Marrying my high school bully

Melissa

“Hi, dad,” I greeted as soon as he responded to the call.

I was leaning over the window, my eyes trained on the high rising buildings that stretched out of Beverly hills.

This was one of the few times I had to admire the city.

“Good morning, Melissa. How have you been?” He replied enthusiastically, his warmth creating a sense of relaxation around me.

Just by speaking with him, I felt better already, but today, I wasn’t on the phone with him just to find solace. I needed a huge favor from him; one that I’d never asked for before.

“I’m alright, dad. Well, I called because I need a favor from you.”

“Tell me what you want.”

I took in a deep breath with my eyes shut, then spewed out the words. “I want you to buy up the majority of the shares from Hill’s Jewelry.” I requested. Silence ensued, increasing my anticipation. “If you can’t do it, I won’t bother you, dad.” I said in a rush and he chuckled.

“You don’t have to say that, Mel, I was just going through the company you want me to buy shares from. Your revenge plan is in motion, already?” He got the memo.

A smile crossed my features. “Yes. That’s my late mother’s company and Leonardo is running it terribly. There’s no growth or any new innovations from what I saw the last time I went there. So I’m going to buy up the majority of the shares and when it’s time for a new CEO to be re-elected, I’ll come out to contest for the position.”

“That’s brilliant, honey.”

“Yes, father. I’m going to have a conversation with some of his staff and know how they are really fairing before election day. And I’ll attend all of the meetings to know his plans, although I have someone who’s ready to give me all the information I need.” I informed him and a clapping sound resonated from the background.

“You haven’t put the plans into motion yet, but I’m really proud of you. All of them who hurt you without remorse need to go down, and if not for your refusal, I’d have done it for you.” He uttered and my heart churned with affection for him.

“Thank you, dad.” I croaked, trying hard to hold back my tears.

“It’s fine. How many shares do you want me to get?”

The overwhelming sad emotion I felt earlier transcended subtly one of satisfaction as I thought of his request. “Buy up enough shares that will be able to get me the position even if the other directors object to me being their CEO.”

I could imagine the horror that would be on Leonardo’s face the day I began to contest for CEO. He won’t know what hit him. I also wished I could find a lead on how to get Dante as he would be key in bringing the video for me.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

My father and I talked some more, then I disconnected the call and prepared for my meeting with Lorraine. Her text came in while I was talking with my father but I ignored it, knowing that it would be filled with complaints.

I was teaching her a lesson and she was yet to learn it; patience was a big part of it.

Dressed in a black jean shirt dress, I checked the news about the weather and a creepy plan flashed in my mind. I wondered how hurt Emilia will be when she gets drenched all because I’m late.

It was about to rain, and I’d chosen an open space cafe for our meeting. The dots were already set in my mind so I skidded out with an umbrella and entered my BMW and drove slowly to the cafe which was just within the city.

The sky was overcast with dark clouds and the thunder rumbled loudly. My phone chimed with another notification popping in but I ignored, counting the seconds till when it would begin to rain.

Fortunately, it didn’t take much time till the patting sounds resonated on the roof of my car. With a satisfied smirk, I reached for my phone and called Emilia.

“Where in God green’s earth are you?” She hollered into her phone.

I rolled my eyes, searching for any signs of her. “I’m outside the parking lot. You’ll see a black BMW before the walkway, meet me there.”

She began to complain about how impossible it would be to get to me under the heavy rain, but I ended the call and flung the phone into my bag. With the downpour, she’d have no choice but to run to me for help even though it was the last thing she wanted.

I didn’t have to wait for long as the sound of a persistent knock got me lowering the window and opening the car door. “Come in.” I said flatly and she scurried in, her arms wrapped around her body.

“Was that your plan?” Her teeth rattled against as she spoke. Her clothes were drenched and her body shivered terribly, but it didn’t stop her from leering at me.

Another opportunity to act dumb again.

“Oh! dear, I’m so sorry for not getting here on time. The traffic was really bad and I was unable to reach you to cancel the meeting.” I feigned a pity expression as she continued to scowl at me. “I’ll make it up to you, alright?” I pleaded with my palms clasped.

She scoffed in irritation and shook her head. “Why am I here?”

“I wanted to give you the description of your job as an assistant.” I said with glaring enthusiasm.

She balled her fists but she couldn’t go through with her intended action. Her video was already on air and if she hadn’t learnt to control her anger before, the video would teach her properly.

With the hideous and nerve-wracking comments that were made on the video, I doubted if she’d have the chance to model again. She was once the people’s sweetheart, but now they didn’t even care about her.

The ratings on most of her social media accounts had dropped, but that was only the beginning. I would take so much more than she took from me.

“Are you really serious about making me your assistant? I thought I made it clear yesterday that I won’t bow to you?” She sneered.

“You agreed to do it and I’ve already signed the contract, and have it at the back of your mind that Mr Hemmingway will do everything possible to have me as the company’s brand ambassador, including ensuring that you do as I say.” I replied tersely and she banged her clenched fists on the glove department.

“You are a slimy bitch, Melissa! Remember this, I’ll make you pay for humiliating me in this manner.” She seethed, pointing her fingers at me while I stared at her blankly.

Her threats were like the shrieks of a baby. All noise and no actions.

And since I knew her like the back of my palm, I’d always be a step ahead of her.

There’s nothing you can do, honey.

“Meet me here at nine am tomorrow. We have a shoot to attend and I won’t tolerate lateness. You can leave.” I said harshly, and opened the door for her to leave.

Her face turned red and her cheeks puffy with subdued anger. Her eyes slid from my head to my toe in disgust, but that didn’t matter because she’d be running under the rain and looking for shelter until the weather became clear again.