LOVE AGAIN:A Second Chance with the EGOCENTRIC CEO

Define your Mr.Right

handsome? Charming? Gentle? Caring?

Well mine isn't that complicated.I just want someone to love me just the way I am ,an average girl but it seems like it's the hardest thing ever.

I picked up my baggage and turned to the other direction.

My body was wet and my hands were shivering.

I tried to guess if it's from heavy rain or just soaked up by my own tears.

I looked up and I guessed right,the weather was sunny and no sign of rain, it was all my miserable tears.

My name is Valerie and I was engaged nine months ago to my Mr Right,Luke. I never knew that everything had turned wrong the moment I introduced him to my best friend Kamsy 2 years ago.

"You should have seen it coming, lol! Don't be sad I will name our daughter after you, bestie".

Kamsy shouted after me standing at the door post with my boyfriend......ex boyfriend, holding her waist in a way that breaks my heart.

I didn't look back,I tried not to fall either,I felt dizzy and weak,I had cried severally begging him that we can work things out but his words kept ringing in my head.

"You..and I... just a mistake Valerie,I ... didn't know what I wanted when I engaged you...you are not my type,I am sorry, you should move on".

He said this to me hours ago when he came to my work place on our anniversary day.

"But .... we've been together for three years now,you've never complained to me about anything,where have I gone wrong?"

I replied in tears.

"3 years together,doesn't mean we are going to be together forever, please understand like an adult, you're embarrassing me by making me look bad, people are watching".

I turned slowly and stared at the faces of my colleagues.

Yes,he came to my workplace to break up with me ,with the customers and everyone watching.

Our loved up huge pic was still mounted on my table,

I never cease to gush and brag about him to my colleagues, now it's more like a joke of a pic.

"I want to know what I did wrong, please,just tell me Luke".

"Are you dumb! What can't you understand Valerie!"

He screamed at me.

That made me scared he might try to slap me if care wasn't taken. My colleague and friend Daniel came to my rescue.

"Bro,please can you go softer on her?"

He told Luke gently.

"Stay out of our business"Luke snapped back at him.

"This is a workplace not your house Mr man, where's the security!" Daniel shouted back, annoyed.

The company's senior security came to us and asked Luke to leave or he would force him to.

I quickly dried my face with the back of my hand.

"Please, security, it's okay,just a minute"I pleaded then

turned to my boyfriend.

"Baby can we just..."

"Don't call me that,stop it! Your things are outside the door already, come pick them up".

He finally said and left leaving me swimming in my endless tears.

"How interesting,our perfect relationship!"

Jennifer, one of my female colleagues shouted and a few others laughed mockingly.

I tried to run after him but my feet froze,I slowly sat down, my hands were shaking uncontrollably.

The next customer waiting looked at me with the most pitiful eyes.

I tried to smile back at her but I couldn't,instead more tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Ma...madam... your name please?"

I stuttered, and brushed the tears off my face as I continued attending to the customer, my fingers couldn't even hold a pen well.

"You should rest for now,I will be back tomorrow".

The lady said with care and left, I nodded and muttered thanks.

As soon as she was gone, I bent down on my table,and cried.

None of my female colleagues cared to console me. Instead I could hear them mumbling words to each other.I had to put myself together or I would lose my job for being a cry baby during office hours.

I got up and walked to the restroom to wash my face clean.

After the day's work ,I rushed straight to my boyfriend's place.

Seeing my things outside hurt me like I was just stabbed in the heart.

I tried to remember what I did wrong but nothing,how many times I did I forgive his cheating and how many abortions I did to save our relationship.

I crushed my abdomen and knelt down there crying in pain.

The door opened,I looked up and saw my friend kamsy. This time I had no idea what was happening between the two secret lovers. I was too shocked to speak,I just stared at her in surprise.

"Kamsy, what are you doing here?"

She ran to me,"Are you okay,did he hurt you?"

I broke down crying and hugged her.

"Kamsy ,what did I do to deserve such an embarrassment, I did nothing wrong?"

"Shhh it's okay I have talked to him"she said and helped me up to my feet.

"How did you know about this?"I asked, looking up at her, curious,as streams of tears kept rolling down my cheeks.

