CHAPTER FIFTEEN: THE MEAL 2

Drew didn't touch the food all morning. He buried himself in the works he left out two weeks ago. He has even forgotten about the food until he got too tired to go on.

"Oh this is still here" he eyed the flask.

Hr knew he has no choice but to eat it for his father's sake even if there would be repercussion. He opened the flask and the aroma wowed him.

"Who is this newly found wife?" He questioned himself.

The was the food is presented looks really nice but since he didn't know who prepared it, he was not satisfied. After much contemplation, he prayed and started to eat.

He carefully took the first spoon hoping to detest the food, but he was highly disappointed. The food taste as nice as the smell. It even tasted familiar to him and he tried to recollect who it could be but it seems like the person got deleted from his brain memory card.

Melissa entered and gave a curt bow.

"Why did you enter my office without a knock?"

As she wanted to reply, her eyes fell on the flask and everything she wanted to say flew away. She slowly closed her eyes and open it again as if doing that the flask would disappear but when she opened it, it was still standing gorgeously there.

"Didn't you hear my question?" He asked firmly.

"I heard" she replied softly fixing her gaze on the flask, wondering whyshe was told to cook for him.

"And I don't deserve an answer?"

"You do sir" she replied recovering from her shock, she looked at him.

Drew cover led the food.

"Then?" He glared at her.

"I don't have one" she replied casually as if she did nothing.

Drew dashed her a stern look. "What if I was doing something private, is that how you would barge in?"

"You aren't doing anything private" she said confidently.

"And how sure are you about that?" He frowned.

She walked closer slowly as she talked. "Before I came here, I called at Victor's office but he wasn't there..." She paused.

Drew gave her a queer look. "And what exactly has that got to do with me?" He asked crudely.

"But I met joanna, busy with the system. So I knew anyone in your office aside her would be on official purpose" she said impassively.

"Young lady, what is that suppose to insinuate?" He asked with a thick voice to show that his detest for her answer.

Melissa covered her mouth to swallow her laughter. "Apologies sir if my answer seems too direct" she gave a feign apology.

Drew eyed her with pressed lips. "What do you want?"

"Brought a copy of the Damart proposal".

"Why bring it when you have a secretary?"

"That's because I sent her else where and yours also is no where to be found" she replied with a grudging look placing the file on his table slowly.

"Or you justbwant to see me since we've not met today?" He asked cynically.

Melissa frowned immediately. "What benefit do I own in seeing you?" She asked in grimace.

"You are saying I'm of no use to you?" He faked anger.

"It is unwise of me to say such thing since you own my meal thickets. All I'm saying is that, why would I stress myself to come see you for no reason? Nothing interests me in you face to make me come all the way from my office to see" she said blankly.

" 'Cause I'm the ugly guy " he mocked.

"Never said that" she rolled her eyes and looked up so as not to look at his face.

"Go in there, get me one serving tray and a spoon" he ordered pointing at the route she would go.

"A spoon?" She asked astonished because he already has one in his hand.

"I didn't tell you to query me. Just do as you are told'.

When she came back with the stuffs, he placed the food on the tray and stood up. At first Melissa thought he wanted to go trash the food which she already expect of him. But she was disappointed when he moved to the couch to sit and eat comfortably. Then she turned to leave.

"Wait" he called.

She paused, looked at him for what he needs. She watched him stand up, moved closer to her which made her mocked back and she was taken aback when he placed his hands on her shoulder, then begin to push her to the couch.

"Sit" he commanded.

"Why should I" she asked deliberately not corporating.

"Just sit" he said in a more firm voice.

She sat grudgingly. "Now what?" She asked rudely even though she was already guessing his intention.

"We are to eat this food" he replied like it was compulsory for her to join him.

"Why we?" She asked not knowing when they've started eating lunch together.

"Because my fad ordered me to finish this food".

Melissa eyed the flask. "Did he include me?"

"No but I need an assistant to join me execute the assignment and you are my assistant" his voice rang authority.

Melissa was pissed. She asked herself why it was her that encounter this his silly assignment. Should have just stayed at her office and wait for her secretary's return. Now she is been commanded to eat with him. Shouldn't he be pleaded?

"You were eating before I came in. Why include me now?"

She wasn't in anyway interested to eat with him and she is determined not to.

"I was going to bring it to you".

"I don't eat leftovers" she said with pride and she intentionally mad it show.

"Melissa!" He called.

"Why me of all people?" She asked curtly.

"Can you please stop all these why and let's eat?" She said tired of her refusal.

"I need to know why you intend to bring me the food" she said cussed.

"OK, if I had ask you to join me nicely, I'm sure you would have refused with silly answers as you are doing now but my God who didn't want me to go through all those troubles brought you for me" he replied smiling.

