Chapter one Crossing boundaries
HS Noble Hotel
"The rooms on the 15th and 16th floors will be refurbished into VIP rooms." Ronnie, Erin's older stepbrother and the vice president of HS announced and she furrowed my brows.
"Management team, take charge of the refurbishment and get the budget from the accounting team. You must get it done within two weeks." He instructed."But why?" Erin objected and all eyes fell on her. "Two floors became VIP floors recently."
"Are you questioning my orders?" Ronnie roared angrily."No, I'm not. I'm only demanding a solid reason why we should create additional VIP floors. Ten floors are now VIPs'. The average people will be at a disadvantage if we make this change." She said.She could feel Ronnie's scorching glare. "How many of you are in support of what she just said?" He asked the other staffs and everyone raised their hands.
Ronnie suddenly banged the table with his fists and yelled. "Y'all want to get fired?!"
Their hands dropped immediately and they avoided his gaze. Ronnie could be intimidating, so they couldn't be blamed.He sent her one more glare before barging out of the meeting room.
She sank into my seat in her office and closed her eyes. She regretted challenging Ronnie and she knew what was waiting for her at home. Maybe I should've just complied with his orders quietly. She thought.
She summoned up courage and got up the chair. She was heading to his office to apologize. That was the only thing she could do, even though that didn't mean the punishment would pass over her.
Ahe aaw him walk out of his office with an enraged look on - one she's the reason behind. She froze in her steps as she watched him walk towards her direction. He shot her a dreadful glare as he walked pass her. He was on a call, definitely with his mum. She was a hundred percent sure he was reporting her to his mum.
As she got into her car, Erin let out a big sigh before igniting the Porsche and driving off. Instead of turning right at the intersection, she drove straight. She had no intentions of going home early. No one was waiting for her anyways and she knew hell was awaiting her arrival.She pulled over at RED STOP BAR. It was quite peaceful in there when she entered. People were doing their stuffs. Stuffing their selves with liquors, some folks were at a shady corner, doing drugs as far she she could see. She took her seat at the counter and ordered for a bottle of wine. Yes, wine was all she needed.
After gulping down the first glass healthily, she poured more into the cup. If her mother was alive, none of this would've happened. She thought. She'd probably be living peacefully with her somewhere. She dipped her hand into her bag and brought out a broken pendant.
She stared at it and sipped from the wine glass every ten seconds. Before she knew it, she was drunk. Then, she realized she had dropped four bottles of red wine. She didn't have a good tolerance for alcohol.
She let out a sigh drunkily and decided she couldn't drive home in that state. She might have been drunk but her senses weren't totally off.
After paying for the drinks, she grabbed her bag and walked out of the bar staggeringly, heading to the hotel that was right beside the bar.....
After succeeding in dragging him along with them to a bar, the twins ordered different bottles of alcohol.
He was enjoying my little, unusual leisure time while resting when they barged in on him and pulled him out of his comfort zone.He wasn't interested in drinking that night and he stood up and attempted to leave when Freddie, made him sit again. "Don't think of escaping fun tonight brother. We didn't bring you here for you to walk out on us."
"Yeah. And who knows? You might finally get to hook up with a pretty lady here. You've been single all your life, don't you think you should get a girlfriend?" Freya added.
He sent her a cold gaze and she looked away. Then he decided. It wasn't bad to drink today. It's been long. He grabbed a shot glass and the twins booed and cheered. Feeling lit, he smirked as he poured some alcohol into the glass.
After an hour of drinking excessively, they got besotted. And his head throbbed so much from drinking.
"I'm ready to go home." Freddie drunkily stated. After watching the twins argue over a meaningless issue, Jayden picked up his phone and put a call to his mum."Listen carefully, you two. We aren't going home tonight. Unless you wanna die. You two should get separate rooms to rest in for the night." He instructed, not even sure if they understood or heard him.
