Chapter#9 First Talk

Mariposa was sitting in her office doing her work when suddenly the door opened and Mathew came in. After that night in the club, he never left Mariposa's side. Amelia ,Shane and Chase were busy because of their university.

" Hello" he said smiling. He took a seat infront of her. "Hey" she greeted back. "It's lunch time." He informed her. "Is it, I forgot the trace of time." She told him while looking at the clock. "Of course you are a busy person after all." He said. "Actually I have an important meeting after lunch break." Mariposa told him.

"That is why you are all dress up." He asked her. He knew that she hated to doll up in tight dresses. " Yeah." She said. "Ok let's go for the lunch. There is a very good place around the corner." He said and stood up. "Are you asking me for the date." Mariposa said with a teasing smile. "Of course not , I am still unemployed. I will take some more time my lady." He was always flirting with her but she knew he just wanted to keep her mood good . "Sure." She smiled at his cheesy remarks .

She hadn't seen Daniel after that night. She was keeping herself busy because she didn't want to cry more for him. Life was giving her a chance to build herself up. And she didn't want to be that coward and scared Mariposa anymore. She wanted to show uncle Mason that she wasn't worthless. She wanted to show him that he hadn't broken me.

"Earth to Mari." Mathew's voice brought her back from her thoughts . "Huh!" She looked at him . "Penny of your thoughts." He said and got out of car. "I was just thinking about the meeting." She lied to him. They took their seats and placed their orders. It was a cozy cafe nothing expensive. "You will do great." He said with a genuine smile.

"I like this place." Mariposa told him while looking around. "I knew you will." He knew her well. She just smiled at him. " So when are you going to join office." She asked him. "I don't know. I am just confused." He said while rubbing hand over his forehead."why?" She frowned at his words.

" I think I want to pursue my career as a professor more than a businessman. I have already applied for the London university." He told her. The waiter served food. They dug in. "That is a good news. I am happy for you." She said happily . "Yeah but the idea doesn't suit well with dad." Mariposa knew his father would never agree. He was a strict man unlike uncle James. "So you must take both things side by side . It maybe difficult but it isn't impossible. Your elder sister is handling the business in London already . You don't have to do much. Your father will be happy too." He looked at her smiling than stood up from his seat. She looked at him confused. He came to her side and hugged her.

"You are so brilliant . This is the best idea . Why didn't I think about it before." He exclaimed. "Good but I can't breath." He was hugging her tight. He moved back. "I am sorry . Are you ok .I am so sorry........ I was just ......" He said worriedly. "Hey Mathew ,calm down I am ok." She said and started to eat again. He too took his seat.

"That's a relieve " he said with a sigh and she shook her head. "Enjoying a lovely time with your friend, wifey." An angry voice of Daniel startled them. She looked at him but before she could say something Mathew replied back. "What do you want Daniel."

"Have I talked to you." Daniel said while shooting draggers in Mathews direction. His loud voice caught attention of people present there. This was not going well. She was utterly confused at his behaviour. "Daniel I, " she was about to speak when he looked at her angrily and that made her shut her mouth. "You are all dressed up. You are on date." He was assuming things on his own. "Why does it bother you. You must go to your girlfriend." Mathew said . "That's none of your concern ." Daniel shot back. "She isn't your slave . She is free to do whatever she wants." Mathew said. She didn't want them to fight because of her. She gathered all her courage. "Mathew thank you so much for this lovely lunch . I think you should leave. I will talk to you later." Mariposa interrupted them. " Are you sure." Mathew asked. "Yeah don't worry , I will be fine." She assured him. He was hesitant at first but then nodded his head in understanding. He left her with Daniel. It had been 10 minutes, she was trying to speak but she was so nervous. She felt like her voice is struck in her throat. Daniel was looking at her with an unknown emotion in his eyes. She couldn't meet his intense gaze.

He sighed. "You can talk freely and roam around with that Mathew, friend of yours, but you don't want to even look at your husband." He sounded offended. She looked at him. But she felt like he was looking through her soul. She shuddered under his gaze.

It was a now or never situation. She told herself. She took a deep breath and gathered herself. "I---i -am doi-ng a job at--- aunt A---amy's boutique." She stuttered. She was still looking down playing with her fingers. "Quit it." She looked at him in shock. "I don't want my wife doing any job. I can afford all your expenses." He said blankly. She felt anger rising inside her. She didn't want to be a useless person like uncle Mason used to tell her or was she a gold digger, according to her so called husband. No!!.... She didn't want his money. He didn't consider her wife. So what was she to him. Why was he even ordering her. All the thoughts made her more angry. She stood up suddenly. His gaze followed her moves lazily. She decided to give him a piece of mind. "Look Mr Daniel Walton I don't want your money. I don't even think that you have any right to talk in my matters when you don't consider me your wife. I am just a girl for you whom you will divorce soon. But for me self respect is everything. I am not like your Margeret." She said the words without stuttering. She was surprised at this newly found confidence. His mouth also hung open on her statements but he clenched his jaws and fists in anger, clearly not liking her words. But at this moment she didn't care. She had enough .

Before he could stop her or say anything, she left the place. She stopped the taxi, got in it and told the driver her office address. She didn't want to ruin her career because of him. She wanted to be strong to survive in this world.