Mr CEOs Little Bride

Chapter 1

Meeting the Staffers

Ruby's Pov;

" Wait here Michael. Lemme go get you another cone of ice cream " I said to my little brother as I hurried out to go get him another ice cream. The one with him was finished.

I was on my way, when I felt a beep. My phone

I brought it out and checked who was calling, then smiled seeing who the caller is

Diane. My best friend.

I picked it up and placed it on my left ear, with a huge smile on my face.

" Hey girlfriend" she cheered happily into the phone. That's her usual tone though- always happy and excited; there's never a dull moment with her

" Whatsup?" I cooed

" Guess what?" she said excitedly, making me wonder whatsup

" You know very well I can't guess - i'm not good at it" I said, hoping she'll just skip the whole guessing part and tell me.

" Just try," she persisted.

" Diane, I can't please; just tell me" I whined, as I got closer to the ice cream vendor.

I have to hurry, because my brother is alone at the park.

" Okay, killjoy! It's about Louis - he's coming back to our school" she informed me and I gasped.

" You don't say," I shrieked.

" Am telling you girlfriend. I can't just wait for this holiday to be over so we'll go back to school. Next session is surely gonna be a boom" she said.

" Hell yes! This is so...Gosh! I don't even know what to say" I said, still in shock.

" How did you get hold of this information?" I asked her.

" Well...a little birdie told me" she said and we both burst into laughter.

" I'm gonna use the rest of this vacation to go shopping in the mall. I need to change my wardrobe, get lovely stuff. Next session is gonna be hot" she rapsed as I nodded to every word she was saying.

Diane is a crazy fashion girl. That's also one of the things I love about her.

No one can beat her when it comes to fashion - no one even comes close.

" Oh, Louis! All the girls are gonna go wild" I said.

" You bet. I hope to not be the first one out" she said and gave a short laugh.

Wondering who Louis is? Well...he's the school's Greekgod..

Did I say Greek God?. Yeah!!!.

He's the most handsome guy I've ever seen on the surface of this earth.

He crowns it all with his great artistic skills, and doesn't fail to show it whenever an opportunity presents itself. He holds the school's record for; Best male singer, during our middle school days.

He left about two years back, for some reasons still unknown to everyone, and now...he's back.

Damn!!!.

I can't wait to see my longtime crush.

Did I just say longtime crush. Oh, Yeah! you heard me right.

I've had this really huge crush on him since our elementary school days. Too bad he's not into girls.

I don't even think I've seen him with any girl before, neither have I heard rumours of him dating anyone.

But what I do know is - I'm not the only girl crushing on him, and I can place a bet on it and damn sure, all the girls in Cali's High is crushing on Louis.

" Diane, you sure know how to get yourself ready" I teased.

" You can say that again. I always like to be prepared" she replied confidently.

I laughed.

" Alright girlfriend - let the best girl win. I gotta go. I left my kid brother to come get ice cream" I told her.

I heard her mouthed an OH.

" Bye Ruby, talk to you later" she said and the call disconnected.

I bought the ice cream, and started heading back.

Thoughts of Louis filled my head.

His sweet, deep, baritone voice whenever he speaks or sings.

I envisioned him perfectly in my thoughts - the way he climbs up to the podium and holds the mic, and then stares back at the audience before performing.

Holy, heavens!! I wonder what he's like now?.

" What took you so long?" that was Michael.

I knew I had stayed longer than I was supposed to, which isn't right; so, the best thing to do right now is to start apologizing.

I don't wanna be the reason he doesn't have much fun earlier on.

" I'm so sorry honey, was caught up with something" I said, squatting to his height, but his face was still squeezed up.

" Here....look, I even got you two cones" I said raising it up to his face.

I was glad he buys it because he smiled immediately, dragging them out of my palm.

He made do with one first, holding on to the other tightly.

I stood up and held his hands as we walked to the park.

" So, no one for me, yeah?" I asked him playfully

" You've forgotten the other is for your apology" he said and ran off to the park to meet the other kids there, leaving me behind.

Smart kid brother I've got here.

I folded my arms as I watched him get on a swing, with the other kids.

I smiled from afar where I stood, watching them all as they play.

*

*

" I had lots of fun today, Dad" Michael said to dad, immediately he was back from work.