After getting the card to room 204, as indicated in the blue card given, he unlocked the door and pushed it open then felt colour drain out of his face.
She laid on the bed and slept off for a few minutes. Then she suddenly woke up again. "Why is it so hot in here?" She questioned herself and started taking off her clothes, starting with her shoe. She pushed her skirt down and just then, the door flung open and a man came in view.
Erin fixed her gaze on him, and he reciprocated. When Jayden saw that he had been staring at her for some minutes, she appeared startled and dazed. Erin didn't try to hide her body because she was inebriated. She gave him a zombie-like stare. He was likely astonished to find a woman half-naked in his alleged bedroom.
The typical Jayden would apologize and go, but he couldn't help but be enthralled by her beauty. In a room with two air conditioners, they all of a sudden felt warm. He took his eyes off her and tried to walk away, but then he turned around. He suddenly shut the door behind him and walked over to her with lust-filled eyes.Chapter two Could it be more better?Jayden sat on the couch a little distance from Erin's bed and observed her as she dozed off. He found himself grinning as he scrutinized her face in both directions. She appeared innocent, at least based on the soft morning sun that lit up her face among the white sheets. Her appearance really confused him.She had lovely lips, long, thick lashes, a long, pointed nose, and well-groomed eyebrows. Since the previous evening, he had decided to wait until she woke up.He sipped from the cup of hot coffee that the hotel room service had brought him before entering the shower.His phone rang as he was walking into the room. "Theo" was identified on the caller ID. Boss." He dialed. "Greetings, Theo. I have to cancel everything today since I'm so busy." He gave an instruction.But just as Theodore started to object, Jayden interrupted him once more. "Theo, there is no but. For the past two years, I have consistently worked 100 hours every week. I'm going
Chapter three Erin Charlton."You can't pay with this card ma'am. The account has been frozen." The receptionist told Erin and her jaw dropped. Frozen? The Hughes were not satisfied with kicking her out and now they freeze her own bank account?She clenched her fists in resentment. They would hear from her very soon. She vowed and left the hotel.Few months later. CITY B. TONY'S CAFÉ."Erin, you're gonna be alright? I feel bad about leaving you here alone. You're heavy also." Darcy whined.Erin flashed a smile. "I'll be alright. Your date is important also. Go and have fun darling."Darcy pouted. "You can go on your maternity leave, sister. I'll just hire a part-timer.""I want to do this." Erin insisted, leaving Darcy with no choice. Darcy planted a kiss on her cheek before kissing her baby bump. "Be good to mummy, Moon."The bells at the entrance glass doors jingled, announcing that someone was around, most probably, a customer. "Welcome to Tony's café." Erin said as she raised h
Chapter four That mark!Jayden was gobsmacked and couldn't believe his eyes. He watched her alight from the car and walk into the hotel. He was about to subconsciously go after her when the man from earlier stood in his way again. He gave the lady that was now almost out of sight one more look before entering the Limousine. He kept mute throughout the drive as different thoughts ran across his mind. He seemed restless and his heart was thumping at a fast pace.The limousine abruptly stopped and he lunged forward and then back into his seat swiftly. Outraged, he yelled. "What's the problem?!" "Sir, some black vans just crossed our paths." The driver reported.Jayden creased his brows and then it became clear to him. "Go out and find out what's going on." He ordered. Many men in complete black outfits stepped out of the vans, looking ferocious and ready for violence. Jayden's entourage alighted their cars too and stepped forward. So did Theodore.The men in black were identified a
