'Good morning Jason ', Rebecca greeted her ex husband smiling willingly.

'Good morning Rebecca. What is the meaning of this?'

'The meaning of what?'

:What are you doing here in my office? Did you have an appointment? Or have you forgotten that this is an office? And there are rules to be followed here?' he asked barely controlling himself.

'I didn't know that such rules applied to me as well. It didn't in the past. I could come visit it at will'.

'In the past being the operating word. That was in the past. Now, you have lost all right to come here at will. You were my wife and could come here as you pleased but you are no longer my wife. In fact you are someone else's wife and you should book an appointment before coming to see me and your reason for wanting an appointment with me should be valid and by that I mean business and formal and never personal. Now why are you here?'

'You have not even asked me to be seated. Is that how you treat your clients?'

'Rebecca, I am a very busy man and your presence here is grating on my nerves because for the life of me, I can't fathom why you are here. It was okay for you to be at the luncheon, anyone could have invited you but here, I have not invited you and neither do you have an appointment so please be brisk with what you are here for so that I can continue with my work'.

'That's okay. You have a right to be angry. I am here on a peace mission. I want to invite you to have dinner with me', she said calmly and Jason could only stare at her. This woman had guts.

Who did she think that she was? To run away with his money and best friend, divorce him demanding a handsome alimony and then after a while, appearing out of the blue to ask him to dinner, very calmly without any remorse as though that was the right thing to do.

'You must have other important people to go out with, I am a busy man and my busy schedule encourages no such frivolities. Thanks for the invite but no thanks', he said smiling sarcastically.

'Don't flatter yourself Mr. Campbell. You are my ex husband and I have a business proposition for you. I was not inviting you out for personal purposes. What did you think? That I would divorce you only to come crawling back to you?' she said lying through her teeth.

Her intention was to bruise his ego so that he goes out with her. Then she can put the next part of her plan into action.

Jason could not believe the woman. He knew that she was someone who said what she thought but this was a totally different person but maybe not. He never really knew her

If he had, he would never been in the situation she left him.

'So what would it be? Business or no business?' she asked tauntingly.

Jason was still undecided and hesitated and Rebecca took advantage of his indecision to drive home her point.

'What are you afraid of Jason? Are you afraid that if you went out to dinner with me, you will realise that you still love and desire me? Or are you scared that you will fall in love with me all over again?'

'What time?' Jason snapped. He was not going to be ridiculed by this piece of shit who thought herself more than she really was.

'7pm, at the La Cuisine Hotel. I shall be there with my proposal

Please be early. Thanks and have a great day'.

She walked out the office and the company with her head held high.

She was going to make Jason hers before the day was out or at least she would get him to desire her beyond his control.

Jason could not believe what Rebecca had done but he consoled himself with the thought that it was about business and no matter what history they shared, business was business and though he found it hard to trust her, he recalled that she had said she was not looking to being intimate with him again. She had virtually said that she loved her independence and that was okay by him.

After to he close of work, he tried to finish off by 5pm and not stay late because of the business date he had with Rebecca.

He drove Nancy home and the silence was awkward.

Nancy knew it was not her business but she thought that he would have told her about Rebecca's visit and what she wanted just like he had confided in her the night they had ended up sharing that memorable kiss.

Nancy had to stop herself. The memory of the kiss made her feel hot and flushed. She felt that her hormones were acting up again and blamed it on the pregnancy.

:I have no right thinking about that kiss. I am going to have a baby and he has his mistresses and his wife is back now and may get back into his life, then what would become of me if I f as lol in love with him because of my foolish thoughts and desires?' she murmured to herself.

Jason had been stealing glances at her and saw her flush and he felt that she must be remembering the kiss they had shared and his body reacted strangely. He felt elated that she had remembered the kiss. So, maybe she was not as indifferent to him as she was making out. But the slight frown that furrowed her brows and the serious look on her face showed that she was deep in though and then she murmured to herself.

'A penny for them?'

Nancy looked up shocked out of her reverie and saw him looking at her with a very tender look on his face. It was nearly her undoing but she remembered that that was how he cared for all his employees and there was nothing special in his looks and why would there be when he could take his pick out of the beautiful women around him who would give anything to be with him.

'Nothing!'

