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2022-08-01 23:32:42
Crystal OduwaA/N: Reviews, please? I'd love to hear all of them. Thanks! (•‿•)
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A VOW TO HATE 27
AIDEN SMITHTHURSDAY19/60I do crazy things. That's the entire point of life. You aren't living if you don't do something completely out of character once in a while. You're just existing in a body of flesh and bones. Even at that, there's a limit to how much crazy one person can muster. I've been pushing it for a while now. Yelling back at my dad. Tormenting him. Even bargaining with the devil. Pulling Layla into my room, messing with her, It's almost like I had a death wish, so I realised I reached my cliff. The part where I fall off and it's all over. Why?Because holding, touching, and hugging Layla Smith is one of a thousand ways of assured death. I did it still. Why? Because I like to push things.Once it was done, I couldn't take it back. And I'm not sure I want to.Lavender. Layla Dean has a scent like Lavender. I've been close. Just not this close. She's pressed against me like her body was made to mold just like this. Against mine. Nothing feels this good. Nothing can match
Last Updated : 2022-08-07A VOW TO HATE 28
LAYLAFRIDAY20/60A headache and a shitload of work to do. A mixture I thought was the end of the world. Dead wrong. A migraine. An abundance of work to do. An inevitably failed task. A date with the city's most desirable bachelor and interacting with Aiden Smith.All in twenty-four hours. What can a girl do to get some peace?I tugged my hair. I could not. No- I did not cease myself.My father should be lenient. Or perhaps I should get an assistant to do the work. Either way, filling and making investors happy isn't how my Friday should go.I've had two espressos, and I'm about to take the third.After the deal with Maximus, I'd put the rest away from Monday. It's off the to-do list. Half off rather, but a win is a win, and I'd take it.Then on to the next. Thompson. Tristan.I sigh and recline my chair. His presence is refreshing, and with the day-week, I've had, I need the break.Dinner is by 8 pm. That's what we decided. It's one right now. I'd finish up by two, meet up with Aiden
Last Updated : 2022-11-10A VOW TO HATE 29
LAYLA FRIDAY 20/60Tristan lives in a penthouse. Absolutely. I unconsciously distinguished both men. They're both influential and successful. Their accommodation options are quite similar. I could even compare their allure. It's almost a mirror reflection."Penny for your thought?"As we stepped into the elevator, I diverted my gaze from the scenery.Minutes ago, I arrived at his address and Tristan met me in the hall. He could've called the receptionist to let me through, but he choose to walk with me himself. Maybe I underestimated him after all. He's also not clothed in a suit and pants. I selected a casual dinner dress.Tristan Thompson has a T-shirt and something that would not be seen within the walls of an office for pants. He looks informal. I texted Bella before leaving, and she conceded, "Use Protection." I cringe once again. "Nothing. I'm merely appreciating your penthouse. It's quite stunning.""Yes, it is. It's not the only beautiful piece present."I flushed because t
Last Updated : 2022-11-13A VOW TO HATE 30
LAYLA SATURDAY 21/60 “Bella.” I coil my hands, creating a cloth around my chest. I set aside to allow my best friend in. She exhales dramatically before proceeding inside. “I didn't give fashion advice, so I suppose the date wasn't a complete mess?” Eye roll. We spent some time in his room after that make-out session. He mostly did the talking. High school. Business school. I almost fell asleep resting my head over his shoulder, and then he offered to drive me home, but I insisted on going back myself. Part of me thought that was his way of asking for an invitation to come over. I prefer not to dwell on that part. “It went horribly, Bells. I’m hopeless without you.” I head to my kitchen for a cup of coffee, not expecting to be up at eleven in the morning. “As expected, now tell me you at least got what you came from?” I shrug, feigning ignorance. Bella grunts and then lifts both hands. I cover my lips with the edge of the cup, concealing a tiny smirk. “Come on Layla, don’t
