"So, tell me about yourself", Rita said, over breakfast.
Rodrigo smiled, sipping his latte. Rita was surprised at the amount of food he brought. There were various types and she had a hard time choosing which one to start with."There's nothing really much to say about me", Rodrigo said."But at least there's something right? I would love to hear it, I really don't know much about you except that you're my chaffeur which is not much to know is it?", Rita laughed."True ma'am"."Oh stop with all the ma'am ish.. it makes me feel old. Rita is fine please", she said."Alright Rita", he said.She loved the way her name rolled off his toungue, it sounded grand. At that moment, she was happy over her name."Okay. My name is Rodrigo Campbell as you already know, I'm thirty and an only child. My father passed on few years ago and so, I'm left with taking care of my sick mother", he said.Rita felt bad for him. She didn't know that someone so humble had faced a lot in life, she was proud at his sense of responsibility in taking care of his mother. Not many would do that, it made her respect him all the more."Oh I'm sorry about your father's death. Please, i hope your mother is getting much better", Rita said."To be honest, not really. She has this recurring ailment that never seems to go away no matter the drugs we use", he said sadly.Rita felt a pang in her chest. Right at that moment, she decided to find out who his mother was and place her on the company's health care system. After all, she was the President and she could do anything she so desired."I'm sorry, she'll be fine. Please if there's anything I can do to be of assistance, do let me know", she said."Thank you so much, I really appreciate it", Rodrigo said, giving her hands a gentle squeeze.Rita was taken aback by this but she quickly covered up her surprise by squeezing his hands back. Rodrigo drew his hand back quickly, surprised at this show of careless abandon. "It's okay, I'm not going to run yelling to daddy that you touched me", Rita laughed.Rodrigo laughed too and for the first time ever, she noticed that he had a dimple.Just then, her phone rang, distrupting the moment in the air. The caller ID showed that it was her mother calling, no doubt calling to remind her about the stupid dinner party with Edmundo."Please I need to take this", she said, walking towards the balcony.Rodrigo nodded, watching her leave. He couldn't help it, he knew he was falling for her but he had to control himself. She was an untouchable, someone he could only dream of having. She was Lawrence Anderson's daughter and bethrothed to the Brabra family, he wasn't in their league and there was no use trying to win her heart.At the balcony, Rita picked up the call. Her mother's screams were what greeted her the first minute she placed the phone on her ear."Where the hell are you? We've been looking all over for you", she screamed."Mum, I don't want to be rude to you but please would you stop shouting. I'm not dead as you can see", Rita said."That's no way to talk to your mother. Today's Edmundo's dinner party and you're no where to be found. I've been calling that damn chaffeur but his line isn't going through"."I would love it if you would respect my staff. Mum, I'm not going to be attending Edmundo's dinner party, I have better things to do", Rita said."What has gotten into you. He's your fiance for Christ sake, don't do this Rita", her mum begged.Rita had the mind to end the call at that moment but that would be plain rude. She sighed, staring at the ocean far away."Fine, I'll be there soon", she said, cutting the call. Rita made her way into the house, sad that she would cutting her time with Rodrigo short but she vowed to make it up to him."I'm sorry, I have to go back home. Duty calls", Rita sighed."It's okay, are you ready to leave now? Let me get the car ready", he said."I'll be ready in the next twenty minutes", she said.Rodrigo nodded before making his way out of the living room. Rita packed the left over food, dumping it into the thrash can. She hurriedly took a bath before meeting Rodrigo downstairs who had already started the car."What's your mother's name?", Rita said on the drive home."Camille. Camille Campbell", he said.They soon got to the house much to her disappointment. Just before she got down from the vehicle, he took her hands, giving it a gentle squeeze."Please call me if it gets too overwhelming and that includes here", he said."Thank you, I will", Rita smiled, getting out of the car.Rodrigo drove off, parking the car in the huge garage before he left the Anderson's mansion. He was going back home to care for his mother, that was the only thing that mattered to him now, her and a certain black haired beauty.Rita on the other hand walked into the mansion, dropping her bags on the stairways. No one was in sight and she used that opportunity to sneak into her room."Welcome dear", her mother said, coming out of the adjoining room.Rita nodded, emptying the contents of her bag. Her mother hobbled about and she could tell that she was nervous about something, no doubt there was something on her mind."Just spit it out mum", she said."Have you seen the papers yet?",she asked."No, what's on it?", Rita asked.She was a bit curious about the latest news. Just then, her phone pinged announcing that she had a new message. She swiped her phone and sure enough, the same message her mother didn't want her to see was boldly written on the phone.There was a photo of Edmundo wrapped around a young brunette. They were clearly in a club and Rita could tell that they just got laid. She hissed, throwing her phone back on her bed."This is