Billionaire’s Lost Angel

Lotus woke up with a heavy heart, replaying the events that had happened the last few days.  The unrelenting sadness consumed her as she took a moment to collect herself before facing the day ahead. Every day since the incident and her disgrace, not just with Peter but everyone in the States, she had always been feeling sad and unable to even think of anything.

Her MD messaged, telling her that there was a serious crisis that would befall the company. She couldn’t hold her sadness. She has been avoiding the decision for a very long time. Architecture was something she loved doing, and now she was not sure she was willing to give her dream up.

She knew that today would be a turning point for her company and for her own future.

As she arrived at the office, the once bustling halls were now eerily quiet. Glimpses of her employees could be seen scattered about, their faces etched with worry. Lotus felt a pang of guilt, realizing that not only her life had been destroyed but the lives of people who had put her trust in her.

Determined to face the truth, Lotus called for a meeting in the conference room. Her loyal employees gathered around, their eyes filled with concern and uncertainty. They all knew that it hadn’t been easy for Lotus, and it was beginning to tell on not only her but all of them.

Lotus took a deep breath, her voice steady but heavy with sadness. She took a moment to recollect herself before speaking.

“I have made a decision,” she began, her voice echoing in the room. “I believe it is time to close down the company. I have failed all of you, and I can no longer bear to see you suffer because of my mistakes.”

“You did no such thing, Mrs Robinson -”

“Call me Lotus, please.” She corrected and motioned for him to go on.

“Sorry, Ms. Lotus. You were wronged. It’s bright and clear, but-”

“But people aren’t seeing that. You can’t blame them. That was what they are led to believe.” Lotus said calmly, sucking in a breath and raising her chin. “I believe the decision would be best for all of us.”

Silence hung in the air as her words settled in the hearts of her employees. However, one by one, they began to object. Their voices rose. Most of them were in the motion that she shouldn’t give up on her dreams, but Lotus knew that at that point she didn’t have any dream to bank on.

“We stand by you, Lotus,” said Sarah, her voice filled with determination. “This company is not just a business, and it’s family. And families stick together during difficult times.”

Nods and murmurs of agreement rippled through the room as employees shared their unwavering commitment to the company and to Lotus herself.

“But how can we continue the operations without drawing attention?” Lotus questioned, her eyes searching for answers. “I am an object of media attention. Every little thing concerning me would be made a topic.”

John, the oldest member of the team, cleared his throat and looked straight into her eyes. “We can work beneath the covers, keeping a low profile. I believe firmly that you are not going to give up on your dreams, and you will surely be back for your revenge, Why can’t we keep working undercover for you?*

Lotus nodded, gratitude welling up inside her for the unyielding loyalty she was receiving. “Alright, let’s do it. We’ll keep the company alive but in secrecy..” Her voice quivered with emotions.

As the meeting came to an end, Lotus collected her thoughts. She left the conference room feeling a mix of sadness and determination. She knew this was her chance at redemption – a chance to rebuild her company and life. A chance to build her life aside from what Peter and the rest had made her life to be.

Walking through the empty halls, Lotus couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversations that filled her with hope. The sound of computer keys clicking and hushed whispers of plans being formulated filled the air. She knew that her loyal team was already putting her instructions into action.

•••••

Sheila sat comfortably in her opulent lounge, a smug smile playing on her lips. She had successfully executed her plan to bring Lotus down, leaving her helpless and with no hope of redemption. As she sipped her champagne, she couldn’t help but revel in her devious victory. She has always wanted lotus down. Being Peter’s girlfriend, she had enjoyed it a lot, and she wants ready to stop that because of Lotus. She was not willing to give up on her dreams to be beside such a rich and successful man like Peter.

Her friend, Brenda from New York, sat across from her, mirroring Sheila’s sinister satisfaction. “So, how was the modeling scene in New York?” Sheila asked Brenda,

Brenda leaned back in her chair. “Oh, it was fantastic, my dear! The industry is buzzing with excitement, and of course, our dear Caleb is still a hot topic. He’s as captivating as ever, wooing everyone with his charm and talent.”

