CHAPTER ELEVEN: MELISSA'S BOYFRIEND

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Melissa met Chris Declan at one of the meetings she attended for the company. He is a personal assistant for one of their partnering company. He approach her nicely and they've been friends ever since.

Since they've been friends when he asked her out she didn't see any reason to object. Chris is a well behaved guy, she is fond of his cool attitude and also, she doesn't have a boyfriend because she doesn't trust them at all but now she has confidence in Chris. He is not a billionaire but he is fine and she really do enjoy their dates.

Melissa's younger sisters doesn't find anything attractive about the guy especially Tyndall. She claim he isbtoo full of himself which Melissa countered but they had no choice than to put up with the guy since their sister seems fond of him.

One more reason for her sisters' dislike is that Chris doesn't like Drew a bit. That was due to the fact that anytime he is around, Melissa's sisters don't give him audience. All he got from them is a cold welcome but when he realise that Drew's got all their attention he came envious and an enemy to Drew who doesn't even care of his existence and always ignore him.

"What about the construction going on on the estate?"

It wasn't as if Chris is interested in Melissa's work but he wants to use the avenue to start up a conversation to belittle poor Drew.

"It's going fine. I was so tired from inspecting it yesterday" she replied with excitement oblivious of where her boyfriend is driving to.

"Are you in charge of that project also?" He asked surprised.

"No I'm not but as the second in command, I have to oversee lot of things and yesterday, Drew was at the hospital doing surgery after surgery so I had to fill in" she explained.

"When he knows that he can't handle the two together, why venture into it? " he said with a criticising look.

Melissa knew the way Chris felt about Drew but she count it as nothing. Drew's life is indeed an enviable one and there are thousands of men out there that would want what Drew has. She thought if Chris get to know him better, he would change his mindset about hi!. Although she had tried to let him know that Drew isn't as he thought but her effort see!s futile so she wants him to see it himself.

"You know he is an only child and he has passion for medical. No one to take care of his father's company and that's the reason they employed me" she defended.

"I'm just concerned about my baby. I don't want her used up" she said smiling.

"No one is using me. I'm working for my money dear".

Chris doesn't seem to agree with her. "Because he us paying you doesn't mean you should overwhelm yourself with work. You aren't done with one, you are seeing to another or are you done with that Nokia contract?" He asked just to criticise the more.

"Yes we've finalized it yesterday" she replied smugly.

"You see, that same yesterday. Do you want to kill yourself for this guy?" He asked giving her a irksome look.

Melissa sighed. She promised herself that she would make sure Chris sees Drew the way he iis because she knew Chris has a lot to gain from him but he his too proud. Drew himself is more proud but has nothing to loose while Chris has lot.

"I know you twondont get along but trust me Drew is doing hundred percent more than I am doing"

She didn't like their conversation. Even though she and Drew doesn't get along that much but she knew he is good to her and he is a good man. He has one of the beat personality she has seen even if not the best.

"It's not about me liking him or not. It is you I'm concerned for. That guy cares about no one aside his giant hospital. If he is working hard, isn't he getting all the money and praise? Unlike you that just get the crumbs of everything. If you try to give yourself at least little rest, I tell you, you will look more beautiful than you are now" he said with hidden animosity.

Melissa smiled at his words. She knew he got it all wrong.

"I don't do anything that stressful. Even when Drew and I go on business trips, it's like a vacation to me because he does all the work while I just assist him. So don't think bad of him" she said with a calm smiling voice.

Unknown to her, her words pierced Chris chest. He wasn't happy that they go out together. He surely wants her to himself. He hated Drew for knowing her first.

"I'm not thinking him bad. I'm just concerned about my baby" he said touching her nose.

"Thanks dear" she said in dulcet.

"Where are your sisters?"

"They went out with Dr....." Her excitement died when she realise who she is talking to and she swallowed the rest of her replacing it with a smile.

"Tell me I'm not going to beat them up" he said with a fake smile.

Chris wish that her sisters could give him at least half of the audience they do give Drew but once they sight him, they varnish. At first he thought that he wasn't presentable but later came to the conclusion that it was Drew's fault. He thinks they should adore him than Drew.

"Aren't they too close?" He asked casually although jealousy was burning inside him.

"They've always been close since they met. He has been part of the family for quite a sometime now" she replied.

"You know I don't really trust that guy's cool look. He knows how to change is looks and I think he might have an agenda" he said seriously.