That wasn't the answer to her question but she let it go. "I don't know why you are forcing me to eat when it is not as if I came to you crying that I'm dying of immense hunger" she said crisply.

"Ah Melly" he said putting his hand on his forehead fashionably before busting into laughter.

"See I'm not hungry neither am I interested in your food. Go call Joanna. I know she will gladly join you and will appreciate better than ungrateful me" she said scornfully.

"I don't need any appreciation Miss. All I want is to satisfy my dad" he said.

"Why will your dad bring a full grown man like you food?" She grimaced.

"He is my dad and he brings me anything whenever he feels like" he said rudely.

"Well, since you own the food and I'm not included, you should eat it all unaided and alone" she said trying to stand up.

Drew pulled her back. "You want the reason? I'll tell you" he said looking into her eyes. "I fired my chef and my dad thought I don't have time to cook myself any meal, so this morning this landed on my table. Satisfied?" He asked glaring into her eyes.

Melissa looked away. She couldn't hold his gaze again without her winking severally. She could now understand why his father made her cook for him but she didn't understand why it has to be her because the meals he took at their place was always a persuasion from Tyndall. The proud guy doesn't eat food prepared by anyone save his chef, dad and himself. Melissa thought it was over pampering and pride that led to it.

"What a fiddlestick" she thought eyeing the flask as if she doesn't know the source.

"Don't worry it is nice to the mouth" he assured her when he saw her look on the flask.

"Is it your dad that prepared it?" She asked wanting to know who Mayfield told him prepared it.

She knows that Drew would never know that she was the source of the food and collect it. Even if he does he would have taunted her with it.

"He said his new found wife which I know nothing of prepared it" he replied with a smile.

"New found wife!" She didn't know when she blurts out.

Even Drew raised a brow at her voice.

"Is he planning to ask me out" she thought in fear. "No he is more honorable to do that" she answered herself.

She quickly comport herself so as not to give Drew any blue to notice her discomfort.

"Drew will kill me if he found out that I'm his father so called new found wife" she thought.

"I know it is a lie. He'd tell me when he is ready" he said blankly. "So eat up".

"You are to eat up not me. You own the food and don't this k I'll taste until you are filled" she said with authority ringing in her voice. She was glad he didn't disregard the food.

"Didn't you say you don't eat left over?" He asked in mockery.

"Yes I did" she snapped and bit her lower lip.

"Eat Melly" he said firmly.

"He is still ordering me" she thought. "Not hungry" she pouted.

"I know that. The good is getting cold" he said.

"Since it is covered, it won't get cold" she said cocksure before realising what she said.

"How sure are you about that?" He asked skeptically.

"Because it is my flask and I've used it severally" she said inwards. "I have a replica".

"Just eat".

"Go call Joanna, she would be happy to join you" she said bluntly putting on a stubborn and pride filled frown.

"Are you jealous of Joanna?" He asked in derision.

She scoffed. "Why would I be?"

"Because this days, you've always been talking about her" he replied with a ridiculous smile.

"That's because I'm trying to keep myself from trouble" she said. "Or should I have said Pearl" she added mockingly.

"Why are you so cusses? It's not as if the food you'll be eating will land in my Tommy. It will nourish your body not mine" he gave a tired sigh.

"I don't just want any trouble. What if one of troop of girls comes in and meet me eating with you? They won't even know that I'm only helping out her before they start to deal with me" she said as if she is truely scared.

"Nobody is dealing with you. Eat" he said firmly tired of her numerous excuse.

"You are even ordering your helper. Can't you say please for once?" She backlash.

"You want pleas? Alright please" he said baldly.

"I don't want that kind of please. I want a genuine one" she said folding her hands to show that if there is no please she's not eating.

'Please he said in a coaxing voice.

"Ah must I eat this food?" She grumbled.

"Do it for me" he said intentionally pulling her legs.

"For you?" She snorts. "If it is for you I'll never be seated her but I will for your dad who went through the stress of getting you someone to cook you a meal" she said plainly.

She was really tired of his pestering so she gave up and they started eating.

After a while, Drew spoke. "With the way your body is glowing these days, are you pregnant?" He asked just wanting to !ake trouble.

"What!" She coughed.

"Am I right?" He asked as he offered her water.

Melissa ignores him. "I don't think I'll be eating this food again. This guy is super annoying" she said in ire as if she was talking to herself.

"Sorry" he said laughing. After some time he spoke again. "How is your boyfriend?"

Melissa who knew his question was for nothing but to tease her snapped. "What's your biz with him?"

"Hey calm down. Can't I ask after a friend's friend anymore?" He jested.

"Who is your friend?" She frowned.

"Don't you ask after my friends?" He smiled.

"Me?" She pouted to her chest. "Those your girlfriends that doesn't have anything to offer me except insults" she said blankly.

"What about yours?"

