A week later

“You must be kidding right? You will be meeting with your ex-husband and Delaney? And then your father too”. Erica's best friend, Rose, ranted over the phone, obviously angry. “Why didn’t you tell me all these while?”

“I only got to know about it after Aunt Amelia came a week ago. It was just a quick decision.” Erica sighed wearily.

Rose sounded worried from the other side. She had been friends with Erica for the last four years and had shared all emotions with her.

Erica soon got off the phone with rose. She went over to her bedside and pulled some files out from the shelf beside her bed. She glanced through them, pacing up and down the room.

She suddenly felt uneasy as a photo of the triplets when they were just born fell out from one of the files. She picked it up and stared at it. She had hidden the news of her pregnancy and birth away from Norberto.

She was worried, knowing that she had no clue regarding how he will react when he finally gets to know.

Her heartbeat quickened as she remembered the night of their conceivement. They all had a striking resemblance to Norberto and she feared him taking them away from her when he finally learns the truth.

Erica Walked over to the triplet's room. She found them fast asleep. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw them sleeping soundly. She wondered what fate had in store for her. She was not willing to go back to Norberto and she wasn't ready to give up her kids either. And then there's Richard in the corner, waiting to come into her life. He was the exact opposite of Norberto. She knew not to deny that she had a soft spot for him but a greater part of her was unwilling to let him into her life at the moment.

I'll give it sometime. Maybe we can have a thing and see how it goes along the line. Erica thought to herself.

She battled with the conflicting thoughts in her mind. She didn't know what to expect and what will be the outcome of her going to the United States and this further throws her into a confused state. Meeting her stepfather, seeing Delaney, meeting Norberto after all these years. Her appearance was surely going to stir up a lot of reactions.

She reached out for her phone which was ringing beside her. She looked at the screen and a smile appeared on her face, brightening her expression. She picked it up and with a gleeful voice, she responded to the person at the other end.

“Good evening, Richard”.

……………

Norberto buried his face in his palms, letting out a sigh.

“Another rejection again. I am so sick and tired of all these. I feel like a fool already. There’s no hope for the company anymore”. He moaned, rubbing his eyes. They were swollen due to lack of sleep and his appearance looked messy.

“We tried everything we could, sir. We did our best. It was just not enough. You don’t have to blame yourself or beat yourself up”. Carlo, his secretary, who sat beside him said.

“We need to try harder. I can’t afford to see the company go down the drain. It is going to be a big slap on our face”.

“By the way, who used to bring up the ideas and do the pitches then? I remember the company was not in shambles like this”.

“Unfortunately, she resigned, sir. It used to be a lady. She was very dedicated and brilliant and also very business oriented too. To be honest, she was the pillar that held the company from collapsing”.

“Where is she? Then find her. We need her back on track. I shouldn't have invested in the company of Delaney's dad. It's really pulling us back”.

“I’m afraid I can’t sir”.

“What do you mean? I said bring her and do something.” Norberto said at the top of his voice, impatiently.

“But she left already, sir. She doesn’t work in the company anymore”.

Norberto's heart sank as Carlo said those words. He exhaled heavily and paced up and down his office, undoing his tie.

“I have no idea where she is currently, sir. I tried reaching her several times but she was not accessible. And I could not find any file about her in the company’s register either”.

“Do you have any idea what her name might be?”

“I think Erica, yeah Erica…”

Norberto’s body went weak immediately he heard his secretary’s words. “Erica…. She’s the one?”

“Yes sir. She did so much for the company”.

Norberto crouched down and banged his fist on the desk out of frustration. “DAMN IT!”

“We need to get going sir so we can be early and on time for the meeting with Delaney’s father and the investors.”

“I am seriously tired and sick of seeing that man. He should better have something tangible to offer this time around. His daughter isn’t helping matters, she is not any better either, bunch of losers”. Norberto mumbled, adjusting his tie.

The duo exited the company and walked straight to where Norberto parked his car. The driver was already waiting for them. Norberto sat in the back seat while Carlo and the driver occupied the front seat.

Norberto could not wait to be done with the meeting. He dreaded any event or opportunity that made him have an encounter with Delaney’s father. His mood was always bad whenever it came to see or have anything to do with George Shawn. He would have opted to not be in attendance but it was urgent and his presence was needed.

As the car sped down the free tarred road leading to the company, his mind was filled with different thoughts. He looked outside the window absentmindedly, this time around, wishing he could turn back the hands of the clock and do right by Erica.

