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2022-06-09 23:59:20
Crystal OduwaA/N: I couldn’t have this posted earlier, even though I tried. Apologies. Reviews, please?
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A VOW TO HATE 11
AIDEN 03/60 FRIDAY. "Where the fuck have you been? I phoned your secretary, and she said you were out, which isn't vague as hell. I may have panned out in a booth with her, too." I grunted, drawing a bottle of scotch. Andrew slammed the door, slumping on my couch, motioning for glass as well. "I told you I've got a new project." "One that involves the Dean girl. Don't you hate each other?" I tasted my lower lip. "We do." "Yet you're working with her?" "Yes Drew, I'm getting half a million. If it means putting up with her, then sure." He whistles lowly. "She's a work of art, that girl." I chuckle. "Like you haven't thought of it." He quips. Both of us are laughing now. "Ironically, she just finished spitting in my face—all about her never-ending hatred." "Aw come on, no one can resist the Smith charm." "We don't fit Drew, drop it." I glid the bottle over to his end. "Anyway, it's Friday. No work for the weekend. How about you and I hit that club? I bet anything you h
Last Updated : 2022-06-11A VOW TO HATE 12
LAYLA.TUESDAY.07/60"It's been a week since the scheme began. I require an update."Adam cast his briefcase open, bursting a pen and paper, and then scribbling down. I slung my head to Aiden in the corner, draping his leg over a seat and chatting away over his phone.Then, he lifted his lead, offering me a smirk. Looking away, I groaned."I already enlisted for mental awareness and a therapist session."I cocked my head towards Aiden."Miss Dean.""It's been torture. He's such an entitled bitch. It's hard to work with him. He makes fun of everything. The man laughs at me. Taunts frequently. Then my freckles, he..."I pause, breathing loudly."Your freckles?"Aiden voiced, his tone virtually confused. As if."I mean the project, Miss Dean. How far have you gone with it?"I grunt submissively, of course. Business. Layla's feelings can hop out of the window."We got rid of the scandal. The story from Timothy was publicized and made the rounds over the weekend. Everything is back on trac
Last Updated : 2022-06-13A VOW TO HATE 13
LAYLA.TUESDAY07/60"You're back."I examined the living room, which matched how it was before she appeared. The confetti and wrappers were all gone. The plates, bowls, and spoons are all taken care of."Yes."I resolved slowly, dipping my bag on the couch."You cleaned the place.""Yes. I'll move out tomorrow. I'll get a hotel or someplace to stay. Likewise, I'll be in the Maldives by Monday, so I should leave.""I haven't seen you in half a year mom, I never meant for you to leave. It's just...""I'm loud. A little crazy, have no respect for your place. I invited Aiden Smith over..."We both started laughing. I slumped on the couch with her across."Well, maybe a little. It's not all for you. It's been a crazy week.""I can tell. You're working with Aiden Smith now? Your father's doing?"She arched a brow. I almost walked away at that point. Once my dad gets involved in a topic, it's a contest for the better person."No. Forget about Archer. What happened?"I exhaled. That was unexp
Last Updated : 2022-06-16A VOW TO HATE 14
LAYLA 09/60THURSDAY."Why did you book a suite?""Why do you care if I booked a suite? You get a roof, air conditioning, and good food. You should say thank you.""Because I wanted individual rooms. Now I have to stay in a suite with you!"The receptionist eyed both of us, glaring at me for yelling at him. Oh, the Smith charm."Technically, Penelope and Quentin will be there. Why are you so agitated?""I want you as far away as possible. Why did you book a suite? It's not as though the funds were limited,""There were no single rooms available for all four of us. Now that I think of it, maybe I should've booked for two since Penelope and Quentin are sharing then let you sleep in the curbs."He trussed, grinning in a way that showed he considered it."There are tons of hotels, Aiden.""Then maybe this is my way of messing with you. Don’t be grumpy, Freckles.""Your room is door number two. I'm on door number one."I snare, storming off into the suite with the attendant pulling my bag
Last Updated : 2022-06-17A VOW TO HATE 15
