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Last Updated:
2022-12-29 14:20:07
Crystal OduwaA/N: I'm almost grinning at the tension. Cannot waitttt to see what happens next. Comments? Anyone?(◔‿◔)
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A VOW TO HATE 37
LAYLA25/60WEDNESDAY"Consider calling in on a day off at the office. You're in no place to work."My head pulsed in pain, and I swallowed two Advil tablets to relieve it.Bella handed over a cup of coffee to subdue the drowsiness.I'm lying in her bed, relaxed as ever, at seven in the morning. I should be in the office before nine. We don't have days off."I can't. I need to leave. There's so much to do aside from the trip."When I guessed that, my mind joined all the other pieces and concluded: Aiden Smith. Kitchen. Tension.As I skimmed her room, I searched for any signs of life. No one else."Are you looking for something?""Huh?"I savored quietly."Aiden. Is he downstairs?""Huh."She raised one brow."He was here yesterday. He left?""Huh?"She repeated."Are you okay, L? Aiden wasn't here. He would have texted or something."She shrugged, seemingly sure of herself."He was here. I chatted with him before falling asleep. Check the kitchen. You'll find his used cup.""First, Aid
Last Updated : 2022-12-31A VOW TO HATE 38
LAYLA 26/60 THURSDAY DEAN CONSTRUCTIONS Yesterday's actions are still sharp in my mind as I go examine the terms of trade for the three companies. I've probed it twice, and while everything appears in place, I have an aching feeling about this deal. Bella picked a vanilla cake with lemon curd filling and buttercream icing for the wedding cake. Whatever that was, it tasted heavenly. Everyone would like it. Drew's game is today, so I don't have to concern myself with Aiden's business. I have a day free from him. Then we will meet tomorrow and talk about this deal. Speaking of that, Tristan and I haven't seen each other either. Aside from bumping into him after Aiden kissed me, he's been challenging and difficult to reach. I flip through the pages again, then glance at my notebook. I'm supposed to take notes for tomorrow. Ask questions. That's exactly the problem. This deal is airtight. Not a single loophole. Confidentiality. Profit sharing. Getting out. They have dealt with i
Last Updated : 2023-01-02A VOW TO HATE 39
LAYLA 26/60 THURSDAY "I must know how you deduced it." Clipped. Stern. Short. Aiden trails out of the living room and chooses a glass, filling it with water before returning. Then he passed it over to me. Momentarily stunned, I have to blink twice before advancing for it. It'll be a long night. **** After reiterating the sequence of events, starting from my examination of the terms to recalling the shares already bought, then concluding. Throughout, Aiden nods and sometimes utters a few words. "You came to his apartment. I appreciate the element of surprise." I can't tell if that's sarcasm, but I swallow a mouthful of water. Tristan knows we're coming now. "I didn't think sufficiently then." "It's fine. It's done. Now we need to consider something else. Tell me precisely what occurred when you were over there." I take a deep breath and exhale forcefully. Exactly what happened? "I assumed I was warning him. I reasoned maybe my father was trying to trick Thompson and Sm
Last Updated : 2023-01-03A VOW TO HATE 40
LAYLA 27/60 FRIDAY "I guess we won't stop this." My voice was barely a whisper. As soon as I let go of the words, my mind processed their dual meanings. "No, we won't." His tone was gruff and raspy. My chin is dangerously close to his lips. It's so close. Wait, is that related to the head placement on his chest or Thompson Pharmaceutical's impending doom? If I was indirect, he'd be willing to play harder. "What are we going to do?" He took a breath and then lowered his hands in a circle by my side. Disappointment? I can't be mad at him for not putting them around my waist. "I don't know." He whispers back. I nod a bit, but he can't really see me. "Do you think it's wise to see Thompson?" I drifted backward, peeking inside my office to avoid eye contact with him. "It could backfire. Let's say he doesn't believe us. They bought shares. They signed the contract. There's nothing he could do." "At least he'd have a fighting chance?" I met his gaze for the second time. Green
