I Swear, Let Me Love You Again

LYDIA’S POV:

“I will think about it and let you know.” I responded and I heard him exhale deeply.

“Alright, beautiful. Have a lovely day.” I blushed, nodding my hair like he could see me.

“You too.” I said then hung up the call afterwards. I loved this weird feeling so much, it was so amazing.

A knock interrupted my lovey dovey moment, and I rose up from my seat seeing the Chief Operating Officer entering into my office. The COO was a quiet man with the most adorable daughter as he had brought her over one time, no one knew anything about him as he remained mysterious. But he was a good looking man with black full hair but he was a tall and chubby man.

“Good morning.” I greeted them as he walked towards me with a file.

“Good morning.” He greeted me and I gestured for him to take a seat and he nodded.

“So let’s get right into it. The owner of Lenox mall has stated that his mall has gone bankrupt and he wants to sell it to us. The meeting with him is at noon, and it’s important for you to be there. You can do your research on it, I have done mine. All you need to do is come up with a good price before the meeting.” He informed me then handed the file to me while I nodded my head in understanding.

“Alright, thank you Mr John.” I thanked and he rose up from his seat. We shook hands and he departed.

It was indeed true that Lenox mall had fallen off, no one went there anymore, no one talked about it. But I felt like I had met the owner but I just couldn’t recall who he was nor could I recall what our interaction was about. Nonetheless, I needed to get to work before the meeting as there were a lot of facts to find out before arriving at a good price that would favor both of us.

*******

NOON:Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

AT THE BOARDROOM:

The COO, the CEO, my father and I were seated in the boardroom discussing the price and the plan for the mall. It was about five minutes after twelve and we still awaited the owner of the mall’s arrival.

“Who is the owner again?” I had skipped reading who he was and how he was like, as it was crucial when making negotiations to know who you are negotiating with.

“Jake Belligram.” Mr John responded and the name sounded so familiar. I instantly knew who it was as soon as Mr John said his name, he walked in with a beautiful woman who looked to be in her thirties with long red hair. I scoffed in amusement when I realized it was the man who wanted to make me his mistress and bragging about his bankrupt mall.

“Good afternoon, apologies for the wait. This is my wife, Emma Belligram.” He introduced and my father shook hands with the two of them, so did the COO. His face fell as our eyes locked, I smiled and stretched out my hands keeping it professional. He shook my hands too fast then proceeded to take a seat across from me.

“Nice to meet you. I’m a fan of yours, I love your book by the way.” His wife smiled brightly, shaking my hands and I nodded showing my appreciation.

“Thank you so much. Let’s get started.” I went straight into it, fixing my gold bracelets.

“I would like to know how much you propose.” I started looking at Mr Belligram who gazed directly at me.

“200 million.” He answered and the COO who usually had an emotionless face let out a stifled laughter.

“I’m sorry, it’s just based on the location of the mall, the income generated from the tenants, I doubt you have ever made 200 million in a year from that mall. Plus the size isn’t large at all.” Mr John spoke, pointing out important facts which I totally agree with, while my father just leaned back on his seat and watched the interaction take place. He had always taught us that while negotiating, it is nice for at least one person to observe and just by observation of their facial expression, their first words, one could tell a lot.

“Let’s keep things respectful. I have received a lot of money from that mall.” He grew defensive and I sighed.

“What does your company propose then?” Mr Belligram redirected to me and I glanced at my father.

“20 million dollars.” My father spoke and I nodded in agreement. We couldn’t spend more than that, as the project for that wasn’t even finalized yet. Mr Belligram looked at his wife who rubbed her temples probably thinking about the debts they were owing and so much more. I researched that they had borrowed money to keep their business afloat.

They communicated until Mrs Emma spoke in a shaky voice, “We will take it.”

We smiled in contentment, we knew they were desperate but in all honesty this is all that could be offered.

It seems like everyone who had treated me badly was getting their karma one after another.  As we shook hands in departure, I recalled the smug look on his face the day we had met. He was such a disgusting man and even with the beautiful woman in his arms, he still acted a fool. I pray I don’t ever come across any smelly men ever again.

*******

6:30 PM:

LATER THAT DAY:

I yawned and stretched, I was tired and famished. I had been working all day. I had forgotten to grab a bite except for my intake of coffee. I had finally finished the calculation and I opened my chat thread with Nathaniel as I had gotten a message.

I’m downstairs already.

I smiled and packed my things in a haste. I shut down my laptop and carried my pink Prada purse and strolled downstairs.

I just hope the night ends and starts in bliss.