Chapter Four

 

Luke

 

 

 

There’s so much to deal with and so little time to find the solution to fix them.

 

All my life, all I’ve ever known is to take over the company. To be a perfect son who will continue the long line legacy of Hemmington group forgetting that I’m merely a boy who wants to enjoy being a kid. To have a proper childhood instead of business deals for a birthday party.

 

At seven my father instils on my mind that I have a significant role to play. I'm not supposed to hang out with my friends but sit the long hours of seminars after seminars. My father will take me with him with his business dealings, being so clear to behave myself and to act properly.

 

I am never able to play outside but wistfully watch the other kids laugh as they play and wish that I can do the same.

 

My mother died, leaving me under a care of a nanny who ends up my father’s new wife. My mom has cast aside as if she never exists at all, leaving me to grieve on my own trying to hold onto her memory and her warm smiles.

 

I will never forget every night when I will hear her cry because of my bastard of a father. In the end, a beautiful rose that she is wider under the shadow of my dad. Her bright blue eyes turn into a filmy grey that stares out into nothingness until her body finally gives in.

 

The heroic image that my mother tries to build in my little head crash into a large man I hate the most. I grow up loathing him, doing everything he doesn’t like. I swear to myself that I will never be anything like him. But no matter how much I try I keep finding myself coming back to the same old road I want to get away from.

 

I never want to be the next chairman of this company, but I have no choice. I keep finding myself everything I despise.

 

The throbbing behind my eyes intensify as the soft knocking interrupts my bleak thoughts

 

A low growl rumbles deep in my throat.

 

A woman with blond head pops her head in without my consent. “Sir, shall I send in the papers?”

 

I grumble, “Send them in.”

 

 

*

 

Olivia

 

 

 

I make it a point to be on time the next day. I greet everyone I see with a bright smile on my face. However, the moment I come to work, I know right away that there’s something wrong. It’s the way every employee is up on their toes looking skittish.

 

Lorina looks worries herself which tells me that this is something serious.

 

Not noticing me approaching, I say her name softly as not to surprise her. She regards me with worried searching eyes, clasping my hands.

 

“I suggest you not to go in there yet dear. He’s in a foul mood.”

 

I am about to ask who when I hear his soaring voice and scurrying footsteps to his office.

 

His voice bellows like a thunder storm that he is right now. “Why is everyone giving me a wrong information!”

 

The poor girl cringe, picking up the papers on the floor and is quick to get out of sight. I see her sniffling, her eyes shining with tears. I immediately feel for her, seeing myself on her back when I am a college student. Only the difference is I have a backbone.

 

As if noticing the defiance in my eyes, Lorina says, “Do not intensify the fire, Olivia. He’s not fit to deal with anyone with his mood right now. His father got sent to the hospital early this morning.”

 

My rising irritation mellows down, suddenly wanting to reach for him and comfort him.

 

Coming from an experience, one will rather hold on to anger than to deal with the gnawing pain in your heart. When my parents died, I feel like the whole world stops, there’s nothing to hold on to but the sinking feeling of the unknown.

 

Still, that doesn’t give him the exception to be acting like a pompous ass. He can instruct his employee accurately than biting their heads off.

 

“Where in the devil is she!” he bellows.

 

Lorina looks at me with worry in those eyes. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to go in there, dear.”

 

Despite her reassurance or the thundering of my heart, I hold my ground. “No, I’ll be okay. Today’s my first day of work, that is if he’ll hire me still.”

 

I don’t want to think further that Kenneth and I make an early celebration when my spot in the company isn’t sure yet. Instead, I reassure Lorina that I’ll manage.

 

Taking a deep breath, I march towards the lion’s den. The air is so thick I can slice through it.

 

He’s glaring at the paperwork when he hears me enter. The very air seems to stop breathing.

 

He looks up, dark circles under his eyes. “Don’t you make a habit of running late, Ms. Mathew?” his says coldly.

 

I meet his stare, trying to assess what is wrong. He’s far different from the man I first meet. This man in front of me is acting beastly and stuck-up boss with a temper.

 

My voice calm but firm I let him know that I’ve been here on time.

 

“Then why didn’t you come in and start with your job? What do you think you’re hired for?” he regards me from head to toe, his eyes hooded.

 

My breath grows heavy, a fluttering butterfly inside my stomach.

 

Digging my nails into my palm, I stand my ground. “If you’re not throwing things out like a brat, I would have come in already.”

 

His brows meet in the middle, eyes a swirling grey storm. “What did you say?”

 

I do not miss a beat. “You heard me just fine, Mr. Hemmington— “

 

“Don’t call me that,” he snaps.

 

I carry on like I never heard him. “You’re acting like a royal brat about nothing.”

