Chapter 20... Humour me!

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I was rushing for a cab. I was extremely late. The constant ring of my mobile signalled my mother had been tired of waiting for me. I refused to pick up the calls as I glanced at the screen of my mobile instead I hurried to the curb to flag down a black cab. Luckily the rush hour traffic was not as bad since the A12 and A13 had been shut due to accidents or roadworks or both, so my commute was relatively vehicle free.

I paid the driver and dashed into the store.

I saw my mother and Olivia pacing as they spoke to the owner of the store.

"Sorry I'm late but I had to finish my presentation for tomorrow." I apologised to them breathlessly giving each a hug and kiss.

"Rhysa it is your wedding not mine! I expect you to show more interest!" My mother admonished.

"Mom but I am also a working woman, if we could do this on the weekend it would suit me just fine." I responded firmly.

We had had this conversation a million times already.

"Rhysa your wedding is only two months away and you have not found a dress. Everything you have tried on in the past is either too lacy or too sparkly or too fitted or too old fashioned." My mother was on a role. "You need to decide on a dress now!"

"Calm down, it is Rhysa's day she will only get to wear this dress once so let her be picky about it. I don't want her to regret her final choice." Olivia as usual was the clear head of reason.

I smiled gratefully at her and noticed a dress on a mannequin in the other side of the room. I walked towards it. It pulled me to it and I wanted to try it on. It was so different from what I had envisioned myself wearing but something told me I needed to try this one on.

"Can I try this one?" I asked the saleswoman.

"Let me get your size from the sample rack, hold on one minute." She replied walking to the sample room.

Fifteen minutes later, I stood in front of my audience in the dress. I had not seen it on myself but it felt glorious on my body. My mother started to cry as did Olivia.

"Oh Honey, you are absolutely stunning!" My mother said through her tears.

"You look breathtakingly beautiful in that dress Rhysa, Chris will be blown away!" Olivia added.

"Are you ready?" the saleswoman asked.

 I nodded and turned around.

 I stopped breathing for a moment.

 I looked like a bride, I was just beautiful. 

The dress was gorgeous; it fitted me to perfection. The sparkly bodice encased my full bosom but did not make them too pronounced. The sweep to the side made my stomach flatter and the silky fabric moulded my curves. It was classic but edgy. The saleswoman had styled my hair in a loose bun and placed small dew drop earrings in each ear. I was eager to get off the pedestal and marry Chris right away.

It was the one.

Tears came down my cheeks. I felt so emotional. My mother came to my side and I turned to hug her.

"It's the one Mom, this is it!" I said as emotions wrecked my body.

"Oh dear, you are just so beautiful!" Olivia said giving me a hug. The three of us stood there crying as I had finally found my wedding dress.

The one I would use to seal my love with the man of my dreams.

I walked into the house tired from my hectic day but also buoyed at finally finding my dress. Our mothers had gratefully taken over the wedding, not that we were not interested but after realising that no matter how we argued our mothers still got their way. So Chris and I had decided to give them what we wanted and veto them if needs be. I was grateful though because it was hard juggling a full time job and organising a wedding in such a short space of time. I would have gladly waited but Chris wanted to elope so we had compromised.

"Honey, I'm home!" I shouted. 

Chris should have been here an hour ago.

The house was empty maybe he was at his place. He had been forgetting our arrangements lately. I guess the new business was really taxing him in addition to the wedding plans. I called him on his mobile but he did not pick up. That was very strange. When we had spoken earlier he had told me he was leaving work early. I had anticipated a night in, snuggling on the sofa pretending to watch dramas while we enjoyed each other instead.

I put my things away and went to have a shower. After my shower, I had felt refreshed and tried Chris again but he was not picking up. I was indeed worried. I called again to no avail. I called his mom and Megan no one had heard from him. I did not want to panic anyone but this was so unlike Chris. I even called his PA Alison who told me that he had left the office at five that afternoon.

"Where are you Chris?" I asked my empty house.

I knew he must be at his place.  In fact I sincerely hoped that he was. I gathered my laptop and my stuff before I drove to his place.

It was in darkness. I entered and noticed his coat on the sofa. I walked up the stairs to his room and found him fast asleep on his bed. He was snoring slightly. I took a deep breath.

1. I was relieved that he was alive and well.

2. I was angry he had me worried.

I went over to him and touched his hair. He must be exhausted. He had not even removed his shoes. I undressed him as best I could. I removed his belt and shoes, loosened his tie and opened two top buttons on his shirt. He did not even stir. I covered him and made my way downstairs. I called his anxious family and told them that he was just asleep. Olivia complained the he was always working too hard.

