Chapter 8 Fire on the mountain

The night air was indeed chilly as he sat by the pool side that night drooling over his mother's demands. He knew his mother too well to take her words lightly,she meant what she said and what he thinks or wants does not matter as long as she gets what she wants.

The devil indeed has someone who could take him and which he has no control over.

Arnold sighed for the umpteenth time that night as he took off his shirt for better circulation of air;he truly needed the air if he's going to think properly tonight.

Arnold was indeed overthinking,his father would have been furious if he were alive just like he was ten years ago when he couldn't ask a girl je liked out to dinner.

Arnold was just nine years of age at the time and was getting all spiked up all because of a girl new girl he liked living next door;Arnold would wake up as early as possible just to see her walk to her parents car as he prepared for school.

This went on for weeks and Arnold Snr had heard enough and decided not to take a decision.

"Edward!". His father called one sunny afternoon .

"Yes dad". Arnold answered thinking he was about to deliver something he had promised him earlier.

"What's the name of the youngest girl in the family living across us" he asked the nine year old.

Uhm...uhm.. Arnold stammered. Guessing where this was going.

"It's Bennyrose dad". Arnold answered mustering some confidence.

"Good,I want you to invite her out for dinner here tommorow night". Arnold Snr dropped the bombshell and returned to reading the newspapers.

Shocked to the bone marrow, Arnold's legs startrd getting wobbly and he almost wet his pants,tried to say something but nothing came out.

Realising his son was still standing in his front,he looked up from his newspapers and added;

"You can go"was the word he said; with an evil smile spread across his lips.

Arnold walked away shamefaced looking like a goalkeeper who had just scored am own goal.

"The rest that says is history".

The issue caused an uproar between his parents,his mother accused his father of "spoiling her son" with his father hammering on "training our son the right way"

"I want him to learn how to behave as a man;real men go for what they want not admire from a distance". Even as a young boy, those words hit him but didn't spur him to ask Bennyrose out though.

He was even in a bigger dilemma compared to Bennyrose saga;he had to make a decision which was either marrying Jessica or...or...Standing up to his mother.

"Marry Jessica or stand up to your mother". Was the topic of discuss in his mind tonight,as his inner angels debated.

The good angel asking him to save the stress and marry Jessica while the supposedly evil Angel going for a confrontation with his mother.

Jessica's great but still not the woman for him,the woman of his dreams is somewhere around him,he could feel it in his bones,just that he has not looked deep enough to identify it,in his therapist words.

He lounged in the pool, his glistening skin covered with droplets of water. Suddenly,sensing someone was gazing at him he turned hoping to match the person red handed but he no one was there.

His deep thoughts has gotten him hallucinating,he thought as he continued sipping from his bottle of cognac.

"I have to step up the search for this lady". He thought.

I'll give john a call, John had the one helping him with the investigations and findings about his mystery lady since it all started. The only person at the bar who didn't think he was crazy.

His best bet is finding his mystery woman so as to be able to counter his mother with a valid dose of love talk.

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It was her twentieth day living in the Arnold's mansion,twenty days if actively trying to stay out of everyone's way.

The devil had decided to work from home today and asked his driver pack all his work mails home.

Jenny guessed he boss was still bothered about whatever it was he was thinking about last night; didn't know that the devil himself could get worked up over ephemeral things.

She would ask him what was bothering when she meets him today,she decided. Trying to be a supportive secretary because, according to her :as a secretary, her boss's problem is also hers.

Avoiding Mrs Arnold was a task that she must accomplished, Jenny chuckled at her use of words and staying out of trouble also meant avoiding Jessica.

All she had to do was give her boss his daily schedule every morning,after his approval she proceeds to clean her office. Sometimes her boss sends her some mails to sort out and reply and that was her favourite part of her job;sorting and replying his mails.

It's been a week since the incident of their moments together occurred but both of them have managed to avoid any discussion pertaining to the moment even after his botched attempt to apologize;Arnold didn't meet with her to discuss the matter which made Jenny a little bit disappointed in her boss,because that meant he was either too shy to bring the matter up or hr just decided to be arrogant. Whichever way what matters was that Jenny showed superior handling of the matter, getting Arnold uncomfortable and groping for more.

Various irrelevant letters from the citizens of the city,some writing to profess their love;another asking him to come marry and plus some hate mails alos. Seems a lot of people would die for the hands off her boss in marriage.

The morning mails for the day were not as bulky as usual and that meant she could rest later in the day.

One of the mail's was from the mayor of the city;and it was tagged confidential. The confidential tape around it meant she could not peruse it's contents which means she must go to her boss as he was in his home office.

Making the decision to go to his office was not an easy task, sir calmed herself down by counting from one to five, a skill her mother taught her to use when she was nervous.

