Byron and I sat in the library, going through books quietly, our legs intertwined."This book is about childhood friends. It's cute but not the type of book I'd normally read." Byron said, putting the book in the already growing pile beside him."Then why is it in your library?" "Most of the books here are for Rose, I'm not an avid reader. If it's not self-help books, count me out." He replied, surfing the shelves for another fiction he could manage."You're too serious to be real." I teased, picking up the book he dropped. I opened the first chapter and skimmed through it. It seemed interesting and catchy."Am I?" I heard him say from behind me before I felt his hands tickling me."Stop it, Byron." I pleaded in between bouts of laughter."Call me a sweet name." He requested. I threw my head back and saw him looking over me. "My love," I whispered, not able to hold my laughter, "please, let me go." He smiled and dropped a kiss on my lips.I shook my head at him. "You know how tickli
Every moment spent with a loved one was special. I didn't know how true that statement was until I fell in love with Lilian. It didn't matter what we were doing as long as we were together then I was content.We were just reading books in the library when she said. "The male lead's younger self reminds me of this boy I once knew. Now that I think about it, I realize I've not thought about him in years.""Was he a neighbor?" I asked not thinking much of it. "Not quite. We met at an orphanage." My head shot up its own will as I stared her, waiting for her to continue. What was the possibility that... "Do you remember his name?" I questioned trying to keep the anxiety from my voice. She looked up in thought. "Not at all. It's been almost fifteen years.""Oh." I relaxed into the beanbag flipping open my book. So what she met someone at an orphanage. What was I thinking? I was with Lilian now and she deserves my unadulterated attention. I shook away the thought. "What about the male
I squinted at the rays of sunshine coming from the drawn curtains. The light snore beside me stopped my train of thought and what we did last night came back to me. He looked so peaceful as he slept. I kissed his cheek and gently got out of bed, reaching for my shirt that was flung over the sofa. I made my way to the bathroom for a shower, my mind replaying every moment from last night. Byron made me love my body again as he complimented me last night. I stood in front of the mirror and admired myself, feeling much better and more confident. After my shower, I stepped outside and saw Byron picking out clothes from his side of the closet. "Babe, you're awake." I said, drying my body. "Yes love. How'd you sleep?" He asked, pulling me in for an embrace. I leaned into his hug and let his warmth surround me."Good." I mumbled into his chest. He stroked my hair carefully."How do you feel?" He asked again, referring to last night."I'm okay babe. Shouldn't you get ready for work?" I re
REGINA THOMPSON"This can't be happening" Regina ran a hand through her scattered hair. She sat on the floor staring at her cracked phone. "Why isn't it going through? Dammit!" She screamed, throwing a flower vase. The apartment was unrecognizable. Pieces of discarded clothing were flung about in weird places, the tables and countertops were littered with chocolate wrappers, boxes of takeouts and cigarette butts. There was the addition of the broken vase pieces on the floor.Just like the house, the owner also looked different. Gone was the put together, seductive Regina with the perfect hair and nails. Her hair looked like a bird's nest from lack of care and running her hand through it too many times, she had on a baggy tee with food stains on it and brown shorts.She picked up her phone. The screen had various cracks from her bouts of anger, it's a miracle it was still functioning.She paced around the house. "Byron can't be doing this. Did he.. block me?!" She walked barefoot on
"Babe, are you sure you don't want me to accompany you to the hospital?" Byron asked, staring at me as he put on his shirt."I am certain and don't worry I'll be fine. Irene told me you have an important meeting this morning so why don't you get going?""Are you sure?" He asked again. I got up from my comfortable position on the bed and walked towards him.I reached for his tie and adjusted it. "Lucas should be here soon. You really don't need to worry."He looked unconvinced but after much persuasion, he dropped the matter."I made breakfast. We don't want you going to the turning point of your career with an empty stomach." I smiled, pulling him out of the room."Thanks love." He said, wrapping his arms around me, making me stop. "You'll be late for your meeting, Byron." I chided."I still have a few minutes to spare." He said and placed his head on my shoulder, kissing my neck."Byron...""Fine. If you later say I'm no fun, I'm going to hold it against you." He pouted, marching dow
Irene wasn't thinking as she barged into the conference room. The discussions stopped at her interruption but they didn't say anything and instead looked on to Byron to handle the situation.Byron was surprised to see Irene was the cause of the intrusion. Irene had been a diligent worker for years and she knew the rules better than anyone and followed them religiously. He wondered what caused her to act out of line."I'm sorry for interrupting." She apologized going to Byron's side. "Sir, could you step out for a minute. It's an emergency." She whispered. "Can't it wait?" He asked."I'm afraid not sir" If it was someone else Byron would have asked more questions but he heard urgency and panic in Irene's usually monotone voice."One moment." He stepped out of the conference room with Irene."What's the matter?" He questioned Irene."Sir, it's Mrs.. I mean Lilian, she was in an accident and.." Irene almost burst into tears."Which hospital!" Byron asked, immediately Irene told him the
It'd been a while since Byron was this disoriented. He didn't know what to do but hope and pray that his Lilian came out alive.Irene came running down the hallway, her footsteps loud as it was quite quiet."How's she?" Irene breathed out, sounding very out of breath.Byron shook his head in reply."No news?" She asked to which he nodded in reply, putting his head in his palms. "I dismissed the shareholders and explained that an emergency came up, though they weren't very happy that you left without saying anything."Byron didn't say anything, his gaze fixated on the doors of the operating room. After a moment of silence, Byron turned to face Irene."Could you call my parents and let them know Lilian has been in an accident? It's only a while before the press finds out about it."Irene nodded sharply and whipped out her phone to call the Bladells. Nina picked up on the second ring. "Hi, Irene. What's the occasion? You never call me." Irene could hear the slight accusing tone in her c
According to Byron's wishes, Lilian was moved to a private room and was still under strict supervision. It wasn't until a few hours later were people allowed to see her."Two at a time" the nurse instructed. "You shouldn't crowd her and please be quiet." Before the nurse could finish giving her instructions, Byron already rushed into the room.The room had a warm light giving it a calming ambiance. The windows were shut with the blinds closed not allowing any outside air to invade the sterile room. Like it was a sealed space. In the middle of the room laid Lilian, at least what looks like Lilian.She was a sight to behold. She had a gauze wrapped around her head for her head injury. Her face was covered in different cuts and bruises making her skin purple, red and blue. Her arm had a cast. You could pretend she was sleeping if not for all the wires and tubes connected to her and the beeping of the heart monitor.Byron stopped at the door. Just hearing about her injuries scared him, se