Jerry's smile widened as he realized he had piqued Emma's curiosity. He felt comfortable sharing his thoughts with her, even if they revolved around the complicated life between him, Lydia, and the enigmatic Jonathan.
"Do you know anyone by the name Jonathan?"
"Jonathan? He is here?" Lydia's eyes sparkled with amusement and leaned closer.
"Hmm, now that's making my suspicion even more accurate, so spit it out Emma what do you know about him?" Jerry now was on the edge of his seat ready to absorb whatever Emma was about to throw at him.
As the two continued with their gossip, Lydia led Jonathan into her office, the air thick with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. As they settled into their seats, their eyes locked in a momentary silence, Lydia couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions from their shared past rushing back to the surface.
"Jonathan," she finally spoke, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and caution. "I must admit, I'm both surprised and curious as to why you insisted on meeting with me today, after all this time."
Jonathan leaned forward, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Lydia, I know our history hasn't been easy, but I couldn't shake the feeling that we needed closure. There were so many unanswered questions and unresolved emotions between us."
Lydia nodded, her gaze softening as she recalled the pain and heartache that had characterized their breakup. "I understand. Closure can be a powerful thing, and I'm open to having this conversation if it helps us find some peace."
Jonathan took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Lydia, I want you to know that I've done a lot of soul-searching since we parted ways. I've grown, I've learned from my mistakes, and I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused you."
Lydia's eyes glistened with a mixture of vulnerability and hope. The sincerity in Jonathan's voice touched her heart in unexpected ways. "Thank you for your apology, Jonathan. It means a lot to hear you acknowledge the hurt we experienced."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air. Lydia couldn't help but recall the moments of laughter and love they had once shared, the dreams they had woven together.
Jonathan broke the silence, his voice filled with a hint of longing. "Lydia, I don't expect us to pick up where we left off. We've both changed, and time has passed. But I can't help but wonder if there's still something between us, if we could find a way to reconnect."
Lydia's heart skipped a beat, a mix of emotions swirling within her. The memories of their love flooded back, but she knew that moving forward wouldn't be easy. "Jonathan, we have both grown and moved on. It's important to acknowledge that our lives have taken different paths."
Jonathan's gaze remained locked with hers, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "I understand that, Lydia. But I couldn't let go of the thought that maybe, just maybe, we could rediscover what we once had."
The room remained quiet with Lydia not knowing how to proceed from his utterances, her eyes locked with his, admiring his stature and the material of his suit. He indeed had changed a lot in appearance and colour. His skin routine must have changed his appearance and his beard had grown a tad longer than he used to keep it.
Jonathan moved closer to her, his sense of smell noticing the Chanel Grand Extrait perfume he used to send her as a gift during her birthdays among others.
"You still put it on? The perfume," Jonathan said with a broad smile on his face.
"Uh no! This is a different one, Clive Christian, much better than Chanel Grand actually," Lydia responded knowing deep down she was putting on a bluff. He knew exactly how to manipulate her insecurities by touching the most sensitive things they used to do together.
"You know coming here I knew you wouldn't accept me back into your life, but I came prepared, unlike the past."
Lydia was not sure what he was getting to, but she sensed what was coming was not good for her. Jonathan was a psycho if he needed to, especially with all he did once she broke up with him, one of them being the attempted kidnapping and running away with her.
"I have decided to buy a share of this company and with the approval of your father, I have already signed the legal papers before coming here. So I guess we are partners."
Jonathan's words hung in the air, causing Lydia's heart to skip a beat. She felt her face flush with a mix of surprise, anger, and a tinge of vulnerability. How could Jonathan have acquired shares in her family's company? The implications of his revelation began to sink in, and she struggled to find her voice amidst the swirl of emotions.
Slowly, Jonathan's lips curled into a sly smile, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Oh, Lydia, the look on your face is priceless," he taunted, relishing the power shift that had seemingly taken place. "I've always had a taste for the dramatic, and what better way to make a grand entrance than by becoming part of the company you hold so dear?"
Lydia's mind raced, her thoughts colliding with a whirlwind of disbelief and anger. She had worked tirelessly to build her family's legacy, to ensure its success and prosperity. And now, Jonathan stood before her, wearing a mask of control and authority.
"Jonathan, how could you?" she finally managed to utter, her voice laced with a mix of disbelief and betrayal. "This is my family's company, our legacy. You have no right to waltz in here and claim a stake in it."
Jonathan leaned back in the chair, a smug expression crossing his face. "Lydia, my dear, life has a funny way of turning the tables. I've made a substantial investment, and now I have a say in the company's future. You might want to get used to the idea of having me as part of your professional life."
Lydia's fists clenched, the intensity of her emotions bubbling to the surface. She had known Jonathan to be charming and unpredictable, but this move felt like a calculated strike at the heart of everything she held dear. She had to regain control, to find a way to protect her family's legacy from his clutches.
"Jonathan, don't think for a second that I will let you ruin what my family has built," Lydia declared, her voice firm and resolute. "I will fight tooth and nail to ensure the integrity and success of this company. Your presence here changes nothing."
Jonathan chuckled, a self-assured smirk gracing his face. "Oh, Lydia, you always were the feisty one. But let's not waste time with empty threats. We both know that I hold the cards now. It's time for you to recognize that fact and accept the new reality."
Lydia's mind raced, searching for a way to regain control, to outmaneuver Jonathan in this unexpected twist of fate. She refused to let him walk all over her and her family's legacy. She would find a way to protect what was rightfully theirs, even if it meant engaging in a high-stakes battle of wits.
As she stared at Jonathan, a fire ignited within Lydia's soul. She would not let him destroy everything she had worked so hard to build. She would gather her allies, strategize, and fight back with every ounce of strength she possessed. This was not the end; it was the beginning of a new chapter, a battle for the soul of the company she loved.
Lydia stormed out of her office, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't believe the audacity of Jonathan to acquire shares in her family's company. Determined to confront her father, she drove swiftly towards their luxurious mansion, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.
As the grand entrance of the mansion came into view, Lydia parked her car with a screech and practically jumped out, her steps purposeful and filled with righteous anger. The staff members, who had noticed her arrival, watched in anticipation as their formidable boss approached the grand entrance.
With a swift swing of the massive wooden doors, Lydia entered the mansion, the echo of her footsteps reverberating through the opulent halls. The staff members exchanged curious glances, whispering to one another in hushed tones, wondering what had triggered their boss's sudden fury.
Making her way to her father's study, Lydia's mind raced with thoughts of betrayal and deception. She had trusted her father to protect their family's legacy, and yet he had allowed Jonathan to infiltrate their company. She couldn't fathom the reasons behind his decision, and she was determined to find out.
Pushing open the ornate door to her father's study, Lydia strode in with unwavering determination. Her father, seated behind his imposing desk, looked up in surprise at her entrance. His face registered a mix of concern and apprehension as he realized the storm that had descended upon their family.
Without wasting a moment, Lydia unleashed her pent-up frustration. "Fath—" Lydia began, her voice filled with a mix of anger and hurt, how could you allow Jonathan to have a stake in our company after everything he put me through?"
Her father sighed heavily, his gaze fixated on the carpeted floor. "Lydia, I understand your anger, but please hear me out. I had my reasons for making this decision."
Lydia crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she challenged her father. "Reasons? What possible reasons could justify bringing Jonathan back into our lives, let alone our company?"
Her father's voice softened, and he gestured for Lydia to take a seat across from him. Reluctantly, she obliged, her eyes still burning with intensity. Her father took a deep breath, bracing himself for what he knew would be a difficult conversation.