Marcus sipped his tea slowly as he sat back, staring into space. One of his most anticipated shows was around the corner, he was excited by it. The fashion show was taking place in one of the famous city, billboards were up, fliers were made, guests were invited.... Yet, he miss his family. He missed the sound of Chrysolite's laughter, the stories from his lovely wife, Onyx, Coral Marble. Infact, everyone! He knew he had a life beyond his encaged walls. He pushed back his swivel chair as he stood up taking a quick scan at his table. On it were his sketch book and other documents which needed to be signed.
He sipped again at his tea looking up at the door when a knock interrupted. He answered and Mr.Jones came in almost breathless.
"What's wrong Mr.Jones?" Marcus inquired.
"It's Maria. She insists on having a word with you." The young man looked almost restless. Matia must have given him a hard time.
"What more do we need to talk about? I thought we've already concluded on everything." Marcus placed his half drunk tea on his table away from his files.
"She says that her wedding is far more important than the show which is forthcoming."
Marcus chuckled. "She must have given you a hard time."
"Yes, she did. I stressed the fact about what you told me the other time but she still wouldn't budge."
"She isn't the only model in the world, she should know that another can take her spot. Can't she move the date of her wedding? She expects me to move mine?" Marcus laughed.
"No, no, no. She will do it manager." Jones pleaded.
Marcus looked surprised. "She's getting married Jones, don't tell me you still have a thing for her."
The story was known in Marcus's company, Jones, Marcus's PA had a thing for Matia. But Matia was deeply into Marcus even before he was married. Matia was famous for her outstanding poses and shoots as a model. She was sought for by the best of the best. This later got into her head that she wouldn't do some shoots if her demands were not met. Later, she had to get married despite the fact that she still pestered Marcus.
"I do. But she can fix another date for her wedding. I'll try as much to convince her." He sighed.
"Jones," Marcus called, " I think she isn't changing that for anything not even for my show. I can't change mine to please her. It's her decision to make not mine."
Jones fidgeted with his hands, looking like a child that needed a toy. He was hurt, despite the fact that after all that he had done for Matia, she still had a string in his heart. He was fighting desperately for her right here but she would be a fool to think another model can not be like her. If perhaps she models for Marcus, she would definitely get an award which would boost up her profile. But Matia wanted Marcus to attend her wedding and thus forget about his show!
"Let stop with Matia for now. Put a call to Yvonne for me. I will like to talk to her." Marcus waved a hand.
"Yes manager." Jones nodded.
*******
Tall, slender, with graceful figure, Matia smashed the tumbler against the wall. She stared angrily at Jones biting her full, lower, painted lip. She walked out as she headed for Marcus office. She was dressed in a flowery, short shirt gown. One or two buttons were left undone, it showed her full, fleshed breasts. Her white high heels stormed the tarred floor as she walked into Marcus's office.
"You won't attend my wedding?" She threw at him.
"We've talked about that already." Marcus wasn't surprised at her rude act.
"You're so.... wonderful!" She exclaimed, waving both hands in the air as if to glorify him. "I've worked for you for how long? Six years. You know, I don't get it Marcus, why won't you attend my wedding? You can always change the date of your event for me."
"Really Matia?"
"Don't give me any excuses Marcus."
Marcus was trying hard not to burst. He smirked then turned to face her. "You come in here and rant out so well. You think that will change my mind?"
She was dating him. She saw others like her equal. Afterall she was getting married to another Fashion house owned by Marcus's rival and she had the guts to invite Marcus to her wedding on the exact day of his event? They were rivals now, so what? He had no business with her anymore. He will train Yvonne, the upcoming star and she might possibly break more barriers than Matia.
"Fine. So it as you very well please. I'm done here!" She yelled out then walked out from his office.
Marcus shut his eyes briefly then wiped his face with his handkerchief in his hand. He wondered if Matia got engaged to Joseph just to pique him? Would that even change his mind? He laughed at himself. Matia had still wanted him even after he was married even with a child!
God! How can he? He had everything he ever prayed for, dreamt for, everything he ever wanted. Why will he ever want a mistress? He hated her that very instant. She had only given him migraines upon migraines, insulted his integrity and his pride as a man.
"You will regret this, I promise you. All I ever wanted was your happiness. You will regret this, I give you my word." She had said to him, which sounded more like he was being threatened.
A knock distracted him, he sighed as he answered. He was done with Matia. He was totally done with her.
"Come in." He said.
Yvonne walked in. She greeted in smiles as she entered.
********
Robin collected his suit which Michael handed to him. He was with his clique of friends when he saw Michael coming over to him. Michael was alone.
"Here." Michael thrust out his suit towards Robin.
"You're the nice, good boy. Aren't you?" Robin asked.
"The girl you helped, is she someone you like?" Cecelia chipped in.
"No, she's a frenemy." He answered plainly.
"A frenemy? You hear that guys?" Cecelia said in which the others laughed holding their stomachs as they did laugh.
"Why did you do it? Tell me, I'm curious." Robin wanted to know.
"You would have gotten yourself into some sort of trouble. I only helped you out of it."
Robin scoffed when he heard that then he laughed out loud like an hyena. "Did you hear that Jade?" Robin asked another boy.
"Of course I did." Jade said smiling.
"You're smart. And you're only bit a junior. I'll let you go cause you fought confidently for a frenemy. I like that." Robin nodded his head.
"Then, I'll take my leave."
"How old are you Michael?" Robin asked before he left.
"I'm ten years old."
"Ten? Woah. I also heard you're in the junior football team."
"Yes, that's true."
"I would love to watch you play."
"You're always free to do so."
"Good to hear that. Now you can go."
Michael smiled at that. He wasn't expecting Robin to be so friendly with him yet it didn't surprise him. He was the only one afterall who stood up to Robin.
"I must commend him. He's really smart." Cecelia said to Robin.
"Hm, I bet your younger brother doesn't know how to play football." Robin teased.
"Come here you idiot, I'll show you how to talk." She pulled his neck tie forward and playfully ruffled his hair while his friends laughed.