[Ron’s Point of View]
It was exactly my nature to grow impatient, but this man was pushing the limits. He’s been sitting there with a mere seven page proposal plan for hours now, What could possibly be going on in his mind that he’d need that much time to think of it? A proposal was a simple offer, a first step in every business trade. Surely someone as seasoned and experienced as Johnson Lee wouldn’t need three hours to come to a decision.
Bernice was the exact opposite of me. Sitting beside me, she merely glanced down at her lap where he phone laid, playing a small game of Tetris, quietly to herself. She was relaxed, her expression as if she can sit here all day. How can she be so at ease here? In the middle of the mess, in the middle of everything, how can Bernice be so at ease when Johnson Lee can’t even make up his mind about taking the first step?
“How are you so relaxed?” I asked her, through a simple text message.
“What’s the use of getting myself all worked up over this? There’s still a lot more we need to do.” She replied in a short text.
“Mr. Ng…” Johnson spoke, looking up with a small smile as he closed the file. “This is a very good proposal, but I still have to run it through with my dad. Would it be okay if I get back with you two later?”
Before I even got a chance to answer, Bernice spoke up. This was the way it usually is, Bernice does the most talking while saving my butt from stupid mistakes. “Thank you Mr. Lee, if you have any questions please contact this number.” She smiled, handing him my business card.
After the man left, Bernice immediately grabbed the file. She’s been looking over it several times before the meeting and now again. I couldn’t blame her, knowing that we’re up against Damian Lau. We needed perfection, and not to be on a negative note than what already is, we’re far from perfection. As I watched her concentrate, I couldn’t help but pull up a small smile at her expression. This was like going back to the old times, like when we were in Taiwan again, and it was just the two of us. Though I can sense something different. Something kind of like the truth has been revealed to me, and I can finally sort out my emotions.
My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. “Hello?” I answered.
“Mr. Ng, this is Doctor Chung. The job you asked me is done and the results are confirmed. You’re friend Miss Nancy Wu has checked in with my colleague Dr. Wong, she’s three months pregnant and it’s a baby boy. DNA results won’t be available until the child is born, but by what you told me you’re the father of the child.”
“Thank you. Please call me if you have any news.” I spoke, hoping Bernice didn’t hear anything through the dead silence of the room.
I sat back, watching as Bernice Liu, my beautiful fiancée looked over the proposal plan while my mind was thinking about Nancy Wu, a girl I’m so indebted to. There is no doubt that the child in Nancy’s stomach is mine, and yet I still don’t know what to do. If I take responsibility for the child, will Nancy accept it and allow me to carry out my duties as a father? Or will I just end up harming both my relationships with Nancy and Bernice at the same time? Once again, I am in denial. At this moment, I am playing the role of the heartless bastard in Nancy’s world, giving her a child and not taking responsibility for it. How can I fix that when Nancy’s possibly already walked away from our relationship? It’s been a month and I haven’t seen her since, but knowing for Tavia that she’s with Kenneth eases me a slight bit.
“Ron…” Bernice’s soft voice rang in my ears, cutting my train of thoughts short.
I turned to her. “What is it?” I asked, putting much more care than necessary in the gentleness of my own voice.
“I just realized we haven’t seen Kenneth in a while. Something just hit my mind and maybe Kenneth Ma can play a very vital role in your plan.” She smiled.
Kenneth Ma, if we go see Kenneth that would mean we’ll see Nancy. Did Bernice really just overhear my soft conversation on the phone? Could our voices be that audible in the silence of the office room? It can’t be. Bernice was well focused in her work. But now, if Bernice was to meet Nancy, whatever happens is out of my control. But if I don’t take her to Kenneth, Bernice will surely question. What to do.
~*~
[Raymond’s Point of View]
The right side of my cheek was pressed against the cold wooden surface of my desk, my eyes fixed onto the hourglass, too lazy to move. I watched as each grain of sand fell from the upper half down, showing that each second is passing me by. I haven’t been keeping track, but it seems I’ve been in this position for a while now, waiting as Steven paced back and forth the room. We were both meeting today, trying to come up with some sort of a plan, but it seems he’s doing way more work than I am.
