Chapter 8 - The Nemesis

Joshua's POV

"Come to my office," I told Mark and hung up without letting him say anything.

I planned to send Rebecca jewelry to soften her up. As much as I tried to make her forgive me, I wasn't successful at it. She was being stubborn. On the other hand, I couldn't often visit her in the hotel and make her give me a chance as Robert advised me. He was right if Rosa found out my relationship with Becca, she could use it against me.

A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door. Probably, it was Mark.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Mark walked into my office, closing the door behind him.

"Go to the jewelry shop and buy a necklace for Rebecca. She is still staying in the same hotel. And put this note inside the box," I ordered him firmly and extended the little note card towards him.

He nodded and grabbed the note. "Any particular design? Diamond, another stone or something else?"

"Something like the jewelry you have bought for her the last time. And inform me as soon as you give her the gift."

"Alright, Joshua." He nodded and left, closing the door behind him.

This gift would probably make Rebecca forgive me. Now I had to handle the big problem. Finding my runaway wife and divorce her as soon as possible.

I called the private detective this morning; but there was nothing new about Rosa. It felt like she disappeared off the face of the earth. I hoped she didn't do it deliberately; I was afraid that she was planning to create a big scandal.

I heaved a loud sigh, taking my phone and file, and went to the conference room.

As soon as the board meeting ended, I went directly to my office. Once I reached my office, my phone rang. It was Mark.

"Yes?"

"I gave her the gift. She accepted it and asked me to tell you that she was waiting for you in her suite this evening," Mark informed me.

"There?" I mumbled, rubbing my chin, thinking as I remembered what Robert told me. "Fine, thank you."

As soon as I hung up the phone, I called Rebecca and invited her on a date with me in Miami. She accepted it happily; Miami was one of her favorite cities. So I often took her there on a vacation.

After hanging up the phone, I called the pilot and told him to get ready the jet. Then I ordered my assistant to reserve a private dining room in the best restaurant in Miami. This way we could avoid unwanted attention.

***

As I parked my car in front of the mansion, I called Rebecca one more time. When I thought finally we made up, she had a fight with me because I didn't accept to move in together again. Fortunately, we were alone on the jet when she made a scene as I told her that it would be better if we lived separately.

Since we arrived in New York, I hadn't seen her or heard her voice. She didn't pick up my calls. When I went to visit her in the hotel, she didn't open the door.

Damn it!

I hit my palm onto the steering wheel angrily, and got out of the car.

As soon as I walked into the mansion, slamming the door behind me, I saw my sister.

"Did you have a fight with that bitc... Rebecca?" Hazel gave me a mischievous smirk.

I rolled my eyes without telling her anything and went upstairs, clenching my fist. I went directly to my room and closed the door behind me, ignoring my sister who followed me.

A few seconds later, someone knocked on the door and opened it.

"Leave me alone!" I snapped at Hazel angrily as I took off my suit jacket and threw it onto the bed.

She breathed deeply and walked towards me. "What happened? You have been beside yourself since your vacation."

I pursed my lip together, resting my hands on my hips, and heaved a loud sigh, closing my eyes. "Everything is fine. I am just tired. I want to rest," I mumbled, tired.

"Are you like this because of Rebecca? Did you have fight on a vacation?" she asked, concerned.

"Hazel! Please... I want to rest," I replied, bored and sat down on the bed, looking into the space, lost in my thoughts.

She sighed and said softly, resting her hand on my shoulder. "Fine, but if you want to talk, I am downstairs." I nodded and ran my hand through my hair.

I leaned back onto the bed as Hazel left my room, closing the door behind her, leaving me alone.

"I have to find something to calm Becca down till I find Rosa," I mumbled under my breath, thinking.

A wide smirk appeared on my face as an idea popped in my mind. I sat up on the bed quickly and grabbed my phone. I called Mark and asked him to rent a penthouse for Rebecca near the company.

If I pretended that I wanted to take it slow this time because I didn't want to break up with her again, she would believe it. Moreover, if I bought her some new stuff as well, she would make up with me. So I would gain some time to solve my problem.

A month later

Celeste's POV

I smiled at Hazel as she walked into the café and waved her hand, greeting me. We were going to celebrate my new job today. As much as we tried to meet up earlier, we couldn't hang out together because both of us were busy.

"So... how was your first encounter with your nemesis?" Hazel asked me mischievously as the waitress brought her order and left us alone.

"Fortunately, I haven't seen him yet. I hope not to see him at all," I answered and rolled my eyes. "I have enough problems. I am not in the mood to fight with your brother," I added, depressed and sighed, ruffling my hair, as I remembered about my so-called husband, Joshua.

"What happened, Celeste? I noticed you have become different since your Vegas vacation," my friend inquired worriedly.

How can I tell Hazel that I am married to some stranger and I haven't seen him since he took my virginity?

I breathed loudly, desperate. "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...At least, I hoped. But a crazy night turned my life upside down," I replied sadly and pursed my lips together. I couldn't have told her the truth yet. I felt so embarrassed I needed some time before telling her about what happened in Las Vegas.

"What happened there, Celly?" she asked, concerned and rested her hand on my forearm.

I bit her lower lip as sadness filled my heart. "I don't want to talk about it right now. Maybe later," I mumbled and gave her an apologetic look.

"But..."

"Really, Haze. I don't feel ready to talk about it. I promise I will tell you later," I said honestly and squeezed her hand which was resting on my forearm.

My friend nodded, sighing while still looking worried. "But if you need anything, I am ready to help you, Celly."

I gave me a grateful smile and nodded. "Thank you, Haze," I breathed deeply and asked softly, changing the subjects. "So... How is it going between you and your boyfriend?"

She grinned sheepishly. "I think I fell in love."

"Oh my gosh! I am so happy for you!" I said happily, squeezing her hand. I was happy for her. She deserved happiness.

While we were talking about her boyfriend, suddenly, her phone rang, interrupting us. She had informed me that it was her brother before picking up the phone.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, concerned as she hung up the phone. She looked angry.

"Joshua... I don't know what got into him. Talking to him calmly is out of question. He is becoming more irritating with each passing day. I don't know what his problem is. He doesn't tell me anything about his problem as you," she replied and gave me a knowing look, emphasizing the word 'you'. I bit my lower lip shyly. "I asked if it was about his girlfriend, but he got angry and left." She sighed, concerned.

"He has a girlfriend?!" I asked in surprise. Which normal girl would date that annoying jerk?

"Yes, he and Rebecca have been dating for a year," she informed me.

"Poor girl!" I commented, shaking my head. Having a boyfriend like Joshua must be a nightmare, nothing more.

"This time it is my brother who you have to feel bad for. She is a gold digger," Hazel commented, clenching her fist in irritation.

"Why is he with her then?" I asked curiously. "Of course, other than being an idiot," I added mockingly, rolling my eyes.

"That bitch has good boobs and slender legs." My friend gave me a knowing look and shook her head in disbelief.