His head was bent and his eyes were glued to the screen of his phone. He looked even more handsome than I remember and he seemed to have gotten a fresh haircut. The sides of his hair were lowered and his beard connected from the side of his head to his mustache, looking like they were securing his face in a box.
My stomach tied itself into knots, and I gulped."Alright, I'll take it from here." He dismissed the secretary with a wave and she left.My fidgeting hands pressed themselves against my thighs in a bid to dry off the sweat that made them clammy."Your name is..." He trailed off, dropping his phone on the desk and raising his head to meet my gaze."Vanessa," I answered, not missing the glint of shock that flashed in his eyes when he beheld my face."You..." He drawled, knitting his eyebrows into a quizzical frown. "Sit."My legs shook internally as I maneuvered my way around the chair opposite him and sat, chewing onto my bottom lip with heat spreading up my neck and devouring my cheeks."Good day, sir." I greeted and a gleam of mischief shined in his eyes as he rested his elbows on the desk and steepled his fingers.My skin crept at his predator's unwavering gaze. I was dazed, saliva gathered in my mouth and I swallowed it down my parched throat. What was I to say?'Perhaps I should apologize for jumping on him that night.' My subconscious chipped in and I averted my gaze to my hands after planting my palms on my thighs, rolling my thumbs over each other."I'm sorry for that-" I hesitated, risking a glance at his face, which was now emotionless. "-that night. It was under the influence of alcohol."Slowly, a foxy grin graced his cherry-red lips and my heart fluttered when his pearly whites were in the show."Was it?" He reclined into his seat and picked a pencil out of a cup that sat beside a neat stack of files on his table.Tongue-tied, I nodded, feeling like I'd explode if I said anything.A low rumble slipped out of his lips from the back of his throat. "I don't think it was, especially not with the way you requested for it."He rolled the pencil around his fingers in an ever-so-graceful way that got me wishing that was my nipple he played with.My heart raced and a sheen of sweat broke out on my forehead, making me itch and swipe the beads of sweat immediately to stop the crawling sensation."I-""Okay, so... Tell me about yourself." He halted me in my tracks and sat up, dropping the pencil back into the cup and holding up a file."My name is Vanessa Colton and I am a twenty-three-year-old from Seneca. I worked for Lola's event managing company as Lola's assistant. I am a goal-oriented and hardworking person who strives for the best in whatever it is she does-" I paused, hoping I was buying him over with my answer. He looked up from the file, cocking up a brow. "Keep going.""I am a great team player and I am time conscious. I believe I am the best candidate for the job, especially with my great communication skills. And I will use my skills for the betterment of this company even if it's already leading in the top biggest companies in New York," I explained, catching my breath and hearing my heart pounding against the walls of my chest."What's the difference between a leader and a boss?" He questioned, slowly thumbing through my file."A leader carries his followers along. For example, if I was a leader and I asked someone to carry out a task they aren't familiar with, I'd show them how to do it by leading a good example but a boss..." I continued, "... A boss would give you a task and expect you to do it, he wouldn't teach you how to because he believes you should know how to go about it."Cole dropped the file and tilted his head back, pushing his eyebrows up as if in awe.I was jittery within me but I tried my best to conceal it."Great communication skills you say?" He thumbed his beard, squinting his eyes."Yes, sir.""But you didn't show much of that when you stole my clothes and ran away from my house." He pointed out with a piercing gaze enough to break through the cupboard I hid my skeletons in.My eyes widened and I shook my head, mentally screaming. "No, I didn't steal your clothes, I-""Hired. You start on Monday." He dropped the file on the table and offered a smile, showing off his pearly whites with beautiful canines on both sides.What a perfect dentition, unlike mine. I had a misplaced tooth and it added to what gave me a low self-esteem back then in high school. I didn't care anymore, I smiled everywhere I went now."Thank you." I returned his smile, grinning like the Cheshire cat."You're welcome, personal assistant." He lilted, casting lazy eyes at me.***It was a Saturday morning and I was in the mall, shopping for more office pants and red-bottom heels.I didn't wake up on the right side of the bed, my heart was heavier than usual. Sheldon had ruined my night with a text, asking me to give him a second chance. He was a prick.Walking past an aisle for skirts, I scanned the different colors of office pants that hung down the rack.My mind drifted to that night, I had never made love to anyone like that before and the way he softly called my name when I rode him caused goosebumps to devour my arms as I relived the moment again.Small hands wrapped themselves around my thighs from behind, yanking me out of my trance and back to reality.Butterfly!" A childish squeal filled the mall, and it gained the attention of the fellow shoppers. I rubbernecked over my shoulder and glanced down to take in the beautiful sight of grey orbs, sparkling with excitement. "Hey..." A sweet smile graced my cherry lips as I recognized who she was, and she grinned, showing off her white canines. "It's you again."She manoeuvred her way to my front with her hands still gripping my thighs tight in a warm embrace. I placed a hand on her head and ruffled her pigtails. "Yes, me again!" She let out a shout of glee and a blush spread up her neck, staining her white cheeks. She released my thighs and reached her hands up, wiggling her fingers and gesturing for me to pick her up. I glanced around, looking for the father of the little child who had grown accustomed to me after meeting me just once. I heaved her off the floor and popped out my hip to balance her on it."Her daughter is so cute!" A teenager gushed to her friends from behind me, an
