Billionaire's Lost Girl

9

Elaine

I bumped into Mr. Sturm on my way out of the bathroom, almost knocking off his glasses. He held my hands to steady me up. “Whoa, whoa. What’s the rush?”

I straightened, lowering my eyes. “N-nothing, Sir. I have to leave – “

He slipped an arm around my waist when I made to walk past him. I swallowed hard, turned on by our close proximity. This wasn’t how I envisioned things going. “Can we talk in my office for a minute?”

I wanted to refuse outright, but then I recalled Cora’s words. He was the father of my child. It wouldn’t be nice if I left without hearing what he had to say.

“Please?”

I exhaled. “Okay. But I’ve got a lot to do at home, so can you please make it snappy?”

I didn’t believe in sucking my boss-to-be shoes so he could consider me for the job. I made sure I treated everyone as they rightfully deserved. He’d been a d**k. “Alright,” he gestured towards a blue door. His name was imprinted in gold calligraphy on the door, along with his official title.

He drew the door close after me, clicking it shut so we wouldn't be disturbed. I lingered even when he offered me a seat, breathing in the smell of fresh lemons and new leather. His work table was monochromatic and had files and paper scattered all over. There was a glass display on the right, with numerous trophies seated inside, along with medals. A beige couch on the left was flanked by a huge water dispenser and coffee maker.

“Cherry...”

I held up a hand. “It's Elaine, Sir.”

Hurt flashed across his eyes. He nodded. “Elaine,” the word sounded foreign in his tongue, and for some reason, it added salt to the ache in my chest. I couldn't understand what was happening. Five years went past, and I still felt something for him. Unbelievable. “It's so nice to see you again after searching for such a long time. I combed the streets of Manhattan, and when I eventually traced you to your publishing house, you no longer worked there.”

There was a stretch of silence after his admittance. I stared at the floor, admiring the black shoes he had on while struggling to digest what he'd just said. He had a penchant for lies. I'd made up my mind not to believe whatever he'd say after what happened last time.

He continued, unfazed by the fact that I was ignoring him. “I want to apologize for what happened last time... I'm so sorry I lied to you about my profession. And I know you'll find it hard to believe that I've been searching for you, but it's the truth. My life hasn't been the same after that night.”

I didn't notice him drawing closer with each word, till he was practically standing in front of me. He went down on his knees and took my hands in his. I couldn't look at him.

“Please stand up,” My voice cracked. I sounded cold even to my ears. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

“But you're angry. And I've wronged you, Cherry. I toyed with what we shared. Let me make amends.”

“I don't remember you,” I met his eyes now and took a step back, away from him. “There is nothing to apologize for because I don't know what you're talking about. You've got the wrong girl, Sir. I'm not your Cherry. I'm Elaine.”

He paled, horrified. “Cherry...”

“Stop calling me that. I'm not Cherry!” I shouted, rushing to the door. “ And I'm not coming back to this place.”

I unlocked it and bolted for the elevator. He ran closely behind, calling my name. The elevator doors closed off his shouts and I pressed the button that would take me to the first floor hastily, wiping the tears that had escaped the corner of my eyes. I hated myself for being a chicken. I could hear the sincerity in his voice, but I'd been so unfeeling that it was easy for me to lie.

I still wanted him, but we were in different places now. If he had traced me to the publishing house in Manhattan, then he could've asked for my house address. I had no cause to believe that he was very much in love with me. Only God knew how many ladies he said those words to on a particular day. I wasn't prepared to be a contender for his attention. I had my son to think about and I couldn't even handle it even if I tried.

So it was for the best.

As the midday bus chugged along the busy road, towards home, I sat at the back in a state of despair and frustration. A million questions were running through my mind, and I didn't have an answer to either one of them. Maybe I would feel better with a brief afternoon nap. Cora normally bought wine when coming home every Monday. That was what I needed right now.

—

Max

My legs moved on their own along the treadmill, the cool sweat caused by the sweltering heat trickled down my back in torrents. I had my earphones plugged in, listening to an Eminem smash jam, but it slowly morphed now to one of the numerous, distinctive voices in my head. My unsteady breathing and the sound of my feet connecting hard on the surface rang loudly through the empty gym.

I needed to get rid of this anger. I needed to get rid of this pain. I was running faster and faster until I was levitating.

I don't remember you.

I hadn't heard such a fine lie in a long while. I saw the flicker of fear and loathing in her eyes. She was pissed that I didn't search properly for her when I'd done my very best. Why couldn't she understand? Why couldn't she be a little trusting, at least after all these years?

