Chapter 39

JAMES

I released a heavy breath as I plopped down on my seat, dropping my briefcase and pill bottle carelessly on the desk. A loud sigh escaped my lips as I stared at the pill bottle. On normal days, I usually carry it around no matter what, but I don't understand why I forgot it at home yesterday, even when I knew I was going somewhere far.

It could have gotten worse if Vana wasn't there. Thinking about her, I don't know how she did it but she was able to calm me down. Something that has never happened before - only my pills could calm me down. My interest in Vana increased, but I don't think I will be able to pursue that interest. She doesn't seem to want anything to do with me, and though it hurts and will be difficult, I have to do as she says; I have to stay away.

I wouldn't be struggling right now if my parents had not died on that rainy night. The thought of them brought sadness like it always does. The loneliness and abandonment I faced after their death, it was traumatizing and I was finding it hard to move on from it.

Closing my eyes, I swallowed nothing, but the ringing of my phone made me open them back. I reached for my phone, and answered the call when I saw James was the caller.

"You bro!" His voice came, accompanied by a giggle

"Hey." I replied, boredly.

"I can't believe you got her so fast." My brows creased. "I don't understand."

"Silvana. When did you start dating her, and don't even think of denying it. You both are trending."

I sat up from my relaxed position. "What do you mean?"

"Aren't you aware? News about you guys is currently flying about." He replied.

"What?!"

"With pictures of you both coming out of a hotel. The captions are not really good." His voice became low. I took my phone away from my ear, going over to check the news and there it was. My eyes widened when I saw the captions heading the different articles.

SLUTTY CEO SILVANA

"The fuck, I will get back to you James." I hung up before he could speak and was about calling for Vince when he rushed in.

"Boss, did you see the news?"

"I did. Who posted the article?"

"I don't know. It's an anonymous poster."

"Shit." I cussed, returning my gaze to the phone. Who the fuck is this? Calling Vana a slut. I thought of calling her but I resisted and just dropped my phone.

"Bring down the post. Anonymous or not."

"I will, sir." Vince nodded and walked out.

My hand went to my forehead, massaging it softly. Can't believe I'm faced with a problem this early morning.

A knock sounded on the door, and I told whoever it was to come in. I watched as the door opened slowly, my expression turning into a frown as Kyra showed up.

"What are you doing here?"

"That's not a way to greet your girlfriend." She said, with a disgruntled frown.

A scoff let itself out of my mouth. "Girlfriend? Are you still stuck on that."

"I'm not stuck on anything. It's the truth.

"Stop being delusional, Kyra."

"I saw the news. Why were you with that girl at a hotel?"

"How is that your business? And she has a name."

"Do you think I care! James, I told you to stay away from her, but it seems you are not getting it!" She yelled, and I sighed, getting pissed.

"How many times do you want me to say this? We. Are. Done." I declared, stating every word meaningfully. But her reaction cut me off guard. Tears were spilling out of her eyes – she was fucking crying!

I was not moved though. I knew beyond what I could see. The tears were fake. She was still as manipulative like she was, and I just kept staring at her, waiting for her to be done with her drama so she can leave. When she realized I was not moved by her tears, she stopped, a frown etching on her face.

"How can you be so heartless? I just cried!"

"You wanted to." I shrugged, and leaned back on my chair with a smirk.

She sniffed, her voice shaking. "I love you James, and I can't accept your break up. I did nothing wrong!"

I laughed out, a quick one. How funny can she be? She did nothing wrong? Oh, please. I chucked, my face hardening within seconds. "You say you did nothing wrong when you are actually at fault for everything. Move on Kyra, I have no interest in you anymore. Stop acting cheap... it's sickening." I said through gritted teeth, but she smiled, standing. "I don't mind being cheap, James. You are mine and no one is taking you away from me. Not even that bitch you are going around with."

My brows creased at the determination in her eyes as she said their words. She gave me a wry smile before leaving the office.

I exhaled, palming my face. Why the fuck is she being clingy.