Sheila chuckled, imagining the adoring throngs surrounding Caleb. “It’s almost amusing how easily people fall for his facade. Little do they know,” she said, a hint of wickedness in her voice.

In the midst of their conversation, a sudden ping interrupted. Sheila glanced at her phone and saw a message that demanded her attention. She excused herself from Brenda’s company, promising to return soon, and exited the lounge.

As she walked down the dimly lit alley, her thoughts consumed by her plans for Lotus, She wasn’t done with her. She knew deep down that Peter still wanted to get Lotus back, but she wasn’t going to let that happen. Sheila suddenly felt a hand on her arm, pulling her back. She turned around to face none other than George,

George’s eyes bore into Sheila’s with an unyielding intensity. “Sheila, whatever you’re planning, leave Lotus out of it. Trust me, you won’t like what I do next if you don’t.”

Sheila raised an eyebrow, a smug smile playing on her lips. “Oh, George, you’re always full of empty threats. I’ll do as I see fit. We are in this together as equals. And you don’t call the shots.”

George’s grip tightened, his voice laced with a wave of raw anger. “You underestimate me, Sheila. I won’t let you destroy Lotus. She deserves a chance at happiness., unlike you.”

Sheila’s smirk transformed into a wicked grin. “Oh, George, you seem to forget that you plotted this? You wanted her to divorce Peter, and now it happened. In the most dramatic way possible, and you are complaining? Stop being a hypocrite!”

George released her arm, a flicker of defeat crossing his eyes. “Just remember, Sheila, you’re playing with fire.  We made the plans, but you stepped out of it first by calling the media and capturing the sad moments. I won’t forgive you for what you have done to Lotus.”

Sheila chuckled, brushing off his words as inconsequential. “We shall see, won’t we? Until then, George.”

She turned on her heel and walked away, leaving George behind in the shadowed alley. She relished in the feeling of power pulsing through her veins, confident that her plans would come to fruition.

As Sheila entered her car, a satisfied smile spread across her face. She was determined to crush Lotus without mercy to ensure that she never rose again. And with every step she took, her resolve grew stronger.

She was willing to get all that Lotus had stolen from her back in all folds. Thousands of them.

–

•••••

Peter rested his weary head on his desk, his eyes heavy with exhaustion from the long day. His crumbling marriage’s constant pressure and stress had taken its toll, leaving him feeling drained and defeated.

He never knew that his plans had been toiled with. It seemed there was no hope of getting back with her, and it made a pain he couldn’t ignore.

As he massaged his temples, desperately seeking relief from the pounding headache, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Peter,” Sheila’s voice oozed with a mix of triumph and malice, causing him to sit up abruptly, his anger quickly replacing his fatigue.

“What do you want now?” Peter snapped, his patience hanging by a thread. “Haven’t you done enough damage already?”

Sheila chuckled darkly as she sauntered into his office, her eyes gleaming with a sinister delight. She gracefully slid into the chair opposite him, crossing her legs.

“Oh, Peter, my plans have just begun to take shape,” she taunted, a wicked smile playing on her lips. “But don’t worry, darling, I won’t keep you entangled in my web forever. Just do as I say, and we can both move on with our lives.”

Peter’s brow furrowed, confusion mingling with his anger. “What are you talking about, Sheila?”

Her eyes bore into him, her voice dripping with spite. “Oh, don’t pretend, Peter. I know everything. I know you’ve been working behind the scenes, trying to expose my secrets to Lotus and undermine me. Well, guess what? I’m not done yet. You will divorce Lotus, or I will make sure your precious Lotus slips through your fingers forever.”

Fury surged through Peter’s veins as he shot up from his chair, his voice filled with indignation. “Fine! I’ll divorce Lotus if that’s what it takes to be rid of you,” he spat, his resolve solidifying with every word.

Sheila chuckled, a cold, heartless sound that grated on Peter’s nerves. “Very well then, Peter. You’ve made your choice. But remember, actions have consequences. You’ll face whatever comes your way.”