How could she have forgotten that magical night we'd shared? The beautiful words we'd said to each other as we sat side by side, staring into each other's eyes, my hand wrapped around her slender waist?

When did she become so heartless? The pain seared into my f*****g soul. I felt my heart cutting up in my chest. I had compared every woman I ever came across since then...Alsina, Becky, Nessa — none could compare. None ever measured up to her charisma and intelligence. I mean, I'd fed the exact lie I'd told her about me being a McDonald's guy to half a dozen girls and they all went along with it, anything to suck and ride on my d**k. None had as much depth as she did.

I had no idea why I felt disappointed. What if it wasn't really her? What if she wasn't my Cherry? She looked a lot different from the single picture I'd managed to get hold of online on her now-deserted f*******: account. Older and different, even with the little flesh she'd added.

I touched her hands...they were warm... I felt something.

Yes. It was her! It was her, all right!

Her eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement when I held her hands in mine. Just like that night, we were standing on the balcony, watching the beautiful city below.

She was lying. It could be because she had gotten a new man and wanted nothing to do with me, which was understandable to an extent. But God, that s**t hurt.

I gulped down a full bottle of water and turned up the treadmill speed, running even faster.

“Jesus f*****g Christ, man,” Manny's voice broke into my thoughts as he entered the room. “Slow down. Do you want to kill yourself?”

I was too far gone and concentrated on giving him a verbal reply. Instead, I shook my head.

“What happened at the office again today? Did anybody upset you?”

I shook my head again, hoping he'd take the hint that I didn't want to talk and go away. But Manny wasn't the smartest tool in the box when it came to matters of concern and oddity in our circle.

“Be honest with me, mate. What's wrong?”

“Darn it, Manny. I don't... want to talk about it right now,” I panted. My heart was about to burst from my chest any minute now and he wasn't helping. It wasn't the first time I had been acting strange.

“Alright. Die with it then,” he frowned, popping my second bottle of water open. I watched him sludge it down in one gulp. “I'm just saying that whatever the problem is, I might be able to help out. Hope this isn't a protest against our plan for you to stay low and avoid the media?”

“It's...not.”

I continued to concentrate on the belt zooming by beneath my feet. Manny finally relented from further questioning and left me to it.

It was a weekend, and we all had a joint routine for Saturdays. After gyming, we'd go straight to the beach next or go see a film. It was fifteen minutes past ten in the morning, and the others were running late. Per usual. Flynn had called to say he wouldn't be able to attend the boy's hangout today, which wasn't surprising. He was avoiding us after a mild altercation with Siegfried last week, yet again. It was best if both men stayed out of each other's way.

Ryan jogged up to us two minutes later, wearing a white headband. “Hey, guys. Sorry, I'm late. Whoa, what's with the anger, man?”

“He's refused to tell me anything and has been running nonstop for the past hour,” Manny huffed from where he sat on a wooden bench. “I think we should call a doctor. He's going out of his damn mind.”

“I think he had a bad day at work today. Cut him some slack here, Man.”

“It's no longer my business,” Manny raised his arms. “If he doesn't talk or ask for my help, I have nothing to do with this. I need a snack.” He exited the room to go rummage in the kitchen.

Ryan studied me for a while before plopping his items on the bench. He walked over and began tickling my sides. I gave no reaction. “Get...your hands off me,” I panted, “or you won't like what I'll do to you.”

“Do your worst. You need to relax.” I slowed down on the treadmill, shoving him aside.

“Give that advice to someone else,” I glowered at him. “I don't need it.”

He shrugged, leaving me to lift weights.

I doubled down on the treadmill as the thoughts began filtering in once more. What if I found her late?

Ugh, I should've been smarter with her. Look how one harmless lie had ruined my chances with her. I couldn't forgive myself for it. I messed up big time.

Half an hour later, I got off the treadmill and ambled into the shower. I need the cool water on my back desperately, to soothe the unsettling heat. I'd never felt so out of control over a situation before. I'd always had my tactics planned out right.

Yet nothing could've prepared me for the way she crashed into my life. And the way she was about to leave.

I couldn't let her leave. I wouldn't let go this time around.

Sudden courage overwhelmed me as I thought hard for a long time, chill water running down my body and disappearing down the spiral drain. In the end, I had two choices; employ her as my assistant and try to get her to remember me or I could simply let her go.

She did remember me... I just had to...

A plan came to mind and I beamed. Yes!

If she wanted to play things the hard way, I was more than ready.

To own her this time. Forever.