Chapter 14

I was cautious on my way to hotel Lovana, don't get me wrong, I don't fear Marcus but I try to be cautious either way. I borrowed my best friend Kevin's car so that I don't have to get stuck there. I remembered the place was surrounded by trees everywhere ,I couldn't get access to a cab if I needed one. Since the place was very interior, away from civilization, there was no way to get help. So what better way to avoid all that than being prepared.

This meeting that I requested for kept me up all night. I barely had four hours of sleep. I kept making up all the possible scenarios on how things could go. I tried to reevaluate every possible move I could make. I wanted to be as prepared as I could be and being an overthinker was a bonus.

So far I haven't come up with a lot since I don't know what Marcus has on me. But why would he choose now to blackmail me with this? What was so special about now? Was he bored and he thought of me as a pass time. Probably that's what all this was.

This was a negotiation we were about to have and I have to make sure I was not on the loosing end .This discussion may bring out a lot of unsaid words and emotions and things might get rough . All I wanted was to have an escape plan if things went sideways.

I made sure to fuel the car to prevent any possible delays on my escape. We took the car to service in the morning with Kevin and the mechanics said everything was good.

I was 10 mins to my destination. Hotel Lovana was a very special place to us . We had our first date here. He made everything special from the set up to the food and drinks. I'd like to believe that we had an excellent date, one to remember.

I had so much hope back then ,that maybe I had found a gem in the midst rocks. I hoped that he was perfect for me. It's so sad when you think about it now. After everything that has occurred between us ,he was not a gem, barely a rock if you ask me.

He was the dust that falls on everything and ruins their beauty. That made me chuckle. I was never good at insults but that was a pretty good one.

I arrived at the gate and they checked beneath the car and the boot for any explosives before I was allowed entry. Seriously though, who would come with explosives to a hotel? Sorry that was a stupid question, terrorists obviously. I rolled my eyes at the thought.

It was good that they wanted to ensure the safety of their clients. I packed at an empty space near a range Rover. Damn, that car looked good. I wanted one of those. I have been saving for one for the past years and I was no where near my goal but the car is the target.

I made sure to take my Chanel bag and lock the door. The area might be secure but that doesn't mean someone can't try stealing. The stories I have heard of people stealing cars in restaurants are pretty crazy. You would think that wouldn't happen here but trust me it happens a lot.

I straightened my maxi black dress before I walked towards the reception desk. I wore a black dress as it seemed like the best option, after all I was attending my judgement.

Later my funeral will depend on the outcome of the judgement. That was if I pleased the court. I didn't want to put my hopes up only for them to be crushed. I wanted to be as open minded as possible. After all this affects me directly.

One of the hostess was seated at the reception desk. I asked her where our table was and she came around to direct me. Apparently my date had already arrived. Leave it for Marcus to arrive early even though you are early.

We walked past the bar area that we sat last time and to the direction of the place where we had our date. She opened the same secret door that opens to reveal a beautiful garden. The garden hasn't changed in all this years, if anything it looked brighter and beautiful than before.

I could spot some new type of flowers that were not here the last time. They have been taking good care of the place. We walked to the same table that we used last time. This time missing all the roses on the ground and bouquets on the table. The table was very plane, a symbol of what we had become .

There he was, sitting like a king on a throne looking over his kingdom. He was taking a sip of his whiskey before his eyes fell on me. He placed the glass back on the table before he stood up. Even if we were not on good terms ,he was a gentlemen. He pulled my chair for me before he took his seat.

I ordered a double shot of Jack as I needed something stronger to have this conversation. He raised his eyebrows at my choice.

" I have never seen you drink whiskey" he observed

" A lot has changed" was the answer I was willing to give.

A different waiter came back with my drink, am guessing the one assigned this table. We ordered dinner before we started whatever this was.

" Why did you choose this table?" I asked

" Symbolism I guess, we have come full circle"

" Huh! I didn't think you were the sentimental type"

" I chose it for privacy reasons"

" Now that sounds like you"

" You make me sound like a cold hearted jerk"

" Aren't you?"

" At least this cold blooded jerk didn't send you to jail" he stated as if it was good thing.

" But you want to send me now .Soo...."

" That depends entirely on you at this point" he shrugged .

He made it sound like it was an easy decision to make. Like I had a choice, he knew I didn't have much of a choice. On one side I could a mistress and take care of his every whim and on the other side was jail. I don't think anything could suffice jail though.

If I went to jail ,it would go on my permanent record. I would never get employed here especially in government positions or get loans or even get grants. Opening something as small as a business would be impossible. So in short, I was screwed yet again.

I think I knew which decision I'll make ,that is ,after I see the damming evidence against me.

" I want to see the evidence that you so conveniently have of me"

" I have nothing to hide"

" I have never heard that before. You always had something to hide"

" Am all about openness now"

It started as a small chuckle, I meant no offense, but ended up as an all out belly laugh at that statement. Since when did he start this openness bullshit.

" What is so funny?" He frowned

" You" I answered rolling my eyes .

He picked a bag that I hadn't seen before. He took out a tablet that he switched on before he tapped a few words and then handed it over to me.

" What is this? "

" Look at the file labelled Zawadi" he instructed

Now that he mentioned it I spotted my name. I opened the PDF file and what I saw shook me to the core. I couldn't believe whatever was right in front of me. I rubbed my eyes before I confirmed a second time.

' Fuck! It was still there'

The document contained every information about me from my birth certificate to high school and primary information, National identity card, university certificates, address, IP address and so much more.

What caught my eye though was my bank statement two years ago. Three million dollars were transferred to my Kenyan account for a whole day and I didn't get the notification from the bank. Normally if such a huge some of money was transferred in my account, I would be notified by the bank and asked a few questions before I could access the money. I would have to provide some sort of proof of payment or explain the purpose of the money . What was more suspicious was it indicated that I sent the money to another unknown account. At least unknown to me.

My IP address was mixed up with a bunch of transfers from his company. I couldn't stop my hand when it went to cover my mouth. All the proof that I wanted was right there. This showed without a doubt that I stole from him. I stole millions of dollars.

I looked up to find him staring at me. Watching my reaction to the revelation of my supposed deceit. I was genuinely confused but it didn't matter to him. I was guilty in his eyes and any judge or jury that would be presented with this evidence.

I didn't have much of a choice now. I couldn't ruin my life like that.

" This was not me" I whispered softly.

" What?"

" This was not me" I said louder this time.

" You have seen everything that I have against you and you still have the nerve to say that it isn't you. Why am I not surprised?" He said raising his hands on the air.

The evidence against me was overwhelming and if I was presented the same for someone else, I would be inclined to believe it. However this was me, I knew I didn't do any of what was written there. I would remember if I did. That mean one thing, I was being set up.

" Someone could have set me up"

" Why would someone want to set you up?"

" Because of the same reasons you gave me. They knew that you wouldn't punish me severely"

" Elaborate"

" This has to be someone who knows you on a personal level. They must have known about our relationship." I paused for a second " am telling you, am being set up"

" Ha! ha! ha! ha!" his laugh was sarcastic.

" This is not a laughing matter. This will ruin my life"

He stopped laughing and leaned back on his seat. His eyes never leaving mine.

" Only if you make wrong choice"

My elbows rested on the table as I thought quickly through my limited options.

" Why aren't you exploring the possibility that this could be a set up"

" Because you are a liar and I will never believe a word you say"

I shiver ran through my spine when I saw the hatred he had for me. He wouldn't believe anything I say. I might as well end this.