He opened the door carefully
"Where's Ruby?" He asked Straight
"Ruby? I've not seen her at work today so I was about going to her office. Is she not around'' Janet asked but Richard instead angrily scattered his hair and punched the wall with his fist.
"Sir, is there a problem?" Janet inquired once again
"That dumb Valerie came to my office and did something bad to her" he replied.
"What" Janet replied in shock
"I wasn't in the office, that's why it happened that way. She must be very angry with me at the moment, I just want to see her and plead on my knees" Richard said remorsefully.
"Where could she have gone? "Janet wondered aloud while Richard stormed out of her office
"Why must such an unpleasant thing occur now?" Janet wondered, dialling Ruby's number but she wasn't responding.
Richard didn't bother to make use of the elevator, because he was searching for Ruby. He searched the entire floor but she was nowhere to be found so he got down and looked outside the company completely but it was futile
He stood frustrated and wondered what to do next then suddenly he hurried into the office and carried the bag he threw down earlier. It was actually a brand new phone he bought for Ruby so he kept it on the table and sighed heavily untill he sighted some strands of hair on the floor
"Her hair" he thought
"So Valerie actually removed part of it" and with that he banged his hand on the table and left his office again to her's
He got to her table and saw her phone with her hand bag
"Where could she be, home? No she definitely won't go home like that" he thought as Janet appeared
"No wonder she's not picking" Janet said, staring at the phone on her desk.
"Do you perhaps have an idea of where she could be?" He asked
"No, at all Sir because something of this nature has never happened before" she replied and he sighed.
Meanwhile, Ruby actually collected the jacket of another female staff to cover her torn shirt before boarding a bus.
She wept inside the bus and stayed in it everywhere it went, not bothering to come down
"It's painful" she kept thinking
"I'm not even in a relationship with him yet and all of these is happening so what if I agree to date him and Valerie called me cheap, Am I really cheap?" Ruby thought again, cleaning the tears that was coming out of her nose as she cried.
She was in the bus till late night until the driver jolted her back
"This one na last junction aunty" the bus driver said when he got to the last bus station then she struggled to come out of the bus and began trekking grudgingly, not having a destination in mind
She got to a church and sat, staring at the sculpture of Jesus and holy Mary then she remembered when her parents were still alive, they will come to the church together even when her mum was passing through a difficult phase, she would come to the church and cry and the Lord will console her.
"I miss them, I miss you mum I miss you dad" she thought and started crying again
" I don't merit any hardship again, I don't deserve any stress again, I've endured enough why me again" she wept bitterly.
She wept for almost an hour at the church before heading home and the walk back home took almost an hour. When she arrived home, she saw someone standing in front of the house and without doubt it was Richard. He looked at her and called
"Ruby"
She ran in before he could say another word. She banged the door and stayed behind it but he kept calling and pleading.
"Ruby, please I'm sorry i'm ready to plead on my knees Just permit me to see your face" he pleaded and tears came out of her eyes again.
"I assure you that this won't happen again, I really promise Ruby just open this door" he pleaded but Ruby kept mute still
" Ruby, I love you a lot so please don't do this to me" he said
Ruby was aware already so she wasn't surprised when he said it she was just not finding it easy to open the door and hug him instantly
"I love you very much Ruby, just tell me anything and I'll do it as long as it's for you please don't turn a deaf ear to my plea" he continued begging.
" Go home Richard, I really don't want to see you" she said even though it hurts her to say that.
Richard kept quiet after what she said to him so decided to leave. When Ruby was sure that he has left, she decide to go in as well but she sighted Janet by the door.
"I just got back home now from where I went in search of you. Ruby, what's wrong with you?" Janet asked
" What do you mean?"
" Why did you chase him away? Don't you want to see him? For crying out loud what happened was not his fault and yet he was apologetic so what else do you want?"
" You won't understand" Ruby answered and lay on the bed, covering her head entirely with the duvet.
"This is really not the best Ruby" Janet sighed
When Richard went back home, he felt really sick because the migraine started again. It's happening more frequently recently, but maybe because of what transpired today it became worse.
"Boss, we've prepared dinner already" his maids said
*I'm fine" he replied weakly, slowly climbing upstairs then it occurred to them that the migraine has started again
That's what he's always good at, trying to conceal his pains even when it's obvious. When he got to his room, he went straight to the bathroom and poured water on his head hoping it will subside but it only aggravated the migraine.
He left the bathroom and came back to the bedroom, wiping the water from his hair with difficulty before falling on the bed with a very high temperature.
