Now that he finally admits it and wants us to move on, life is starring at us with a million daggers. There seems to be no way out of this. I don't want him to lose his family because of me or for any reason. Family is a treasure. I Know that because it hasn't been easy growing up without one. God, what should I do? Mark was quiet and allowed me to cry my heart out as he stroked my hair from time to time then he gently pulled away but kept looking straight into my eyes.

"Maya, I will never give up on us. I need you to be strong. Please don't cry. I will make you happy, I promise", he said truthfully.

I know. But what do we do now? I asked, trying to control my tears seeing how it broke his heart."

"We are supposed to have a party tommorrow and there, our break up will be officially announced. I want you to be there and also look your best because I am going to announce to the world about us"...he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Is it a family party...I asked like a scared little cat.

Yes and that's why I want you to come. Just get ready. I will pick you up." He said thoughtfully.

But, I thought your father...

"Shhhhhh...he whispered putting his forefinger on my lips. Don't worry about anything. Just trust me. You can let Tracy come with you. I will pick you both." He said comforting me.

When we got back to the office, I couldn't concentrate on work anymore. I kept thinking about how I was going to get married to a man whose parents hate me. I felt warm tears run down my cheeks at the thought. I called Tracy and told her about the party but Tom had already told her so she was already planning to attend. Those two are becoming pretty close ha. But this wasn't the time to intrude and ask them to define their friendship. There is just too much going on at the moment.

Mark had to leave the office a few minutes after dropping me because he received a call from Tilda when she finally regained conciousness. I just felt in my spirit again that something bad was about to happen. Why would she call to speak with him after they have broken up? The thought of it gave me headaches but more of jealousy. I have to stay positive, I whispered to myself as I called Jason my driver to take me home.

"Mr. Snowman has told me not to drop you today. He said he was going to do that himself was his reply"

I know, but there is a change in plans I said, trying to be more convincing. I know Mark has a lot to take care of and might not be able to come back and he might also not remember to call and change the arrangment of droping me home by himself.

"Okay", he said hesitantly. "I am ready when you are" he added in a respective tone.

When I got home, there was a parcel waiting for me. I didn't have to open it to know it's from Mark and I was right. In there was a very beautiful puple dress with a note. "Please wear this tommorrow". Love, Mark. He must be in the same habit with Tom. They really know how to shop for a girl.

"Another parcel for you girl" was Tracy's voice from the door

Parcel? I asked astonished.

"Yes" She replied gigling like an idiot.

"The delivery boy was about to knock when I got there so I took it for you," she said handing me the parcel.

Who gave this to you, I shouted with fear after opening the box.

"A delivery guy. I thought I told you," She said we a tease.

"stop him", I shouted.

He already left Maya..what's the problem she said looking me, and then at parcel.

You look pa....Oh My God, this isn't good.

In the box was a black ugly dress with a note. "stay away from Mark or your friend will wear this dress to your funeral".

"Who sent that"? she asked amidst fear and concern.

My suspicion only landed on one person. But I had to be sure as I did not want to be arrested for character defamation. Tracy called Tom who got here in less than twenty minutes.

Maya, don't worry I will take care of this, he said immediately he saw me as he huged me to his chest.

"I think I know who it is but I have to speak to Mark first. Until then, I will get you girls two bodyguards each. Please do not go anywhere without them"..he warned. The body guards arrived earlier than expected. Tom gave them instructions before he left.

I realized Mark hadn't called me since he left and it was very unlikely of him. So I decided to call him to thank him for the dress. After calling him the sixth time without him answering, I sent him a message thanking him before being drowned in sleep.

Tracy was already up preparing breakfast before my alarm started beeping. I checked my phone and still no call from Mark. There was a missed call from Tom so I called him right away.

"Maya, I haven't been able to speak to Mark yet. I wasn't able to see him."

I called too but he didn't answer his phone.

"Why is he avoiding your calls?"...he asked worriedly.

I have no idea, I replied sadly. Are you sure he is okay? I asked him.

