by Mel Ryle
“I’m so sorry about that. I didn’t know that there was paparazzi following me. I assure you that would be the first and the last time,” he said, sounding like he had already taken care of it.
“What do you mean the first? Haven’t you seen the other articles about us?” I asked as I faced him angrily. I don’t know why I’m angry since it wasn’t his fault. Or maybe it was. “You should have distanced yourself from me. This friendship thing is really not working,” I added.
He was about to say something but he closed his mouth after I said those words. His eyes hardened a little as he took a step closer to me. I shrunk back until I felt the cool metal wall against my back. This situation was starting to seem very, very familiar.
“Is that what you really think about everything? Do you really hate being that close to me?” he asked softly, yet his voice was deep and menacing.
“It’s not like that...” I countered as I tried to sound stern, but my voice had failed me.
“Yes. It is like that,” he interjected as he took another step closer to me.
I held up my arm as he stood only inches from me. “Wait!” I exclaimed in frustration. This was not how I envisioned things would go.
Without warning, William raised his hand as he lightly caressed my cheek with the back of his hand. I looked up at him in shock. “You know, you are the only woman who can resist me this long. I think I have to try harder, which is something I have never done in my life,” he admitted quietly.
“What are you talking about?” I choked out.
“You know what I’m talking about,” he said as a smirk played at the ends of his lips.
Before I could ask or say anything, the elevator doors opened. William moved away from me and walked towards his office without giving me a second glance. I followed behind him absentmindedly and sat down on my chair. I don’t know what just happened. I will pretend that it never happened.
“Andy! Hey! Are you daydreaming?” Maggie asked with a playful grin as she waved her hand in front of me.
“No,” I replied sheepishly as I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment.
“Have you read the newspaper?” she asked as her eyes gleamed with amusement.
I eyed her for a second as I tried to read her expression. “Did William ask you to do something about it?” I asked in suspicion.
“No. He just ignored me and went directly into his office. Since you came out with him in the elevator, I assumed you both talked,” she stated as she raised her eyebrow at me questionably, yet the glint in her eyes didn’t falter.
“No. We didn’t,” I replied softly as I turned away from her and started up my desktop computer.
“So, have you read what the tabloids have printed?” she asked as she placed a newspaper on my desk.
I didn’t give her a reply and glanced down at the newspaper. I was preoccupied with the photo of William and me that I didn’t bother to read what was written under it. I mentally cringed as I finally read along the lines. I was right about the slut bit and being the new item to his lists of girls he supposedly dated. But what made me stiffen was the part where the journalist assumed I was pregnant. I mean, do I look that fat?
“Do I look pregnant to you?” I asked Maggie, as I glanced down at my stomach. It was slightly flat, since it was covered with my blazer and silky shirt.
“You are not fat, Andy. Trust me,” Maggie assured as she returned to her desk. “But, are you not fazed about the fact that people think you are together?” she asked as she looked at me seriously.
“I am pissed about that,” I replied angrily. “Can we not talk about this?” I pleaded grimly as I turned back to my computer, pretending to be busy.
“Sure,” Maggie replied with a soft chuckle as she turned back to her work.
I couldn’t really concentrate on my work as Maggie’s question lingered on my mind. William and I together, what kind of alternate universe would that happen in? I’ve hated the man since we met. I supposed that at some point, he grew some sort of feelings towards me…or me towards him. I slapped myself to get that thought out of my head. I did admit that William Maxwell could be sexy at times. And, he may have a softer side to him.
When I glanced down at the clock on the lower right side of my monitor, I stood up and excused myself for an early lunch. I needed a breather and a cup of coffee. So, I headed out to the coffee shop across the street.
When it was my turn to order, I froze in place as the person in front of me looked at me with wide eyes.
“Andy, hey. Long time no see,” Mase greeted half-heartedly as he gave me a small awkward wave.
“Mase, hey,” I finally gathered enough courage to talk. “I’m sorry I couldn’t call you last time...” I continued trailing off, not sure how to explain to him why I didn’t call.
“No. I should be sorry for hitting on you. I didn’t know you were dating Mr. Maxwell,” he interjected, giving me bleak smile.
“What? No. We are not...” I defended frantically as I tried to find the words to explain to him. But then, I remembered the photo and the article. “God!” I hissed in frustration.
“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.
“No. I’m not,” I replied with a weak smile.
“So, you’re really pregnant?” he asked in a whisper as he eyed my flat stomach.
“What? I’m not freaking pregnant! Do I look that fat to be pregnant?” I asked angrily as I gestured to my flat stomach.
“No! I didn’t mean it like that... It was just... in the newspaper,” he stuttered in his defense as he gestured at a newspaper on the counter between us.
I ignored his reply and gave him my usual order. Then, I handed him the payment without bothering to look at him. I was pissed. Now I’m getting back to my senses. I’m going to straighten this out. I don’t want another episode of telling people that I’m not having William’s baby.
As I waited in the sidelines for my coffee, I could feel people’s gazes on me. I didn’t dare to look up and I pretended not to overhear some of their conversations. When my order finally came up, I grabbed my drink and made my way out of the place. Well, that would be the last time I’m getting coffee in that place. William is making my life more miserable without his presence. I think he finally found a way to get back at me.