Melissa shook her head. She didn't believe that Drew could have dirty thought fornher sisters.

"I don't thinks so" she declined. "Well, if he us interested in going out with any of them, it's not bad since my sisters are not minors. So I don't see it at a big deal" she said insouciantly.

Chris didn't like Melissa answer. He wanted her to take it into thought and say she would warn her sisters to stay off Drew but her answer also made him know that not only her sisters were fond of him but she herself is.

"That's one thing with you. You trust people easily. You know I've been with lot of those unmarried billionaire. They only use women to satisfy their list and dump them when they are tired. Drew isn't a difference. I tell you there are lot of treachery behind his cool eyes" he said with heavy hint of criticism.

Melissa didn't reply him so as not to give him the motion that she favours Drew to him. Even though he us her boyfriend, she didn't like the way he harped on about her benefactor who did him no wrong. She just gave a little smile.

"Dont think I'm saying this to paint him black but I'm thinking about your sisters. If you warned them now, when it happens they won't fall a prey" he said softly when he realised that she wasn't enjoying the conversation.

Melissa quickly changed the subject of discussion from poor Drew. As they chat on, they heard sound of opened door and it was followed by loud laughter. Meli quickly recognized the voices and she looked at Chris.

"Who's that?" He asked.

"That should be my sisters".

She looked at the direction while Chris adjusted himself quickly.

Drew, Somaria and Tyndall came to view.

"You ladies won't kill me" Drew said laughing.

"No it's Tin. My tommy is aching me because of too much laughter" she said holding her stomach.

"It has nothing to do with innocent me. We are all laughing" she denied.

"There is no day you are guilty" Drew mocked.

"Always innocent" Somaria supported.

They were oblivious to the fact that Melissa was in the sitting room talk more of Chris. Immediately they moved closer and saw them, they came to a halt. Had it been Chris wasn't there, the ladies would have jumped on Melissa and told her how their outing went but seeing Chris they just stared.

Drew gave a curt bow to Chris since he met him there but Chris only nod with a blank look. This made Somaria and Tyndall looked at eachother with a surprised look. Then to Drew who wore his usual non expressing look when he is with outsiders and they look at Melissa who did as if she is not aware of what just transcended.

They gave Chris a very cold Hi which he replied with a bright smile and gave they Melissa a brief hug. Melissa knew that their attitude was because of Chris.

The ladies returned to standing Drew who already moved back so as to keep a distance from Melissa and her guest. He sure knew that he doesn't have any issues with the guy but the guy seems to have with him and he couldn't tell the reason for it.

"I'm leaving" he announced.

"Why?" Tyndall asked.

"Won't I go to my house again?" He smiled. "Before your sister's boyfriend eat me raw" he added inwards.

"C'mon Drew. You promised to stay a while" Somaria said sadly.

"Please don't leave. The house will be dull without you" Tyndall pleaded.

"Ladies I have to go freshen up and change this clothe. I'm not comfortable with it anymore" he said smiling sweetly at them.

None was oblivious to the real reason for his leaving. He just made up that excuse so as not to face any more disturbance but the girls were more cussed.

"What a dandy" Somaria mocked.

"Don't mind Ria. Just stay" she pleaded.

"You know I can't" he gave an understand me please look. "Ok let's do it this way" he said when he realise the ladies are not ready to give in. "Let's go to mine".

Tyndall almost didn't let him land before hijacking the words. "You mean your house?" She was more than surprised.

Melissa was equally surprised when she heard that. Ever since knowing him, he has never for once spoken of his house. She could remember his father complaining that only him and his men knows where he stays and now he invited her sister all of a sudden.

"Do you really live on this planet earth?" Somaria asked after she recovers from her own shock.

"I've you been thinking that I live in anter with aliens?" He asked

"You look alien" Tyndall said laughing.

"No he doesn't. I've been thinking him to be a mermaid and that he lives under water because we seldom here about his house except for I'm leaving" she said with humour.

"Do you mean it?" He asked with a strange expression.

"Hmm hmm".

"I mean like seriously?" He asked again.

"Yes I'm damn serious" she replied in same manner.

"You two should stop. My cheek bones are aching" Tyndall said laughing profusely. She stamped her foot on the floor as if she wants to fly.

Drew and Somaria looked at her and to themselves, Somaria burst into laughter while Drew manage to swallow his.

