Marie.
~
The day was hectic.
Ayshe reminded me early that we have a busy one, so at least I was mentally prepared.
We chose our favourites of all the products and about to go out to the warehouse to check on the first samples.
The management lined up the employees for a quick meet and greet.
I took one tiny moment to enjoy my superiority over these ladies, giving me the stink eye and moved on to the QA office.
" Marie, can you believe this face maks design is actually mine? How wild is that? "
Henny was over the moon seeing her suggestion make it through.. it was more or less a copy of the masks GOD used during events, but its not like they are going to sue us.
Ayshe was off in Neverland .. last night probably ended, and this morning started very well.
She didn't share details, but we were busy, and I got my mind on something for a few days.
My husband was turning 19 years old soon.
I needed a killer idea to blow Oliver out of the water. But admittedly, he had a huge advantage. Having known him forever, having a fortune to back his ideas and having a crew and entire city district at his back and call..
But I had faith.
" Marie, what are you doing? "
I sat up straight after slumping down the chair like a slime. " Apologise.. so we all happy? "
Mrs Jivel left us alone for the first time since I started, and I wanted to get this out of the way.
In a strange way, I wanted to impress her.
Both Henny and Lilly were on board.. but my sister was texting like she was a relative of a boss of something..
True or not, it's just not professional.
" Ayshe King Kong Konore! "
My friends lashed out laughing hearing her old nickname. As King Kong turned around, a little angry.
" You wanna start this? With me!? " She stepped up menacingly.
For some reason, the name never made more sense.
" Alright.. " I took a step back. " But at working hours, you must be here and present! "
She stopped looking at me like prey and put her phone away.
" Right.. yes, they all look fine. " She gave her opinion.
Didn't sound enthusiastic.
" Ayshe, did something happen last night? " I asked.
I just assumed it went well, but they do have a bad track record. Luckily, it wasn't the case.
" No .. the date was wonderful. We had breakfast, and he drove me to work. Perfect. "
Her happiness was genuine..yet there was something. Decided not to push.
We all have our right to privacy.
With the samples approved and production green lit, another meeting was looming on the horizon.
Corporate life was at least predictable, unlike my married one.
——
Oliver.
~
* Call me if you hear anything about D. I love you.. *
* I will. Love you. *
I smiled, sending a text back, and put my phone away.
Last night I found .. Peace .. Harmony.. Tranquility.
I could go on and on, but the point is. Ayshe now knew everything.
Instead of judgement, she was nothing but understanding, and she did her best to see it from my perspective.
Her view of certain people might have been altered forever, but that was a small price to pay for finding a partner.
Partner.
Ayshe immediately started digging into even deeper since I opened up, told her everything.. even stuff I never even said out loud.
What relief I felt when, after all, I said she gently took my hands and kissed me instead of feeling revulsion and hate what I expected.
We spent the night discussing Anna and Desiree sudden appearance.
How to deal with the next encounter. She insisted on being there. I felt it was a bad idea, but when I bought it up, she ended up furious.
Which I secretly liked.
I was out with Leyla inside Simid Corp. Our leader took a few days off, so he missed all this fun.
" .. and these are the financial projections for the quarter, and the reports on the accident that happened on our worksite. Our insurance policy will expire at the end of the year, and someone needs to look into this missing money, we caught it late .. same amount monthly ..
" Those are all mine. Go on .. " I injected.
As the rube we used as CEO poured coffee, his secretary turned back to the whiteboard.
I brought those payments up on my tablet.
And to think Desiree dares to say I owe them both. Her .. maybe. On an emotional level.
But Anna?
With the money received from both me and Asin's parents, she and her dog of a family could live like kings for generations to come.
Simid has been useful indeed.
" .. the purchases of these chemistry labs were approved Monday afternoon. And that's all. "
Leyla had to nudge me from behind. After that, android finished the report.
" Yea.. yes. Excellent, excellent work.. as always. We wish you good work, Goodman? "
The tiny 30 something year old office was hit the jackpot a year ago when his cousin, our very own CCTV team Park Hui, came and endorsed him .. looked up.
" Good work. " I nodded.
As always, we left a happy guy behind. Leaving the building, another text came from Ayshe.
* Can't concentrate, going home. Bring me soup later. *
She was overwhelmed. Oh my beautiful one.. soup it is.
