Nicholas rolled his eyes upon seeing the lady before him. Tania Edward, Maya's best friend who hated him with everything.
Tania wanted her best friend to end things with her from the moment she had laid eyes on Nicholas, so he too was not fond of her. "Tania, that is none of your concern." Nicholas shot her a warning glance which of course, she ignored and pressed on. "Haha! Of course this man is poor and doesn't belong here." She was talking to the waiter now, making her voice loud so people would begin to notice them. "Am I not right, Nicholas?" He would not give her the satisfaction of making himself angry. Instead he said, "what about you? What are you doing here?" "Well unlike you, I can afford this restaurant. I have a membership card so I want to get a meal." She looked around, "guards, why is this filth still here? He's poor and he can steal from us. Send him out now." "Shut up, Tania. And mind your business." He frowned. Taking a look at the card she was holding and flaunting in the air, he saw that it was the membership card of the lowest rank. Something she must have sweat to get. An idea was forming in his mind now. "You know what, Tania? Are you up for a game?" His brows arched up as he waited for her response. "A game? With you? Well that is just pure nonsense--" He cut her off and went on. "A game, yes. You act like you're so rich but all you carry is the lowest rank of Diner O membership card." He said and could hear a few laughter from the audience. Tania's face flustered red in embarrassment. If only Nicholas knew what she had done, the people she had slept with before she could get that card! How dare he mock her now! "You act like you're so rich. Then how come you can't even get any card at all, huh? You poor rag." She spat out angrily. "Well this is where our game begins. I will get a meal from the most expensive membership card menu, and I won't pay a dime. I won't even use a card." Nicholas said proudly. He could see those two buffy men from behind now, coming towards his side. There had to be a way of winning this game if truly his father owned Diner O. There had to be a way... Tania was already laughing now. "And then, if you can't do as you've said? What should I do in return?" She asked. "Anything you wish. I'll comply." Nicholas said simply. "Wow, how can you be so confident like this? Anyhow, once you're sleeping in jail tonight, it will give you a reminder never to mess with the rich." She said, Nicholas could feel everyone's eyes on him now, wondering how he still had the nerve to stay, wondering the strategy he was planning on using to win the game. At least, he wanted people to be looking at them so they would be able to watch Tania fail miserably. "And if I win, you will fall to your knees right here, and say you are sorry for all the bad things you have done in my life and I will consider not sending you to jail." Nicholas said to her. The woman snorted loudly. "Nonsense. Keep on dreaming, loser. I will never apologize for things I've said or done. Maya is better off without a beggar like you!" The waiter might have not recognized Nicholas, but as soon as he saw the two buffy men from behind, he began to fidget. "Sir? Is anything wrong?" Asked one of his bodyguards. Nicholas shook his head, then turned to the waiter. "Right? Mr. Waiter?" The man shifted glances between both men behind Nicholas and nodded. "Y--yes sir. No problem at all." Both hefty men who had been following him certainly held a high reputation around. Billy and Bobby, they were one of the important faces of Graham's Enterprise, along with Lindsay too. And seeing them with Nicholas, especially when they called him "Sir", it wouldn't take long for people to realize he was someone of high status too. Nicholas relaxed a bit now. "I want the most expensive dish on your menu, as well as your finest wine. And I won't be using any membership card, Mr. Waiter." He smiled at the man who quickly gave an awkward bow. "Yes sir. Coming right up!" And with that, he hurried from his sight to start making preparation. Nicholas turned back to face Tania. People who had been watching couldn't hide their hint of surprise as some began to clap and cheer for Nicholas. Others began to mumble, and really loudly: "Who does she think she is? I'm sure that young man must be really rich and influential." Someone said, "Well I hope he punishes her for losing. I know that lady well, and she only causes trouble everywhere she goes!" Said another one, a lady with wide eyes. Others began to talk too, and Tania