Enjoy!!

Again a long chapter 😉😉

Jen

Since the day I returned from Richards, an unusual feeling inside me kept growing, this is absolutely absurd. I took the file and started working on it, whoever the partner, he has a valid point. It may be minor unnoticeable thing yet this could be beneficial to them.

I kept the presentation ready to email Mr. Richards, as I don't want to visit his office again especially that cabin. A simple reminder of that day creates goose bumps all over my body. I have updated Mrs. Karen about my wish, I told her they are frustrating me adding new point every week, I did my best but can't work with their unappreciated and disrespectful attitude. I thought she would be upset or will try to convince me to ignore them for the benefit of the company but she shocked me by saying.

"I have not spent a single penny of their advance, you can give this final presentation and if still they have doubt, you can take your call." I got dumbstruck with her announcement.

Eventually I sent them email and mentioned clearly about my decision, I don't want to sound rude, so I formally called Mr. Ryan Richards. He took everything nicely and assured me to revert on this within a day.

I thought to inform Mrs. Karen, I entered her cabin and found her forlornly staring at her husband's photo frame. I knocked on her door for permission, she turned at my direction and welcomed me with her tight smile, this time her smiled doesn't reach to her sorrowed eyes.

"I called Mr. Richards, he will revert by today evening" she nodded, I wanted to ask what's bothering her, why she is sad, yet I have no words. How can I emotionally comfort her when I find myself lacking there. She again noticed my hesitancy, she has a power to read my mind, I wonder how?

"I'm fine doll" she tapped lovingly on my hand to assure me, she is fine.

"I'm just missing John" she paused, she leaned forwards, buried her face in her nervous hands, I felt tug in my heart looking this beautiful soul grieving for her husband. The least I can do for her is to let her emotion out and be there to listen.

"Do you know doll, he has seen the worst phase of his life while leaving this earth, when his business fallout miserably, his every high society friend cornered him, once where he used to be a life of every party, people stopped inviting him. I tried to make him understand to ignore this as it was just a bad days but I never knew this things were eating him inside. My jewellery that only thing left with us, rest everything he lost it, some in business and some in gambling. When we lost everything, he became mute, I tried to contact his friends, so they can pay him visit which may lighten his mood but they thought I would ask for loan so they didn't even attend my calls." Anger, pain, grief,, everything visible in her voice. She titled her head and looked directly into my eyes.

"And one day he left me all alone, I was devastated, yet I didn't allow myself to break, I promised my dead husband, one day I will pay every single penny of his debts and then will throw a lavish party on his memory and invite his all so-called high society friends. I will ask each person to say something on his honor, this would be my sweet slap on their face. Hope god let me live to see that day." Tears rolled over her cheeks, she wiped it immediately.

"Doll, I think I'm getting old, sometime this old women need to talk, this helps and unfortunately you all I have. I'm sorry for boring you" She tried to crack joke, a small smile appeared on her beautiful face.

"You should have stopped me, I will talk to Ryan and will apologise on my bluntness, I'm being selfish here. Let me call him" I tried to dial his number, Mrs. Karen stopped me abruptly with scowl on her face.

"Do you think I told you all this to change your mind, silly girl. Richards's project is not our only option, we will find a way. You youngster don't trust yourself but I believe in me, I have not allow myself to bend than why would you?" This women is an idol for me, I wish I have little courage like her. My phone buzzed, it is from Ryan. Surprisingly, god heard the prayer of this woman, his partner wants to meet me today at dinner, Ryan said he liked the final presentation. They want to talk on something over a dinner. I informed Mrs. Karen, her sad eyes sparkled with hopes. Finally, I see the real smile on her face, she claps her hand excitedly.

"I told you God is with us, see they comes to your terms" Her optimistic thoughts, great!!

"Why are you still here? You should go and get ready for meet" she excitingly said.

"No need, I will directly go from here" she disapprovingly checked my cloths.

"You will go this way, in your jeans and top" she asked.

"What's wrong in it" The irritating woman is back, I rolled my eyes mentally.

"Doll, the meeting will be at posh hotel, you should wear a nice dress" she complained.

"I don't have any fancy dress Mrs. Karen, this is all I have and what I can afford" I replied her nonchalantly. I can see her brain is working.