Chapter five AstoundedREYNOLDS VILLA."You chose to disgrace me? What was your reason for not attending your own wedding?" Arthur demanded furiously? His veins popped up on his forehead and neck.Jayden bowed his head a little. "I'm sorry.""I don't need your apology. Give me an adequate reason!" Jayden sighed a little. "No reason." He replied calmly and a moist palm hit his right cheek. Arthur hit him. "Honey." Scarlett let out in a breaking voice and carefully rushed over to her son.Jayden didn't budge and he maintained his composure. In no time, his cheek was carrying a red handprint. "You are very stupid for having no reason and making our family look like fools!" Arthur blurted."I'm sorry." Jayden apologized again, infuriating his father the more. Just then the the grannies, the twins and their mother walked into the living room on the second floor. Granny Lucy quickly darted over to Jayden and Scarlett when she spotted the handprint on his face. "I'm sorry for disappoi
Chapter six Who are you?The housekeeper, Mrs Lily, walked to the door when she had a knock and opened it after seeing who it was. It was a stranger. She was shocked when she saw his face. She didn't fail to notice the resemblance between him and her boss's son. "Please wait here, I'll go get her." She said to Jayden and he patiently waited for Erin to step out.As Erin walked down the stairs, she set eyes on him and her heart skipped a beat. Hurriedly, she descended the stairs. "What are you doing here?" She enquired in an upset manner."I'm here to see you. We need to talk." Jayden said calmly, maintaining a dreadful expression."There's nothing to talk about. Please leave." She snapped angrily."There are a lot to talk about, Erin Charlton. And I won't leave until we have a talk." He insisted in a firm tone, one that made her feel under his authority. She hated that."You are in my home, remember? What happens when I report an intrusion?""Dylan Charlton, who is his father?" He
Chapter seven Adamance. Just then, a siren was heard and Jayden stood up and headed to the window. He peeped out through the window and saw a caravan of cars drive towards the building he and Erin were in.They were his father's escorts. He watched his father alight his car, with a straight face. Then he went back to sit, to await his father's entry. The building was theirs' and it's activities at the moment were exclusive. Getting the paparazzi to know about the meeting wasn't a good notion.As foreseen, Arthur was led into the room Jayden and Erin were by Theodore. Even at first sight, Erin could tell without anyone informing her that he was Jayden's father. They looked so much alike and what stunned her the most was the fact that she saw some bits of resemblance between him and her son. She could also feel the aura he carried. Jayden had inherited that from him. She concluded.First of, he screamed wealth. And had this cold gaze when he walked in but it softened few seconds afte
Chapter eight What do I do with the ball?"Hey." Dylan reached out to a girl sitting alone at the school's playground. She looked melancholic and her head was hung low. She didn't reply him. Dylan stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You look sad. Did you lost your candy?" She looked up at his face this time around but didn't still give a reply. Dylan looked around before turning to her again."No one has come to get you and you don't have friends to play with?"This time, she nodded in reply. Dylan let out a broad smile, displaying his white milk teeth. "My name is Dylan. What's yours?"She looked reluctant to say it but she eventually did. "I'm..." She looked down to avoid an eye contact with him. "I'm Arielle." "Arielle, nice to meet you!" Dylan squealed happily and proposed a handshake but he got ignored. He didn't mind.Then he took a seat beside her. He spent some good minutes staring at her, making her feel uncomfortable in the space. But she didn't say a word.