" I can see you did. You're so excited and happy. Ruby took good care of you" Dad said, not too happily.

I could see the look of sadness in his eyes, but he was trying his possible best to smile.

" Yes, Dad. Did you get me anything?" Michael asked him.

" Michael, he just got back.. Let him go freshen up first. You can have your gift later" I scolded.

He made a puppy face as he walked to the couch.

I sighed and went to Dad.

" Welcome back Dad" I collected his briefcase as he led the way to his room, taking the stairs.

I followed him to his room, dropped the briefcase and came back to the sitting room.

Michael was watching his favorite cartoon.

I stared at him for some seconds before walking over to the dinning.

I set the table for dinner, and went to call Dad.

*

*

" You still haven't given me what you bought for me Dad" Michael said. I shot him a hard glare, which he returned with a smile.

" Can't you see Dad's exhausted. You'll get something some other time, not today" I chided.

" Let him be Ruby. He's just a kid. They don't understand stuff like this" Dad said, touching his chin.

" Hope you're enjoying your meal?" I asked him.

He nodded.

" You don't even need to ask me that. As long as you're the one that prepared it, then I must surely enjoy it" he said and we both laughed over it.

" I promise to get you something on my way back from work tomorrow,okay?" Dad said, facing Michael.

He nodded excitedly.

" Should I tell you what I want?" he asked.

Dad thought for a while and nodded.

" I want a huge bowl of ice cream,and popcorn," he said happily.

I gaze at the mini definition of a cute demon, in front of me.

I don't get why a guy will so much be in love with ice cream. I thought only girls adore it.

" What's with you and ice cream?" I asked.

" It's not something you would know" he said, sticking out his tongue at me.

" Dad, did you see that? Did you see what this son of yours just did?" I asked angrily.

" Just let him be Ruby, he's a kid. I tell you all the time. By the way, when are you resuming school?" he asked, changing the topic.

My dad is very good at this - changing topics.

I took it from him though.

" About a week from now" I replied

He nodded and didn't utter a word.

The dinning was engulfed in silence, as each person face their meal.

*

*

We finished eating,and I cleared the table with Dad helping me with the dishes.

Michael went to the couch to continue his cartoon, but fell asleep immediately.

" I'll take him to his room and then go to mine. Make sure you retire to bed early" Dad said picking up Michael from the couch.

I nodded and switched off the tv.

He took the stairs. I stared at him till they were both out of sight.

Oh, what a day! I thought sitting on the couch.

I wasn't feeling sleepy yet, and I didn't want to go to my room.

I was now left with only two options - either to watch a movie, or chat with my friend - Diane; thats if she's even online.

After much thinking, I decided to go with the movie.

I walked to the mini table at the center of the sitting room, and picked up the remote from it.

I switched on the tv, and searched through the channels for anything meaningful to watch.

I searched for a while, and at last, saw a very interesting programme

I decided to make do with it, as I relaxed myself on the couch- comfortably, stretching out my legs.

Chapter 2

De Martins

Ruby's Pov;

" What's it, Dad?" I asked during breakfast.

He forced a smile at me and shook his head. I know he's lying, but what can I do?.

I let it slide as I served breakfast. Michael looked excited and already dressed up for summer class.

I don't get why Dad had insisted on him going. I hate summer class like hell.

I finished dishing theirs, and dished mine before taking my seat.

I watched Dad closely from the corner of my eyes.

I knew something's wrong - something's definitely amidst.

I started noticing it, right from the day he told us there will be no vacation for us.

I had gotten so angry and furious and had locked myself up all day, but then I had a rethink - he's never done that before.

Dad loves spoiling us with gifts, and ever since I was a kid, we've always been going to vacations - term in, term out. We've never missed it. So, it didn't make sense to get angry at him just this once.

I tried to make him tell me what was wrong, but he wouldn't. I know all isn't well.

He didn't even get Michael something on his way back from work, yesterday.

If only he can just talk to me?Why can't he open up to me?.

Does he still think of me as a kid?.

For goodness sake, I'll be nineteen soon. Isn't that adult enough?

The breakfast was a quiet and quick one. He finished eating and picked up his briefcase, pecked us both before heading out.

