CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: THE PLAN

"Please ma'am".

"Why are you begging me? I'm not the only one involve in this matter" she said harshly to Victor.

"I'll go to the President later" he replied.

"That shouldn't be. I'm the one who wants to offer help here. He should have agreed before I do" she disagreed plainly.

Pearl was seriously causing so much ruckus in the company, be that it may she was banned from entering. She went on interviews proclaiming herself to Drew's fiancée and reporters teeters round the foundation to get the truth from Drew who won't give them audience. This was really a bother to the foundation. Anytime she schemes up some plan, it causes an uproar at the foundation. Pearl can't be touches because she is now a public figure because of she stunt she's pulling. Then some five folks gathered themselves to proffer a solution. This five are prominent folks in the foundation and also work buddies. They've been trying to communicate their plan to but their bosses don't buy it. They didn't give up because they were so confident that their plan will work out.

"Look guys, I really appreciate your concern but I think your suggestion is lame" Drew said firmly.

"It's not sir" Larry disagreed.

"Yes it is" Melissa argued.

"Why? " Mike asked.

"What's going to happen to me after the so called plan. If that lady doesn't kill me, all those hungry for info reporters will surely make me their topic" she said blankly.

"Ma, we've done a big thinking on this issue before coming to you. That's the reason we didn't include anyone except the five of us" Larry explained.

"What if she harms me?" She asked with a pouting expression.

"Me she can't harm you immediately. She will have to go device an act and we will make sure you are well protected" Nick replied with assurance.

"Let's say you succeeded in your plan, what of the rest. This boss has lot of lady fans" she mocked.

"Ma'am why not let's solve this first" Dave said politely.

"Look for another option. This is futile" Drew asserted bossily.

"What other option do we have left? We've restricted her from coming to the company, we've threatened her even handed her over to the cops but they said we can't get someone arrested for professing love. What else can we do aside to kill her" he said tiredly.

"Which we can't do because it will land us in lot of trouble" Victor said.

"See Melissa's guy is not a friendly one and when it comes to his girl,he turn to a brute. He's gonna hunt me down if he finds out," he said seriously.

He just exaggerated. He knew Chris is no match for him.

"I'll rather face ten Lions than face that guy" he added.

"What sort of lie is that?" She frowned.

"You know it's the truth" he said.

"Whether it's the truth or not, we've made this secretive enough" Victor said.

"Don't get yourself worked up, I'll settle it soon" he said insouciantly.

Drew has never taken this issue as serious as it should be and they won't let his away them with his I'll settle it.

"Sir this issue isn't about you alone" Mike said shaking his head. "It us about 525,729 worker that has their lives connected to the foundation including their over 6,829,643 families that they feed. So this issue is gone beyond you personalising it" he explained sadly.

That information really weakened Drew's defense. He didn't even know what to say.

"Sorry to ask, why me?" Melissa asked. "Any lady would be interested in this job" she said stubbornly.

"This is a delicate issue and we need someone who won't add to the problem. We searched all over and we realised that it couldn't be anybody else but you ma'am" Dave replied.

"That's not true" she demurred.

"Ma, tell me any lady who in this HQ that doesn't have crush on the President. Also tell me a lady that who after this won't want more or be feeling high because of what she has done" Mike asked looking at her.

Melissa looked up to see a lady she knows that hasn't drool over seeing Drew but it seems that she's void of one.

"You see ma'am, you can't. We know you are the perfect one for this. One, you are closer to him. Two you are incredibly beautiful..."

As he said that Drew gave him a cynic look but he didn't care.

"Three, it will be easy to forget this issue since there's no strings attached" he finished his speak with a confident look.

"Don't be so sure about that" she said with stupidity.

"That doesn't lie on my side" Drew voiced. "Are you finally confessing that you are attracted to me?"

Even though his words and looks were plain, Melissa has already been used to his face and she know exactly when he is mocking her.

"God forbids! Mere looking at you annoys me" she grimaced.

