In Love With My Rival

            “Perfect!” The photographer screamed in excitement as he eagerly captured the scenes unfolding before him. His eyes were wide and movements were showing expertise as tried to get the perfect angle of the woman before him. Camera lights blinded the studio as the staff watched in awe. Flash sounds of the camera echoed through the room. Nobody was talking. Their eyes were showing so much adoration and love for the woman being taken pictures of. An elegantly beautiful human being was wearing a white corporate suit. Everything, from the blouse to the jacket, and to the pants, was white that she almost looked like an angel. The rest were black, starting from her long straight hair to her perfectly-plucked brows, her pupils, even the lipstick, the nail color, and the shiny black Louboutin heels. She screamed elegance. Too fancy.             “So beautiful, so exquisite.” The photographer just couldn’t stop admiring her. Indeed, the way she posed was just so expert. Was she a model? Maybe, she was.             “Done?!” The woman suddenly boomed, making all the people present in the studio blinked their eyes as they had just seen an angel turned to a demon. What just happened?             “Yes, Ma’am! Perfect! You’re so perfect!” The dazed photographer responded as he put his camera down. He couldn’t stop staring at her model as it walked down the podium to look at her pictures at the monitor.             “Great. Can I go now?” The woman asked. She seemed irritated. It was so early in the morning and the woman was already very hot-headed. Maybe, she wanted to have breakfast.             “Yes, Ma’am. You look so elegant. Great job.” The editor-in-chief of Forbes Magazine complimented. The guy couldn’t help, but admire the beauty in front of him that he couldn’t drop his eyes off.             “Thanks.” But, that was all she said before she finally left, her assistant running after him. But, who was she?             “Mason, walk faster!” Ava Lauren O’Kelly screamed without looking back at her assistant as they walked to her car in the basement parking lot.             “Yes, Ma’am. Here you go.” Mason was before her in a second and opened the driver’s seat of her army green Lamborghini Centenario. Was she going to drive? Yes, she was because she didn’t need a driver. Mason hurried to the backseat, carrying some essential work-related things.             “Buckle up.”             This is it. Mason Jones swallowed as he got ready for a drive to hell or his death. “Lord, forgive me for all my sins.” He silently prayed as the Lambo roared to life.  He worked for her for two years now, but he was still scared to death whenever she drives them somewhere. Without wasting a second, the angry Lambo sped out of the basement and to the road, windows open. It was the boss who was angry. “She’s here. She’s here.” Those were the scared whispers of the people in the lobby as they saw who just walked in the building. Everything seemed to stop moving as Ava Lauren O’Kelly walked with elegance and with pride, chin up, still in her white corporate attire from the photoshoot. Mason Jones, still followed behind her like a lost puppy. Sometimes, it hurt his manliness that he had a hard time catching up with a woman. He silently thanked God that the woman had changed her lipstick because he thought she looked like she had just eaten a raw squid. Mason was twenty-two years old when he got hired as Ava’s Personal Assistant and Secretary. He was a blonde cutie with dimples on his face. Females admire him because of his slender body type. Getting hired in a prestigious company was a jackpot for him. The salary was very decent and he also received many incentives. The company might be managed by her scary boss, but it took care of its employees, giving the benefits that other companies couldn’t possibly offer. Power. Authority. Wealth. Intelligence. Beauty. Ava Lauren had all that and those assets made her aura so scary. She was no other than the woman itself, Ava Lauren O’Kelly, Lauren Foods, Inc. CEO. Who wouldn’t be scared? She was an Accountant who passed the board examination in first take right after she had taken her review classes. A model and a professional car racer. She was all that. Name it and it was her. The slow-motion when the devil in white walked in just came to halt when she and her assistant finally walked into the elevator and rode to the sixty-first floor, the top floor before the rooftop of the building. When they had finally arrived, the two parted ways to their respective offices. Mason’s was just right beside her boss’.             Ava Lauren O’Kelly entered her office and took the remote to open the blinds. The beautiful New York City came into view. That didn’t make her smile, though. She took off her white jacket and put it over her black reclining office chair. The modern wooden clock beside her door said it was seven-fifty in the morning. That just meant that the photoshoot started at exactly six. She was the one who had that schedule for a very important reason. Besides, she was a very thrifty person, especially when the time was the subject.             Ten minutes later, Mason walked in. “It’s ready.” With that signal, she put on her jacket again, didn’t bring anything else, and followed Mason down to the sixtieth floor. She didn’t waste a moment when she arrived there and walked into the conference room right away. Mason made a sound when he didn’t get the chance to open the door for his boss. Everyone fell silent as Ava walked to the very end of the long wooden table and sat on her designated chair. The sound of her high heels clicking to the marbled floor was so loud and disturbing. In her height of 5’5”, she still looked powerful and scary. There was just something about her that made everyone to stop whatever they were doing and just look at her. Maybe, it was her hair? It was just long, shiny, and jet black. Her brows, perhaps? They were thick and full. Or probably, her lashes? They were naturally long and curled. Or her perfect cute nose? Most probably, her body? Who knew? She just had that ability to make everyone’s head turn.             