"Chris does not have any issue with you. Why then will he insult you?" She said sternly even though she knows her claim wasn't in barest minimum true

Drew burst into laughter. "You know that's a beautiful lie. That guy that just facaded little smile and then give me a killing look beneath. You know truely well he hates me, so no lies" he mocked.

"You are just saying that because that's what you think about him. Because he doesn't rapport with you doesn't connote hatred" she didn't like the conversation because it seems awkward to her.

"Call a spade a spade sweet" he laughed out loud.

"Why did I come to this guy?" She asked herself ruefully.

"Sorry couldn't help it" he said trying to suppress his laugh.

"You are just jealous of Chris that's all" she said with pride.

He laughed real hard this time. "Me jealous of your guy? Is it because he has better looks than I or I don't have the wealth he own or is it beautiful ladies flocks around him more than they do to me? Is it intelligence will I say he has more or what will make me jealous of the guy that doesn't have half of what I have? " he boasted.

"He is better than you in lot of ways" she vaunted.

"Tell me baby" he said with a sardonic smile.

"Who is your baby?" She hissed. "He knows how to treat ladies nicely better than you do" she replied.

Knowing fully well that Chris cannot be compared to Drew in many ways but she won't allow him to ridicle her boyfriend.

"It's only you that got the sense that I don't treat ladies nicely. Others never do" he said in deride.

"And I don't think you are interested in eating this food any longer" she said arrogantly and stood up carrying the tray.

"What" he chuckled.

"If you are really interested in eating, you won't ever talk while eating" she said with a reproving look.

"Dad ordered me to eat it all".

"Tell him I threw it out when you aren't interested anymore" she said widened her eyes and collected his spoon violently.

"But that's not true" he said looking at her as if sphe is surprised.

"Your attitude towards it tells it akk" she said firmly.

Drew watched her with a surprised look as she left with the food and then burst into laughter. She is really a tough thing.

Melissa disposed the food into a polythene bag and washed the flask in his little kitchen attached to his closet.

"You should tell your guy to dispose the leftover before it become a stench" she said as she came out.

What she saw outside gave her a shock. She saw Chris exchanging looks with Drew who already went back to his seat. He was swiveling his chair left to right in the glory of a magnificent god. Although he wore no expression, Melissa could tell that he was really angry.

Chris wore a canterkerous look fixing his look on Drew. She didn't know what birth that with the few minutes she used in there. Thank God she stood when she did if not they would have been exchanging blows.

"Chris" she called gently but received no answer. "What are you doing here? You didn't tell me you were coming over and moreover you should have waited at my office" she said in a gentle voice.

She dropped the flask she held on Drew's table and move closer to him.

When Chris arrived at Melissa's office, he didn't find her secretary neither did he find her so he headed for Drew's knowing she should be there or he would know her whereabout. Although he has never been to Drew's office but Melissa has severely talked about the office to him so he just used discretion to search for it which he found quickly.

Luckily for him, his office was void of people which he himself sees as not right.

Drew's guys were sent on errands differently because he has a lot to cover so he use them as his replacement including his secretary.

This made Chris to have free entrance to his inaccessible office. When he knocked, Drew was surprised because he already cancelled all his appointment be that he sent his men out. So he thought it was pestering Joanna. He just said come in.

At first he didn't know if Melissa was in there but as he heard her voice and didn't see her, his head flew and all his system changed. This is exactly what he has been afraid of all the while.

"What are you doing here? " he asked in smothered anger.

Melissa felt the question was lame and stupid, which is indeed.

"What kind of question is that? This is my boss' office" she replied making sure she was calm.

She was really flabbergasted at his display of anger. She didn't see any thing that warrant his angry attitude. She looked at Drew who wore a plain look.

"Did your job description includes his closet?" He gave a shirty breath.

"Can't I help anymore?" She asked softly hating his disgraceful attitude.

"Who brought the food?" He finally shouted.

Melissa closed her eyes painfully. She was glad that she wasn't the one who brought the food nor she she know that the food she cooked will be given to him. She doesn't have any reason to lie or feel bad about lying to him.

Drew watched the two silently knowing a word from him would ooze out the fire of the smoking anger in Chris.

"Not me" she said firmly. "Let's go to my office" she took his hand.

Chris jacked away from her and looked at Drew furiously. Drew on the other hand was looking at Melissa who was disbelieving what was happening.

"Swear Melissa! Swear that you didn't prepare that meal" he bawled.

Even Drew was focused to see if she is true to her words.

"Trouble" she thought. "You know I hate to swear. Stop being like this" she said with a shaky voice which was caused by shock and embarrassment.

Drew snorts. He knew that Melissa wouldn't swear but he sense fear in her eyes which is unlike her. So he begin to doubt his father's words.

"Melly, can you move to your office? I hate ruckus in mine" he said with a calm ordering voice but he was trying to bench his growing anger.