the person you want me to get married to. This man whore, fat chance", she seethed."I know but I believe he'll change as time goes on. You have to believe me", her mother said."I'm only going to this dinner party because I don't want to disappoint you and Dad. Don't test my patience mum", Rita said."Thank you, that's all I ask", her mother smiled.She left soon. Rita slumped on the bed, sighing at how her life was going. Feeling inquisitive, she opened the message relating to Edmundo as she read the contents. She hissed, disgusted at how someone whom most people respected his family could be a whore.She wasn't ready for this and she hoped desperately that something would rescue her from predicament.Rita walked into the mansion, hand in hand with Edmundo and she couldn't help feeling like a throphy wife. This wasn't her life, all this pretence she was suddenly thrown into. She was dressed in a long baby pink gown with a gold bracelet adorning her wrist. Her long jet black hair was tied in a severe bun, accentuating her beautiful face that was make up free.Rita never bothered with makeup because she didn't see the use. The only time she applied makeup was if her face had a blemish she had to hide. Rodrigo was behind them and Rita felt drawn to him. He was dressed smartly in a navy blue suit, his hair was styled in an updo fashion and he easily beat Edmundo who wore a jet black suit.Edmundo left her soon, going over to greet some of the expatriates. Rita was left standing alone as she tried to blend in with the people she didn't quite know."You look beautiful Rita", Rodrigo said.Rita turned towards him, smiling at this show of compliment. She despera
The next morning, Rita paid a visit to her dad. Lawrence Anderson was getting on in years. His usual brown hair had a lot of grey undertones. He was a man of medium height with an oval face and a strong jaw. Rita took his complexion, a bright caramel that seemed to sparkle under the sun. His eyes were a deep blue, just like the ocean. It usually drew people in especially prospective investors.It was no wonder why he had a lot of clients, wanting to associate with the Anderson group. Apart from his attractive physique, Lawrence Anderson was blessed with the gift of convincing people. He had a sugarcoated mouth that moved investors and clients and before they knew what was happening, they had already signed a deal. It wasn't a surprise to anybody that his daughter had taken his traits, one she used judiciously in running the empire."Hi Dad", Rita beamed, pecking his cheeks."Glad of you to come see me, it's been so long. How are you?",he said."I'm sorry dad, I k
"Please no visitors today Yasmin except if it's very important", Rita said through the intercom."Yes ma'am"."And please call me the head of the Health department, I need to have a word with him"."Alright ma'am, I'll send him up"."Thank you", Rita said before switching off the intercom.Few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Matthew Dallas, the Head of the Health Department of the Anderson empire walked in."Good morning ma'am, you sent for me", he said.Even though Matthew was a bit older than her, he still addressed her as if they were of the same age group."Please sit down. You really shouldn't address me like that. Rita is fine please", she smiled."Don't worry about it ma'am, I'm perfectly okay with it", he said.His salt and pepper hair was styled neatly to the side, accentuating his face. He was a handsome man, gradually ageing. Rita couldn't remember when he began working for the organization but she knew that
"Darling, how lovely to see you", Rita faked a smile as she hugged him.Rodrigo stood at a corner, his hands fisted at the back of him. He hated to see her with a man who didn't give a shit about her."What took you so long to get the door, I've been knocking for a long time", Edmundo said.He walked in without any care in the world like the pompous man he was. Rodrigo remained where he stood, watching the scene before him."Sorry, I was in the inner office going over an important file", she lied smoothly."Ma'am, I shall take my leave now", Rodrigo said."Oh, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. Thank you, you may go. Please pick me up at the close of the day, thank you", she said.Rodrigo nodded, leaving but not without giving her a wink unbeknownst to Edmundo who was facing the other side.Rita smiled, watching him leave. She shuddered when she remembered she was here alone with Edmundo."Would you like anything to drink darling?",she as
"When are you leaving for Los Angeles?", Edmumdo said, over lunch the following day.Rita could see some changes in him. His eyes were hollow and his cheek bones seemed to be sunken."On Friday, this week", she simply said."I see and who is going with you? Yasmin?",he asked.This was the part she hated, the part were she would tell him that it wasn't Yasmin but Rodrigo who would accompany her."Rodrigo, my chaffeur", she said.She waited for his outburst but when none seemed to come, she looked at him, willing him to say anything and not just smile like a deranged fellow."You know, you're getting too close to this chaffeur of yours. I might have a word with your father to terminate his appointment if you wouldn't do it", he smiled, sadistically."You wouldn't dare. Edmundo, this is my empire and I decide who gets to stay or not. I don't need you meddling into my affairs", she seethed."You'd be surprised at the things I can do. Remember