Mason had everything set up and the presentation was ready. The eleven Board of Directors were all present, including the Chairman, who was no other than her own father, Adam O’Kelly. They locked eyes and Ava bowed her head slightly in recognition and respect. If there was someone who could make her bow her head or bend on her knees, it was her own father. Adam O’Kelly was a fifty-four-year-old business mogul, having Ava Lauren as his only child. His hair was greying and the wrinkles on his face were visible. He had freckles on his left cheekbone. Ava’s were on the right. Every time Ava looked at his father’s face, she felt like she was looking at her own reflection. His father’s blood was running through her veins. It was strong. Like father, like daughter. Was it really?             “Start.” That one word from her father’s mouth made her clear her throat and stood up with the most elegant posture she could show. She was thinking about standing a podium when her father suddenly spoke, “You’re wasting time, Lauren.”             Middle name, she thought. She made her father angry and she hated it so she started speaking. “As you all know, this meeting is regarding the new snack we are hoping to produce in the market. We are wanting to add Broccoli under the Av-A Chips line.” She paused as Mason managed the slides of her PowerPoint presentation. Both prepared and tried their best in making it. A specific slide showed a picture of the chips she was talking about. It was a broccoli snack. “These broccoli chips are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly. The flavors would be sea salt, spicy, barbeque, sweet chili, and original. This is going to be a great addition in the line as it targets the vegans. This wasn’t just for them, but this is also healthy for the babies.” She shortly glanced at her father who was seated at the other end of the table, listening to her intently as she presented. That was what mattered to her.             The next slide came into view, showing the packaging of the snack. “For the packaging, it is the same sealable and eco-friendly packaging as what we are using for the other chips. Green and white best suit the packaging to easily distinguish the flavor of the snack.”             “Where are you going to get the broccolis for that?” Mrs. Smith, one of the directors asked. She was in her late fifties.             “Supply of broccoli will come from California. They have the largest crop plantation of broccoli there.” She responded with courtesy.             Ava’s proposal didn’t last long. The Board has decided and it was approved. All the members were piling out of the room, including her father who didn’t even bother to give her even just a thumbs up. Disappointment fell over her. Not of her father, but of her own self. She wondered if she did a great job. Somehow, she wanted to hear that she did, from her father. A sigh escaped from her when the doors finally closed. She took her seat and just sat there, feeling limp with disappointment. She had her proposal approved, though.             “You did a great job, Ma’am.” A hand touched her shoulder and squeezed it lightly.             “Thank you, Mason.” She smiled lightly at him. He couldn’t help but smile back at her. He was forever grateful for this woman, he thought. He was proud of her. “We did a great job.” She added as she put her hand over his. His heart stopped beating for a while. Not because she was touching his hand, but because of the words that just came out of her mouth. They meant a lot to him. To be part of the success that she achieved. He wanted to shout and let everyone know and realize that her boss was not cold as they thought she was. That Ava Lauren had a big compassionate heart. “Let’s go.” She stood up after gently patting his hand once twice. This time, he finally hurried to open the doors for his boss as they exited the conference room.             “Mr. O’Kelly is scary.” Mason broke the silence as they rode to the sixty-first. His comment made his boss chuckle. “Yes, he is. But, aren’t I scarier?” Ava joked, tilting her head to the side as she squinted her eyes at Mason. “I thought you’re more scared of me. I’m your boss after all.” Mason snorted. “You’re not. You’re small. Your father is a muscular old giant.” They laughed together at his comment as the elevator came to a halt and both started walking toward their offices. “Don’t tell him I made fun of him.” He called out, opening the door to his office. “You’re safe with me!” Ava called out, laughing, and walked into her office. Like she would talk about such matters to her father. Even more important things were not even talked about such as their relationship as a father and daughter. No, that was not just a ‘more important’ thing. It was the most important thing for her. She had no choice in the matter. Her father was so far. She couldn’t reach him. There was just a very small distance between them, but that distance could not even be closed no matter how hard she tried to. She was trying her best to do whatever he wanted her to do, just to please him. She wanted to be the best daughter for her. But, how? Sometimes, he wouldn’t even recognize her presence. Another sigh came out from her as she sat at her desk, opened her laptop, and checked the inbox of her email account. Her mind was undeniably somewhere. She always felt like that whenever she saw her father. She couldn’t help but wonder why her father acted in such a manner to her. Was she a bad daughter? Has she done something that hurt his feelings? Those were repetitive questions in her mind. No matter how hard she thought about the possible answers to that, she just had no idea. Totally clueless. Human beings as we were, we thought we didn’t do anything because we were doing everything