Chapter 39
“Are you sure of your decision?”
I’m sure of my decision now. The partnership with the company.
“Yes” I said seriously as I finalized everything.
“Okay wife, I have already emailed him. He will be here in any minute”
“Alright. Thank you Vios”
“No problem” he said and exited.
I suddenly remembered what Amanda said. Now it makes sense. The first time we met in the plaza while I was pregnant with Hivo.
I still remember the day she came to me. The day she introduced himself and the day we became friends.
It’s not a coincidence at all. She went to deliberately to me cause she have been stalking Steven at that time. She befriended me to manipulate the situation.
Is that why I couldn’t find Steven in Canada right then? That’s why it took me six years to find him because of the clues that Lia fed me that Steven lurking in Canada where in fact, he’s just here in the country where we live.
It’s possible that Lia planned everything. To lead us astray and hope. Because even then, she already knew who Hivo’s real father was. She knew who Steven was.
I wanted to know everything from her but Amanda left in a hurry earlier.
I still remember the last thing she said before she left.
“Steven only loved you, Ria. From then until now. That’s why I owe him a lot because he stood as a father to my daughter even though he’s not the biological father.”
The last words he uttered before leaving. I am not surprised that Steven is not the father because he has denied it several times and I believe him.
Lia was the reason why Amanda did that. She was the one who ordered poor Amanda to mess with Steven.
If I think about everything that Lia has done, my anger towards her grows stronger. I didn’t quite think that in the few years of our friendship wasn’t true.
“Ma’am, Mr. Alvante is here,” I looked at my secretary when she suddenly entered the office.
I nodded and followed her to the conference room.
When I arrived at the door, Vios greeted me.
“He’s inside, waiting for you,”
Vios held my waist as we went inside together.
I don’t know why Viosdado is always so extra touchy when Steven is around. I feel that he’s trying to make Steven jealous.
When we entered, Steven was sitting and looking at us. I stopped leaning back and we looked at each other. His eyes dropped to Vios’ hand that was on my waist and I saw how he looked away.
His aura darkened and I know he’s not happy at all. Is he angry?
“Good day Mr. Alvante,” I greeted him as I held out my hand with a poker face on my face. As far as I can, I need to maintain my posture that is serious and calm.
He looked at my hand, and Vios then glared at us.
“Did you come here for partnership or to be arrogant and rude?” I asked impatiently. I don’t like the way he looks like I committed a big sin because God knows I’m not doing anything wrong.
“I’m here for the partnership and it’s supposed to be you and me.”
“Yes. That’s why I’m here. So what’s your problem?”
“Why is he here?” he pointed at Vios, angrily.
I looked at Vios and his face was serious even though I know that he’s secretly laughing at the situation we’re in. In the 3 years I’ve been with Vios, I’ve gotten to know him.
“Am I not welcome here, man? It’s like I’m not your friend,” Viosdado turned around to hug Steven.
But Steven patted the hand of Vios who was about to hug him. Obviously not happy with Vios presence.
“Stop it. I’m not your friend” he said and simply took me out of the conference room. I couldn’t speak as we continued walking.
“Wait a minute. Where are you taking me?”
“What’s your problem?”
“What? What’s wrong with me? You! What’s wrong with you and you’re just pulling me out of the blue?”
——————–
STEVEN POV
I couldn’t believe the anger I could see in Ria’s eyes. I knew what I did earlier in the conference room was not good but my head was really hot in the presence of Viosdado.
I waited a long time for this day so I won’t let anyone else disturb us.
“Where’s your office?” I was not moved by her raging gaze. She should know by now that I am not happy about what happened either.
“And why should I tell you?”
She’s really mad! Her face is red. And damn! I fvcking miss her so much! That even though she is very angry now, I am still fascinated by her ethereal beauty.
I took her hand and went to the place where her secretary was standing. I think that’s her office.
“What the hell Steven, let me go”
I did not listen to her and continued to pull her in.
“Is that her office?” I asked her secretary.
“Yes sir”
I immediately opened it and both of us entered. There! Just the two of us. No pest; no Viosdado.
“You’re so rude! Don’t you have any manners?”
“Babe, if I had no manners, I would have kissed you right in front of your employees. And don’t try my patience because I’ve been waiting to kiss you for a while now”
She kept quiet and immediately looked away. Her cheeks were slightly red very different from her tiger-like appearance earlier. She just needs to be threatened for her to keep quiet. I won’t mind if she will wear out my patience if I can kiss her. I won’t hold back this time. It’s time to get them back. To get my family back.
—————————-
RIA POV
“Now, it’s time to talk” I said. I glared at him before turning to the chair. I don’t know but he seems to be enjoying what he is doing now.
“Yeah! Let’s talk about us”
“What?”
“You heard me babe”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
I didn’t immediately react to the babe he uttered. I was caught off guard. Why does he call me babe?
“Don’t call me that”
“What? The babe?” he asked innocently. Can he hear himself?
“Yes. And Steven, don’t flirt with me,”
“I’m not flirting with you, am I? Besides, what’s wrong? That’s what I call you since then.” I glared at him. I’m not happy with what he’s doing now.
“Stop calling me babe. We’re not what we used to be,”
The smile disappeared from his lips. Pain drew in its eyes. Did I overboard?
“I know that’s why I’ll take you back from Viosdado” he said.
His face was serious. He’s not kidding.
“If you’re here to piss me off, you’d better leave,” I said.
“No! I’ll listen now. Let’s proceed with business babe”
I just ignored him and started the meeting that should have started earlier.
It didn’t take long. And this man doesn’t seem serious about this partnership.
He’s currently signing now and I’m just looking at him. I suddenly thought of what Amanda said.
What help does Steven need? From what I see now, he seems okay. Shall I ask? What will I say?
How are you? I heard you have a problem? The casual one.
What’s wrong Steven? Is something bothering you? But the delivery is ugly.
What should it be?
“Why?”
I was surprised by his sudden question.
“What, why?”
“Why are you looking at me?”
“Me? Looking at you? You’re joking,”
“It’s okay babe that you look at me again and again. It’s better that you and our son come back to me,” he said in a low voice.
“What? What did you say?” I pretended that I didn’t hear his last words.
“No. I said you’re beautiful”
“Steven, stop flirting with me.”
I looked away because of his strange gaze.
“How is our son?” he asked. There is sadness and longing in his eyes.
“He’s fine” I answered.
“Can I see him?”
“I know I wasn’t a good father to him but I miss our son, Ria. I only spent a little time with him.”
If I hadn’t talked to Amanda, maybe I would have said no. I will not agree. But after that talk, everything became a little clearer to me. Even though I haven’t completed the puzzle yet, I already have an idea what was going on between us.
It’s clear to me that Lashnia is manipulating our lives.
“Yes. He wants to see you too,”
I can see the joy in his eyes. What really happened Steven and you did all that? I want to know everything. Everything!