Luke came out of the house,the two gazed at each other back to me. Then Kamsy breaks into a very loud laughter.

I hope this is a joke, why are they acting like they know something I do not. I was still having hiccups from my crying as I watched her in confusion.

"Kamsy what is happening, can someone talk to me?"

She walked back to Luke and kissed him, my eyes grew wide and my heart shattered.

"Poor Valerie,I told you,you can't get married before me. You think I was joking around. I also told you, I can make your man be my man but you are too naive and you underestimated me Valerie. I am too beautiful to be a single, babe these curves ain't no joke"

she turned around to show off her killer curves

"I..don't understand, that is my fiancé"I replied and chuckled sadly.

Truly I don't understand. What the hell is Kamsy saying? As an introvert and someone who loves genuinely,Kamsy is more like a sister to me.

I love Kamsy, I care so much about her ,I love Kamsy like a sister I never had.

She showed me her finger.

"I am engaged to your man,not your type of engagement because we also have a wedding invitation card for you.....".

I thought I was hallucinating.

A wedding card for me?

"Baby?"

She turned to Luke.

Luke brought a card and gave it to her.

She threw it on the floor in front of me, smiling while leaning on Luke's shoulder.

I slowly picked it up, curious. This is crazy, I think I am going crazy ,all I could do was laugh.

"You got me,is this some kind of tik tok prank or surprise. You are joking right,you two are getting married,a big joke,he is my fiance and you are ...."

Kamsy cuts in,making a sad face.

"I am your best friend,yes I know honey,life is so sad,when you can't keep your man, well someone else does that for you".

I still can't believe it.

"This is no movie Kamsy,so stop joking about important stuff like, you joke too much Kamsy, and Luke enough of this prank, please someone be serious".

I chuckled out sadly.

Yes, that was just the beginning of my story, it happens the surprise breakup wasn't a prank at all.

I got a cab and went straight back to my place. I cried all the way home,making the cab driver steal glances at me.

I got home, paid him and went inside, just at the doorway I suddenly had this idea to commit suicide.

It is for the best,I feel like,that's what I deserve,I just can't live with this pain and betrayal.

It was my best friend and the first man I ever loved, my first kiss ,my first ever and Kamsy, the friend I could die for.

What is my crime?

Nothing, absolutely nothing!

I have a personality that makes it easy to be stamped on and kick off. I wish I could have a little of that toughness to fight back but my heart was weak. I should end my useless life or else I will keep on keeping on.

I rushed out in the rain to get rat poison. My phone rang several times in my raincoat but I ignored it. I decided to buy a sniper in the nearest store.

"Valerie?"

A voice called me out from the queue,I turned,it's my colleague Daniel. I quickly forced a smile awkwardly.

"Hey Daniel..emm.,what are you doing in my neighborhood?"

"Here is your sniper ma'am"

The sales girl handed it over.

I cursed within me, but thanked her.

"Those stubborn rats,they really need to be stopped"

I said out loud without no one asking what it's for.

"I called you several times,you didn't pick up,I got worried so I decided to come around. Can I accompany you home?"he said softly.

"Not now please!"I yelled in my mind.

But if I refuse his offer, he will definitely suspect something.

"No problem at all Dan"I replied with a smile.

He had an umbrella with him so he shades me with it, without minding his own body getting soaked.

We got to my place and I tried to get him going so I could do what I had to.

"I am expecting a very important visitor,thanks for your company and the umbrella too".

I turned to go in.

"Can I stay with you for a while?"

He said looking at the poison I was holding.

I was really impatient. I have no time for this now.

"Alright".

I gave in,he thanked me and entered the room.

I took off my wet clothes,got dried up then changed into a nightie.

I put on the generator and turned on the television for him to keep him busy but he kept following me around like a puppy.

"About what happened in the company...."

"Oh please don't start,"

I said in my mind while smiling and nodding at him.

"Are you sure you are okay,Val?"

I just flashed my teeth and nodded.

"I am okay, absolutely".

"Your eyes are red and weak,I can't believe you were in a relationship with a jerk like that for 3 years".

"Luke is not a jerk,he was just deceived"I replied slowly.

"Deceived my foot! Is he a child?"