Chapter nine. Their storiesCITY A. Beauty Hour Salon."Be careful there." Lexi snarled at the lady massaging her toes. Trembly, the young lady apologized and carried on with her work clumsily. Getting Lexi pissed off gradually.Then another lady who looked older walked into the room. She was the manager of the studio. With a smile, she said, "When would you like to get your hair done ma'am? A stylist is free at the moment." "Tsk. I have to wait for some stylist to be free of clients in my own studio...just wonderful. I'll be there in a few minutes.""Alright ma'am. I'd like to make a report." The manager continued.Looking bored, Lexi replied lazily. "Let's hear it.""The sales this month are 11% lower than last month's." "What?" Lexi got worked up all of a sudden. With her body jerking up in the pedicure chair she was in. "How on earth did that happen? I thought I made it clear that the sales should keep rocketing and never plummet?""You did ma, but--" "Shut up!!!""You've bo
Chapter twenty five He is not a murderer"A lady seeks you, milady." Theodore reported to Erin who sat in front of a television with a bored look on. She didn't seem to enjoy the channel and there was no way she could change it. But the moment he reported that, she beamed. "Heidi right?" "No. It's...Lexi Hughes, milady."Erin's jaw dropped immediately. She couldn't believe her ears. "Who...did you say is at the door?" "I won't let her in if you don't want me to."Erin was utterly surprised. Lexi brought herself to her home? The audacity... Nevertheless, she wasn't in the mood to face her then. "Do not let her in. Once my friend is here, let her in." She instructed. "Alright, milady." He bowed respectfully and left.RN GROUP"You have a visitor, sir." Jayden's secretary said. "Do I have an appointment with them?""Uh...no sir, but--" "You know better, miss. I don't do anything off-schedule."The lady brought her face down. "I'm sorry sir. I'll--" She was cut off as someo
Chapter twenty four Sick wifeAs Erin walked out of the room, she headed straight to her room and straight to the bathroom. She spat into the white basin angrily, turned on the water faucet and started washing her mouth thoroughly. When she was done, she turned it off and stared into the mirror before her. "Erin, calm down." She said to her reflection in the mirror and her red eyes started to whiten. Just then, the hot memories from earlier gushed in again and she let out a yell. She turned around to leave, with the intention to confront her husband once more but she lost balance and she felt her body hit the cold, wet, hard tiles with a full force. She let out a loud cry and alarmed Jayden.He came sprinting into the bathroom and met her groaning in pain on the floor. "Erin!" He called as fear was written all over him. He moved forward to pick her up but she gathered all strength and kicked his chin. "Stay away from me!" She yelped. Jayden's expression changed. "You're hurt. T
Chapter twenty three The sensation Jayden could never believe that being married to Erin would bring him so much joy. Even though she was usually cold to him, he felt the emptiness in his heart fill. Heartily, he headed to their unit with Theo. They also noticed his boss's strange mood that night. His steps were faster today and he was dancing without realizing it. Nevertheless, he asked no questions and just walked behind him loyally as he carried a brown paper bag.Reuben was greatly shocked and looked unstable upon seeing his boss. "What? Why do you look so shocked?" Jayden asked and walked in without getting a reply. Meanwhile, Erin and Dwayne were dining in the dining room. "What do you think of it?" Erin inquired with so much curiosity. "Hmmm..." He paused and chewed on the food. "It's tasty. Well done, sister." She didn't smile but she looked glad that she got a compliment. She frowned when she remembered Jayden telling her how salty her food was.They continued chatting
Chapter twenty two Her true potentialsIt was the next morning. About a day since Jayden left for S.K. Erin was literally enjoying her space alone with Reuben guarding her everywhere she went. As she settled for breakfast, some cloudy noises reached her ears. She was pretty sure it was from outside the apartment. Their apartment unit was the only unit on the floor. She dropped the toast she was about to bite and walked out of the apartment only to find Reuben in the act of beating up an unknown guy. "What is going on here?" Her cold, hoarse voice came out calmly. After setting his eyes on her, Reuben dropped the guy's collar he was holding and adjusted his ruffled jacket. "Never mind us, Milady. Please go back inside, I'll handle it.""By beating him up? Step aside Reuben." She ordered. Reuben had no choice but to follow her order. Erin helped the beaten guy up and squinted her eyes in surprise for some seconds as she looked at his face very closely. "Hi, I'm Dwayne. You must be