With a sly smile, she rose from her seat and walked out of the office, leaving Peter to sink back into his chair, utterly bewildered. How had he let his life become entangled in such a web of manipulation? How had he been so stupid to let Sheila play with him?

As the night wore on, Peter found himself unable to shake off the weight of the conversation. The unresolved tension gnawed at him, the need for closure clawing at his soul. Unable to resist the urge any longer, he made a decision.

He picked up his phone and dialed Sheila’s number, the sound of her voice echoing through his ears as the call connected. “Meet me at the Sunset Diner,” he said, his voice laced with determination. “It’s time to discuss the terms of my divorce with Lotus.”

Sheila’s laughter danced through the phone, wicked and mocking. “Oh, Peter, how predictable you are. Finally acting according to plan, are we?”

Peter’s patience waned, his voice steely with resolve. “Enough games, Sheila. I’m not going to let you control my life any longer. Let’s end this, once and for all.”

With a dismissive chuckle, Sheila agreed to the meeting. The line went dead, leaving Peter alone with his thoughts.

•••••

Lotus sat alone in the grandeur of the mansion’s living room, engrossed in a movie when her phone suddenly rang. Startled, she leaned over and saw Peter’s name flashing on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat. It had been a very long time since she last heard from him, and she never expected to receive his call. Hesitant, she answered.

“Hello?” Lotus’s voice conveyed both anger and sadness.

“Lotus, it’s Peter,” came the voice on the other end, sounding uncharacteristically nervous.

Lotus took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Peter had betrayed her in the worst possible way, proving himself unworthy of her trust and love. But perhaps, just maybe, there was a glimmer of hope that he wanted to reconcile with her, but she wasn’t sure she was ready for that.

“What do you want, Peter?” Lotus asked, her voice still tinged with bitterness.

Peter let out a sigh. “I know I’ve hurt you deeply, Lotus, and I can’t even begin to apologize for the pain I’ve caused. But… I want to meet you. There’s something important I need to discuss with you.”

Lotus wrestled with conflicting emotions. Peter’s voice sounded sincere, but she couldn’t forget the countless tears she shed because of him. A part of her still longed for the love they once shared, but the wounds were too fresh.

“Fine, Peter. Let’s meet, but it doesn’t mean anything will change,” she reluctantly agreed.

They settled on a quaint restaurant in the heart of the city. As Lotus approached the entrance, she saw Peter sitting at a corner table with a familiar face by his side. Her heart sank. It was Sheila,

Taking a deep breath, Lotus walked over to their table. The air was thick with tension.

“What’s all this about, Peter?” Lotus asked, trying to mask her hurt with an air of indifference.

Peter looked at Sheila, then back at Lotus. “Lotus, I’ve decided that we should get a divorce.”

Lotus felt her world come crashing down around her, and a bitter laugh escaped her lips. “A divorce? As if everything we had meant nothing? Did you ever truly love me, Peter?”

Peter hesitated for a moment before answering, “No, Lotus. I never loved you the way you deserved to be loved.”

Tears welled up in Lotus’s eyes as defeat washed over her. She knew she couldn’t hold on to something that no longer existed. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she reached for the papers Peter slid across the table and signed them.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Goodbye, Peter,” she whispered, fighting back the tears threatening to spill. With one last longing gaze, she walked out of the restaurant, leaving behind shattered dreams and broken promises.

That night, Lotus packed her bags, hastily grabbing her clothes. The mansion, once a symbol of her happiness, now served as a painful reminder of the life she was leaving behind. She got into her car and drove through the lonely streets until she reached the airport.

There, she met Sarah, a former employee of Peter’s whom he had sacked. Sarah had expressed her concern for Lotus when she heard of their divorce and offered her support.

“Lotus, I know it’s difficult for you, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here for you,” Sarah said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Lotus nodded, gratitude welling up within her. She realized that even in the darkest moments, people were ready to lend a hand and help her find the light again.

As they boarded the plane, Lotus felt a sense of relief and liberation wash over her. It was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one where she could heal and rediscover herself.

“What do you plan on doing when we get to New York?”

“I really don’t have any plans for now, but we must make sure no one recognizes us.”