'Nothing?'

'I mean I was not really thinking about anything just that Rebecca is a very beautiful woman and the both of you make a handsome pair'.

Jason looked at her and back on the road. He could have sworn that she was remembering their kiss.

'About the kiss yesterday....'

'Oh, not again. Forget about it would you. It was nothing. So do not read any meanings into it because there is none other than the obvious. A friend comforting another'.

Jason looked at her disappointed and nodded. Then concentrated on his driving.

Nancy knew that she had been harsh but she had not want to be reminded and for Jason to talk about it just when she had given him an opening to tell her about his wife's visit at the office meant that he wanted to apologise to her again and tell her it was all a mistake and she did not want to hear it.

Soon they were home and she got put of the car, said her thanks and walked straight to her quarters. She had to start staying in her limits.

Jason went upstairs, had his bath and got prepared for his dinner date.

Jason drove to the restaurant Rebecca had told him about and thank goodness found that Rebecca was already there. He had thought that he would have to wait for her to make a grand entrance but that was not the case. He was impressed.

He walked towards her and sat at the table she was already seated on.

Rebecca had considered keeping him waiting but she had thought better of it. She wanted to give the right impression and it was possible if he waited for a little while, he would have left, thinking that she was not serious and then all her scheming to get him to a dinner date would be a waste and it may be virtually impossible to get him to agree to another date no matter how shrewd she was.

'Ypu are here. Thanks for coming', Rebecca said smiling happily. She had almost thought that he would not come.

'It is a dinner date afterall and I am first a business man, what is the business proposal you have for me?' he asked, wanting her to get the impression that he was there for only business and nothing personal.

'Wait a minute. What's the rush? You will have to have something to eat first. Afterall,it is a dinner date'. she said signalling a waiter who came and took their orders.

Jason was not really hungry. He had eaten something light that Mrs. Potts made him before coming out but he didn't want to appear childish and there was no use dragging it out or arguing. The earlier they got over this meeting, the better. He just did not want to be seen with Rebecca or to give anyone any false impressions.

They ate their meal. While it was going on, Jason kept looking at the extensive wrist watch he had on.

This was irritating Rebecca but she kept her cool. She had to play her cards right and she was prepared to endure any slight to get what she wanted.

She pushed her food away, she had not really been hungry. She had thought that the meal would lessen the tension and made Jason more receptive of what she was about telling him but he seemed to be anxious to be gone from her. He had been toying with his food as well and as soon as she pushed her plate away, he did likewise.

'Jason, there was a time that you could have spent all your time in my company. But look how anxious you seem to be gone from me. Am I such a monster that you can't bear the thought of spending any more time than necessary in my presence?' she said injecting hurt into her voice. Of it took emotional blackmail, she was equal to the task.

'Rebecca, it isn't that. We are here for a business dinner and since we are through with our food,I would like it for us to get down to business. So what was it you wanted to discuss with me?'

'That girl Phoebe is not the right girl for you Jason', she said and Jason was shocked. He had not expected her to change the topic so abruptly as she did and definitely not a criticism of his voice of a lady friend.

'You have a right to whoever you wish to date. It is none of my business but I just felt in my bones and that she isn't right for you but you must definitely have felt the same way. Do you love her and do you have plans to marry her?' she said before he could say a word.

'Rebecca! If you have come to discuss my person life then we should just halt this dinner right away. I do not owe you any explanations'. He got up and made to leave.

'Dont you want to know why I left? I mean the real reason?' she asked gently looking up at him imploringly.

He had wanted answers but agreeing to it now could lead to some display of emotions that he was not ready to cope with right then.

He signalled the waiter who brought their bill. Jason brought out his wallet and counted the money for both their meal and a handsome tip for the waiter and walked out the hotel.

Rebecca waited a moment before going out after him. He met him about to get into his car and held his hands.

'Jason hear me out. You must have questions and I am here to answer them all. What would you lose if you listened to me?'

'Well speak and make it quick because I have someone waiting for me'.

'Okay. But since we are already out of the hotel,could we find a place to sit and not just stand beside your car this way or should we get into your car?'

Jason felt that sitting close to her in the car was going to be too cozy. He looked around and saw a pool where he took her so they could sit in the chairs close by.

