Bad Job At Holding His Mask Up

OPHELIA

My heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as I stepped into my father’s company for the first time in years.

Heads turned almost immediately.

Right. I wanted it to be clear from the deliberate sway of my hips to my loud footsteps that I wasn’t just here for a visit this time. If I was returning, I sure as hell was returning as loudly as I left.

“Mrs. Whitmore,” a voice stopped me before I could enter the elevator. I swirled around to find Anna, the head of the design team. She rushed toward me, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise and excitement.

“Mrs. Whitmore. We saw the news.” Her eyes raked over my red three-piece suit before settling on me again. “Are you returning to the company as well?”

“Anna. It’s been so long.”

“Yes, Mrs. Whitmore. You look splendid.”

“Thank you. Ophelia would do.” My expression softened. “And yes, I’m returning to the company.”

She squealed out loud at my confirmation but quickly closed a hand around her mouth to compose herself.

“I’m so excited to hear that. Things haven’t been the same since you left. I-I was even demoted.”

My brows furrowed. “What?”

“Alongside many others,” she whispered as though it was a secret.

This time when I resumed my walk into the elevator and then the CEO’s floor, my footsteps didn’t sound as fancy anymore. This time, it was urgent. In front of the office I used to occupy, I was greeted by Julius’ assistant.

“Mrs. Whitmore, I’ll inform…”

“No need.” I didn’t give him the chance to stop me as I pushed the door open myself and walked in. The moment Julius’ eyes fell on me, his smile faded and he quickly dropped his phone from his ear.

“Julius,” I greeted with a smile. Just before I could get to his table, he snatched a small frame from its top and threw it into the drawer. But I’d already seen what it was. It was a picture of him and a woman. However, the woman wasn’t me.

I didn’t need a ghost to tell me who it was.

“Baby, why didn’t you inform me of your visit?” He rose from the chair and pulled me into his embrace. When he pulled away slightly, he pointed to his phone. “Anyway, that was a business call.”

Well, I didn’t even ask.

I broke away from his suffocating embrace and took a step back. “I wanted to surprise you.” I stretched my lips into what I hoped looked like a smile, one I usually wore before I found out his deceit.

“You didn’t have to, baby. I could’ve come to you if you missed me.”

“But I was bored at home.”

He shrugged. “Well, we would’ve done something fun.” His lips stretched into a flirty smile. “Like rumple the sheets or something.”

I forced out a laugh when he held me and plastered kisses all over my neck.

“Julius this is an office,” I whined. “Stop being flirty.” But my smile faded when I playfully pushed him and walked past.

“Who cares?”

My eyes scanned the office and the numerous changes he’d made to it as I sat on the CEO’s chair. Not only had he demoted my employees, but he’d also changed everything in the office that I used to occupy.

Did he think that I was incompetent? Or that I promoted people that didn’t deserve it?

“Julius,” I called softly. “I think it’s time I resume work here,” I dropped the bomb.

His face drained of colour for a second. Something suddenly flashed in his eyes but it disappeared as fast as it came.

“Wh-what are you saying?” He let out a hollow laugh. “Come on, Phil. We both know this work is too hectic for you.”

“But I did it for two years before we got married.” Back then after my father had fallen sick, I’d taken over at the company. It was during my last year at college and we started dating soon after.

“That was before… before our baby. You know what the doctor said after that incident.”

“That I shouldn’t do a strenuous job for the meantime.”

“Exactly.” His voice lowered, almost convincingly. “That is why I took over the company. We can't have you overworking yourself. You have a weak heart. We can’t endanger you, honey.”

If I was still foolish, I would’ve believed him. I rolled my eyes and my fingers tightened around the edge of the chair. This was how he’d managed to deceive me all these years.

“That was three years ago, Julius.” I stood up and strolled to him again, adjusting his tie like the docile wife he thought I was. “Is my body still weak?”

“Honey, you know the answer. I don’t want you falling sick because of all this work,” he drew me closer. “It would break my soul considering how much I love you.”

I nodded in understanding and he let out a sigh of relief only to frown again when my next words hit him. “Regardless. It’s office work, not some strenuous job. Don’t you also think it’s time you take back the hospital management? I’m sure your brother will be willing to hand it back.” He’d been the chairman of the Whitmore holdings until three years ago when it had suddenly gone under and Ronan was begged to take over.

At the mention of his brother, his eyes darkened. He released me from his hold instantly.

Of course, I knew exactly where to hit him.

“You’re the eldest, the Whitmore hospital corporation belongs to you,” I concluded, smoothing his shirt.

“Ophelia. You want me to beg that bastard to return my inheritance.” His voice was tight.

“No, I mean….”

“Have you forgotten what he did? He caused the death of our child.”

“I haven’t forgotten.”

Liar.

“I would never beg that fucker to get back my right. I’d throw him out in due time and this is why I need this com…” he trailed.

Say it all! Continue! I wanted to scream at his face.

He turned away from me for a second and when he turned back around, the rage had vanished, it felt unreal. He was back to the pretentious sweet husband that I knew. These days, he was doing a bad job at holding that mask up.

He even cursed.

“Baby, I understand that you're bored at home. This is a very big decision. Perhaps you want to go on a vacation? Pick any country of your choice, love.”

“Julius, I'm not bored.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

When I didn't relent and nodded, he sucked in a deep breath. Loud silence enveloped the room for a minute. Afterward, he sucked his teeth and nodded.

“I think you’re right. It’s time I return to being the chairman of the Whitmore hospitals and you return here,” he uttered, a loving smile plastered on his face.

“I now understand what you’re saying.” He caressed my hair and I pretended to melt into his hold. “The hospitals are rightfully mine.”

A triumphant smile spread across my lips. I placed a kiss on his cheek and giggled. “In that case, I’ll go prepare to resume work. I’m excited to work again.”

After giving him a last pat on his chest, I strolled out of the office. Finally, I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

That was fast.

But something felt wrong. How had he agreed so easily? Was this not what he wanted?

I’d barely taken a step away from the closed door of his office when his voice sounded from inside. “I don’t care how it’s done anymore. Handle Ashford Valentino first.”