" You better hurry, and let me go drop you off" I told Michael angrily.

He stuck his tongue out at me again.

" It's like you're forgetting Dad isn't here " I snapped at him.

He rolled his eyes and went back to his meal.

*

*

We finished eating and I had to clean the table and take the dishes to the kitchen.

I finished with that and went to get Michael from the sitting room, before heading out of the house, going to drop him off at summer school.

This is actually the first time Michael is attending it.

We are supposed to be on vacation now - maybe in a faraway country or anywhere.

I took my car keys on my way out.

We got to the garage and I helped Michael into the car.

I walked to the other part and got in also, igniting the car engine immediately

This car was my sixteenth birthday present from my Dad.

That day is one of the most memorable days in my life.

" Aren't you gonna help me with my seatbelt?" Michael whined close to me.

I glared at him, before moving closer to help him with it.

I don't know why kids don't understand body language.

Can't he tell I am not in the mood for his dramas and plays and just quit already.

I might scream at him next,or do something I wouldn't like, and that won't be pleasant.

" All done. Let's go" I said, trying to be as cheerful and as calm as I can be.

I don't know what's with my mood this morning?.

Guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

I did my seatbelt too, before handling the wheel again.

*

*

The drive was a quick one as we got there in time.

I parked and went round, to get Michael out of the car.

" You didn't buy me anything," he whined.

I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Seriously?.

" I'll get you something on our way back home" I said, hoping I am convincing enough.

He pouted, folding his arms across each other.

" You're gonna be late Michael" I grumbled.

I know it's all my fault. I actually forgot to get him something - it had slipped my mind.

Courtesy of thinking too much.

But why didn't he remind me when we were still on the road? Why now?.

He's just trying to get on my nerves.

I don't even know what to say to him to appease him. I am so not in the mood.

" I promise, okay?" I said effortlessly.

" Promise?" he asked, loosening up.

" Yeah" I cooed, and played with his hair.

He giggled and hugged me, before running off into the building

I smiled at his display of childishness.

Just before he got in, he turned back once more and waved at me. I waved back with a smile on my face.

I don't think I can ever stay angry at this soul?.

I thought as I turned back, heading to the car.

*

*

I got home, really tired and exhausted.

There's nothing to do at home.

Is this really how I'm gonna spend the holiday?.

Oh, yeah! This is really how I have been spending it.

So far, so good, I've been surviving.

I'm supposed to be at the beach now or somewhere else - making friends and trying out new things.

What exactly happened? Why can't Dad just tell me? It's really bothering me alot.

There's nothing to do. I can't even watch movies anymore, because I'm tired of watching.

I leaned on the couch, thinking about it.

******

DE MARTINS COMPANY

Mr Martins walked majestically to the board of directors officers.

" What's the reason for this meeting?" he asked them, looking from one person to the other.

They murmured and whispered to themselves, before one spoke up.

" We heard the news about our associates in China, and we are worried," a middle aged man spoke up.

Mr Martins stared at him with anger.

" How do I keep repeating myself that my son has gone to China to fix it. He's doing something about it already, so what's the fear?" he asked them.

" But...he's talking too long already. What if they don't listen to him? I think it's better we start looking for another alternative now" another said.

" Really? And what better ideas have you all come up with?" he asked.

There was a short silence, before another cleared his throat.

" Well...we are thinking of giving in to their request. Why don't we just give them a share in the company? After all, it's gonna do us more good than harm" a man said, and the others nodded supportively.

Mr Martins looked at each of them.

" And you think this is the best way to go about it? Have you thought about what will happen if they finally succeed in getting a share in this company - it will be like giving them access to our lives - to the company, the shares, the stocks - everything we own. Have you thought about that?" he asked sternly.

None of them spoke up, so Mr Martins decided to go further

" You know very well how these people work and how they operate. This is a company - business enterprise. Giving them that leverage, will be like giving them our company,don't you know that?" he asked.

Murmurings filled the hall.

" What if Nathan is unable to talk to them? What if he's unable to negotiate with them and make them see reasons with him, what then do we do, that's the question?" another asked.

" Then, we'll think of another way. Let's just wait for him to return first. Let's wait and see how it goes. There are many alternatives to this thing. We can't just rush into decisions like that. If we are gonna start doing this ,it's gonna ruin the company and bring it down" Mr Martins said.

