Nine months too late: After divorce

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When she looked up again, she caught a smug smile on Astrid and June's faces. It was obvious they were already expecting her to fail and leave. Because the task was impossible!

"So sorry for the stress, grandpa," June pulled a pout. "Please, you should go home and get enough rest."

Galen started for the door, then suddenly stopped, glancing at Astrid. "What's happening with the Timeless Tale deal?"

Astrid's face fell, the smug smile she once wore disappearing from her face. Astrid was supposed to have signed that deal days ago.

"Uh... Actually, there's been a little delay. We'rc-"

"Are they pulling out?" Galen furrowed his brows.

"No! Timeless Tale is simply taking their time reviewing the contract. They had some concerns, but it's all settled now. By tomorrow or so, the deal should be signed."

"Or they're simply rejecting you like I expected," June chimed in with a scoff.

Astrid's cheeks turned hot as she looked at her, but before she could form a reply, Galen spoke up.

"It'd have been better if we never approached them at all, Astrid, than to approach them and get rejected. That will be a big blow. He turned the doorknob, opening the door. "I need you to fix that." Then, he was gone.

Sylvie still felt like she couldn't breath. Twenty-four hours. That was all she had to fix their Oasis issue.

There was only one solution, and the thought of it drove her close to insanity.

"Maybe you should start packing your bags." June whispered to her with a haughty laugh as she left.

Astrid simply glared at her without saying a word. She too had her own problems now.

***

Despite the fear churning in Sylvie's guts, half an hour later, she found herself driving toward Oasis. She'd heard that since the completion of the Skyscraper, that was where he spent most of his time.

How could he even do this to her? Hadn't she been hurt enough? Had everyone not taken enough from her already? Reaching Oasis, she took a moment before stepping out of the car. Her heart pounded violently in her chest, trying not to think of the too many eyes on her.

She'd contemplated giving it all up and informing Ruby that she wanted to return to Australia, but then, she thought of really fixing this since it was her mess. They've all looked down on her in the family, concluding that she couldn't be any good. This time, Sylvie wished she could prove them wrong.

Tears burnt the back of her eyes as she remembered always being the one to fix things. Her former family had always seen her as a tool, and now, here, she was being regarded in the same light.

She pushed the tears as far back as possible. One day, it'll be different. One day, she'll prove to everyone that she wasn't a weak tool like they've all assumed. She'll get to the top and show them how important she was.

'You're weak, Sylvie.' that voice came again, but she pushed it aside as she finally stepped into Oasis.

She met one of the receptionists at the front desk.

"Yes? How can I help you?" The lady's eyes were barely off her screen where she typed vigorously.

"I need to see Kage Hawkins." Sylvie was glad she didn't stutter.

"Do you have an appointment with him? I need your name so I can check."

"I....I actually don't have an appointment. But I'd really love to see him. It's important."

The lady finally paused, lifting her amused eyes off her system and at Sylvie. She chuckled..

"Seriously? You walk into Oasis, demanding to see Mr. Hawkins without an appointment? Who are you, his wife?"

*

Yes Sylvie almost blurted out. They used to be married and would have been parents by now. But apparently, a lot of people didn't remember the face of Kage's ex-wife from four years ago.

She lowered her eyes as she spoke to the lady again. "I know I need an appointment, but this is really impor-"

11

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I'm gonna need to ask you to leave. If you want to see Mr. Hawkins, you'll need to drop your request with me. I'll submit it to him, and if he approves the meeting, he'll set up a date and time which will be communicated to you." She returned to typing on her system.

Sylvie felt the small lump in her throat growing thicker and thicker. She couldn't believe she was the one struggling to see Kage now.

Four years ago, he used to be hers. she could see him whenever she wanted, touched him whenever she pleased. She used to be the most important person to him. How unfortunate life has been for her. "Okay. I'd like to book an appointment, then."

Although, a part of her feared Kage might never approve of it, she booked it, anyway, not having a choice.

****

The following morning, as early as eight a.m, Sylvie was there again, requesting to see him.

"I'm sorry, but your appointment hasn't been set yet. You'll have to wait," the receptionist replied, this one a little more polite than the one Sylvie had met the previous day.

Sylvie felt her heart sinking again. "Please, it's very important. I was here yesterday and-"

"I know. I have all the records here. But I just checked and yours along with others that applied hasn't been approved yet. Usually, these things takes days. I'll suggest you just go back and wait."

"But that's the problem, I can't wait." Impatience crept into her tone, although her eyes were trained on the desk and not staring at the lady.

She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Please...you really have to help me."

The lady shrugged. "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do. Now I'd appreciate you do as I say and don't cost me my job." She went back to typing on her keyboard, and after a while, Sylvie was forced to move,

But she couldn't leave the building. Hell, no. Her grandfather had given her twenty-four hours and she only had about fourteen left. She couldn't just leave and de nothing.

She checked her time. It was just nine a.m.

An idea struck her, and without hesitation, she approached one of the securities at the gate.

KB

3

"Hi. Um... Has your boss beep here yet?"

The older man shook his head. "Not yet."

Sylvie sighed. What she had in mind was crazy and might be embarrassing, but she didn't see another way out of this.

She moved over to the waiting corner by the side of the building and took a seat. For over an hour, she waited, her legs shaking and her palms sweaty.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

She tried to force herself not to think of the worse case scenarios, but the thoughts came dropping effortlessly.

Her idea was to wait for Kage to arrive, then run to him and beg for his attention. But what if he showed up and didn't want to talk to her? What if he yelled at her in public and asked the securities to have her thrown out? Oasis was heavily crowded with people of high caliber, such a situation would be very bad for Sylvie's name. If that happened, Galen might end up sending her back to Australia tonight.

She checked the time. It was ten a.m. Why wasn't he here yet? Was he usually this late? Or what if he doesn't show up at all?

She was about panicking over him not showing up at all when her phone beeped in her bag. Exhaling, she took it out to discover it was a text message.

Her instincts told her it was probably her grandfather checking in on the progress of her task. That morning, she had to avoid him as she didn't want to get scolded.

However, when Sylvie clicked on it, she saw a message that stole the air from her lungs.

Haven't you been curious to know who your enemy is? Who took your kids away from you? It's funny how close you're to this enemy.'