I took one glance at the mirror to make sure I was good to go. I had on white office pants which hugged my thighs, making my hip dips even more pronounced than they used to be. A black Zara top was perched on my upper body and my hair was allowed to cascade down my back in curls. Grabbing my handbag and a small grocery bag which I had folded Cole's sweat pants and shirt, I dashed out of the house and left the locking of the door to Shelly. She had woken up with a fever this morning and she had phoned Lola to give her the day off. "Trenton's Inc!" I yelled to the moving cab and it stopped, reversing to where I was. "Where did you say, babito?" He adjusted his Gatsby hat on his head as he bared his gum at me. "Trenton's inc." "Get in." He gestured and I did that, hoping I'd reach there on time. I glanced at my wristwatch and it was seven-thirty! It was going to be my first day at work and I was already late. I drummed my fingers on my bag, occasionally glancing out the window, loo
We arrived at the place and for the first time since the ride, I could breathe well. Cole's actions were doing numerous things to my body and everything he did came off as sexual to me, especially the way he gripped the gear and pushed it. "Shall we?" He sounded from behind me and walked past me. I followed suit, scanning the evergreen area. New York was beautiful, no doubt and the sun was setting, staining the sky with an orange color. "From Trenton's Inc, Coltran McPherson, and Vanessa Carter," Cole stated to a man who was behind a desk. The man who was on his journey to going bald wore a single magnifying glass which had a silver chain hanging from the side. He flipped open a huge book and traced his finger down the list of names. "Ah, here your names are." He pointed, meeting Cole's gaze. "Table one." We proceeded into the hall and the twin doors were held open by two men dressed in tuxedos. We were welcomed by the soft jazz playing in the background and the spinning of head
I pulled up short when I got out of the building. I rested my palms on my knees to catch my breath as my vision became clear. My hand went up my chest to steady my uneven breathing, the man beside Sheldon and Mr. Arnold had been smoking a tobacco as fat as two of my fingers fused together, and I was very sensitive to smell. I stood, straightening my back and hoping my actions spiked Arnold's doubt for Sheldon. My plan was to get Lola's dad to not sign Sheldon's contract, but I disgraced myself instead. He was going to pay for calling me puppy love."Vanessa." A familiar voice seethed, tugging onto the strings of my attention. "What was that stunt you pulled in there?" Sheldon walked to me and pulled up short when he was a few inches away from my body."What stunt?" I asked, playing dumb.Sheldon knitted his eyebrows into a frown and glared at me. "What. Was. The. Meaning. Of. What. You. Did?" "I'm sorry, I thought you weren't aware of who I am, so why are you speaking to me?" I fir
Cole's povDuring dinner with Vanessa, I couldn't get over the fact that she kissed a man who dumped her like she didn't even matter just for revenge.I didn't know why, but it felt like my heart was on fire because I had sighted them from afar but had chosen not to make a big deal out of it. However, the hurt resurfaced now.I had been away from Vanessa during the night, and not for once did that stop me from glancing at her even while I was chatting with other businessmen.She was an epitome of beauty in her royal blue knee-length dress, and her midnight hair swayed almost close to her ass as she discussed with Sheldon."Sir, are you alright?" Vanessa pulled me out of my trance; her hazel eyes gazing at her with smiles embedded on her lips."You're frowning." She became concerned, and I rolled my eyes inwardly. "Why was she pretending like she cared if she could kiss another man?" I held tightly onto the cutleries, and veins popped out on my hands."Sir, sir?!" Her words echoed in
A groan slipped out of my lips, and I furrowed my forehead when I felt a burning sensation on my face. I tried to open my eyes, but the sunlights peeking through the glass windows caused me to shut them instantly. "What the heck?" I slowly opened my eyes to get them accustomed to the light while I rose with a banging headache. "What the fuck happened?" I asked with a foggy sight, and managed to make way to the counter where I dropped my phone."What?!" My eyes bulged when I looked at the time. "Why the fuck did no one wake me up?!" Ignoring the throbbing headache that threatened to split my head into two, I dashed into the bathroom. I didn't waste time in the shower, and the moment I came out, I picked out a white sleeved shirt and a royal blue trouser with a waist coat.After dressing up, I picked up my briefcase and latched a gold watch around my wrist."Why didn't anyone make me up?!" I yelled as I stormed out of the room and pulled up short in front of my butler, who only fidg