At this, Melissa felt like crying. "Chris let's move to my office" she pleaded not knowing why he is causing a scene.

Chris walked to Drew slowly and with pride. His angry look was still intact. He bent placing his hands on his table.

"I know you are devising everything to make you have my girlfriend but let me tell you this, if I dare see your hands on her, you'll have me to contend with" he hit his hand on his table violently. "Don't you dare test my anger. I! A very grouchy being" he added and turned to leave.

His words were grisly to Melissa that she became scared.

"Is that a threat?" Drew asked with a wicked smirk at the edge of his lips but didn't get to his eyes.

"What else do you think?" He bawled, angry that Drew didn't react the way he wanted.

"Oh no, these guys won't quarrel because of me. That would be the most embarrassing thing of my entire life" she said loudly to herself frightfully.

She closed her eyes wishing it could make them disappear.

"If just seeing her in my office made you this mad, then seeing us enter an hostel together will drive you completely insane" he said still with his calm impassive look.

Chris couldn't guess what he was thinking and that alone is driving him gaga. He gave him a you won't dare do that look.

"Mr boyfriend, your threat is an empty one to me because I'm so sure there's nothing you can do to me. She works for me and I get to send her errands" he said like he was saying something pleasant.

"Mr President, does her work description includes her cooking your meal when she is not a chef?" He asked trying to keep calm like Drew but he wasn't succeeding.

"What gave you the stupid thinking that she brought me the food?" He was really disputes about the whole thing but he wasn't showing it.

He wished he could but he wasn't going to give Chris what he wanted.

"That flask" he pointed at the flask sitting on Drew's table. "I know it well. It's hers and she can't deny that" he said cocksure.

Drew looked at Melissa who put her both palm on her forehead wanting to cry for an answer but she gave none.

"What's wrong with this guy" she thought bitterly.

Drew gave a snort. "The last time I checked schmoe, your so called girlfriend isn't that wealthy to order a company to produce a product that shouldn't have replica. So it is so daft for you to think it is for your woman because she has the same"

He was damn angry but he was only putting on his plain smirk looking at the guy.

"Get out of my office! I'm not in anyway enjoying your bluffs" he added swiveling his chair.

"You just called me a schmoe?" He shouted.

Drew not his head daring what he wanted to do.

"Then I will show you exactly how schmoe behaves" he said with a bitter laugh.

Then he threw the things on Drew's table to the ground including the flask.

"Chris!" Melissa shouted.

Now her tears flowed down shamefully.

"You see I was right. You've really gone wacko in the head" he said laughing and this got Chris foaming with anger. "Melly how come you didn't detect that this guy needed to visit the asylum before hooking up with him?" He gave a sympathetic glaring.

"Chris, please stop being paranoid" she pleaded.

Chris didn't even did as if she spoke. He just went ahead to meet Drew. He wanted to hit him but Drew was faster than he his and he held his hand tightly looking into his eyes.

Melissa was shocked that she almost fell. Even Drew was a bit surprised at his audacity.

"You gat the gots to hit me?" His voice was so cold that if care is not taken, it would freeze Melissa's tears.

The two exchanged hot stares. Drew wished he wasn't in his office, he would have taught the guy a lesson he would never forget but the office is his great limitation. It won't in anyway speak well of him if he endulge in a duel with such rascal in official premises.

"If not that I can't afford my name to be the news headlines on every newspaper next morning, claiming that I'm fighting over a girl that has nothing to do with me, I would have made you regret you ever lifting your filthy hands at me. I'm giving you the last warning. Let this be the first and last time you will bring your stench body into my office. Don't you dare me. Everything to deal with you is just a call away. You are grouchy and I'm more temperamental than you could ever imagine" he said firmly but not with a shout.

Melissa since she knew Drew, he has never said so much words at a time. She was surprised that at such situation, he still kept his cool self and didn't loose his temper. More tears flowed down her cheeks as she watched her boyfriend jacked his hand from Drew's and smartened his clothes.

Chris was so scared at his words because he knew they are all true but he his it well.

"Not your fault at all" he then turned to Melissa glaring at her. "I'll get back to you later".

He matched out slamming the door but since the doors is an heavy oak door, it didn't respond to the slamming, making it half opened.

Melissa felt so ashamed that tears streamed down her eyes and she covered her mouth so as not to make any sound. She couldn't bring herself to look at Drew.

Drew has never seen Melissa sad not to talk of cry sadly like this. He really didn't know what to do to soothe her. He felt like to hold her and whisper soft words into her ears but he knew his action won't be right at this moment. He just watched her walk slowly to the things on the floor.

"Don't bother, I'll get someone to do it" he said in his coolest voice. "He might get more vexed that you didn't follow him" he added softly.

Drew's words penetrated into her the more and she bent to cry more.

