''Let's break up''
''Huh? Why?''
''You don't love me as much as I love you. We have been together for almost two years now, but you have never told me you love me. I was the only one who said I love you''
''Is it that important for me to tell you that I love you? Aren't my actions enough to prove my love for you?''
''Your actions?'' he chuckled finding it ridiculous, ''you have never allowed me to kiss you before. It's been two years but the farthest we have gone is holding hands''
''So, are you saying it is my fault that this relationship hit rock bottom? It is my fault that you don't feel secured? If we don't hold hands, what do you want us to hold? Our feet? Did you think I would be so naïve to let a bastard like you kiss me?''
''What? You are really rude; do you know that? Amber, you should never fall in love with anyone. You don't deserve to love anyone because in the end they will leave you''
"Hmmm'' Amber sighed and picked the glass of juice and tilted the straw towards her lips. She drew some into her mouth as her eyes never left the man in front of her. Andy, her boyfriend of two years.
''I shouldn't fall in love with anyone? What makes you think you have the right to judge and cuss me? Do you think I don't know the reason why you were with me from the beginning? You were with me because you are curious about my mother, whom you haven't met since we started dating''
''What? Did you investigate me?'' he asked and took the glass of water in front of him to sip nervously.
''You dug up information on me before approaching me. Why am I not allowed to do the same? You really took so long to finally realise you would never get anywhere with me. Your family is into AI Technology development. I don't know how you found out about my mom, but let me warn you. If you don't want your family business to go down the drain, then stop whatever investigations you are doing on my family. You and your family will disappear once I tell my uncles and great grandfather about your plans. I thought you were smart but you are just stupid and clueless'' Amber crossed her legs under the table and stared proudly at him.
''You bitch!!!'' he said angrily and was tempted to throw the glass of water at her but Amber held the glass down and said to him.
''I am a journalist; did you think your sneaky actions could escape my eagle eyes? But, I must say, it was fun playing with you for two years. Wait for my report on your family. I don't forgive my enemies. If it's possible, I am capable of wasting a lifetime just to destroy an enemy'' Amber stood up and picked her purse. She looked at the twisted face of her now ex-boyfriend and chuckled dryly before walking out elegantly out of the café.
Two years ago, he approached her and she thought he was genuinely interested in her only to find out later on that his family were into AI Technology development and that he was with her because he wanted information on her foster mother. She decided to play along with him, to see how far he was willing to go in order to collect information about her mother. He even dared to tell her not to love anyone because she doesn't deserve love. What a joke. She had kept him around because she need him closer as she investigated and found the dirt they hid secretly from the public.
Amber stood at the door and removed her phone and made a call. the call was a short one but when she finished, Andy who sat inside stood up at once and dashed towards the entrance. He ran out in attempt to stop Amber but she was already in her car. His phone started ringing nonstop and he just stood there baffled as he stared at the call from his father.
With her middle finger out, she pointed at him and mouthed a cuss word. Nobody messes with her without paying the price. Still it hurt a little since she invested her time on him.
....
Back at the hotel….
Ever stood at the door and drew a heavy breathe before she turned the doorknob and went inside. She saw Jayden sitting elegantly at his desk. He looked focused as if he wasn't aware of her presence. Ever walked slowly nervously straightening her uniform and tugged her hair that was falling back. She stood in front of his desk silently.
''You are here?'' he asked and looked up facing her.
''En. You called for me?''
''My assistant told me what happened? Are you confident that you will win?''
''Huh? What do you mean? Are you trying to say I can't win against Benita?''
''No. I was just worried about you, that's all. No need to take it the wrong way. I remember you always found it hard to make snacks for kids after that accident. The contest this time, I didn't think you will be taking part so I changed it to let the kids be the judges. Why did you suddenly submit a form to take part?''
''I need the money from the competition. Is that reason good enough?'' Ever asked. Her voice sound cold and distant.
''You need the money? What are you going to use the money for? I can give it to you''
''Why? Do you think I am not capable of winning this competition? You don't want me to lose and make you lose face as my ex-boyfriend?''
''Ever, just what goes on in that head of yours?''
''If you called me just to find out whether I am confident or not, then, don't do that again. I don't want people to start gossiping and spreading rumours about me. I hope you can keep the fact that we once dated to yourself? I don't want to be labelled as a gold digger who wants to climb up using the CEO''
''Ever, can't we have a conversation without you been cold to me? I really want us to stop this cold war and be friends''
''I'm sorry, but I don't want to be your friend. We can't be friends Jayden''
''Why? Do you still have feelings for me?''
''You have so much confidence in yourself''
''Then, why can't we be friends? I still don't know why you broke up with me. can't you just be honest with me?''
''Honest. Have you ever been honest with me? Jayden, telling you why I broke up with you is useless if you can't still figure out why I did what I did. The date we have today is cancelled. I need to go and look up recipes for deserts kids love''
''Everest France, I will never stop asking you. No matter how long it takes, I will wait for your reason''
''It's too late, Jayden. You came too late and I don't have the energy to explain anything to you. excuse me'' Ever said and turned to go.
''You win''
''I…'' Ever was about to say something else when her phone buzzed, 'excuse me. It's Amber''
''Answer it''
''Hello, Amber''
''I broke up with Andy'' Amber said over the phone.
''Are you okay? Where are you?''
''She is with me. Ever, get us cake to celebrate her breakup from that son of a dog'' Jade's voice pierced through the phone.
''Oh, I will. Then, let's meet up after I close. See you soon, bye'' Ever hung up and looked at Jayden apologetically, ''that was Amber. Bad breakup''
''Go ahead'' Ever nodded and went out.
.....
Military barracks
Amber dug her finger into the almond cake Ever made and scooped a handful into her mouth.
''Amber, slow down'' Ever warned and gave her water to sip.
''That son of a dog. He dared to tell me I shouldn't fall in love, that I don't deserve to love anyone. Am I that hard to love? Listen to me, all men are dogs… well except the men from out three big families'' Amber said and chuckled.
''Aye, I thought you didn't love him? Why are you punishing yourself over that jerk? Should I make him pay for deceiving you?'' Jade asked mischievously.
''Can you do that for me, Jade?''
''Off course, I can totally do that. tomorrow, I will go with you to his house. Let's damage his most precious car''
''Jade, don't incite her more. She has already exposed them. I looked up the stock market when I was coming. their company stocks have plummet already. They might have to file for bankruptcy if they don't want to lose any more of their money and investment''
''Ever, you can't be soft to your enemies. You should be merciless to them. He dared to cheat Amber into falling for his handsome face. Even though Amber said she didn't love him, do you believe in familiarity? They have been together for two years. She might have developed a little feeling for him, plus, he is handsome''