"Is that true? It's a free world Melly don't be scared".

"Who is scared?" She hissed.

"I've always noticed that you quiver at the sight of me but I'm void of the reason. So this is it" he said in a taunting manner.

"Who quivers? I'm sure it is not Melissa" she said proudly.

"Of course it is".

"This guy has gone batty" she whispered to hersea nd scoffed.

The guys watched them as they displayed. They were quite surprised because they've always seen them act official. It was Drew that surprised them the more. He wasn't with his usual standoffishness. Acting this way seems interesting but the pressing issue couldn't let them enjoy it.

"Prove me wrong by letting me feel your heartbeat".

He stretched his hand to touch her but she slapped it away and covered her chest. To her surprise, her heart was beating fast.

"I'm not scared of him" she thought. "You guys should let me out of this place. I'm not ready to help. This guy is super annoying. That girl is going to frustrate him to death" she said grimly.

Drew burst into laughter and it annoyed her the more.

The guys exchanged look. For years that they've known Drew, he has never laughed. The highest he would do is give a little smirk. Now he just laughed at the improper way Melissa spoke to him.

"Time is not on our side" Larry reminded.

By their plan, the lady in question should be on her way coming to the company. So they need to hasten before she meets them there.

"I said let me out!" She said firmly.

"Even the big boss won't step a foot out" Mike said softly.

"I've made my final decision, which is it won't work" he said with a frown.

"But sir, we've not tried it" Larry said.

"Sir, it's not as if we told you to do anything unusual. Just to sit close, give a hug at most. Then tru give smiles that suggests relationship and when she sees upu two, she would think it's real. That's all" Victor explained chuffed.

"How are you sure it will get her off me?" He is still not in support.

"You should have noticed that despite the fact that Miss O'Dell is the closest to you and also a prime suspect that something can ooze out from between you two, she never for once confronted her" Larry said.

"She threatened me on phone once" she said blankly.

"Has she ever attacked you?" He asked and she shook her head. "Is it that she does not see you? No, it's because she's scared of you. You are not part of her competitors madam" he said confidently.

"I wish you are right" she grumbled.

"That lady is cussed. I tell you" Drew doubted.

"Then let's insert another option" Victor suggests and they focus on him. "Marry her"

"What!" Drew blurts out and Melissa laughed which she received a glare.

"Here is the plan" Larry continued not minding if they gave a go ahead or not. "One of the security will find a way to put a tracker on her body, so as to monitor her movement. We are then going to lock the office from the control room..."

"Why?" She asked sharply.

"Because both of you can leave and ruin the plan" Nick replied.

"We've not given a go ahead" Drew reminded.

"But it will be opened when she gets close" he ignored him. "That's what will make you aware of her presence. I mean the clicking sound of the door opening. You can then start to act" he explained.

"Please don't try to leave when the door opens. It is a matter of few minutes and everything will be done. Remember the families you are saving" Victor said passionately.

Drew snorts. "As if she could do any ruin" he thought.

The truth be told, Pearl doesn't have power to do any harm to the company but they are just tired of reporters trying to screen them every second.

"Hello, in two minutes shut the door," Mike called the control room.

"Didn't you say no one else is involved" Drew asked.

"Yes sir. They only receives order not knowing why" he replied.

They bowed and left.

Melissa released a frustrating breath. She wants yo go out but she wanted the guys to leave so that they won't stop her but when she went to the door thinking it not up to two minutes, the door has been shut and she came back disappointed.

"This is super annoying" she blurts out.

"Sit when the door is opened you can leave" he said softly.

"Don't speak to me. This is all your fault" she asserted sternly.

"I didn't tell them to come up with this silly idea" he said firmly.

"They seem not to have a choice. All they want to do is save their family from hunger" she defended.

Drew sighed. Although he loose calm but he is disturbed.

"That's one of the reason moderation is the best" she murmured but it was clear enough.

"Meaning?" Drew asked.

She faced him. "Having things in excess is just like a problem itself" she said in disdain.