"They said boys will always be boys".

I tried to end the discussion.

"He engaged you in front of your colleagues and thinks it's right to end it there too,what nonsense, can't you see how Jennifer and others laughed at you, they said lots of stuff about you and thanks to your ex boyfriend".

I couldn't take it,so I stood up, my heart pounding heavily.

"What is your problem Daniel! Please...please can you just let me be ,for goodness sake I am fine! Fine!

Stop bringing that up okay! If they wish to laugh at me, let them laugh,mock me,call me the names they want to,I don't care. You are a man stop going around gossiping like a woman, just let me be please".

I shouted back, holding back my tears.

Looking at the disappointment on his face, I knew I went far. Daniel is the only one who has been friendly to me since I joined that company,he is not a gossip either,he just cares too much, sometimes he just like a reflection of myself but a male version, maybe that's why he is closer to me than others,he never meant any harm,and he's not doing this to take advantage of me anytime,besides Daniel is in a healthy relationship so whatever his reasons are,they're pure.

I wanted to apologize but was too ashamed to, I never should have let my emotions get in my head.

"Fine I will leave,I just can't get the drama at the company off my head,I put myself in your shoes Valerie and decided to check on you as a friend should".

He said gently then walked to the place I had placed that sniper and took it.

"If you don't have any reason to live,can I be the reason,no matter what you think you passed through,it's not worth it,I wish you can see yourself the way I see you,look into that mirror right there and tell me,is that brat really worth your life?"

"My fiance and friend whom I trusted like a sister betrayed me Daniel. They played me with no mercy,I was the side chick all along.

The money chic,the laundry chick,the cook chick and the abortion chick,while she is the main woman,I was deceived and stabbed in the back by my best friend, someone I once gave my blood for, someone I fought for , someone I will literally do anything for, someone who I shared all my secrets with!

What about my boyfriend Luke? He was my first,I loved and gave up my all in our relationship,i forgave his unfaithfulness and broken promises,I tried to be the perfect partner but yet,here we are, without a single reason why he chose to hurt me,tell me how someone as unfortunate as I am should live on".

"Don't say such things Val".

"I killed seven babies,seven! Daniel..seven of them precious souls,because my friend told me that it will saw my relationship, because my fiance said he isn't ready to be a father,I aborted them,now I have realized the monster I was then,I was so selfish, that I don't care about those lives I wasted, I deserve to die".

"You are not the only person that has had an abortion and it's a good thing you regret it now".

He sighed deeply

"Please forgive yourself and move on".

He finally, and left.

I fell on my knees and cried my heart out.

Well I decided to give myself a second chance to live,as he advised. The next morning I woke up,prayed, spent most of the pray session asking God for forgiveness then got ready for work.

I have been mocked for my poor fashion sense in the past by my colleagues ,so I decided to put on my best outfit. I don't want them to think that I am depressed or whatever.

At work, of course my female colleagues didn't fake it ,they all talked loudly about me and laughed out loud. I went straight to my corner, put my bag down on my desk and said a short prayer.

The first thing my eyes caught was the portrait of me and my ex. I sighed and slowly put it down under my desk then proceeded to open my computer system.

"Good morning!"

I didn't have to guess ,I am sure it was Daniel. I looked up and smiled back at him.

"Good morning Dan".

"Oh please don't call me that, if my girlfriend is here she will be jealous,you know how you calling me pet names gets to me".

He was trying all he could to cheer me up,I smiled back and sighed.

"You okay?"he asked me again,concerned.

"I'm fine Dan, you should probably go to your corner,or else our nosey colleagues will start thinking of something else".

"Do I look like I care about what they think?"

He stood up and shouted at them.

"Jennifer, Beatrice,Kate hey! Are you here to gossip, go back to work,and that reminds me the boss will have an important meeting with us so better prepare for the big news!"

Some hissed and others muttered some words before they got back to their places.

I was curious about the meeting.

"Is everything okay ,what's it about?"

"Boss is selling the company. The fashion brand isn't selling off as it should,so we will have a new boss today. Hopefully he will keep us but if we are not lucky enough he will replace us with his own team".

