SOLD OR TRICKED?
Chapter 17
SOLD OR TRICKED?
McCarthy tossed some pills in his mouth and washed them down with water. He stood up and glanced out his windows after checking something on his tablet. He threw it on the table and walked out of his seat.
The anticipated bus had arrived. He grabbed a script and perused it again, then sneezed to ensure there was no blood. "Olivia… red vase…" he muttered, but no blood appeared as he expected.
As he took a step, his phone rang.
"Hello, Mum," he answered.
"McCarthy, darling," the voice was subdued.
"Mum, are you alright?"
"Yes, dear, but there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it, Mum?"
"I've been thinking of handling my affairs myself. I've burdened you enough."
"I'm managing, don't worry."
"McCarthy, you have other responsibilities. You're my only son now. Do you understand?"
"You sound different, what's going on?"
"Have I ever told you about your lost brother… um, forget it. How's your health?" She tried to chip in the main reason she called, but swerved.
"I'm coping. The drug is effective for now."
"Are you sure? Is that woman bothering you? I don't like your tone."
"Mum, I'm fine. It's just a curse, but I've found Olivia. I'll be okay once she lifts it."
"By the way, is it true she's still alive?"
McCarthy went to the window to check if his plan had succeeded. He had everything meticulously planned and was surprised to see Olivia fall into his trap.
"Yes, Mum. She's very much alive and will soon be in my hand."
"We'll make her pay for this! Get something she values. We'll talk more later. I have things to attend to."
He hung up without another word, then dampened his hair. He didn't ask any word about Veronica, his current girlfriend. Was it that he was losing interest in her or didn't want to talk to his mother about it? Man's plans are always kept within his skull.
That day, he wore his wedding suit. Tried as much to look like 5 years ago, when he jumped the broom.
Everyone one including, customers, and other workers wouldn't let that creature pass without letting a glance go away. He charmed the whole place.
"Would you marry me?" A customer jokingly proposed, showing her teeth and stretching out her hand. The security tried stopping the woman, but McCarthy took her hand and kissed it.
"Aww, my heart flattered a second ago." She ran to meet her friends who were jubilating and cheering for their friend for taking a bold step.
When he entered the meeting hall, everyone was already seated, eagerly awaiting him. His presence made the women uneasy, some biting their lips, others subtly trying to appear attractive to him.
"Hello," he waved as he sat down in his golden chair.
McCarthy's secretary, also the meeting's chairman, began the agenda. Few paid attention to him as McCarthy also stole glances at Olivia, who sat about seven chairs aways from his right.
"Boss," the chairperson called, "please review this design," pushing his tablet toward McCarthy.
He picked and cross checked, then slid the tablet back to the chairman.
"What is that?! Is the designer present?" He looked around,"time is my yard stake of life, you can't waste it." His voice shuttered the room making people become breathless.
The room fell silent. Those aware it was Olivia turned to her, prompting her to raise her hand.
"It's a nice design, but why this one?" he inquired, crossing his legs and intertwining his fingers on his knee. "Is there a specific reason?"
Jerry signaled Olivia.
"It should be presented, so we all understand why this design was chosen."
Oliva timidly stood and walked to the front, looking visibly disturbed. McCarthy, her ex-husband, noticed, but others presumed she was nervous.
"Do you need water?" McCarthy asked. He knew how his Olivai behaved when she was sick.
She shook her head at McCarthy's offer and began to speak. "Hello, I'm Olivia and…" she paused, shutting her eyes while holding her head. Suddenly, she began to sweat profusely.
"She's tired. We traveled far, and I think she's sensitive to bus travel," Jerry suggested, trying to dismiss her condition.
"No, it's not a reaction to travel," McCarthy countered, pouring a glass of water and offering it to her.
"Thank you," she said. This time she took it, since she needed it. Wants vs needs!
As she drank, McCarthy couldn't help but notice her innocence. Each drop of sweat tugged at his heartstrings.
"The meeting is canceled," he instructed, and employees started filing out. Some took the opportunity to socialize.
The women couldn't stop discussing their jealousy of Olivia as they walked out.
"Is everything alright?" Jerry inquired.
"Yes, thank you," Olivia replied, handing the glass back to McCarthy, then watching him intently.
"Why?" he asked, noting her gaze.
She shook her head and returned to her seat. As McCarthy and Jerry conversed, Olivia kept her eyes on McCarthy, then on his wristwatch, finger, and the scar on his hand. She found his suit oddly familiar.
"Olivia, you're here now?" McCarthy inquired. With Jerry out on a call, he continued, "What's happened? It's not just nerves," he said, sitting beside her.
She trembled, realizing they were alone.
"You're safe with me. I'm not what you think," he reassured her. "Now, tell me."
"Have we met before recently?" she asked, her eyes betraying sadness, on the brink of tears. Despite her tough exterior, she felt vulnerable in McCarthy's presence that day.
"Yes, we have."
"How?"
"Before you cursed me."
"Are you high?" She attempted to leave, but he grabbed her hand, pulling her back to sit on the table. She even looked fatigued.
Once more, McCarthy deliberated on his decision: to punish her for cursing her as his mother suggested, or to follow his heart.
Studying her face, he gently lifted her chin, his touch tentative, as if trying to seduce her. Surprisingly, she didn't resist. As she fell back, he drew her close, enveloping her in a tight hug, his hands clasped behind her back.
"What do you want from me? You're everywhere I go." She cried. She seemed very exhausted. She needed sleep, a long one!
Overwhelmed by emotion, he poured out his heart.
"One morning, I found a brown envelope on my desk. I wish I hadn't opened it. Inside were pictures of my wife with another man, and I ended our marriage. Now she's gone, and I'm left with the pain. She must pay for what she did to me," he whispered in Olivia's ear, causing her to open her eyes.
"It's too late for that." she argued.