"I think I have something for you, come" she literally dragged me from the office and took me to her home which is only two block away from our office. She opened her wardrobe, she took out a beautiful green dress.

"You can try this, it is little out fashioned but it will look good on you" She adoringly caressed the material.

"This was the last present from John" Oh, her sentiment are attached with this dress, I don't want it.

"Look Mrs. Karen, this is really nice of you, ahh...I don't think it requires for a meet, this is from your husband... I can't take this" I tried to reason with her.

"You are like a daughter to me doll, besides I'm lending this to you for a day." She is very stubborn woman, eventually I have accepted it.

"You are looking beautiful doll, Ryan would be awestruck with your beauty and this will help our deal" she winks, I narrowed my brows to her and waved her off with goodbye.

Ms. Watson texted me venue, I was on time, as anticipated by Mrs. Karen the hotel is very posh, everybody dressed expensively though it is near the beach. Sometime I forgot, I had also been part of this high circle, and today I rarely have branded cloth in my wardrobe. I laughed on life's pathetic joke.

I found Ryan with Ms. Watson, to my utter shock the mysterious partner is missing, help me God, if he again not shows up at this dinner. Ryan seemed to read my mind and informed me his partner is on the way. The place is really beautiful, beach and seashore used to my favourite things, sadly not anymore.

I felt some tension between Ms. Watson and Ryan, they are talking casually but something is definitely missed. Ms. Watson is politely taking part in the conversation whenever the question directed to her. Anyway, I should not be digging in anybody's personal matter.

All of sudden, I'm having a creepy feeling that someone is staring at me. Heat started to wrap over my skin, making me uncomfortable and my heart raced speedily. When I couldn't take more of this uneasiness, I looked back. And I felt breath escaped from my body when I saw the figure of man who has haunted my nights, this could not be possible, I must be hallucinating him. I mentally count the numbers, waited him to disappear, he still standing there, his blue eyes fixed on me, looking me intently. He is the man whom I once loved madly, the man who used to be my world, the man who shattered me into pieces.

I clutched my dress tightly, not let him affect you Jen...lets face your fear, how long you will run from your past, one day you have to face him, sooner better than later. I swallowed my anxiety and stared him coldly. The confusion is subtle on his face, he made his way to our table, no..no.. he can't be that mysterious partner, my subconscious mocked me, off course he is the one, I warned you at many occasion, run from here. Now nothing going to be changed, I turned to my position, fidgeting with my fingers.

As expected Ryan called Rick, he greeted him warmly, meanwhile I am gathering my courage to face him unaffected. And the horrific moment came when Ryan introduced me to Rick, you can pull this off Jen, you can. I forced a tight polite smile on my face, covering my loose hair strands and stretch forward my hand. I looked confidently direct into his blue uncertain eyes and gave my intro.

"Hello, Mr. Adam, I'm Jenifer Davis from Karen" he dumbfoundedly stared me, he took my hand firmly, his touch trembled my world. Jen he is just one of your client, I removed my hand and to control my wracking nerves I shifted my attention on Ryan, I tried to see whether Ryan knew about us and this all is a setting to trap me but he looks carefree and in his casual charming way.

"My apology for not asking your first name Ms. Davis, Jennifer nice name, suits you" Rick didn't react on my last name, his expression are hard and unreadable, like always. Ryan look amuse, he glanced over Jenny than to me.

"Not a problem Mr. Richards" I replied softly.

"We are out of office Jennifer, no need to be formal, call me Ryan" A magnificent smile curled on his lips, I can see why girls drooling over him, he has that charms.

"It's funny, your name could create confusion at work, Jenny and Jennifer sound similar, not only name your feature are similar too, crap how I have not noticed before? Though Jen you are a way too beautiful, no heart feeling Jenny" With naughty smile he winks Jenny, she gave him a tight smile, and they looked at each other like without words they are having their private talk. But his light comment doesn't fit well with me, I felt something snapped in me, I hate when somebody calls me Jen...it reminds me of my tormented past and my tormentor who is sitting next to me.

"Mr. Richards, I prefer Ms. Davis or Jennifer, no nick names for me" It came little harsh from my mouth than I thought, Ryan's smile dropped, my intention was not to offend Ryan, to lighten the situation I added awkwardly "Please". I don't need to see Rick to know he is smirking right now who was rigid few minutes ago.

