Chapter 20: Flexing my dominant wife

SIMONE'S P.O.V
"Oh, that means yes. Last time he came and we have a drink together. He ask me about the things you like, dislike and your upbringing. I still remember when he recorded our conversation while taking down notes as well. I suddenly saw that he really wanted to fulfill his job as your husband and he is serious when he said that he will give the rightful affection to his wife. Technically that you. Simone, I know that I drag you in this situation but if Russell is like that, I think I pick the right man for you."-he said. I sigh.
"Let's go dad, the meeting will start now."-I said.
"Good morning chairwoman, chairman Alberto."
"Good morning everyone. You may take your seats."
When they all settle down, Zyril starts to show the presentation that we prepared last time. She starts to speak and discuss about the sales of each companies for the past year.
"For the past year Lavelle dairy and investment are both have the highest peak of sales. They both have 20% sales rate from the other years sales."-she said. I heave a sigh. When I notice that something is wrong with the sales of Lavelle beverages.
"Zyril, is that the figure that is being send from the branch in Canada? Sales from Lavelle beverages."
"Yes, it was send by the OIC of that branch, chairwoman."-she said. I pinch the control and the slides went back and forth. Just like what I thought.
"We need to know the real sales of Canada branch. I think they have embezzle 5% of the sales this year. That will be around $700,000 and I need the papers for their report on my table after this meeting."
"We lost that much? What is happening here?"
"You heard what I said. I will investigate this matter. If your thinking of that money, I can use my money if we can't have it back. Don't panic as if Lavelle beverages will go bankrupt. Don't be ridiculous."-I said. Zyril move the slide.
"We have to focus for the next product launch of Lavelle dairy and even the new soda flavor of Lavelle beverages. In two months both of these new flavors will be launch and the public. We will use the new drama of Mr. Harolds and Anniston in promoting this product."-she said.
"Make sure that we can also use the upcoming Olympic games for our new soda flavor. Communicate with my husband's team and let's see if we can be an sponsor of the game itself."
"No, problem Mrs. Maxwell, oh my bad. I mean chairwoman. I will call coach Fallon regarding our proposal. I will pull the string for the sponsorship and advertisement of Lavelle beverages."-she said.
"Okay, good. For now, that's all and see you next meeting. Thank you everyone."-I said.
RUSSELL'S P.O.V
Edzen suddenly stood beside me and say something that bothers me. I suddenly remember what Luris said, weeks ago.
"Your junior seems to be interested in you, senior."
"Vivian? What are you trying to imply, Edzen."
"Nothing. I just want you to remember that you will ruin our sports team. Mostly, don't dare to hurt Ms. Lavelle, she don't deserve such thing."-he said. He didn't even wait for my answer and he leave me here and I feel like my ears are panting in anger.
"What is wrong with him? Maybe my cousins guts had make sense. Damn."-I utter. Coach appears.
"Is everything okay with you and that junior?"
"Yes, coach. Don't worry. Is there a problem?"
"Have you forgotten your press conference today? Along with the players that will also play in Olympics this year. We only have 4 months."
"Oh, I almost forgot. I was occupied with things in the house. I'm sorry, coach."-I said.
"Is everything okay in your household?"
"Nope. Actually on my marriage but to my dad? I feel like he is my dad that I miss from 15 years ago. Simone and I is having a problem. Maybe because I don't know how to handle a woman. You know that I don't have time to be in relationships because of my career. I'm...I have no idea how to please a woman."-I said. He chuckle and heave a sigh.
"Women are hard to read and I know Mr. Maxwell already told you these. When they're mad because we are busy at work or because they get jealous, don't hesitate to reach out and explain over and over again. They know when their men are lying to them. If they saw how persistent you are when you wanted to be forgiven. Russell, Ms. Simone seems to be tough and dominant but she us still a woman. She use that in order to survive in business industry. Try to court her, give her roses everyday even a single stem only. Cook something that she likes. Simple conversation about how their day had been is good either. Its applicable to both partners."
"Thanks coach, that helps a lot. Now I realize that I should've had a practice about relationships like Luris."-I said. He laugh and tap my shoulder.
"It's different when you're married because you will definitely be in the stage of adjustment."
"That is true. I feel like I am walking on a thin rope. But mostly, I didn't want to lose the red thread from our marriage. I really feel awful when I know that I've done something that hurt her pride. Its frustrates me as well, coach."-I said. He laugh.
"It looks like you already open your heart to your wife. I can't blame you, your wife is beautiful and kind. It's not possible for you to be attracted to her. The mere fact that she can stand on her own is a challenge for you. Take it easy, Russell."-he said.
