Becky's POV
Did that guy see me as nothing but just a worker? What about her made him choose her over me? I wasn't pleased at all. They weren't even married for love, yet I had unfortunately fallen hard for him. I needed a new strategy; I couldn't lose such a valuable prey. How could he just brush me off like that? What was he — a little boy who still followed mama's rules?
I remained in the garden, the sweet scent of flowers hanging heavily in the air, intoxicating yet unable to mask the bitter taste of defeat lingering on my tongue. My mind raced with possibilities. I refused to accept this. Then my boss arrived, her footsteps sharp against the stone path.
"Becky, are you trying to play tricks on my husband? He doesn't hit on old ladies, just so you know. So stay away from him or I'll make you. I wonder why he won't even fire you."
I took a long, hard look at her. Who did she call an old lady? I was only twenty-five and every guy's type — beautiful, ambitious, and ready to do whatever it took. I held my tongue, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reply. She giggled mockingly and walked away — or better still, practically ran straight into the arms of the only man I craved. He had power, wealth, status, and he was a flawless gentleman. What else could a girl like me possibly want? I had to get him, at all costs. I slowly walked away, my heels clicking against the ground as new, darker plans began forming in my mind.
Tatiana's POV
My feet brushed anxiously against the polished marble floor, marching in rhythm with my racing heart. Time was flying by with no restraint, slipping through my fingers like sand. Derek had told me I could do it — that I was a master strategist — but right now my mind was failing me completely. Everything kept crashing down on me at once. Becky was also proving to be a real devil in disguise. I had never been so pissed off in my entire life.
A cold chill crept slowly into my skin, making it stiff and uncomfortable, but I ignored it and kept moving forward.
Beep… Meet at the conference room.
This was weird. Who the hell was summoning me like this? The hall was eerily quiet, but I could feel eyes following my every step. My movements were careful and deliberate, my senses on high alert.
"Finally. I thought you'd never come."
My feet stopped involuntarily. My eyes widened as I stared ahead. Trouble was definitely on the menu today.
"What are you doing here?" I asked sharply, my voice echoing slightly in the large room.
"So much for welcoming your first ever fiancé," Robert replied with that familiar smug smile that once made my stomach flutter.
This was clear panic rising in my chest. I didn't want any trouble, especially not now. I quickly dialed Derek on my phone and made sure he could hear our entire conversation, keeping the line open without alerting Robert.
"Robert, you know it's been forever. Of course your presence is a great surprise. Why this visit so early?" I said, trying hard to keep my voice steady and composed.
He walked closer, his eyes those of a predator stalking its prey. "I miss you, and I want you. No one has to know. I know you still love me, so don't run."
"This isn't possible. I'm married to a handsome, loving guy, and my marriage is far from broken," I shot back firmly.
He scoffed and came even closer, invading my personal space. He breathed in my scent deeply, then leaned down and kissed my shoulder, his lips tracing slowly downward… God knows where he would have gone if I hadn't stopped him.
Rolling my eyes in disgust, I pushed him off with all the strength I could muster. "I'm sorry, Rob, but I can't do this," I said in my clearest, most decisive voice.
Maybe a small, petty part of me wanted Derek to get jealous. I knew he would be.
"Get away from my wife, Robert Jack Robinson!"
Derek's voice thundered through the room like a storm. He was always on time when it mattered most. Without wasting a single breath, a powerful punch flew out and a fierce fight broke out between the two men. Fists connected with flesh, grunts filled the air, and furniture scraped across the floor as they clashed.
Sincerely, for a few dangerous seconds, I was enjoying the show — two strong, powerful men fighting over me — but I didn't want things to get ugly or for anyone to get seriously hurt. I screamed for them to stop while rushing toward Derek. Our eyes met in the chaos, and suddenly our lips connected in a deep, passionate kiss right there in the middle of the room. Soon I was drawn into his warm, protective embrace, his arms wrapping around me like a shield.
I guess Robert was playing a losing game all along.
The tension slowly faded as Robert wiped blood from his split lip and glared at us with pure hatred before storming out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Derek's arm stayed firmly around my waist, his breathing still heavy from the fight. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely safe, wanted, and protected.
"You okay?" he asked softly, his eyes searching mine with concern.
I nodded, still wrapped tightly in his arms. "I am now."
The Iranian conference was fast approaching, and all the documents needed to be ready. But in that moment, none of that mattered. All that mattered was us.