Marrying my high school bully

Melissa

I walked into the dimly lit room where the meeting I’d made arrangements for was to be held. I was impressed to see Mr Han, Mr Manor, and Mrs Gonzales, sitting patiently and waiting for me.

The meeting was a secret one, that was why we used one of the hotels that belonged to my father.

“Good evening, everyone. How are you all doing?” I greeted them, receiving their warm handshakes.

“I’m fine and excited to be here.” Mr Han said with a formal tone.

Mrs Gonzales hugged me and I patted her on the back. She had a certain way of looking at me as if she had so much to make up for. I itched to tell her that it wasn’t her fault, but that was after the meeting was over.

“Let’s get to the topic for the evening. First of all, I’d like to apologize for missing yesterday’s meeting. I suddenly fell ill when I got to the venue and I had to be rushed to the hospital.” They didn’t need to be explained to me since I was their boss, but if they were to fully believe in me, then I had to be accountable.

“I hope you are fine now, my daughter?” Mrs Gonzales smiled and I nodded.

“You don’t have to be bothered about me, ma. I’m more than fit.”

Presently I felt strong, but the reverse was the case in the early morning. I threw up thrice and barely had anything to eat until later in the afternoon.

I could guess how far gone I was, but I needed my gynecologist to give me a precise date. I was still surprised that I was able to attend the meeting, but what I discovered was that the saying ‘When there’s a will, there’ll be a way’ came into play in my life.

“How far have you gone with the fake designs, Mrs Gonzales?”

She quickly produced her phone from her handbag and scrolled through it for a few seconds. She passed it to me and a crooked smile appeared at the corner of my lips.

I recognized the design. It was very similar to what one of the top rivals of our brand had designed. We were supposed to create something different, but one of the ways we were going to employ in pulling down Leonardo was by defaming him.

“This is really amazing, Rosa. You are so good at this. I hope you have prepared beautiful designs for our jewelry brand once I take over?” I asked.

“Sure, Melissa, I’ve been waiting for this for so long and we are all happy that you are back.”

Mr Manor cleared his throat, then raised his hand. “I have a question to ask about the fake design.” I permitted him. “How will imitating other brands’ designs help to bring Leonardo down?”

I propped my elbows on the desk and pressed my palms together. This was the question I’d been waiting for as Rosa was the only one who knew my plan.

“I’d have asked you to wait and see, but since you are a part of my special team, I’ll have to tell you.” I brought out my laptop and placed it in front of him so that he could see the jewelry exhibition banner placed in front of it. “Hill’s Jewelry has been invited for a jewelry exhibition and we are supposed to showcase something raw and fresh, but that won’t be the case because we’d have to present another company’s design and Leonardo will mistakenly claim that it is his,” I explained and his eyes lit up in admiration for me.

Mr Han gave me a round of applause, sharing the same expression with Mr Manor.

“I didn’t know that a woman could be this brilliant, and even though I’ve not told you this before, I’m rooting for your success. I can’t wait for you to become the CEO and send that scallywag out of the company. He knows nothing about leadership.”

A blush rose to my cheeks as I allowed his words to sink in. Mr Han was one of the most difficult people to convince. After seeing how he confronted Leonardo boldly at the board meeting, I was moved to make him a part of my team.

I already knew about their beef so I would use it to my advantage while watching out for any sign of betrayal from him. I was extra cautious and I had to station men who watched every one of their activities.

Until my real identity was revealed, I couldn’t have anyone scuttling my plans.

“He’ll be out soon,” I assured him, happy that all my plans were slowly falling into place. I cast a glance at the lawyer who was arranging some documents. “Is there any update from you, Mr Manor?” I asked and he shook his head.

We deliberated on more issues and I felt satisfied, knowing that we were finally on track. I checked the time which showed that it was getting late, so I released them.

I had yet to tell my father about my pregnancy since the day I found out, and it caused guilt to eat up my heart as I wasn’t used to keeping secrets from him.

I was already on my way out when Mr Manor stopped me.

“Is there any problem?”

“Not really. I had an update but I didn’t want to say it in front of Mr Han because I’m not sure he’s aware of your real identity.”

How smart of him, I admitted under my breath.

Thank God he was nice enough not to mention it. He didn’t know my past so I liked it to remain that way or he’d want to use it against me later on.

“Tell me about it.”

“There’s something I didn’t tell you the day you came to my house.” He confessed and brought out the documents he was going through earlier.

His confession piqued my curiosity. “What could that be?” I asked, my tone hinged with desperation.

“I didn’t give the original documents to Leonardo the day he came for it. Seeing how your late mother was scared for her life, I had to draw up the original copy and duplicate it as well. And that means-”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

I cut him short as I became overwhelmed with excitement. I couldn’t believe this was happening. “It means that once I’m able to sign the original document and prove that Leonardo forcefully took the fake one from you, I’ll become the true owner of Hill’s jewelry.” I interpreted and almost jumped on him. “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“Don’t be mad at me, Melissa. I was overcome with grief and I had forgotten all about the documents until I went through my shelf this morning.”

“Thank you so much, Mr Manor. You don’t know what this news has done for me.”

“Don’t thank me, Melissa. I’m doing this for your late mother, and to get justice for my family who were murdered in cold blood. The documents will remain with me until you’re ready for it.” He informed me and I nodded.

“Thank you, once again,” I said and waved him goodbye.

A phone call came through immediately after he left and seeing the caller’s name filled me with more joy. “Is it done?”

His deep voice rumbled. “Yes, it is. Everything is under control.”

I ended the call and tossed the phone into my bag, walking out of the hotel with a confident gait because I’d just achieved another hard feat.

I was so enjoying this game.