to make everyone happy, Ava thought. But, it was different for her father. She couldn’t make him happy and it was frustrating for her. “You did your best, Ava.” The line was always her mantra whenever she doubted herself. It was just said to make herself less troubled and anxious. To believe in herself. Self-doubt was a problem for almost everybody. It was a hinder to success, to achieve the desired goals because we had no guts to do whatever we want. Ava Lauren was like that. She thought she was not enough, that her efforts were still not enough. Thankfully, she still had that positivity within herself that was telling her it was alright and she just needed to strive harder. “Maybe, he just doesn’t understand and you just have to understand.” She was talking to herself again, trying to comfort her own. She was already thankful that she had Mason on her side. For the past two years, Mason was there to lift and cheer her up. He became her good friend who listened and understood her. Sometimes, people just listened but didn’t understand.   The afternoon came so fast. Ava was about to call it a day when saw the beautiful salmon sun setting down in the west, making New York City a perfect place at the moment. The sky was displaying beautiful colors of black, dark blue, and orange. The sunset was so perfect that she couldn’t help but pick up her phone from her desk and opened the camera to capture the beautiful scenery in front of her. A smile lit up her face when she looked at the picture. She was a woman who liked the sunset. When she walked out of her office, Mason just also exited his. He was on the phone, talking frantically. He looked like he was about to cry, but trying to remain clam. The smile on Ava’s face was gone in an instant. She was worried.             Mason saw his boss and forced a smile on his face. Ava was not the one to be fooled. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” She started walking towards him, face showing so much worry.             “Nothing. I’ll go now. See ya, tomorrow?” He had to say that. Mason knew Ava. She would come with him if he would tell her the truth, but he didn’t want to bother her anymore. You need to rest. Mason thought as he saw the tired face of his boss.             “You’re lying. Where will you go?” Ava emphasized.             He sighed. “My grandma is in the hospital. She had a heart attack.”             Both Ava’s hands flew over face as she gasped, sinking the words in her head. “No. I’m sorry, Mason. Come one. I’ll drive you there.”             “Are you sure?” Mason didn’t want to waste her time. He thought about just hailing a taxi on the way to the hospital.             As if she could read his thoughts, Ava started walking towards the elevator. “Come on. The traffic is bad at this hour. You need to be there as soon as possible.”             Mason had no time to argue and just followed his boss.  They didn’t have a hard time searching for the ward where Mason’s grandmother was confined. They found it on the second floor. Mason was already in the room with his family. Ava was outside that room, sitting on a chair and patiently waiting for Mason to come out. She hoped everything was alright. It only took them fifteen minutes to reach the hospital. She was such a good driver. No, she was a racer. Mason thought they would probably end up in the same hospital but in the emergency room.             The sound of the door opening made Ava rose from the chair eagerly. “How is she?" She asked right away, facing Mason. The smile on Mason’s face made her sigh in relief.             “She’s stable now. She’s sleeping.”             “Thank God.” She whispered and she was suddenly being pulled for a hug.             “Thank you.” His heart was so full of gratefulness for this woman.             “You’re welcome.” She patted his back. “I’m glad she’s fine.” They broke the hug, smiling at each other. “You can take a few days off and look after your grandma.”             “Are you sure?” He wanted to, but he was worried that she might be very busy without him at work.             “Come on. If I say it, I mean it. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine on my own.”             “Alright. Just call me anytime.”             “Sure. No worries. You should go back in there now.” She pouted her lips, gesturing to the door.             “Thank you. Take care, boss.” Mason smiled, about to open the door.             She just rolled her eyes at him with enthusiasm and waved as she started walking down the stairs, out of the lobby, and to the parking lot. As she fished out her car keys in her bag, she suddenly bumped into the wall and fell on her butt. That was what she got for not looking. Did it hurt? Yes, of course, especially her butt and her chest. Wait, was it a wall? She hissed, feeling the pain, and looked up. Oh, it wasn’t a wall, she realized. It was someone with a wall chest. That, someone, was a man, wearing a black leather jacket, black pants, and black boots. If she looked like an angel, this man looked like a devil, she silently thought. A hand was suddenly being offered to her and she took it gladly. The man pulled her up with ease. Still, the pain on her chest and butt was incomparable. Her subconscious was telling her that it wasn’t his fault and that she should’ve just looked for her keys when she got to her car. “You owe me an apology.” Because she thought he could’ve caught her in his arms in time before she landed. That was when she caught a good stare in the man’s face. Greek God. It was the first thought that came to her mind. Before she could even daydream and drool, the man walked past her without talking. But, Ava saw it. “Hey!” She called out, following him. The man stopped walking but didn’t turn around. “It’s bleeding.” His other hand was. “Wait!” She called out again when he started walking. This time, he never stopped until he got on a black motorbike and drove off. “You’re hurt.” He didn’t hear her say that.