ELSA POV

“You’re fired.” Those words rang in my ear like a bell. I couldn’t believe I just got fired from my job because of my sister.

This job was everything to me. I remembered how I got a letter stating that I been offered a job at Baron and Claire, I was happy because this was an opportunity to be near Alvin.

But he never considered me as anything till this very day. I was the perfect wife to pretend at day that we were just a boss and colleague and them perform my wifely duties at night.

I didn’t pay attention to the road as thoughts ran through my head until I bumped into someone. I almost fell but the person was quick enough to grab me and when I stared into the eyes of whose hands I was, I froze.

Gabriel Mcmilian.

What was he doing in New York?

“Hello Elsie.” He said with a smile as he watch me try to find my balance. I comported myself not wanting to see how surprised I was to see him.

“Surprised?”

Of course I was. Grabriel and I had been classmate right from high school down to college. He had tried so much to prove that he was a better guy than Alvin but I never gave him the chance.

Now, I’m filled with regret as I stare at this handsome man with chiseled jaws. His hair, low and dark as always. He really looked like a model.

“You know my name is Elsa and not Elsie.”

“Of course, i just like seeing your reaction whenever I call you Elsie. It’s been long, how have you been.”

“You’re still annoying.” I said with a small smile.

“Yeah. Where are you heading to? I can drop you off.” He said already gesturing to where he parked his car. I did want to turn him down but one mind kept telling me to give him a chance.

After all, what could be the worst that can happen. Already, the man that I love is in his office enjoying with my sister.

“12b avenue road. That where I’ll be stopping” I didn’t give him the exact address because I didn’t want him coming over as he pleased.

I speak from an experience. Grabriel was one in a million who would do anything to get what he wants. I wished Alvin was like that.

“So did you end up with Alvin?” He said once he started the ignition. I knew this question was coming.

“Is that why you offered me a lift? To prey on my personal life?”

“No, don’t get me wrong Elsie. I just wanted to know if your happy with him.” He said I could that he was genuinely concerned but I refused to say anything.

The drive was quiet and awkward for a while before I finally spoke up.

“My marriage is fine, thank you for asking.” I said and looked out the window not wanting to breakdown or get asked other questions.

“I’ve got a business proposal. You know how you loved to make jewelries? I’ve got a position and I wanted someone skilled to handle it.

“And you think I am skilled enough?”

“Cmon Elsie. I want you as a partner to grow my new company. Just come to the art studio when you get the chance to and see some designs I created.” He begged.

I nodded in agreement because for once, someone realized what I liked.

I once used to create drawing of jewelries but my stepmother kept burning them and my father didn’t want me to have a job of my own.

To him, being the perfect house wife was better. Even when I accepted the job offer from Alvin’s company he was pissed but Alvin managed to calm him down.

“Here is my card, call me anytime you are free.” That was the last words he spoke before I stepped down of his car. I watched as his car speed off.

Riel Jewelry Collection.

That was the name of his company. But why go into the jewelry business. I could recall that he had the biggest oil company in New York and across the globe.

Well, it wasn’t good to keep all your eggs in one basket, I told myself.

I went about my usual routine when I get home from work. Once more, I took the test results from my bag trying to convince myself that it was time to tell Alvin about the children.

“Who were you with outside the company building today?”

I scrambled to hide the test results back in my bag at the sound of Alvin’s voice.

“What are you trying to hide?” He said as he strolled around the back of the sofa to face me.

“It’s none of your business.” I said to him not even looking his way.

“Well, you didn’t answer my first question.”

“Why is that your problem? You can worry about who I move with but I can’t?”

“Stop this Elsa, I have every right because you are my wife.”

“You’re contracted wife Alvin don’t forget.”

“Don’t act like you didn’t know what you were getting yourself into when you signed the contract.”

Every blood in my vain froze. So, really I was just a game to him.

“If you’re so much interested in who I was with then listen, that was Grabriel and he just gave me a job offer.”

“You can’t accept it.”

“You can’t be serious Alvin. Remember I lost my job today and I need another job. I’ve gotten one and so, you should be happy for me.”

“You can’t work with him.” He said again with a frown on his face.

“You don’t get to dictate my life anymore. I’ve found a job that clicks with my passion and I won’t be giving it up. Not for you especially.” My stomach began to rumble again, I grabbed my bag and run down to the toilet.

“What are you hiding from me Elsa.” I heard Alvin shout out from behind me as I ran.

ALVIN POV

I watched Elsa run away into our shared bathroom. I had noticed that she looked very unwell for some days now and hadn’t bother to check up on her.