"I don't get you" he looked at her plainly.

He knew she is referring to him but her words was opaque.

"You have everything excessively. Money, beauty, intell and more. Had it been everything is moderate, you will not have to face a lady who wants to drown all the whole ladies just to have you" she said with heavy hint of sarcasm.

Drew smiled. She has never for once commented so nicely on him and doing that now even though it is filled with mock, means she's not oblivious to his abilities and he really like it.

"Did I gibe myself all that?"

"It's what you ask God that you will receive" she said.

Drew didn't say anymore words. He just kept on staring at her.

"Can you stop looking at me? She was feeling awkward.

"Feel free to look at me I won't shiver".

"I need to leave this place before I kill this guy" she said jacking up and also sat down the same way as she stood when she remembered the door has been shut.

Drew snorted at her act. He rested his head on the sofa and closed his eyes.

"Don't tell me you are trying to sleep" she asserted bossily.

"What else would I do if I don't sleep" he asked tiredly.

"Just look" she ordered.

"No I don't want to look at you anymore. You look like a witch" he said softly.

"What!" She scoffed. "I wish I'm a witch so I van suck out all that your blood" she said vehemently.

"My blood is extremely bitter" he said with a smirk.

"This is more than twenty five years imprisonment" she complained. "I want to get out of this place" she grumbled.

"It's good the door isn't a man to be bewitched. Well you can still leave since witches do disappear" he said as if he wasn't talking to her.

"You sure know that we are alone in this room. I'll deal with you and no one will query me do doing so" she threatened.

"You think?" He asked with an impassive look.

Melissa released a frustrated breath. "This is super vexing" she said and bowed her head.

Just as she bowed, Drew stood up.

"Where to?" She asked quickly.

"To take a nap" he gave a sleepy look.

"Are you kidding me?" She raised her voice a tad.

"Are you not happy that I want to go sleep again?" He asked and begin to leave.

"You must be kidding" she jump up and ran to him, pulling him back.

Drew widened his look and held his body stiffly so that she won't be able to pull him. He wasn't expecting her to stop him nor pull him. He looked at her as she continued pulling.

"You won't leave me here to sleep. Which sleep is that" she said as she pulled him.

Drew knew he isn't going anywhere with her pulling him back so he decided to release himself so as to go back to seat.

Unknowingly for him, Melissa who didn't know that he was going to release himself pulled harder and the two fell on the long sofa. Thank goodness that she didn't hit her head but worse was, Drew on right on her.

"Shit" he sworn.

This was what he was trying to avoid when he stood up. He looked at Melissa who watches him wide eyed. She swallowed hard. She wanted to talk but no words came out and she licked her lips instead and swallowed again.

This act drove Drew crazy. If he had the strength to stand up before, it was already drained.

She looked into his eyes and she saw pure lust. This made her breathing ragged. She felt paralysed and funny. She shook to the core.

Drew slowly claimed her mouth. If Melissa's eyes could pop out, it would be that moment but not long is closed, surrendering to the kiss. At first it was a gentle to but the sensation couldn't let them slow. It because a more craving kiss. Their heart bit synchronized ringing to their ears like an alarm clock.

They only needed a pretense but this was way way too much to be a pretense.

The first thing to go off was Drew's tuxedo, followed by Melissa's jacket. Her hand fumbled against his shirt to unbutton them. She wanted to touch him. Being that she was on skirt, he was running a rave with his hand on her body which made her moan hard. Her response to his touch was making him go gaga.

They were so caught up in votex whirl of emotion that they totally forgot what they are meant to do. Nothing else matter to them except touching eachother.

Pearl made her way to Drew's office. She didn't even care if she had a restriction not to come. She was so happy she gained entrance.

As she went, she met someone on the way who asked her if she worked for the company and as usual, she introduced herself as Drew's fiancée.

The fellow was glad and he quickly state his purpose of coming.

"My Drew isn't like that. I trust him" she boasted.