Albert came to Richards' house with the intention of apologizing again then he saw pacing about worried in the living room
"Where's my brother?" he asked
"He's in his room but he doesn't look well sir"
"That God damn migraine again. Why does he always decline going to the hospital" Albert mumured as he climbed upstairs..
He entered his room and saw him on the bed terribly shivering and sweating at the same time
"You're just as stubborn as this migraine" Albert said but Richard found it difficult to even open his mouth to utter a word. Albert went to the bathroom and got a towel and water in a bowl and began massaging the damp towel gently on all parts of his face to reduce his high temperature.
When he finally placed it on his forehead he carried the water to dispose only to came back and Richard was already fast asleep
"Big bro" Albert said with a smile as he sat beside him and saw his bare legs showing under the duvet then he covered him properly with it and sighed
"I wonder when this migraine will leave you, but I pray you don't detest me for a very long period because of what I did" he thought.
The next morning, Richard woke up feeling better as he stretched himself and remembered last night
"Albert" he called before he rose up from the bed and went downstairs to the living room
"Is Albert still here?" He asked
"No sir, he left early this morning" The maids replied and he sighed
" Breakfast is served sir" one of the maids said to him
" I'm not famished so I'm not interested" he replied sharply before going back to his room.
He had his bath and prepared for work within some minutes and left the house, hoping to see her at least at work but when he arrived, he met her absence. Sadness filled his heart as he sat on her chair.
"I miss you Ruby" He said, placing his head on her table then a reminder beeped on his phone and when he checked, He had nine appointments.
"Not today" he said and cancelled eight out of it leaving the remaining one which was a meeting with the board members.
He went to his office and sat, thinking about Ruby, her lips, the curves on her hips, the smile, the way she speaks gently and all those thoughts accumulated which made him fall helplessly in love with her and now he's missing her greatly.
He smiled sadly and rested his head on his table before taking out his phone to call her number again but she wasn't responding so he decided to send her a text message.
*I miss you Ruby" he forwarded it to her then he kept his phone and proceeded to the meeting room. He met Albert by the door as he was about entering with Janet behind him. They paused and stared at each other for a moment
"How are you feeling now?" Albert asked
"It's none of your business" Richard replied tactlessly before entering and Albert followed suit. The board members were already settled then Richard and Albert sat beside each other
"Welcome Mr Richard Peak and Mr Albert Peak" the members greeted and they both responded with a bow
"So the reason for this appointment is to notify you of a successful news before notifying the public"
" What is that?" Richard asked
" The potentials of this company increased a lot since last week and it has drawn the attention of other large companies who are interested in being partners with Peak Empire. As it is, this company has received official recognition. Even in China, the biggest company over there is interested in partnership regarding the Virony contract"
"You mean the Virony contract? Albert asked
"Yes, the Virony contract now belongs to this empire and the biggest empire in China" The co-ordinator announced.
" This is really unbelievable!" Albert said
"And the most important news is that this empire is now among the top five in China" the co-ordinator said
" My God! " Albert exclaimed happily but all the while, Richard was lost
" Mr Richard" They called unanimously
"Mr Richard" the co-ordinator called but was still absent minded until Albert touched him
"Bro" Albert called and then Richard responded
"Yes? so what's this gathering all about?" Richard asked obliviously while the the board members exchanged glances at each other
"Could it be that there is a problem between him and Ruby?" Albert wondered.
In the evening, Ruby smiled widely when she saw the news on concerning Peak empire
"My God, this is so outstanding" she exclaimed happily
Richard has called her several btimes today but she kept ignoring it. She saw the message too and hissed but didn't respond
"I can't face him yet, I don't even know what to say to him" she thought and immediately Janet entered the house with lots of packages
"Come on let's celebrate Ruby, our company went higher so our salaries will be increased soon!" Janet shouted, dumping the things she brought on the bed
Ruby happily took a box of pizza and was about opening it when she remembered Richard again so she kept it
"I'm not in the mood"
"Not today, we are definitely going to celebrate this" Janet said, changing her outfit. Immediately she was done, she grabbed Ruby's hands bringing her down from the bed and eventually out of the house
"Where are we headed?" Ruby asked
"To celebrate" Janet answered and winked
They arrived at an eatery not far from the house and ordered something to eat and drink even though Ruby ate and drank just little.
"You're so dull thereby, making everything so boring" Janet said
"I'm sorry but i can't help it" Ruby replied..