Last Updated : 2023-01-04A VOW TO HATE 41
LAYLA 34/60 THURSDAY I cleared my throat, riding myself of a small itch there. Who was I kidding? A sudden itchy throat. "Obviously, that's code for you to stay here while I go to another hotel." I sounded hoarse, and Aiden's gaze flicked from the receptionist to me. "You had better ideas. First, with our hectic schedule, there isn't enough time. Second, you know we shouldn't be moving willy-nilly." Really? Willy-Nilly "Knowing that you have a problem with words on large screens, I'll speak at grade ten level from now on. I can certainly understand." I returned his offer with a stern glare. Aiden was right, despite his silly last words. And the smug bastard knew it. "Fine." I sighed in resignation, closing my eyes while mumbling heavenly prayers. I heard keys jingling in my face, and I peered in front of me, taken aback by Aiden's face. "We need to rest. Big day tomorrow." He returned, pulling both of our bags before leading the way. I'll regret this. I can already feel i
Last Updated : 2023-01-05A VOW TO HATE 42
LAYLA 34/60 THURSDAY "And you'll hate how much you like it." He's maddening. There was no way in hell he just stood in front of me and uttered those words as though they were nothing. I curled my fists and faced the mirror, twirling a few strands of hair between my palm. Heat pooled between my legs. That is definitely from the hot shower I just had and the burn in my belly. It's a rage. Those are the only explanations I'd accept. The others are not plausible because they imply something I refuse to accept. What I found funny was how Aiden didn't understand how inclined I'd be to prove him wrong if he thought he was right every damn time. Send me to hell's gates before I even kiss him again. It will never happen. Over my rotten corpse. The door's knocking jolted me out of my thoughts. I blame hunger for my impulsive thoughts and actions. Food is here, now I can eat, sleep and not remember Aiden's words. I made my way to the door, unlocked it, and peeked my head out to look.
Last Updated : 2023-05-09A VOW TO HATE 43
AIDEN 35/60 FRIDAY If this were any other city or country, I'd be in an art gallery criticizing silently, and admiring paintings, but this is Hawaii. Father would have cut me off completely if I screwed this trip up which meant being locked inside the hotel room until the meeting starts and finish. I'm on thin ice with the Thompson merger going awry, and I refuse to give him a reason to bite back. Although Grant Smith hits back in the end, I'm delaying the inevitable. Our client called an hour ago, pushing the meeting even further. Layla left. She's not a scandalous face in the city. I stayed back at the hotel, counting the ceilings and groaning as I turned over the bed sides. "The city is so beautiful!" Layla exclaims, barging into the room with a small bag filled with treats. I groan and turn over, covering my head with a pillow. "I'm too excited to be bothered by what's going on with you. I should come to Hawaii more often." She quips, taking a seat on the other side and
Last Updated : 2023-05-18A VOW TO HATE 44
LAYLA 36/60 “The documents look good. In fact we’ve only been holding off because we weren’t sure about other things aside from the company, of course.” Aiden yawned, biting his lower lip. “I’m sorry?" “The PR related to Penelope and Quentin is the only concern.” I quirked my brows. They weren’t sure because of the wedding. But Penelope held back on the wedding because they weren’t sure. Something is wrong. “I’m glad everything’s settled. It’s a pleasure doing business with you.” Aiden got off the chair and shook hands with the investors. I grabbed the files, placed them in the directory, and followed them out. “You have a weird look on your face.” Aiden mused, waiting around the corner for an Uber. “It’s just the investors. They didn’t seem reluctant at all.” “Makes our jobs easier.” He shrugged “Yes. We announced the wedding, so they’re okay with it. But Penelope must have known their reluctance was because of the wedding.” “Now who’s paranoid?” Don’t overthink it. We
Last Updated : 2023-06-19
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,