AIDEN09/60TORONTO, CANADA."They validated the meetings for tomorrow. Are there any specific complaints RELLA TECH has?"This is all for show. Grant Smith has sorted everything out. Their issue is more money, and he graciously offered a ten per cent increase on the first business deal closed then two percent for all others.I'm not thoroughly sure why we are even on the task while he plays Santa behind the folds. It's becoming annoying."I perceive, but we'll know more tomorrow. Both of you aren't showing up, right?""Nope. We have a waterfall to see. I'm glad we got the weekend away. She's been on edge since the scandal."Quentin confessed, taking a glance away from his phone."Do you think these contracts are what's deterring the wedding?""All I know is that they'll be one step ahead compared to before."I bobbed my head. He was right. Pen and Layla were inside, talking about random girls' stuff. We're here in the living room, watching a movie while planning.I had a car rented fo
Last Updated : 2022-06-19A VOW TO HATE 16
LAYLA09/60FRIDAY.10:43 AM"Driver, can you bring us to any good restaurants in the city?"Aiden instructs a few minutes into the ride."What? No. Driver, take us back to the hotel.""My credit card is being debited for his services. He takes orders from me."Arrogant scum. "Fine. Driver, halt the car. I'd like to get down."I grit my teeth. Aiden laughs from his corner."You have had nothing to eat this morning. Not like I care, but I haven't either, which I do care about. So...""Fine."I looked out the window, spotting the driver shaking his head a few times.****TOM'S PIZZA PLACE."A pizzeria?"We chorused then jeer."They have ice cream, a coffee stand, and a pizza palace. If you want, there's a food stand as well for tacos."I jerked my head."Sounds good to me."The driver clicked the central lock, allowing both of us to step down."We'll be back in less than half an hour."He nodded his head and deactivated the engine, seating in the car to wait."Don't follow me."I pointe
Last Updated : 2022-06-20A VOW TO HATE 17
LAYLA12/60MONDAY."Flight 234 will now board."The announcer cried out, her voice echoing through the waiting room. All four of us reached out, exchanging a silent look to get into the plane.I picked up my purse, about to leave, when a call came through."Bella."I chirped, flipping my hair behind to take the call. We hadn't spoken in three days, just texting on social media. I'm praying to be lucky enough to get back before she realizes I was even gone."Do you remember Oscar?"Bella queries while I pull my bag nearer to the boarding gate. Penelope and Quentin are standing nearby, and they take one last picture of Pearson International Airport.Aiden is beside me, dazzled by whatever his phone screen is showing."Who's Oscar?""The guy from the club last week."She peeps in a suspicious tone.A faint memory of some black-haired guy pops into my head. I jerk my head. The dare guy, of course."Yeah, sure.""Well, it turns out Oscar is in Toronto. You know, in case you've forgotten, o
Last Updated : 2022-06-21A VOW TO HATE 18
LAYLA 12/60 MONDAY. "You own a Tesla?" Andrew winks over and resumes walking towards it. "Overrated, and no, I do not need to have used one to know. That is what reviews are for." Aiden taunts. Drew slings the finger and then darts his eyes to me. "Not too late to choose me. Tesla, BMW, the preference is almost glaring." He explains and mouths "me" afterward. "It is. Neither is the accurate answer." I virtually roll my eyes. Aiden seizes an arm around my waist, tugging me back to his body. I hiss, squirming to get out. "What did I tell you about touching me?" "You told me not to." He smickers, angering me further. "Then why do you keep touching me?" I crunch my teeth, scowling at his grinning face. "Because I want to." He answers, lowering his head. "Fucker." I swipe my middle finger, strutting towards his car. Pulling the car door, I swore low when it didn't budge. Then I heard a noise inside, and the doors got unlocked. Aiden titters, reaching the passenger side
Last Updated : 2022-06-22
Latest chapter
A VOW TO HATE 88
