Maxwell

"Now do not say that Ella, it would only make things worse."

"But I am serious, Maxwell. Everything I did, I did for us, for our company." She uttered still in tears.

"Now what do you mean?"

She sat up on the bed and wiped her tears.

"When I became first lady, Max, I felt I was given the opportunity of my life to prove myself. The hard work, the innovations, everything was because I wanted a significant difference from the time I took over. I was overwhelmed by the prospect of being in this wealthy family from literally out of the blue, it was so huge for me...." She has started crying again.

"Ella."

"Max. All I did was so the company would grow substantially in my presence, so your family could love and accept me because Maxwell, I never really felt I belonged!"

"Ella!"

"Yes, Max!"

"Have I ever made you feel like you do not belong??"

"Yes." She nodded in response. " And it's not just you, but it's also your family!"

There was a thick silence between us.

"Skin by Nature has always won awards in the past but never the most recognized award-the most prestigious beauty brand and Maxwell, I felt that we deserved it, and making it happen in my time would boost my credit." She paused. " So I tried to bribe Mrs Mia Soo into making us win. I was so foolish Max."

She cried some more.

I took deep breaths.

"It all makes sense now," I said, sitting close to her. "But Jill, how about Jill? Why have you been trying to bring her down?" I asked.

"Jill does not recognize me as the first lady and she's disrespectful. She also made Jackie disrespectful to me." She said.

"And is that what you think Ella? If so, then you are so wrong."

"How do you mean, Max?"

"Do you remember our first night together? The night we made love at your apartment??"

"How could I forget Max, a night that changed everything for me"

"Something happened earlier that night."

Ella narrowed her eyes at me. "What do you mean Max? What happened?"



*A flash back.*

"Hello Jill."

"Hello Mr Maxwell."

"Anything the problem Jill, you just called out of the blues."

" Sir I am very sorry, but I would not call if it was not urgent."

I stood alarmed.

"And what could that be??"

"Ella. It's Ella...."

"Hello Jill, please be audible I cannot hear you."

"It's Ella Sir."

"Ella?" My mind went straight to the doe-eyed wonder of beauty. "And what about her Jill?"

"I think she is in danger Sir."

"Really, what exactly is going on?"

"I really cannot explain Sir....but please Mr Maxwell please do something."

"Okay no worries. Where is she now? I do not know her apartment."

"She's not at her apartment Sir but I will send you all the details about where she is Sir"

"Please do."

****

"I have never told you this before Ella but Jill was the one that directed me to you that night. She wanted me to find you, she is the reason why we ever became together!"

Ella could not utter a word.

"It is just a pain Ella that the person that brought us together is the one you fought so hard to take down, and you have succeeded."

Ella was shivering in shock.

"We will be sleeping in different rooms from now on." I said and took my leave, leaving Ella still frozen.

***

JILL

I paid a visit to Jackie. She is still shaken after everything that has happened.

"Jack!" I called.

"She still has not gotten anything to eat since the time you left." June said to me.

"What! That's impossible!"

I looked at Jackie who sat on the couch, messy hair and all. Her eyes were swollen from stress and lack of sleep.

"Jackie but why?" I sat on the arm of the couch, gently pulling Jackie to myself. "You have to eat something girl. You know right that you need your strength to push forward."

Jackie did not utter a word.

"It's not over yet Jack! We will get a better work place I promise."

Jackie just kept quiet. She could not reply me.

"Wait a minute June, how long did you say again that she has been like this?"

"Well since you left." She replied. "I think Jill, that you should come over and stay with us...."

"But June....."

"Please Jill. Come stay with us. It would help Jackie get better. Please..."

She pleaded with me.

"I do not know June, but I will think about it. That is going to be a lot, you know?"

"Yes Jill, I know, but if it would help Jackie recover, I think it is worth considering. After all, your presence makes her feel better."

"Yes. Yes, I think you are right June."

I looked at Jackie who sat sickly on the bed. I was about to stand up and take my leave when Jackie held my hands and said : " stay....."