Surprise

Chapter Two.

Five Years Later

Diana's POV.

"I am buying some shares from the company whose headquarters was transferred to this place. We will be building one of the biggest hotel in the world! Something as big as the burj khalifa!" Richie informed me, as I followed him into his office.

He sat on his chair placing his suit right on the handle.

"Oh! That will be great. You didn't tell me you have a plan like this! When are we getting to meet them?" I asked sitting right at his front.

I was annoyed he didn't tell me about it. I understand that we haven't been close these past few years. But I'm his wife and an important figure in this company too.

I have been working together with him since we got married and I mostly help him with the designs he needed.

"Today! Now!" He answered, bringing out some files from his drawer.

"Now?" I opened my mouth in shock.

He didn't answer again.

"What is the name of the company?" I pressed, "Why do I feel like there more than what you are letting on?" I squinted my eyes in suspicions, walking to the chair that was opposite him.

"You will get to know soon." He answered briskly, "They should be here anytime from now. Let's go to the conference room." He stood up taking the files that were on his table, leading the way to the conference room.

We walked into the conference room. The chairs were arranged around the large wooden table enough to accommodate 30.people, and there was aa large screen on one wall for presentation. Most meetings were usually done in this room.

The room was brightly lit and has a professional ambience to it.

I sat on one of the chairs after Richie settled down. 

We'd barely sat down when the double doors opened and about eight people walked on wordlessly, taking their seats. 

I stood up to acknowledge them and introduce the agenda of the meeting when the doors opened again, this time to reveal a face I wasn't expecting to see.

My jaw dropped open.

He walked in briskly, avoiding my gaze.

I couldn't tear my eyes off him as he walked closer.

Distantly, I heard Richard's chair screech as he stood up to welcome his brother.

Blood rushed to my ear, my heart hammered in my chest. 

"He shouldn't be here." I thought frantically.

He left the country few years ago; for good I imagined. Why the heck was he here now? 

Finally, our eyes met, only for a fleeting second. 

His lips drew into a thin line, showing his displeasure as if the sight of me disgusted him.

I squared my shoulders and wore the professional look I've mastered over the years, "Hello Mr Ryan." I gave him a small smile, "Welcome, please take a seat while I start with the presentation. "

Both brothers ignored me, drilling heated glances into each other. 

"I see you are doing quite well." Ryan said icily, his voice dripping with venom.

The hairs on my body prickled at the tension that sparked in the air.

"I didn't expect to see you." Richard smiled, gripping Ryan's hand tighter. His smile lacked warmth.

They were blissfully unaware of the audience on the room.

I cleared my throat, "The meeting?"

Ryan released Richard's hands first and gestured for him to sit.

Richard's eyes darkened and I half expected him to jump on his brother or defy him but he sat aftee a minute of long stare.

"Okay! Let's dive right into the business." I said in an attempt to break the tension in the room. 

After I introduced the subject, I returned to my seat and basically tuned out of the rest of the conversation. 

My mind wandered somewhere else, my daughter, his daughter is currently somewhere in the company oblivious to the fact that her supposed 'Dead' father is very much alive in the same building. 

My eyes flickered to Ryan, I found him watching me coldly. 

I averted my gaze embarrassingly and focused on the clipboard in front of me.

How was Ryan involved with the new hotel business and shares Richard spoke about. I never expected the brothers to talk about business considering their estranged relationship. 

"Diana?" Richard's crisp voice cut through my thoughts. 

I blinked, "Yeah? Is there anything you need?"

Richard gave me an overly sweet smile, masking the anger underlying his lips.

"Haven't you been listening honey?"

I frowned at Richard, surprised at the sudden use of endearment. Only a handful people knew we were married.

"Honey?" Ryan echoed, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow. 

It was just the three of us in the room now, I noticed.

"You will be Ryan's personal assistant and help him with whatever he needs till the project is finished." Richard revealed, "Can you do that for me, wife?"

Blood drained from my face.

Work with my nemesis? As a personal assistant?

"Wife?" Ryan visibly frowned, eyeing Richard. 

"Yes," Richard cover my hand with his, "Diana and I got married right after you left. So sad you couldn't attend our wedding."

"You should have seen her." Richard continued in a condescending tone, "She was the most beautiful bride ever."

"Ah.... I see." Ryan said coldly.

His eyes were focused on me.

I squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze.

"And you are not scared she'll cheat on you just like she did to me?" Ryan added.

"No.." Richard chuckled dryly, "A mother wouldn't do that to her family. "

Ryan stiffened.

The temperature in the room dropped by degrees, a slight shudder ripped through my body.

His lips split into an icy smile, "As expected brother," He stood and faced Richard with a nonchalant look, his eyes betrayed no emotion, "You can only take my left-overs"

He turned and strode out of the room.

He paused at the entrance to give me a brief smile, "I look forward to working with you Diana, try to stay out of my way if you don't want to get burned."