Vanessa's povI glanced around in confusion, trying to process what he asked me. "Sir?" The question sounded too weird. It wasn't even related to what we were talking about."Don't think, just answer." He spoke, his breath tickling my neck as he whispered those words into my ears."I- I don't know, sir," I stammered because I wasn't understanding why he was suddenly tormenting me. He left me abandoned yesterday, and since the service there was bad, I had to walk all the way home, using GPS."Vanessa!" He snapped me out of my trance, and I flinched.My stomach tied itself into knots, and a sheen of sweat broke out on my forehead. He had been circling me, building the anxiety I felt."Answer me, Vanessa Colton." His voice sounded hoarse as he stood behind me and trailed his fingers down the back of my neck. Goosebumps devoured my arms and neck, and my eyes fluttered shut on their own accord. "Sir, I-" it came out like a moan, and I gulped; heat spread up my neck and set my cheeks abla
The question echoed in my head, putting me in a deep state of confusion. His gaze burnt my skin, causing me to lower my head."Can't you respond, cat got your tongue?" He asked, causing my head to move in his direction, and my eyes went straight to meet his grey orbs."You are, sir." I shivered on the spot as cold beads of sweat trailed down my head. My fingers folded against each other, and I felt a fat lump sitting in my throat. "You got us on the news." His hardened tone was now soft, but his glare made my skin to crawl. "I-" "Do not utter a word. You can not defend yourself." He rested his back against the pillow and picked up the remote, surfing through channels. "We are on every damn channel, Vanessa!" His eyes widened, and I could tell all hell broke loose as he spoke through gritted teeth."You were in need of medical attention, I couldn't let you die." "So you wanted me dead?" Tension hovered over us, thickening the air in the room."It's-It's not like-" I stammered; my
Cole's POVMy head was banging hard, my eyes were filled with tears, my hand were tight on the steering wheel and my foot couldn't lift off the accelerator as I drove to work thinking about the atrocity that had happened between Lola and I. Vanessa wouldn't even pick my calls and she's not even home.How I explain that when she saw I and Lola kissing it wasn't my intention but Lola who kissed me. How is Vanessa ever going to understand and forgive me? Come to think of the fact that she's carrying my unborn child is giving me the chills because she isn't in her right state of mind and this could cause her to try to do something which could affect me herself and the baby.Lola that devil had succeeded in evening out her grudge against Vanessa and now I'm going to deal with this the right way by deleting and canceling out all proposals she's brought to me. I'm not going work or have anything to do with Lola.She's really gonna pay for this dearly , and I'm going to get Vanessa back, all
Vanessa's pov.I had been trying to get my phone plugged in all day, but it seemed like everything was just off. I plugged my phone, and then I was hocked at the number of voice mails I got when I turned it on."Vanessa, it's Cole. Please... I nees you, I just lost my mom, your the only one I can be able to count on, please..." Hearing it, my phone dropped from my hands, and I instantly felt like the whole world was about to crumble."No, no!" I was having a serious headache, but Cole needed me the most now. With that I grab my purse and rushed out of the house halting a cab which was used to get to Cole's house.I never thought I was going to come here anytime soon, but here I was, standing with my eyes watching the gate as I hoped he was going to be fine.When I knocked on the door, the gate keeper opened up, and when so that it was me, he rushed to my side I'm pulling into the house, telling me Cole wasn't all right."I know that, that's why I'm here." I gulped, feeling nervous. I
Cole's pov.The driver questions me about what was happening, but I kept short, instructioning him to drive. Tried calling the only person I knew I could reach out to, but then things didn't go as planned. Her phone was switched off, and I dropped a couple of voice messages just to tell her how I was feeling."Hey Vanessa, I feel really terrible, please come over, please..." I begged with everything that in me, my eyes burning as I dropped the phone in the car after sending the last voice message.My heart was beating hard in my chest, and I saw how she was acting. If only she was by my side, she would know the right words to say to me just to calm me down.Getting home, I rushed to my room, avoiding my daughter who was probably back from school. I didn't even know how to tell her the news, but I knew that I couldn't tell her now. She was. It in the right state of mind now."Please... Mom, don't leave me.." I placed my head on my pillow, and I wept for a little while. My eyes was fil