 

I know that I’m signing death contract, but he needs to hear exactly his wrong doings. I’m sure that no one dares to tell him just how sorry he’s acting despite his situation. Everyone goes through something, and his position doesn’t give him an exception to be acting like a pompous ass.

 

“Do you realize that can fire you this moment, Olivia?”

 

My body shivers at the mention of my name in his sinful lips.

 

Luke Hemmington may have a different hold on me; I will not let him push me around just because he has the power.

 

“There’s no reason for you to fire me when I haven’t even started. I will leave this company on my own accord, so there’s no reason for you to fire me.”

 

Oh, my goodness. What am I doing?

 

“Is that a challenge, Olivia?”

 

I just wish that he will stop mentioning my name, it’s making my legs buckle my thoughts in a muddle.

 

“Do you find this a challenge, Luke?” I counterpart.

 

For a moment, we have a stare down contest neither of us willing to back down.

 

“Not at all but until how long can you withhold before you’re on my bed, Olivia Mathew.”

 

That crumbles whatever ground I’m standing on, making my knees buckle. This isn’t where I expect to find us… I’m thrown out of my league.

 

If I don’t get out of there this instant, I don’t know what I will do.

 

Unable to accept defeat and at the same time left with no choice I bolt out of the door, shaking.

 

 

 

*

 

Luke

 

 

“Fuck!”

 

My fist meets the wall making me shake with this unwarranted violence coursing inside me. Violence is not the only thing that cages me into this beastly fit.

 

I have this strong desire to take her down and have her moaning my name and all compliant to me. But I don’t want her compliant at the same time. I want her fire, I want her spirit, and I want her sharp thoughts.

 

And what I see in those eyes are fear. Fear that chokes me that makes me revolt of myself.

 

It’s that same fear I see in my mother’s eyes whenever she looks at my father. It’s that fear in her eyes that haunts me up to this day. I never want to see that horror in Olivia’s eyes when she’s looking at me.

 

With shaking a hand, I run my hand through my hair tugging at it. The sharp pain is better than the suffocating dread that is threatening to swallow me.

 

My father is everything I despise; everything that I don’t want to be.

 

Flashback of the college boy last night to her apartment has me shaking with pent up anger.

 

The moment that I glimpse of her, I cannot believe my chances. Of all things, I never expect that she’ll be living next door. But all hope is ruin when that college boy shows up at her door.

 

He looks every bit the perfect guy Olivia seems to be looking for. The boy doesn’t have skeletons in his closets or a fuck up upbringing that messes with his life. And the fact that Olivia has glimmer in her eyes as she looks at him and he to her makes me all the more desperate.

 

No one ever has this much hold on me. I never let anyone have that much power over me. I’ve seen how much love can do to a person. It poisons them, and in the end, the love they think they have turns into disaster.

 

I have to get rid of her before this madness gets out of hand.

 

*

 

Olivia

 

 

 

Lorina asks me to stay, and I can’t turn down her requests. For all of her kindness, a simple wish won’t hurt me.

 

“You may take use of your office.” She leads towards a spacious room right next to Luke’s office.

 

I have enough privacy here and my working space to be at ease. It’s sad that I won’t be able to vacate it except today.

 

I turn to Lorina. “Are you sure? I can be in a cubicle and still be able to perform a job properly.”

 

“Oh dear. There’s no doubt in that, but since I’m asking a favor from you, I want you comfortable. So, is this alright with you?”

 

I can’t believe that she’s asking me this. The woman is kind to her soul. I wish everyone can be like her, thoughtful about others not just her own.

 

I’m excited to get starting today if not for the incidence that happens.

 

“Give me what needs to be done, and I will do my best, Lorina.”

 

She laughs, the corner of her eyes crinkling. “Alright. I’ll have you settled first then I’ll send the papers here afterward. Get yourself accustomed to your place first then you can start.”

 

She leaves with a promise to send the files that need sorting and encourage me to look around the facility.

 

The oak desk is neatly done with a comfortable leather swivelling chair and an advanced computer in front of me. There’s also a coffee machine which is a plus if I am going to work here. At the thought of a busy work with easy access coffee makes me skittish with excitement. It sucks that I won’t be experiencing any of those, so I have to stop dreaming.

 

It’s not so long when Lorina come back with the paper works. I’m so excited to get my hands-on work that I can’t wait until Lorina finally leave me on my own.

 

I find myself so focused on the job that I don’t notice the time. Lorina reassures me that there’s no need to finish everything today, but I can’t seem to stop. It’s until I look at the digital clock on the table which reads almost eleven p.m.