"Oveecome your fears, that's the best way, if you keep running away like this, you'll get addicted to always running away and believe me, the result is always not palatable. You've always been bold so why act like a weakling? I know you love your boss as well so to hell with Valerie and go for him" Janet encouraged
" I really wish I'm as courageous as that" she replied and Janet stood up
"It seems like my words were in vain. Let's just go back home because you are making me feel sleepy" Janet said so Ruby stood up and they left the restaurant. When they arrived home, they saw Richard waiting in front of the house for them. Ruby wanted to run away when she saw Richard but Janet pushed her towards him
"Don't you dare step an inch" Janet warned untill Richard called
"Ruby" he called, moving closer and Janet went inside immediately.
Richard embraced Ruby passionately but fear couldn't let Ruby reciprocate so she gradually disengaged from him
"Ruby, I'm really sorry. Just find it in your heart to pardon me and I promise such act won't ever repeat itself. I've missed you a lot" Richard said touching her face but she moved away from him again
Seeing how she reacted, he immediately went on his knees
"Just tell me you've forgiven me already Ruby, I seriously need it, just tell me that you are not upset with me any longer" Richard pleaded still on his knees
" Please get up Richard" Ruby said not able to look at him and he stood
" The truth is I don't really feel the same way you do towards me" she lied.
"Ruby please reconsider"
"I'm sorry but that's the truth. I don't love you she said and ran inside immediately with tears in her eyes.
"I thought I just told you to face your fears Ruby oh my God. Ruby is strong and not weak but this, is not the Ruby I know so quit acting like this because it's very annoying. Valerie is no longer his fiance anymore, it's you that he want because he loves you. For crying out loud, this man cares for you and I'm certain you feel the same way about him so Ruby, don't make me detest you. I know it's your decision to make but listen we are friends and I can't allow you to tread the wrong path so please, don't lose Richard or else you will regret it" Janet warned shutting the door at her face.
They didn't speak to each other again until the next day. Ruby didn't sleep a wink at night as she cried, recalling all that had happened.
"Did I say hurtful words to him and am i really becoming a weakling?" she asked herself.
Early the next day, Janet left to work without uttering a word to Ruby and Ruby also prepared herself sluggishly to work afterwards.
Richard smiled after he dropped the call he just received.
"let's see how it goes" he said and prepared for work. He dressed very handsome, arranged his hair, applied perfume and a bit of gloss on his lips which made him look like a model.
He arrived his office and saw Janet patiently waiting for him outside
"Good morning sir" she greeted
"Good morning Janet" Richard responded happily
"Shall we?" Richard asked and Janet obliged, giving him her hand as they linked fingers while his other hand was on her waist. They entered his office together and Ruby quickly stood but was greatly astonished by the sight in front of her.
"Good morning Sir" Ruby greeted but Richard ignored her and turned towards Janet
"Baby, I'll see you later so we can have lunch together Richard said with a wink
"No darling, I would love to have lunch with you in the office. I can't afford letting other ladies look at your handsome face" Janet said with a slight frown.
"Come on baby, you need to be in your office because I won't be able to focus if I continue staring at your beautiful face.
"Ok, then kiss me at least I'll manage it until i see you at lunch" Janet said then Richard held her face and pecked her
"I love you baby" Janet said
"I love you more darling" Richard replied and Janet left while he entered his office. Ruby was unaware of when she landed on her chair.
"What just happened here, what was that display all about, are my eyes playing tricks on me, Richard and Janet my bestie? Ruby asked in shock recalling how they professed lovely words to each other.
Suddenly, Richard opened her door but because she was lost in thought, she didn't even hear when he walked in "Secretary Ruby" Richard called and his voice jolted her back to reality and so she sprang up
"Yes sir" she responded
"I want my coffee immediately and I won't tolerate any form of carelessness from you, so hurry up" Richard said and went back to his office. When Ruby was preparing the coffee, unknowingly she began to cry but she wiped it off instantly.
"Why am I even crying for something that doesn't concern nor bother me" Ruby said as she consoled herself although her heart was heavy. She carried the coffee to his office and kept it on his desk but he didn't even spare her a glance.
Sir, I've forwarded your schedules to you" Ruby said but she was dismissed with a wave of hand from him.
"I said you can leave Richard said and Ruby left his office trying to control the tears that was threatening to drop but the moment she got to her office, she bust out in fresh tears how can Janet do this to me, just how? Ruby cried then immediately Janet walked in, carrying a file and Ruby hurriedly cleaned her tears.
"Give this to my darling to sign Janet said to her and dropped it on her table"
"Your darling, Janet?" Ruby called in an astonished manner.