Oh my God! Why now,I can't worry about losing my job? First my relationship now this,I screamed in my mind panicking.

"You don't have to worry, you are the most diligent worker here,I am sure the boss will mention that to the new CEO,"Daniel said as if he read my mind.

"I hope"I said sadly.

Just then the boss walked into the office. He was accompanied by two men in suits.

We all went to the conference room to meet with him. I made the sign of the cross and prayed silently.

"First I need to say a big thank you to you all,you have been the best team,I will ever ask for. Gigia fashion brand has been a name known in the country and internationally because of y'all but sadly we are not strong enough to compete.....".

The boss's speech to me remained voiceless. All I could think of is how will I go on ,how will I start from scratch looking for a job,I know how long it took me to get here.

"My best employee...."

This statement caught my attention at least it might help to make the new boss want to keep me, everyone knows I work harder than my colleagues like Daniel said.

"Ms Jennifer!"

I almost cursed out loud, what the fuck,Jennifer?

Everyone else seemed not bothered and not surprised except me and Daniel.

Jennifer was the boss's sugar handbag babe,there was rumors about the two dating secretly .

She's a beautiful woman with a perfect body too perfect to be real. Her front side, tiny waist and huge backside is a suicidal, her skin like a baby's and her fashion sense is times better than the rest of us.

She was the only one allowed to wear skimpy dresses and mini skirts.

At the end of the meeting,the boss never acknowledged my hard work,I was given a lot of awards by him for diligence, punctuality and hard work but today I needed him to say it ,he sold me off because of big boobs and ass.

Men!

Well now I know my chance of being in the company is 1 out of 100 percent ,I had to start job hunting as soon as possible.

"We will get back to y'all through your emails,send your qualifications to us,our boss will decide".

The two men chorused as if they're on autotune.

We just nodded and went back to our offices while the boss accompanied them out of the company.

Jennifer couldn't control her excitement,she bragged about everything. She even said something that hurts me so much.

"Hard Work and diligence don't pay no more honey,you better wise up and put on your lipstick".

Another girl laughed with her.

I wonder if they know they have no chances of staying just like I am,or are they just trying to make me feel worse than others.

I saw Daniel trying to talk to the boss,I knew he was talking to him about me. I saw the boss waved him off and walked out on him.

He couldn't even look at me when he walked past my corner.

I was angry ,even annoyed as much as I tried to control it. My tears decided to embarrass me. I got up and carried all the awards and dumped them in his office.

He was angry at how I barged in and shouted but I don't care anymore.

After all, I am no longer working for him from tomorrow onwards.

I went back to my corner packing my stuff in my bag.

I took the portrait of my ex and threw it into a nearby waste bin. Daniel came to talk but I ignored him and walked out on him.

I felt bad about it but I don't want him to worry about me anymore. After all, he didn't even find me good enough to date. I thought,I guess I'm just frustrated, he had a girlfriend before we met.

He is a good person and has been a good friend to me but he is the opposite gender which seems very uncomfortable.

"I went into a public transport,and saw two seat chances so I decided to stay by the window.

I brought out the invitation card my best friend gave to me,it's a VIP invitation,and inside is a note asking if I will accept to be her maid of honor.

Wow! How could she be this heartless,how did we get here,we are like twins back then in school nobody really knew we are not related.

How can she let her envy break us not alone getting my man just to prove she got better looks than me?

As much as I tried to skip it off my head,it hurt so much I put the card back in my bag and cried my heart out,to the extent that the people seated at the other side glanced at me.

I tried to control myself. I covered my face and bent on my knees crying. I never wronged neither of them,how can they do this? I didn't realize when I slept off ,I have this habit of drooling when I sleep after crying.

I was tapped on the shoulder by the person sitting next to me,on the one chance seat left before I slept off. I was too sleepy to look or do anything.I scratched and removed my hair while I was sleepy.

I felt my head slowly move and then rested on the seat where I was sitting. I had to open my eyes slowly, still blurry.

The man was in a suit , using his hand towel to clean his shoulder. I was too embarrassed to look at his face and apologized,so I pretended to be asleep. I closed my eyes tightly till I was sure everyone got out of the bus then I slowly got up and paid the driver.

