C5 Intoxicated

He was brought back to reality when Monica shifted her Bloodshot grey eyes to Briana and back to Joel.

“What is going on here?” Joel turned to Briana and sighed. “You ask me to wait up for you don't tell me she'll be joining us.” Monica gave Joel a death stare look.

“Monica…” She was heading to the door and walked out. Joel was trying to stop her. But she was already done for.

“Seriously Briana. Why do you always have to ruin things? I told you… we have nothing to talk about.”

“Seriously? You have a wife now you want to do it with your personal assistant?”

“Joel you and I both know the truth. You want me.” She started to unbutton her shirt.

“Close the door when you are done.” Joel grabbed his car keys and phone just like he left her in the office. What did she expect? That same personal assistant is his wife. But by the time he was outside Monica was nowhere to be found.

Well he can always track her but he threw her new phone out of the car. So instead he didn't care and just walked to his car.

At her apartment.

She packed her bag and opened his emails using her old phone and made a brief description of what the contract is about.

“Go to Rio and run away. Disappear forever.” She made a goal. So she tried her best to read but eventually fell asleep.

The Next Day.

She found a suitcase on her door.

Look like a decent human being. That was the message on the delivery. She knew he was only trying to mock her. So she took the suitcase and put it inside and walked out with hers.

Trying not to be overawed by the luxury that surrounded her Monica settled into her seat in Joel's private jet for the long flight to Rio.

Once the stuff had settled her onto the comfortable sofa they presented her with a glass of wine and a small package wrapped with a note.

Her hands were shaking. It was a tiny recorder. She placed it into the ear and heard Joel summarizing everything she has to do there. Every nuance account. Maybe he didn't love her but he cared. He had to care otherwise why would he go into so much trouble to help her?

“Ma'am. Boss requested you wear this dress before you land.” She knew she can't say no to the maid. Instead she smiled. She just sat down afraid maybe she might fall if she walk around.

“...you can come with me. It's okay.” The maid didn't want to make things awkward.

When she had a total make over. She knew my Joel called her a princess. One, it's either she looks like one or Two, she has to be treated like one.

Black complimented her skin colour. The dress leaves her shoulders mostly uncovered and flows down into a tasteful semi-sweetheart neckline. It's a loose fit which makes the dress both enjoyable to wear and look at.

Her arms have been covered to just below her elbows. The sleeves broaden towards the bottom and playfully accentuate her skin.

The dress' waist is broad, but it's a comfortable fit. A bow has been wrapped around her and rests gentle on her lower back.

Below the waist the dress widens and has a bell style. The dress reaches to just above her knees and is slightly longer at the back.

Her hair was in a messy bun tied at the back, which adds simplicity and elegance. To top it all off she's wearing the necklace that had her gold ring on.

Rio.

When She landed. There were bodyguards waiting for her. Joel was able to plan a trip in less than 24 hours. She was given a card. Just Monica. Maybe it was a reminder that she shouldn't tell people they're married. She was given a large fluffy jacket because of the weather and was escorted to the door.

“Bienvenido ... que verdadera belleza eres.” She looked at the man. The only word she knew was 'Hola' in Spanish.

“Hola… I'm actually english…. So if you can use english.” Obviously she didn't know this part.

“You must be Joel's Personal Assistant.” The man walked towards her and she smiled, he had a strong accent. Golden, straight hair, Smart green eyes, set sunken within their sockets, watch vigorously over the Monica they've waited for, for so long.

A large beard gorgeously compliments his mouth.

This is the face of Mateo Valverde. One of the richest men in Rio.

“And You must be… ah he didn't mention your name. But you must be the guy huh?” Her sense of humour was on another level they just laughed.

“Mateo. And yes I am the guy. Shall we?” She wrapped her arm around his then they walked into the room. The table was already occupied but there was one empty seat.

She shut the room down. She was wearing black but she was the brightest woman in the room because she was the only woman in the room. Mateo made things worse when he took off her fluffy jacket off.

“I'll join you in a minute. I have to make a call.” Mateo left her there. She had to make her way half through the room.

She sat down.

“Evening. Gentlemen." They were literally looking at her. Who wouldn't did you guys see how she look? She looked like an angel except she's in black.

“Ma'am.” She looked at them confused. Who dares to call her ma'am.

Monica presented her work. Not necessary her work but Joel's perfectly. But when she was busy Presenting Mateo raised her hand.

“Ma'am…” before he could continue she interrupted him. “Guys. Please call me Monica. Just Monica.”

“Okay then ‘Monica.’ You mentioned that accountants or accounting is important for investors… how so?”

“… uhm The work performed by accountants is at the heart of modern financial markets. Without accounting, investors would be unable to rely on timely or accurate financial information, and companies’ executives would lack the transparency needed to manage risks or plan projects.” Something Joel would say. She then smiled while looking at her ring.

“You married?” she looked at him and blinked twice.

“Let's move on shall we?” when she continues presenting. Mateo had his eyes on her. There's something irregular about him, perhaps it's the way he looks at her or maybe he knows something about her. But nonetheless, Monica presented as if she knew what she was talking about.

“Well… Mr Dallin would be so proudly because you Ma'am… ahem I mean Monica you earned him our trust. He'll sign the papers.” She smiled shaking hands with the rest of the team.

