Episode 7

Chapter seven

Three months ago was when it all happened. Yes. Exactly three months, two weeks and six days. Nobody but Brian could remember this, for it was a day he would forever remember.

No. Not just a day he would remember but a day that changed the course of his life. And that was something he must deal with.

"Where to, restaurant boy," came a voice.

Brian ignored the voice and continued his quick steps. He didn't even turn either, for he recognize the voice. And soon, he existed the porch of the main villa.

Words like this meant nothing to him anymore. He got use to it three months ago. In fact, it became a must if he must survived the harsh environment his marital vows plunged him into.

And why shouldn't he?

Ethan was the guy who spoke, the guy Ana had ditched. He wasn't just any guy but a rich guy that had vowed to make Brian's life a living hell. And so far, he was doing a pretty good job.

Brian let himself into a separate section of two-bedroom apartment where he saw Ana, who busied herself with some makeups.

"Hey, you are back!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah. And here is what you asked for." He handed her some files so she could review. The first Diamond Corporation was about to launch a new product that would attract more investors, and Ana would not leave anything to chance. She needed to make sure she understood every detail.

Brian glanced through the mini-sized sitting room. Not big, but he was still grateful to have a roof over his head. The place was purposely built for the guards but Mr Danley found no difficulty when he asked his son-in-law to move in. That, he thought, would stop the incessant insults Brian got.

But it turned out that Mr Danley was wrong because the insults never stopped. In fact, it compounded when Ana, who thought it unwise to stay away from her husband after being married, decided to move in with him.

Ana noticed the look on his face, the look he bore whenever he was angry about something and she asked, "Is something wrong?"

Brian shook his head, but he knew far too well that the woman he married four months ago would not back down.

Sensing his worry, Ana put down the papers. Despite her brother trying to keep her at bay at the company for marrying a restaurant boy, Brian was still her number one priority.

She paced towards him and dropped a gentle kiss on his lips. "What's wrong," she asked, taking a seat on his thigh.

Brian sigh. "It's Ethan."

"What is it about him. Did he do something wrong?"

Brian was now uncomfortable with the worry that seemed to hover on her face.

"No. No. Nothing. It's nothing really. You know Ethan. He would always be Ethan," Brian said in an attempt to divert the conversation.

Ana rubbed his chest with her left palm and said, "You know he is just jealous. I always told you to ignore him." She reached and kissed for another around but Brian was quick to pull back.

"What!" she exclaimed.

"Not now, we are gonna be late. Y. O. U are gonna be late," Brian jerked to his feet in protest.

Ana released a sigh of defeat.

"Henry would already be there, and you can't let me him keep you on the sidelines," Brian explained, but he still deemed it fit to console her with a kiss.

They sucked each others lips for a few seconds.

Ana could feel bad, but she knew that Brian was right. Her father trusted her to run the company and if she is not careful, she may find herself floating down the river.

The kiss lighten up her mood. "Now, go finish reading the files," Brian said, patting her two shoulders.

The product launch was to take place at the main event hall of the First Diamond corporation building and few hours later, they arrived at the venue.

"Hey, you finally made it," Ethan appeared from nowhere, his face with a sinister grin as he spoke.

Ana and Brian both paused, hoping Ethan would not create a scene.

"Hey dumass, I didn't expect to see you here," as expected, Ethan mocked. Seeing Brian lock arms with Ana was unacceptable. He could not understand in the least possible way what Ana saw in a lowlife like Brian.

The world was certainly crazy.

Brian's organ rearrange. Ethan deserved a punch but he would not cause a scene.

"Why don't you just go away, Ethan," Ana suggested. She clung tightly to Brian's arms this time around.

"Ethan, don't bother yourself with my sister. She is just blind," Mira, the talkative, said from behind. "Who would marry a poor restaurant boy," she smirked.

'Boy' she did say. Brian could be anything but a boy. As much as Brian hated he was being talked to that way, he was grateful that Mrs Johnson is still alive. He got her a new home from the money. Maybe the insults he got was the price he must pay.

Ana signaled to Brian and they strolled into the hall. The CEOs from the entire city were already present and Ana found her seat. The other CEOs all sat as couples and she was surprised to find herself all alone, but flanked by Henry to the right and another stern looking man to the left.

Brian found his seat at the rear end, where he thought he always belonged.

"Ladies and gentle men, welcome to the product launch of the First Diamond Corporation…"

"Pardon me, I just couldn't afford to see that restaurant boy beside you," a voice whispered.

Ana's thought drifted when she saw her mother.

"What! Did you do this?" she exclaimed.

"Of course. And you should be grateful for that," Mrs Danley affirmed, and disappeared to find her seat.

Ana maintained composure. She was here to ensure a product lauch and nothing must distract her. And soon, it was time for the CEO to take the stage.

Ana glanced through the documents before her, going through the speech Brian had spent the entire night preparing. She took a deep breath and sat up right.

It was now or never.

"Ladies and gentle, let's welcome the CEO of the First Diamond Corporation…"

Ana already found her feet, but the feet couldn't move an inch for her entire body was buried in embarrassment when she heard the name: 'Henry Danley'