Chapter 31: Chapter 31

It's exactly one year since Mark Snowman presented me with the law sue. We went for the first hearing six months ago and I was nowhere close to getting out of this problem. We have the second hearing tomorrow and Sir Max has promised to come for the next hearing if things don't improve.

Despite this big problem, my company continues to expand but unfortunately, we can't have certain partnerships because of the law sue. I have bumped into Mark a few times but he doesn't speak with me anymore. He ignores me like a total stranger. I feel hurt by his actions.

Even in court, I never hear his voice. His lawyer does all the talking. I am dying inside. Please don't get me wrong. I know that I always told him to stay away after the betrayal saga. I even rejected his friendship when he offered it. So why do I feel this way? Isn't this what I wanted?

Now, I am not just tensed but also sad because I miss Mark. It doesn't mean I will call him or anything. He is way out of my league. He is married so I should move on but I can't think of being with anyone else.

It's a week to our next court hearing. Sir. Max will arrive in three days. He wants to lodge in a hotel but Tracy and I have prepared the guest room for him over here in our condo.

We decide to relax by going shopping and then to the movies. Tracy will pick me up by 2 pm. Wait a minute, did I say 2 pm? I didn't know that time has elapsed this much. I have only five minutes to get ready but before I clear my desk, the door crashes against the wall.

"Maya, let's go". Tracy says and begins to help me clear my desk. " You are such a workaholic." She teases.

Look at the pot calling the kettle black. I am no different from you. I say putting the last document in a tray. And please don't break my door next time.

"Stop exaggerating. The door isn't close to breaking and besides, you trained me to be a workaholic like you". She says, arranging the pen. "I used to have a fun life after work before I met you. Now, I can't seem to think of anything but business, new ideas, and new concepts." She smiles.

That's a super great influence. I laugh.

"Maya, I want to ask you something personal," Tracy says as we walk to her car.

Anything for you, I said.

"Do you still love Mark? The question takes me by surprise. Even though she said personal, I wasn't expecting anything to do with Mark so I was taken off guard. I want to deny it but I know that Tracy sees through me. She is the last person I can be dishonest with.

Honestly, I do. I still love him. I know that you might think am stupid but I haven't gotten over him yet and I can't seem to do so.

" I see." That is all she said.

I see? Is that all you can say? I ask with a slight annoyance.

"What about Tom? I know he still loves you." She asks with sadness visible in her eyes.

"Tom is in love you someone else. " I say pretentiously.

"Who?" She asks starting the car.

You. I say, looking ahead but she instantly steps on the break. Don't tell me you don't know, I said.

"Maya, she says, turning off the ignition and looking straight at me with her eyes boring into mine. I love Tom so much but all he ever talks about is you." I can feel the helplessness in her voice. Poor Tracy only if she knows how Tom feels about her.

You got it all wrong, Tracy. He says he was crazily in love with you. He wouldn't have kissed you if he didn't. I said. She blushed as soon as the words came out of my mouth.

"I love him but I want him to be happy. You make him happy. Even when we shared that kiss, he was absentminded. Please give him a chance. " she says, startling me.

Don't be silly Tracy, what can he do to show you how much he loves you? I ask her. I know that Tom is only holding on to his proposal to her because of our fake relationship. I think I should call it off since Mark has stopped bothering me but I will discuss with Tom first, I thought to myself.

I don't know. I have been hurt so much and I don't want to be with a man who will continuously keep thinking of somebody else. I don't want to sound desperate but I don't want to be left at the altar again, she says.

I am sorry you went through that, Tracy. But you should know by now that Tom will never do anything like that to you.

"Can you do me a favor?" She asks. I didn't know if I should say yes, considering her insecurities.

I will do anything for you. I respond assuringly.

"I want you to tell Tom that you want to marry him for real. I want to know if he will accept it or confess his love for me." She asks with hope.

I am happy to announce to you that he will not accept it. Now listen. Remember the time Mark got married and he came back begging me to forgive him? Tom came to my rescue and to turn Mark off, I told him Tom and I was getting engaged.

To cut a long story short, Tom warned me that he is in love with you so after getting through whatever revenge I want to have on Mark, I should help him win your heart.

"He said that to you?

I won't lie to you about something like this. I say convincingly.

"Awww, Maya, I love you so much. I thought he didn't want to propose to me because he was still waiting for you." She says pulling me into a tight hug.

No. I said out of breathing. I can't breathe, I hiss.

"Oh sorry". She says breaking the hug.

He made his intentions clear from the onset. I am happy that he moved on. If not, we wouldn't be best friends.

"But what about you?" She says starting the ignition again. Mark is married. Won't you move on?"

I was never afraid of singlehood and I never will. Besides, those kids at the orphanage take most of my time and also make me happy. I said, trying to erase the thought.

I hope so, Maya. I want you to be happy if it means you having Tom. She said.

I love Tom but it's more of a best friend kind of love. I don't feel my heart flutter the way it does when I'm with Mark. I confessed.

Soon we arrive at the mall. We buy stuff from clothes to shoes, groceries and all. We just kept buying. It's a while since we shopped. Well, a long time. As we reached the shoe session, I felt someone hold my waist. This can't be Tracy. The hand is too strong.

I try pulling off the hand and turn around. Alex, I screamed. I was alarmed to see him again. Remember Alex? Jude's junior brother. The one who used to make illicit advances at me when I was living with Jude's family. He was one of the reasons why I never wanted to live there.

Take your hands off of me Alex. I said, wiggling my way out but his hands are firm on my waist and I am unable to free myself.

"Come on, you've not changed, beautiful. Look at how you've grown. You look gorgeous." He grinned as if he has just served his thanksgiving turkey.

Thanks but take your hands off. I yell, pulling him by the finger to weaken his hands but he tightens his grip instead and pulls me closer to him.

"Take your hands off the lady". Tracy yells, coming to my rescue.

"Hey, I knew her before you. Didn't she tell you she had a crush on me?" He says. His words made me feel disgusted. I can never have a crush on a pig like him.

I gather all the strength left in me and move my right hand in all its strength and slap him hard. The sound draws attention from other shoppers but he just laughs as if being hit by a baby.

Let go of me, Alex, I yelled again but he pulls me closer and his mouth is just an inch from mine. People are just looking on, snapping pictures, and taking videos. What a world.

"I'll call security," Tracy says and hurries off.

I can't wait till security gets here. Think to myself. I have to do something. His grip becomes tighter so I gather my last strength and this time, using my foot, I step on his feet so hard with my heel but it doesn't move him. He laughs hysterically. Maybe he is drunk but he doesn't smell of alcohol. What do I do now?

"Leave her alone." A deep voice thunders, cutting through every corner of the mall,  making everyone pause.