'There, we are seated. What do you have to say for yourself?' he said looking at her impatiently.

'I realised immediately I left you that I did not really love Terry but that it was you who I really loved'.

Jason had thought that nothing she said or did could ever surprise him anymore but she kept proving him wrong.

'You seemed to be confused Rebecca. You did not realise that you didn't love Terry when the both of you were having an affair behind by back that you did not love him, you didn't realize it when you eloped with him, and even when you sent me those divorce papers and cleared the money in our account,you are just realising it now? Yell me. Did Terry put you up to this. No!he couldn't the poor man. He must be a victim of bad choices like I had been. I pity him.If he were here to hear you say this, I bet he would have had a heart attack.

Bit then again,he must have heard an earful. Are you both no longer together? I am now very curious'.

'We did not last Four months'.

'Four months!'

'Yes four months Jason. I regretted everything. I could not believe that I had been misled by Terry and he was your best friend. He told me alot of lies and I started doubting you my darling husband. The way he painted it, I had no option but to start looking up to him, and then that day, you had gone to work and I just got out of the bathroom, with my bath robe round me and he had come onto me so strongly and he professed his undying love to me. I was so taken in that I felt list and confused. I didn't know when my robe fell off and he was stroking me and I do not want to get into details but we had it there and after that I felt that I was not worthy to be your wife and that I had to agree to his terms be ause he also started threatening me'.

'You are unbelievable Rebecca. But thanks for soaring me the hory details of your sexual exploits with Terry in my own house and ony bed. How long did this go on. How long was I taken for a fool before your so - called guilt made you elope with him? Many times I presume. Many passionate days in your lovers arms on my bed without either of you feeling any remorse

What had I done to deserve that?

You said he deceived you but I am sure it was the other way round. And he started threatening and blackmailing you? You must think that I am a nitwit and would swallow all that, right?'

'But it's the truth. Terry told me that you didn't really love me but that you were just attracted to my beauty and that you had confided in him. He told me that if I remained with you and we started making babie,and I lose my figure and maybe beauty, you would discard me and bring in another. He was so convincing and I recalled you also complimenting my beauty and ft that he must be tight. Afterall what did he have to gain from lying to me?

He told me that he wished that he had seen me first because then,he would have married me and soared me the trouble ahead. I wanted to confront you with what I heard....'

'Why didn't you?'

'He told me there was no need for that since you would deny it and very convincingly and it would paint him bad and he would laugh at me when I was eventually thrown out of the house. He advised me to make good use of my time with you now that you were infatuated with my beauty and get all that I could and that we would run away and get married and he would give me a better life.

I was convinced and though I had my doubts, I decided to run off with him like the coward I was'.

'And where is Terry now?'

'I do not really know and neither do I care. He could not love me as much as you did, do I had to....'

'Don't tell me. You ran away again with maybe one of his friends who may also have convinced you that he did not live you well enough but was deceiving you?

How long did you stay with his friend before running off with another?'

'You are making it sound like I was doing all that intentionally!'

'Rebecca, It's okay. You have had your say. I now have the answers to my questions and I understand fully now. I do not need any other clarifications.

You do not have to be anxious to explain yourself to me'.

'But you do believe all that I have told you don't you?' she asked hopefully.

'Whether I believe what you have said or not is besides the point. The point is that what had happened had happened and we cannot change that. So, we just have to learn how to live with our choices and decisions'. he said with finality.

Rebecca held him tight, caressing his cheek and back, her mouth dangerously close to his. Then whispered to him, ' I still love you. I never stopped loving you', and she kissed him on the lips.

He stood rooted to the spot, his body betraying him yet again. He felt like wrapping his arms round her but remembered all the men she had dealt with and was just back to ruin his life further. He pushed her away.

'Stay away and keep your hands to yourself. We are no longer an item and I do not want you back in my life. I have gone on with my life as you have. Let us continue that way. There is no future for the both of us. So, don't start now'.

Jason left her standing there and went into his car and drove off.

Jason drove home. Very shaken and angry with himself. He could not believe that he had been in love with such a serpent as Rebecca.

