10

Chapter 10

Rosebud Martinez

“Ms. Martinez… this is really complicated…” he paused and sighed.

“Ms. Megan has also been on this contract for some weeks now, but I was indecisive about it.” He added, and I scoffed silently.

“Are you considering the feeling of my sister, Megan Martinez, or your project, Mr. James?” I locked eyes with him.

Hearing that bitch's name was annoying the shit out of me.

I stared at the forty-five-year-old business mogul while relaxing on the chair across from him, waiting for his reply.

“Of course, I don't care about her feelings, it's just that I'm skeptical about this. I mean if she won't do a good job, how sure am I that you, her sister will?”

“Your worries are valid, Mr. James, but I assure you that you won't regret this…”

“Martinez realty is one of the successful and most influential realty companies in the country. Working with us comes with many added benefits…” I paused, making sure that he digested my words.

“We have a series of satisfied clients. We do what we do well. We've worked with several other companies, and trust me, they all have one or two good things to say about us…” I tried to sound even more convincing. This was a contract worth seven hundred to a billion dollars, and I couldn't let it pass me by, or allow that bitch to have it.

“You can look up reviews about us on our sites.”

He exhaled, resting his back on the chair as he stared at me, like he was trying to think this through.

“I understand your worries, Mr. James, but if you hand this project over to my company, we will give you a satisfying result, and that is a promise.” I added.

His face went blank for a few seconds and I was already getting hyper, but relief coursed through me when he suddenly smiled.

“Fine… Let's do this. I will give you a try.” He nodded, and if I wasn't so composed, I would've jumped up in excitement.

“Thank you so much, Mr. James.”

He extended his hand to me for a handshake as he said, “Looking forward to working with you, Ms. Martinez.”

I shook hands with him, smiling. “The pleasure is all mine.”

We spent another hour in the cafe shop, talking about the project, and after the conclusion, we agreed that he would send half of the money to me, and the building project will begin in a month or two. Oh… it was the biggest hotel building project.

“Thanks for your time, Mr. James. I guess we will see each other more often now.” I smiled as I stood up to my feet and picked up my handbag.

“Yes, I guess so.”

Once the meeting was over, I drove back to my company.

However, as I stepped out of the car at the parking lot, I spotted Megan walking out through the door, her face blazing with fury.

“Why is she here?” I muttered as I watched her walk briskly toward me.

“Hey! Why are you here?”

But the reply I got was a hot slap across my cheek that had me gasping out as my eyes shot open.

“How dare you betray me?! I trusted you!” She snapped, her voice dripping with rage and feelings of betrayal.

My lips curled up in a smirk as I raised my gaze to her.

“You told me you were fucking going to handle Mr. James! Is this what you meant by that? To steal the contract from me?!” She yelled at the top of her voice, as if trying to bring down the roof of the company.

“How could you do this to me? We are sisters! You are supposed to have my back!” She continued ranting while I stared at her without saying a word.

“I am talking to you, Rose! Fucking answer me!” She snapped again.

“I only did what you would've done if you were in my shoes, Meg.” I said calmly.

“Yes, I told you that I was going to handle Mr. James, but I didn't tell you how—”

“That is because you were supposed to help me get the contract!” She cut me off.

“You only made that up in your head, sweetheart. I never meant that.” I shook my head, a smile spreading across my lips.

The hurt in her eyes, the feeling of betrayal all over, they gave me nothing but satisfaction. Now, she knows what it feels like to be betrayed by someone you trusted.

“Rose!”

“Don't be mad at me, sister. I only did what is good for my company, just like you were also trying to do what is good for your company.” I placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling at her, but she yanked it off, throwing me a murderous glare. It felt good to watch her shattered.

“You are going to regret this, Rose! You won't get away with this, I promise.” She threatened between gritted teeth, and I shrugged.

“I didn't do anything wrong, sis. What is there to regret?”

She huffed, clenching her jaws tightly, her breath hitching.

“I beg to take my leave now.” And with that, I turned around and started to walk away, but something crossed my mind, and I paused.

“Oh, right… I forgot something…” I said as I turned around and walked back to her.

“I think we forgot something.” I said, and her face twitched.

“And what the hell is…”

‘Whack!’ My hand burned and itched as I cut her off with resounding slap before she could finish her statement.

“Rose!” She held her cheek as she yelped.

“It is rude to hit your elder sister, Megan.” I patted her other cheek and smiled at her. And with that, I turned on my heel and left for my office.

Damn! That felt so wholesome.

*****

After a long day at work, the only thing on my mind as I drove home was to crash to the bed after a cold shower, and sleep off.

However, my plan was soon messed when I stepped inside the hallway leading to the living room, and I was welcomed by red petals littering the floor of the dark hallway, candles lit on the floor, and the sweet fragrance of rose flower graced my nostrils.

I rolled my eyes. This would've been so romantic if only it wasn't coming from Mathew. Nothing from him makes any sense to me.

“That bastard!” I kissed my teeth as I hastened my steps. The only thing on my mind was to head to my room. However, I spotted Mathew standing at the end of the hallway as soon as the light came on. I almost flinched because I wasn't expecting him to be there.

“Welcome home, honey.” A smile curled up his lips.

He brought out the bouquet of rose flower he was hiding behind him, and gave it to me.

“I told you that I would make it up to you, honey. I'm sorry about yesterday.” He apologised, his eyes boring into mine. It looked so real and genuine, but I could see right through him. He knew what he was fucking doing.

“I got this for you, honey. It's your favourite flower.” He said, referring to the flower that I was yet to take from him.

I stared at the flower, contemplating on what to do. Should I take it from him?