Chapter 5 Trouble.....

Adonis sat behind his desk, working on his computer when he heard a knock on his door, irritated at being interrupted,

"Come in", he said without glancing up. Zion peeped into the office at his cousin's command. Of late, his cousin was always pissed or irritated, he knew his cousin had a lot going on but it seemed like something more was bothering him now, so he threaded carefully when around his cousin to avoid triggering him the more, but he had had just about enough of it, him and everyone else in the office.

"Hey, bro", he said stepping tentatively into the office.

"Yes"? Adonis replied curtly without looking up.

"Ehm, I just wanted to tell you that I've spoken with the prospective secretary.....she'll be in on Monday "

"Ok...." was Adonis's absent reply. Pulling a seat, Zion sat, resting his arms on the table.

"You and I know that you're doing nothing with that laptop......it's obvious to even a blind man that you're not getting any work done"

With a frustrated sigh, Adonis looked at his cousin, angry with himself for feeling that way, even more annoying was the fact that he seemed to have no control over it. He seemed to snap at just about everyone now and while he knew what the problem was, he just couldn't seem to help it, and worse, he couldn't explain it to anyone.

"Talk to me, bro", Zion implored.

"I'm fine", another curt reply

"Are you"? Zion asked with a scoff.

"It's obvious to everyone that you're a walking dynamite.....we can't all be walking around shells cause we're trying not to trigger you"

"You have a reputation as a good boss, you wouldn't want to spoil that now, would you"?, he continued, "Fine..... you've refused to tell anyone what the matter is.....then try resolving it on your own instead of making us suffer for what isn't our fault".

Adonis sat morosely listening to his cousin chide him, deep down he knew of late he has been an asshole but he felt bad cause he just couldn't help it. Zion stood up, looked at his cousin, turned on his heels, and left the office. Adonis sat staring after his cousin, he knew he was right and he had to get his shits together. He should probably take some time off, maybe a change of scenery would do him some good, he thought to himself.

Adonis had woken up late that day after much difficulty falling asleep, after freshening up, he went in search of his guest. He looked into the sitting room to see if she was out already, but she wasn't there, he didn't notice that her bag which he kept on the table wasn't there either. He proceeded to her room, tapping lightly on the door, after a few seconds without any response, he went in, only to find an empty bed, frowning lightly he went into the bathroom, only to find it empty also, her clothes weren't there either. He went to the sitting and confirmed his suspicions when he saw her bag wasn't on the table where he left it. He checked to see if she left a note but found nothing, he headed down to the lobby and enquired from the receptionist who told him that the lady in question left some hours ago, with a nod he thanked her and headed back to his room dismayed that she left without a goodbye, not even a note.

Just as he was about to return to his laptop, his door burst open and an angry Dee walked in.

"You've not been taking your calls......you didn't call back either".

She didn't get a response from him, he didn't even look up to acknowledge her presence. Banging her fists on the table, the water can on the table rattled.

"You can at least act like I'm here!", she shrieked.

Quirking an eyebrow, he rested back in his seat and looked at her lazily.

"Dee, I'm busy"

"I'm busy too, yet I'm here.....cause this relationship is important"

Taking a deep breath, she crossed her arms, "Why didn't you call me?...... I'll ask again"

"Told you I was busy!"

"The whole week.....and the week before?"

"Yes Dee"

Sulking, she took a seat.

"Doni, what exactly is the problem..... what's happening"?

"How"?

"Don't play dumb with me"

"How Dee"?

"Donis, we've been having issues of late......"

He cut in, "Nothing is happening, I've just had a lot going on with me"

Getting up and going behind him, she placed her hands on his shoulder massaging him, "Sorry to hear that, Hun"

"Should I book a session at the spa......or we could go away for the weekend".

Feeling irritated and uncomfortable at her touch, he removed her hands and stood up. Hands in his pocket, he walked to the window, looking out.

"I'm too busy for that"

"You and I know that you can take the year off if you want"

"I don't have time for this"

"Alright......let's move on to something else"

"When is our engagement"?

"Our what?"

"You heard me right.......our engagement "

"There's no engagement, Dee...I'm not ready for that now".

"Donis, you're almost 35, remember your dad's deadline......you're...."

"I don't need you to remind me of anything", he said through gritted teeth.

"I think you do!".....she countered, he kept quiet still staring out the window. Coming behind him, she hugged him from behind, he stiffened at her touch.

"I'm sorry Doni.......I overreacted.....I get that you're busy and I might be pressuring you, but I'm looking out for you".

Squirming," I do appreciate you looking out for me, but I'm fine"

"In regards to the engagement.....I don't think there'll be any engagement". Slowly withdrawing her hands, "W...why"? she stuttered.

"Cause...... I don't think I'm ready to settle down".

"And your father's deadline.....?"

"Is my issue to worry about", he said sharply.

Dee's countenance changed immediately, furious and shaking with rage, she pointed a finger at Adonis.

"So you're just going to throw our relationship away like that......after two years.....after all we had!".

Adonis turned and walked toward his seat but Dee halted his progress, stepping in front of him, she held his face with both hands, tears gathered in her eyes as she looked up at him.

"Donis, can you at least think about it"

"Dee, can I get back to work, please...I have a deadline to meet", he said pushing her away from him.

Sniffing, she wiped her eyes and then picked her bag from the table.

"I'll leave you to work..... but I'll be back", then she took her leave, slamming the door behind her.

Adonis could feel the beginning of a headache, rubbing his temple, he wondered if his day could get any worse.