"A little birdie tells me that the Senator stopped by at the office today", May said as soon as her daughter walked in.Rita groaned, wondering why her mother was bent on frustrating her life. She never gave her a moment's rest, it was all about Edmundo and his family. She was sick and tired of her mother's desperation for her to get married to Edmundo. It was driving her crazy and she wished there was something she could desperately do to end this."Yes, you heard well. Now, would you let me go", Rita groaned."What did he come for?",she probed, sipping something that Rita suspected was coffee.Coffee was like a drug to her mother. She hardly went any day without it, sometimes she wondered how people could stand the smell talk more of the taste. Rita hated anything coffee related and she was grateful that there was tea else she would be going without breakfast most of the time."Mum, if you want to get the gist I suggest you go gossip with Yasmin. I'm very
"Don't think about it, just let it go", Rodrigo said.They were in her office. He tried comforting her as best as he could but she just couldn't shake off the disgusted feeling within her. After she saw the offensive magazine, she ordered the security men to send away all the reporters from the building. She couldn't deal with them and seeing them around her building was a constant reminder of Edmundo's infidelities."The thing is, I'm not bothered about what he does with his life. All I'm concerned about is that my name gets dragged together with his. I'm not so comfortable with that", she said, pacing about.Rodrigo walked towards her, taking her hands in his. The only way he knew how to comfort her was to touch her. His touch was like a drug to her, halting every discomfort within her. Just like he suspected, she stopped pacing as she rested her head on his chest.He stroked her hair, loving how soft it was. Rita gripped him tightly, fearing that he would go i
"I'll be traveling to Los Angeles tomorrow", Rita said over dinner the following evening.Earlier, she had already informed Edmundo who never failed to hide his displeasure about her plans on going with Rodrigo. She didn't care about what he thought and the only reason why she informed him was just for formality sake.She planned on leaving very early tomorrow morning with the private jet. Los Angeles was quite far and she wanted to get there as soon as possible."Alright darling, have you informed the pilot?",her father said, cutting into his chicken."Yes, I sent him a message earlier today and he assured me that the plane would be ready by morning", she said, munching on her food."Who are you going with? Yasmin?",her mother asked."No, Rodrigo", she simply said."Why him? Why aren't you going with Yasmin?",her mother said, dropping her fork noisily."With all due respect mother, whoever I decide to take is really none of your business", sh
They got to Camille's house soon. Rita was surprised to see the cars that followed them all the way to her house. Rodrigo informed her that they were his, Rita was surprised but she loved this new him. Her parents went back home, promising to come by for dinner later in the Senator's house."Lord, I've missed this place", Rodrigo sighed.He and Rita occupied a car with two of the security details who sat in front."I'm sure she has missed you too", Rita said, snuggling in his arms.The car stopped in front of the driveway. Rodrigo climbed out of the car, pulling Rita with him. They made their way to the front door, Rita pressed the doorbell, waiting for a response.The door opened soon to reveal the beautiful face of Camille. When she saw who was with rita, her eyes widened."No... It can't be", she croaked."Mother", Rodrigo said, falling into his mother's waiting arms.Rita shed tears of joy at this reunion. She was moved to joined the
In all of her life, Rita had never felt so tensed up as she felt now. The room was dead silent as the only noise that could be heard were the chirping of the birds outside.By now, Magdalene's face was no where near how it used to be. Senator Brabra on the other hand had an uncomfortable look as he looked everywhere else but Rodrigo.Rita couldn't believe that ever since, she had been in love with the legitimate son of the Senator. It was hard to believe but staring at them now, Rita could see the striking resemblance between the both of them."How, Wilson what is this nonsense he's saying?", Lawrence said, pacing.Rita had completely forgotten that her father was still around as her whole mind was centered on Rodrigo. For the first time ever, her mother was lost for words as she stared at the drama unfolding before her."Would you like to explain or I should do the honours?", Rodrigo smirked.Senator Brabra remained silent, staring like he had lost his
In all of her years of driving, Rita had never drove as recklessly as she did now. When Rita heard the news, she flew out of her office. Even the security men had a hard time tailing her with the way she drove like a banshee.All of Rita's mind was focused on getting to Senator Brabra's house on time. Rodrigo was back, she could hardly believe it. Not until she sees him, she wouldn't believe it. Rita suddenly slammed on the brakes of her car when she nearly ran over an old lady who was crossing the road."You need to have your eyes checked", the woman hissed before hobbling away.Rita sighed, apologizing to the woman who flipped the bird. Rita drove away, a bit more cautious than before.She got to Senator Brabra's house soon, parking her car haphazardly at the entryway. Rita ran all the way in, halting in her tracks when she saw a group of people in the living room. Senator Brabra and his wife Magdalene were seated and Rita could tell that there was a frigid atm
