Chapter 37: CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: LOVE?

/-ARTEMIS-/

They gazed at each other, communicating with their eyeballs. Even though I had communicated with Kate in the office in the same language, I couldn’t decide what they were saying. 

“You know what… I’ll just head back.” I faked a smile, turning around. 

“I’ll get you a chilled cup of lemonade.” Catherine took to her heels, heading for the entrance. 

“And what are you still doing here?” I gazed at the driver. He didn’t say a word, startled by the smooth step I took towards him. 

“I’ll be by the car.” He stammered, running after Catherine. 

Usually, mind techniques like that wouldn’t work, but they had filled their minds with the will to hide what was happening even if they had to run several errands just to stop me.

With the both of them out of the way, I found myself close to the yard. The yard, which they had stopped me from reaching, was decorated with beautiful luxury tapes that lit up the lawn. I could see red carpets everywhere and a big stand with the word “Bella Rules.”

“Hello people of Hyperion Heights, it’s your best girl Bella Mercedes.” Applause came from the loudspeaker, making it look like she was with thousands of audiences. 

“So I know I haven’t been able to strike poses and work my magic on the runway, but that’s because I was out of the country. I’m glad to tell you all that I’m back and will be airing on your TV and in the Heights Magazine once more.” She blew a kiss to the camera, flaunting her blazing red gown to the camera while striking some poses. 

I grabbed myself a seat watching her act like a real model. I could see through her makeup, the beads of sweat by her nape showing her anxiety. She didn’t believe the people would love her back, but she was betting this commercial on it. 

Cut!

“How much did you pay for the advert?” I uttered as she walked away from the red carpets. 

“What do you care?” She raised her brows, hands on her waist. 

“I truly don’t care about whatever you’re doing. Just wanted to know how much of the Mercedes funds you waste doing this so I can build it back up.” A smile on my lips as a frown grew on hers. 

“For your information, I got this entire funding from my boyfriend. The only one who truly cares about me and would want my betterment.” She huffed. 

Since I had known Jamie, he hadn’t ever wasted his funds on anything that didn’t benefit him. He was more of a man of humble behavior and wise spending than to give a lady of her caliber such funds. Had he changed?

Even if he did it, it wouldn’t change anything. 

“Aww, the face of a dependent lady. Didn’t think you’d take the low route.” I teased. 

“I think you’re just pissed because he never thought of you as his woman to ever perform such a feat for you.” She held up one of her numerous designer hand fans, directing the air around to her face. “Try to get someone who loves you like Jamie, and maybe you wouldn’t have to be back from work so early.” 

I heard her chuckle as she walked back to the board, ordering the director to begin rolling. My stomach churned as she let out sets of brittle smiles. 

She was slender, too slender that I felt I wasn’t relevant in the eyes of men. Her body was thick, definitely what men would die for. 

“Miss Artemis, you shouldn’t be here.” Catherine ran over, a cup of lemonade in her hands. She was frightened I would pull a fight with Bella when she was shooting. Tch.

“Bella Darling.” Jamie’s voice echoed behind me. I stared back, hoping I was hearing things. 

He had changed into a set of black sports joggers and a sport vest, which made him look like a gym instructor. His muscles were huge, making me glare like some maiden under the weather.

“Jamie!” She opened her hands, indicating for him to come live with her. 

They snuggled like bears, holding onto each other like they had been in love forever. His hands were roaming around her waistline, and hers were busy caressing his muscles. 

“This is Jamie Leonardo, the CEO of Leon Industries.” She let out a smile. “Did I mention he’s also my boyfriend?”

I felt a lump in my throat as she reached for him, kissing him live on camera. His after-reaction was what made me awestruck. He had pulled her closer, lifting her legs up as he blessed her neck with kisses. 

“He’s the most romantic man I’ve ever seen. I feel blessed having him by my side. He’s my hero… the only one I can’t live without.” She caressed his chest. 

I couldn’t take it any longer, but I had to let them in on the fact that I wasn’t in love with Jamie. I grabbed the glass of lemonade from Catherine, sipping it slowly as I rose from the chair. 

Catherine followed behind me as I headed for the entrance. Bella’s laugh accompanying me as I stormed off. This wasn’t a battle I could fight with emotions. I had to fight with intelligence while running from fragments of the past. 

Survival is of utmost priority. 

Returning to the office wasn’t an option. It was two hours to closing, and it would be useless to get there without accomplishing anything for the day. 

As I retired to my bed, I cradled in the shade of my past. Jarvis and Alexander had all had a great impact on my life, altering my path with their will of toying with females. 

I couldn’t be an antagonist in their story, so I became a victim. I had struggled to build myself to their expectations, but they had all thrown me away like a piece of garbage waiting to be laid in the heap. 

I had always thought love was the one thing that kept me living, but it was the only thing that had kept me broken. It had shattered my heart severely, making me seem like nothing but a mere tool to be used and dumped. 

How I wish love existed…