"What is the problem, you said you don't love him, so I decided to explode the feelings of love that I've nurtured for a very long period. I couldn't risk the opportunity you created infact, hand the file over to me I'll give it to him myself and hopefully get a kiss.
Janet went to the desk, carried the file and was about entering Richards office but Ruby prevented her.
"You dare not step into that office, Richard is my boss so I should be in the right position to give him the file" Ruby said trying hard to control her tears from dropping.
"And he's my sweetheart so my dear sweetheart is greater than boss so, get out of my way this minute" Janet said
"I won't Janet. why are you doing this to me Ruby asked crossing the way with her hand.
"Darling, come talk sense into your dumb secretary Janet shouted and immediately Richard came out while Ruby left the way.
"Ruby, who gave you the impetus to prevent my girl from coming to see me.
"I'm sorry sir but I felt it wasn't appropriate for her to do so Ruby answered shivering.
"I see it's probably because I've not done an official introduction yet" Richard said then he took Janet hands and planted a kiss on it before facing Ruby
"My able secretary, this is the woman after my heart my soul food, my treasure, my angel, made from heaven and my all Richard said to Ruby as he spined Janet around.
"I love you darling" Janet said and Richard replied.
"Now listen to me Ruby, don't ever try what you just did with her today or else it will be your last day in this company" Richard warned seriously.
"I understand sir" Ruby stuttered. Her eyes were bloodshot already as the duo left her standing and soon she heard Janet moaning in Richard's office
"Oh Richie, just keep digging, my God I love it, harder my love don't go easy on me, explore me wildly, cripple me already, no lady will ever snatch you away from me Janet screamed.
Ruby's outfit was soaked already as a result of the unending tears she couldn't bear hearing whatever Janet was saying anymore so she ran to the restroom where she continued her unlimited tears. After sometime, she came back and saw Richard coming out of the office without Janet which she assumed must have gone home already.
Anybody who isn't blind that looks at Ruby will confirm that she has been crying and her face was all puffy and red.
"Ruby, where did you go to for such a long while?" Richard asked
"I've been having running stomach lately so I went to the restroom to ease myself sir" she replied
"Sorry about that, we are closing for the day he said and started walking away but paused when he heard his name. "Richard", Ruby called but when he turned back she was unable to say a word
"I'm sorry for addressing you by your name it was a slip of the tongue" Ruby said but Richard left her without uttering a word which promoted her to cry once more
Ruby arrived home late at night and saw Janet coming out of the bathroom.
"Hey you" Janet called and sat in front of a mirror where she began to make up untill Ruby interrupted
"Janet, why did you backstab me" Ruby asked suddenly.
"Backstab, how can you say that. Richard was never your boyfriend and you didn't even love him so please spare me the sermon besides I can't talk now Janet said and continued her makeup and don't bother calling my name again because I won't even respond to you so just shut up"
Ruby felt hot tears rolling down her cheek again as she watched Janet apply her makeup after which she went to her wardrobe and got a sexy gown.
"I'll be going out with Richie this night, I can't wait to see him. Ruby you should have seen how he pleasured me in his office today and I'm certain he will pay for a room after dinner. He's a good kisser and an amazing sucker everything about him is good and lovable Ruby" Before Janet could even finish her compliments, Ruby run out of the room crying seriously which made Janet laugh out loud.
After sometime, Richard arrived their premises and Janet rushed to embrace him immediately while he spinned her around admiring and whispering things to themselves and while all of this was happening, Ruby was watching from the window and crying at the same time and instantly she wished it was her instead of Janet.
Ruby didn't sleep until Richard brought Janet back home a bit late at night but immediately she entered, her phone rang while she ignored Ruby who sat on the bed with a swollen face as a result of the endless tears. Janet screamed happily announcing that Richard was the caller so she connected the phone with an MP3 player and placed it on speaker so Ruby will also hear whatever he will tell her.
"Baby, you just left now so why are you calling Janet asked concerned
"I know Darling but I was missing you already. I can't wait to see you tomorrow at work to finish what we've started" Richard said seductively on the phone
"Same here baby, I can't wait to offer my all to you my lovely sunshine.
I love you my world Janet said smiling as she kissed the phone and ended the call
"Janet, why are you treating me this way?" Ruby asked shouting
"And how the hell was I supposed to treat you young lady? you brought this upon yourself you didn't love him but I did so why is it bothering you" Janet said
“Can you quit lying you knew how much I loved Richard, you knew I had feelings for him so why did you go after him?