Chris, who thought it wide to go apologize to Drew so that he can have Melissa back, was glad to meet his so called fiancée.

"I'm so sorry I accused him wrongly" he said gently. "Just plead with him for me" he added.

"Don't worry it's not a hard thing to do. My Drew isn't someone that doesn't listen to me. He loves me dearly" she said with pride.

That has been the phrase she do use to comfort herself. That Drew loves her.

"Thanks so much ma'am" he said happily.

"No thanks. I don't want your relationship to end because of my Drew. Not that I really like your girl because she's too proud and full of herself. We don't even rapport" she said arrogantly as if she do rapport with any of the folks in the company before. "If not for her importance, I would have told Drew to fire her" she said.

"No ma'am, Melly is really a calm girl" he defended.

"I don't trust her likes" she said firmly.

As they gained entrance into Drew's office territory, Pearl seems surprised to find is void of people. Not even a single one was visible. She had a wrong feeling about this but quickly discard it and think it's to her favour.

Melissa and Drew were still with their thing. They didn't even get to know when the door clicked open from the control room not to talk of when Pearl entered. Drew already unbuttoned her shirt and her shinning black bra that came to view was drugging him big time. He could feel her wetness has he touched her pantie. Melissa was climaxing. She wanted more so she reach out for the belt that held his pant while Drew kisses her hard, sliding his hand into her pantie so as to get inside and to stroke her hard the very place she aches but they were stopped by a scream.

Drew bounced off Melissa. It was the scream that brought them back to reality. Melissa couldn't believe herself that she almost had sex with Drew. Her body was caught in aftermath of such hot and flaming romance. Her body wanted more but she was quite ashamed of herself.

Being half naked, she begin to arrange herself.

"So it is you!" Pearl screamed. Her whole body vibrating with so much anger and fear.

Chris who heard the loud noise, quickly came in. He waited outside waiting for Pearl's call for him to come in but when he heard the scream he went in to check out what was going on. He got the shock of his life.

Immediately Drew saw Chris walk in, he knew the real trouble has just emerged. He caught an headache immediately.

Melissa felt like disappearing when Chris surfaced. She just confirmed what he believed earlier. She knew there is nothing she could say that would free her. She wondered why he came and even today of all day. She looked at Drew who was buttoning his shirt, he already adjusted his belt.

He was looking impassively at Chris who's eyes was gloomy. Although he seems not to have any expression, when he looked at Melissa, she could see his eyes filled with pleading and she gave him a no problem look.

The did has already been done, the next thing is to find a solution. There was a long silence in the room. All they did is exchange looks.

Chris's eyes was fixed on Drew. He was glaring hard at him that even his ragged breath could be heard. Drew didn't let his gave leave him also. He was waiting for the worse he would do. He got Melissa into this and he sure will protect her. He was so at alert not knowing what Chris is thinking to do.

Pearl was emitting aura of hostility towards Melissa who doesn't seem to care about her but about Chris and Drew. She felt like someone just dump her in an iced water.

"Let someone say something here!" Pearl shouted.

It was as if Chris was waiting for approval. He looked at Melissa with a pained eyes.

"This is the second time you will humiliate me in this godforsaken office and in front of this motherfucker" he said dolefully trying not to shout.

Melissa regretted not forgiving Chris. If not he wouldn't have come here today to plead with Drew. Now she is in more trouble especially Drew. Chris would never seat calm. She needed to get things clarified with him.

"Have I in anyway cuddled you like this? Even a full kiss is too much when it comes to us but you can have sex with him. Do I disgust you that much?"

His voice was so low and thick that they could barely hear him. It was decorated with pure bitterness.

"I'm sorry Chris" she said in self reproach.

Chris groaned. "What are you sorry for?" He glared at her. "Is it for being disgusted by me or for disgracing me the second time in this office" he pause to catch his breath. It was as if he has difficulty in breathing. "Or for sleeping with that animal" finally he raised his voice pointing at Drew who wore his usual look.

