Two Can Play the Game

Chapter 8: Two can play the game

“I think the deal is already signed,” Rose said, pushing the pen aside. She had just signed the contract.

“Thank you so much, ma. This means a lot to our company, and I promise that we won’t ever give you a reason to regret signing this contract with us,” Mrs. O smiled, her face filled with gratefulness. She was sure to be promoted now that Rose had signed the contract; Derek had promised her a promotion if she could get Rose on their side.

“I think that’s all for now,” Rose giggled from her sitting position, letting out a charming smile.

“Yes, ma, that is all for you until the contract kicks off,” Mrs. O replied with a bow.

“Okay then. I hope to hear from you guys soon,” Rose said, picking her bag and phone from the table and preparing to leave.

“You have been so calm throughout the meeting. I hope you are good?” Rose asked, her eyes dancing around Derek, who still seemed lost and lacked an idea of what was happening around him.

Derek stared at her for a while before forcing out a reply. “I…am fine,” he stammered.

“I…just have a little headache,” he added, shifting uncomfortably on his seat. He stretched out his suit and forced out a smile.

“Okay, Mr. Derek. I think you should get some rest then,” Rose giggled.

“And yes, extend my greetings to your beautiful wife, Sofia,” she added, but this time with a malicious smile that sent a signal only to Derek.

Rose enjoyed his fear and horror, and she felt on top of the game.

She walked gingerly towards him, her heels clicking in sync with the floor as she approached him. Her hips swayed to the rhythm of her heels, and her hair bounced to the tone.

Getting close enough to the horrified man, she bent to his level, pulled closer to his ear, and whispered, “Tell her that she will receive my present soon.” She withdrew and tapped him on his shoulder.

“Have a good day, Mr. Derek,” she added, and walked away.

“See you soon, Mrs. O,” she waved at Derek’s secretary and walked away.

Derek watched as Rose walked out of the meeting hall, and his head threatened to explode. “I must be dreaming,” he giggled. “I must be dreaming, I must be dreaming,” he stood from his seat with force and stormed out of his office.

His secretary and bodyguard watched him in shock as he stormed out of the office.

They wondered what was wrong with their boss and the connection he had with that woman.

They had watched him act all strange since he saw her, and they could feel the familiar chemistry between the two of them.

Derek stormed out of his office with one thing on his mind: to confirm if the woman he had just seen was really Rose.

Outside the meeting hall, he scanned the entire building for Rose, and luckily, he saw her almost leaving.

Without thinking twice, he rushed to her and grasped her wrist before she could exit.

“Wait! Come with me,” he said, holding her palm and dragging her to a secluded area, ignoring the curious glances from onlookers.

He didn't care about the number of eyes watching them; the only thing he cared about now was discovering the truth.

Upon reaching his destination, he released his grip on Rose. Annoyed by his behavior, Rose slapped him across the face. “Are you mad?” she yelled, her ocean-blue eyes flashing with fury.

“How dare you drag me around like I’m some kind of toy?” she added, her eyes still blazing with anger.

Derek, undeterred by her reaction, grasped her collar and ripped open her suit.

As his gaze fell on the familiar birthmark on her shoulder, his eyes flew open, and he stumbled backward, collapsing to the floor. The birthmark was the only proof he needed to confirm that this woman was indeed Rose.

“Satisfied?” Rose threw at him, knowing his intention all along.

“You badly wanted to confirm if I am really Rose, your ex-wife, whom you tried to kill, right?” she giggled, bending down to his level. “Well, I am glad you discovered the truth you wanted,” she added, fixing her suit.

“Who are you to think that you can get away from me?” she let out a malicious smile that sent chills through Derek’s soul.

“You…can’t be alive,” Derek managed to stutter.

“I watched you drown, I…” Derek couldn’t finish his statement when Rose slapped him across the cheek.

“How dare you say that shamelessly?” she yelled, anger evident in her voice. “Just you wait and watch me chop you bit by bit,” she spat on his face.

She bent to his level, cleaned his ear, and whispered into it, “I will make you beg for death, but it will be far-fetched.” She let out a malicious smile.

She stood up, dusted her suit, and said her final words, “Be ready for me, Derek.” Saying this, she walked away, leaving Derek to himself.

Derek watched as she walked away, and his eyes grew wider with terror. “It really is her,” he whispered.

“It really is her, and she’s back for vengeance,” he continued, his voice trembling with fear. “But I can’t let her have her way. I can’t let her expose my secret, I can’t let her ruin my reputation. I have to end her again before she ends me,” he stammered, struggling to pick himself up from the floor.

“I have to end her before she ends me,” he blurted, his eyes filled with determination. He wasn’t taking any chances and risking his reputation being stained. It would be the end of him and the reputation he had built over the years.

Without thinking twice, he pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a number. “This will be the beginning of your second fall, Rose,” he said, his voice cold and menacing, as he waited for the call to be picked.