As I continued to gaze into the crystal clear glass, I saw a soft speck of light. It looked purple; no it was a deep violet. That speck of light probably came from my eyes staring on one object for so long, but I can’t help but let the memory travel back to me. That shade of purple, the deep, solid violet was the very same color as the flashes of lightning that very night. Now, I closed my eyes, able to remember that rainy night as if it happened yesterday. I could hear the sound of striking thunder hitting my ears, and feel the flinch of the girl who sat beside me at the bus stop. I could feel her hugging me tighter as the soft rain continued to fall, I could still feel her beside me. It seemed like everything was a dream, but it wasn’t. The pain was too real, and so were the memories.
“Raymond!” Steven’s deep, low voice interrupted, pulling me back to reality in a whirl of confusion.
I looked up at him, expecting something good to come out of his mouth.
“If Damian Lau wants your company, he’ll have to go through Bernice who currently is the second person hold the most shares at AVC. To get to Bernice he’ll have to get to Ron. Now to get to Ron there are two ways. He can go by NG Enterprise, or…he’ll use Nancy…”
“So what are you trying to say?” I asked him, knowing his reluctance of mentioning Nancy’s name, especially after what happened.
“I’m saying that Kenneth Ma is the key figure here!” he replied, obviously something I haven’t thought of. “If Damian chooses to use NG Enterprise, he’ll have to get support from Wu Enterprise since they’re competing companies. Everyone knows that Nancy and her father put all their trust in Kenneth, and so we’ve got to talk to him! Now if Damian chooses to use Nancy, then we still need to talk to Kenneth because Nancy is currently staying with Kenneth, and I can tell their relationship is going pretty well.”
“Great.” I commented. What Steven said was a very good point; something I never thought would come out of his mouth. Who would’ve thought he’d deduct everything that deep. “Why don’t you talk to him then, you are living at his apartment.”
“I will…but well…I’m kind of hesitant on letting Nancy know.”
“Talk to him secretly. Besides you never told me why you would rather stay at Kenneth’s place.”
“I have my reasons.” Steven replied, his tone suddenly serious. “Also…thinking back about the idea you brought up earlier…” he spoke again, changing the topic this time. “How in the world are you going to get 50 Million U.S. Dollars? If you want to make any withdraws now, no matter what it’ll go through Tavia and she’ll get the information to Damian.”
“I know…that’s why we’ll be getting Kenneth and Bernice to help. Kenneth can easily transfer money from Wu Enterprise, and Bernice can help me with the transfer process.”
“How are you going to transfer 50 Million Dollars though? Tavia has access to the entire company database, and if you make a slight change in you accounts she’ll know and notify Damian.” Steven reminded, once again bringing up a very good point.
“I’m taking my chances.” I replied with honesty. “I need you to talk to Kenneth. If he’s willing to help, have him transfer the 50 Million Dollars from Wu Enterprise into a new account. Then since Bernice is the daughter and CEO of the bank basically, we ask her to make the switch from that account to mine, to yours, then one of my mom’s non-company related accounts as fast as possible.” I replied, thinking all of this at the top of my head.
“But Raymond…if we borrow the money from Wu Enterprise…it’s Nancy’s company after all. Shouldn’t she have some knowledge of this?” Steven asked, sitting down on the chair in front of the table.
“I know…” I replied, my mind suddenly flashing back to the image of her and Ron together. “But I don’t want to worry her more. She already has enough to handle with my friend.”
Steven nodded, understanding the situation.
The plan from the top of my head, just might work. The only problem is the risk I’ll have to take. Borrowing the money from Wu Enterprise is already one risk. How will Kenneth tell Nancy and get her to let him take the money without a real reason? Second, no matter what the transaction will go through the records and Tavia still has access to it. Should I just hope on the very, very slim chance that she’ll overlook this matter just for once? I don’t know, after losing Steven’s shares, I really don’t know. Fifty million dollars, is there a way the plan can go on without having to use this money? I can’t, not when I’m trying to buy over two of the most greedy men in my own Board of Directors. Life, is it always about money…?
~*~
[Tavia’s Point of View]
As the soft, muffled sound hit my ears, I finally realized how late it was. I signed the last contract, ending my final moment as a small BM of AVC Insurance. Putting the rather bulky pile of papers away, I refocused my attention to the black folder laying to my right. That folder is Damian’s contract plan. Though whoever knows Damian will soon find out that his offers are impossible to walk away from.