 

My body feels stiff from sitting all day that I stretch my arms and legs and yawn loudly. Von, one of the employees in our section works over time as well. We got introduce with each other earlier, but I’m too engrossed in my work that I never have the chance to eat lunch with them.

 

Von pokes his head in the door I pack up.

 

“I know that you want to impress the big boss, but this is just over top girly!” Von remark with his pitchy voice.

 

I gather my things and turn off the system, stalling for time. Everyone in our floor thinks that I already got the position as his secretary, showering me with congratulations and asking for celebration as a part of the team.

 

Lying doesn’t bode well with me.

 

Stacking the files together, I say, “I love being surrounded with paper works. I just don’t happen to have the luck to get the job.”

 

A moment of silence pass before he replies.

 

“I don’t remember telling you that you didn’t get the job, Olivia.”

 

My back goes ramrod, making me still on my spot.

 

Luke make himself known by entering inside. For some reason, I find the strength to look at him.

 

His polo dress is unbuttoned and his hair in disarray yet somehow, he makes it look so elegant still.

 

Behind him, Von mouth, “I’ll go ahead” not waiting for me or noticing the desperation in my eyes. The last thing I want is to be stuck with Luke.

 

Resuming with my packing, I try to ignore him as much as I can, but it’s pretty damn hard job when his presence lingers around me like a viper.

 

"I review the paper works. You did a good job."

 

I can't help the scoffing; nevertheless, I never miss a beat. "You change your mind because you realize that I might be valuable to your company." The sound of my voice is brittle. I don't bother trying to hide the bitterness in my clip tone. He makes it clear earlier that he's above than anyone else and that we're supposed to bow down to whatever he says.

 

I notice how his body stiffens, his face hardening to a stony mask. Those heated blue eyes are turning cold and distant. I feel him retract back emotionally just like I feel the warmth leave my body.

 

Still standing in the shadow, he places his hands on his pocket acting all business. "I got the message a little too late. The one who recruit you here is one of my agent. She informs me about your background back in college and your achievements."

 

The middle age woman flashback in my mind. She certainly looks like one of the employees here with her elegant taste of clothing and the way she holds herself screams regal. I never doubt that she's a scam trying to use me for whatever grand scheme they have.

 

I don't realize that I slip into my thoughts if not for his voice cutting through the haze that is my mind.

 

"You're right. I did realize that you're valuable for the company and as a businessperson, I can't let assets like you slip out of my hand. You're too important to be on anyone's hand but mine."

 

I try to ignore his last choice of words and instead focus on what he just says.

While I do have experience here and there, I don't think I'm as valuable as he makes it seems. I have a lot to prove to confidently say that I'm a big set0up of a company especially when I'm just starting. It takes more than the paper works I've done earlier or the achievements I manage to gather during college.

 

But before I can contemplate about it further, he says something that is hard for me to turn down so easily without a deep consideration first.

 

"I'll pay half a million for your agreement, Olivia."

 

I look up from what I've been trying to finish doing, pausing from stacking the files.

 

He meets my gaze, searing me with those blazing blue fires and warming my inside.

 

The very moment that I realize that he's my neighbor, I know deep inside that developing feeling for him is the worst idea I've ever think of. Not only is it complicated because he can be possibly my boss (in case there's a change of plan) but being involved with Luke Hemmington is a bad, bad idea!

 

And if that's not bad enough, getting an offer of five-hundred thousand for my agreement to work in a well-known company boggles my mind. Those who have the right mind won't wait for a second to have an answer and here I am contemplating and wondering why.

 

Studying his stoic face, I can't read anything with his blank mask, so I'm not sure if this is some sick joke he's playing with me.

 

I open my mouth to close them again, looking like a damn goldfish.

 

He's messing with me because this can't be happening for real!

 

"I will double it after your sign the paper. I'm sure that will cover your uncle's hospital bill and still leave you with a good fortune, don't you think?"

 

My mind goes blank.

 

How does he know about my uncle is in the emergency right now? I never tell anyone let alone him...

He taps his foot, a smug look on his face. "I do a thorough research, Olivia. I need to take every precaution there is given my position and status." He's looking intently at me while he says those things, watching my reaction. "I don't want you to come to think that I'm crossing your privacy. I just want to be clear on the matter."

 

Now that he explains it, it makes sense. People like him have to see all possible precautions they can to protect their privacy. But there's this nagging feeling that he knows more than he’s telling me.

 

"What if I don't want to work for you?"

 

Even before I ask the question, I, already know the answer.

 

A devilish light shine in his eyes, the corner of his lips turning up. "You won't do that.” And you know what's irritating? Is that he's right.

 

*

 

Luke Hemmington knows how to play his card right. As a businessman, he is aware of the techniques that suit his favor. His sharp mind puts him to advantage above all else. That's why Hemmington company is the top leading business today. He allegedly reports being closing deals after deals with carefully chosen partnerships.