AIDENI've completely lost my mind. It's an oval room with seats circulated round it, each seat occupied by men and women who could collaborate and turn against me, take away what I've worked half my life for, destroy my professional career, yet in this moment I find it all insignificant. I can't bring myself to express anger or beg them not to turn to the enemies. I had a dossier from my father on the hotspots. Howard Keller, Sarah Conner and Rivera Marine, they had turned, or were on the brink. That leaves 7 share holders. It's not so much the numbers, but they key players. Two of them will stand with my father, they're too terrified to do otherwise, those two would have one each on their team that makes four slightly guaranteed support from whatever gets thrown at me.The remaining three could swing either way, but if two of them swing towards Tristan, the other will most definitely follow. There isn't a tie breaker here, it's win or lose. Their eager eyes bore into mine, but I
A VOW TO HATE 87
LAYLA WEDNESDAY"Come back to bed.""Don't check your phone."I spun and straddled him, looking around to see where it was. Most likely huddled somewhere in his pants. "Why?"He arched forward, his lips meeting my neck and aiming higher. "Uh nothing.""Is it about Ella?"I bet those lips had curved in a knowing smirk. It was almost noon, I hadn't slept that good in a while and he didn't wake us up, so the news hit tabloids around ten. He could've gotten up and read them at anytime. "I haven't seen the headlines."Mind reading Aiden. "So how...""If I was an obsessed wannabe sociopath. That's exactly what I'll do."He shrugged and lifted us. "Fun's over. I need to call my mom, we should freshen up and...""It could take an hour to drive home and come back, maybe we should meet..."He tossed the covers off, sliding to the edge of the bed and pulling me with him. "Who said anything about you driving home?"I could squeal and protest, but he was a man with a mission, hauling me to the b
A VOW TO HATE 86
LAYLA TUESDAY"Hey, movies are about to start. Are you okay in there?"Drew. I squeezed the knob, twitching it to open then hesitating.If we both disappear, Freya would know something's up. I need to stay calm. It's the only way.No more springing into action. "Just nothing sad. I think I plugged the toilet, I'll be out in a minute."I cringed visibly, flushing the toilet for added measure."Oh, if you need any help. Just let me know""I will."Once he was out of earshot, I dialed his number. What I should've done so long ago. "Hey."I palmed my face, the back of my head hitting the door as I listened to the soft sigh leaving his lips."Where are you?""Penthouse."I heard a strain, something that sounded awfully like zips."Oh. Have you spoken with Bella?""Not necessarily. You're with her?""Uh, yeah. Drew's here too.""That's good."I couldn't mention Freya either. I didn't miss the edge of the tone. The one that believes there's no one with him."Aiden.""I'm going to Californi
A VOW TO HATE 85
AIDEN “Let’s call a meeting with some shareholders. I want to know who’s behind this before…”“Drop. The. Call.”I expected more outrage, but this solemn tone would have to do. I anticipate my father’s smug replies will tip me off rather soon. He was on the phone, talking business. My mother was on a hospital bed somewhere and he busied himself with Smith Industries. “Aiden.” He kept the cell in his hand, the call still ongoing but whoever was on the other side hung up instead. “The next few words coming out of your mouth should be an explanation for everything. You leaked the news to the press.”His eyes went wide, but the composure didn’t falter. “You’re not stupid son. Don’t start now.”“You’re in this office discussing what? Ways to secure your asset so they’re not affected by this scandal.”“I have dealt with this news for months. I apologize for not being as distraught as you for hearing it for the first time.”“Why didn’t you tell me!”“To avoid this. We thought it could b
A VOW TO HATE 84
LAYLAReporters. News vans. I came to him. I started driving, taking turns, and here I was. Smith industries.I wasn't the only one. The news was spreading quickly. It was merely 4 p.m. and the whole place was still buzzing. Security was handling the situation but Aiden wasn't out. Neither was just father.I had clearance to go in, up to his office, and glance at Giselle at her desk who paid no attention to my movements engrossed in her world.Now I was at his door, listening for sounds at the other side. Silence. Did he go home? Pacing in the office? Sleeping? Was he on the phone with her?Making flight arrangements?I wouldn't know until I got behind those doors, so I did.He left it open, one push and it bulged.His name hung in my throat as I slid inside, softly edging the door shut.And there he was. Hands plopped on each side of his face, head nestled between his legs. Either he was deep in thoughts, or too unbothered to check who had walked in.Then there was a scuffle, he adjus
