"Thanks for coming, Nina. Your presence means a lot to me." I said, hugging her."If I didn't come, who will? All that's left is for you to make waves in the fashion industry." She replied, patting my back. "My driver is here. I have to go now, take good care of yourself."I stepped out of her embrace and put my hands in my coat. "Okay. My regards to everyone.""Sure. Also don't let the bodyguards scare you, with time, you'll get used to their presence."I nodded and waved as she got into the car.I went back in. The girls - my workers- had left already, leaving Irene and I alone."Mr Bladell wants me to inform you that this is an extension of the Hotel but it is registered under your name and you get to choose the name you want." Irene said, looking through her phone. "The launching ceremony will take place next weekend and he has invited all his business associates. He said you and your crew should try to get everything in place before then.""Today is Friday. I think there's still
Not feeling guilty was easier said than done. Especially with my thoughts going back to her. My mind kept replaying her frightened eyes when those reporters asked her those questions.Should I have checked up on her? Did it make a difference if I went to see her or I sent people to ensure she was okay. It was stupid how I felt. Apart from not seeing her, I fulfilled all my responsibilities. She had a nice place to live, I got a store for her, my card hadn't left her hands since the Maldives.Though it was part of our contract, I helped her find her feet and took her siblings to a prestigious school. She didn't need to worry about money or work or her Dad acting out. The Lilian from when we first met and the Lilian now were living two different lives and it's all because of me. The only inconvenience that she had to face was the reporters and I already took care of it. On a logical standpoint, I had no reason to feel guilty.Lilian was bugging my mind and in return causing a distractio
It was that time of the month once again. It always felt like I was reliving that moment every second of the day. It was the time of the month in which I became an insomniac and if by luck, I get a bit of sleep, I'm woken up by my nightmares.I pulled my duvet up to my neck as I stared at the intricate designs on the ceiling. This had become a routine and I think by now, the designs have been etched permanently in my mind.December wasn't my favourite time of the year and I always wished I could sleep through it and wake up to a new year.The gentle tune that was playing was lulling me to sleep. I turned off the bedside lamp and let the darkness envelope me. ×||×'Isla, wait up!' Someone shouted from behind me but I didn't listen. I walked faster and I could hear the patter of feet behind me. I broke into a run but I could still hear them behind me. All of a sudden, I was pulled to a stop and my back was thrown against the wall. 'You should have listened when we called you.' one of
The weather was much colder as the winter months rolled in. I had the heater turned up to the max in my office in attempt to regulate the room temperature. I also ditched my suits for turtlenecks and blazers with a scarf wrapped around my neck. As much as I would have liked to switch out my coffee for hot chocolate, I didn't as I needed the caffeine. At least, the steaming cup of coffee warmed me up. Though I was born and raised in this country, I couldn't get over the way the winters got so cold. The cold couldn't hinder my work as I worked overtime to meet up with my previously disrupted schedule. I watched the first snow from my office windows with no more than a glance.Just like that, a month passed. I would have loved to say for the past month I didn't see Lilian but it wasn't so. There was the launch of the brand, Himalayas is what she decided to call it. I had to be there, not only to show support for my wife but also as the CEO of Hetero hotels. Playing the part of a lovi
My siblings were coming for the holidays and their timing couldn't have been worse. They knew it was that time of the year and that's probably why they wanted to come over.They'd expect Byron to know about my condition, especially James who had insisted I told Byron. I splayed out on my queen-size bed, lost in my thoughts.I'd have to cohabitate with Byron and actually pretend we are a loving couple in the presence of the kids. We would have to sleep in the same bedroom! I pulled my hair as I thought about how to make his presence bearable. I was able to tolerate him before because he was nice, at times and I even dared to think for a moment —at the Maldives— that we could be friends but ever since the incident at his office, I hated him. Maybe hate was too strong a word to use for someone I was married to. I strongly disliked him.My stomach grumbled bringing me out of my spiraling thoughts. We were not able to have dinner at the dinner party which was just an excuse for rich peopl
After taking a shower and getting comfortable in my home clothes – a white shirt and gray sweatpants – I laid on the bed tiredly trying to find some sleep. Not a minute passed when I heard the loud grumble from my stomach.Right, I haven't had dinner yet.I barely had anything to eat today. I had a slice of toast for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch, a piece of cake at the party and that was it. It made sense that I was hungry. I got up reluctantly and went to kitchen. I stared at the counters, the cupboards, the gas top. The whole kitchen was spotless, not a morsel of food in sight. I guess I have no other option but to cook.I tied my black apron around my waist. "Let's get to work" I got out the ingredients and prepared to make the only dish I was sure of 'Ramen noodles.' I stared at the empty pot in front of me feeling tired all of a sudden. "Why don't you go wait in the living room? I'll whip up something quick." I was startled by Lilian's voice. She was standing there in a
After what seemed like hours, I stood up from the corner I had hid in. My mind felt numb, unable to think about anything. I slid the closet open a bit at first to check if Byron was still in the room. The room was empty but my bed had been made and everything was in place.I got out fully and went into the bathroom, hoping for a nice and warm soak in the tub. I took off my clothes and dumped them at the entrance of the bathroom.After my bath, I put on a green long sleeved shirt with a black skirt. I laid on my bed, not willing to face Byron. There was a knock on the door and when I didn't reply after a few seconds, Byron came in. I didn't acknowledge his presence and instead, trained my eyes on the pink curtains.My line of sight was blocked by a pair of black joggers. Byron was looking down at me and in his hands was a tray."You didn't have anything to eat last night." He said, setting the tray on the bedside table and sitting on the couch. "I made breakfast."When I didn't say a
I stared at the closet doors that she closed behind her. She's been in there for a while now. Was she crying or she was avoiding me?It's better I just leave. I hit myself in the head. ‘What was I thinking asking her to talk about it?’ I thought as I walked out of her room.Why would she want to talk about her trauma? No less with me, someone she does not trust or feel comfortable with. "I really should watch my mouth" I thought. I stopped in front of the kitchen and ran my hand through my hair. I looked at the char marks on the gas top and the unusable pan and grimaced. Right there was also this.I was so invested in making sure Lilian was okay that I forgot the pan on fire. Luckily, the smoke detectors made the sprinklers go off extinguishing the fire before it could do any real damage. I had to get that fixed before the kids showed up.The pan reminded me that Lilian didn't have dinner. She must be famished now. I couldn't make her anything, this was so annoying. Maybe I should