Inside the car heading home, Leyla talked about our personal interests.
" .. Sir, I got confirmation for the Boss's birthday party. Are you sure about the purchase? " She asked.
" Absolutely.. we failed to buy an island before. Let's give it another go. "
I planned something spectacular for his 19th. Spent as much as some small country GDP, but the privacy I bought was priceless.
Leyla, being the only one who knew most of, if not all my plans looked plenty happy hearing the news.
" The meeting is set for Sunday. Hotel Dumas in the town of Kimir, 41.2 clicks from the city. 8 pm. All will attend. " She read her tablet.
" Meaning the race might not be far away either. Good.. it's been getting quiet. " I nodded to myself.
" As far as the police and its measures, apparently the council have some ways to circumvent their presence, they will share in person.. must be pretty good. " She looked at me.
" As long as it's something we can work around with ease, I don't care. Anything else for the day? "
" Oh .. yes. I almost forgot a package arrived at the office, but I sent it to the boss's house since you are always there ..
" Wait .. wait.. a package to the warehouse? For me? Are you sure? "
" Umm .. yes. Is there something wrong? "
She said her eyes clouded with confusion.
" N-no .. Leyla, I will have to drop you off, I won't be available for the rest of the day. "
After I left her near her home, I called Ayshe.
" Ayshe listen! .. I need your help. "
I stepped on the gas before this fiasco will cost me everything.
——
Ayshe.
~
Last night was .. life changing.
The story told by Oliver was full of resentment, heartbreak, and betrayal from the most unexpected of places.
I immediately understood after listening that no matter what.. Asin can never find out about this.
Marie, me, Oliver, his family, mine .. everyone I know and love would suffer for it.
So after Oliver called me to intercept a package that was rerouted to the mansion and possibly sent by that devil of a bitch.. I was ready to do whatever it took.
I was waiting by the gate for the courier to arrive. Thankfully my presence didn't drawn attention since only Asin was home according to the maids.
He said Desiree.. what a stupid name .. actually knew about the warehouse since they visited once.
Oliver's theory that she sent some clue about their next meeting but for the off-chance it was something dangerous I had to take it.
I looked up towards the west balcony that was empty for now but that could change if Asin decided to sunbathe.. unlikely but can happen.
If and when, he will see me and start asking all sorts of questions that could lead to a disaster.
Finally after 30 minutes of ogling the gate it opened and a guy on a motorcycle dropped off a package at the security.
I shoot up from my bench and ran to intercept it.
" Pardon .. excuse me. That package, I'll take that. "
The man nodded and handed it over.
On the outside there was Oliver's name and the actual address of the warehouse they used at the abandoned property.
It was a small package so I quickly hid it inside my purse and headed for the safety of my room.
I only let out my nervous breathe once the door close behind me and the lock turned.
" Fueh.. what a rush. " I told the empty room.
I couldn't help but feel pumped and my smile spread. After a minute or so my racing heart and mind calmed a little.
I put down the small box and called Oliver.
" .. What now? Are you close? "
" 10 minutes till the house. Wait for me. "
As I put my phone away and stepped a little further away my imagination was running wild.
Is it some blackmail material? Or .. copy a some sort of discriminating evidence she gathered? What if ..
I find myself inching ever closer to the box and before I understood what's happening..I opened it and inside..
A bunch of old pictures made by those cameras that printed them out after its made.
Polaroid pictures of them ..
Happy snapshots of Oliver and Desiree over the years. Out on dates, goofy ones by the pool outside, they even had a few with his mother in it as well.
Watching the guy I love hugged by another didn't feel good but I understood these all are useless feelings and pushed on.
More pictures.. some movie stubs from 4 years ago, and underneath was two more larger better developed ones.
One was Asin with a beautiful red haired girl on his side.
" So this is Marie's rival huh? " I thought out loud.
Asin looked so young.
The sharp exterior he possessed, the charisma, and confidence were all missing and in its place a happy mostly normal kid standing hugged his girlfriend with true love in the eyes.
Anna Lambert was a beauty. No point lying about it. God was unfair giving those big eyes to that hair. She looked like any other young girl in love.
Even in this picture she couldn't take her eyes off her boyfriend, if was hard to belive she is a monster who sold me him for monthly payments.
It made my stomach twist in disgust knowing the hell it pushed my brother in law into.