Luckily for Drew, he didn't move closer to her as his heart was dying to do because, Chris entered again.

"What again"Drew sworn beneath.

The first time he let his guards down was the first time he got attacked. He regrets his action buy leaving himself void of guards. He sure will never do that in the entirety of him remaining life.

"So you stayed to console him" he said to Melissa. He didn't shout this time around. "So sorry sir, don't mind my crazy boyfriend" he said trying to imitate feminine voice which he did poorly.

Melissa didn't even answer him she was busy with the scattered files on the floor.

"You won't answer ma?" His temper returning back.

"What would you have me say?" She said in like manner standing to look tall at him with her over red eye.

She couldn't take it anymore. He has succeeded in ridiculing himself and her. What else does he want again?

Drew expected him to be sober has he saw Melissa's red eye. As tough as he said he his, he would never see a crying lady and not melt a bit not to talk of his girlfriend. But Chris' next word almost gave him a shock.

"You won't have anything to say since you are having sex with him" he invect in ire.

"Chris!" She called flabbergasted at his words.

"Isn't it true? Every time it is Drew this, Drew that. My boss! My boss! My boss! Explain that?" He said jealously.

Melissa, although knew Chris never liked Drew but she never knew that he was jealous anytime she talks about him and that he already thought it to be another thing.

Drew on the other hand gave Melissa an impassive look but it meant surprise. Melissa will hardly call his name and now her boyfriend just say she do talk about him a lot. This is one surprising news to him.

Chris turned to Drew. "Listen to me, you speck of insignificance..."

Drew snorted ad gave him a mocking look. Meaning he was using the words that was meant for him to him(Drew).

"I don't care who the hell you are but to me, you are nothing but an animal that doesn't know how to keep his erection under pant" he said furiously.

Melissa knew that all Drew's calm attitude was to respect her. He wouldn't want her to be ridiculed by everyone, that's why he hasn't order him men to come around and throw him out. She was so vexed at Chris' attitude.

"I won't tolerate you insult my boss Chris" she said in ire.

She couldn't bare his immature act again that she didn't know when she retorted.

"You want to beat me up for your boss? Go ahead" he said moving closer to her, spreading his hands wide.

Drew watched with an alerted look.

"You never spoke a word and was glad when he rained insult at me. Calling me a schmoe and also told me that I needed to visit the asylum. You kept quiet but now when I said just one word of insult, you voiced out. Who are you to support, your boss or your man?" He asked with a bitter smile.

"My boss did you no wrong before you started causing trouble. Moreover, he owns my meal ticket. Can you afford to pay me half my salary if I get fired because of you?"

She was so angry, regretting why she put herself in such position.

Drew didn't know she would stand to defend him and condemn her boyfriend. He didn't have a good feeling about it.

Chris gave her a shocked look. He didn't expect her to talk that way. He thought she was going to plead for his understanding but she was talking back at him and also said what she said.

"What did you just say?" He asked painfully.

Melissa knew he already misquoted her. "I didn't mean what you are thinking" she replied quickly.

"I knew all these belittling is because you are richer than I am" he said and swallowed painfully biting his lower lip.

"Don't think like that Chris" she begged.

"I've always known since you went on that show and all you did was talk about was to give praises to your boss as if he is the almighty God but never for once mentioned my existence" he said like he was talking to himself.

"That's not true" she snapped. "I only answered the questions I was asked".

Even Drew could remember that she didn't !Ade mention of her relationship Chris nor anything that gives pointee to him.

"Didn't you deny being in a relationship?" He asked firmly.

"I never denied anything. She only ask if I've got a fiancé" she gave a quizzical look.

"And you said no" he scoffed bitterly.

"That wasn't a lie" she said even though she knew what he was driving at.

"What am I, figurehead?"

"You've never asked me to marry you, so why get angry on the fact that I said no" she asked irascibly.

"All you've been doing, sourced from no one else but this guy" he pointed at Drew. "I know you want him, you want his hands all over your....."

Melissa cuts in. "Can you stop embarrassing me?" She said with so much hostility that was oozed out by her anger.

"Are you saying I'm an embarrassment to you?" He snorted.

"Yes you are" she bawled.

She has gottennto the peak of bearing his very disgraceful shirty attitude.

"Just get out!" She shouted pointing to the door.

"How dare you shout at me!!" He yelled and slapped her.

Melissa touched her cheek in shock. At first she thought she was dreaming, until she tasted her blood. She sucked her lower lip that is bleeding which was caused by how strong his hands were.

Drew couldn't believe what he saw neither did he expect it to happen. The little respect he reserved for him vanished into the thin air. He perspire greatly because of anger.

"Get out of my sight before I loose the remnant of my cool temper" Drew said stiffly.

Chris eyed him and left.

Drew hit his hand hardly on his table. He wished he could hurt him so bad.

