For an hour, Sheira stayed in the bathroom, trying to calm herself after Rey's harsh treatment. Her body ached, but the pain in her heart was even worse. After their intimate encounter earlier, Rey's cruel words and actions had overshadowed everything, leaving her unable to enjoy the moment at all.
"What should I do now? Rey knows about my plan to ruin his family," Sheira murmured as she wiped her tears roughly.
After gathering her thoughts, Sheira realized she could adopt a more assertive approach with Rey. After all, wasn't that her goal? With her alluring figure and striking beauty, she had every intention of winning his heart. Yet, the moment she locked eyes with him, all her courage seemed to vanish under his piercing gaze, which always left her feeling paralyzed.
Eventually, Sheira returned to her desk, where she found a cold drink accompanied by a note from one of her subordinates. Initially, she frowned, wondering who had left it there. But as she read the note, she quickly connected the dots.
'Use this to soothe the bruises on your neck. I've placed the pregnancy prevention pill in your bag — take it immediately.'
Emotion surged within her as she crumpled the note in her hand. "What an arrogant jerk. Just wait, Rey—I will make you kneel before me, the so-called 'bitch' you deride."
-//-
For a moment, she let her anger slip away. This Sunday, Sheira visited her father in the hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for the past month. She hoped to finalize arrangements for his kidney failure surgery. As she strolled through the hospital corridor, her steps faltered as she spotted something familiar in the obstetrics area. Sheira concealed herself behind a pillar and peered from a distance. There, she saw a woman holding hands with a man. Though she didn't recognize the man, the woman was unmistakably Bella.
"Is that Bella with someone?" Sheira murmured to herself. "Could that be Mr. Arsen?" Having never met him, she wasn't sure, but it seemed plausible.
"It's best to capture this moment for evidence,"Sheira thought, reaching for her cell phone. However, when she looked up again, the two had vanished from her sight.
"Sheira, are you here?" a voice called out. Startled, Sheira turned to see Bella approaching, accompanied by a man she didn't recognize.
"Ma'am Bella?" Sheira blurted. "Is that you?"
"Sheira, are you expecting?" Bella asked.
Sheira quickly shook her head. "No, I was just passing through. I'm here to visit my father who's also being treated here," she clarified.
Bella nodded. "Oh, this is James, my friend. He's been entrusted by Rey to look after me while he's busy. Today, Rey asked James to accompany me for a check-up, so you don't need to worry about taking sneaky photos." Feeling embarrassed, Sheira realized Bella had caught on to her intentions, and guilt crept over her for having misjudged Bella.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am Bella. I didn't mean to imply anything. Please forgive me," Sheira said, her eyes downcast in shame. Bella smiled, her expression warm and forgiving.
"No problem at all, Sheira. Take care of your father, and I wish you the best."
"Thank you for understanding, Ma'am. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your future child," Sheira replied as Bella and James walked away. Standing there, Sheira adjusted her heartbeat, mortified at being found out by Bella.
"Get a grip, Sheira. Bella isn't capable of cheating, so stop thinking such things about her," Sheira chided herself, shaking her head in frustration.
-//-
"So, have you secured a surgery date for your father, Sheira?" Zeny asked, coincidentally running into Sheira as they approached the company building.
"Yes, and I feel relieved it's finally happening. I just hope we can find a kidney donor soon," Sheira replied as they walked together.
"I'll be praying for your father's swift recovery," Zeny offered sincerely.
"Thank you, Zeny." As they crossed the street, they spotted Rey exiting his car with his assistant, Leo. Suddenly, memories of the previous day's harassment flooded Sheira's mind.
She hadn't shared her plan to disrupt Rey's family with anyone, and anxiety gripped her heart about the $300 million down payment she had received.
"Zeny," Sheira hesitated.
"Yes, Sheira?" Zeny responded, turning toward her.
"What if… if Rey finds out I'm trying to undermine his marriage, what could happen?" Sheira fretted.
Zeny paused to think before answering, "He'll likely be furious and won't sit back. If Rey discovers you're working with the Enermous company, it could lead to retaliation against Mr. Arsen. So, be careful." Sheira felt a lump in her throat.
Just hearing Zeny's warning sent shivers down her spine. Would she have to repay that down payment? Plus, face Rey's wrath later? What a predicament!
"Why are you asking that all of a sudden?" Zeny inquired.
"Ah, I was just curious, trying to remind myself to be cautious at work," Sheira replied, hoping her excuse was sufficient.
Zeny nodded in acceptance. "By the way, have you met Mr. Arsen yet?"
"Not yet. I heard he's out of town on business matters," Sheira explained.
"Eventually, you'll meet him. Don't be surprised; he's much different from Rey. He's kinder and gentler. It's just unfortunate he still pines for Bella, a woman who's already married, despite being pursued by many others."
"I can see why he struggles to forget his first love. Bella truly is someone special," Sheira agreed.
Once in her office, Sheira sat down at her desk, only to be startled by Rey's unexpected arrival. The entire room fell silent, eyes wide as Rey stepped in.
"Good morning, Mr. Rey. How can we assist you?" Zeny asked, speaking for everyone.
"I need to see Sheira in my office," Rey replied, casting a sharp glare in Sheira's direction. The moment her name was called, Sheira's heart raced. Panic washed over her—had she made another mistake? What was Rey angry about now? Without further ado, he turned and left, expecting her to follow.
"Any updates on your relationship with Rey, Sheira?" Zeny whispered.
With a strained smile, Sheira merely replied, "Excuse me," before hastily following Rey to his office.