Between 2 Hearts – Episode 38

At the palace, Diva and Elora lounged on the veranda, sipping chilled juice as maids and guards attended to them.

 “She did that?”Elora’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes, she’s biting off more than she can chew. She thinks she can waltz into my man’s life?”

“What a cunning girl. Indeed, wretched people like her will always have a scheme to lure rich and handsome guys like Nathan into their lives.”

“She won’t dare, not with Nathan. I’ve waited too long to let him slip through my fingers like that. That poor thing can’t compete with me.”

 “You’ll have to keep a close watch on her, especially Nathan. Get him closer to yourself. Pay him surprise visits at his company.”

Diva’s eyes sparkled with determination, her mind already racing with ways to implement Elora’s suggestions.

*****

Days later, Nathan had traveled out for a business trip, and the staff were gathered in the hall for a meeting. After they concluded, they stood up to leave, but their departure was interrupted by the arrival of Nathan’s mother.

The staff bowed in respect, greeting her with a chorus of “Her Excellency.” She smiled warmly at them.

 “Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt your meeting.”

 “No, Your Excellency, the meeting was already over.”The manager assured her,

“Ok, then,” she said with a smile, her gaze scanning the room until it landed on Mia. “Mia, I’d like to speak to you privately, please.”

 “Um, ok, Ma’am.”Mia’s response was nervous.

As the staff filed out of the hall, Mia and Nathan’s mother were left alone. They sat down facing each other.

“How are you?” Nathan’s mother asked, her voice gentle.

“I’m fine, Ma’am.” She said, her face bow to the table.

“I won’t waste much of your time. I just want to have a little talk with you.”

“Ok, Ma,” Mia replied nervously.

“How long have you been working here in my son’s company?” 

“Not up to a month, Ma’am,” She replied.

 “I am not trying to scare you or anything. Let me ask you another question.”

Mia gulped hard, sensing the weight of the question to come.

“What is your relationship with my son?” She asked, her eyes piercing.

 “Ma…” she stammered, unsure of how to respond.

    

“I just want to know, are you going out with my son? Is there something between you two?”

 “No, Ma’am, there is nothing going on between us. He is my boss, we don’t…”

However, before she could finish, Nathan’s mother cut in with another question. “Do you like him?”

Mia gulped nervously, hesitating for a moment before trying to compose herself. Nathan’s mother smiled, seeing the truth in Mia’s eyes despite her attempts to hide it.

“It’s normal for anyone to fall for my son. He’s every woman’s ideal man. But I only want one woman for my son, and that is Princess Diva. She’s my choice of lady for my son. I hope you understand.”

“Y-yes, Ma’am.”

 “You’re aware they’re engaged to be married soon?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” 

 “That’s why I’m here to beg you. I don’t want my son to turn away from the woman meant for him. I care about his happiness a lot, and I want the best for him. I just want you to understand that.”

“I do understand, Ma’am. I don’t have anything with your son. There’s nothing between us. I’m telling the truth.”

“I can try to believe you, but not my son. I know he’s started getting attracted to you. But I want it to stop. I didn’t see you as a bad lady, but I just want to be truthful with you. Whatever thing is building up between you, you’re the only one who can put an end to it… I can give you anything you want or even get you another job somewhere else.”

 “I’m sorry, Ma”. Her apology was heartfelt.

“You don’t have to apologize. If you can keep a distance, that will be okay for me.”

“I will, Ma’am,” She promised.

“Thank you, Mia. Thank you for understanding me.” She smiled warmly.

As the conversation drew to a close

  “Is there anything else, Ma’am? I’d love to return to my duty.”

“Yes, sure. You can go ahead,”

 She stood up, bowed in respect, and left the room. Nathan’s mother watched her go, her look calm and contemplative.

    

____________

    Mia arrived at her office after a brief business discussion with her secretary. She collapsed into her chair, letting out a tired sigh. Reaching for her phone, she dialed Naomi’s number.

The phone rang for a while before Naomi picked up.

 “Hey, sis, I was about to call you,” Naomi said, her voice audible through the phone.

“Are you okay?” Mia asked, sensing the mood in Naomi’s voice.

“Um, not really. Something happened at the company right now. I’m on the roof, trying to avoid trouble,” Naomi replied.

 “What happened? Are you okay?”

Naomi sighed, the sound audible through the phone. Mia’s concern grew, wondering what had happened.

Earlier that day, Princess Diva and Elora had arrived at the company, intent on taking Alex out for lunch. Unfortunately, Alex was in a meeting with some high-profile investors.

As Diva and Elora entered the company, everyone bowed in respect. Naomi, unaware of their presence, emerged from the printer room with files in hand. In her haste, she bumped into the princess and Elora, causing the files to scatter across the floor.

“Watch it!” Diva yelled, her eyes flashing with annoyance. Their eyes met, and Diva’s look turned icy. “You!” she exclaimed, her voice drawing the attention of everyone around them.

   Naomi apologized as she picked up the files from the floor. “I’m sorry.”

 “What the heck are you doing here?”Elora asked rudely.

 “Tell me I’m dreaming right now.”

Naomi continued to gather the files, ignoring them. However, Elora grabbed her hand, pulling her up.

 “I asked you a question. What are you doing here?”

 “Um, I work here.”

“You what?”

 “I’m sorry, I have to take my leave.” She politely freed her hand from Elora’s grip.

However, before she could turn to leave, Diva and Elora dragged her back.

 “You don’t leave while we’re still talking,” Diva said.

“How did you find your way into this company? Did you sleep with my fiancé to get to this company?”

The staff around them murmured among themselves, watching the scene unfold.

“No, like I said before, I work here. I was surprised when I found out this company belonged to His Highness.”

 “You cunning bitch! What right do you have to work in my father’s company? You have no business here. A thief like you can’t work here.”

 “What was Alex thinking, employing a thief in this company? Did he want the company to go down the drain because of this wretched thief here?”Elora chimed in

 “I don’t think Alex is aware of this.”

Naomi remained calm, knowing the situation was escalating.

 “You are leaving this place, this minute!” Elora said harshly, grabbing Naomi’s hand and pulling her along with Diva.

Naomi struggled to free herself from their grip. Just as she managed to break free, Alex yelled from behind, his voice commanding attention. Everyone turned in his direction.

  

 “What the heck is going on here?”Alex’s voice was firm as he demanded answers.

Naomi bowed slightly to him before rushing out of the scene, eager to escape the tension.

 “Alex, we need to talk right now!” She walked away with Elora, heading towards his office.

Alex sighed, dismissing the workers before following them.

Meanwhile, on the phone, Naomi finished explaining everything to Mia.

 “All these happened just today? But did they hurt you?” Mia asked, concern etched in her voice.

“No, I know the royal house won’t be too happy if they heard that I work in the company, especially the queen,” Naomi replied.

 “What are you going to do now? Today seems to be unlucky for both of us.”

 “Nothing, just waiting for the final judgment.” They sighed in unison, commiserating about their bad day. “What about you? What happened?”

“I’ll tell you all about it once we get home.”

They continued chatting, sharing their woes and supporting each other through the tough day.

TBC