Although he stood his full length, his head tilted and his hands in his pocket with his usual undefined expression, he wasn't really fine as he look. He knew he just dumped Melissa into he hell of trouble even though he didn't feel guilty.

His looks made Chris to conclude that he was happy and he's making fun of him.

Melissa didn't reply him because she knew it is useless trying to defend herself.

'I knew it" Pearl said under breath. "You seduced my guy".

She ran to meet her but Drew slides in and got the hit instead.

"Let me deal with her. She wants my man" she cries out as he held her hand preventing her from hitting Melissa. She struggle hard to be free.

"Who exactly is your man because I don't get? " he asked bluntly.

She felt so hurt by those words as if she has not heard it time without number. She wouldn't be here if she didn't receive the message that they should talk from him. Unknowingly to her it wasn't him that sent it. It was just signed by his name. That was the reason she had the guts to boast to Chris. She felt so shameful looking at Chris who locked his eyes with Melissa.

"Why are you hurting me this way Drew?" She asked as her eyes glistened with tears. Her voice displayed pain.

Drew didn't expect to see her cry. He thought she would be with her usual not caring about his words attitude but now she seems pained. Even Melissa noticed.

"No one his hurting you save yourself" he said dropping her hand. "I've made it clear enough, almost an hundred times that I'm not interested in anything that forms you. Can't you just wake up to reality and get off my back?" Just like himself, his voice was calm but his message was well gotten.

By the time he was done, her tears already slipped down gracefully. "That's not true" she shook her head. "I do love you Drew" she tried to take his hand but he avoided it.

"I don't want it".

"But you want hers?" that was Chris. He pointed at Melissa who was behind Drew as he talked. "You want the girl I gave my body, soul and spirit to all these time?" He asked with a malevolent smile.

"I..."

Melissa quickly covered his mouth so he won't say anything. She knew him saying anything will only do nothing but fuel the fire. Drew was shocked at her action, he looked at her but her eyes depicts peace and this gave him more baffle.

Chris didn't expect her to display such in front of him and this really pained him.

"Oh he shouldn't talk. Since a poor nonentity like me deserves no explanation" he said in smothered anger.

Melissa didn't reply him.

"I've known you never loved me. All you do is keep me beside you to cover up for your immorality with your so called boss. You see me as a trash since I'm not richer but all I'm going to tell you is that you will surely regret this. I'll wait for the day this guy will get tired of sleeping with you and you will cry to me but I'm sure I won't be available".

With that, he walked out.

Drew signalled to Melissa to follow him but she ignored him. She was glad that at least he didn't make a scene like the other day. Now she only has one enemy to face.

She and Pearl locked looks and she gave her an haughty look. Pearl who didn't want to go down without trying, spoke.

"Do you think you can have my man?" She asked in ire.

Drew wanted to talk but he heard Melissa's "Yes I can". He looked at her and she wore a smug look. He was getting more amazed at her. It seems he doesn't know anything about this dainty lady beside him.

"You have a boyfriend but you are still covetous of mine?" She asked frightfully.

The moment she found out that the lady beneath Drew was Melissa, she knew she lost the battle. This has been her worse fear because Melissa is a public figure that can't be toiled with and she also know her importance to Drew. If anything goes wrong, he will definitely hunt her down. She shook violently as she saw the smile on her face.

"Who is stealing who?" She asked laughing and it annoys her more.

"You are definitely forcing yourself on him you this disgusting whore" she shouted with shaky voice.

"You think so?" She smiled looking at Drew who cocked a brow.

Pearl felt like to hit her hard but she knew Drew was there to stop her.

"Ever since you've been proclaiming yourself as his girl, what have you gained aside insult?"

Pearl eyed her fiercely.

Melissa laughed jeeringl. "Tell me Miss fiancée. The truth is bitter Pearl but you have to accept it" she paused and smiled with pride. "The Drew you want, wants no one except me" she smiled.