couldn't hide the embarrassment in her eyes any longer. She snapped. "Hey you, take this man away!" She called Bobby and Billy. Nicholas shook his head for her. Foolish girl, calling on his own bodyguards to chase him out. "Are you deaf! Take this filth out of here right now!" She continued to command but Bobby and Billy only glared at her like she was someone who belonged in a mental hospital. Finally, she rushed forward and called the security at the entrance. "Get this man out of here! He's a thief and a liar!" Nicholas could see she was panicking now, realizing that she had lost the game. Both men flashed a questioning look at him, as if asking what they should do to her. "She owes me an apology. She owes me that big time." Nicholas said to them, remembering all the times Tania had embarrassed him publicly before. When she had even hit him in the presence of people, and said bad words to him. Bobby and Billy nodded to that and went towards Tania. The sneaky lady was trying to run away, seeing that she could not do anything again and had lost the game, but these men caught up to her just in time. With one hand, Bobby raised her up and carried her to Nicholas, then threw her to the ground. Billy forced her to kneel before Nicholas. "Apologize now, and we won't punch you till all your teeth are removed." He said to her, Fear had gripped her heart tight now and she realized she was in big trouble. "You might not know us, but we know you. And we know you work at Lola fashion house. Just a simple apology, or get ready to lose everything you've got." Bobby warned. Tania realized that that job was where most of her source of income was coming from. If she lost it now to her foolish pride... She fell to her knees. "No! Please, forgive me. I'm sorry for everything that has happened or what I've done, hmm? Forgive me now, Nicholas!" She caught both men frowning at her, "I mean, master Nicholas. Please forgive me!" Finally, Nicholas waved his hand to Bobby and Billy and they gave a nod. They pulled her to her feet and as they were about to throw her outside, a short man ran forward, "You are banned from Diner O, young miss!. Your membership card will be terminated. Don't ever set foot here, else, you will face severe consequences." The man said. He then faced Nicholas in a low bow. "Young master! Forgive me for not intervening since. Please, I am the manager of this great restaurant and I promise to serve you well like I have served your father." Nicholas only nodded. So this was his life now? "I just want to eat." He said as his stomach grumbled.Nicholas has a decent night's sleep for the first time in a while. The next morning, a woman slightly older than him but beautiful with a lovely physique, knocked on the door.When he opened up, the woman smiled and introduced herself. "Hello young master, I am Tamara, the manager of the mansion workers." She said, "Please sir if you need anything, do not hesitate to tell us. Your father is not going to be around for a while so he asked that I pass down that message to you." The lady said.Nicholas frowned. "Where did he go?""Oh that is how he travels. He is on a business trip. Definitely, he will call to explain further to you sir." The lady explained."I would like to see everywhere, maybe when you are free you can show me around?" Asked Nicholas."Of course sir. But first, we will bring breakfast for you now. It is being prepared now." She said, Different dishes were served and Nicholas didn't even know which to choose from. He licked his hand as he dug into chicken laps and ate
Nicholas saw that Cynthia must have been doing his job all while he was not around. He wondered why they have not employed someone else, maybe they're still thinking he would return."What have you been doing all this while? And," she froze, eyes intently glaring at him. "Wow, where did you see the money to buy this lovely suit? It looks good on you though, but why?"Of course Cynthia didn't know now that his situation had changed and he was now rich. He kept it to himself and did not bother to say anything to her."Is your wife giving you money now? Wow, I can't believe that money can change a man like this." She said to herself but Nicholas could hear clearly.He rolled his eyes, "I don't need to offer you any explanation at all. Excuse me, Cynthia." Nicholas said but she rushed forward to stop him."Hey, whatever business you'll face with the boss will be little compared to what I will do to you now if you don't have my money." She said,"Oh right, I'll make a transfer to you now.