"Hope Ms. Watson knows you are kidding, I'm enjoying this little chit chat but I think we should start what we are here for." Ms. Watson tried to hide her smile on my comment, Ryan scowls at Jenny, they both are behaving like teenagers.

"Well point made, Ms...umm.. Davis, right?" I froze hearing him after long time, his deep voice mockingly challenging me, sick dread twisting in my stomach. I turned my eyes to his, be confident Jen.

"You are right Mr. Adam" His eyes narrowed, our eyes locked to each other, my mouth dried and heart stuttering inside. He still carries his cold demeanor, I never saw him in business attire, he looks more powerful and more handsome.

"Can we order dinner first?" for once I forgot we have a company, I turned to Ryan and we started going through menu.

Once dinner ordered, Ryan's topic of conversation turned into serious, we talked on projects, I came to know this event will be held in second month, soon their PR will announce the launch date and promote on a large scale, and he wants me to meet the PR for the perfect execution of event. In all this time I found me and Ryan talking, at the same time my body aware of Rick's heated constant gaze following my every moment, I didn't dare to look at him, I maintained my poised.

Alone with dinner white win served to us, I'm not a big fan of alcohol but one glass won't harm, right? Ms. Watson also took her glass, I don't understand why there is cold bridge between both of us.

"Do you have a driver Ms. Davis?" Rick turned on me again, he took my last name viciously.

"No, why?" I asked, little shock with the question.

"I wonder it would be safe for you to drive after drinking." Did he think he can again control my life, no chance Mr. Adam, I reluctantly shift my eyes to him.

"Thanks for your concern Mr. Adam, but I am an adult and I know where to draw the line to save me hurting myself" His sharp gaze studied me, he chucked unexpectedly, leaving me in puzzle, Jenny and Ryan also got shock with his reaction.

"You are definitely an adult Ms. Davis" he eyed me strangely, I became stiff at my place, Ryan fake coughed to break the tension between us.

"I think you are being unreasonable Rick, let the girl live her life" he tried to cool the atmosphere, Jenny skeptically observing Rick.

Thank god this awkward dinner finished finally, Ryan excused us to attend a call and to my horror Jenny also went for rest room. We are alone, Rick leaned backward, put his elbow on table, his long finger rubbing his chin, watching me intently. My breath hitched, I was about to leave this table when he broke the silence.

"Do you have something in your mind Ms. Davis?" he asked giving me a sarcastic look. I closed my eyes, you cannot allow him to intimidate you.

I sternly look back to Rick "No I don't but I certainly think you have many things in your mind Mr. Adam"

"Do you think so, Ms. Davis?" he asked accusingly.

I had enough of his attitude, there is no point of playing hides and seeks. I thought to retort him but Ryan and Jenny came back.

"Hey, sorry took little long" I hesitantly smile.

"This place is good, sort of romantic, what do you say Jennifer?" Ryan talked again.

"I have a different view on this Mr. Richards, I hate beach sides." I replied, unhappy Rick rubbed his temple. I saw red marks in his palm, what happened to his hand? I decide to ignore it.

"You are very interesting Jennifer, you intrigued me." I was little taken aback, I don't know how to respond him.

"I think we should leave now" Rick interrupted and got up from the seat furiously, Ms. Watson who was almost invisible in this dinner look relieved and followed Ryan after saying goodbye.

Mrs. Karen would be happy, we have this contract safely in our hand, but I don't want to work on it. I still doubt, whether this is coincidence or a pre made plan of Rick. This time what he wants? He has already taken his revenge and allowed me to walk out of his life then what's the motive behind his returns? I was juggling with my thoughts while walking, and I trip, stumbling headlong in parking lot, I closed my eyes in fear, it happen so fast, one minute I'm falling, the next a strong hand grabbed my arms and pulled me to him, his hand protectively set around my waist, tightly holding me to his chest.

"Are you ok" His hand gently tracing my face examining me, I'm paralyzed under his familiar touch, unable to move, he cupped my face softly and his thumb brush my cheeks for response, I'm well aware who he is, I uncertainly opened my eyes and hold his staring anxious burning eyes for a moment then I shoved him away curtly.