I prepared a Chinese prawn stir fry with noodles. I put some on a plate for myself and Chris and I put his in the microwave. I checked up on him and he was still fast asleep. I had brought my laptop and decided to fine tune my presentation as well as finalise some wedding arrangements; while I watched a documentary on the television.

I felt lips on my cheek and I opened my eyes. Chris was leaning over me.

"Hey sleepy head." I greeted him as I sat up on the sofa. He sat beside me and I gave him a hug. He moaned.

"You had me worried there O'Connor!" I told him as I loosened my arms around his neck but not letting go. He squeezed his hands around my waist.

"Sorry, I guess I was more tired than I thought." He said with a smile.

"You hungry?" I asked.

"Starving!" he said rubbing his hands over his stomach. I got up and warmed up the plate for him. He sat on the stool at the counter.

I noticed he had showered and put on some lounge pyjamas and white v neck shirt.

"Tastes great babe!" he complimented me as he dug into the meal. I handed him some orange juice.

"Next time call me before you drop asleep like a lorry driver." I told him giving him my stern look.

He reached out his free hand and I took it. "I am sorry; I could barely keep my eyes open when I arrived. I only remember removing my coat and using the bathroom upstairs." He revealed.

I gave him a kiss as he pulled me to his lap. "Forgive me?" he asked.

He was the most truly lovable man on earth. His eyes were sparkling with love. I could not resist him at all.

"Of course, now eat up it's late!" I said extricating myself from him and moving back to the sofa to turn off my laptop.

"Guess what?" I told him as we snuggled in his bed upstairs.

"What? You saved the planet from a meteor strike?" he said playfully stroking my hair gently.

"You joker!" I said laughingly "I found my wedding dress today!"

Chris stilled for a moment. I turned around in his arms. The room was illuminated by soft ceiling bulbs which cast a shadow on Chris' face.

"You shocked?" I laughed. "My mother had given up hope on me as well."

Chris POV

"I know that you will look beautiful in whatever you choose." I recovered to respond wistfully.

"I aim to steal your heart again when I walk down that aisle." Rhysa promised as we kissed passionately.

I held her tightly in my arms until she fell asleep. I loved her so much. Lately my body was getting extremely tired and I had been having small moments of blackouts where I totally forgot what had gone on minutes before. It had started to become more frequent and I knew I had to start treatment soon. It was so hard. Over the last month I had struggled with accepting that I had cancer but I had to move on to the next step. The small moments were beginning to become more noticeable and I did not want anyone to pick up on my illness at all.

I kissed Rhysa's forehead as she slept so serenely in my arms. I loved her so much but I had to let her go.

Rhysa POV

"Have a seat Ms Perkins." Mr Frenkin had invited me to his office a week after my presentation. I sat nervously wondering what he was going to tell me.

"Over the last year I have been very impressed with the way in which you have embraced your role as department head. You have shown brilliance as a leader and a team player. Your juniors have flourished under your guidance and you have turned us quite a few clients. The only blimp has been that O'Connor fiasco and we both know why that happened." He said looking at the ring on my finger.

I touched it subconsciously giving him a wry smile. Mr. Frenkin had been the only person unsurprised when I had announced my engagement to Chris.

He had murmured "Figures!" under his breath before congratulating me.

"Anyway Rhysa, the chairman, Mr Mohen was very impressed during his last visit. He has proposed that you be promoted to Marketing Director in charge of sales and portfolios." Mr. Frenkin informed me.

"Director?" I was flabbergasted. That was one high promotion.

"Yes with a pay scale to match." Frenkin continued.

"Oh my, I am deeply touched. Thank you sir." I was overjoyed.

"You deserve it, you have a future in the business world, and I guess you are suited to be Mrs O'Connor." He congratulated as we shook hands and we stood up.

"Sir this is great news but how soon do you want me to start, the wedding is just over a month away and things are a bit busy right now..." I was rambling.

"Mr Mohen knows that, he suggested you start after your honeymoon in about two months by then all the preparations will have been made in finding you appropriate accommodation and getting your office ready." Frenkin stated easily.

"Accommodation? Does the role come with a house?" I asked really impressed by this promotion.

"Yes the Head office in California will ensure that they get you a proper house suited for a newlywed." I froze at Frenkin's word California.

"California? The job is in California?" I asked in shock.

"Yes, the Head office wants you there. They see you as a rising star. Is that a problem?" he asked puzzled.

"Well, I mean my family is here and Chris and..." I trailed off as my excitement plunged off the cliff into despair.

"O'Connor should not be a problem he has businesses internationally." Mr Frenkin appeared unperturbed by my obvious problem with my new job location.

"This is once in a lifetime opportunity I suggest you think long and hard about it before shutting it down. You are young and have no children yet, your future husband is very mobile. I do not see any problem with you taking the job before you decide to have children." Mr Frenkin continued.

