CHAPTER 3: Mist (i)

CHAPTER 3: Mist (i)

Louisa blinks, wondering what is going on. “Is everything alright Fred? Are you fine?”

Deciding that now is not a good time to discuss his romantic feelings with her, Fred replies “yes, everything is fine, I am just worried about you. You should take good care of yourself more instead of putting other people first.”

Louisa scoffs and rolls her eyes “come on, my son is not other people.”

“I know, I understand but you need to learn to live more. You should enjoy life in your prime, you know?”

“Okay Fred, I will. It's time to go home.” She said, opening the door and shoving him gently inside his car. “

“Goodnight Louisa.”

Louisa waves, walking back to the hospital building briskly.

Getting back to Liam's room, she enters the bathroom and gazes at the image of herself in the mirror. “I look like hell.” She muttered, running cold water over her face and bare arms in order to refresh herself.

             **************************

At the Mark Hotel penthouse suite, time seemed to stand still as billionaire CEO Kingsley Wills stands under the shower, in deep thought. The water streams down his sculpted physique, highlighting the contours of his chest, the ridges of his abdomen and the powerful legs that seemed rooted to the spot.

His gaze however, is deathly. He had not expected to see that conniving woman tonight. If he knew she would be at the event, he would not have gone at all.

What is even more upsetting is the fact that he couldn't stand it when Mrs Craig was slapping her around. Why? 

That woman deserves every ill she gets. How can she not have changed at all, even after five years?

She is still the deceptive, conniving bitch that she was five years ago.

But then, why can't he get her off his mind? Her beautiful, perfect oval face, just like a doll's, is still the same. 

He remembers the sweet taste of her lips, it's velvety smoothness against his. 

Shit! She is still hot, still the same irresistible beauty she was then.

But is her beauty worth ignoring her deceit and betrayal? Is it? Is he supposed to ignore the red flags and give in to his heart's desire?

He is a fucking billionaire for heaven's sake! He can get any woman at a snap of his fingers and God knows there are many fine, sexy women out there who would throw themselves into his arms at a slight opportunity.

Why then is he fixated on the sly, deceitful Louisa? 

Angry about giving Louisa so much thought, he emerged from the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, the terry cloth fabric clinging to his damp skin. 

Putting on his nightwear and retiring to bed, he found himself turning and tossing, unable to get the luscious naked body of Louisa off his mind.

 “Fuck.” He groaned, standing up and grabbing his laptop. If he couldn't sleep, he should get some work done then. Anything to keep his mind off the beautiful she devil.

         *********************************

The following morning, Louisa performs her motherly duties, bathing and feeding Liam. Dr Fred arrives at the nick of time and hands her a change of clothes and her laptop. She heads to her company, Palmer Tech, leaving Liam in care of Dr Fred as usual.

Arriving on the first floor of the grand building, she could hear people whispering among themselves. 

She knows they are gossiping about her and the incident last night but she doesn't care. The business circle is small anyways.

She continues walking, carrying herself with grace, her head held high, a soft gentle smile playing on her lips. 

After getting to the receptionist and exchanging pleasantries, she is informed of an impromptu meeting with her boss, CEO Ashby. 

Louisa quickly drops by her office but on her way out, she is accosted by her best friend, Evelyn . The duo have been working together for over six years, first at Modu Tech and now at Palmer Tech.

“Hey sugar,” Evelyn hails Louisa in her usual playful manner, draping her right arm over Louisa's shoulder, a wide playful smile over her face. She has always been carefree like that.  

“Don't ruin my dress girl,” Louisa returned, smiling widely as well, “I shouldn't appear tacky early in the morning, should I?”

“Girl, your appearance is the least of your problems, trust me. You're the talk of the town!”

“Let them say Eve,I don't care. Wait! why do you keep following me? Are you going in with me?” Louisa tugs her hair behind her ear, surprised that Evelyn won't stop following her. 

“Boss wants to see the two of us, I was just waiting for you to come. What if he just wants to complain about the little drama you put up last night? Who knows?”  

“Mr Ashby is not that petty, poke nosing into his subordinate's private affair.” Louisa replies while knocking on the door to the CEO’s office after exchanging greetings with his secretary, Nancy.

Upon hearing the voice within granting an entry permission, Louisa and Evelyn enters. The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the sleek modern office.

“Good morning sir.” Louisa and Evelyn chorused, bowing slightly in greeting to CEO Ashby.

“Good morning ladies, please sit.” Mr Ashby returns leaning back in an ergonomic chair, his piercing green eyes searching the ladies. 

Louisa and Evelyn look on expectantly and curious as to the reason they were summoned.

“Okay ladies, straight to business.” Mr Ashby starts, sitting straight and resting his hands on his table, his face dead serious.

“I have been impressed with your work on the Trust account. I know you two make a wonderful team and I believe you're ready for a new challenge.”

Louisa smiles widely, happy to have a new project occupying her time and taking her mind off personal troubles. Personal troubles like Kingsley Wi….”Focus girl!” She mentally scolds herself, forcing her attention to remain on the subject at hand.

“Yes we are, boss. Ready to make another win.” Evelyn beams, hitching to hear a new project to feast on. 

“What do you have in mind sir?” Louisa asked curiously.

“Louisa, you will oversee this project while Evelyn assists you. The project’s codename is ‘Mist’. It is a high priority initiative that requires strong leadership and innovative thinking.”

“Mist.” Louisa and Evelyn muttered looking at each other and then returning their gaze to Mr Ashby.

“Yes, it is a cutting edge data sharing platform that could revolutionize the industry. I need capable hands to bring it to life. And I believe you two can do it. Right?”

“Of course boss. As you know, we're up to the task. What's the timeline and budget looking like?” Louisa asked, already in the mood to get some work done.

“I like your dedication. I know I can trust you two. We're projecting a six month timeline, with a budget of $10million. I expect you to make the most of the given resources and make intelligent decisions to ensure a successful project.” 

“We won't let you down, Mr Ashby. We will assemble a diligent team and deliver a successful project.” Evelyn assures, glancing over at Louisa who nods in approval.

“Alright ladies. I want you to get to work immediately. Evelyn, you should start working on assembling that ‘diligent team’ while Louisa meets with the largest investor of this project. Everything depends on this man, Louisa. That is why you should be the one to meet him. I'll ask Nancy to arrange a meeting with him so that you can see him tomorrow. You have to convince him, Louisa.” Mr Ashby looks expectantly at Louisa, hoping that she sees how important it is for her to convince the investor.

“I understand boss, you know I am the best at presentations and convincing investors. So be rest assured.” Louisa assures her boss, confident in her ability to convince even the most difficult investor.

“But who is he? And why are you so concerned about him? I mean, how important can he be?” Louisa asks,

sensing the concerned look on her boss face is no joke.

“He is the new CEO of Wills Corporation”