Last Updated : 2022-12-23A VOW TO HATE 31
LAYLA MONDAY 23/60 "The glasses might not operate well. It's Layla, not Kendall Jenner." I hissed, endearing him despite an odd curl in my belly. "How do you know I'm acquainted with Kendall Jenner?" His retort was nothing short of cocky. Aiden couldn't have slept with her. Wait a minute—I just realised I don't care. Clearing my throat, I stride aside, and he does the same, taking us back to square one. Him hovering over me and blocking my path. "Aiden." His lids latched slowly as they pressed against the other, spreading a smile across his face. "Perhaps he's drunk. Okay, the chances of that happening are slim, but he's acting like an asshole, so I have to consider it." "Mr. Smith." I clear my throat, and his smile broadens. Dimples. I forgot about those. Again, I shake my head to clear whatever silly thoughts I just had. "We're having a cake testing, love." He murmurs, then opens his eyes. It's almost as if the last two minutes never ensued. I have no clue what just ha
Last Updated : 2022-12-24A VOW TO HATE 32
LAYLA MONDAY 23/60 "I'm interested. What do you mean?" I continue when she reveals nothing. Sitting across from me, Penelope uncrosses her legs, adjusts awkwardly, then crosses them back. "Pen?" "I assumed you knew. His PR must have done a superb job." "PR? Has Aiden been to Hawaii before?" She nodded in agreement. Maybe I should ask now. "Did he do anything while he was there?" She gave her head a brisk shake. I arch my back on the couch. "And what makes you think he wouldn't wish to return to Hawaii?" "I wouldn't go back there either if I were him." She argued. A foggy memory of the weekend creeps in. Aiden's not-so-cryptic message. Never, he said. Perhaps he just wanted to stay away. "What did he do?" Her eyes widen, and she clears her throat quickly. "I don't think I can or should tell you. I only know from Quentin. It happened in the past, not recently. Dredging it up won't do either of us any good." I scraped my teeth. "Penelope." "Just ask Aiden. It's his stor
Last Updated : 2022-12-25A VOW TO HATE 33
LAYLA MONDAY 23/60 Dreadful. No other words can express how I feel at this moment. If there were a stronger adjective than stagnant or rigid, I'd pick those, but my brain refuses to think now. My skin is too hot to sense anything. My whole body is not mine anymore because Aiden Smith has taken control. He kissed me. His hands settled on my waist. They crawled there somehow. I didn't kiss him back. I bar my eyes and take control. The game master isn't playing me tonight. As swiftly as he kissed me, I returned the gesture by pushing him off. It's like a switch in my brain. It turned back on, and I was in the driver's seat again. My skin feels like my own, my legs are twitching like they want to move, and I can think again. My lips, however, were a different story. "Layla." "Don't." I got them back. Although they're trembling, they're mine. And they don't kiss Aiden Smith. "Layla." "I said don't. Don't say it. Not a word, Aiden." His breathing is strained. He is only a
Last Updated : 2022-12-26A VOW TO HATE 34
AIDEN TUESDAY 24/60 "Why the hell are you in my apartment?" I questioned. Drew is grinning, but I'm too drained, so I grunt. "Woah, get whatever stick is up your ass out. You're usually not so dreadful in the morning." I grumble and step aside so Drew can come in fully. He's dressed coolly. A white shirt and black pants. I'd have to get through the day in insufferable suits. Some days, I wonder what life would be like if I wasn't the heir to a dynasty. I'd be an artist. I think. Now I understand I was tough because my father had raised me that way. When I sketched, it was my escape from his mad-house. Without the mad-house, I might not even like drawing in an alternate reality. It sucks. How pain molds us. "Aiden? Hello? Are you well?" "Yes, I am." If that translates to kissing Layla Dean, then confessing my unending craving to fuck her. Then I'm all set. I ruffle my hair with one hand. "Why are you here, Drew?" "Hostile. That's not how to treat a best friend." I crosse
Last Updated : 2022-12-27
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,