The first page was simple, the title of the project, the date, and the two parties. When I turned to the second page that was when I found a clue on what I’m up against. Sitting straight up from my chair, forgetting about the comfort of my home, my heart sank in fear. I skimmed through the pages, looking at only the most necessary information. Fear struck me once I saw how close to perfection his plan was. There were absolutely no flaws. He even thought of loop holes I‘d never even consider, and patched them up. Damian Lau, he knows my personality too well. How am I supposed to fight him when he’s always one step ahead of me?
My head fell back into the soft cushion of the sofa. It’s gotten a lot lonelier around here since Nancy left. I knew she had her reasons, but I could really use her help at a time like this. I closed my, thinking slowly and considering all my options. Names flew in and out of my head. I couldn’t get any help, not when there’s so much at risk. Besides, how can I even face them after all I’ve done? All I did was hurt them, especially him.
It was all my doing that pushed me into this mess. I needed help right now, all the help I can get to help me get through this, but whom? If knowing that my actions could lead my up to a dead end like this, maybe I would’ve thought of my objective far before. But then again, would that change anything? I leaned back gently, trying to ease the approaching headache. As I closed my eyes, I couldn’t help but pull back the memory that still is fresh in my eyes.
[ FLASHBACK ]
“I didn’t want this to happen…I never wanted it to…” he spoke, looking at me with a different gaze. That’s what I needed Raymond, I needed you to let go so we both can move on and finish this game.
From his pocket, he pulled out a small, velvet box. The box alone was elegant and beautiful. Then he looked up at me with a cold, emotionless stare. I was surprised. Has he finally given up? So quickly? How could he do that? But then again, I was the one driving him to this point. I shouldn’t be questioning myself any further.
“I was going to give this to you later…but I see no use for it now. You can keep it. It means nothing now.” He spoke, handing me the box. “You wanted this Tavia…I’m only satisfying you.”
[ END OF FLASHBACK ]
Upon realizing that there’s only one option left, I have no choice but to follow. As I grabbed my phone and quickly dialed those numbers, I hoped that the slim chance would still exist.
“Hello?” the man on the other line answered. “Who’s this?”
“It’s Tavia.” I replied, my throat drying up, heart racing, wondering how I’ll put this. “I know this is a bad time…” I paused, hesitant. Swallowing my pride, I know there is no other choice for me. “…I need your help…”
~*~
[Nancy’s Point of View]
A growing belly, the constant pains, the suicidal eating habits, and the sudden safe lifestyle, is this how it’s like to be pregnant? I sat on the leather sofa of Kenneth’s living room, rubbing my sore belly which now had a small but clearly visible bump on it. Kenneth still had his cell phone in his hand as he sat down in the single chair to my left. Clearly he’s purposely avoiding me, knowing that I’ll try to listen in somehow. This was how business worked, everything’s kept in the dark even to the people you trust most. Sometimes I think of it as just a twisted, sadistic game. What does it do other than hurt the players? Sure there is wealth and power, but I guess as Anthony Wu’s daughter, heiress of Wu Enterprise, I really don’t know the value of money.
We were sitting in the living room, watching an old TV show on the screen. I tried to listen in on Kenneth’s conversation as he talked over the phone, but suddenly his voice got so quiet, the noise from the TV drowned out everything in the room. I couldn’t really tell if he was purposely trying to keep the conversation secretive, or this was just a normal act. This is Kenneth Ma, and I know he’s careful. He must be hiding something, but what?
He hung up the phone. I turned to him once I heard him set his cell phone down on the table. His face was flushed white, the blood drained from his head as he soaked in the hour long conversation. The question for me was who was on the other line that could cause Kenneth to panic this much. Even though he’s managed to keep his ulterior business mind from me, I still know Kenneth’s personality more than other people. Rarely would he ever panic, and when he does, the worst is inevitable. Kenneth is like my accurate fortune teller. The only flaw in this was his reluctance to tell me anything. Am I really just a child? Is that why he’s hesitating, knowing I won’t be of much help?