Chapter twenty one He's a twin!"Who are you to give me orders?" She raised an eyebrow.Jayden sighed. "If you really have to meet your friend, I'll drive you. It's pretty late." He said and stood up from the dining table. "I'll drive myself."She caught the tenacious look in his eyes and succumbed. It's not like she was going to meet her boyfriend anyway.Jayden frowned when he saw a man standing beside his car that was parked close to a reservoir. "Your friend is a man?" "Yeah, you got any problem with that?" Erin snapped calmly and unfastened her seatbelt, then got down from the car without giving him a chance to reply. She swung her long hair backwards as she walked towards Kian."Hi.""Hey. I see you came with your husband. Why? You were scared of coming out alone? You should've told me then I'd come pick you up.""He insisted on bringing me. Do not mind him, anyway. Why did you call me out?"Kian sighed. "Get into the car. It's chilly out here." Without giving it a second
Chapter twenty Who are you to give me orders?Beads of sweat formed on Jayden's forehead. His lips were broken and his face was awfully pale. He was injected with medications and then a plastic tube was put in his vein and connected to an IV."When will he wake up?" Reuben asked the doctor, which was Freddie. Freddie had arrived a few minutes after Erin and Theodore left for the company. Even though he was still an intern, he was capable of treating his older cousin."He should be awake any moment from now. I gave him strong and rapid-performing medications enough to make him wake up in a few minutes but he needs rest. So I'll be injecting the IV with sedatives." Freddie spoke like a pro. Reuben said nothing in reply and as Freddie was about to inject the sedatives, he glanced at Jayden whose eyes were widely opened now and his heart skipped a bit."You're awake?" Freddie said and Reuben turned around. "Boss."Jayden struggled to sit up. He stared at the tube connected to him in conf
Chapter nineteen Standing in"12 p.m. it is then. I'll see you soon." She replied and dropped the call, then strode to the kitchen."Gosh...i'm starving." She muttered under her breath and looked into all the kitchen cabinets. Then she wore a look of setback on. "Shit! I can't believe there are no groceries." She cried. She hadn't gone grocery shopping ever since they moved in. It was either she ate out or got food delivered. She had been too occupied with setting up the house to her own taste. Jayden allowed her. He never interfered. He seemed okay with whatever she wanted. Finding out who bought her company and running her business from afar was a real tussle.She went into her room and came out, dressed casually. She noticed the door to his room was opened ajar. However, she ignored him and went out. Getting back in after two hours, she dropped the groceries and she noticed the position of Jayden's door never changed. She looked around the house too and not even the tiniest obje
Chapter eighteen Not againJayden entered the office with an expressionless look on and Theodore trailed behind him. "How did the meeting go?""I told them to make a decision. We'll be having a meeting again in a few days.""Your family members has been calling continuously." Theo announced and Jayden seemed uninterested."Just ignore their calls." "Your wife called too.""What?" It seemed to grab his attention. "And why am I just hearing this now?" "I'm sorry sir, but--""Forget it. Give me the phone.""Is everything okay with you?" He asked as soon as she picked the call."I should be asking you that. Where have you been? Father has been trying to reach you but to no avail.""I was in an important meeting.""Either way, I'm on my way to the family house now. My presence was requested and so was yours."***They happened to arrive at almost the same time. Erin wondered how he managed to get there in such a short period. When they entered the house, it was quiet. Not as usual bec
Chapter seventeen Fitting inErin returned back to the family manor after taking a short tour around town with Kian. It was as quiet as it used to be, on the outside. She walked in and heard the ladies giggling from a part of the house."I'll go get it." She heard Scarlett say. Scarlett stopped in her track out of the kitchen on setting her eyes on Erin. "Erin." She called with a very broad smile. "You're back. Come join us in the kitchen." It wasn't a request. An order that nicely came out.Grandma Lucy and Harriet were in the kitchen. The ladies were obviously preparing some dishes, making the maids and butler excuse them. "Come here, help me chop these vegetables." Grandma Lucy reached out to her and she complied quietly. The ladies were chatting but she couldn't chip in. Not that. She wasn't actually good at socializing. With people older at that."Erin." Scarlett called out of the blue."Yes mother.""You and Jayden has spent a few nights together so far...and I want to believ