CHANTEL

CHAPTER 10

Chantel was dumbfounded. She felt like a fool. She gathered herself, took her purse from the glove

compartment, opened the car door, and left. She didn't know where to go. It was an express road,

and the hotel was mainly built for travellers. How could she not see the signs?

Why didn't she bring some money? What was she thinking? Now she would have to walk to the bus

stop. How far was it? She didn't even know the way; she had never been there before. She thanked

the Lord that it was a straight road meant for cars only because she was the only one walking.

Everyone else was driving away. She nearly lost it... Just a little more, and tears would have slipped

from her eyes. She thanked the Almighty Father that she was able to control the tears, keeping them

right under her nose. She could hardly breathe; her nostrils felt so hot! Then she heard a horn. It was

obviously Max's car. She immediately increased her pace. Max was still following her, driving slowly.

"Get in!" he yelled.

She just ignored him and kept on walking as fast as possible.

Then he got down and ran toward her. He held her hand, and she forcefully freed it.

"Chantel, I am sorry."

She ignored him and kept on walking. He knew she had no money with her. What was she planning?

Walking all the way home?

"Chantel, please get in," he begged.

Chantel hated herself instantly when tears filled her eyes, but she kept on walking. Max couldn't

think of anything else to do but block her way.

"Get out!" she yelled.

"I am sorry, please!"

She noticed he wasn't as sincere as he should be. He had pride.

"Make way!" she yelled again, and the door opened for the tears to flow. Her eyes drooped.

"Please, let me take you home."

"Get on your knees!" she co"What?!"

"Get on your knees!" she repeated.

"Wait, you mean I should kneel down?" he asked curiously.

"Kneel down!"

Max's eyes opened wide. Of course, he couldn't do it! He was a spoiled rich brat. He stared at her for

a moment, then his eyes lowered. He immediately moved aside. He had been blocking her way, and

now he was making way for her. Jeez, so mean!

Chantel wasn't sure what had just happened. Oh God! Did he just make way for her to pass? Jeez, so

embarrassing! She decided not to look stupid and walked as fast as she could. Max went back to his

car and drove away. Jeez, what a mean guy! She stumbled and nearly fell. She wondered why she

was crying. He wasn't worth it! He was such a jerk!

Max had driven very far away. He was troubled. He had never been in this state before. What kind of

feelings was he having now? No girl had ever done this. Who dared to tell the CEO of Nigeria

Cosmetic/Accessory Production to kneel down? How rich were his workers? Talking less of him. So

challenging! Now his stupid heart was not at rest! He really wanted to go back. Damn instinct! He

stopped the car for a while, placing his head on the steering wheel. He gave a wry laugh. He almost

cried. These feelings he suddenly had for her were going to ruin his pride!

He drove backward until he saw her in the wing mirror. Chantel sighed slowly in relief. He came

back!

Max got out of the car and walked towards her. Chantel acted as if she saw no one. He blocked her

way again. Before she could utter a word, one of his knees went down. She was surprised. But it was

just one knee. Then he made the move to place the other knee down, but she stopped him. She

never wanted to, but she felt she had to. She managed to make it out of his sight. She got in the car

and waited for him. Max stood in disbelief. Really, this girl was... The One!

He got in the car, turned on the engine, and silence prevailed until he got her home. Finally!

Chantel got down from the car, banged the door, and walked into the apartment without saying a

word. Max also didn't say a word. As soon as Chantel got out, he drove away.

Chantel was so angry and frustrated. She climbed the steps, counting, and then she saw Steven.

Asshole Steven! He was the cause of all this. Evil boy! Chantel stopped counting when she sighted

him. She increased her pace and walked past him, but he pulled her back.

"Let me go!" Chantel yelled in frustration. Steven would have to serve Max's punishment if he didn't

take time.

"Chantel, please. Talk to me," he said, still holding her hand.

"Look, Steven, I am not in the mood for this. Just leave me," Chantel said, trying to control her anger.

"Chantel, please.""LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Chantel yelled. Damn! Her anger had taken over. The

door of tears immediately opened when she remembered Max. Damn! Steven would think she was

crying for him.

"I am sorry," Steven said, loosening his grip on her hand.

"Channy?" Jane said. She came out when she heard Chantel's voice. "Is everything alright?" Jane

asked, eyeing Steven. "What did you do to my sister?" she yelled at him.

"I did nothing, I was just..."

"Save it for some other time," she interrupted him. "Chantel, let's go," she added, assisting Chantel inside.