"Think about it and give me your response by Friday." I left the office in a state of shock.

This promotion was a dream come true, even more than I could ask for at my age but in California?!

 I was due to marry Chris and settle in a house he had already bought and was waiting to show it to me just before the wedding. We had decided to wait a few years before having kids since we were both so busy with work. Chris had understood my need to work he encouraged it since he loved my intelligence and independence.

 I was torn.

I was like a robot for the rest of the day. How would I tell Chris about this? He had already compromised with me on the wedding now this? How could I be apart from my husband? I could not tell him to relocate his business. I was stuck.

I dialled Ciane and hoped she picked up.

"Hey sis? Cava?" Ciane answered on the fourth ring.

"Cava bien, ma soeur et tu?" I responded with the little French I knew.

"So what is the problem? You are disturbing my busy evening? You do know we are one hour ahead here in France and that your time of 6 pm is 7 pm where I am?" Ciane rambled on.

"Thanks for the geographical update but I have a serious dilemma and I need your help." I said seriously.

"Then lay it on me sis, I'm all ears; the French will have to wait!" Ciane said dramatically.

We talked for over an hour.

"I suggest you talk to Chris, he will probably tell you to quit and come work for him. I do not know why you are even working at all knowing the guy can support you 1000 times over." Ciane advised.

"Ciane, you should be helping!" I scolded her.

"I am, Chris would say no and frankly I would too if I was him." Ciane finished and I sighed.

"I know but I do not want to fight with him so close to the wedding what if he gives me an ultimatum. I can't handle that plus Frenkin wants an answer by Friday." I added frustrated with my problem.

"Tell him, Chris is a genuine guy but remember, you will be newly married and although he loves you that is a BIG sacrifice. I would advise you to turn it down. You have Chris plus just knowing that you got the offer should be enough for now." Ciane continued with her rational answers that made me less confident as she went on.

"Think about it Rhysa, do you really need that job?" Ciane rang off after I told her I would discuss it with Chris.

Was she right? Did I really need the job? I loved my work. I loved the challenge it brought and the research involved in it. I would be in charge of not one but several departments. I closed my eyes and the thrill of the work involved was so enticing. However I was going to be Mrs Chris O'Connor soon.

"Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" I screamed as I flopped onto my bed exhausted and drained.

I fobbed Chris off with a lame excuse that I could not see him tonight. I was too emotionally wound up. Chris appeared distracted and almost grateful that we were not meeting up. I felt a bit hurt but I guess I was also being selfish as well.

"Chris what if I get a promotion at work?" I asked slyly as we ate lunch the next day. 

I had felt guilty about last night and invited Chris to have an early lunch at La Tasca in Canary Wharf.

"It would be marvellous, Frenkin finally recognise how brilliant my fiancée is!" he beamed at me.

"Well yes, Mr Mohen our Chairman wants to promote me to Director of Sales and Portfolios." I admitted proudly.

Chris' face brightened, "Oh babe that is fabulous!" he leaned over and kissed me. He cupped my face "My baby I'm so pleased for you." We kissed again.

"But?" I said drinking some water before I continued.

"I want you to take this at face value okay and look at it realistically." I was stalling. "I need you to listen to me."

"Just say it Rhysa," Chris stopped my rambling.

"The job is in California." I blurted out.

"What?" Chris shouted. "Don't take it. There is no way I am letting you go to California."

"But..."

"No, absolutely not, never!" Chris was adamant. The look on his face was not pleasant which fuelled my blood to boil even more.

"But..."

"I mean it Rhysa, no just hand in your resignation now. As my wife you don't even need a job I was just humouring you but now I am putting my foot down." Chris was saying.

"Humouring me? What does that mean?" I asked furious at his words

"I know you are independent and needed to work to prove to yourself but we both know that I let you work so you won't feel like I am asking you not to work at all." Chris went on to reveal.

"You let me work?" I was raging with anger.

"You humour me? Is that how you see my work? Is it so beneath the great Chris O'Connor? Is that how you really see me?" I stood up and walked out of the restaurant.

"Rhysa! Rhysa!" he shouted but I refused to turn back.

I could strangle the man.

He 'let me work' and to actually use the word 'humour'.

I quickly took a minicab next to Westferry station and went back to work.

I was so furious. I slammed the door of my office and turned off my mobile. The jerk had really done it this time.

Chris POV

I felt terrible for what I had said to Rhysa but I had to use this as my way to get her to leave me. I had spoken to Mr Mohen last week in getting Rhysa relocated. He had genuinely offered her the promotion but I had cajoled him to have it based in the US.

Step one of my plan was active now move on to step two.


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