Minutes passed by however and Yesha still hadn't come out. Frowning, I stood up and walked towards the locker room to check up on her. I was about to enter it when I heard her cheerful voice, and when I took a peek, she was talking animatedly on the cellphone and I frowned as I listened.
"Really? You're in Korea now?" Yesha asked breathlessly, her face was lit with joy. "Oh my God! Really?"
I watched as she continued to speak and each second that passed told me that I was not to like the conversation.
"That's good. I can't wait to see you too," she continued on huskily as if she was about to cry. "I want to introduce you to my sister but she's still on a honeymoon." Yesha listened for a while and she shook her head as if the other person on the line could see her.
"I'm sure my sister and my brother-in-law will like you," she said with certainty. "Yes, I'm okay. I feel tired at the bar, but it's fun working here, really. Besides I have a friend helping me," she added and my ears perked up.
I was sure he was talking about me, and I was right.
"Oh, Adam will like you too. He's nice even though he doesn't look like it – and you're likable anyway."
Upon her words, my frown turned into a full out scowl. The words 'friend' and 'nice' didn't sit well with me, most especially if it was coming from her. I didn't need to read minds to know she was talking with the said 'lover' who I had forgotten existed. Clenching my hands, I continued to stare at her as she smiled softly, the tenderness of her expression adding to my rage.
"I love you too," Yesha whispered and I swore, I'd never been angry in my entire life. I hated it that she could look like that while thinking of someone else. The predator in me taking this as a dare, I vowed to challenge the odds and I was sure to emerge as the victor in the end. Yesha would be mine.
=======
I was sitting behind the huge oak desk in my office, studying some documents when a knock on the door interrupted me and I looked up. "Come in," I called out and the door opened instantly.
A neatly dressed, lanky young man stepped in and bowed his greeting. I studied his impeccable gray business suit and I raised a brow once more, insulting him in my mind. For the life of me, I couldn't understand what Yesha saw in this man that made her agree to be his lover.
Oh yes, the man standing before him was Hiro Okada, Yesha's Japanese lover. Two weeks ago when I heard the phone conversation between them, I quickly asked someone to find him. In the end I didn't have to. The man himself came to my office the next day bearing greetings. He was part of the Japanese firm I had recently acquired, one of the elites in the group.
When it came to business, my assessment on the people of the corporate world was always on the spot. Seeing him, I was sure he was an ambitious person, someone who'd do anything to reach the top. It was really a wonder how a person like him even considered having Yesha as a lover since she was just an ordinary teacher. In my knowledge, guys like him preferred to ally themselves with people who could push them to the top.
Because of this, regardless of how much Yesha tried to convince me to meet up with her so she could introduce the man to me, I refused. She didn't know that I was the man's boss, and I'd like to keep it that way to put my plans in action.
Seeing greed and ambition behind those pair of eyes, Hiro was no longer competition the moment I introduced him to one of the company's clients…and his daughter. Based on the reports I'd been receiving, the two hit it off instantly and was now in the middle of a not so secret affair. Judging from the cut at the edge of the man's lip, Yesha had found out and I was very pleased.
"Yes?" I asked and the man instantly lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Ah President Kingsley, I came to thank you," he said and it took a lot to prevent myself from grinning.
"Whatever for?" I asked disinterestedly as I already knew what was to follow. The man continued on anyway.
"I'd like to thank you for introducing me to Rina," he said referring to the daughter of his client. "She's a really smart and charming girl. We're going out now, but we're planning on marrying soon," he said excitedly and if it weren't for the fact that his being a jerk was beneficial to me, I'd have kicked his ugly face for treating Yesha like shit. "When that happens, I'd like to invite you to our wedding," he added and I sighed.
"I see," I answered as if I was pondering on it. "Well, congratulations to you, but I'm afraid I can't come since I'd be taking a long break any time soon for personal reasons," I told him honestly. For sure Yesha would be very devastated and my plan would be useless if I wasn't by her side.
The guy visibly looked forlorn. "I see. It couldn't be helped then," the man said and then he excused himself.
As soon as the door closed, my personal cellphone rang, saw my picture with Yesha taken during the wedding pop up indicating the caller, and I immediately picked it up. "Hello. Who's this?" I asked although I knew very well that it was Yesha on the other end.
"Adam…" Yesha whispered huskily and I smiled.
She sounded really miserable and yet I was happy.
"What is it?" I asked in a voice which sounded like I didn't care and was answered with a sob.
"Are you free this evening?" Yesha asked, her tone a little hopeful and my heart ached a little for her.
"I'm not sure. Why?" I asked again and she sighed, a sob escaping her lips at the same time. "I'm just wondering if you can drink with me tonight," she answered and I could hear her voice trembling and decided not to play with her any further.
"Okay. I'll be at the bar by five," I said and I could almost imagine her looking so relieved that she wouldn't be alone and I grinned.
My warped mind rejoiced with this new triumph. Everything was going smoothly according to my plan. Yesha would soon fall into my hands.
"See you…"