FRIENDS OR FOE- CHAPTER FIVE

Nothing hurts more than to be betrayed by those you trusted; even if your foe go against you it won't really hurt because you are not

expecting their favor.

>>>>

Success and achievements were all over my head. Accomplishing my lifetime goals had become my daily hunt. Who cares what people will say?. I am still a young lady with a lot to execute; my future and value can not be decided with my story.

My head was held high above the rumors and people's opinion about me.

Sure thing, their judgment does not matter.

I realized I had been so weak and got swayed by my emotions easily.

Maybe I should not have depended on whatever the moment brings or what the future has to decide.

I should decide my own fate..

Fortunately after long years as a personal assistant; Mr Richard thought it was time to pass the baton to someone who can continue

his legacy as he was ready to migrate with his family to the United Kingdom.

I found a message in my mail that morning. I rushed out of my apartment and left for work.

Everyone had already gathered for a meeting with Mr Richard. I guess I was the only one who did not arrive on time.

He had noticed my presence and cleared his throat to call our attention to what he was about to say.

"So... My flight will take off tonight and I'm not really sure when I'll be back. I have decided that the seat will be given to someone worthy enough to carry on the

legacy of this firm." He said and there was a long pause. I felt the tension in the room.

"Joláadé!" He called.

"Sir!" I replied calmly.

"You will be in charge. I'm placing the responsibility and duties into your care. I'll always be there to guide you through." He added.

I was taken aback.

I could hear the staff murmur and knew those who were truly happy for me.

Guess it was time to be in charge.

I got home that night and I was surprised to have found the door to be unlocked.

I got chilly; crept inside; reached for the switch and switched on the bulb.

I gasped.. "Jade!" I found her sitting

on the couch with her legs crossed.

Right, she has a spare key.

"Surprise?"

"I thought I sent a warning?" I told her. She snickered.

She stood up and walked up to me.

"Joláadé, I don't know what you might have heard but I'm not the bad person here." She tried to explain.

"Don't you dare try to justify yourself. I saw everything." I gave a witty response.

"I met him six years ago." She blurted.

I paused.

"When I was just an extra; he had just started making a name for himself." She continued

"That is not true." I retorted confusingly.

"We became so ambitious and never thought of marriage.. we called it quits and faced our lives."

"How come I didn't know about this?"

"What's the point, Joláadé?"

"Then?" I led her into the conversation again.

"Then we couldn't hide the feelings

anymore as a result of the movie;Hell broke loose."she explained fearfully.

"You both took me for a fool." I spoke tearfully as I remembered the first day Zach had come to my place; never knew they weren't strangers to each other.

"Why didn't you tell me about this when I told you he was my date?" I asked her.

"I'm sorry.. I'm a coward.. I should have said something." She pleaded tearfully.

"Actually." I sniffed and wiped my tears.

"I'm done with both of you. Just let me be. I've been a great fool but not anymore." l added bravely.

"Your Time is up." I said while showing her the way out.

"And don't forget to drop my keys." I

added as I saw her leaving and I walked into my bedroom.

I crouched by the wall and reflected on myself.

I saw how I had been easily swayed by emotions and lusts; How I had become a prey of Zach's seduction.

Never again will I let it happen again! I promised myself, sincerely! 

>>>>

I was at work one day having resumed my new duty days back; completely engaged in my duty with the keyboard clicking consecutively.

The ringing sound of the office telephone had called back my attention.

l answered the call. "Yes? Bella."

"Ma'am, there's someone waiting to see you." The new personal assistant had said.

"On what terms?" l asked curiously.

"Business." She replied.

"Name?"

"Zach Williams," she answered.

What! On a good day? I knew he was

about to ruin my whole day.

"You can just attend to any of his

issues. I'm busy." I replied after a

pause.

"But Ma'am.." I couldn't let her finish

the sentence, I dropped the call.

My door opened suddenly. Bella had tried to stop him but he wouldn't budge. "Bella, you can go." I told the innocent lady and watched her close the door as she left the room.

"Yes, what can I do for you, Mr

Williams?" I asked without offering him a seat.

"At least you could offer me a seat." He said calmly.

"'Suit yourself." I replied

He sat with his legs crossed and offered me a rose. He placed it on my table

Wow! Such a shameless fellow.

"Have you any shame?" I spoke out

of disgust for his attitude.

He looked so relaxed and as always, he was enchanting. His fragrance was appealing. He looked so dashing. I felt butterflies.