"Yes he is okay. I spoke to him on the phone and told him I wanted to meet him but he said he was busy and can't speak with me at the moment."

Can you take me to his house please? I asked hopefully.

"I can but aren't not supposed to be at work?"

I almost forgot when he asked that but how can I concentrate on work when Mark is avoiding me like this?

"Just go to work and we will surely see him at the party. He better have a good explanation for all these"..Mark ended annoyingly.

I was so eager to see Mark when I got to the office. I went straight to his office but it was locked.

He isn't at work Maya. He called to inform me that he will not make it today.

I could not hide my dissappointment at her words. Mark called her but didn't bother to return any of my calls since yesterday. I walked slowly to my office when my phone rang. I answered it without checking the caller ID, thinking it was Mark.

"Don't you think it's rude to ignore your calls and not return them?" that was Jude's angry voice. My life has been a full load these few weeks. I saw several of his calls and completely forgot to return them. He has every reason to by angry.

Jude, I am soo sorry.

"You should be." Are you alright? He asked with concern. No matter how angry he is, he still cared for me alot.

I don't know...

"What's going on Maya"?

It's a long story Jude.

Okay, I will meet up with you tonight.

Not tonight. Maybe tommorrow.

"Why"? He asked confused.

I have a party to attend tonight

"That doesn't sound like someone who has a problem but whose party is it if I may ask?'

It's hosted by the Snowmans and since I work with them, Mark invited me...I said thoughtfully. I didn't want to spill out everything on the phone.

"Great. I will be there too so we can talk before the party begins if we arrive early."

That reminds me Jude, remember you told me the CEO was your friend. Is it Mark or his Dad?

"Mark but why do you ask?"

So you knew him all this while? I asked realizing how foolish I have been. I could have got more information from him concerning Mark.

"Ofcourse but why all these questions?

Never mind. We'll talk tonight.

"sure"...He hang up.

After Jude hang up, I thought about how I was going to explain everything to him and I didn't know how he will take it. His little girl falling in love and being rejected by her secret boyfriend's family. I knew I will have to tell Sir Max as well. But if Jude is happy for me, I know Sir Max will be happy too. I was more and more scared as time went by. Then one of the bodyguards Tom hired brought me a white envelope.

"Ma'am, you have a letter". He said with a deep voice.

From who? I asked with fear. I don't remember the last time I ever received a letter. Parcels, Yes. But a typical letter? No way.

"A lady in a black dress said I should give this to you and drove of".

Can you describe her? I asked, hoping to catch a clue.

"She was sitting so I couldn't see her height but she had a jet black curly hair and had pieced her nose."

The description doesn't fit anyone I know so I just dismissed him as I sank into my chair opening the letter. It was the same handwriting from the first one but I was suprised by what it said.

Missed me you scared little kiddie cat? I see your hired bodyguards but no needfor that now. Mark has already taken the decision for you. You don't need to be scared anymore. XOXO.

I called Tom immediately and told him everything. He was just as confused as I was. But my suspicion was growing stronger and stronger.

"I suspect Tilda", he said, confirming my thoughts.

Do you think she can do something like this?

"Well, you never know a woman until she is heartbroken. Losing someone can cause a person to do a whole lot but I will talk to her, he said in a hurry. I will call you back." He hang up.

When he called back, he sounded defeated.

"It's not her Maya". He said helplessly.

So who is it?

"I don't know, I feel helpless but I will not stop". He said confidently

But wait, how did you know it's not her.

"I spoke to her and she denied it but I knew she was telling the truth".

I will call Mark again. If he doesn't pick up, I am not going to the party, I said annoyingly.

"You have to. It's the only place you can meet him and talk to him." He sounded like he was hiding something.

Have you spoken to him today?

"Yes" he replied sharply.

So he is fine and has deliberately refused to pick my calls?

"Am afraid you will have to find that out yourself. I will pick you ladies at 8". He ended the call.

After hanging up the phone, I realized something wasn't right. Tom knew something but he didn't want to tell me. I should find out myself? I will. I am coming for you Mark, you better be ready.