As she said this it was as if someone hit something light on his head. He couldn't fathom what that feeling means. Later he concluded that it was the way Melissa is acting.

Pearl sizzled at her.

"You think I'm joking?" She asked with a serious feign look. "I'll show you" she moved closer to Drew.

Had it been that Drew is someone whose expression do show, he would have given them away with the kind of shock he is getting.

Melissa looked at him and smiled. "Watch me" she said to Pearl.

Melissa tiptoed to kiss Drew, placing both hands on his chest. Drew almost caught fire with the impulse of her kiss. To Melissa the kiss wasn't what she anticipated. She only wanted to kiss him on the lip and disband as she do see in movies but immediately their lips met, her body caught fire and they both forgot the lady watching them like the devil himself. He drew her closer that she was plastered to him and deepened the kiss.

Pearl couldn't take it anymore, she pulled Melissa away from him and slapped her. Melissa looked at her panting. She didn't know if it was caused by the kiss or slap.

"That's all you know, Miss violent" she insulted. Since the day you've been beating ladies up, what did you get?"

Pearl looked at Drew. It seems Melissa's words was an eye opener. It was painful.

"Everything you see me have with him deary, I earned it. He wants to touch me because I make him happy" she paused rolling her lips with pride.

Drew looked at Melissa with an amazed smile. He didn't know she could come to his defense on her own peril.

Pearl looking at the way Drew watched her knew the looks was emitting from true feelings and she knew no matter how much she waste her time, she's not going to beat her.

"Why are you so covetous? Is it that you think you can't find other good guys to love you or youbare just deliberately drown to his money and fame? Too bad he hates you. You better got calm yourself and get your own guy. You are such a disgrace to womanhood" she said baldly.

The vibration in Pearl's body couldn't let her find a single word to say. She was breathing hard with anger. Never in her life has she been humiliated this way. She felt so low that she wanted the ground to open up and let her hide.

"You will surely regret this. You will" she sworn, sweating and sniffing. Thens she turned to Drew. Looked at him head to toe. "You disgust me" she then stumbled out.

Melissa staggered to the sofa. She released a relieved sigh. She is so ashamed of herself. Everything that happened seem to be her fault. If she hadn't pulled Drew he wouldn't fall on her. She couldn't look at Drew in the eye.

Drew saw this and he smiled walking gently to her. He sat beside her and patted her hair.

"I'm sorry Melly".

"No apologies" she rebuked looking at him. She tries not to feel intimidated by his looks.

"I need to. I should have disagreed to their plan, didn't know your guy would show up all of a sudden" he said palely.

"No Chris already believed what he wanted before today".

"But we just gave him more evidence" he cussedly said.

"Drew, Chris is my problem. I'll handle it" she asserted boldly.

Drew gave her a cynic look.

"I promise" she added when he seems not to be convinced.

"I don't just want your guy to misunderstood things".

"Let it be. I gat this" she said bossily.

Drew pulled her to himself and hugged her tightly. "Thanks so much sweet. I love you" he whispered to her ears.

At the sound of 'I love you' Melissa's heart skipped that even Drew noticed and smiles.

"No thanks" she quickly disbanded from his hug.

Drew stares at her smiling.

"What?" She frowned.

"Didn't know you graduated from acting school. Your acting skill is indeed good" he said smiling.

Her heart was at peace. It was a different thing she thought he wanted to say.

"I've got no choice. I wouldn't want to loose on both side. If I don't act, Pear won't let go and my sacrifice would have been nothing. So it is better to finish fine" she said plainly not liking Drew's mocking smile.

Drew twisted the edge of his lips. "Do you have a remainder of that kiss? I think I want more" he moved closer.

Melissa pushed him away. "I hate this guy" she said stiffly.

Drew laughed at her. "Leaving?" He asked when she stood up.

"Yes I've got things to do" she replied and averted.

On her way she met the five matter planner.

"How was it ma'am?" Larry asked.

"Excuse me" she said and left.

They watched her as she went with no definite answer.