Marrying my high school bully

Melissa

My eyes fluttered open and I glanced at the wall clock. I quickly scurried out of bed as a sense of urgency arose within me. It was almost 8 am and I was to attend the board meeting today.

Dexter, who had woken up because of the little noises I made stared at me with a puzzled expression.

“Where are you rushing off to? Is there any problem?” He asked, rubbing his eyes which already had dark patches underneath them.

I pitied the man. He had gone through a lot to save me last night, now his daughter was under the weather. I wished there was a way I could make him feel better.

“Work. I have to be at the meeting.” I replied, and then a realization of the mistake I made hit me hard.

I shouldn’t have allowed him to get some shares in the company, because he’d become a stakeholder and that would allow him to come for meetings. And if he saw Leonardo there…

Oh no. What have I done?

“The meeting? I’m supposed to be there as well.” He said in regret.

I settled down beside him. “That’s not necessary, Dexter. Your daughter is your utmost priority and I’m sure the meeting won’t take long, so just watch her while she recovers.” I had to make sure he never came to any of the meetings, not until I’d revealed my identity.

He held my hands and stared at me passionately. “I don’t know how to thank you enough, but you don’t know how much your presence has eased my fear. I’m glad that I didn’t have to do this alone.”

I glanced at the beautiful child who was having a peaceful sleep and pecked her forehead. I didn’t understand the connection I had with her, but I loved the girl so much.

“And I’m happy that I was able to help.” The time ticked eight on the dot and I sprang to my feet. “I’d be really late if I don’t leave now.” I said.

“Have a good day, Melissa, and inform me if anything happens. I won’t be going to work today and I’d like to have you around.” He offered and my heart skipped a beat.

A blush crept to my cheeks. “I’d like to come over as well.”

I blew him a kiss and left, feeling excited and pumped up to start the day.

********

The boardroom went still with silence as soon as I entered. I did a quick search around and waved at my father who gave me a thumbs up. There was an empty chair, saved for me beside Leonardo.

With my chin up and my shoulder straightened, I trotted to my seat and flashed a smile at Leonardo who looked more than excited to see me.

If only he knew how close he was to his doom.

“I’m sorry for being late. I’m not usually tardy.” I apologized and they nodded, silently telling me that they approved of my apology.

Leonardo got up from his chair and the screen came on behind him. He gave a formal acknowledgment and began to talk about how he planned to grow the company and bring up more deals with us.

I was tempted to ask him what he had been up to since he assumed the seat of the chairman, but he would become suspicious since I’d already proposed a fake business plan to him.

After he finished his presentation, one of the other board members raised his hand. I’d done some research on him and I got to know that he had a personal beef with Leonardo.

If he was going to challenge him during the meeting, it meant that convincing the other members that I’d be a successful leader wouldn’t be a herculean task anymore.

“I’d like to ask you a question, Leonardo and I hope you answer honestly.”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

This was going to be fun.

Leonardo glared at him secretly, though a fake smile was plastered on his face. “This is a board meeting, Mr Han. I’m accountable to everyone here.”

A scoff rose to my throat.

The man was so good at acting, but soon I’ll gather all the evidence I need and reveal his evil nature to the world.

“For the past two years that you’ve been the CEO of this company, what have you been able to achieve?” He asked with a deadpan stare and everyone directed their glances at Leonardo who looked smitten.

For a moment, it felt like he wasn’t able to bring up a response because he had nothing to say in his defense.

“Ummm… I-I… have been able to…” He snapped his lips shut, his jaws clenched while I chuckled silently. “What’s the reason for your question, huh? Is that why we are here?”

“I think his question is profound and we’d like to know what you’ve been able to achieve. We don’t know how the company’s fund is being spent, there’s no growth and it seems like the business has declined since you took over. Do you have anything to say to this?” Another man added.

Leonardo glanced at me for help but I signaled him to relax. I thought that I’d have to be the one to keep him on his toes, but fate was working for me so that I wouldn’t have a hard time dishing out my revenge.

“Why are you all asking me these questions?” Leonardo fumed.

Because you’ve been bribing everyone to do your bidding, but they are fed up, idiot. I itched to tell him that, but I held back.

“Because we’ll be re-electing a new chairman soon and you have two months to prove to us that you are capable. There’ll be arrangements for other members who are interested in the position to compete, so brace up because it won’t be easy for you.” Mr Han said and I gave him a mental fist-pump.

Leonardo banged his fist on the table as he realized that business wouldn’t be as usual anymore. “This is crazy.” He argued.

“It’s just the truth. You are destroying Mrs Hills’ legacy, and the only reason we are still here is because we feel that the company is redeemable. As soon as the election is over, there’ll be an internal audit. I hope you are ready to be truly accountable.” Mr Han concluded, picked up his suitcase and stormed out of the room.

I had to meet Mr Han and thank him for stepping in and cutting Leonardo’s wings.

I wondered how he’d feel when he got to know that I was contesting for his position.