Book To Read
Accusation
LYDIA’S POV:
MONDAY:ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
I was meeting with Nathaniel and the COO, Mr John, at the Lenox mall our company had just bought. We were to meet around 1 and it was currently twelve noon when my assistant had informed me that I had a meeting with Emma Belligram. Shock was an understatement and the meeting was at a restaurant up town, about twenty minutes drive to the location for my next meeting. I was famished so I was glad we were meeting at a restaurant but thoughts on what we could possibly be meeting linged on my mind. She has just told Lydia it was about Lenox mall.
But it didn’t add up. They were pleased to get the money and Jake Belligram hadn’t said anything, so it was strange.
“We are here ma’am.” The driver announced and I looked up from my laptop and nodded. He parked the car while I grabbed my bag.
“Thank you.” I appreciated it as he opened the door from me. I put on my Gucci glasses and strolled into the classy Italian restaurant.
I entered and was truly amazed by the interior designs and how cozy the atmosphere seemed. Lorena and I needed to come here as she enjoyed Italian food so much. I really did miss her and probably because we were both very busy people, none of us had reached out. I personally felt she needed to apologize first as her words weren’t needed at all, she knew all I ever wanted was for her to be happy. So throwing such a sad, embarrassing thing like that was out of line and an apology deemed fit.
Looking around the restaurant, I saw Mrs Belligram who had seen me already and waved her hands slightly to signify herself. I smiled walking towards her, with the sound of my heels clicking on the ground.
“Good afternoon Lydia, thanks for meeting with me. You look amazing.” She spoke softly, it made me smile. I knew I looked amazing in my high waist corporate blue pants and I put on a white inner then topped it all with a blue blazer to match. My hair was curled and middle parted, I was still so in love with its color and the compliments made my heart smile.
“Thank you, you look great as well.” I took a seat placing my white purse on the table. She was seated staring at me as I got adjusted. We were seated in the private section of the restaurant. The lighting was beautiful and the aesthetics was to write about, I was totally in love and the smell of the restaurant had my mouth watering.
“You must be wondering why I called for a meeting, aren’t you?” She asked and I nodded in affirmation placing my hands on her table. The more I kept my gaze, the more I realized that she was indeed a gorgeous woman but her eyes held pain for some reason. I’m just certain it has to do with her husband. Anytime he crossed my mind, my face turned to a scowl and I would just roll my eyes.
“I have some things I would like to share with you. I went ahead and placed an order for you before your arrival, I hope that’s okay with you?”
Now why would she do that? I had already pictured my whole meal and even how it’s going to taste.
“What would you like to discuss?” I went straight into it as the food was served. I smiled in satisfaction as a lasagna was served in front of me and my stomach rumbled in hunger and excitement.
“I can just imagine how hard you work. You eat Italian right? I didn’t even ask your assistant all these details. Apologize.” She spoke and I simply nodded.
The fact that she wasn’t going straight to business was annoying and I hated it so much like why are you beating around the bush?
“It’s okay.” I assured her, taking a bite out of my food and delicious was merely an understatement describing how good the food was.
“Alright. So let me cut the bull shit and go straight into it.” Her tone changed and her facial expression turned serious.
“I admire you as a writer and a person. I mentioned to you that I am a fan of yours on the day of our meeting but don’t think I’m stupid as I saw the way you and my husband looked at each other.” I was taken aback and my brows knitted together. I hope she wasn’t thinking….
“ARE YOU HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH MY HUSBAND?” As those words escaped her mouth, I coughed choking but I was amused.
She has got to be kidding me.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” I grabbed a glass of water and drank it all, fighting the amusement I was feeling. Me and Jake Belligram? This seemed like a scene from a movie.
“You think this is funny?” She questioned knitting her eyebrows together and I gulped the rest of the water, waving my hand as an apology.
I straightened my composure and cleaned the side of my mouth with my napkin before speaking.
“Listen Mrs Belligram, I can assure you that nothing has ever happened between me and your husband. You can ask around, do your research, ask YOUR husband, there has never been any sought of relationship neither will there ever be.” I said carefully so she understood every single word I uttered.
After speaking, she just stared intently at me with squinted eyes as if trying to analyze me. While she did that, I returned to my delicious meal. I never had a sexual relationship or even thought of her husband so there was nothing to be nervous about, but if she didn’t believe me and wanted to say or do more then we would have a problem.
“You know what? I’m just going to leave but I am warning you, stay away from my husband or we will have a problem.” She rose up from her seat after a moment of silence.
“I advise you to also get your information right before coming to me. Or we will have a problem and I know you wouldn’t like to have a problem with me…Emma.” I looked at her through the corner of my eye and she scoffed in disbelief before storming off.