Chapter 28: Chapter 28

PURSUE

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NARRATOR’S POV

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The chase of who would take over the Fernandez group of companies continued. Sophie had not won a single contract no matter how hard she tried. She had done all the necessary research and put in her best to no avail.

This caused her sleepless nights and she had bags under her eyes. Her parents became worried and encouraged her to relinquish to David who seemed to be faring well, unknown to them he too had had so many rejections but kept lying to appear in charge and winning.

“We value you more than any inheritance or position.” Sophie's mum May said to her daughter

“Falling sick or losing your personality over being heir is not worth it, trust me.” her father chided. “And quitting does not make you weak, it signifies strength instead.” he continued, he wanted Sophie to become heir, the business needed a capable hand with a kind heart to run it. The workers needed someone firm but not a tyrant like David, but he wouldn't trade his daughters' well-being and mental health for it.

“Thank you, dad, mum. I will try one last time and if I fail, I will do as you  say.”

Caleb had heard the whole conversation and felt pity for his wife, he knew how stubborn she was and was not sure if she would listen to his suggestions. However, he loved her parents and wanted their daughter to become heir rather than David so he walked up to her determined to make her listen to what he had to say.

“Can I suggest something to you,” he said to her. Expecting to be shut down

“Okay.” Sophie turned to face him  “go ahead”

He instantly noticed the circle under her eyes and fatigue, Caleb felt his heart swerve towards her. She wasn't as mean as she tried to make herself look like and he had noticed how she treated him better and more humane each passing day.

“Have you thought of submitting your portfolio in Delacroix fabrics and textile, I got information that they want to outsource purchasing and restocking of materials to another company. Since this is your area of expertise, I think you should apply.”

Sophie stared at him as if he had grown horns suddenly. “You are joking right,”

“Why should I be, it doesn't hurt to try.” Caleb insisted

“I don't know,” Sophie said truthfully. “They are a very big company, and David might already be working with them.” she yawned as she spoke before rubbing her eyes with her index fingers

“No, he is not, he got rejected by them.”

Sophie's head shot up towards him, and a smile covered her face. The almighty David was rejected, interesting.

“How do you know this?” Sophie asked, suspiciously.

“ Let's just say I have my way.”

She eyed him for some seconds and dismissed the feeling of conspiracy springing into her heart. Caleb must have heard something from their driver she admitted to herself.

“So, what do you think?”

“I don't know, how would they accept my proposal when they rejected that of my well-connected uncle.”

“You won't know until you try.” Caleb made to leave and stopped at the door. . “You can't give up without even trying. Making an attempt and failing is better than concluding on one's fate based on assumptions.”

Caleb left her to ponder on what he had just said,

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THURSDAY MORNING(2 WEEKS LATER)

“Would you go with me to the office,'' Sophie said to Caleb when she came out of their bathroom. She didn't plan on asking him but she was beginning to develop cold feet and needed a companion.

“Your office?” Caleb asked surprised

She walked over to the dressing table and started applying moisturizer to her skin. “To the Delacroix building in New York, I submitted a portfolio last week and I was called for an interview today.” she didn't look at him as she spoke, afraid he would see the uncertainties in her eyes.

“Congrats,'' Caleb replied, watching her. Willing her to look at him, to make eye contact. He wanted to reassure her, to tell her everything would be just fine.

“I haven't gotten the contract yet, so no need to congratulate me yet.'' Sophie tried to rebuff him, she hated that he was so supportive even though she had not been the perfect spouse to him.

“You are a good businesswoman and I believe once you show them what you got then other things will fall into place,” Caleb replied, he watched her intently as she carefully moisturized her skin. He couldn't help but notice how even her skin tone was almost blemish-free, her hands worked their way all over her body as she applied her cream, he suddenly had a deep desire to touch her and have her hands caress his body.

Shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts, he excused himself from the room and went to the terrace. The last thing he needed was for his body to betray him. After his experience with Zoey, he would rather have one-night stands.

Sophie, who had been lost in her train of thoughts, fidgeted and was a bundle of nerves as they headed to the Delacroix building for her interview. Though nervous she still looked breathtaking and regal in her black suit gown and blue pumps. She wore nude makeup which highlighted her cheekbones and made her look younger.

Caleb on the other hand wore his favorite sneakers, a shirt, and ripped jeans. Sophie had demanded that he should change into a suit but he wouldn't bulge and when she got tired of asking, she gave in.

The ride in the elevator was made in total silence, Sophie worried and prayed she would get the contract, the briefcase she was holding contained all the important details of how she planned to source the textiles, quality control, and staffing. She had also put in her budget, it was not her first time vying for a contract but they were mostly small businesses. From the corner of her eyes she watched her husband press his phone, he didn't appear bothered or worried, he was without a care in the world. She immediately envied him, wishing that she didn't have to become this business-driven, wannabe tycoon, contesting to become heir of a multi-dollar business.

Caleb, on the other hand, pretended to be so engrossed on his phone but within him, he was quite nervous, any mistake on his part or that of his employees could blow away his cover and destroy all his plans. He was also fully aware of the stares coming from Sophie, he saw the look he gave her if only she knew he was not the nobody she used to know. If only she was aware of the power he could pull and make all her dreams come true. However, he also knew that she would not want things to be easy for her, she worked so hard and wanted to earn the rewards of her labor. He would surely ensure she gets what she deserves.

But something else also weighed on Caleb's mind. He was beginning to notice too many things about her, from her accentuated curves; luminous eyes, and full lips. She looked so beautiful and alluring standing next to him in the elevator, he gripped his phone tightly to prevent himself from touching her.

The elevator door opened suddenly when they reached the executive floor of where their meeting was scheduled to take place. Caleb heaved a sigh of relief unaware that he had been holding his breath.

“Afraid too.” Sophie smiled towards him.

“Yes”, he answered

“Me too.”

Caleb grinned as they made their way to the office, if only she knew his fear had nothing to do with the interview at hand.