Jenny had to be,she was going into a secluded and closed place with Arnold in which they're going to be alone -just like the last time.

Finally gaining the courage, She rang his office telephone.

Ring ...Ring ...Ring...

No resonse.

Perhaps he's asleep,she rang again.

Ring...Ring...*Yes". A firm reply came was the answer from the other end.

"I have a mail that's tagged confidential here with me sir". Jenny said quickly.

"Come with it to my office". Another firm reply and a click signifying end if transmission.

Bring it to his office; Jenny's heartbeat increased tenfold.

Inside his office meant just them alone,his imposing cologne plus his arrogant behaviour; putting up with all of that ... She vegan to count one to five again.

Knock...

"Come in".

Good day Mr Arnold,Jenny saluted.

"Good morning miss Ravens". Arnold replied looking directly at her face.

"Yes,j have a letter her that tagged confidential and I thought you might need to read it immediately",she said stretching her hands trying to pass the letter across.

From across the table,Jenny stretched her hands with the letter hoping Arnold stretches his hands to save time.

Arnold took a look at her well trimmed nails knowing she expected him to receive the letter but he had other plans.

Just when Jenny was getting embarrassed for stretching the letter in the first place,Arnold spoke:"Why don't you come over to my side here and read out the letter to me".

"Sir". Was the reply from Jenny.

"You heard me and I'm not going to repeat myself". Arnold replied.

Jenny was fumed by his arrogant reply mumbling her one to five,she stood up slowly to maintain her composure,taking a step a a time she walked gracefully to Arnold's side if the table stoping just a inch from him.

The closeness between hem was intoxicating and electric at the same time,both of them sniffing eachothers cologne and trying to remain official.

"The letter Mrs Ravens". Jenny jolted back to reality .

"Oh! Right away sir .Are you sure you want me I read it out loud sir".

"Please do". Arnold was getting impatient .

Here's a sample letter:

Ignoring the formalities,Jenny went straight to the body of the letter after informing Arnold of the sender.

It is with great pleasure that I, on behalf of the whole state of New York city,extend an invitation to you to attend the prestigious Gala Night scheduled to take place on 24th September at the alliance arena.

This annual event celebrates outstanding achievements in various fields, and we are honored to recognize your exceptional leadership as the Best CEO of the Year. Your remarkable accomplishments and contributions to the business community have not gone unnoticed, and we believe your dedication and hard work warrant this special recognition.

During the Gala Night, you will be presented with the award, and we would be delighted if you could join us to receive this well-deserved honor.

Jenny paused to catch her breath as she was getting excited already.

Arnold kept am emotionless face. Continuing the letter.

The evening promises to be an exciting celebration, featuring cultural performances, fine dining, and great company. We look forward to sharing this special moment with you.

Please RSVP by to confirm your attendance. You may respond by mail or by email addressed to the mayor's office.

Once again, congratulations on this outstanding achievement! We eagerly await your response and look forward to celebrating with you on the Gala Night.

Yours sincerely,

Catching her breath,she waited for Arnold's comment.

Seeming like she was not going to get any,she broke the silence.

"That's it Mr Arnold". She said,raising her voice to get his attention.

"What award was mentioned again?".

"CEO of the year sir". Jenny happily replied.

"Then you must come with me". Arnold asked.

*Oh no sir,I don't think that's a good idea sir" was Jenny's reply.

"Save me all of that",Arnold said knowing she was referring to Jessica.

"The invention that win me thisswatd was possible due to the corrections you made to the electrical wheelchair I was working on that time,so you must come".

"Thank you sir". Jenny was indeed happy she was getting her credits.

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Jessica was furious, she had been standing at the doorway for about twenty minutes now, pressing the doorbell consistently but no reply. She was about to leave when a happy and chatty Jenny opened the door with a big smile in her face.

Already pained that Arnold ignored his calls,texts and doorbell plus Jenny coming out of his office with an happy face was just too much for her to handle.

She reached for the files Jenny was carrying;

"You bitch",she screamed. Bringing down all the files with Jenny.

A shocked Jenny just stood gummed to the floor unable to process what was going on yet watched as all the files she was carrying tell off her arms even as Jessica collided with her .

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Arnold wasn't expecting Jessica to assault Jenny,he didn't come out to help because he thought Jessica was only there to rant and go

Without saying a word to her,he took Jenny in his arms to the consternation of Jessica; carrying her as if he was taking her to the altar.

*Get the car immediately" he ordered his driver who scrambled to get the car at once.

Walkin past Jessica,the look of fire and hate in his face said it all,she didn't dare move close as he laid her gently in the car immediately running for the car seat.

Jenny had to be in the hospital,with her heaving his laps and her beautiful face staring straight at his.

He suddenly got the feeling of deja vu again.