He knew that she had been the one who had seduced Terry and he had foolishly fallen for her wiles and must be hurting now just like he hurt when he had taken his wife away from him. He felt it served Terry right but could not stop the stirring of sympathy in his heart for the poor man because he knew Terry must have been used just like Jason had been used.

He rembered the feel of Rebecca's lips on his and felt revulsion at both her and himself for forgetting for a moment the kind of person she was and what she was capable of doing.

He had been taken back to when he had been so much on love with her and his life had revolved round her. Just for a moment but that moment had nearly cost him if he had not caught himself in time.

When she had seen that her was not succeeding in her seduction, she had changed and asked him to be friends with her.

'Friends? What kind of friends?' he had asked incredulous.

'Any type of friend you want. If you want me to be your mistress, then I am okay with that . You do not have to marry me. It will be a commitment free relationship.

If not, I can be a platonic friend to you. All I want is to be able to stay close to you. It will not stop you from having other friends and mistresses of course'. She said grasping at straws.

'Rebecca, you cannot be a platonic friend to me and neither do I want to have a y fling with you. I have had enough of you to last me a lifetime. Go to your men and I to my women and work. It is better for everyone that way' he had said and as he made to leave, she had tried to grab his short again but he had thrown her hands off and she had staggered back and he was gone before she could recover.

Nancy had noticed him dress and driven off not long after they got back from work and she had been sure that he was going to meet with his beautiful ex wife.

She felt disturbed but could not understand the reason for her unease.

'I do not want her to hurt him again', she explained to herself.

But why it should concern her was what she did not want to dwell deeply on.

'He is a nice boss and I would not want him to experience what I heard that he experienced in the past', she said.

She went into the main house to help Mrs Potts as usual and decided to eat with her in the kitchen.

'Lass, won't you wait for Me. Campbell sir?'

'He has gone off to a date with his wife I presume' she answered, trying to appear nonchalant.

'His wife? Mr. Campbell has no wife. He is divorced'.

'That is who I meant. His ex wife came to the office to see him today and they planned to go out on a date and I am sure that is where he has gone to. So, it is possible that he won't want anything to eat when he gets back since he would be full or he would come back late and I can't keep waiting to eat with him', her tone told Mrs. Potts more than Nancy was willing to admit even to herself and Mrs.Potts smiled.

She really liked this little girl and believed that she was the ideal partner for Mr. Campbell sir. She would try all in her power to see that they came together.

But this talk of his ex wife, it was disturbing. How dare that devil of a woman come back here? She hoped that her boss would not fall for her tricks and lies this time. But men can be gullible. She just hoped for the best.

After the meal, Nancy excused herself and went in to her quarters. But she could not sleep. She found that she was straining her ears for any sound of a car coming into the driveway which would signal to her that Jason was back.

She was almost dozing when she heard it and became instantly alert but she could not go to the main building after having had her dinner and retired for the night.

She felt hot, very hot all of a sudden. So she put on her robe and went into the premise towards the pool.

She climbed in gently,she did not want to do e because she had been cautioned again any sudden movement because of her baby.

She felt the water in the pool embrace and cooled her body. She became calm and thought rationally about the events of the past few days and her reaction to her boss.

She was just wadding, when she suddenly felt an impact. Somebody had dived into the pool with her and she screamed before she could stop herself. She had been so lost in thought that she had not heard any approaching footsteps but the impact of someone diving into the pool.

The intruder was as shocked as she was because he had not expected anyone to be there at that time and the pool had been quiet, not showing any sign of anyone being there.

'Who are you and what are you doing here?' he asked.

Recognizing his voice, Nancy became bolder.

' What else could someone be doing in a pool? I felt very hot and decided to have a dip in the pool, I didn't know that I would have an intruder'.

Jason could not believe it. And she always had a response for everything.

He had got home and refused his dinner. He felt hot and had just taken his suit and came out for a dip, only to find that he was not alone here.

He felt drawn to this girl. He remembered his encounter with Rebecca and wanted to wash off the revulsion he felt and he remembered the kiss he had had with Nancy. Both could not be compared. The one was sweet and innocent, while the other was full of hypocritical venom.

He drew closer.

'What are you doing?' Nancy whispered scared.

Jason did not hear that and if he did, it felt like a voice far away. He was like someone in a trance. He kept drawing closer and closer to her.