Melissa's tears glowed uncontrollably although she wasn't making sound except sniffing. She was really shivering. Her tears wasn't totally for the slap but for the embarrassment, which was witnessed by Drew of all people. How would she be able to raise her head high before him?

Drew moved closer to her holding her close. "I'm sorry" he whispered in her ears.

This increased her tears the more.

"This is my fault" he blamed himself sadly.

"It's no one's fault but Chris" she said palely. She sniffed.

"Come" he took her to the couch. "Let me get an ice for your cheek" he said and left without waiting for her opinion.

He brought the ice rped in a little rag and help her massage her cheek. It was then he realised she had a cut on her lips. This made him inhale and exhale in anger looking at her already pink face. He went to get his medic kit, cleaned her lip and plastered it.

As he did this, Melissa kept on looking at him.

"Has he done this before?" He asked calmly not attaching a condemning voice to it.

Melissa who was unable to talk shook her head.

"Why is he with the thought that I want you? He was looking directly into her eyes and she looked away.

"There was a day like that he was checking through my !ails for a mail he sent that I didn't see. So he realised that my mail box was filled with your messages and he concluded that it was love messages you were sending to me. He never even reacted" she explained softly.

"Why not show him what the mails were all about?"

"He wasn't interested".

"Sorry if my mails cost you your relationship. I'll stop sending them" he apologized with a sincere look.

"How else will you then communicate with me? Moreover if he can't learn to trust me then the relationship can't work" she replied firmly.

"You can go home. I'll see you later".

"No I have a lot of things to do and just one slap won't stop me" she said with a crispy smile. I need to scold my secretary for allowing Chris to come here without informing me of his arrival " she asserted.

"Didn't you say you sent her on an errand?" He reminded and she closed her eyes. "I should have left myself void of men. All these won't have happened if they were here" he said ruefully.

"Thanks sir for everything" she said and stood up.

"No thanks" he said and then watched her leave his office.

Immediately Melissa left, Drew require his guys to get information on where Chris stays, which he got not quite long. He waited for his secretary to come back before he headed for his place.

Melissa on the other hand, tried to do something but she couldn't. She was having splitting headache and she decided to give in to Drew's advice. She didn't even wait for her secretary to return. She just sent her a mail.

As Drew got to Chris' place, luckily for him, Chris was just coming in too. He followed him immediately, that Chris even thought it was the cops but later got to know that it was Drew. He didn't even park his car well before highlighting.

"Hey Mr rich boss, what business do you have in my house or do you want my house too?" He was so ride and arrogant.

With one glance, Drew looked at the house. It wasn't near Melissa's not to talk of his.

"I came to....."

He interrupted. "If you are here to apologize, I'm not in the mood to listen to your gloat" he said loudly.

"Why are you so lousy?" Drew asked and grimaced.

"You came to my house to insult me?" He backchats.

"No, I just came to say something" he said in a low voice looking at Chris with so much firmness.

Chris wore a nausetes look, eyeing him.

Drew didn't mind him. "That lady you just slapped, do you know how much I lavished on her to make her glow like that? And that I do every year. The amount I do spend on her skin is !ore than your miserable salary even for a whole annum. I do not particularly care about what you do yo her since she is your girl, but I do care about the akin she wears, since I'm paying for the care. If you try what you try again today, I won't let you off easily. I'll show you the stuff I'm made of and I tell you even the thickest fabric can't be compared to it" he said with a chiselled and grim look filled with anger.

"You just came to bluff" he sizzled.

"We shall see. Just go beg the lady you made to cry. She doesn't deserve your I'll treatment Mr boyfriend" he said and left without hesitation.

Chris was supeises that he didn't come to make trouble but talk. He himself already knew that he messed up by hurting Melissa. He then decided to apologize.

* * * * *

When Melissa got home, she wanted to sneak into her room so that her sisters won't notice anything because she is not ready to tell them the truth. Her plan was destroyed because Tyndall sighted her from the window.

"Big sis is around by this time" she said to herself and called at Somaria with a loud voice.

"Why call my name?" She asked as she came outside.

"Big sis is back" she said.

"By this time?" She asked checking her wristwatch.

"That's why I'm surprised too".

Tyndall went outside to meet her.

As Melissa saw her sister coming close, her heart sank. She felt reluctant to get down from the car. Immediately she came out of the car, Tyndall noticed her injured lips and swollen red eye.

"What happened!" She exclaimed.

"Nothing serious" she said trying to smile but her smile gave her away.

"Not serious and you look like this? Tell me big sis" she said.

"Let's get inside" she said tired.

"Didn't you say you will be a bit late today?" Somaria asked as they approach. She was yet to notice her face.

"I decided to come home. I'll continue to work from home" she replied.

Somaria gave an alarming look. "What happened Melly?"