I got home and went straight to the shower,put on the shower and cried for some time.

Few minutes later I felt a bit better,so I took my bath and went back to the sitting room.

My phone rang.

I looked, It was my best friend or should I say my ex friend I Ignored her and then she called again, I sighed deeply and answered.

"Hello babe, how are you doing? Hope life isn't so hard on you?" She asked with a mocking tone.

"I'm doing good".

"How is work?"

She already knew how it went at the company, so she called to mock me.

"Work is fine ,how is your boyfriend?"

I regretted asking that ,it's as if I am jealous.

"Oh he is fine,we just came out of the bedroom,he said I'm better at bed than you,you know".

"Lucky him he got you"I replied trying to hide my anger.

"Well what do you say about my proposal,will you be my maid of honor?"

"...I"

I felt my mouth dry.

"Are you suddenly dumb?"

"Fine, I will do it for our friendship".

"Awww you never change, keep it up,a perfect man will get married to you".

I hung up,and I think I need an alcohol at this moment

I went out of the house and got a bottle from the shop nearby.

As a first time drinker,I didn't know how or when I got to bed.

The next morning,I heard noises from my kitchen

I was shocked and alerted.

Too scared to go check what was happening.

The room looked cleaned up, I wonder if this is one of the effects of alcohol, like maybe I am hallucinating.

Then Daniel came out of the kitchen,wearing an apron.

I almost screamed

"What the!!!

"Good morning".

"How did you....what are you doing here,how long..."

"Calm down , alcohol na your mate?"

I didn't think this is time for jokes,he saw that I wasn't relaxed yet and that the joke didn't get to me.

"Sorry I apologize".

He put down the tray containing fried plantain and pap he was carrying.

"I came in and saw you with the bottle sleeping your door wide open a stranger may walk in and harm you so I cleaned up and put you to bed,I promise I didn't sleep inside with you ,I locked you from the outside and came back early this morning to check on you thought it will be nice to cook you something".

All this sounds like a movie script to me.I was mad but at the same time grateful to God it's Daniel,the least person to take advantage of me but still why will he do all that.

I sighed and sat on the couch with my hand rubbing my forehead,it ached badly.

Trying to remember but it's blank.

"How does it feel,your first alcohol experience?"

"I don't know,how it happened but I slept off though,I thought I can't sleep last night ,I had much on my mind"

He laughed.

"Don't worry you will be fine...I have to rush now,the time my girlfriend gave to me has expired,she told me to be back in a few minutes".

I just nodded even though I wanted him to stay longer

"Thanks so much Dan,".

"There's still good men, okay".

He replied and took a spoon of pap and a plantain.

"It's safe"he assured me, Incase I am being suspicious

I smiled back. He is proof,there's still good men ,his girlfriend so lucky.

I took a deep breath and got up to brush.

***

This is now exactly two weeks I heard nothing from the company,looks like they're not going to call me back

And this is the week of their wedding.

At first I wanted to ignore her and sit back at home but how can I abandon her because she took my man,we are much more than friends.

Even when I know it's hard,I gotta stay strong and do it.

I dash to the bathroom,take my bath. In the process,I tried taking off my engagement ring but I couldn't,I think I'm being too dramatic to have kept it on all this while, maybe because I was hoping they might call the joke off but it's getting real.

I cried to my satisfaction, remembering the moment he proposed and put this ring straight to my finger.

My emotions,my smile, my tears and to crown it all the thought of spending the rest of my life with someone I loved so much,was unexplainable.

All those memories have been shattered and my emotions toyed with.

My phone vibrated,it's a notification.

"Bestie's birthday hurray,pour her water in bed".

I quickly swipe it out of my screen sadly with my brows arched.

I totally forgot it's her birthday today.

"She is getting married on her birthday just like I told her I wished to,why is she trying to do this to me".

I put on the color of the dress,she told me and went off to her place.

The classic cars present at the lot shows how big the wedding is going to be.

She always loved big weddings. I walked towards her room,both families of the groom and bride to be, recognized me but pretended not to.

It made me look hopeless and shameful,I saw a bridesmaid coming out from the sitting room. I approached her.

"Please where is the bride?"

"She's in her room".