“This is for you.” A small package was delivered to her. It was a hotel key and a phone, immediately she switched on. Joel already sent a message.

Don't even think about it. I'll always find you.

She sighed. “So… guess this is it?” she stood up.

“It was pleasure doing business with you. Hope to see you more often.” She smiled while Mateo grabbed her jacket and gently placed it on her shoulders.

“You don't want to stay in?” he whispered to her.

“Mr Mateo, thank you for the offer but I already have a place to stay.” She put the jacket on and snatched the papers away from Mateo’s hands and she walked out.

She walked out angrily. Called Joel.

“Next time you should tell me if I'll be going into a room full of perverts. Is that… oh my gosh.” She was staring into the forest. “That's a… cat? Joel is this place even safe?”

You have reached the voice line service of…

“Voicemail! Dang it.” She hanged up and ran back to the building and found them laughing. And when she thought her eyes are deceiving her. Joel was signing the contract.

“…Joel? I mean Mr Dallin?!” She walked into the room and he turned with a smile and the smile slowly faded. She was beautiful but that moment he was staring deep into her soul and he noticed it was breath-taking.

“What? Didn't expect to see me?” Joel mocked her by his fierce look. She rolled her eyes. He cleared his throat.

The other men excused them and Mateo was busy talking to Joel while Monica waited for Joel. Mateo was busy staring Monica making her feel insecure.

“Mr Dallin. I'll be leaving.” she interrupted him while he was talking. He turned to her. She was busy scratching her left shoulder. To her it felt like he was undressing her with his eyes.

“The offer still stands Monica. Just in case you change your mind.” Mateo winked. Monica turned.

“Monica… I thought I gave you your hotel room key.” Monica looked at the package and took a deep breath in.

“Must have slipped my mind. Good night then.” She then walked out and was escorted to a limousine that was waiting for her. A man ran towards her.

“Ready to go Mrs Dallin?” A man asked her. She had black, shaggy hair awkwardly hangs over a fine, happy face. Sparkling amber eyes, set elegantly within their sockets, watch intently over Monica they've shown warmth on for so long.

“… u.. u… how di… how did you know?” she stiffened up her voice and he laughed.

“Sorry. I'm Jake. Jake Houston. Joel's only friend.” She looked at him with a reassurance look. “Monica… Joel asked me to take you to the mansion.”

“He got another mansion?” Jake smirked.

“Yes. Let's go shall we?” when she walked to the limousine, he cleared his throat.

“That's not for you. That's actually for Jo…”

“I want this ride.” Jake looked away. “Now I understand why he said you such pain.” He mumbled and she looked at him with her arms folded.

“Joel won't approve.” Jake tried by all means to change her mind but what princess wants Princess gets.

Meanwhile…

“Your Personal assistant…” Joel fisted his hands calmly. “What about her?’

“She got a dark past haunting her. I'm pretty sure she's a victim of abuse. Maybe she's in an abusive relationship she can't seem to get out of because judging by the way she smiles hopefully while watching her ring. Something is wrong dude.” Joel looked at him confused.

“She looks fine to me.” He was right though or maybe he just didn't pay attention enough.

“Even the moon has a dark gloomy side. I think it's abuse.”

“Her husband abuse her? But she has no scars.” Obviously he had to play dumb so that he can see what other people see.

“It doesn't have to physical but emotionally or maybe mentally. The same thing was happening to my wife’s sister… aargh. Sorry mate. It's not like you care. Anyways you did a good job bringing her here. She's good at what she's doing.”

“Yeah. But she's temporary.” Joel looked at his watch. “Well… I have to go. Let's talk tomorrow.” Joel walked straight out.

He found Jake's car. And Jake whistling until he saw him.

“Joel! My man!!” Joel looked at him. “Well… I missed you.”

“Where's my ride?” You can't blame him though. The man just wants his ride.

“Your Wife. She said you're a generous lover and you have everything she want and this time she wanted a ride in your limousine.” Joel smirked.

“I'm driving.” Joel snatched the car keys from him.

01: 32 am.

Monica didn't even get sleep. She was busy waiting for Joel in the mansion. First of all why doesn't she get sleep? To answer that who dares to sleep in a mansion that is surrounded by a rainforest.

The door finally opened.

“Oh my gosh. Joel I've been worried sick. Are you okay.” She ran towards the door. Indeed it was Joel but he was wasted.

“Ma'am. Sorry for the inconvenience. Both of them were found wasted. Jake is taken to his house.” Monica sighed and smiled.

“I'll take it from here. Thank you. What's your name Sir?” she made the guard smile. “Marcello. Ma'am.”

“Okay thank you Marcello Sir. I'll take it from here. Have a great night.” She wrapped Joel's arms around her. While he closed the door.

“…I'm sorry I touched you.” She whispered as she helped him up the stairs.

While falling down. She helped him to the bed. But she bumped his head to the headboard.

“Oh my gosh. Ha-ha. I'm sorry.” He groaned in pain. She took off his shoes and his jacket.

He looked so peaceful. She looked at him. When she aimed to take off his watch he grabbed her arm. And it tight. There was no way she could escape that grip.

So she fell asleep next to him.