I took the other one underneath and it was a similar picture to theirs.
Oliver and that girl standing in their middle school ceremony. In the background I could spot familiar faces. Like Oliver's mother, and even Asin's parents.
I bet they were all there for him that day.
Both young and perfectly innocent. Their eyes were shining with a lot of promise for their shared future.
( KNOCK,KNOCK,KNOCK..)
My heart jumped out of my chest hearing that Oliver arrived. Oh no .. I opened it!!
I quickly put everything back in the box and opened the door. " I'm sorry. "
His confusion didn't last long, he walked inside and to the bed. Instead of words he just took a single look and harshly put everything back.
" Wait .. wait. " I stopped his hand. " Calm down and take breath. "
He even closed his eyes and we breathed together until even I calmed myself.
" Now .. I doubt she sent this just for torturing and I didn't have time to flipping properly thorough it.." I took the box from his reluctant hand. " Sit down and let's quickly check. "
His eyes were filled with understanding and his expression softened.
" It's just .. I'm glad you with me. "
It gave me an enormous amount of relief hearing him say that especially since those pictures reminded me just how much history they have.
I tiptoed and took whats mine now. Kissing his lips and before we knew it .. we were on the bed already getting lost in our passion.
Desiree Morrell.. you'll learn.
He was forever mine now.
~
" .. she sort of looks like that cartoon character..Dora. "
" Pfft .. Hahaha.. "
Oliver enjoyed my comparison as we went through the pictures still high on the endorphins such activities created.
" This was actually a problem. The cartoon was popular and middle school kid are mean." He smiled.
" Was she bullied a lot? "
" A little.. Anna was always a little more assertive and protected her as she could. She was part of the theatre production in school, we got friendly and she helped us get together with Desi. "
It was hard to imagine him in a school stage play.
The pictures were all just that .. pictures.
On the back of the one of him and that girl was a message.
* In case you burned all of us. We willing to share.. Kimski. Tomorrow at 9 am. *
" Kimski? " I asked.
I was unfamiliar with the name.
" It's a .. house of in the mountain regions of Kimski. We spent a week there at Christmas years ago. Haven't been there since. " he got up getting dressed.
" We need to slip away in the morning. " I thought out loud.
" Your boss is your sister Ayshe dear. Should be a breeze. " he looked back. " Get dressed Asin won't be long now. "
" What do you mean? " I jumped up and put my clothes back on. " He didn't leave his room all day apparently. What is he doing in there? "
" He isn't in his room anymore. " he shook his head. " .. in the hospital, set appointments. Nothing bad .. just doing check ups. "
" If nothing bad why doesn't he just tell.. Marie doesn't know I'm sure. "
Oliver walked over the bed and grabbed my waist.
" I'm the only one of two who knows. No one else.. not even his parents or grandfather knows. They would just want to be involved and blew it out of proportion. "
" And you told me? " I asked feeling a little blissful.
" You are my love .. my partner. No secrets between us, none ..agreed? "
I give him a small kiss and nodded with determination. " No secrets. Agreed. "
——
Asin.
~
" .. you should really drink this. "
I smiled at the pretty nurse and took the orange juice offered. " It's only a little bit of blood I'm okay. "
" Still .. get your strength back. Your results are normal. Dr. Botchtol is happy but keep taking your medication. "
" Is he still afraid of me? " I asked.
" .. Well not every patient punches him.. or walk away without an apology. " She smiled.
" He first .. "
She winked and walked out swaying her hips.
Seductive creatures! .. I'm married!
My monthly visits were mostly the same. 3 hours or so with the ride out of the city and away from my family's influence.
Outside.
" How did it go young Sir? "
" Ovuz we talked about this. These always go the same way. " I tapped his shoulder and got in.
" Nothing to fear. "
He gave a content nod, closed the door and we were on the road soon.
" Young Sir .. the boys called from the mansion .. Lady Ayshe is home without the others. Sickness ..
" Lazy .. " I snorted.
" .. Mr Aster arrived not long after her ..
" My bad .. they were horny. " I corrected myself.
Ovuz was familiar with me so he left appropriate pauses in case I had commentary.
" .. He is waiting for you inside the house. Young Sir .. you shouldn't drink that stuff. Hospital foods are the worse. Let us stop somewhere nice. Get you charged up with vitamins. "
He turned the car around.