" And I know no one of you sitting here will like their sweat and hard work to go down the drain just like that, '' he said. They nodded.

" Good, and if there's nothing more to discuss, I'll like to take my leave now," Mr Martins said and got up from his seat.

He shook hands with some of them close to him, before walking out with his bodyguards.

*

*

Mr Martins arrived home after about one hour of driving

The car door was opened for him as he walked into the mansion.

The first person he saw was his wife - Tracy - Nathan's stepmother.

" How was It?" she asked, referring to the meeting.

He had told her before he left, that he was going to attend the board meeting which they had scheduled that morning.

It wasn't his plan to go to the company that day, but he had to, because of the board meeting.

" It was fine," he replied.

" What was discussed?" she asked, helping him take off his suit.

" Nothing of importance," Mr Martins said.

Tracy smiled and walked to the wine bar. She brought out a bottle of wine and two glasses.

She opened the wine and poured it into the two glasses, then handed one over to her husband.

" Perhaps, this might help relieve your stress," she said.

Mr Martins took it and gulped it down at once.

" Where's Ella?" Mr Martins asked her.

Ella is his child with her and their only daughter.

" She told me she's going out with some of her friends," Tracy replied.

Mr Martins turned to look at her.

" When did she leave?" he asked.

" This morning. Immediately you left" she replied.

" And she didn't tell you where she was going to?" he asked again.

" No," she replied.

" Stop worrying. She'll be fine. This isn't the first time she's going out. You worry too much" she teased.

He sighed.

Chapter 3

A Fraud

Nathan's Pov;

I came out of the bathroom to find my phone ringing.

A towel tied round my waist, I walked to the bed and picked it up, then looked into it.

Dad!.

I picked it up hastingly, placing it on my ear.

" Hey, Dad," I said casually.

" How are you son?" he asked.

" I'm fine. About to go meet a client" I said.

" Good. How's it going over there?" he asked again.

" It's going pretty well...but slow" I replied.

There was a short silence at the other end.

"Just wanted to check up on you and know how things are going over there. I had a meeting with the board of directors some days back" he informed.

I arched my brows, although he couldn't see me.

" W...why?" I asked lowly.

" They are worried, son. They think your reason for being there isn't yielding in any way - it's not bringing any help.We haven't seen results" he cooed.

I itched my forehead with my index finger.

" I'm trying my best, Dad. I'm still meeting with them today. I believe there'll be progress when I get there. I've already discussed it with most of them and they promised to get back to me".

" I'm expecting something positive. Let's just keep our fingers crossed " I explained.

I heard him sigh at the other end.

" Alright, get back to me when you're back. We need to pull this off as soon as possible" he said.

I nodded even if he couldn't see me.

The call ended and I quickly dressed up, after taking a look at the wall clock.

I was almost running late.

I dressed in my formal wear -a suit, tie, shoes and the rest.

Soon, I was down the stairs and out of the house in no time.

I half ran to my car, got in and drove off immediately.

*

*

The drive was a tedious one and even more difficult, because I wasn't familiar with the roads.

I was finally able to locate the Restaurant we were meeting at,after much struggle.

By the time I got there,they were all seated - waiting for me.

Damn!.

I apologized for my lateness and quickly sat down.

*

*

The meeting ended on a fair note. I shook hands with virtually all of them, before we parted, going our separate ways.

I exhaled and inhaled deeply when I got to my car.

That was a close one!. I'm glad this ones aren't as strict as the first ones I had come in contact with.

They were quite easy to talk to.

Damn!! I'm hungry.

I ignited the engine, and drove off - looking for the best chicken place in the environment.

I must admit, their chicken is one of a kind - very lovely and tasting.

It's one of the things I'll miss when I go back home.

I drove into the Restaurant, and ordered plenty of it.

They wasted no time in bringing it to me and I set to work immediately, doing justice to it.

Hphm....so nice! I moaned.

*

*

Mr Staffers Pov;

" I'm sorry sir, but we have to get this case to the police to handle. It's beyond us now" Jonah, my secretary, said.

" How much more do we have in the accounts?" I asked him.