 

From the news that I've seen him in every time that I will turn on the T.V., he's either shaking hands with new the investors or rubbing elbows in a charity event as if all the deals he's gathered isn't enough. There's also the little fact that I've noticed and didn't want to acknowledge. It's that he has a different woman on his arm each time he's seen live on T.V. As if he wears them as an accessory to be replaced whenever he fancies. Each one of them long legged models while there are also a few superstars risking enough of their image having to be with the reputable bachelor. And by 'reputable' they refer to his charm to women plus his very loaded pocket.

 

I've done quite a research on him when I get home that night. I don't want to be as clueless as I am when I first set foot in Hemmington corporation. Now that I know a little more about him that before, I am prepared to be cautious around him. He's got bad reputation where his past secretaries are a concern.

 

But there's no problem in that matter at the moment as he is away for the business trip. I haven't seen him after he closes the deal that night in not so traditional way. I start my first official day the next morning, and this time I get the time to get to know the people around the office. So far everything's running smoothly. I am warmly welcome although there's a few who suspects that I've done a hocus focus with Luke to get my position now.

 

I honestly don't know myself why he makes it seems like I played a big role in the success of the Hemmington group. On the other hand, I can't shake away the excitement in my bones to be working my butt off. Despite the circumstances how I got my job, I try to put it aside and focus on giving my best. So far for almost a week that I've been working overtime, I find myself more at ease each day. I'll wake in the morning looking forward to getting to work and to get starting with paper works.

 

One morning on my way to the office, I pass by the women's toilet. A group of three women is murmuring by the corner not noticing me enter. Their voices are obviously not quite enough for me not to understand what they're talking about.

 

Eavesdropping is not something I like to do, but for some reason these three have me doing exactly just that.

 

I enter a cubicle, pretending to use the toilet. There's no need to strain my ears because I hear them as clear as day.

 

I heard that she gives him a good job. A pitchy voice says, her voice rising an octave as she makes a melodramatic weave of lies. She pauses now and then for effect, making it all the more exaggerated.

 

Even I can give him a better job. Another voice chips in making the three of them cackle.

 

The three of them continues to speculate a web of lies until their awaiting jobs finally calls for their divided time. It takes me a couple of minutes to recover myself from what I've heard.

 

There's not a single truth to what they've said but what got me riles up is that the mess it will cost me when their almost believable lies spread out?

 

Throughout the day, I keep thinking if they finally spread the made0up rumour but thankfully no one seems to have heard anything. That or they're just acting like they heard nothing.

 

Lorina notices that I'm a little daze that day and asks me to go home and rest for the remaining hours.

I open my mouth to reassure her that I'll be fine when she informs me that I will attend an event tonight.

 

"Luke will need your assistance tonight, dear. He's on an important deal he works so hard for this whole week. The night will be crazy busy, and you'll be up on your toes this evening, so I suggest you catch a quick nap."

 

There's almost pity in those kindred eyes of hers but have left with no choice but to follow orders from him.

 

I don't want to put her into a more difficult situation, so I agree to go home and rest which doesn't happen at all.

 

I toss and turn in my bed, and before I know it, it's time to get going.

 

Frustrated, I run a warm shower which helps relax my tense muscle. For whatever crazy reason, I pick up my scented liquid shower bath which smells of rosemary and honey. I rarely use it and only when I feel like being fancy not that I ever use it for any special reason.

 

I want to be as presentable as I can tonight, I reason to myself although deep inside I know the reason behind is more than that.

 

I scrub my hair with my strawberry shampoo I love using so much and rinse all of the traces of soap in my body.

 

Wrapping a towel around my body, I walk barefoot in my room when I walk in on my phone buzzing about on my bed. I pick it up, studying the unfamiliar number.

 

I press the answer button of my blackberry and place it on my ear and mumble a polite greeting.

 

"I'm looking for Olivia Mathew, ma'am," replies the man on the other line.

 

"Olivia here, how may I help you?" I opt for a more professional response just in case this person is connected to paparazzi wanting to get details from me where Luke is the concern.

 

"I'm outside your door, ma'am. I have a delivery package from tonight's gala."

 

Suddenly, Luke's face flashes in my head, but I quickly shake it off.

I slip on a robe within a second, wrapping it tightly as I dash for the door. I take the time to peek through the port hole finding a guy holding a big white box.

 

With my heart pounding in my throat, I clasp the knob and turn it open leaving a small gap. Just enough space to poke my head out and greet him.

 

He looks up, giving me a sunny, almost boyish.

 

"Miss Olivia Mathew?"

 

I nod. "Right. That's me."