The car pulled up at the company’s entrance. Norberto got down impatiently without waiting for the driver to open the door for him. He strutted off with an air of confidence. And just as he was about to enter the building, his gaze met with his worst nightmare. He kept looking straight ahead without blinking his eyes and his lips were slightly parted.

His legs grew heavier and he just stood at a spot as though he was frozen while locking gaze with her. He had no idea what really got him so surprised the most, seeing her after six years or her striking beauty or the expensive car she had taken a ride in.

“Erica?!” he whispered her name in disbelief, staring straight at her. For the first time since he had met Erica, he felt ashamed. He let out a sigh, as guilt slowly crept into his heart, wondering why she was here. For the first time, in a very long time, he felt his body growing weak as fear consumed him.

Erica helped herself down from the car immediately Richard pulled up at her father's company. He was hell-bent on coming with her and she had no other choice than to agree. She took a deep breath as she looked at the company, taking in the whole surroundings. It was the same as she remembered it to be, only that the building was looking a bit dilapidated. She was almost making her way in when she came to a halt. She thought her eyes were playing tricks on her when she saw who was standing just in front of her.

Norberto Welling.

She felt her heartbeat increasing, beating hard against her ribs. The silence that enveloped them was deafening.

“Come on, let's get going babe.” Richard said, wrapping his hand around Erica's waist and drawing her closer to himself, leading her inside.

In as much as she would hate to agree, Norberto was looking disorganized and worn-out. It was obvious in his face and clothes.

“Is everything okay, Erica?” Richard interrupted her thoughts, immediately they made their way inside, peering at her face.

“Yeah I'm fine Richard. Thank you.” Erica didn’t fail to see the way Norberto turned green with envy the moment Richard approached her. `

“Oh my god! Who do we have here? Erica?” Carlo cried out. He rushed over to her with his face beaming with smiles.

“Carlo!!! It’s been a while.” She responded, hugging him.

“It’s so good to see you again. You left the company just like that. I was just telling the boss about you and how much of a great help you have been to us.” Erica turned towards Norberto who immediately turned his face away.

“I am happy to see you Carlo. This is Richard. My ….”

“Her boyfriend,” Richard said happily, stretching his hand forward for a handshake.

“ouui, she’s a really good person, please take care of her. If you snooze, you lose. Trust me when I say she’s a gem, one you wouldn’t want to lose.”

“I won’t, trust me too.” Richard smiled, holding Erica’s hand passionately.

“I have to go now Erica. Boss should be waiting for me already. We’ll get in touch, I trust.”

Carlo’s face beamed with smiles as he sat close to Norberto. “That was Erica, boss. The same lady I was talking to you about.” Carlo was surprised when he saw Norberto fuming and mumbling incoherently to himself.

“Is everything fine sir?”

“That guy was touching her so inappropriately.” He fumed. His fist bawling.

“But sir, that’s her boyfriend”, Carlo was surprised.

“He better stay away from her. That’s freaking my wife.” Norberto had said harshly before realizing the grave mistake he had done.

Carlo looked at him with a puzzled look, worried that he may be talking under the influence of the stress he had been going through lately.

“Are you sure you are okay sir?” Carlo asked.

Norberto recalled that he had always treated Erica as just a staff and hidden his marriage away from everybody.

Norberto cursed Richard internally. He chuckled painfully, wondering how she could have a boyfriend when they haven’t finalized the divorce.

“She just disappear for years and come back now with a boyfriend…. huh!” Norberto sneered.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, I wasn’t talking to you. We should focus on the meeting now. Mr George is here already.” Norberto said, folding his arms together and fixing his gaze at the high table just few steps in front of him.

“What the hell is Erica doing in this room?” he asked Carlo who was seated beside him.

“I don’t know sir. I’m surprised as well. Well let’s wait and see.”

Norberto’s eyes were filled with jealousy as he saw Erica and Richard laughing quietly and mumbling some words to each other. He had his hands wrapped over Erica’s tiny waist which infuriated him the more.

“Silence everyone. The board meeting will start soon; the lawyer, Lucas is the one keeping us waiting and also Delaney. They will be here soon.” George said. His eyes scanned the room and fell on Erica who was staring hard at him. Unsure of what to do, he rushed over to Norberto, “What is she doing here? Is that her ghost?”

Norberto sighed and mumbled. “I am confused as well.” He looked at his father-in-law and wondered how such an old man could act so stupid some times.

Lucas soon graced them with his presence and apologized for being late. He gazed at Erica for a few seconds before walking over to his heat.

