The way the question rolled off his tongue made my brain go numb.

I couldn’t speak. How could I? He invaded my fucking space and somehow he’s gaining more control of my sanity.

“I wasn’t mannerless when I helped you yesterday, was I?” he asked, but this time with an extremely low voice, then he took a few steps back. 

Thank God for the space between us, because my sanity is very important right now and since there was no point pretending that I’m not the drunk he helped, I mumbled. “I owe you a thank you”

He smirked. “You do owe me and I plan to collect my debt in kind.” He winked and just like that, he left.

What the hell does he want in return?

“It took you forever.” Isabella said as soon as I sat down.

“Sorry, I uhmm had an encounter with Richard Clinton.” I explained and she happily requested for more details. I laughed and narrated everything, except I held back Richard’s promising to collect his debt in kind.

“I don’t want you to introduce us anymore, I have a feeling that he’s stalking me so I will like to see how it goes” I added and she nodded in amusement.

Although there wasn’t any sign of Richard again till we left.

*******************

I couldn’t sleep well last night, thoughts of Richard occupied my mind and those thoughts were wild. 

Oh Lord, please forgive my thought.

Hurriedly, I got up from my bed and went for a quick shower, knowing I needed to be at work in less than forty five minutes, for a very important meeting and I’ve a feeling that my clients are pissed because I haven’t met their expectations.

"Ms. Lana your breakfast is ready" One of the maids said after she noticed I was leaving in a hurry, however, I thanked her and apologized as I am unable to eat.

Upon arriving at my office, I'm met with a daunting sight: a pile of files awaiting my analysis, alongside an untouched workload on my computer. Because of my recent distractions, my clients' impatience weighs heavily on my mind. 

With a resigned sigh, I rushed out of my office and headed to the conference for the meeting. My very impatient clients complained about the delays in the renovations, interior decorations, cleaning services and more. I was supposed to make all equipments available but I didn’t. My head has been a mess for the past few days. 

“I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by my company’s lack of efficiency. We underwent a serious downtime in our services but we are up to the task now.” I lied, then promised a better result.

“It’s so unlike your team but I trust you will get it done as soon as possible.” One of the clients said and also tried to convince the other two who were becoming irate. Grateful for the loyalty I’d built in many of my clients but the new deadline I was given was also very close.

The meeting finally ended and quickly I went to my office to dive into the stack of files, methodically tackling each one according to priorities.

Hours passed in a blur of concentration until hunger pangs reminded me of the passing time. Taking a moment to nibble on the snacks I'd ordered earlier, I soldier on into the night, unaware of the hour until my stomach protested again.

I checked my time and it was 10:47pm. I should have packed the breakfast that was prepared for me this morning, because I haven’t had any meaningful meal today.

Without second thought, I reached for my phone to order dinner from an online cafeteria, then noticed a notification from my instagram account: Richard Clinton started following you.

My personal stalker.

I smiled but ignored it and continued my quest to order dinner. However, this man didn’t stop at instagram, he sent friend request on Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter (X), all my social media accounts. I sighed and followed him back on instagram only.

Immediately, he began sending messages. I finally gave in and replied some of his messages, where I mentioned being swamped at work without food and was trying to order a meal, so he could stop bothering me.

Instead of taking the hint and backing off, he texted that he was on his way and with food. I dropped my phone and wondered how he was already on his way to my company when I didn’t even give him an address. But the good thing was that he was bringing food.

I ought to make a few calls to reconfirm the items that was going to be delivered tomorrow morning but it was too late so I sent a mail instead, before arranging all the scattered files. If truly Richard was on his way then he shouldn’t see this mess. 

Right on cue, my security called to inform me of the arrival of Mr. Richard Clinton, I instructed him to lead Richard to my office but it was a bad idea because this office was still messy.

When Richard entered, he noticed the chaos on my desk, and suggested I take a break to eat dinner. 

“How did you get my address?” I asked instead.

He shook his head. “I don’t reveal my source.” 

Knowing he won’t tell, I moved closer and collected the food he bought and without hesitation I devoured the delicious delicacy.

Richard watched every bites I took, as he sip the vodka he brought for himself. 

Shit. 

I forgot to appreciate him for the meal and I was almost done.

“Thank you for the meal” I said shyly.

He smiled, “Finish up so we can tidy this place and go home.”

I opened my mouth to protest because I still had a lot to do but he got the memo and said. “If you still need to do some work then we’ll finish it together, but you won’t spend the night here.”

Thank you for reading ❤️ 

Continue Lana’s story in chapter six.