"What are you doing" I snapped on Rick, he look surprised, he looked down at me and his eyes shows hurt. He close his eyes shaking his head, when he opens his eyes again, it's became cold and hard.

"A simple thank you could do better Ms. Davis, If I would have not catch you on time you would have met with an car accident, that car was about to hit you" Then I realised one speedy car passed by me, the moment he caught me.

"I could have managed Mr. Adam" I tartly replied, then a thought popped in my head, how he was there on time.

"Are you stalking me Ri...Mr. Adam?" I was about to take his name, shit... a cunning smile curled on Rick's lips.

"Finally Ms. Davis" he again took my last name mockingly and paused.

"For a moment I thought, you cannot be Jen, you are just a similar face" he whispers, the anguish in his voice stuttered me and his eyes behold mine.

"I would prefer that way Mr. Adam, I'm just a similar face, not the same person." I snap irritably to let him know my clear intention, I don't want to talk about past, especially with this person. He looks torn as he run his hand through his hair, he hid his frustration with a tight smile.

"Sound good to me, and this applies on you too Ms. Davis" he retorted vindictively "You think I'm still hanging on you, stalking you, you think too highly of yourself. I'm no more that love-struck fool who pleaded you to stay, I moved on you from the day when I found your ring at small shop where you sold it for little money." his fiery eyes accused me, oh.. he found that ring, but I don't regret. He took everything from me and here he complaining about a ring.

"Great we are sorted then" He narrowed his eyes, he must have thought I would say something in my defence but I don't owe him any explanation. He should have known by now.

"Yep, we are. And if you want to quit this project, I won't stop you. Your involvement in this project is like shocking news to me. I think Ryan is being little too trusting by giving such a big project to inexperienced hands" There he is, the arrogant Rick to whom I familiar to, he made me feel like a lost bet. He wounded my ego with his harsh words, the idea of quitting is very tempting, almost I made up that plan back in my head, but it's unfair to Mrs. Karen, due to my past I cannot crush the hopes of that wonderful woman who poured her heart to me early thins morning.

"Why do you think I will quit Mr. Adam? I'm working for Karen and Mr. Richards and you are the big client of us, I'm sure Mr. Richards must have seen some potential in us and I will see not to disappoint him." I talked confidently looking into his eyes.

"Also let me clear, your presence doesn't affect me at all, I'm well aware you won't bother me as I'm not useful to you any more, you got what you wanted." My heart swelled, that broken girl is trying to overpower on me, No .. I will not let him have a pleasure to see his excellent damaged work on me. I know my words worked on him, I saw a glimpse of remorse in his eyes, his careful control has evaporated, he looks frustrated.

I wrap my arms around myself and turn towards my car, gently rub my chest, trying to soothe the painful burning sensation which not helping me to breath.

"Jen, " I heard desperation in his voice, a small tears escaped from my eyes, I wiped it swallowing a hard lump in my throat, I briefly turned to Rick with a straight face.

He nervously runs his hands through his hair, he is breathing louder than usual, in that moment he doesn't know what to do, he looks helpless. His eyes trying to reach me but couldn't find me as I have guarded myself with the heavy wall, he would never reach to me..never..

"Jen..I.." he mummers something.

"Jennifer, Mr. Adam...Jennifer" I corrected him curtly and hoped into my car. He is still standing there watching me forlornly, if this would be old Jen, she might have melted looking this lost Rick but I'm not. Without giving him a second glance I started my car.

I stopped my car in the middle of the road in the dark, after crossing a mile distance from Rick, I couldn't drive any more, everything blurred before me as unbidden and unwelcome tears pool in my eyes, the confident girl vanished from this broken girl's shell of body. I'm so angry with myself for this senseless reaction, why I'm crying? I should not shed my tears on my past, you have moved on from there. Consider Rick as one of your client, he is nothing than that. I leaned back on my seat, tapping my fingers on a steering wheel, counting numbers to compose myself. Just stop self-pitying yourself, start the car and go home.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself, I wiped my tearstains from my cheek checking into front mirror, you have done well so far, you have pulled it off nicely.. and I'm confident you can face Rick. This maybe a sign to say final goodbye to your past by facing itself. With this I headed to home.. next meet won't be this painful, I guess.