CHAPTER NINE (Stop the Media Cont…)

Helen

Inside was like heaven on earth, no one would believe it was an office if seen in a photograph. From the furnished walls to the drabs on the window, all speak luxury and elegance. Like every other office I have seen, the table wasn’t placed at the window side nor close to the wall, but it was situated at the center of the room. Far back behind the table, decorated like a Roman column type, were two pillars that signify the entrance of another region. The entrance was covered with a not-too-transparent red draping that vaguely revealed a huge bed and wardrobe. In awe, my eyes traveled back to the man seated on a chair behind the desk. He wore a maroon color suit, with a newspaper held over his face. Reaching a certain point, Mr. Philip held me by my left hand, causing me to stop. 

“I have brought her, Mr. Dowel. Mr. Philip said in a low, soothing voice, sounding as respectful as he could manage. Like he didn’t see or hear us all this while, he lifted the paper off his face and nodded gently to Mr. Philip. Mr. Philip bows his head slowly, turns, and leaves the room. He turned his gaze at me without a single smile on his face, the same husky eyes that never left its stare. That notwithstanding, it was sharp but beautiful, even with the fear it transmits, this alone made me breathe heavily with my hands shaking like someone suffering from an essential tremor. 

As if he had read through my mind, he gave a low smile and stood from his chair. The smile, perhaps, did as he expected, sent a sense of relief, and somehow I felt safe again. Mehn he was so tall, probably 8’2. He walked slowly like a king towards me, with his eyes not moving a bit from my face. I was too afraid to look at him, I tried not to return his stare and looked away. My trembling hand must have been obvious, so I clenched my fist and forced myself to be calm.

“Is this your attitude towards people that save you?” he spoke in a very quiet but firm voice. All the fear in me was buried by confusion, I tried to connect his words, but it keeps skipping my brain. 

“I’m sorry, Sir, I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” I said, raising my eyebrow.

“I saved you last, night from the hands of a godforsaken man, gave you a place to sleep, clean you up and make sure you get sober, and all you could do is just walk away without any atom of appreciation.” he dropped his hands on the desk, massaging his palm slowly against the caramel topping.

With those words, he said, I was now very certain that I was just a piece of cake everyone in the industry wants to eat. As I expected, he saved me because he saw me attractive, he just wanted his share of the cake. Maybe he refused to have his way last night because I was drugged on a substance, and he thought I might die in his hands. I felt a burning feeling, my eyebrow furrowed, realizing that he was no different from Mr. Rex.

“What do you want from me?”, I shouted at the top of my voice. 

I shrink as he leaves his desk and starts approaching me with no expression on his face, each step making a dramatic sound that means terror. My heart started beating against my ribs like a war drum, with every beat aligning with the imagination of what his strong arms would do to me upon reaching my position. Reaching me, he placed his hands on his ears and carefully observed me, I sigh in relief as he passed me and walked toward the door. I watched him insert his hands in his trouser pocket and stopped a few steps away from the door.

Soon the door opened and Mr. Philip stepped in bearing a paper document in his hand.

 “Is it done…?” Lucas questioned immediately, he came close enough. 

“Yes sir, the total cost was 24 thousand dollars, and we have paid in full” Mr. Philip replied, handing him the paper document. He collected it and scanned through it for a few seconds before folding it into the same style it was given. He looked back at him and, casually, gave him a dismissal nod. Mr. Philip bowed and left the room in no time, leaving us alone once more. He turned to me, this time with the same expression he had before, he walked to his desk again and sat down.

He sat lazily on the chair, with his hands crossed behind his head, and he stared at the window in front of him. His handsome fair face shines brightly like a precious stone.

 “Well, I want to make you an offer, " he started, still staring at the window. “But before then, I want to tell you that I help you save your career as you requested, no picture of you will go out today nor will there be any negative news about you today. I will take care of Mr. Rex's threat and harassment, but on one condition, you will accept my offer”.

I was stunned hearing those words from his mouth, staring at him in disbelief. Moments ago, I was like the most ill-fated human on earth, and in a flash, I felt like the luckiest woman that ever lived. But at what price? How long will this happiness last?

"Back to my offer, Mr. Rex will not stop bothering you, so you know, according to my investigation, I found out that you were supposed to sleep with Mr. Rex yesterday but you headhardenly refused, your struggles caused a disturbance. So I stepped out and found out what was going on. As I said, I will make him stop.

Concerning your mum's hospital bill, don't be too surprised, I know about that too, I will sort it out, pay for her surgery, and help you become the model of your dream.

I will only do all of that if you're my wife--I want to marry you." He stopped and closed his eyes.

"You are crazy, I can see you have nothing in your brain. Do you think I am a piece of towel you can clean your hands with any time? As for the news, thank you but I didn't request your help. I can handle my problems, I knew exactly how to. 

How could you ask me to marry you, I don't even know you. Well, Mr. Saviour, I don't want any of your help pls take your money and your offer and stay away from me."

 I felt like losing my mind, I knew he had something in mind--they all do. He intended to use a more enticing offer to lure me to his bed. But none of his tricks will work, I had foresight. I couldn't stand his presence again, everything about him that once got my attention was disgusting now. Lucas kept looking at me like he said nothing serious. This got me more issed so I turned to the door and headed out.

Reaching the door, it opened and I hurried out. I walked and ran into the elevator. Inside the elevator, I imagined how stupid he looked while talking until I reached the last floor. My phone rang immediately lately I stepped out, and I paused in the middle of the hallway to take the call.

"Goodness Helen, you did not sleep with Mr. Philip as I thought but with Mr. Lucas. You little bitch, how well you have spread your tentacles. You think you're smart right? You may escape again but this won't be my last time, you will hear from me soon. It's not over, Helen." 

I tried to hold my torn pieces and went outside, I moved as far as I could, away from Classy Heel premises before breaking down and crying my eyes out for the 100th time.