“Kenneth what’s wrong?” I asked, unable to hold my curiosity back.
“Nothing.” He replied immediately, almost planned and expecting the question. “It’s just that my stocks are dropping pretty bad.” He finished.
I nodded, knowing no doubt his words were a lie he didn’t have to tell. I know Kenneth, and if he doesn’t want to tell me something, then no matter what I try I won’t get it out of him until the right time. I turned back to the flashing television screen, the sounds muffled, drowned out by my train of thoughts which won’t go away no matter how much I begged it to.
The doorbell rang. Somehow when we both turned, our eyes met for a mere fraction of a second. He stood up to answer the door, slowly as his face returned to normal.
“Can we come in?” a familiar voice asked.
Immediately, as if an instinct I turned towards the door. Kenneth backed up, allowing the couple to walk into the living room. There was a sudden kick in my stomach, as if the child was already formed. I stayed still, watching quietly as Ron Ng and Bernice Liu sat down on the longer white leather sofa.
Ron’s expression wasn’t exactly pleasant, and seeing him here just made my world turn all over again. I turned to Bernice, surprised, no shocked in disbelief of the soft, delicate, classy smile on her face. She looked at me, then down to my stomach. Obviously she noticed my small bump, and the upcoming question was just natural and easy to understand.
“Nancy…how are you feeling?” she asked, soft and quiet, a true classy lady.
“Um…fine.” I replied, a lump suddenly forming in my throat. “Thank you…” I myself couldn’t even tell if my last part was an answer or a question.
“Please don’t mind me asking…who’s the father of your child?” she asked, straight, simple and directly to the point.
Of all questions, I knew this one was coming, but yet I still haven’t thought of an answer. Should I just point to the heartless bastard sitting beside her? I can’t, I don’t want to deeply involve him in my life again, and I just can’t bear to pull them apart, not with his sympathetic, puppy face staring back at me. What should I do? How should I answer this expected question but unknown answer? The father of the child, how am I supposed to say it?
“The baby’s mine.” I turned immediately to the direction of the voice, shocked to see that the man was Kenneth. He stood there with his arms folded, a straight expression as his eyes gave Ron the nervous signal. “Nancy and I…accidentally got together before the Autumn Dance.” He explained, a sudden but well planned answer.
Bernice nodded her smile now with less fear and suspense. “Oh…I’m sorry I made you bring that up. Well Nancy…I hope you feel better…it’s going to be a long seven months.”
It sure will be, knowing that Kenneth had willingly admitted and taken all the blame. Apparently the father of the child was the only thing Bernice had in mind, as she stood up and headed for the door. Ron followed her, his unreadable expression remains without a word. As his eyes met Kenneth, I could just feel the strict tension between them. One false move and these two men will charge at each other. As Ron left, closed the door, my attention turned back to Kenneth. Did he really have to ruin his life and admit everything?
He walked towards me, taking my hand gently.
“Why did you answer?” I asked. “You didn’t have to take the blame.”
“You want trouble to past…and this was the only way out.” He replied, softly whispering it by my ear with care and gentle.
Something came over me. I could feel my heart stop beating, literally. My stomach felt as if it was turning upside down, and I had that rushed, nervous, adrenaline rush all through my body. My eyes were lost in his as the moment was so quiet, even the ticking of the clock was inaudible. He made my heart stop beating, and as experienced with love as I am, there was only one type of feeling that described that. Unable to hold myself back, even though I know exactly what I’m doing, I felt as drunk as ever. I stood up on the tip of my toes, and slowly, just slowly I pressed my lips against his.
His lips were warm and soft, as if they were just waiting for me to touch them with mine. I closed my eyes as we went further, passing those childish bases all the way to home. My hands were on his chest, noticing that one button had come apart. I didn’t stop though, somehow at that moment, I didn’t want to stop. I could feel Kenneth’s hand move back to my waist area, reaching under my shirt. His other hand moved for the top button at my chest, in a position ready to unbutton it. But he waited though, and I knew he was waiting for my response. At this moment, I didn’t care anymore. I had nothing to lose, there was nothing to lose to a man who cared this much for me. I pushed myself forwards, pulling his buttons loose as he undid mine. This was the moment, the night, where I willingly let the time stop. Such a special moment…
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