"Kaylah!", I yell to my secretary.
The despair can probably be heard in my voice, for I see her rushing in hastily. Bewildered she looks around, as if expecting to meet a murderous beast in my room.
"Tell me, where do so many roses come from? Don't tell me you wasted my money to surprise me with thousands of dollars' worth of flowers," I warn her. That's just a statement because Kaylah exactly knows her limits when it comes to petty spendings. I am not stingy, but I also do not tolerate unnecessary shopping sprees that do nothing to the productivity of the company.
"No, I'm not that crazy. These roses were delivered early this morning by the most expensive florist in the region. I asked for a card from the generous giver, but all the supplier could say is that they are intended for Miss Loraine Windrug, nothing more."
With raised eyebrows she looks at the sea of flowers and then back at me.
"Do you know who sent them, Loraine? Do you have a secret admirer?", she asks suspiciously. "Because he must be crazy about you. Not that it surprises me, nothing new by the way."
"But it is original", I add to her. "Never has one of my suitors been so foolish with his money."
As I look at Kaylah, an idea occurs to me. She's a brunette, but her eyes are the same color as mine. We are also the same length. Her hair is a bit longer than mine and fuller. Nothing that can't be fixed.
"Kaylah, can you call Mr. Fellogan, and thank him for his generous gift. Do that in person and not through third parties, you know how quickly things leak."
Her eyes widen with surprise and understanding. "Are these roses from Dordrich, the media magnate? You've caught a big fish this time, Loraine. He is your equal in business and nearly as rich as you. Nice match, by the way", she states doubtfully.
"Hey, hold your horses. The man is happily married and has children. Don't get ahead of yourself, don't let your imagination fool you", I remind her. She looks at me with pity. "Have you read the news online yet, Loraine? You might have a heart attack if you do. It's all spicy and well done. I advise you to drink a coffee with a lot of sugar before start reading", she says with a giggle and walks out of the room. Through the door, I can still hear her laugh loudly. It arouses my curiosity. Kaylah likes pranks, so I fear the worst.
Why do I have this persistent feeling that Alyssa has messed me up?
She was too pleased with herself when she left my house this morning, that bitch. I grab my bag and take out my phone. And then I see a number of miscalls and WhatsApp messages, which I prefer to postpone until after I have read the online gossips. Because I'm pretty sure the calls are all related to that.
I almost fall off my chair when I tap Alyssa's magazine website.
'Loraine on a date with Dordrich', it reads in bold. A photo of Dordrich and me is pasted together intimately.
Kill me now! That snake!
My eyes fly over the news article, it is written as if everything is already arranged and set up. I wonder if she's already found Dordrich willing to cooperate, this was written as soon as she stepped out of my house, I'm so sure of that.
And then the comments, oooohhh Goodness, it is all there!
Within twenty minutes there are already about three hundred comments from all over the country and abroad. Some defend my chastity, others accuse me of being a homewrecker and whore, while the down-to-earth, say intelligent, responders point out that this is just a benefit event and Dordrich and I are dating for charity. People should be really happy that we are willing to leave our multi-million dollar income businesses to raise money for those in need. Speaking of that!
Not that the haters can hit me, I know it's mostly jealousy, they're often losers who don't make anything of their lives. My concern is more towards Dordrich family, his children. I pray he's able to explain this dating misery well to his family and it doesn't turn into a headache for me. I don't have the patience and strength to deal with the drama of insecure wives.
But when I think of all those roses he sent, I wonder if his family's well-being is the first priority. Although he told me he is married at our first meeting, his actions explain something else. Married men do not buy flowers for single women. At least that's what I was taught.
In any case, Alyssa will be presented with the bill, I also have a surprise in store for her.
"Loraine, Mr. Fellogan on your private line", I hear Kaylah through the intercom. In shock, I drop the phone from my hand to the floor.
Dordrich? Holy Father, help!
I take a deep breath, blow it out slowly. I want to sound relaxed like I'm talking to a stranger. Slowly I push the button, and then I hear his deep voice. "Loraine?".
"Mr. Fellogan," I acknowledge him formally. "I understand that a date is being arranged for us. I hope it doesn't cause any unwanted complications. I know you are happily married." He laughs softly, his voice is so intimate, it warms my heart. He ignores my rigid attitude and continues casually.
"You were breathtakingly beautiful last night. I couldn't take my eyes off you. Those roses don't match your beauty."
Sweet talker! I have to clear my throat to keep my emotions in check. The image of his red lips after our kissing session appears in front of me. "I have to thank you for the roses. But what a waste of money. A card would also say everything. Actually, what is the purpose of the roses?".
I hear him laugh again. "To let you know I'm thinking of you. And that you are gorgeous. Bye Loraine, see you on our date." And with those words he ends the conversation. I feel a shiver run through me, an expectation that is demanding to be fulfilled.
I scroll through the miscalls on my phone and come across Danner's number.
For a while, I stare at it in annoyance and realize that he's been acting possessive lately. I wonder what caused this change in behavior, it is contrary to what we agreed. Wasn't he in a relationship with a blonde fashion model recently?
His private life is not my concern, but he mustn't pretend I owe him anything. I hate that possessiveness, it might be a breaking point in our relationship. I like Danner's company, but not when it's getting too crampy for me.
The conversation with Dordrich and the constant thought of him this morning have stirred up my desires. I need a sturdy release now. And I can use Danner again, he knows exactly what I like and is within reach. One tap on my phone and his number rings.