Their laughter was really disturbing Melissa and her guest. Melissa tried not to smile while Chris got !ore angry. She knew her sisters were intentionally disturbing while Drew laid low. She dart them a strpern look but she got another outburst instead.

"Are you sure about us going to your place?" Somaria asked.

She want to be sure that she didn't hear wrongly.

"Yes but at your sister's approval" he replied looking at Melissa who was making sure she distracts Chris with her talks.

She would laugh out loud at his words that could be barely be heard. Drew could tell that those laughter were too fake because it didn't show in her eyes. She snorted at her attitude.

If it had been that it was only Melissa that is around, Drew wouldn't have needed his approval. He would just command but because Chris was there he had to apply curtsey.

"That would be great. Big sis won't object" Tyndall said happily.

"Go tell her" he commanded.

The two raced to her like kids to Melissa who was waiting patiently for them.

"Sorry Chris, just a minute" Tyndall said jumping on the sofa that Melissa was sitting while Somaria slouch on the other side looking at her from her upper eye lid.

"Don't jump on me Tin" she scolded gently. "What's the excitement all about?" She asked as if she never knew.

She heard everything even though she was talking to Chris.

"We are leaving for Drew's place" she said with overwhelmed happiness.

She dashed her a stern look and then to Drew who stood with his hands enveloped in his pocket. He stood with all his glory making her salivate at his handsomeness.

Chris also didn't miss giving him a quick hostile look. It doesn't even pull a strand from Drew because they don't have business.

"It's not possible" she said with a very low voice as if she didn't want Drew to her.

"Why?" Tyndall frowned.

"What's the reason he asked you to go with him?" She asked jealously.

"Must there be a reason?" Somaria asked.

"If you need a reason, I'm sure gonna provide you more than a reason. Trust me" Tyndall boasted.

"Not at this hour. Maybe some other time" she said plainly.

"And what exactly happened to hour?" Somaria gave her a cynic look knowing fully well that she's just trying to frame an excuse to hold them down.

"You aren't sure of his house distance. What if it is quite a distance?" She replied cussed.

"We can stay over if you are afraid we will get hooked up till late night" Tyndall said in zest.

As she said that, Chris looked at her and she widen her look at him and he quickly look away.

"You are planning to spend the nights nd leave me all by myself?" She asked in demur which showed in her look.

"What's up with not wanting us to leave. How many times have we left you alone in this house. We've gone to vigils, campings and you've never for once complained of staying alone. Why is tonight a difference?" Somaria asked impatiently.

"Moreover you have your Chris here but if you feel like you can't stay after he leaves, you are free to tag along" she said with heavy hint of mockery.

"And what does that mean!" She eyed her.

"It's a suggestion" she smiled.

"Are you thinking of spending the night with an unmarried guy?" She asked again.

"Yes sis. Exactly how we went on a week vacation with that unmarried guy and we came back whole. So stop all these your filmsy excuse and let us go. Pity your boss that has been standing there all the while" Somaria said with a respectful anger.

"Did I tell him not to sit?" She grumbled.

"He will when your Lion faced guy is waiting to devour him" Tyndall said inwards. "Just give us an anseer" she replied.

"You can go before you two behead me" she finally give in.

"Thanks big sis" Tyndall said happily and pecked her cheek.

"Thanks" Somaria pecked the other side.

They both went to drag Drew to their room.

"Those girls are quite frustrating when it comes to their Bestie" she said with a smile.

"Sorry we kept you waiting" Somaria apologized when they got into Tyndall's room.

"It's not necessary. I know your sister is a hard nut to crack" he said.

"I don't know what is always wrong with son of a b**ch" Tyndall spitted in ire.

"Tyndall" he called firmly knowing who she is referring to.

"Sorry" she murmured.

"Speaking the truth, I don't like the guy a bit. He's too manipulative. If not that Melly is not easily manipulated, I know what that guy would have caused" he said in distort.

"Yes big sis is impervious. I wish the guy will just disappeared to where he crawled out from" she said with an irksome look.

"Listen to me you two" Drew said firmly. "Don't you love your sister?"

"Of course we do" Somaria replied.

"With the whole of our heart" Tyndall said touching her chest.

"Then you have no choice here" he said in his coolest voice. "If you really want your sister to be happy, you have to accept her man" he said firmly like an elder brother.

"I've tried to but it is not working for me" Tyndall said with a gaunt look.