“Excuse me. Are you William’s baby mama?” Suddenly a man with a camera came up to me, making me stagger backwards in surprise.
“What?” I asked in surprise.
“Hey. Can I get a picture of you?” another man with a camera walked up to me.
“Excuse me,” I ignored them and continued to walk back to the building.
“Hey! Guys! That’s her! That’s William Maxwell’s new girl!” another man called behind me, making everyone look at me.
I turned to the voice and saw a few men with cameras gathered around like they were doing some photo shoot. Then, in a snap, camera flashes came up to me on all sides, cornering me a few steps outside the coffee shop. I looked down on the ground and started increasing my pace as the paparazzi walked up to me.
“Are you having William Maxwell’s baby?” one asked as I stopped for a second when someone blocked my way.
“When did you start dating?” another asked, as the camera flashes continued.
“Excuse me,” I ignored their questions as I tried to maneuver away from them. This is not happening to me.
“What is your name?” another man asked as I squirmed away from another reporter.
“Please. Leave me alone,” I warned as I held up my coffee and continued walking.
“How far along are you?” another one asked, blocking my way again.
Finally, I snapped. I stomped my foot and looked up to a dozen or so reporters standing in front of me as I felt a few cameras flashing behind me. “If you guys ask me another question about me being pregnant, I’m going to shove that freaking camera up your ass. You got that!” I snapped in rage.
For a second, I thought that they woul
d leave me. But it only added fuel to the fire. I should have not said anything. I should have continued walking until I reached the company building. Now, I just indirectly admitted that I was the girl in the photo with William.
When I finally reached the lobby of the company building, a few security guards held up a fortress in the entrance, blocking the paparazzi. I let out a huge sigh of relief as I placed my hand on my knee.
“Andy! Are you okay? I just heard...” a familiar voice urgently called.
I straightened up and looked at him dead in the eyes. “You fix this mess. Or, I’m going to...” I stared angrily but trailed off as William cupped my face in his hands.
“Did they do anything to you?” he asked worriedly as he assessed my face then slowly glanced down on the rest of me.
I slapped his hands away and took a staggered step back from him. “Don’t you dare touch me,” I stated with clenched teeth as I continued to stare him down.
“I’m so sorry, Andy. I didn’t plan on any of this to happen. I promise you, I didn’t mean for this to happen,” he pleaded sadly with his face looking pained. “I’m really sorry,” he added softly after taking a steady breath.
I looked at him for a second, guilt and sadness written all over his face. I turned away from him and headed straight for the elevator. As I passed by him, I gave him a small pat in his arm. “Fix this, please,” I begged silently.
I didn’t see or hear his reply as I continued walking towards the elevator. I didn’t bother to give him a second glance.
Twenty-Three
By Friday, the buzz had died down and people weren’t following me around with cameras and questions. But it wasn’t like there still weren’t people who were curious about William’s involvement with me. As I read today’s paper, it didn’t look convincing enough for me maybe because I’m one of the persons involved in this gossip. The article sounded untrue yet the tabloids bought it or someone paid the tabloids’ opinion to print this article.
“At least, they’ll leave you alone now,” Maggie stated with a smile as I continued to read the article about William and I.
“Are you sure? It doesn’t look like we stumbled into each other’s company and William dragged me to the hospital because I started feeling sick,” I said back in annoyance as I held up the paper and pointed my hand at the article.
“For those who don’t know...” she started in defense as she assessed the paper with uncertainty.
“We both know that this is fake, Maggie,” I said with conviction, folding the paper in half and placing it in the trashcan beside my desk.
“You are only saying that because you know the truth. They don’t know that,” she remarked and pointed out in confidence as she sighed in defeat.
“I know what you mean, but still...” I started but trailed off, as I couldn’t find words.
“Don’t think about it anymore, Andy. It’s all done now,” Maggie interjected softly and gave me a comforting smile.
“Yeah. Thank god for that... I thought I would have to go home like some alley cat for a couple more days.” I sighed in relief as I turned back to my desk monitor.
Maggie chuckled and turned back to her work. As I waited for my computer to start up, I quickly glanced at William’s door. He still hasn’t arrived yet. I wanted to thank him for fixing things with the paparazzi, but we weren’t in talking terms for the past few days.
As afternoon passed and evening came, I started fidgeting and constantly glanced at William’s office door. He didn’t come to work today. It was almost seven thirty and he hadn’t left any messages saying that he wouldn’t be coming to work.
“Maggie, do you know where Mr. Maxwell is? Why isn’t he at work today?” I asked as I silently cleared my desk a few minutes before my shift ended.
“Oh. William,” Maggie started, glancing at me with surprise for a second. “He’s at home today. He’s not feeling well.”
“Not well? He looked fine yesterday, didn’t he?” I pointed out in confusion.
“He was slightly pale yesterday. He may not show it, but to me, I can see that he was sick. So, I asked him to stay home for today,” Maggie replied nonchalantly as she continued to type something in the computer.
“Oh,” I replied silently, not sure what to say.
