Chapter 19 Gasps….
As I pushed the door open, the laughter ceased instantaneously. My heart raced as a rush of disbelief coursed through me.
There in Mr Mattias's office. Was a woman leaning casually against his desk, A woman I had never seen before.
She had long, flowing black hair and wore a sleek, red dress that hugged her curves perfectly. The air was thick with an awkward silence, and I could feel the tension rising.
Mr Mattias, who was sitting behind his expansive desk, looked up with a mixture of surprise and worry. His dark eyes narrowed as they met mine. “Shimma,” he said, his voice steady but edged with something I couldn’t quite place.
“Am I interrupting something?” I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“No not at all,” the woman said, a smirk playing on her lips.
“We were just wrapping up a discussion about office improvements.” Her tone filled with sarcasm, and I could tell she was enjoying the moment.
I swallowed hard, processing the implications of the situation.
“I... I just wanted to check up on you, Sir,” I stammered, feeling suddenly out of place.
Mr Mattias gestured for me to enter, but I hesitated, my instincts screaming that I shouldn’t step further.
“Come in, Shimma,” he said, his voice firm yet inviting.
As I stepped inside, I felt the weight of the woman’s gaze on me, assessing and critical. I turned my attention back to Mr Mattias.
“I just needed to know about the meeting later this week,” I said, trying to keep my tone professional.
I had gotten a note earlier that day, regarding a meeting we were to have later that week. That was a perfect excuse I could use.
“Right,” he replied, his focus shifting between me and the woman, who was now crossing her arms, an amused look on her face.
“We’ll go over that. But first, allow me to introduce you to Jenna, my project manager.” Mr Mattias said.
Jenna stepped forward, extending her hand.
“Nice to meet you, Shimma.” she said, her smile polite but her eyes challenging.
“Likewise,” I replied, shaking her hand, trying to mask my unease.
Mr Mattias cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him.
“Jenna and I were just discussing some upcoming projects. Why don’t you join us? Your input would be valuable.” Mr Mattias said to me.
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, caught between my desire to be included and my instinct to retreat.
“Sure,” I said, forcing a smile.
“I’d love to.” I added.
As I took a seat, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than just a professional discussion. Jenna’s playful smirk suggested she knew something. Something I didn't know.
The conversation flowed, but my mind raced with questions. What had I walked into? And what exactly was the relationship between Mr Mattias and Jenna?
I had just returned from Mr Mattias's office less than an hour ago. And I can't help how I feel right now.
Who was that lady in Mr Mattias' office? And why did she seem so devious? More especially the way she looked at me. Something is wrong, I can tell. That I need to find out.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts. I heard a knock on my door.
“Come in,” I yelled as I watched the door open. Revealing Mr Mattias.
“—Mr Mattias,” I stuttered as I watched him make his way into my office. He began to loosen his tie as he made his way toward me.
I gulped hard, my eyes wide open, my mind racing with questions. What had gotten into him?
He leaned towards me, about to take my lips, but I turned away.
“No!“ I said. Turning back at him to see a frown settle on his face.
“Why?“ He asked.
“I need to talk to you,” I said. He hissed. Leaning towards me again.
“Shimma, we can talk later. I want you now,” he groaned. His mouth searching for mine.
“No, I'm serious, I really want us to talk,” I said, turning away from him just so I would avoid kissing him, even if it was so tempting to.
Mr Mattias stood up straight, staring down at me.
“What's wrong Shimma? Did I do anything wrong?“ He asked. I shook my head in a no. He then squatted down so that he could see me properly. His hand reached my face. Bringing it to face him.
“What then is it that you want to talk about?“ He asked.
“The other day, at your house, what were you about to tell me?“ I asked him. And suddenly, i could sense this unease…..
MR MATTIAS.
“The other day, at your house, what were you about to tell me?“ She asked. I looked away from her. My heart racing.
She still remembered? Yes, I wanted to end things with her. Not because I wanted to, but because this whole thing wouldn't work. But I find my self wanting her more everyday. Just like I have been craving her through out the day. And just like I fucking want her right now.
How would I tell her this? How would I tell her I am growing crazily in love with her but it might not end well. How will I tell her no matter how hard I try to push her away. I find my self wanting her even more.
Just like today. I had tried to avoid seeing her, I really wanted to focus on my work. But she kept popping on my mind. I found myself, wanting to please myself, I mean I was on the verge of doing it if it hadn't been Jesse who had interrupted me.
And that was why I came here after Shimma left my office. Because a day without Shimma, is torture.
“Mr Mattias,” I heard Shimma call my name. pulling me from my thoughts. I looked up, staring deep into her beautiful eyes. No! I couldn’t let her go. It was time I accepted that.
---
SHIMMA.
I felt the weight of Mr Mattias's gaze, and my heart raced. This conversation was crucial, but the pull between us was undeniable. I had to know where we stood, even if it meant risking everything.
“Shimma, Be my girlfriend,” Mr Mattias said. I gasped softly as my eyes flew open in shock.
Did he just?….