Chapter 28: Chapter 28

I wanted to hold her and kiss those tears away and tell her everything but the moment I tried to touch her hand, she quickly pulled it away.

This isn't going the way I planned. I never thought she was this tough. Even though she still loves me, she will rather let go and bear the pain than to follow her heart and destroy another woman's home. I know that's how she feels. I thought we could start afresh and take things one at a time but it doesn't seem so. She is so tough and stands her ground, no matter the consequence. Don't get me wrong, I respect her for taking this stand and that's why I will not give up because she is worth fighting for. So I decided to explain everything to her, hoping it will make her forgive and maybe, also give me a chance.

'To be honest with you, my phone mysteriously disappeared after I dropped you off at work that day. I even planned to call to check whether you liked the dress I picked but I couldn't find my phone to my dismay. You may think I didn't try harder to reach you but there was just so much to do for my Dad.

After I left the house angry with you. Tilda called to speak with me. I wanted to call to let you meet me to explain my plans but Dad asked me to prepare some reports to send to our stakeholders which took more time than anticipated so I was working in his office at home. I even fell asleep in his office and the next day was the engagement day.

I surprisingly found my phone in my closet just when I was about to call you, I realized all my messages, call log and intimate chats with you had been deleted. Before I could investigate, they were introducing us, so I had to come to the party.

Honestly, I never sent you an ugly black dress. I only remember sending a beautiful purple dress which I picked up for you myself and I never sent any threat or warning note. I concluded, hoping I made sense with my explanation.

"If you didn't send it, then who did? Could it be Tilda?" She asked suspiciously, wiping her tears. I wish I could wipe those tears for her but I know she won't let me.

Trust me, Tilda will do no such thing. She doesn't even, I stopped immediately as I didn't want to reveal Tilda's secret. I coughed slightly, trying to buy time to find the words to replace what I almost spilled out.

I mean, she doesn't even know your house. I managed to cover up.

"If it's not her, then who is it?" She asked with confusion.

I don't know but I will find out, I promise.

"No need", She objected.

Why? I asked with confusion.

"Because it's no longer important. You are married so that settles it." She said calmly as she tried to stand up.

Maya, I placed my hand on hers which she quickly pulled away. I ignored and continued.

There is something you have to know about me. I knew I sounded scary but I had to let her know I wasn't giving up on her. After all who will give up on such a girl. She is beautiful, smart, and intelligent. Above all, she is bold, courageous, and confident. I will not lose her for anything in the world.

"And what is that?" She asked.

The thing about me is, I don't give up. It's my principle. Just know that since you don't want me as a friend, I will never stop fighting for that special place in your heart.

And one more thing. I will do anything and I mean, anything in my power to keep you away from Mark.

I knew I was being a jerk but I had to let her know my intentions before it happens. I know that she is beautiful and can easily attract men to herself but she doesn't go anywhere. Her life is centered around home and work. Every other outing is official and I am almost always there so my only threat is Tom.

"You wouldn't dare Mark, it's over between us." She said with tearful eyes. It made me want to give her what she wants but that will also mean losing her to that bastard. One day, I will make it up to her and correct all the wrongs but right now, I have to be a jerk to get what I want. So I replied with all seriousness and anger.

Then watch me. With the best serious and scary to,ne I could.

Maya's POV

I believed everything Mark said. I remember how tired he was when he dropped me in the office on that day but we don't have a future together. I wanted to be strong. I didn't want him to know how hurt I was but I ended up crying like a baby. I don't want to continue like this. I want to move on but Mark makes things difficult. He won't get off my tail. I wonder how Tilda will feel with all the time he spends harassing me. Well, she might not even know.

How did my life reach this point? My usual carefree and solitary life has just changed in a blink. Even when I have made it clear that I want nothing to do with him, he still threatens me.

But I am not afraid of his threats. There is nothing between Tom and me and I am happy he is getting along with Tracy so I don't even have to try to bring them together. It's already done.

I got home from that beautiful and horrible dinner more confused than I was before.

Few weeks with no unusual things unfolding. I was preoccupied with my company and barely had enough sleep. My company wasn't big to start with.  We got our license to operate so I hired an office manager, two sales and marketing executives, and one Accountant. I got a lot of clients with Tom's help so everything was working well.

One day Mark barged into my office without permission. I was in a very important meeting with Tom when he came. He got instantly angry when he saw Tom. But I was even angry that Lucky, my office manager who doubles as the receptionist allowed him in without informing me.

His jaws clenched with anger and his hands were tucked into a fist. Tom was angry too but I ignored them and yelled.

Lucky! I yelled.

Yes Ma'am, she answered at the first call.

What happened? I asked in a serious tone when she reached the entrance, but the look on her face was innocent as if she didn't know what I was talking about.

"I don't understand Maam", she stammered.

I mean why did you allow him to barge into my office?

"Do you mean Mr. Snowman?"

Who else? I asked. I didn't mean to be rude but she was seriously getting on my nerves. We have protocols in this organization but she ignored everything.

"Ehhhh...he is the President of SnowShaw Incorporated so I….

I didn't hear the rest of whatever she was saying as I began to feel the l heat all over considering the name she just mentioned. SnowShaw. Of course, it means Mark Snowman and Tilda Shaw. They finally merged their companies and he was made president which means he runs an empire.

I dismissed her and sat back in my chair. I don't know why I still felt jealous even though I knew it was going to happen.

" Are you okay?" Tom asked with concern.

Yes, I am fine. What are you doing here? I asked looking at Mark.