My phone began to ring as I tried to ask Elsa what the issue was.

“Alvin, please come over. I just fell down the stairs.” Claire cries echoed in my ears.

“I’m on my way.” I said already thinking about what condition she could be in right now.

“The queen needs her knight in shining armor.” Elsa said mockingly.

“Stop this Elsa. I’ll be back to check up on you I need to get there as soon as possible.”

I hurriedly ran to my car forgetting to even button my shirt that I had changed into.

What was wrong with me? One minute I am concerned about the man Elsa would be working with. How many hours will they be spending together in the jewelry studio?

Will he be holding her hands or cracking silly jokes to make her laugh.

I was aware that I wasn’t the best husband to Elsa, I treated her like a piece of trash. But she never stopped loving me. I didn’t even get to know her neither did I know what she loved and what she didn’t.

Now, here I am getting jealous about her working for another man. Sadly, I won’t be agreeing to that.

I finally stopped at the big mansion which I got for Claire after she returned.

I ran inside just to see he laying on the floor. I carried her all the way to the room to see if she sustained any serious injuries.

Unfortunately,I couldn’t take her into the hospital to avoid gossip and publicity from the media about my affair.

It would only ruin the company that I tried building.

“What took you so long?”

“Calm down, I am here now.” I began to look at her wounds but it was nothing really serious. Which gets me irritated a little bit.

“You’re wounds are not serious Claire.”

“Are you scolding me? What if I had died?” I knew she was trying to guilt trip me like she always does.

“No Claire. Get some sleep, I’ve clean all your wounds.”

“Stay with me Alvin.” She grabbed me, rubbing my chest and pulling me over for a kiss. I wasn’t ready to bed her tonight.

I got a more pressing thing to handle.

“I’m sorry Claire, but not today. I’ve got to head to work.” I slowly dropped her hands on the bed, standing up to leave.

“It’s because of her? Right?”

“Stop this Claire. You know I don’t like your sister the way I love you. I’ve got some files to handle, I’ll check back in later.” I replied her and headed out.

Luckily I didn’t have to worry about clothes because I had spare clothes I left the in my office just incase. Driving through, I see someone I would recognize anywhere.

Elsa.

And she wasn’t alone. A young and handsome man of around my age was making her laugh and it made me wonder what silly jokes he was telling her that I couldn’t do to make her laugh.

Jealousy clouded my mind. I shouldn’t be feeling this way for Elsa, I never loved her but seeing her laughing with someone else that’s what makes me pissed so I pulled over.

“Can I have a word with you Elsa.” I requested once I got to a free distances. Hands in my pocket as i eyed the man who was dressed exotics.

No doubt he got taste but he wouldn’t be having my wife.

What’s wrong with you Alvin? Get a hold on yourself.

“It’s none of your business Alvin, I told you already.”

“Of course it’s my business, you are my wife.”

“Nahh, your contracted wife. You’re real wife is Claire.”

“I hope there’s no problem here? You must be Alvin. It’s nice meeting you, I and Elsa were classmates and I'm into jewellery..” He said Elsa's name sounded so cool. I wonder how it would make Elsa feel when he’s in between her legs.

I eyed his outstretched hands and looked back at my wife.

“I’m speaking to my wife, do excuse us.”

“Ohh fine.” He answered with a smile as if my coldness never affected him.

I don’t know this guy but he already piss me off and I won’t let him get closed to Elsa.

“Get in the car, we’re heading home.”

“I’m not going with you. I’ve got business plans to discuss with Gabriel.”

Gabriel so that’s he’s name.

“You’ll do as I say or we are-“

“Done. Yes Alvin, we are done. I don’t want to play the perfect wife while you run to your real lover. I don’t want you to dictate my life anymore.” Her words hurt me than a bee sting.

“I don’t want to hear what you have to say. It’s over Alvin, you’re now free to be with Claire.” Her words sounded so sincere, no trace of anger or jealousy in it.

I had to leave because people were already staring at us and I don’t want this to show up as the first thing on the news this night.

In the car, I wonder what had given Elsa such a courage. She always begged. Now, I realized that she truly had endured me and now she couldn’t. Or could it be the new guy. I wondered as drive to the office.

“Get me all you know about a certain Gabriel, I think he’s in to jewelries.” I commanded Linda.

“You mean Grabriel McMillan? He’s the famous and top CEO in the oil industry.”

I tried to process Linda’s words. If he was in the oil and gas industry, why was he claiming to be in the jewelry sector? I vowed to find more Details about him and perhaps buy his new company so as to have Elsa close.