Chapter 7
1352 Words
Ch 7
Xander POV
□□□
“It sounds no difference to me.
You often talk about women during our sessions.
Sometimes you make me feel like a dating advisor”
Debra speaks out, as she walks behind me.
And I shake my head.
Because I know there was something different.
There was something different when I looked at her hooded eyes staring at me with nervous, her hands shaking.
The anger on her face, the helplessness.
And the same time the resentment to everything I had to say.
“Even if there is any difference.
To you.
Let's say, being with any women right now can complicate things for you.
First, you got to deal with your past.
Let that go, before you plan to start fresh.
Or else, no matter how far you try to run.
Your shoulders will always be heavy.
You can't float”
Debra gives me a small smile.
“We can really start our sessions.
Why don't we start with the thoughts in your mind when you're alone?
Or anything that haunts you.
Because what happened in the past isn't something you will move on from”
She suggests!
“Like you are paying me to help you out.
But till date, you have only spoken about the women you hook up with.
Or how you forgot hitting the gym.
Or how you wanted to dye your hair.
How you wanted to learn dancing”
She shrugs, as she looks at me.
“Debra.
I had a great night.
And for now, that's all I want to live in with”
Making it clear, I cross my arms.
My eyes stare at the metal ring on my finger , rose flower inked on the metal piece.
It was for a memory.
But now it feels like a taunt.
A taunt of the past that is on the sky.
Looking at me.
Every second.
“What time is it?” I question her.
“It's one in the noon”
“I got to go.
I'll see you next Monday.
I have an event to attend”
With that I start heading to the door.
Knowing I got to get out of here.
“We aren't done yet.
I still have one more hour of your time.
By the way, what event?
Is that so important?”
Her questions break out, making me stop at my step.
“Yeah, approximately worth three billion.
And the event may not be important.
But as you said, I got to get to the gym.
Later a hot shower.
Have my veggies before heading out.
See that is very important
So, we are cutting short today.
See ya”
I turn around, winking at her.
“You know something about you Xander?”
Her stern voice makes me chuckle as I question her
“What?”
I love it when people start talking about me, in front of me.
“You think everyone will run to you.
I get it, a man like you.
Powerful in the town, richest dude.
Handsome hunk.
With toned abs.
Those earrings? “
She shrugs, as she adjusts her glasses.
Taking a second.
“You noticed the earrings?
I got it done, the previous day.
Hurt like a b***h
I did it sober”
I mention, as I point at my new piercing!
“I did.
The first thing I noticed was that.
But what I am trying to tell you is…
No matter how far you go.
You will always be chained back.
That's the thing about us, humans.
The more you try to suppress the darkness within you.
The harder it will hit back.
.
.
Blinding.
By partying all day and night.
Running around with new women every day, it just shows me that it's your easy way out, masking yourself.
Afraid to face the reality.
Like wrapping a wound with a shiny paper.
Like you want to hide the real things from the world by flaunting other things.
But I know that you cannot hide it for too long.
At least not from me.
Don't show up at my office, if you're not ready to do the real talk”
Her long speech only makes me yawn.
Don't blame me.
Blame my lack of sleep.
But her voice carries the truth.
“Good talking to you, Debra.
I'll show up next Monday.
Maybe we can talk about the stock market.
That's more interesting.
And next time, make sure you keep a bottle of bourbon”
I smirk, like a tease.
And she rolls her eyes, irritated.
*************************************
Madeline POV
□□□
I look around the boardroom.
Rich men.
The most powerful men in the town.
And we have got the corner seats at the end.
Like, we barely made it in.
“It's already three.
What time does the event start?”
I ask Vance.
And he immediately checks his calendar.
“It should have started half an hour ago”
He shrugs.
And I look around the people.
Everybody busy, knowing time is money
Yet not even one has questioned the lateness.
“Do you think we will get the tender?”
I ask him.
Nervous.
I can't believe I'm doing this.
I mean, Howie called last night.
And on the conference call, we were dictated to do things exactly like the way he wants.
So, I'm sure I will not be ruining anything.
I guess that a relief.
I'm just an acting mannequin today.
With a pretty dress and makeup.
“I guess so.
Mr. Bailey has done the calculations right.
It's a secret bit.
So, we will not know what others are bidding for.
And whoever bids the lowest will get the tender for the construction of this new hotel chain for the Malik Group”
Vance explains.
“So what's our benefit?”
I ask him.
Not understanding clearly.
“Ownership.
We can own certain number of shares also because the Maliks have promised to offer the right shares in the company.
That means before they go public, a certain percentage in the ownership will be offered to us.
This will just expand the horizon for our company.
Calling many more investors.
There will be a fair share of profit.
But also considering long run, it will be goodwill”
Vance resonates.
And I sigh.
Hoping it will go well.
Yet, I feel tensed.
It's like I don't belong here.
“I'll go check why the wait”
Vance leaves, and I quickly check my phone.
I notice a message from Todd, which states!
“I'll be leaving tonight.
Any information, I'll keep you updated.
We are going to find your mother”
Just reading his message gives me a wild hope.
And I let out that relaxed breath.
I sold the bracelet the stranger left behind.
It's not like I'm going to see him again.
So, there is nothing to worry
At least not now.
For now, I can relax.
"Bloody f**k”
Vance grits out as he settles down next to me.
“What's wrong?”
I ask him.
“These people are ridiculous.
Everyone has arrived.
Except one”
He growls out, frustrated.
Gaining few eyes at our direction.
“Who is he?
God, can anyone be so irresponsible?”
I question, like a frustrated thought.
Before Vance can answer, the room goes Hush.
I notice the old man, Mr. Malik getting on his step, opening His arms with a big grin on his smile.
And when I turn my head, to see who the man is.
The man who made us wait for hours
.
.
.
The pulse in my throat hits hard.
My eyes shook.
And, I'm sure, my knees go numb as I sit frozen
Because it's…
“He is the man.
Mr. Harrington.
Xander Harrington.
Number one prick in this whole town.
I hate him”
Vance whispers, with a furious tone.
And I remember last night.
The way he had me captive in his arms in the middle of the parking lot.
Wait…
This can't be happening.
- Writer
