Billionaire's Treasure

Chapter 15

BERYL

I can't live in Blake's apartment forever and when I finally convince him to let me go home, he threatens to lock me up in his apartment if anything else happens to me. He's now convinced beyond reasonable doubt that mother and everyone else is determined to finish me off completely. He still insists that I'm no longer safe in that house and I need to act as soon as possible before something worse than being battered happens to me.

Somehow, he's right but I doubt if Mr. Wilson will allow that. Either way, he'll always find a way to beat me up even in his office. I'm really confused but I have to go with what I've already decide. I'm going back home.

Back home, I purposely keep off mother's way and by doing that, I always eat in my room after work. I've been experiencing nightmares upon nightmares so it has been hard to sleep lately.

Lately, there has been storm and rain and I hate walking under that weather. However, I don't have a choice since I don't have a car to drive to work.

This particular morning, I step out of my bedroom after taking a bath and dressing up for work and I walk downstairs.

In the kitchen, I take some coffee and scrambled eggs.

I'm done within no time and when I stand up from the kitchen stool and turn to leave, I almost bump into Brenda who's in her gym attire.

She's glaring at me therefore I side step and go round her. I'm trying as much as possible to avoid trouble this early rainy morning.

“You know you'll never satisfy any man especially if that man is Henry Smith.” It's more of a statement than a question. She's pissing me off and she knows it. “You're dirty and unfit. You look like a pig! He'll come looking for me in no time.” she adds, smirking wickedly.

All that s**t about me which she said in the club in the presence of Henry comes flooding back.

Dirty, slut, w***e, worthless, fat, useless... weak

I hurriedly walk out of the house to avoid snapping at her, worse still...strangling the hell out of her!

I hail a cab and board it in silence after instructing the driver to drop me at BlackBerry Holdings.

I make it to work on time and sigh. I prepare Mr. Wilson's office and as I settle on my desk, Arnold shows up and greets me.

I look up from the file and look up, focusing my attention on him. I gasp out loudly upon seeing his face.

“Arnold, what happened to you?” I ask in shock, widening my eyes. He has a large black eye and a swollen cheek and jaw.

“Thugs attacked me on my way home a few days ago.” he replies.

“Oh no, I'm so sorry.” I sincerely apologise.

He nods in appreciation then hands me some files and says goodbye. Something about him is not adding up.

He looks crooked... weird... somehow!

Immediately he leaves, Mr. Wilson calls me to his office and when I get in, he orders me to bring him some certain files.

“The Smiths will be coming today.” he says amid gritted teeth. “They'll be here by 4pm to sign the contract!” he seems displeased and I gulp nervously.

“Is there anything I need to know before signing the contract?” I ask. I'm nervous already.

“It's none of your concern freaky! Just go away!” he barks at me. I freak out as I close the door behind me.

I'm the one getting married but I don't know what's in the contract?

****

4 pm is here and everything for the meeting is ready though I still have a heap of paperwork to clear on my desk.

I have appointments to book and many more stuff to do. This life really sucks!

I receive a call from the reception that the Smiths are here already. I walk into my boss's office and one look at me, he shakes his head in disgust.

“Go ad fix your face slut!” he growls at me. “With that look, you'll just scare them away and we don't want to lose them!” he commands while sneering. This man really hates me!

“Okay sir!” I reply in a panic mode.

He murmurs inaudibly as I walk outside and I don't bother to know what he has said. It's none of my business anyway!

I take my make up bag and retouch my face, comb my hair and tie it in a high ponytail. I need to look presentable at least. I don't want Tyler Wilson to blame me if anything goes wrong!

When I finally make it to the meeting room, Mr. and Mrs. Smith are busy chatting as Mr. Wilson opens a page after another of the contract reading and understanding it.

Henry is seated there, looking stern and absent minded.

“It's good to see you Beryl.” Mrs. Smith says.

I smile politely as I greet everybody then take my seat next to Mr. Wilson.

“Beryl, have you had a chance to read the contract?” Mr. Smith asks.

“She doesn't need to do that. Let her worry about the marriage!” Mr. Wilson answers on my behalf.

I let out a small sigh and I can tell that both Mr. and Mrs. Smith aren't happy at all.

“Let's get done with this, shall we?” Tyler Wilson says.

He signs his part and hands the documents to me. As I try reading, I feel painful squeeze on my knee and I'm tempted to wince but I think against it. I sign the indicated part and I push the papers to Henry. He too signs his part.

“Let's now wait for the engagement which will be two weeks from now!” Mrs. Smith says. “I'll meet Beryl and Helen later for arrangements!”

I feel a huge lump in my throat and I swallow dryly.

Mother will kill me for sure. No doubt. According to them, I've taken Brenda's happiness away.

“Then after that we'll set a date for the marriage and Beryl will move in with Henry immediately.” she adds.

Everyone nods as we stand up. Mr. Wilson has a clenched fist and I sincerely hope it won't be unclenched on my innocent jaw!

Before leaving, Mrs. Smith hands me five cards meant for invitation to a gala which her husband has organised. She explains that it's for raising money for street families and there'll also be an auction.

I wonder what I'll donate given that I only have saved 300 dollars. Either way, I'll have to give out my donation.

I thank her as she hugs and kisses my cheek. “I'm glad it's you.” she whispers into my ear, definitely shocking me.

What's so special about me?

As I head back to my office, a lot of thoughts crisscross my mind.

I'm barely settled when someone knocks at the door.

I look up to see Henry after I tell whoever is knocking to get in.

“I'll be taking you to the gala!” he's brief and straight to the point.

“What?” I gasp, clearly shocked.

“You are my future wife so I'll have to go with you!” he states with finality.

Oh my!

He isn't even asking. He's stating a fact! Gosh!

I yawn tiredly and I see him staring the heap of unfinished work on my table.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his face full of concern.

“Yes I am, just a little bit tired.” I reply.

“What time do you finish work?” he enquires.

“Not sure. I have a lot of work to do and a deadline to meet.” I reply sincerely.

“Beryl, you should learn to plan yourself. You shouldn't be piling up a week's work for the last minute!” he states, as if it's the most obvious thing in the whole world. Does he really know what he's talking about?

I give him a pointed look and I clench my jaw. He doesn't know even a quarter of what I go through in that office and he's judging me already? I won't let him get away with that!

“This isn't a week's work, it's a day's work!” I snap at him, obviously pissed off.

He's shocked by my outburst but he composes himself.

“I'm so sorry but this is too much for a day's work and for one person!”

“It's alright. I'm used to working all night!”

“I'm coming to pick you up by 9pm. If you're not done I'll wait for you!” he says with finality. He doesn't even leave me any choice to say no.

I nod in agreement because I'm too tired to say no. He then leaves without any other word as I settle back on the huge desk to finish up my job.