Encounter

Aleia could still feel the tension and she knew deep within that something is bothering him. He kept on giving her secret glances while driving. He would even smile from time to time.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

Matthew sighed heavily and cleared his throat. “I don’t know if I should tell you. But I guess I am right now.” She smiled and waited for him to continue talking.” Your dad and your sister are waiting for me in the office right now.” He paused and bit his lip.

“Don’t worry I won’t bite them,” she said as a joke to comfort him.

“I know. You’re a good girl. But would that be okay with you?”

She nodded and reached for his hand. ” Why not? I am with you,” she smiled.

“Obviously. You are so smitten with me!” he teased her back and laughter echoed inside the car.

Zach parked the car in the parking area, got out, and opened the door for her when they reached the KTI tower. She heard about it many times but it would be her first time entering a building as magnificent as her husband’s.

It looked great and mighty like its owner. Just one look and it will leave an impression on you. It speaks of power and wealth. She clung to his arms when they walked inside. She could not help but stare at every corner with awe.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Amazing,” she said smiling.

“Ale, your father’s empire is more amazing than KTI,” he said as he nodded and smiled at his staff who greeted them in the hallway.

She could not help but admire them. They looked so cool in their corporate attire. They were so welcoming and warm.

Aleia’s thoughts were interrupted when they reached Zach’s office. His secretary welcomed them. She even gave her a handshake.

“Good morning, Sir. Ma’am, welcome to KTI,” she said gladly. She just gave her a slight nod as she felt awkward.

“Where are they?” Matthew asked as if she was so eager to meet them.

“They are in the receiving, area, Sir,” his secretary answered and walked ahead of them so they followed.

Though, she has nothing to fear she could still feel her heartbeat racing. This would be the first time that she gets to see her so-called sister after she married Zach. Her sister’s only great love happened to be her only love, too.

It was Zach who opened the door of the receiving room. Then she saw her dad and sister inside. Nathalie’s brows furrowed when she saw her. Maybe wondering what was she doing her. Well, it was her husband’s second home and so was her.

“Matt, Ryne, I’m so glad to meet you. How are you, now?” her dad asked and came closer. He even gave her a light kiss on the cheek. Just like the old times. That was before Nathalie came out of the view. Nathalie’s eyes sparkled with jealousy. They kept on sharing the same interest.

“I’m good, dad,” she said casually.

“That’s nice to hear. Anyway, I’m here for a business matter. I need to discuss this with you, Matt,” her dad said as his gaze shifted to Matthew.

Aleia understood that maybe they need some private time. She has nothing to do with the business for now. So she held Zach’s hand.

“I’ll wait outside,” she said.

“Okay. It won’t take long. Just wait for me at Yana’s desk and tell her if you need something. “he said.

Aleia could not contain all the happiness. He was so thoughtful and it melts her heart even more. She came closer and whispered to him.

“You are all I need,” she murmured and pat his back and gestured to his dad that she would leave the room.

Yana was not at her desk when Aleia got out. She was looking at some paintings and plaques that were displayed. Some of these were awards from different sectors for the outstanding performance of KTI.

“So doing the wife thing? You do not belong here.”

Aleia froze for a while. She recognized that voice right away. When she turned to face her, she was right. It was Nathalie. She looked so stunning in her corporate look.

“Were you talking to me?” she said.

Nathalie smirked.” Who else, then? Pathetic! What are you doing here, Aleia? You know nothing about business. Don’t tell me you are interested in it now,” Nathalie said sarcastically.

Aleia sat at the table.” Kind of. I think I need to learn about it to help my husband. What do you think?” she said to tease her.

She could feel the victory when Nathalie’s eyes become dark with jealousy. Her sister is not yet over with him.

“You won’t last for long. He does not love you.”

“And he does not love you also, Nathalie. So it’s a tie,” she said smiling.” Please give up your fantasies. He is now married to me.”

Nathalie smirked again.” Not yet. Why don’t you give him up for me and I’ll tell dad to give all my share to you.”

Aleia was not able to control her laugh. But she stopped when she noticed how serious she was. Did her sister make a bargain? Give up Matt in exchange for wealth? She felt sorry for her to reach that point.

“Are you that desperate? What made you think that I will do it? I’m not good in business but I know when to refuse a deal,” she said.

“So let’s see what I can do, then. I’ll make sure that you will get nothing and no one on your side. You stole, Matthew from me. I supposed to be his wife if only you did not seduce him.”

Aleia clenched her fist for so many emotions that were awakened inside of her. Emotions that she was trying to win over and hide deep inside. Life was not good for her so she tried to be strong all this time.

“Why don’t we finish this outside?” She could feel her blood boiling at the same time as Natahalie’s anger. It may lead them to a fight and she did not want to create chaos in her husband’s territory.

“Are you afraid of people knowing who you are?”

“Please, this is not our place. Stop it. Don’t end up like your mom.” Aleia whispered as she came closer to her. But what happened next shocked her. Nathalie slapped her hard and she almost went blank after.

“Nathalie!” Her dad screamed and run to her. It was a good thing that they are in a secured room so nobody can hear the ruckus inside.

“Ale, what happened? Why did you slap her, Nathalie?” Matthew asked angrily as he was hugging her.

Her dad was also hugging Nathalie from behind to control her from attacking her.

“Don’t you ever say something bad about my mom or else-” Nathalie

“Or else what? You will slap me to my death? Scary! I did not say something bad, right? But I guess you know what I mean based on your childish reaction. Why don’t you confirm it, with dad? Excuse me,” Aleia said firmly and walked out from all of them. Tears were flowing like a river.

She even heard her dad say sorry for what happened before she left. She went to the washroom right away and continued weeping silently in one of the cubicles. When she felt it was a bit lighter, she got out of the cubicle and was shocked to see her husband leaning in the doorway.

It was for the girls. Why was he here? He opened his arms as if waiting for her to hug him. She hugged him tightly and there she felt the comfort, that nobody could give her except her mom and granny before. She was home now.

“I’m sorry if I was a bit late. I failed my duty as a husband to protect my wife.” He even pats her back lightly. “I don’t know if this is a good thing. But your dad came to tell me that Nathalie wants to work as the Gryme’s rep.”

Aleia was still stunned to hear it. So that’s why Nathalie said to see what she can do. As far as she is concerned, her dad fulfilled her wish again even if he knows that it is not good.