" Ovuz .. yeah okay. " I sighed putting the cup down.
I was about to tell him it's fine. The statement was true, but this place is a private hospital so it should be better quality but I let it go.
It was also the reason why the good Doctor didn't call the police on me after slapping him a little.
Alas Ovuz had a mind of his own, hard to argue.. and tiresome, so we were off getting quality orange juice.
~
I went and surprised my wife at work. Asked for Mrs Jivel in secret for a status report.
" .. she is capable Mr. Martell. New to the environment but we already have companies who wants to partner and we haven't even opened yet..
" Yes okay.. thank you. Tell me if she needs anything, contact my security chief here. " I tapped a shy Ovuz next to me. " He is capable, single and always know how to reach me. "
" Young Sir ..
" Anyway.. Ovuz you be a dear and take Mrs Jivel for a thank you from me, for a coffee or something won't you? You free for the day. "
" I.. I.. if she isn't against it. " he asked nervously.
I did my best to be stoic seeing Mrs Jivel, who was divorced not long ago .. turning red hearing my polite guardian's deep voice.
" I .. I suppose. Thank you. " she turned a little red.
Waited until they were out the door shaking my head. " Go for it big brother Ovuz. "
Found my wife surrounded by a bunch of people watching the the first set of pictures of the models wearing the products.
" .. I don't like our eyeshadow.. maybe it's the model? Let's make sure to attend the next round of photoshoot ..
Others noticed me but not her so I slipped inside unnoticed and signaled the giggling women to leave.
" .. Also these backgrounds. We shouldn't use green screen that ofte..hey.. hello! Where is everyone going!? " She stood up.
Marie started to walk after them until I picked her up from behind.
" W-wh.. Asin! "
" Look at you .. so immersed I could've done whatever I wanted. " I let her down and turned around.
" You no ninja. " I concluded.
Her kiss tasted like coffee and .. peaches?
" Is this lipbalm? " I pulled away.
" You like it? It our own product .. the girls wanted cherry but who liked them anywaoommhh..
I shut her rant up and the fact the walls were made of glass didn't even come to our mind for a few minutes. Until ..
" S-stop already.. we are being watched. "
She pushed me away and jumped off the table she ended up on.
I turned around and the crowd immediately walked in every direction. Shameless people.. and yes I understood the irony.
Marie walked around the table and sat in her executive chair, fixing her hair and clothes.
" Anyway.. why you come? Did something happened? " She asked worrying already.
" Nothing happened. Heard Ayshe took a sex day so I came in to check on you. " I sat down in front of her.
" Yeah she felt bad .. wait .. you meant SICK day right? " she caught on.
Shook my head slowly.
" .. Oliver stopped by the house. Been there since 12 am. They're waiting for us. "
She leaned back and let out an irritated growl.
" She can't put a lid on it.. from last night to straight ditching work for it. I tell our father. "
" And what? .. have her join a nunnery or forced to marry Oliver? " I asked.
She didn't appreciate reality. I also saw some unwarranted guilt on her face when she looked at me.
" Are you not mad? .. me being this way ..
" Oyy enough already! "
I got up and walked around her chair.
" So what if you need to take some time? We been over this. You being older than her doesn't mean you're more mature. "
As soon as I said it I know it was the wrong words..right meaning.. but used the wrong words!
" What did you mean by that? "
Here we go ..
~
" .. what's that on your arm? " asked Marie.
I looked and saw the cotton piece still tapped to my arm. Damn it .. the whole orange juice fiasco took my mind off of it.
" Yeah .. I cut it.. forget about. " I ripped it off and jammed it into my packet.
Seeing her narrowed eyes I rolled mine.
" Come on.. I don't know what happened. Random things happen to me too! "
" Uh huh .. "
Even the ride home was filled with mini games. I guess married life is a painful joy.
" What is.. Hilyfe OJ company? " She lifted my empty cup.
" They sell certain items in exchange for usable currency. " I said it with a straight face.
" There is a heart drawn on it .. did you pay for something else other than delicious drinks? " She shook the empty cup at my face. " Asin I swear to you .. I will rip off your d ..
As she ranted about how I lose my manhood .. how I die if I ever cheat on her or even look at fun on others I cursed Ovuz and his flirty antics with the juice girl.