"That's what I've been asking and she refuse to answer !e" Tyndall complained.

"This happened at the office right?" Somaria asked and she nod.

"Ria look, it appears as if she's been slapped" Tyndall said examining her pink cheek.

"Yes I can see it. Who slapped you Melly?" She asked firmly.

"No one" she snapped.

"That's a bloody lie. It's vivid" she demurred. The person who clapped you will be a guy because this finger prints is as large and long as a male" she added letting her know how obvious it is.

Melissa would never tell them that it was Chris' hand work.

"Is it one of Drew's lady fan?" Tyndall ask knowing that should be the possible source.

Melissa shook her head.

"I don't like it when you keep things from us" Somaria said with a sad look.

"No one slapped me" she said calmly.

"Tell me, was it Drew?" Tyndall asked even though she doubted it.

Melissa gave her a sharp look.

"How on earth will you think of such thing to Drew. He is the most honorable and disciplined man I've ever known" she said sternly.

"There's nothing anger cannot do. You might have provoked him to the brim" she said.

"You of all people should know that he can't stoop himself so low as to hit a woman, so stop saying nonsense" Somaria grimaced.

"I only want to use that for a replicit. So don't eat me" she said blankly.

"What on earth happened to your face?" Somaria shifted her attention to her plastered lip.

"That was an accident, when I but into a fight at work" she lied.

The ladies frowned not believing her lies.

"I'm serious" she smiled. "Leave the face. Let me tell you the most surprising thing that happened today" she gave a serious look so that it can draw her sisters attention away from her slapped face.

Her trick somehow worked that they sat on the floor beside her to hear her story.

"Guess who we cooled for" she was looking at the two of them one after the other.

"Isn't it Drew's dad?" Tyndall said.

"No it isn't" she replied smiling.

Somaria cock a brow. "Don't tell me it's Drew" she asserted .

"Baby girls it is definitely him" she announced with a smirk on her lips.

"What!" They chorused astonished.

"I was equally taken aback when I saw the flask" she said as if hasn't recovered from her shock.

"Wait a minute" Tyndall said and raised her a hand. "Why would he be given food with his almighty chef?"

"That's because he fired his almighty chef" she said in mockery.

"Why then did his father tell you to cook him a meal? He sure knows that his son is a choosy type when it comes to edibility" Somaria asked.

"That's I don't know and I'm not planning to know" she said shaking her head.

"Why?" Tyndall who was curious to know asked.

"It might stir up things we can't handle. There are some questions that doesn't need to be answered" she replied casually.

"Did Drew know it is from you?" Tyndall asked with excitement.

"No he doesn't neither did I tell him".

"Why?" She asked.

"Do you expect me to start vaunting that I cooked him a meal?"

"He will just hand you back your food" Somaria said laughing.

"Exactly" Melissa agreed.

"Where you there when he was eating?" Tyndall asked smiling.

"Of course. We even ate it together" she replied.

"You ate it together?" She asked in mockery.

"If you know the way this guy pestered me into eating with him, you will pity me. I did everything not to eat but he won't give up" she replied with a tired look.

"Why must you join him"?" She smiled.

"He said his father ordered him to finish it so he need an assistance which is me" she replied with an irksome look.

They ladies smiled at eachother.

"So what did he say about the food?" Tyndall asked knowing who Drew is.

"He said the food is bad but he has no choice but to eat it since his father brought it" she lied with a serious look.

Tyndall's countenance looks crestfallen. "That's so bad of him. We really exhausted our strength cooking him a meal" she said dolefully.

"Don't be sad since he didn't have an idea that you cooked it and I'm sure that if he had known, he won't have said that" Somaria placated.

Melissa burst into laughter that it caused pain on her injured lip.

"That was a lie right?" Tyndall frowned.

"What else could it be" she giggled. "He just said it is nice to eat. That guy, he is never satisfied" she said.

"So he thought it was his father that made it?" Somaria asked.

"No, he said his father said his new found wife prepared it" she said dryly.

"New found wife!" Tyndall said putting emphasis on her words.

They burst into laughter.

"That old man is really funny" Melissa said.

"Mayb the father Kmetko likes you" Somaria said in disdain.

"Son Kmetko will never agree to that" Tyndall said jokingly.

"That's war between father and son Kmetko" Somaria jeered and Tyndall continued laughing.

"You two better stop joking with nonsense" she shunted sternly. "God forbids me to bring clash between father and son that loves themselves so heartedly" she rejected quickly eyeing them.

* * * * *

"Drew where are you coming from?"

When he came back to the company expecting to meet his son, he didn't neither do anyone know his whereabout.

"Went to settle something" he replied with a lacklustre voice.

"What's that?" He asked when he noticed that his son wasn't with his usual happy look when he comes around.

"Nothing to worry about'.

"You don't look happy. What's wrong?" He asked with so much concern.

