Face off

Warning: Strong words and violence

I was in such a hurry that I totally forgot that several curious eyes watching me in the kitchen. I was about to call Robbie when I felt a hand over my shoulder. Because I was so engrossed in not letting the rumor spread, I didn't even feel the touch until the phone was taken from me.

"Just who-" I started fiercely, turning around and coming face-to-face with Tanya.

She crossed her hands in front of her face, closing her eyes. As soon as I saw her, I relaxed. I immediately felt very guilty for reacting so violently.

"I am so sorry Tanya. Did I hurt you?" I asked, with deep regret.

How could my mind be so clouded to have almost shouted at my friend?

Tanya looked at me and breathed out. She smiled and shook her head,

"You never change. Once you are anxious or panicking, you totally forget the surrounding!" She said, eyeing me meaningfully.

As my mind was still occupied with other thoughts, I didn't fully comprehend her point. When I finally understood what she meant, I looked around. I wanted to slap myself. How stupid of me to try to call Robbie when almost all of the kitchen staff are around.

"Thank you for the reminder, Tanya!" I whispered, wrapping my arms around her.

"Anytime, now be quick," she whispered back with a pat on my shoulder.

I unwrapped my arms, got out of the staff exit, and went straight to the parking area. I looked at the contact huffing wondering whether I should call or not. I was still debating. If it was just me, I would have handled it. But it dragged Twen into it. In fact, it also involved Robbie. The news that Twen was born of a male omega is not a big deal, but the fact that Robbie was the one who impregnated me is big news. If his father gets wind of this news, Twen and I will be as good as dead. The very thought gave me goosebumps. My Twen would not have a day of peace if it gets into the media. Since I didn't have much time to think, I just closed my eyes and pressed the dial button. Suddenly, the phone was not in my hand.

Upon looking up, I saw it was in the hand of a very beautiful woman. Her long curly hair gracefully framed her face. I recognized her instantly. She is Robbie's so-called fiancée. She cut the call and gave me a sharp gaze.

"Miss, please return my cell phone," I said, in my best imitation of a neutral voice. For some reason, I felt very annoyed to see her.

"Tony Hawker," she said my name with strange emphasis, "Who are you calling in such haste?" she asked, smirking.

I was taken aback. How does she know my name? Did Robbie tell her? Right now, it doesn't matter where she learned my name from, I need to make an urgent call.

"My CEO. I have a request to make," I said truthfully.

"Oh! Your CEO? He just so happens to be my fiancé, and since you are just some lowly employee, I find it odd that you know him so well!" She sneered.

Indeed, forget about supervisory and entry-level, even managerial level employees generally do not have the authority to have the direct contact number of someone so high up. That is when things are normal. In a bizarre twist of fate, I am connected to Robbie.

"Miss, it is just by some luck that I have it," I lied, feeling more anxious with every passing minute.

"Luck? Or by being acquainted?" she said, now looking at me with narrowed eyes.

Is it just me or are her words implying something else?

"Forgive me, Miss, but it's urgent. Can I please have my phone back?" I asked, forwarding my palm to her.

"And what if I refuse?" she asked, glaring at me with blatant hatred.

What is going on? I am not even familiar with her.

Why is she so displeased with me? Does she know my connection with Robbie?

I am feeling very confused. "What do you want, Miss?" I asked.

"What I want? I want you, Mr. Tony Hawker, to leave my fiancé alone!" She said, slowly approaching me and emphasizing each word, "Or, I will inform the media that your son is the illegitimate son of Robbie Walker and the only heir to Exquisite Hotel and Resorts Pvt Ltd. I am sure Uncle Rick would want his grandson in his rightful place!" she threatened, grinning evilly at me.

My jaw fell open till my chest. In a matter of seconds, all the missing pieces fell in place. It was her who started this rumor. The words she spoke might have sounded harmless to other people, but it was as if she was cursing me. She is implying that Twen will be taken away from me if I do not go away from Robbie's life.

"It-it was you?" I whispered, covering my mouth in surprise, but then it turned purple in anger and suffocation, "If you hate me, then strike at me! Why are you involving my son?" I seethed in fury.

"As you are using your son to make my fiancé chase after you, I too am using your son to get you out of his life," she spat the words on my face.

What??!! This was a complete misunderstanding!!

"You have definitely gotten the wrong notion-" I started to clear the misunderstanding when,

SLAP!

A strong force hit my left cheek. The sudden attack made my ears ring and my eyes water. I placed my hand over my cheek, feeling the stinging pain. I heard her blathering in rage, so loud that her voice was reverberating in the closed car parking area.

"You ugly shameless filthy little asshole! How dare you stand between Robbie and me!? Do you really think you can manipulate him because you have his son?"

My hand was still on my cheek as I looked at her. Her pretty face had become twisted so badly that it was frightening. Her beautiful brown eyes were swimming in tears! I saw her breathing heavily, and her eyes filled with bare hatred and disgust.

"How dare you? How dare you?" she babbled, stomping up at me, pulling me by the collar of my chef coat, and throwing me so hard that my shoulder hit the car behind, "I have loved him all my life. But I never succeeded in getting him to notice me or to fall for me. Why?? How could he reject me for a cheap disgusting whore like you!! What's so great about you? What's so special? Why do you have his love? Why?!!" she spat.

I didn't know what to respond. Though I understand her pain and sorrow, she was acting like a complete lunatic. I know it hurts when you cherish someone so dearly and they don't value it. I know how it feels when you want desperately to be accepted but are rejected. While I know everything, letting the feelings of pain completely blind you is something new to me.

"Miss Sarah! I understand where you're coming from, but my son has nothing to do with-" I began again, trying to make her see reason but,

"Shut it! JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs before throwing another heavy slap on my other cheek.

I staggered back from the force. Things were getting out of hand. In spite of understanding her pain, I felt extremely angry after being mistreated without my fault. If it was just me, I would have still taken it, but she just had to drag Twen into it too. The thought made me look at her with pure contempt. She was breathing heavily and looked totally insane.

"What would you know? It's not like he rejected you. Seducing him, using cheap tricks to sleep with him, and even having his child. Have you sold your shame as well? Using your son as a ploy to gain favor, with which tongue do you call yourself his mom? Falling so low to even sell your son out-"

"ENOUGH!"