CHAPTER FORTY

MARCUS POV


I was in shock. Tara's father was the investor Mr. Eden. Tara never talked a lot about her family. She would only give me brief information about her family. I know that her father and mother live abroad in Italy. They only come to visit her on special occasions and Sometimes it's vice versa.

Mr Eden gave me a bright smile showing off his perfectly white teeth.

"So this is the famous Marcus Devon I've been hearing so much about please have a sit and make yourself comfortable" he said quietly.

I sat down. I was kind of puzzled. It was like Mr. Eden knew me, maybe Tara must have been the one who told him about me.

Mr Eden looked at Kelsey.

"And who is the beautiful lady beside you?" Mr. Eden asked curiously.

I gave him a small smile.

"Oh this is my secretary Kelsey Evans she's here to take note of what's going" I muttered coolly and Tara's father nodded.

A few minutes later one of them the servants served us some wine.

"So Marcus Tara tells me that you started business at a young age. I'm impressed" Mr. Eden says quietly.

I nodded.


"Yes. And I am very grateful to your daughter. Her motivation gave me the will power to never give up and she was my very first client at my company."

Mr. Eden took a sip of wine.

" I like you. And you're honest a man shouldn't be afraid to ask for help and he should always share his success and failure."

Kelsey excused herself and left the table.


KELSEY POV


Once I reached the table I took a deep breath. And started coughing. I suddenly felt very sick.
I wish I had said no and never came to this meeting. I can't believe that I'm seeing that shameless woman again. And Marcus seemed to have developed a soft spot for her because she helped him build his company. She was there for him and I wasn't so I have no reason to feel jealous.
I can't drink the wine either. If I decline it again I might raise suspicion.

I washed my hands and existed the bathroom. I went back to the table while taking my seat. I hit the champagne glass and it fell, hit the floor and shattered.

I gasped and stood up.

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry..." I said softly.

Marcus stood up.

"Are you Okay?" He asked in a worried tone and I nodded.

"I'm fine."

"It's alright Kelsey it was an accident the maids will clean the mess" Mr. Eden says quietly.

I nodded and sat down.

"I'll tell the maids to refill a new glass for you."

I shook my head negatively.

"Some water would be just fine sir."

He gave me a puzzled look.

"Are you sure my dear?" Mr. Eden asked curiously and I smiled.

"Yes sir."

Once he was satisfied with my answer he let go of the issue and the maid brought me some water to drink.
The mess I created was also cleaned up and they started serving the food.

Oh no.

It was chicken broth, boiled chicken,rice and a vegetable salad.

I hate the smell of chicken broth.
The last time I smelled it I got sick.

I made a face everyone began eating dinner. I picked some salads and started eating quietly. It felt bitter in my mouth. I was craving something sweet.

"Are you okay?" Marcus whispered softly once I started toying with my food.

"I don't like the food" I whispered softly.

He nodded quietly.

"Mr. Eden Kelsey here gets allergies umm can she have something to eat?" Marcus asked curiously.

He saved me.

Mr. Eden smiled and called one of the maids to bring anything I asked for.
And I requested some cheese pizza these days. I wanted anything with cheese.
Everyone must have thought my order was a bit strange but honestly I was happy.
After dinner Mr. Eden and Marcus started talking about business. I know that Marcus didn't call me here for business purposes. This was just an excuse to try and talk to me since at the office I kept giving him the cold shoulder.

I started exploring the terrace since it was a big place.

"Mind if I join you?" A male voice asks.
When I turned around I was welcomed by a pair of green eyes and dimples when he smiled at me.

"Sure" I muttered coolly.

"By the way my name is Max Ryder what's your name my dear?

Hmmm such a gentleman.

"I'm Kelsey Evans."

And we shook hands.

"You look beautiful Kelsey" he mumbled and I blushed.

"Thanks you don't look bad either" I complimented and he chuckled lightly.

Max was a really nice guy after getting to know him. I learnt that he used to be friends and business partners with Marcus.


MARCUS POV


Tara kept smiling at me. I had a feeling that she was going to create a scene sooner or later. Luckily no man was going to entertain her and she had to behave herself especially in her father's presence.
I saw Kelsey talking to one of associates.

Max Ryder.

Was he hitting on her?

Kelsey kept smiling and giggling softly in the corner it hurt because I wasn't the one making her smile. Maybe she was better off without me.
I brought back my attention to Mr. Eden. I had to focus on what he was saying because it was important.
He had made a good offer; the partnership was also fair and profitable for the company. I kept listening but my attention was somewhere I couldn't bear seeing Kelsey with another man.

Fine yes I was jealous. I screwed up but Kelsey was mine and she'll always be mine.

A few minutes later the maids served dessert which was a chocolate cake.
We all sat at the table.

Kelsey sat next to Max.

"I just can't take my eyes off you..." He whispered in her ear making her blush.

Tara scoffed and she was also irritated.
She tapped her champagne glass with a small teaspoon as it made a soft bell sound and got everyone's attention.
She immediately stood up from her seat gracefully.

"I would like to make an important announcement."

She looked at her dad seeking permission.

"Father..." She said nervously Mr. Eden gave her a stern nod in approval.

Tara smiled.

"Marcus and I are getting married."

What?