(Doreen)
As I walked into the hall where the company's event had already started, it was simply magnificent. I saw Leo already going up the stage for his presentation and smiled. He looked hot even in just a suit.
His white blonde hair added spice to his appearance in that Stefano Ricci custom-made suit and John Lobb shoes. These were high-end brands that screamed how wealthy the wearer was. I felt proud of myself for having to belong to this man.
I felt better because he didn't bother touching me again after his phone call yesterday. As I made to keep walking to my seat space in front like I was informed by an usher earlier, Crescent, out of nowhere, appeared in front of me.
Crescent was a friendly co-worker at the bakery I worked for before my new owned job, courtesy of the Smiths. He suffered a major accident that made him take a break for months from work. Nobody has seen or heard from him since then. And here he was, looking all polished up and healthy.
With that excitement of meeting someone again after so long, we looked for the nearest seats and decided to catch up a little. He said he was on his way out and didn't plan to stay through the event. I was distracted by my conversation with Crescent throughout the entire time Leo spoke on stage.
I only joined to clap at the end with the audience. I had completely missed out on Leo's presentation. Wouldn't even be able to say a line from his speech if I was asked. Something inside me felt heavy and uncomfortable.
He was walking towards me now. I stood up before he got to where I sat with Crescent. "Leo, you did great", I said, shooting him a double thumbs up with my fingers when he reached us.
I hoped so earnestly he didn't notice that I didn't pay attention to his speech. Of course, he had seen I wasn't sitting in my designated position for the event. The memories from yesterday's incident flashed through my mind. How would he react to what just happened?
Still afraid, I turned to Crescent to do a proper introduction of them to each other at least, but Leo extended his hand to him for a handshake before I could even speak. I gave up on saying anything, silently praying the dead feeling in my stomach was a result of the early breakfast I had.
Neither Leo nor Crescent uttered a word and the handshake was beginning to last longer than it should.
"Let's talk outside of this place", Leo finally said and without giving Crescent a chance to reply, he started to drag him out of the event space, still holding him in a handshake.
It was then I noticed the displeasure on Crescent's face and his struggles to break away from Leo, who kept on squeezing his hand uncomfortably under the guise of a handshake. Leo was unyielding.
Not again. Not another falling out with Leo Smith. I swallowed hard, hurriedly following them out to the almost empty walkway, feeling really responsible for this ugly situation. I should have focused on his speech, and I regretted it again.
"Leo, please stop. You're embarrassing him", I said with a raised but pleading tone, feeling really sorry for Crescent now.
"Stay out of this, woman", Leo screamed back at me. That angry look I had seen in his eyes last night was back.
I was scared because I wanted to believe Leo was mistreating Crescent for being the reason I didn't pay attention to his speech when he wanted me to. Deep down, I wanted it to be because he was jealous of me as his wife, having spoken to another man while he was watching. That would make me happier and keep me in the marriage for long.
I thought about him cooking me breakfast this morning and a smile crossed my lips. Crescent, I need to free him from this first.
"Young man. Doreen is a married woman. A woman married to me. I do not appreciate your sneaky little moves around her", Leo spoke angrily again to Crescent.
Crescent didn't utter a word. He was focused on trying to free his hand from the deadly handshake Leo had him in. He finally overcame Leo and withdrew his hand. With a fine blend of surprise, embarrassment and anger in his expression, he rubbed and stretched his wrist.
"I'm really sorry Crescent. I didn't mean for this to happen", I turned to Crescent apologetically.
"Get out of my event", Leo barked from beside me towards Crescent, with his finger pointing towards the exit.
"Leo, I'm sorry. I should have listened to your speech", I found myself saying. Leo didn't respond.
"It's okay, Reen. I will take my leave now. I was already on my way out after all", Crescent said softly to me while walking away and to the exit.
"I'm sorry, Crescent", I said after him. He nodded and waved at me before disappearing through the exit.
"I can't believe you, Doreen", Leo blurted out, turning back to me. I meant to reply to him and try calming whatever feeling he felt at the moment, but he walked out on me into the event hall, not even waiting to hear the first word of my sentence.
His anger is justified, I thought to myself. Even though he told me those words last night and treated me to breakfast in bed the next morning, there was still this fear tugging at one corner of my heart.
I will protect this marriage with everything. I'm not sure how best to handle this situation, though. I have to talk to him. I made to follow him but was crossed by Rosie at the entrance.
"What's up, girl?" She asked, grabbing my shoulders gently and looking behind me as if searching for something.
"What happened between you and your husband? I saw him being not so gentle with the guy you were talking to earlier", she further inquired.
"Rosie, I will fill you in, but for now, I need to get to my husband", I replied, pushing her hands off my shoulders and searching with my eyes for Leo. I caught a glimpse of him disappearing through the second entrance of the event hall, the entrance close to the elevator that led up the floor of his office.
Perfect opportunity. I can talk to him in his office, better than a hall with a crowd. I made my way towards that direction. I was walking too fast, my heels were beginning to hurt my toes.
I reached his office. His secretary's table was empty, so I let myself inside without even bothering to knock.
"Leo, I'm sorry for…", it wasn't Leo in there but his elder brother, Lawrence. He turned to face me from his search through the cabinets. I shot him a smile, trying to mask the worry written all over my face, hoping he didn't connect the dots from my words earlier. "Hi, Lawrence.
"Hey, Doreen. You look amazingly beautiful in this dress. Absolutely stunning", he said, taking steps towards me. I smiled again, thanking him for the compliment.
"Can I get a hug?" he asked, drawing me into himself and wrapping me so tight, I could feel my breasts crashing heavily into his chest. I felt uncomfortable and started to free myself from the hug. Then, there came a loud spank of his hand on my ass.
"Juicy, wow!", he said, laughing mischievously and going ahead to press the skin of my buttocks together.
"What are you doing right now?" I pushed him so hard that he had to seek support by holding onto one of the visitor's seats on Leo's office table.
He responded with an annoying smirk, but no words. He just stood there adjusting his suit and smiling awkwardly. Isn't he going to apologize for being so vulgar to me?
At that point, my breath was unsteady, and my face had become bland. I felt disrespected by this man standing in front of me now and his disgusting attitude. What exactly was he trying to do? Set me up and get me in more trouble with Leo?
"Lawrence, I am going to tell Leo about this. I must tell Leo about this nonsense you just put me through", I managed to voice out, ignoring how shaky my voice sounded.
My phone started to ring. I had my phone all this while. I didn't realize. And my bag? Must still be in the event hall. With sweaty palms and a heart-racing too fast, I hurried to check who the caller was, hoping it would be Leo. It wasn't him. My mood fell. Rosie was probably calling to check how I was faring.
I ignored the call but texted her that I would reach her later. I need to find Leo. I should have focused on his speech. I felt restless about how sour this had turned. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Then, I opened them and turned to walk out of the office room.
"Leo won't listen to you. Forget it", Lawrence's words pierced through my soul, but I walked through the door and towards the event hall without sparing him another word or even closing the office door after me.