The door opened just immediately, “So sorry I am late everyone. Had to put some things in place and have my makeup done.” Delaney said, rushing to her seat. Norberto rolled his eyes at her as she said those words. He felt embarrassed as she was only concerned about her looks and had nothing else to offer.

“Now we can begin. Mr. George, Delaney and Norberto, kindly please come forward and take a seat on the high table.

Delaney tried intertwining her hands with Norberto but he shook her off. Delaney, feeling embarrassed by his action in front of everyone and trying to hide her hurt, she faked a smile and went straight to her seat.

“I have great news everyone. But before that, I am grateful to you all for making out time to be here today. I received a mail few days ago from GLOBAL ENTERPRISES and they have agreed to partner with us and approve our grant.”

Everyone in the room clapped except Delaney who had her face screwed in disgust.

“Such an annoying company. Why didn’t they approve it all these while? We had to send thousands upon thousands of proposals and emails before they could finally approve it, what is there to be happy about. It’s not as if the grant will cover for all our debts.”

“Watch your words, Delaney.” Lucas warned her, “Say one more word and I’ll have you thrown out of this board room.” He glared at her.

“What? I haven’t said anything wrong. Norberto here knows how many times we had to send a proposal and an email, right Norberto?”

Norberto gave her no response as he was busy occupied with different thoughts. He felt the room had become stuffy even though the AC was fully on. He couldn’t bear being in the same room with Erica and her boyfriend.

Seeing that the noise had died down, Lucas continued, “Now, permit me to introduce to you, the CEO of GLOBAL ENTERPRISES, miss Erica, can you kindly come up please?”

There was a sudden silence in the room. Delaney suddenly took notice of Erica’s presence. “What is this ghost doing here?” she asked no one in particular, rising to her feet.

“I think it will be good if you stop making such a nuisance of yourself, miss.” Richard said, eyeing her with his face filled with irritation.

“Aww, after how many years and now this thing over here just decided to appear with a boy to spite us, hey look over here, who the hell do you think you are?”

“Delaney, this is my last warning to you, keep shut or I will have you thrown out.” Lucas fumed at her.

“Say that to those cheap things over there and not me.”

“Delaney!!!” George shouted, banging his fist on the table, “Say nothing anymore.” He cautioned her. Delaney defeatedly sat down on her seat, casting glances at Erica.

“Erica is the CEO and owner of GLOBAL ENTERPRISES. please come take your seat over here.”

Everyone looked in shock and utter disbelief as Erica walked up to her seat. She scanned the room with a smile on her face.

Lucas beamed with smiles, Richard winked at her, proud of her. George avoided her gaze, Delaney was burning with rage while Norberto was almost going crazy where he sat.

“My name is Erica, and I am the CEO of GLOBAL ENTERPRISES. I am not really happy with the condition of the company and that is why I have stepped in to offer my help in my own little way. Henceforth, I am now the new CEO of this company and I will be overseeing its affairs to ensure it gets back on its feet. There will be no room for flimsy excuses and unseriousness, anyone found wanting, will be dismissed with immediate effect!” Erica stated, glaring at Delaney.

The rest of the time was further spent discussing about the affairs of the company and how to run it.

Three hours later

“I think with everything being said now, we can call it a day. I will get back to everyone after having a discussion with the new CEO.”

Erica picked up her bag immediate and gracefully exited the room. Richard was behind her, as though he was watching over her, trying to save her from danger.

She suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned towards Richard, “Thank you so much for everything, thanks for coming with me. You gave me the confidence to do all I did over there.”

“It’s fine my lady. You did really well. I am so proud of you.”

Erica blushed.

“I need to use the restroom, give me some minutes please.”

Norberto who had been watching the two of them from a distance followed Erica immediately.

“This is the right time.” He mumbled. He had been looking for an avenue to speak to her.

“My eyes must be playing tricks on me!” Delaney exclaimed in disbelief the moment Erica was out of earshot. She paced up and down the room, rubbing her palms together.

“She was rumored to be dead. She wasn’t seen for years, and now she just comes back, trying to rule over us?”

“Dad! You aren’t saying anything.” She shrieked, stomping her feet in anger.

“Just let me think, let me think of something.” George shouted at her, obviously angry.

“She can’t just disappear and come back so rich and all glamourous. She must have stolen from you or been sleeping around.”

“Do you think I am finding this funny and easy? You talk too much. Just let me focus.” He lashed at his daughter.

