Ashley.
I made my way out of the elevator and I bumped into Silver at the management building.
"What do you think you are doing?" She raised an eyebrow questioningly.
I furrowed my eyebrow, "I'm I not allowed in here?"
"So after everything that happened, you still decided to show your face." She asked, baffledly.
"Yes, this is where I work and cannot quit my job simply because you got married to my ex lover." I spat disdainfully.
"Are you not ashamed of yourself? She barked?" What will people say?
"Let them say whatever they want. At this point, I don't bloody care." I exploded.
"You got nerves huh." She gasped for breath.
"I thought you are someone I could rely on, but you are a wolf in sheep's clothing." I attacked her.
"Oh really?" She asked, her eyeballs rotating left, right and center. "You should understand the fact that he doesn't love you. He came for me and I gladly accepted him with my wide arms, you know."
"Stop making unnecessary excuses for yourself. You knew quite well that we were about getting married, but you chose to stuff your nose where it shouldn't be." I said in a coarse tone.
"What did you expect Raymond to do when he heard about your marriage arrangement to Old Fathom?" Silver asked, agitated. "Do you expect him to fold his hands and watch you? He had a better option and went for it."
"So you are the better option?" I asked, folding my arms across my chest. "And who said I was going to get married to Old Fathom. That will be over my dead body."
"Well it is what it is. Nothing can be done to remedy the situation. I can't possibly divorce Raymond because he is mine and forever." Silver said with a smirk.
Ah.. ahh.. I laughed at her to scorn, "imagining being an option because I wasn't there. And he had to compare and contrast you with some other girls before settling with you."
Silver made a move to hit me on my face, but thankfully, I saw it coming and raised my left hand to defend myself.
Raymond, who had been standing near the door staring at me, joggled himself between silver and I to prevent us from causing a scene.
"Ashley, she is my wife and you have to respect her whether you like it or not." Raymond said, bounding into the conversation like an antelope chased by a lion.
Who does he think he is? I thought to myself. I accessed him from the top to the bottom and noticed that he isn't the same anymore.
He is just like a maid, running the services of his big madame. He has been reduced to a boy who doesn't even know his left from his right. It's obvious he allowed himself to be used.
I tilted my head towards Silver, "Let me tell you something, you don't deserve to be called a friend by anyone. You are a chameleon who hovers around seeking something to devour. I regret ever knowing you."
Murmurings echoed all through the building when some of my colleagues at work sighted me as they walked through the staircase ready for the day's job.
"She was dumped for her friend. One of the staff said to the other lady by her right.
I heard she was getting married to an old man because of money. I couldn't believe what I just heard and I wondered who had been spreading the news.
I felt bittered but I tried my best to hide it. I wouldn't want silver and Raymond to know how bad I felt.
A smile curved on my lips, "Raymond or whatever you call yourself, I wish you the best in your damn marriage.
I excused myself and walked into my office. Atleast I'm married to my childhood friend, and not to a scumbag.
*****
After one hour, I was called upon by the managing director of the company. I immediately left for his office.
I saw Silver sitting and smiling down at me. Ashley, we have a project that will be coming up and I want you to handle it. The managing director said, stretching the files to me.
Why do you find me worthy to handle this project? I asked confused.
Based on your past records, you have done exceedingly well so I find it honorary to give it to you. He said smiling .
I tilted my head to face Silver. Hope this is not one of your schemes?
She raised her head smiling at me, of course not, why will I joke with a project like this.
I stood transfixed wondering if I should accept it or not. I don't really know what silver must have told her father.
Take it dear, this project would fetch you lots and lots of money and I guess, you definitely need this money. Silver said, with so much conviction in her voice.
What she said concerning the financial gain was true. My mind flashed back to when Tyler told me that the house we were staying in was his friend's house.
So I really need this money to better our lives again and to pay for a new apartment. I thought deeply.
I looked at the both of them before proceeding to take the file from him. On my way out of the office, Raymond bumped into me and the files fell to the ground.
He bent down to pick the files, but as soon as Silver emerged, he left the files on the tiled floor and quickly stood erect.
Silver gave him a provoking stare, he moved towards her and they both entered the office, shutting the door behind them.
I shaked my head in pity and bent forward to take the files on the floor.