Naomi West ****** I arrive at the cafe in my neighbourhood after receiving Myra’s text. It’s been a while since we got together and chatted like old times, so we decided to make up for it today. I was the one to approach her, of course. With Ben being with her kids and husband at home and Denzel being out of state, I guessed it’d help kill my boredom. He left a day ago and I’m already out of ways to indulge myself without getting bored. It’s one of my flaws. I get fed up quite easily. Of course, with a bit of determination, I could stay at my apartment and write the next chapter of my novel. Yet here I am, leisurely scrolling through the reels on Instagram—laughing at silly cat videos and relating to the miserable life of a full-time author and sometimes googling the meaning of random words. “You’re early.” I lift my view from the phone screen and stare at my high school friend. Yes, Myra and I’ve been friends since high school. She’s the only one I’ve been in contact with eve
“Please tell me you’re not wearing that.” Myra claps her palms in front of her, keeping them glued together and silently praying. I shoot her an annoyed look. “You’ve long past the privilege of playing the judge. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t even have to put up with this.” I do a twirl in front of the mirror. Honestly, I have put more effort on my dressing while dropping off Ben to kindergarten than today. I’m wearing mom jeans and a dark green turtleneck top with sneakers. Still it’s not as ugly as I wanted it to be. “It’s not bad, but it’s too casual for a date. Why can’t you wear the red halter dress I gifted you on your last birthday?” I spin around on my shoes, giving her another smug look. “Is that another advice I hear?” She pouts, puffing her lips out like a pufferfish. “I’m already offering to babysit Ben despite my tight schedule, just so you can have fun without worrying.” “Oh, Myra, I’m so grateful to you. How would i possibly spend a day without your undying de
Denzel Flynn ****** My blood boils at the sight of her happily chatting away with another man. It isn’t her shy smile that bothers me though, it’s the way I catch that man undressing her with his gaze. Little rose doesn’t understand his stare and mistakes it for an innocent glance. That man is anything but naïve. The two of them turn to look at me at the sound of my footsteps. Little rose seizes me up from head to toe, worry shining in her eyes. All the joy and relaxation on her face from earlier vanishes into thin air whilst the man slyly expresses his displeasure at the sight of me, grimacing. Without delay, I take little rose’s hand and lift her off her seat, dragging her behind me. A moment later, my grip lightens on her wrist when I faintly see a red imprint of my fingers on her pale skin. Without saying a word, I shove her in my car and lock the door. Getting into the driver’s seat, I let my fury take over and drive like a maniac. “What was that about?” She asks with fury.
Little rose’s eyes widen in utter shock and fear. Those were probably the last words she ever wished to hear from me, especially when she went to obnoxious extents to hide Ben’s true identity.Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, and she finds herself at a loss for accurate words.“Mommy!” Ben runs from his room, rubbing his sleepy eyes and barges into little rose, hugging her like a panda.Little rose doesn’t hesitate to turn away and pay her undivided attention to the little demon. “I’m hungry.” He whines. Naomi smiles gently at her son and caresses his head before heading to the kitchen, ignoring my eyes on her all the way.When his mother is out of the earshot, Ben grips my wrist and drags me to the living room couch. He sits us down and checks toward the kitchen once again to satisfy his suspicion.“You got her back!” He whispers excitedly with a merry glint in his eyes. They look so much like little rose even when he has my colour.“I did.” I nod, responding in the similar hush
Naomi West******As we park outside the gigantic building, I second guess my options. It’s been a long time and no one apart from Jacob knows of my existence.Why does it still feel like I’m invading his private space?“Text him. If he’s had breakfast, we won’t go see him.”Ben looks a little demotivated but does as he’s told and texts Denzel. The Devil replies in less than five seconds.Does he really have so much free time?“He hasn’t eaten breakfast. Let’s go.”Ben enthusiastically jumps out of the car and if I hadn’t caught him and pulled him back by his wrist, he would’ve barged straight into the entrance.“Behave. Don’t announce to anyone who you are. Understand?”Ben nods as if he actually understands the trouble we would be in if the media were to find out that Flynn Enterprise has a mysterious heir.
Denzel Flynn ****** I dismiss Jake with a gesture of my eyes to keep watch outside. On top of having this psycho in my office, the last thing I need is to present a show for my staff. “What are you doing here?” My tone hints at my obvious displeasure at having her. “What? No ‘hi’? No ‘how are you’?” My face remains neutral. “What is your deal with Chloe?” “She’s my best friend. She’s been my best friend even after you dumped me for a dirty clodpole.” I clench my fists at my either sides. I have a hunch this meeting won’t go well. She stalks towards me like a predator, eyeing me like I’m her most delicious prey. She rests one hand on my chest before whispering seductively in my ears. “Don’t you miss me, Den? Won’t you like me to be back in your life?” I feel like I’ll vomit from her lewd behaviour. Appalled, I shake off her hand from my body. I feel an urgent need to shower. “I fell for your tricks once. I won’t repeat my mistake.” Her eyes widen in fury and the delicate ac
Naomi West******The evening of the reunion arrives earlier than planned. I busied myself with writing in the morning until I ran out of my creativity. As the afternoon neared, my heart was already beating frantically in my heart.And it’s evening now. I’m supposed to arrive at the party within an hour, but I’m caught in a dilemma whether to present myself with a bold look or an innocent one.However, concentrating my mind on my appearance is another discreet way to hide my nervousness from showing on my face.A knock comes at my door.“Come in.” I yell.I don’t spare a glance at my door and continue to decide between a red backless dress and a black sleeveless one. Both of them are eye-catching and stunning in their own ways.“Going somewhere?”Denzel’s voice brings me to reality and I turn back to look at him casually leaning against my doorframe, looking genuinely curious.“Yep. It’s my high school reunion.”After his confession, the air in the apartment has become fluffier to bre
I feel like throwing up my lunch at the scene of the two acting all lovey-dovey with each other.Sybil is shamelessly throwing herself at Jackson and anyone can tell how one-sided their relationship looks—almost to an extent that one would feel the desire to tear them apart with force.Nevertheless, no one focuses on the couple in front and I feel several eyes drilling holes into my back.As expected, no one would degrade the popular girl and aim at the weak without mercy.“Well, well, well... if it isn’t the whoremonger herself.” Sybil claps her hands, taking predatory steps in my direction.Everyone has already been picking up on the commotion and now, with her posture, she attracted the eyes of our entire class. Within seconds, I stand under an invisible spotlight, highlighting my appearance.“I get that you’re desperate, but snatching someone else’s man is still below you.”I feel my