(One year later: After Rafael’s death)
In the boardroom, Marissa was listening carefully to the presentation. Sitting at the head seat, she tried to stretch herself.
"God, Rafael. How you used to manage, sitting for so long?" she shifted uncomfortably in the seat, "Ouch! My ass hurts."
This had become a norm for her. To talk to him in her head. She knew it wasn’t a healthy sign, but she couldn’t resist it.
It had been one year to his death. The kids had started school, their granny was so involved in their routine that Marissa had become carefree in that department.
Numerous times, Nina apologized to her for what she did to her six years back.
For the past few weeks, Sophie and Nina had been insisting that she start dating. But Marissa couldn’t.
For her, Rafael had set the bar so high that she couldn’t even look at a guy with that intention. Just last month, Sophie moved to Joseph’s place, and they were thriving as a couple.
Marissa was happy for them but deep inside something used to poke her like a thorn. If Rafael had been there, they would have teased Joseph and Sophie so much. Sophie still talked to her about how she enjoyed playing video games with him.
Kids didn’t forget about their father but after getting school admission, their life had become busier than usual.
After school, they used to have swimming classes with their trainer.
"Mrs. Sinclair!" Dean spoke near her ear, and she could sense amusement in his voice, "he is asking your opinion on this."
Dean knew her better including how she used to zone out so easily. Her former employee Akari who used to work for her and left Kanderton for a few months, when came back, she started dating Dean.
Marissa was happy for her friends. She was happy for everyone. Even she wanted Nina to start a relationship.
But she wasn’t ready to let go of Rafael.
"I’m sorry," she tried to come up with some excuse with a smile, "I got stuck with your numbers," she said pointing to the corner of the projector screen.
The presenter fixed his glasses before looking at that number, "Ma’am. It’s the overall performance percentage."
"Ok," Marissa nodded, "But last time when I checked, it was less than eighty percent. Please do check the calculations after the meeting."
When the presentation continued, she gave a secret glance to Dean who was already looking at her.
His eyes were screaming at her silently, Behave yourself, Mar.
Marissa chewed her lower lip to control the grin. Ever since she had joined the MSin office as the president, Dean was with her.
Later she came to know how he was offered opportunities from different multinational firms on higher salaries but being a painfully faithful friend, he chose to stay with her.
***
"You have a meeting after lunch," he told her after placing the cheesy chicken rolls on the plate that he ordered from Kate’s Café.
Kate’s café had started thriving and being a bitch, she couldn’t get much chance to do anything against Marissa.
In the initial days, she tried to bully her a little by teasing her about the sudden money she got from Rafael. But Marissa had learned how to put her in her place.
She told Kate in clear words that if she wouldn’t stay within her limits, Marissa had the power to cancel her license and send her home.
However, she was no more that fat girl. On Dean’s recommendation, she joined a gym to stay in shape.
It did wonders for her body and mental health.
Returning to the present, she took a huge bite of the roll, "Umm. It’s awesome," she wiped the cheese off her lips, "Kate is certainly improving."
Dean nodded, already finishing the first roll, "I know! Right?" his voice was muffled due to his full mouth, "I hope she isn’t bullying you anymore."
His tone might be casual, but Marissa knew him better. He could turn into an investigating officer within minutes.
Marissa dismissed his concern with the careless wave of her hand.
"Now don’t be a fool," she said while accepting the diet soda can from him, "She knows I can become Rafael Sinclair just like that!" she snapped her fingers.
Dean wanted to roll his eyes. She was a fast learner and was still in her learning phase. The day she got Valerie bailed, the very next day she was at MSin as their president.
Thankfully Nina took it good-naturedly and encouraged her to go for it.
They were about to lose their shares in the market, but she worked vigorously alongside him and Joseph.
This business belongs to Rafael and should be handed over to his kids in one piece.
Dean and Marissa were laughing at some joke when Sophie came inside.
"Hey, love," she had tears in her eyes as she approached Marissa to hug her, "Joseph proposed me! Yayy!"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Mr. President You Are The Daddy Of My Triplets