"Likewise I" Somaria added.

"Then you should try more" he advised.

"All I know is that Big sis us not going to marry that guy" she said assuring herself.

Drew smiled mockingly at her. "And what if she does?"

"I'm just gonna drop dead" she said vehemently.

"You should have stood your ground in not letting them follow him" Chris said baldly.

"You could see that they won't give in if I decline" she replied.

"It's not a big deal though since they are not strangers to each other" he said with a pretending smile that his his envious look.

Drew and the ladies came out with their laugages. Melissa was surprised at what they packed.

"Are you planning to spend the entire weekend with him?" She asked with her eyes wide opened at their laugage.

"Is it a bad thing to do?" Drew asked in disdain.

That was the first word he spoke to her ever since he walked in and that really pained her. She is already used to their bickering.

Drew on the other hand intentionally ignored her because of her guy. He didn't want a situation where he would be disrespected for talking. He wasn't much of a talker if not for Melissa's pestering sisters. He knew that Chris won't dare talk to him, he could only look.

"Yes be....." She swallowed the remainant of her words not wanting Chris to know how they do interact so as not to birth more animosity.

Chris was really looking forward for her answer.

"Was I talking to you?" She said.

She wasn't in anyway rude not even did she reply him the way she does when strangers are absent but her sisters were still not cool with her words.

"Big sis that's so impertinent of you. Is it because he is imperturb, that's the reason you talk to him like that or have you forgotten he owns your meal ticket" Tyndall said irascible and made it show in her look.

Drewalready regretted talking while Melissa felt reprimanded with the way her sister spoke in favour of Drew. She also knew that it was all because of Chris. She has spoken to him to in worse manner and they did nothing but laugh and now that she is more polite they are angry. She knew if she keep quiet, Chris is going to school her about training her sisters well.

"And how does that affect you girl?" She snapped with a frown.

"Let's calla spade a spade. If Drew is to be a very tyrannical boss will you talk to him that way? Even if you have to talk must it be in front of your boyfriend that is a guest here? That's what also gave him the effrontery to give him I'll mannered look and couldn't greet him properly. If not that he is your boyfriend, would he have meet him out there and not cower?" Somaria dinned crudely.

Both ladies where looking for the avenue to talk about Chris' rude attitude towards Drew to him and Melissa unconsciously opened one.

"Ria watch your tongue" Drew said firmly.

"You better be careful girl" Melissa bellowed.

"Let her speak. Thing that ain't right needs to be corrected. Drew is your boss and he deserves the highest level of respect from you and your guy. It is very st..."

Drew didn't allow her to finish her words because he knew it won't please Melissa at all. He doesn't want to be the reason those sisters that never quarrel will start a fight. He covered her mouth with his palm.

"Shut up and let's move" he asserted sternly.

Somaria and Tyndall knew they are already in for Drew's scolding but they don't seem to care because they want to set things straight between Drew and Chris. Be that it may, they never planned to rebuke his rude manners so openly but they never regret putting him in his level. They were frosty because Drew didn't let them let it all out and they gave a pouting expression.

Drew looked at Melissa. He had no business with Chris.

"Apologies for their manners. It's all my fault I shouldn't have said anything" he said and drew the ladies ears and they screamed in pain as they left. Drew didn't even wait for Melissa's acceptance or not.

Melissa didn't know what to say to Chris. She bit her lower lips that it almost bleed.

"Those girls" she snorted. "Drew has become their father" she said in ire. She was truely angry at them.

She knew they meant to embarrass Chris which they succeeded in doing. She intense to scold them when they are back. She also trust Drew, he would have done his own share of scolding them for their rude manners.

She saw pain in Chris' eyes. He wasn't near happy at all.

"Your sisters are just object of his manipulation and I don't blame them for anything they say. It is the guy that pretends to be apologising and scolding that is the real devil behind everything" he invect.

Melissa knew that's what he will say.

"Chris, Drew isn't someone that pretends. If he has any issues or business with you, he settles it all by himself not asking one to do it for him" she disagreed with his words.

"We can't have business" he said haughtily as if if he sees Drew outside he dares confront him.

"Don't be cross with my sisters. They are just been childish" she apologized with a sad look to show her sincerity.

"Who will I go ire for? My little ones or the guy I don't have business with? It is all gone dear" he replied smiling profusely at her.

"Thanks that's really nice of you".

"You're welcome honey".