“Do you need anything from him?” Maggie asked, glancing at me for a second.
“I thought he would be here today. I wanted to thank him for getting this whole mess sorted out,’’ I replied shyly.
“Oh. Okay,” Maggie replied with a small smile, her eyes glistening in interest. “Well, if you want to tell him today, I can give you his address,” she offered with a smile.
“You want me to go over to his house?” I asked in surprise.
“Yeah, why not?” Maggie replied rhetorically without shame. “Since you are going there, can you give this to him?” she continued while gathering a few files from her desk.
“Oh. So, you want me to go to his house for this?” I asked in confirmation and got up from my chair, walking towards her desk.
“No, not really. Since you wanted to thank him, and I’m too tired to drop by his place today...” she replied, trailing off with a grin on her face.
“I didn’t know that you could be like this, Maggie,” I commented with a chuckle. “Alright, I’ll give it to him,” I added as I gathered the papers she had piled up on the edge of her desk.
“Thank you, dear. Well, I do have to give myself a break some times,” she said with a wink.
After Maggie gave me the address to William’s place, I said my goodbyes and headed out to the bus stop. I was hesitant as I glanced around the streets when I walked out of the main entrance. If one of those idiots from the tabloids followed me, I would kill myself for getting in a situation like that. My thoughts were in turmoil on my ride back to my apartment.
When the bus stopped at the waiting shed on his street, I felt my knees slightly shake with nervousness as I walked out the bus. I let out a huge breath to calm myself. I tried to think of nothing as I forcefully placed one foot in front of the other and walked towards William’s apartment with a heavy heart.
Heavy and agitated heart, I should say. I didn’t know that he lived by himself and wasn’t staying in the grand Maxwell Mansion with his mother. And not knowing that he lived right across the street from my apartment all this time made me seethe with rage. No wonder he knew where I lived.
I looked up and studied the building across the street from my apartment. Compared to where I live, his condominium towered over its neighboring buildings. Unlike the building beside it, which was made of red brick and a rather mediocre finished cement, his building stood out with its tinted glass walls and steel frames. For all I knew, he owned the damn classy building standing in front of me.
I entered the building and was welcomed by a sophisticated lobby that had a cream white granite reception desk and golden walls with an equally elegant white and gold furnishings. The floor was tiled and polished exceptionally well, you can see your reflection. The design reminded me of the small lobby in my apartment. And then it clicked. He did own the damn place. It was very obvious.
I let out another huge calming breath before approaching the reception desk, where a young man with light brown hair stood with his head down. I was a foot away from him when he looked up at me in surprise, but then recovered his expression and gave me a small welcoming smile.
“Good evening. How may I help you?” he asked when I finally reached the counter.
“Do you know what floor Mr. Maxwell’s apartment is in? I’m Ms. Maxwell’s secretary. I came here to give him some papers to sign,” I replied soberly as I held up the brown envelope that held the documents Maggie gave me.
“Top floor. Penthouse,” he replied directly, still smiling. “The elevator is that way,” he added as he gestured his hand to the left, where three silver metal doors were located.
“Right. Obviously,” I mumbled grimly to myself and nodded in reply.
I slowly turned towards the elevator.
When I reached the top floor, the elevator dinged as it opened to a dimly lit hallway. For a second, I thought I was in the medieval era. The air was cool, the walls were grey, and I would’ve tripped and fallen on my face if it weren’t for the two mini chandeliers lighting up the hallway to some extent. I hesitantly stepped out, looking down at the dark red carpet. Who would have guessed Mr. Mogul had a thing for the dark ages.
As I continued along the hallway, I turned sideways to see the clear, floor-to-ceiling window. The view outside was breathtaking as the city lights illuminated the streets. There were skyscrapers and towers lined up closely in the heart of the city. If you squinted your eyes, on the right side you could see a glimpse of the suburbs. I never would’ve thought that the city was this beautiful at night.
When I finally reached the end of the hallway, a huge white door stood in front of me. Its frame was carved with the same kind of wood I remembered seeing in the Maxwell Mansion. That kind of furnishing is something you’ll never easily forget. I caressed the frame with the tip of my fingers before knocking gently on the door. It took me at least three tries before I realized that there was a small golden doorbell on the left corner of the wall.
After ringing the bell twice, I finally heard a faint call from the other side of the door. My heart suddenly picked up, knowing who it was. When the door opened, I was about to greet him but I couldn’t find my words as I laid eyes on him.
He wasn’t the William Maxwell that I knew. He looked vulnerable and frail. He was wearing a plain white shirt and grey sweat pants. He looked like a man who lost everything. Who was this man and what did he do to Mr. Mogul?
“Mr. Maxwell?” I asked, choking the words out.
“What do you want?” he asked his voice deep and raspy. He coughed twice before he looked up. “Oh. What are you doing here?” he asked when his dull blue eyes found mine.
“I’m here to deliver some paper work. Are you okay?” I started but trailed off as I asked him worriedly.
He waved his hands dismissively as he grabbed the brown envelope that I handed to him. For a second, I stood there not able to say another word. Then, I snapped out of it and remembered why I came in the first place.
