Chapter 0004

My eyes are heavy as I try to force them to open fully. I stirred my body on the bed and stretched out my muscles, it has been ages since I have slept so peacefully. But last night was different, I can’t remember vividly what happened but it was a good one. 

I manage to sit up and yawn loudly, raising my hands and dropping them on the bed. I freeze when I feel the warmth by my side, someone was here with me and from the looks of it, whoever it was must have left early.

Then all of a sudden, my memories with the lady from the club flood in. From when she walked into the club with her friend to when I approached her and we started a conversation, then to when I asked her to dance with me and then finally when I asked her to sleep with me and she agreed!

It was one of the most memorable moments in my life. She was sweet and passionate and our love making was something I’ve never experienced with any woman at all. Where are you, Sydney?

“Sydney…” I call her name softly. I enter the bathroom and check around but she is not there, she must have left when I was in a deep sleep.

A slight knock on the door diverts my attention from the bathroom to the door. The intruder doesn’t bother to know whether I approve of them to enter or not, the door opens and Max walks in. 

“Good morning, the able and gorgeous Spencer,” Max greeted with a grin on his face.

“Max, I think I am about to go crazy,” I tell him as I sit on the bed.

“Is it because of the woman who you met last night?” Max asked with a teasing smile on his face.

“Yes! She’s the one!” I replied immediately.

“Of course she’s the one,” Max said cheerfully. “I can’t believe you slept with her at last. She must have been so special that you wouldn’t let her pass the night elsewhere,” he added.

“But she’s gone, Max, and I can’t stop thinking about her!”

“Relax. She is gone for the night, not out of LA city. You will find her if you want to see her again.”

“I don’t know much about her. Just her name, Sydney Talker, and I am pretty sure that there are plenty of women with the same name in LA city. I have never felt so connected to any woman at all, not even when I was growing up with Miriam,” I admit.

“I know that. I’m surprised at how much you are attracted to her, this is good news by the way. This means that you are not gay!” Max exclaimed.

I turn my head sharply to look at him. “What! Gay! You are not serious,” I snapped at him.

“I was just joking about it,” Max shrugged as he rolled his eyes. “Besides, you have not been dating anyone since so I assumed that you might be gay. It’s a relief that you are interested in someone now.”

“And she is married,” I add.

“Uh uh, that sounds bad.”

“But her marriage is complicated and she might be getting a divorce soon.”

“That sounds even better,” Max said, brightening up.

“It is not as easy as you say it is. Once she gets divorced, her heart will be locked and with this one night stand, she will probably see me as a horrible person,” I said with worry.

“I know right. That’s the same experience I had with Lydia,” Max sighed.

“Who is Lydia?”

“Sydney’s friend and a nurse too. I tried to sweet talk her into spending the night with me, but she bluntly refused and even called me a womaniser. I have never felt so humiliated in my life by a woman before and I like her,” Max replied.

I burst into laughter as I looked at Max’s sad face. I’m not the only one who has a bad experience with women, that is relieving to know. Now that I have someone who I actually like, she turns out to be someone I can’t have. In my heart, I do hope to see her again and cuddle her in my arms. I want to feel her warmth breath on her skin and her wet lips against mine.

“Earth to Spencer!” Max snapped at me, jerking me out of my daydream.

“What is it?” I retorted in annoyance.

“You have a scheduled meeting by twelve and we have to start getting ready for it. It’s going to be a good time for Spencer Group,” Max said.

I stand up and sigh, it is high time for me to erase this woman from my mind. I have to acknowledge the fact that she and I might never cross paths again. But the card of fate is not predictable, however, I still hope that I will be able to set my eyes on her again.

“Yes, let’s get ready for the meeting,” I said.

***

It was indeed going to be a great day for Spencer Group. As I stormed into the establishment that I had built three years ago, I felt a sense of welcome from the employees that looked at me in awe. 

I wonder what it is going to be like when the news spreads that I have finally returned to the city and am actively working in my company. The reason for I and my mother’s initial flee remains untold and unknown, a secret between us and Max alone. That is why he became the executive manager and oversaw the activities that happened in my business. 

But as time went on, my mother reminded me that I can’t hide forever. She told me that I had to face my destiny one day and conquer it, that is why I have returned to the city. To face and conquer my past.

The conference room is spacious and comfortable, containing about ten executives who are in charge of other important sections in the company, and the media who are invited for the reasons of publicating the news of my return to the city’s biggest media.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m glad to see that you all turned up for the conference meeting today. I am thrilled to see this level of unity among the executives of Spencer group even though we survived three years without the presence of our CEO. The company progressed without him and I must admit, we enjoyed the profits we made lately. But recently, we faced a backlash from the people who began to doubt the capability of Spencer group due to the absence of our CEO. We tried to hold them off but it wasn’t working, this resulted in the ultimate decision for my CEO who returned to put this company back on its track. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you… our prominent CEO, Spencer Martins!” Max announced.

The audience cheered and applauded as I stood up to make a speech, I stared at each of them all. The look of hope in their eyes encourages me to say bold words, knowing that I have people who are willing to support me and stand by my side even if it is my downfall. 

“I am thrilled to announce that I have returned to LA city to right the wrongs that were initially made by me. We have been the number one business partners in LA city and held the most prominent business ranks in the city. I won’t allow all this glory to be taken away from us because of my mere absence. Although the circumstances that caused my absence will remain my concern, I want to assure you all that with my return, our company will soar higher above others and continue to be the best!”

They cheer and applaud my speech as I sit down. The media rush to my side with their cameras and microphone, an interview which is mandatory for the publication.

“From a scale of one to ten, how would you say that your company’s performance was when you were not around?” 

“I would say ten because I am deeply impressed with their progress so far. It’s astonishing and gives me a less amount of burden to handle,” I replied.

“How long have you been away from the city?”

“Twenty long years,” I sighed.

“Would you love to share with us what happened to you that led to your sudden disappearance from the city?”

I go mute as I stare back at them. The flashes of what happened in my past floods back in my head, a painful experience that I am not willing to talk about.

“No, he wouldn’t love to share,” Max responded and dragged me out of the conference room.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue,” I said.

“You are always welcome,” Max smiled and we approached a lady standing with smiles on her face. “Spencer, this is Betty. She is the company’s secretary and will be overseeing your schedule and activities,” Max introduced.

“A pleasure to meet you, sir,” Betty said politely.

“Same here. But won’t it be too stressful for Betty to handle my schedule and the company’s affairs at the same time?” I ask considering the fact that she might be stressed out with all of the responsibilities about to be thrown on her head.

“What is your suggestion then?” Max asked.

“I will be in need of a personal assistant soon,” I replied thoughtfully.