"I don't know" Janet answered
I plead of you, quit whatsoever it is that you have going on with Richard I may lose my mind if you guys continue acting like that. I love him so much" Ruby begged
"Come on Ruby, you've lost your chance already. I'm now his girlfriend and I don't care how you feel remember i warned you before so it's not my fault." Janet said nonchalantly.
"Janet, are you really the person saying this" Ruby asked
"That's your business but as for me, I can't wait for us to take things to the next stage tomorrow where I'll make passionate and intense love with him in his office. I'll ensure to almost damage your ear drums with my moan of ecstasy so, good night" Janet said and landed on her own side of the bed pretending to be asleep while Ruby loud cries rented the whole place.
The Next morning, Janet woke up to find Ruby still lying on the bed, she couldn't sleep at all till dawn because she was hurting inside as a result of the relationship between her boss and her friend. When Janet woke up, she acted like she wasn't even bothered about anything as she took her phone and went to the bathroom. Janet ensured to bolt the door firmly and put on the shower so that the sound will conceal her words before calling Richard's number and he responded immediately
“Boss hello”
“Hey Janet, I was just about calling you because I couldn't sleep at all last night. how’s Ruby doing?” He asked
”Sincerely, she’s not doing well at all. She was unable to sleep throughout the night as she continued crying. Her face was all puffy althrough yesterday, and uptill now, she's still crying. I know I brought about this game but I don’t think I can carry on with it anymore again. I can’t bear seeing my friend so miserable like that, and don’t worry, I think she’ll speak up” Janet said
”That's the reason I called, because I'm tired of the whole thing. honestly I saw her crying in the restroom yesterday even though she didn’t see me. Maybe she actually loves me like you said” Richard said.
”Certainly she does love you if not, why else would she be crying?”
“I think we should just keep thing's on a low profile today” he said
”Alright sir i understand bye”
” Bye”
She hung up and went back into the room to carry her towel then she saw Ruby seated on the bed absent-minded so
she went into the bathroom again and had her bath.
The moment she came out, Ruby went into the bathroom immediately
“I’m sorry, but I’m just helping” Janet thought before dressing up. She left for work before Ruby would come out of the bathroom.
Ruby spent more than an hour in the bathroom doing more of thinking than bathing as she accompanied it with tears.
Finally,
she came out of the bathroom and prepared for work absentmindedly. She initially had thought of skipping work but when she pondered about it the other way, it wasn't a good thing to lose twice so she decided to go to the office and face her fate. She released her hair down because she had no strength to pack it in a stylish form before moving to select a simple loafers, because there is a tendency of her collapsing as a result of too much thinking if she wears heels.
Before strolling to the cab station to board a bus with heavy thoughts on her mind, She alighted at a bus stop and walked few steps to the company. Surprisingly, she saw Albert standing outside when she arrived
“Hi Ruby” he waved and she walked closer towards him
“Good morning Sir” she greeted
“Good morning Ruby, but what happened to your face” Albert asked concerned about her
”You don’t bother about me, do you?” Ruby asked but he sighed instead and brought out a pack of cigarette from his pocket with a lighter and ignited fire on it then he began smoking it, releasing the smoke as well
“It’s really cold this morning” Albert said laughing untill Ruby's voice interrupted him
"Why did you do it?” She asked
”Do what exactly?” Albert asked, staring at her and releasing the smoke from the cigar again
“Why did you betray your brother”she replied but Albert looked elsewhere first before staring back at her
“Come with me” he said and she followed him untill they got to a tea shop and they sat
"Care for a cup tea?” He asked
Ruby refused to eat anything since yesterday and now feels empty so taking the tea will make her feel more hungry so she declined Albert's offer
“You asked me earlier why I betrayed my brother, but for me, I don't think it’s betrayal even though you all look at it that way. I see it as assistance I rendered to him because that girl called Valerie is a bitch and I just exposed that, Just assume he gets married to her without knowing the type of person she was, it would have been messy” he said.
”But there was no way he wouldn't discover that she was a bitch that you claimed she was, even after their marriage” she said
"It may be very late by then” he replied
”And now, do you feel guilty?” Ruby asked but he kept quiet for a while before he spoke
”I feel remorseful, you know the person I value and treasure the most in this world is my big brother so I'll never permit anything bad happen to him. He’s my all that I look up to after the demise of our father and Sylvia left us." Albert said
“Who's Sylvia?
”That’s the name of our so called mother’s who abandoned us after the death of our father many years ago. Ever since I and Richard lean on each other for support.
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