章 25: Might Fire Him..
Michael
I wanted to be mad at Antonio for bringing Melanie into my office without prior notice, but at the same time I knew how manipulative Melanie could be. Since Antonio had no idea who she was, it wouldn't be difficult for her to convince him to help her get past the receptionist whom I had warned to keep Melanie away. She had probably ignored her since she was walking beside Antonio and had allowed her pass without any questions.
"I—I couldn't leave just like that, we still had things to discuss." She replied after five seconds of intense thinking.
"And I told you that I have work to do, didn't I? You don't discuss personal matters at the office!" I yelled at her, my anger slowly rising above the surface. "I understand that you're desperate, but this is too far. You're doing too much, and you're beginning to exhaust my patience and tolerance Melanie."
She took a step back in fear, her eyes slowly tearing up as she struggled to keep her head up. Antonio on the other hand seemed completely stunned by the events unfolding before him. If I had to guess, I would say that Melanie had lied to him about being in a relationship with me. Since Antonio was the type that judged books by their covers, he had believed her instantly because she appeared rich. And chances were that Melanie had shown him evidence too.
This wasn't the first time she was pulling this kind of trick just so she could get to me, and I could tell it definitely wasn't the last. One time she had started a whole rumor that we were a couple, and had even gone as far as going on an interview with a local newspaper to support the claims. Luckily, I had acted fast, and the articles and interview clips were swiftly taken down before too much damage could be done.
That would have been the end of our relationship, but my mother wouldn't let that happen. Both of them had orchestrated the event, and as always she had stood up for Melanie and defended her like it was a life and death situation.
I rose from my seat, but just as I was about to reach for Melanie, the door swung open and Sylvie walked in carrying a box of doughnuts and two cups of cappuccino just like I'd told her to.
"Am I interrupting anything?" She asked in her office voice before taking a quick second to scan the room and identify the duo before me. "Melanie...?" She called out in mild surprise before walking forward to drop the goods she was carrying on my desk.
Antonio's eyes followed her every moment like a hawk would its prey. He had a keen interest in Sylvie, and while it was obvious to most, he was the only person who denied it. He fought himself inward thinking there's no way he'd ever fall for someone like Sylvia Mulberry, and it was completely understandable. His kind were used to dating the popular girls, developing feelings for a nobody might be a new experience for him.
"No you're not interrupting anything miss Mulberry, Melanie was just about to take her leave." I replied with a warm smile, one that Sylvie reluctantly returned. She was nervous, and it was all thanks to the presence of these two individuals. Her ex, and the woman who was after her current lover. The tension between the three was palpable, but my office was no place for solving romantic affairs.
"I...I'll take my leave then." Melanie said in a shallow tone before turning towards the door with a sad smile. She nodded to show appreciation to Antonio before finally making use of the exit.
"I have no idea you sent her away, she said she was your wi—"
"It's okay Antonio, there's no need for an explanation." I interjected the man who had immediately began explaining himself the same moment Melanie left. "You may take your leave."
Antonio lowered his head a little, casted Sylvie one final glare before finally taking his leave.
The dense atmosphere suddenly lightened the moment he took his leave, and Sylvie breathed a sigh of relief before turning towards me with a genuine smile. "What an unusual duo." She commented before settling down on one of the seats.
I shrugged, "weird things happen from time to time. Random coincidence perhaps?"
"I don't know... Maybe they know each other from somewhere?" Sylvie replied.
I took a minute to reason her answer. Chances of them being acquainted to each other before today was not exactly zero. Antonio was a model, and Melanie was a big show off. There was a possibility that they might have met on one of Antonio's countless travels, but at the same time it didn't seem likely. Melanie didn't seem to care for Antonio one bit, and if they'd been familiar before now I definitely would have noticed some unusual reaction from them. However, not once did they exchange awkward glances or react in the same manner.
I dismissed the thought, it didn't matter to me in any way. What Melanie and Antonio chose to do with their lives was no business of mine, and it would be preferable if they even developed some sort of relationship. I needed Melanie out of my life as soon as possible, and the only to do that was to make her forget we were betrothed, and make her love another man. As long as she believed that we were soulmates, it was literally impossible to get her off my tail.
I took a moment to stare at Sylvie and turned away before she could catch me staring. Even though she was now with me, her body still reacted to Antonio's presence. And even though I promised myself to take it slow and give her time to adjust to everything, seeing her fold and submit under the eyes of her ex lover made me a little infuriated and disappointed.
It clearly meant that he could coerce her into doing something without even needing to do too much. If she was still this submissive towards him, then our relationship might not really last too long.
"Is something bothering you? Your coffee is getting cold." She said before handing me the now warm liquid.
"Thank you." I breathed before flashing her an appreciative smile. I loved Sylvie, but with Antonio around things didn't look good for me. If push comes to shove, I might be forced to make a decision that might cost me, I might fire Antonio.
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