" I'm afraid we don't have a lot sir, and we have to do something fast about it before we go bankrupt. The business might collapse when that happens" he said with shaken emotions.

I shut my eyes tight for sometime.

" I've heard all you've said. I'll get back to you"I dismissed.

He nodded and walked out of the office.

God!!.

How did this happen? How could I have let this happen?.

I thought and sat back on my chair frustratedly.

It all started with a merger. I had planned on merging my company with someone else's, and was just looking for the right company,when a guy approached me. He claimed to own a software company in Korea, and even brought proof and everything.

I agreed to merge with him and we agreed to share the profits 50-50; but then,as soon as we merged his company with ours - I mean....mine, he was able to get access to the company's fund and deducted a very large amount, then disappeared Into thin air, taking alongside with him the money the Company has given to him which he requested for - claiming it was for a project.

I don't know why I didn't suspect he was a scam. I mean... I couldn't, no one could. He looked so genuine and responsible; plus, the documents and everything he showed us, really match the details of a company when we made researches and enquiries.

The company really does exist.

The question now is 'How did he get hold of the company's documents and files when he's not even a worker there?.

Yeah....we also did a background check on the workers, but it was too late - we did it at the wrong time, after we've been duped of millions, enough to bring down my company.

I don't think I can ever recover from this. I have to get to the bottom of this. I have to make him pay.

He has to be caught and dealt with, but how?. How do I get him, when even his name, identity, passport and everything he showed to us are all fake?.

God!!.

I don't even know where to start from. I'm so confused and this thing is really eating me up.

Should I just follow my secretary's advice and get the police involved?.

Of course, the police are gonna come in sooner or later, I don't just think it's time to involve them yet.

I don't really like dealing with them.

Ring, Ring.

The cellphone on the desk rang out noisily.

I picked it up absentmindedly.

" Is this REELS ENTERPRISE?" The voice asked over the phone.

" Yeah, yeah. This is it" I responded, tiredly.

" Alright. We'll like you to come clear out some issues with your bank" the female voice spoke again.

I removed the cellphone from my ear and stared at it, before placing it back, saying nothing.

" Hello, hello. Are you there?" she asked.

I itched my forehead in frustration.

" I'm here. I heard what you said" I said.

"Okay" she replied and hung up.

I placed the cellphone back on the table, with shaky hands

I can't really explain how I am feeling. It's like...it's like,

I dunno know what to say.

How can my life be ruined in less than a month? It's not possible. It doesn't make sense.

I stood up again, and walked out to the window.

My whole body was on fire, as I thought and lamented in regret.

This can't be happening...it just doesn't feel right.

Taking a few steps back to my desk, I picked up the cell phone and dialled Jonah's number.

" Come to my office immediately" I said as soon as he picked up, then placed the phone back.

I need to act... and I need to act very fast

*

*

Ruby's Pov;

I woke up just a few minutes to the time I was supposed to go pick up Michael from class.

Oh, no! How did I get to sleep this long?. I haven't been able to do that for a while now.

I fled from the couch in haste, picking up my car key from the table. Good thing I had kept it there and not gone to drop it in my room.

I ran to the garage, got into my car and drove off, with speed.

*

*

Boom!!

I heard a loud noise. It was a hit. I looked up to see a car in front of me, and it looked like my car had hit the car.

I stepped down in rage, going to confront the owner of the car, not minding if it was my car that had hit the other.

It's partially my fault, because I was in haste and driving speedily, but hell no...I'm not gonna own up to that.

No way!!

Yeah...I admit it...I was in haste, but the car should have checked well to see if any car was coming, before attempting to reverse.

I checked for any scratches on the car and when there was none, I marched forward to meet the owner of the other car.

Just before I got to the car, a very slim, brunette girl stepped down from the car.

She also went to the back of her car first, to see if there were any damages, before turning to me when she found out there was none.

She was about my age and very beautiful, but I wasn't there to take in her details.

" Are you blind or what? Didn't you see a car coming before trying to reverse?" I lashed out at her.

She scoffed and looked at her both sides, like she's trying to look at the person I was talking to.

" Who's that Ella?" another girl stepped down from the car, then two others.

Guess they are all her friends.

They were all dressed. Seems they were going out.

I thought and then looked to my left, and realized we were in front of a mall.