Marina's POV
I flipped through the VIP client file trying to enter their names into the database since it was all manually stored. Working for Adrian is even more demanding than I thought. A name caught my eyes while flipping through.
Regina Lyle.
She was an elderly woman probably in her seventies. Would she know about my father? I took out my notepad and copied out her phone number and email address. Maybe this could lead me to the truth.
I glanced at my wristwatch and almost cried for joy. It was five o'clock pm already. Finally, it was time to go. I had not eaten because I had used my lunch time to get all my work done. I kept the file aside and switched off the computer.
I took a deep breath before knocking on Adrian's door. I heard him reply a come in. I said a short prayer hoping he was in a good mood before entering.
" Have you sent out the emails to our suppliers?" He asked with his face still buried in his laptop.
" Yes sir."
" How about the notice your were to send to our shareholders?"
" All sent sir."
" How about inputting our clients names and details in our database?" His face still focused on what he was doing.
" No .....sir" I stuttered. My reply made him to finally raise his head from his laptop. He stared straight into my eyes for a few seconds. It looked like he was trying to see through me.
" Go home, I need that client list updated by noon tomorrow." He said diverting his attention back to his work while I took it as my cue to leave.
I saw Sandra also leaving when I got to the reception. I tried leaving without getting noticed but I guess that was not possible.
" Hey Marina, how are you?" She said in her usual cheerful self.
" Sandra! I'm fine and you?"
" I'm good. Seems you've been really busy with your new job." We conversed as we walked out of the building.
" Yes very demanding indeed."
" Marina, are you angry with me?"
" No? Why should I? You are my best friend."
" Well you're right about one thing which is that I'm your best friend. I know you so well and I can tell when your angry."
" Sandra everything is fine. You did what you had to."
" So we are cool?"
" Yes we are." I said with a genuine smile.
" I and some friends from work are going out for drinks this night. You should come."
" No, I can't come. I barely know anyone at work."
" That's because you are holed up in your office during Lunch." If only she knew it was against my will.
" Yea I know."
" And they are really nice people, you would like them."
" I have work this night." I said in a low tone.
" Don't tell me you're still working at that club." She looked at me in disbelief. I looked away not wanting to answer her knowing her stand on my job as a barmaid.
" You are the fucking assistant of the CEO of Cross Tech, that pay is more than enough."
" I have to go Sandra." With that I walked away from her.
Outside my mum's hospital ward through the window, I could see my sister and mum laughing at something they were probably talking about. My heart warmed at the sight of them, making me smile. Since dad died, Mia just got disconnected from everyone including me so it was a relief to see her laughing with mum. I twisted the door knob entering the ward.
" Hi mum, how are you?"
" I'm fine, I just can't wait to leave here. I hate the smell of the antiseptic." I knew she wasn't fine but she would say anything to keep us relaxed. I also wanted her to leave here.
" Hey sis" Mia greeted pulling me out of my thoughts.
" Mia! Hope you went to school today?"
" What the fuck Marina? I always go to school."
" You're going to make my ears bleed with your swear words Mia." My mum said causing me to chuckle.
" Sorry mum. I'll see you later mum." She pecked mum on her cheek before leaving the room.
" Marina darling, how are you?"
" I'm fine mum." I said sitting down on the chair beside her bed.
" I can tell that you have a lot on your mind, you want to share." She always knew me better than anyone.
" I don't want you getting worried, everything is going to be fine."
" Since when did sharing your burden get me disturbed? I'm all ears."
I decided that asking her about dad's family would be something less burdensome.
" Mum did you know anything about dad's family?"
" Well, I and your dad eloped so that we could be together. He never talked much about his family and each time I brought it up he tends to switch the subject quickly. So I quit asking hoping one day he would open up and eventually tell me. All I know is that he was from a really rich family. His parents were never going to accept me. They arranged his marriage with another girl when they found out he was dating me. That was when he told me about his plan to run away. I didn't buy it at first but you know how your dad is."
" Yea he is the best seller in the whole world" I said as memories of him filled my mind. Tears started welling up but I pushed them back down.
" He sold me the idea again and I bought it this time. I was just a girl in love, I didn't know better."
Hearing my parents love story got me having mixed feelings. I didn't know if I should be happy that they found love or I should be angry that my father never told us he was from the Lyle dynasty.
Immediately I entered the club ready to work when I caught a glimpse of someone in the VIP booth.
Adrian Cross was in the same club I was working in.