I nodded and thanked her then went into the room.

Kamsu was with her husband to be or should I say my ex boyfriend ,he was gushing over her looks as I stepped into the room.

I excused myself and went back.

"Why is she here?"

I overheard him snap at her,they lowered their voices

I can't hear them clearly anymore but I am quite sure they're talking about me.

After a few minutes,he came out,he avoided eye contact with me,and pretended I was a ghost.

I so much wanted him to look at me even not for anything to tell me what I did wrong.

He didn't even give me that chance, I gave up, and ran to him.

"Dear...please.."

"For goodness sake what is it? What do you want? Is this your plan to mess up our day?I knew you were stupid but is it this bad, calling me dear,is this wedding a joke to you?"

"I am sorry...".

I found myself crying.

"Now you are crying trying to create a scene,I don't have time for this ,I blame her for inviting you".

"Why have I ever done to deserve this shame,what,just tell me the reason it's her and not me,after you gave me this ring".

I showed him the ring in my palm,yes I brought it with me.

"I was with her before I gave you that ring. Okay?,you want to know why I chose her over you? You pretend a lot, you're boring, you're childish, you're stupid and worse you're ugly! Are you satisfied!"

He left me, swimming in my own tears.

As his groomsmen and other event planners ran to him

I slowly turned back heading towards the house.

I cleaned my face with my hand towels and swallowed them out with a smiling face and walked into the room where my bestie was.

"Happy birthday best".

I handed her a gift.

I tried to say it with a brave tone,but she Ignored me.

"You came late,we are leaving for church any sec,Judy please tell mom,i'm ready"

She informed one of the bridesmaids.

Getting to the church,I tried as much as possible to conceal my sadness,I was seated in the front seat. The cameras are all focused on me and being the banquet bearer and maid of honor,I am supposed to be happy for my friend right?

At my back , our colleagues from the company were seated,yes my bestie was one of us so that's why they're also invited.

Daniel was sitting in the opposite direction,his beautiful girlfriend was glued to him,his eyes spoke pity ,I didn't want to look at him too much or I would literally cry,he is the only one understanding the pain I am going through but concealing it.

My colleagues never cease to talk about me, knowing fully well I can hear them.

"He is right to go for her,she is so much better than that low class".

"I prefer her more than nobody".

"Preach girl! I wonder why a guy like him will propose to someone like her,I was mad that day but thank God he is back to his senses".

It was time to exchange the Marital vows. I walked to the altar to support her.

They answered the big question and they ask if there's someone that has anything to say.

When there's no response they get pronounced man and wife.

He carried her up happily and they kissed passionately.

My hands were shaking and I felt like I was made a fool of. I looked at the excited and happy congregation,the faces of the guests were so like they're laughing at me,I felt my body getting weaker and weaker,hot tears rolled down my face.

I forced a smile but my lips were quivering.

The time I slept in the hospital and took care of her,I donated my blood,her rich family relaxed cus they knew I am able to take care of their sick daughter,and we shared our secrets.

Or is it him? what sacrifices didn't I make to please him, denying my own happiness.

"Here,this is yours"I gave her the banquet.

Then I took off the ring finally,as it slipped off my finger,I let out a sharp cry,I quickly covered my mouth, my heart was heavy so heavy that I couldn't explain that feeling.

I have him the ring, he shamelessly collected it with no emotion, no empathy,I was the only one ,loving with all my hearts

I walked out the aisle like a living corpse,my top part of the gown soaked wet with tears and sweat, people who knew me were quiet staring at me maybe to see if I can actually make it out of the door alive, those who don't know anything were mumbling words, guessing the background of the scene that just happened.

I sighted Daniel about to get up to come over to me. I guess his girlfriend pulled him back to the seat.

I could hear the celebration continued ignoring my misery.

Getting to the entrance I slipped and bumped into a guest coming inside the church.

The guards with him would have bounced on me if I wasn't the maid of honor as he looked like a very important guest.

"Hey watch it!!!"

One of them screamed.

I didn't wait to apologize to the guest,all I wanted to do was to take this heap of pain off my chest.

I continued walking towards the gate, ignoring all, each step I felt like my heart was shattering more, more crack's breaking in it.