Cole's pov.It has been days mother had been staying with us, but she was acting very mysterious. At first I thought you was tired from The journey, but after a while, I realise that it was becoming too constant for how to catch a nap. It was unlike mother for her to lay In her room all-day, but I was going to try my best to make sure I found out what was going on no matter what it took.I was in my room, pondering about the whole situation when I decided to go see what was happening. I strolled down the stairs, tired as I moved. It has been a long day since I returned fodm the office, and the fact that Vanessa didn't even speak to me expect in times where she came to hand me files broke my heart deeply."Mom?" I called, and immediately saw something fall out from her hand. She was shocked, and tried to pick it up, but rushed there to meet her.I stared at her suspiciously asking her about what was in her hands when she tried to hide them even more."Mom, what are those?" I tried to a
Vanessa's POVIn order to just clear up my head, I went to the bar to get some shots. It's always gladdens me to drink them because It makes feel that I'm better off on my own, that I don't need any stupid boyfriend like Cole to take me for grantedThe bar wasn't the kind that had so much room or so much drinks because it just a local Bar but it my taste and that was all I needed. Another shot! I yelled to the bartender for another pint of beer. That was my tenth shot if I was really counting right because at this time I was getting a little lightheaded.But, thank Goodness my dear bestie Shelly was there to guide me home in case I pass out. She wasn't quite the kind of person I was but she could tolerate me and my bad habits at least and that's why I cling to her."Vanessa this is too much drink you are taking, you can't kill yourself over estimations you don't really have a base fact to prove, besides he's pleading for your apology-""Who says I wanna kill myself, huh?" I interrupt
Mary's pov.I was in my room, scrolling some videos on my phone when she came out of nowhere. She was looking angry, but then she hid it before getting to where I was.It was Clara. She was sitting there, her eyes darting around in anger, yet she couldn't tell me what the problem was to my face directly. I kept quiet, acting like she was not in the room, and then she finally spoke."You said you've gotten over Cole, why then did you do that to them, huh?" My brows furrowed trying to understand what she was talking about, but then it want just possible, it seemed like there was something wrong with her. What the hell was she talking about?I knew that she didn't know anything about the whole matter, but then she was acting like she did which finally caught my attention."Clara, go straight to the point, what the fuck are you talking about, huh?" I asked, and she was unable to say anything because it all came as a shock to her. She was surprised that I was denying ever having anything
Cole's pov.I had to send Snow to her bedroom. I was meant to go into the bathroom to freshen up before I would go down for breakfast. It was obvious I wasn't going to the office today because I was really tired, and I also needed to find a way to get Vanessa back.Speaking of Vanessa, could it be that mother came back because of her? My eyes widened when I came out of the bathroom. She was here to ruin my relationship with Vanessa just like she did with my first woman.Anger flooded my mind, and I instantly felt like tearing her apart. As a mother she was supposed to support me, not to ruin my relationships with the woman I loved.Thinking of that alone made me really furious, and I felt like storming to her room to ask her questions, but then, what could I possibly ask her.I moved out of my room, and immediately bumped into one of the maids. She was sorry, apologizing almost immediately, but I didn't have time for that. I wasn't to know why she was here."Why are you here?" I stro
Cole's pov.I came back from the engagement looking really tired, my eyes heavy, just like my heart as I moved up the stairs. I was going to see the only person who could make me smile at this moment, my little daughter, Snow, and looking at the time, it was obvious that the servants put her asleep.When I got to the front of her door, I sighed, pushing the door open I was greeted by a sad look on her face. Her window wasn't covered by the cutton, and her lights were still on. I knew the maids weren't the ones who did this. She was just too smart, and might have pretended to sleep just to get the maids out of the place.Pushing that aside, I moved to where she laid in the bed like sleeping beauty, her eyes were closed, and her hands were placed togther under her pillow. She was just so cute.Sitting at the corner of the bed, I exhaled, starting a conversation with her just to tell he how rough my night had been."What's wrong snow, I'm doing all I can to make the relationship work. W
Sheldon's POVI could barely sleep that night, Lola caught me cheating on her. I couldn't believe I was a pawn in Vanessa's chess.How would I have fallen for that trap with Evelyn? I should have known it was sabotaged, and now Lola wants absolutely nothing from me. The disappointment in her eyes were the last and most horrible look I can never forget. The love I have for her hasn't even reduced a bit. I thought about a new apology strategy to get Lola back as I walked to my office. Just as I got to the door to my office, I saw two muscular guys in black coats who stood side by side.“May I help you guys?”They gave me a strong stare with no words as they restricted me from getting into the office. I was beginning to get scared of them because they didn't seem pleasant at all as I tried to get passed them again.“I got some work to do, so if you don't-”The man on the left showed me the left area of his jacket, which revealed a pistol slotted at the waist of his trousers.“God! Plea