Being with him for too long got me

uncomfortable. I should do something before I get trapped in his gaze.

"Straight to business, please." I told

him.

"How have you been?" He asked softly.

"Really?" I blurted.

"It's been three weeks, Joláadé. " He

said carefully.

"So?" I retorted.

"I thought I should check on you."

"Me? You don't have to"

"Joláadé"

"Stop it Zach.. just stop it.." I retorted. I hate it whenever he calls my name. I could feel butterflies again.

"You took me for a fool." I added

furiously.

I stood up from my seat and went to the sofa to sit away from him. He turned his chair and faced me.

"It was all a mistake

 "A mistake? A mistake you made when you didn't tell me you had dated her six years ago." l blurted.

"I didn't want to break your heart or ruin the only chance I've got with you." He tried to explain.

"Yet you went for the movie. You are so cunny, Zach.”

"Go away, I want a life without you.Go be with her because I'm not your dummy."l told him angrily.

He stood up and walked up to me and sat beside me.

He reached for my hands.

I was numbed again.

"I thought we shared something and

that is the only truth, that we felt

something for each other." He said softly.

"It wasn't real." I replied.

"It was the most genuine thing  I've felt in a long time." He spoke tenderly.

He drew on my face with his finger and smiled.

For that moment, it went out of my mind that I was with the man who had told me lies and loved my friend.

He was irresistible.

There I knew, he was my weakness. He went ahead and brushed my lips with his finger. I couldn't stop staring into his eyes, they were heavenly.

His lips kept beckoning to mine. His finger moved slowly down to my neck line.

Unconsciously, my first two buttons were undone. I snorted. My eyes were closed as I felt his hand at the back of my neck. His breath was closer and I could hear his heart

beats...I opened my eyes and saw he was close. "Zach." I muttered.

He stared into my eyes emotionally.

He was dazzled with desires.

Unexpectedly, my cell phone buzzed and the whole scene halted.

"Oh geez!". I muttered as I snapped

out of the fantasy.

I returned to my desk and found a missed call from Christian. I dropped the phone and looked out the window and buttoned up.

I couldn't face him again. "Just go." I mumbled. I heard his footsteps approaching; my heart was racing as I closed my eyes. He stopped.

"Happy birthday." He spoke inaudibly and I heard his footsteps retreat until he was out of the office.

The door closed and I turned around only to find a little box of presents on my table.

I was surprised he knew my birthday. I had just clocked thirty. I opened the box slowly and found a piece of necklace; expensively

gorgeous, if there's any word like

that. It was perfect.

My phone buzzed. It was a message

from Christian.

"Come over after work." And he

attached an address. I smiled.

>>>>>

The dazzling lights in the building and the loud upbeat music has explained the kind of place it was. Lounges, bars, men and women of different caliber.

I walked up to the bouncer and told him whom I was here to see. The place was so noisy.

I had sent a text to him that I had arrived at the place but there was no response.

"Christian Williams." I told the

bouncer.

He stared at me for a while in my white shirt and gold palazzo.

He snorted and told me to follow him as he led the way.

We left the noisy part of the bar and stopped before a door.

The bouncer knocked; waited for a response before he could open the door.

Guess who I found smooching loudly with a lady who sat across his laps.

Christian!

"Boss, You have a visitor." The bouncer's voice caught his attention. He peeped over the lady's shoulder and saw me standing with the bouncer by the door.

He pushed off the lady and buttoned his shirt half-way leaving his chest exposed. The bouncer left with the lady as he had gotten the signal from Christian.

"You are early." He said, a bit timid. I smiled. The door closed and he offered me a seat.

"You own the place?" I asked curiously. 

"Yes!" He replied.

I sat on the couch and he sat on another that was before me. He relaxed and asked what I would like to eat.

I stretched out my hands and touched his lips. He was stunned. I wiped away the lipstick stain and showed it to him. I wiped my hand with an handkerchief and we both

smiled.

"Anything healthy." I replied and he grinned. He reached for a package,it was of a medium size.

He handed it to me.

"Happy birthday." He said.

"Thank you. " I said and opened the package. It was a pair of white heels. An expensive design!.

He bent down and pulled off my shoes. I was startled. He moved gently over my feet.

He took the new ones and wore them on my feet.

"It's beautiful. " I said gladly. I loved it. He raised his head and looked at me." Yes. You are beautiful. " he muttered unconsciously.