The next day, Rita resumed fully at the office. She could see that a lot of changes had been made especially with the security system. Yasmin, her loyal secretary was now at the top floor, a few doors down from Rita's office. The other staffs of the organization each had a string of security men, stationed at strategic corners of the building.Rita's office was like a vault. The security system was improved and now, anyone who wanted to see her had to pass through both physical and mechanical screening. A device that read her fingerprints was designed and installed on her office door and she alone could access the office."Glad to have you back ma'am", Yasmin smiled.She had come upstairs to welcome her boss when she was sure she had settled down. She beamed as she took in Rita's appearance. She was glad to see that she was okay without any strain in her eyes."Yasmin, how have you been?", Rita smiled."Alright ma'am, thank you", she said."That's good
Rita left the Brabra's house with tears in her eyes. After Edmundo's conversation, she dashed downstairs, needing to be very far away from him. Now, she had a lot of evidence against him and she couldn't wait to put it in good use.First, she was going to break off her relationship with him before taking any other action against him. Now that she knew Rodrigo was alive, she was a bit confident to carry out her plans.She got downstairs, practically running towards the SUV. Ramirez could tell that something was definitely wrong with her especially with the agitated look on her face."Home, fast", Rita ordered.She wanted to catch her parents at home before they went for the charity dinner taking place downtown. Ramirez drove with all of his dexterity, sensing that whatever was going on was much ore serious than he thought.They soon got home under ten minutes as Rita climbed out of the car, running into the house. She met her parents in the living room
When she got to the Senator's house, everywhere was quiet, too quiet for comfort. She smiled politely to Louis who opened the large double doors for her. When she still lived under their roof, she had made a lot of friends with the domestic staffs."Good morning ma'am, it's really lovely to see you", Louis said, bowing slightly."Hi Louis, it's nice to see you too", Rita smiled.She was genuinely happy to see him. Louis had been a sort of companion even when she was still here."Thank you ma'am. You came to see Master Edmundo no?", he said.His Spanish accent was really obvious especially when he talked for a long period of time. Sometimes, Rita could hardly keep up with somethings he said due to his fast tongue."Urghh.. not quite but are the Brabra's home?", Rita said."Yes but I'm afraid things aren't looking good ever since the report came out about Edmundo's alleged murder", he whispered.His eyes darted about, fearing that he
A week had passed since the attack in Rita's office. She was grateful for being alive, grateful that despite everything she had faced, she could wake up each day and take in the morning air."Ramirez said it's okay to go back to the office now", Rita said over breakfast one morning."Are you sure? I don't want a repeat of that attack happening again", Lawrence said."I'm sure dad, it won't happen again. Besides, the man who did it is behind bars and wouldn't come out for a very long time", Rita said.Ever since she had gone to see Nicholas in his cell, she had been itching to tell her parents what he said. She didn't know what to expect if she told them. Murder was a serious offence and if her father was found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in jail. She shuddered to think what would become of her and her mother plus, the company would no doubt be affected by this.Over the years, Rita has come to learn that no one wanted to be associated with mu
Rita knew she had to tell somebody about what she heard but she didn't quite know who to tell. The issue was a very sensitive one and there was no telling what would happen if the information fell into the wrong hands.As she thought about it, Camille's name popped in her mind. If there was one person she could trust, it was her. She was also sure of getting good advice from her on how best to handle the case.Rita picked up her phone, deciding to call the woman whom she could proudly call her friend."Hi Camille", Rita said, smiling into the phone."Oh, hello dear. How have you been?", she asked."I've been good. Please, I need to see you. Are you still in your friend's house", Rita said."Oh no, I got back to my house yesterday. Is anything the problem dear?",she asked."I'm afraid yes, I need to talk to you about something", Rita said."Oh my gosh! Is it Rodrigo?", she croaked."No... No, it's not Rodrigo", Rita said.She co
"I won't allow you to go see the bastard who almost gunned you down", her father seethed.Rita hadn't planned on informing him but she couldn't keep something like this from him. He deserved to know at least even though they really didn't see eye to eye on certain issues."I need to go Dad, i need to find out other things about this attack. I have a feeling that there's more to this. Please, I'll be okay. Remember, it's a police station and nothing can really go wrong there", she said.Lawrence sighed, there was really no arguing with his daughter especially if her mind was already made up."Okay, just be careful. Go with Ramirez and at the first sign of trouble, please get out of there", he said."I will, don't worry about me", Rita smiled.She left the house soon, followed closely by Ramirez and three of the security men who all wore frightening looks.Rita climbed the SUV while Ramirez manned the wheels. There was another escort car behind her a