“The company is going bankrupt already, what do you expect me to do? Fold my hands and reject her help, so people can mock us?”

“Enough of your too much talks Delaney. Please!”

“I don’t blame you father. Why won’t you talk this way when she has already blinded you with her money, all of you!” Delaney held her long gown and stormed out of the board room in anger.

………………

Erica was done relieving herself and approached the mirror to reapply her makeup when she looked to her side and sighted Norberto. She averted her gaze from him and continued applying her makeup. She picked up her handbag, and walked towards the door.

Norberto stopped her in her tracks, blocking the way with his huge body. He knew the bathroom was only for the meant for the top females in the company so he worried less about anyone coming inside.

“Can you please step aside.”

“Erica…”

“I said, step aside. You are blocking the way.”

“Erica, please listen to me…”

“don’t you dare even think of touching me with your filthy hands.” She said, glaring angrily at him. Norberto immediately withdrew his hand and placed them on the wall behind her.

“Get mad at me all you want Erica, shout, hit me, punch me, but please hear me out. I won’t leave until we talk.”

“Then be ready to tell everyone why you are in the female’s restroom.”

“I have nothing to discuss with you. We have nothing to talk about. So now back off and let me leave.”

“Where have you been? Where did you go to? I searched for you. I looked for you everywhere.”

Erica sneered and chuckled as she looked at him from head to toe. “Is this really you talking? You looked for me, you searched everywhere, when you were the one that told me to get lost and stay away from your life.”

“I can explain, just let me explain.”

“These were the same words I said to you, years ago, begging you. Now leave my way.”

“What do you even want us to talk about? You asked for a divorce I agreed, I accepted all your terms and stayed away from your life, what else do you want from me?” she shouted.

“or do you need a reminder! How you treated me, how you made me looked like a fool for all I ever did and how you choose my own step sister over me a many times or was it how I was at the hospital fighting for my life yet you were only concerned about your engagement to my sister.”

Norberto sighed and rubbed his face.

“You have changed so much Erica. You are no longer the lady I used to know.”

“yeah, all thanks to you.”

“I am no longer the foolish, young, naïve girl that was blindly in love with a man that never reciprocated it and used every opportunity to insult me and made a fool out of me.”

“No don’t get me wrong Erica. I mean, you didn’t even spare a glance at me. You carried yourself back there with so much confidence and glamour. We are still married you know, I’m still your husband.”

“You joke too much Norberto”

“You are in my past; you are my past. I don’t have anything to do with you anymore and I owe you nothing. So don’t even think you still own me.”

Everything happened so fast. Norberto pushed her against the wall which left her feeling shocked. His hot breath caressed her neck, making tiny strands of hair stood up. Their chests were almost touching.

“Get off me Norberto.”

“Erica, I know I have wrong you and did horrible things to you in the past. Please forgive me. I searched for you, I swear. I looked everywhere for you. I had no clue where you might have gone to. I am sorry for all the pain please.”

“I feel so bad right now. I don’t even feel like a match for you anymore. I feel so ashamed currently. Please forgive me.”

He leaned forward, pressing harder against her chest. Erica swallowed hard trying to wriggle from his grip.

“Please just stay still.”

He bent his head and caressed her neck with his lips, slightly her.

And almost immediately, Delaney stormed in. “What is going on here?” she asked glaring at them.

“Norberto, what the hell is going on here?” she screamed.

“Delaney, just go away from here please.” Erica tried pushing him off but he was no match for her.

“I can see you are back to take him away huh! you cheap thing.”

Erica swallowed hard. She could feel anger rising inside of her. She pushed Norberto away with all her might and walked right to Delaney. She pulled at her hair and dragged her head back painfully making Delaney to scream and wince in pain.

“Don’t you dare talk to me like that ever in your life.” She adjusted her dress and stormed out of the restroom.

Richard was standing, resting his back against the wall. He saw Erica walking towards him furiously, her hair flying in the direction of the wind.

“Let’s go Richard.”

“You don’t look too good and you took so long, what happened?” Richard asked, trying to catch up with her.

“We will talk about it on our way going. For now, let’s just leave.” She said grabbing his hand.

………………

“Norberto, you need to tell me what the hell just happened here. Don’t tell me you are swooning over her already. Gosh! Men! You guys are so unbelievable.” She said, placing her palm on her forehead and pacing up and down the restroom.

He glared at Delaney as though he could strangle her any moment. “You are such a pest, a killjoy! Just stay away from my business. Don’t interfere, you leech!”