A VOW TO HATE 83
AIDENMONDAYI dipped everything. Files. Contracts. My cell phone while scouring for my keys. I wasn’t the organized and detailed fellow. I was frantic and topping over things. My senses went haywire, a term I hadn’t understood until this very moment. It’s like thinking about everything all at once. Allotting your brain with so much information that it’s unable to process any of it.How long had she been there? My father knew, but he said nothing. Was it chronic? My chest tensed. She called me herself, but how about Bella? Last I knew, my mother was investing and traveling around the world. She should not be in New York.I nearly stumbled to grab my phone off the desk as it rang. The call had been cut off before, and I would resort to other strategies if I didn't have an answer. Soon.“Aiden. I’m not in New York.”I waited.“What? Where are you? I’ll drive down now, or I’ll book the next flight there. How long have you been?”“Aiden.”She couldn’t berate correctly. Her voice was raspy,
A VOW TO HATE 82
LAYLA SATURDAY The blinds are down. Thank fuck. My room light burns, surely the sun will be scorching. There’s a piece of paper on my bedside table, my phone holds it down and it falls to the floor while I grab my cell. Hopefully, it’s not important. I have a few missed calls, messages, and emails. I can use the weekend excuse to shove them all away. I need a hot bath, and coffee, then I intend to sleep some more. My other hand is clamped on something, so when I turn around and see a plain shirt, I’m hit with nausea. I recall the night before, most of it. Bella left, and I heard the door close in the middle of the night. Disgusting behavior. All on my end. With the alcohol worn off, my feelings are bare. But it's at the brim, and now I feel nothing. Completely numb. There’s a war raging within me, but on the outside, I’m a mask of an enigma. Just a regular Saturday here. **** FREYA “I pay you too much to have these for updates.” Giselle looked around, conscious of where we
A VOW TO HATE 81
AIDEN FRIDAY “Would you like to talk about it?” Drew leaves his face unguarded and I jam my fist into it, connecting with his cheeks. He recoils, wincing in pain before landing on the floor. I moved from regular gym machines like the treadmill and punching bag to sparring with people, today being my best friend. His left cheek is bruised, a shade of bright red glaring without narrowing your gaze. “I doubt your sister will be pleased with attempted murder.” He groaned, I pulled a hand out and tugged him off the floor. “We spent more time talking than sparring. Did you come here to waste my time?” “Annoyance is a good look on you.” I let go and he fell back to the ground. “Hey! And I would not be here if you hadn’t called me, sounding like a godamn broken record.” I glared as he dusts himself back up, without my aid. I called him. Sure. But I needed someone on short notice. A mail came in from Harold. He sent over the signed agreement as a courtesy. Today was my girl’s big d
A VOW TO HATE 80
FREYA “You’re bitter.” He points out, ambling aside while I stride violently inside. “No shit. Where’s the bar?” He nudges to the end of the room, hands tucked away, a mocking smirk smearing the corners of his face. Grunting, I keep walking until I reach my destination, hiking my toes to grab a bottle from the top. “Meeting with Aiden faltered?” I pop the cork and gulp directly from the bottle. Of course, he knew I had met Aiden. “I keep a close watch on all my assets.” Scoffing, I disposed the rest of it down the drain, wiping my mouth with the back of my palm before heading to where he stood. “Asset? That’s cute.” I slurred, my words burning at the tip of my tongue, mixing with the alcohol. “Did he say something to hurt your feelings? I apologize.” Ticking his tongue in bland mockery, I balled my fists and held back an urge to smack him. “What’s your end game? We’ve met. In the flesh. Why did you involve me?” His eyes slowly took me in. Drawing from the top of my head,