"Coach, its time!"-he said. He nod. He look at me.
"Let's go."-he said. I followed him and when we sat down on the chairs, the camera keeps on taking pictures and videos. I smiled.
"Good morning everyone, we are happy that you gave us some time for today. Let's now start. This year, our country will host summer Olympics and our government and sports committee had chosen the athlete who will light up the cauldron for the opening ceremony. None other than Russell Maxwell. Our team will compete in all the sports competition in this years sports festival. We are hoping to our fellow country men in rooting for us and pray that at least we will gold, silver and bronze in every competition. Wouldn't that be a good track record for our sports field? By the way, if anyone had a questions, you may all start asking."
"Thank you coach, first of all we wanted to know about the preparations that your team does for this years summer Olympics?"-he ask. Coach smile.
"Who wants to answer?"-he ask. Edzen speak.
"We are busy with our training and we wanted to make sure that the country will be proud on us. We are hosting this years Olympics so the pressure is on us."-he said. They look at me, I smile.
"As you heard from Mr. Martinez, we are doing our best to make sure that we won't be giving any disappoint in our performance on that day."
"This is a personal question for Mr. Maxwell. The world is shock because the best swimmer in the world suddenly get married and we all know the reason. Everyone is curious about your relationship with Ms. Lavelle."-she ask. I tried to look okay.
"We're both adjusting in this life of marriage and we are trying to learn each others lifestyle. We have lots in common and most of it is our dedication at work which lead us for being a workaholic. But in this marriage we never miss breakfast together and that is our rule. That way we can have time to talk to each other and know each other. It's not easy actually but I like it."-I said. They nod and smile.
"You seem to be happy that your husband now, Mr. Maxwell. Well, this question is for all. It's about your diet and improving your stamina?"
"I will speak first. We have been on strict diet but we all go to the gym together and do the simple exercises like what everybody else do. Nonetheless, we are trying to be fit and ready from that day."
The interview took half an hour as they ask our preparation on each others field. When it was ended, I went to my locker and Vivian is there. I knew she is waiting for me. I open my locker and look at my phone. Zyril is calling me?
"You look great and even at this moment we're already proud of you, senior."-she said. I smile.
"Thank you, Vivian."-I just said.
SIMONE'S P.O.V
I am already in plane. I can't contact him and didn't tell him that I have to fly in Canada.
"Give me the details of their report, I need to know the details of it."-I said. She nod. A moment later.
"Ms. Lavelle, we have another problem. I didn't notice this email and it was send last week. Its about the OIC of the same branch in Canada. It's...sexual harassment to interns. Are we going to address this?"
"Of course. Interns you say? Do something for me and do it now."-I said. She listens to me and follow my instructions, I called Russell to tell him that I will fly in Canada this afternoon but he didn't answer.
"Maybe he's busy with his practice. I will try to call him again later."-I mumbled. At the airport, I look at Zyril.
"Tell him the reason for my sudden business trip. Also, finish your investigation about Vivian, okay?"
"Okay, don't worry Ms. Lavelle. Be careful in your plans in Canada. If that email isn't telling a lie, we might face a bigger problem."-she said. I nod.
"Don't worry, you know me Zyril."-I said.
"Exactly. That's the reason why."-she said. I just laugh.
When the plane landed, I went to the hotel and get ready for my plan tomorrow. I haven't finish the problems that occur in Lavelle but here I am again. Fixing another problem which concerns the mental health of poor kids that are victim of a jerk.
"Ah, damn it!"-I cursed. He didn't make a return call until I feel asleep. Tomorrow came.
When I enter the building, I feel the eyes of the employees who are trying to read me. Until a woman talk to me, I think she's that OIC"s secretary.
"You're the new intern? From the university on the next town, right?"-she said. I nod.
"Yes ma'am."-I answered. She look at me up and down and I can tell that she is trying to analyze me.
"Okay. You will be working under the OIC's team and remember this single rule. Just shut your mouth if you value your credit for your OJT program in this company or else...your years in college will be gone to waste. You hear me?"
"Of course, I heard you loud and clear."-I said.
"Good, follow me and I will show you your seat. There are two interns, a boy and a girl. Make sure that you will build a good relationship with them, okay?"-she said. I smirk when she didn't look at me.
"I will, that's for sure."-I said meaningfully.
When we reach the third floor, I can sense the silent and fear in the atmosphere. They also gave me a meaningful glances but when the secretary look at them, they act busy on their desktops.
"I'm sorry for their attitude. Anyway, this will be your seat and Mr. Maron had personally arrange this one for you. That's his office. Go and meet him personally."-she said. I nod and smile.
"And you? Aren't you coming ma'am?"-I ask.