"What are you talking about, huh? Wait please!" He felt like he would have a heart attack. Payment has been cancelled?He was ruined!"You've offended the big dogs of the business industry. You brought this upon yourself. Good day."Lindsay said."Lindsay dear, are you forgetting who I am–hey, hello?" he was saying but she had already hung up."No. This can't be happening!" Bob cried out.Meanwhile, Nicholas was just on his way to work. The building was a skyscraper towering to the clouds. He still couldn't believe he owned it!He stepped down from his car and walked in. Just by the grand lobby, a woman was speaking to the receptionist. "Come on ma'am, I would really like to meet the vice president. Bob Fisher knows her! You need to treat me right." Maya said stubbornly.If she could meet Lindsay, then she would be able to submit her business proposal to her directly. It was good, she knew it. She just needed the right connection to win."Please ma'am. I've told you before. You need a
Nicholas and Lindsay walked in looking stunning. When Nicholas had first seen Lindsay, he had nearly dropped his tongue.She wore a knee length silver dress that left her fair skin exposed and made her glow bright like an angel. Her hair was made into an updo style, and little makeup was applied to enhance her look.They walked into the entrance together, taking the crowd's attention. “Wow. This is your ex husband, Nicholas!” Shawn exclaimed. Even Maya was stunned to see Lindsay looking so pretty, and Nicholas so elegant and a lot more mature. She was older than Nicholas by just over a few months, and teased him that she was his older sister.Now, Nicholas looked so handsome and bold. He had changed!“Who let you guys in, huh!” Bob rushed to meet them.“Nice to see you too. Congratulations on your wedding.” Nicholas said.“Engagement.” Maya corrected. She saw the necklace on Lindsay's neck flashed brilliantly.
Maya was with her friend, Tania. They were together at her house as Tania spent most of her time at Maya's place, especially since Nicholas had left the house now.Maya was just seated alone and she looked sad too. "Hey friend? Is everything okay?" Tania asked. "Not really. Listen, you know how I was with Bob Fisher thinking that he would help with my company? Well everything has turned upside down now." She complained bitterly."Yes you are right. I can't believe how that man can suddenly lie like this, pretending like he was rich!" Said Tania."And now I'm even in debt because I have been spending my own money on so many expenses, even the stupid engagement party!" Said Maya."Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. But I hope everything will be well soon." Tania said calmly to support her friend.Maya nodded. "Yea, I hope so too.""So something has been bugging me for a while now." Tania started to say. "Did I ever m
Nicholas confidently strode into the high-end boutique, he had walked in with Lindsay at his side. This had to be the most expensive boutique the vicinity had and he was glad he chose this place. The store's sleek, modern design was a far cry from the places he once used to frequent while he was still.... you know. Now, his newfound success demanded that he mingled with and shopped with the high and mighty. As they both moved through the aisles which were filled with racks of designer clothing, Nicholas couldn't stop himself from letting out a small smile as he walked, he watched Lindsay choose the clothing and was in awe. He never knew she knew what was in vogue in the fashion world. She had usually always been the nerdy, glassed assistant of his and now this new part of her was all the more intriguing dared he say, fascinating. Her eye for fashion was simply impeccable, and the way she moved with an air of confidence about her, that he simply found it mesmerizing."Linds
Maya continued to pace around the room, trying but failing obviously, to calm herself. "Sorry isn’t going to cut it." She told Shawn . "I’ve got enough on my plate without dealing with your irresponsibility." She said to him. She sank onto the couch, her anger giving way to evident frustration and helplessness. Shawn, not knowing what else to do, approached her cautiously, he cautiously and anxiously took a seat beside her. "Maya, talk to me. What’s really going on?" He asked her. She let out a sigh as her fingers moved to rub at her temples. They massaged the spot so tenderly but that wasn't taking away the migraine that she felt."It’s just... everything is falling apart." She said while Shawn watched her. " Nicholas is thriving, and Bob... Bob is drowning in debt. I thought he was my ticket out of this mess, but he’s dragging me down with him." She said. She almost felt like crying. Shawn knew all of these, he was there
Maya took a swing of the beer placed atop the counter, she bent her head and scotched as the unpleasant taste corroded her mouth but he pleasant feeling lifting itself off her tongue all the way into the tip of her head before sending tiny shivers all the way down to her spine.“That’s your fourth bottle,” Tania reminded her. “It’s already late, Maya, we should go.”“Don’t worry I’ll pay.”“It’s not about your finances but your safety. You are a woman and…”“Oh don’t give me that woman bullshit now!” Maya snorted. “If you want to leave, leave.”“And leave you to the perils that this bloody city has to offer?”“Would you rather share in those perils with me?”“Loads better than deserting I’d say.”Maya ignored her best friend as she continued to drink her beer. One big swing at a swing at a time until the content of it was almost down to the bottom.“What do you think Bob would do if you divorce him?” Maya thought aloud.“Same thing all men always do.”“And what is that?”“Blame you.”