"You"

His voice was low and the look he gave his father wasn't a happy one but not angry.

Mayfield knowing his son won't say that without a reason asked anxiously. "What have I done?"

"The food you brought, who prepared it?" His voice was so serious.

"Why want to know who prepared it?" He asked with a suspicious look.

"Because it has caused lot of troubles" he replied palely.

"Why? Did you and Melly have issues?" He asked calmly but he was afraid for the answer.

"Goodness! Dad! Melly?"

Even though he already knew the expected answer, he still wished it wasn't her and when his father mentioned her he was dumbfounded.

"Was there a problem?" He asked frightened.

He wasn't expecting an issue from the two but the way his son is acting got him scared.

"That girl, no wonder she ate the food with me and she never mentioned it" he snorted.

"She never knew I was bringing the food to you. I only told her to prepare me a meal" he quickly defended. "What's the problem all about?" He was still confused.

"Her boyfriend came" he said opaque.

"Stop speaking in parables boy. What has her boyfriend got to do with the issue on ground" he asked firmly tired of his few words.

He narrated everything to his father and Mayfield was disgusted and annoyed at his attitude. Initially, when Mayfield got to know that Melissa now has a boyfriend, he wasn't really happy with it. Now that the boy messed up big time, he really disliked him.

"Why would he think of such thing?" He asked seeing that everything the guy was fighting for is fiddlestick.

"I don't know. The guy just want to always make problems with me. Ever since we met, he has despised me and the thing there is that I don't even know he exist neither do I hold a grudge again him but he won't just be happy seeing me around her" he said with a irksome tired look.

"It is envy my boy. He knew you can easily take away Melly off his hand" he said with pride.

"Which I don't intend to do. He's just been paranoid".

Drew's words sore Mayfield's heart but he didn't reply to it. "So you all were now shouting in this office?"

"You no I hate noise not to talk of shouting. He was the only one doing the shouting , roaring like a wounded Lion" he mocked.

"Sorry I caused you troubles. It wasn't intentional neither do I know it would lead to this. I was only thinking about your wellbeing" he apologized.

"I know dad" he smiled.

Mayfield frowned. "What I don't seem to understand is how he was able to enter into your office and display such insolence. Where were your guys?"

"That was where the mistake came from. I only came with four guys and I sent them in two pairs to escort my P.A and my secretary to some sort of meeting I was to attend so I can see to something's here. That made me all alone" he explained with a rueful look.

"That was a stupid thing to do boy. What if he came with the intention to harm you? You will be so vulnerable" he said with a chiding voice.

"Dad my guys do not do the protection but God protects" he smiled.

"I know. Hope he didn't touch you?" He gave him a worried look.

"No he didn't. It was his girlfriend that received a slap".

He tried to sound mocking but he couldn't. He was so worried about Melissa that his heart aches.

"What!" Mayfield exclaimed. "He slapped her? What kind of man would hit a woman not to talk of the one he professes love to?" He was really pissed off.

"The guy is a crazy animal dad".

"What did you do?" He asked in haste.

"Nothing" he shrugs.

"Why nothing! A guy slapped Melly and you did nothing?" He bawled as if Drew is a defender Angel.

"Dad, why get angry at me. The guy in question is not an ordinary guy. He is her boyfriend".

"And so?" He snapped.

"Melly, won't appreciate me beating up her boyfriend. This is a personal issue. They should sort it out themselves" he said casually even though it was killing him. He felt like to wrung his neck off his head.

"That guy is a beast" he spitted out.

"That's her problem. She should have known before putting herself into it" he said insouciantly.

"But she deserves better" he pitied her.

"Everyone deserves something good" he said palely. "But dad why tell Melly to cook for me?"

"You guys are pallies aren't you?" He asked instead.

"Why not do the cooking yourself?"

"Too busy" he replied curtly. "Should I apologize to her?"

"No dad. She felt so embarrassed even with me alone. Letting her know you are aware of it his hurt her dignity. Just let it go".

"OK then".

"Dad, are you planning to marry melly?" He asked when he remembered what he told him about who prepared the meal.

"You must be silly" he eyed him forgetting his words earlier.

"Didn't you say your newly found wife prepared the meal" he mocked.

"That was just an excuse to make you eat the food, so stop saying rubbish" he said sternly and Drew laughed.

This was his first since what happened earlier.

"You declined Clement's proposal. Why?" He changed the subject.

"I did" he replied blankly.

"You told me you are going to give him the job" he said with a frown.

"If his proposal is worth it" he completed.

"But I saw the proposal and I was impressed" he said blankly.

"That's you dad. I saw it and it lame. I've rejected far better ones. We need better innovations not outdated ones. Tell him to bring me a better standard, innovative and creative one before the end of the presentation. If it is fine by the company, hell have the job" he said in his bossy voice.