~Andrea~Now, he has finally succeeded. He didn't even give me permission to leave but that does not mean I will stay the whole night in this office. Derrik King is biting more than he can chew and I'll make sure to get back at him in any way I can. I am standing in front of Lisa right now. She has her hand on her waist, looking me straight in the eye. I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. Lisa always gets me in this spot. “Andrea, we've been standing for minutes now and you're not answering my question.”She took a step forward as she said this and held my hands. “I know you're older, but I'll always look out for you. You can tell me anything at all. Who is this person that sent the clothes and accessories?”“Lisa, I'm so tired from the day's work. Can you allow me to rest please? I will answer your question later.”“No Andrea, you're not leaving until you tell me who brought those else I'll tell mom about it too.”“Okay, Okay, my boss sent it. I'll go with him for
~Andrea~I spent the whole day with the family talking about things we will do when mom is discharged from the hospital. All this while, my thoughts were still on the big announcement that will be on the news tomorrow. It was night already and I made a decision to tell them the truth before I leave. “Mom, I want to tell you something.”She turns to look at me,noticing the urgency in my voice. “What is the problem Andrea?”“There will be a big announcement today at–”I was still talking when my phone started ringing. If it was any other person, I would have ignored it but it was Derrik. That should mean he is calling to remind me and I can't skip it. Hum.I gave out a deep sigh and looked around only to see everybody looking at me. The call ended while the phone was in my hand. “Andrea, who is that? Why didn't you answer?”“I will answer that later, mom. As I was saying, an announcement will be–” The call came in the second time, cutting me off. If I miss this chance of tellin
~ Andrea ~I felt him hold my hand and it was as if that was the comfort I needed at that moment. We stepped out of the car and met photographers clicking pictures at every step we took. I feel like a different person. I never in my life thought I would one day walk on a red carpet. When we got inside, everybody turned to look at us. “Who is she?”“Is that Mr. King's girlfriend?”“Nobody thought he had one.”These were whispers coming from every corner of the room. “Just relax, let them say what they want to say.” Derrik said as he held my hand tighter. I was scanning the room until I saw Isabella. She looked beautiful in her cocktail gown. The look in her eyes, she hated me.Her eyes bored with rage. Isabella was with a man and woman equally dressed in expensive clothes. That should be her parents. I finally get to meet the famous scott family, but not on good grounds. Derrik directs me to a seat and left me to talk with other people. He knew I was nervous but still left me
* Andrea *“ It's an honor to have you all here for the annual CEO of the year awards. We're hoping this year will be as peaceful as the previous years. For now, enjoy yourselves.”That said, a song began playing with couples dancing. I was standing with Derrik when Isabella came. She has been acting like some sort of leech stuck unto Derrik. “Let's dance, Derrik.” She started dragging Derrik to the dance floor after saying that. The next moment, Derrik had his arm removed from her grip and heading towards me. “May I have this dance Andrea?”I nodded in response as I took his hand which was stretched out to me. His hand placed on my waist sent shivers down my spine. I had my hand on his shoulder as we stared into each other's eyes. It looked like everything had stopped moving and we were the only people in this world. Our eyes speaking to each other. We were lost in the moment until an applause broke through. Turns out the song was over and we were in the spotlight now. “An ama
~ Andrea ~“Andrea! Andrea!”I'm I dreaming or is it morning already? Who keeps shouting my name? “Andrea tell us this is not true! Andrea!”I heard the sound of my door creaking and that was all it took for me to wake up. First, it was a blur. Blinking for some time, I saw Lisa and Laura standing in my room. “It's morning already?”“Yes, it is. Now, please tell us the meaning of this news circulating.”Lisa was always interrogating me. What news is it this time? “What news? How do you expect me to know about some news? Did you wake me up because of that? I'm going back to bed, don't wake me up again.”“You should know about this news because it's about you! How the hell are you your boss’ fiancée?” Laurel added. Goodness! That news! I had forgotten everything about what happened yesterday. How could I? “The look on your face Andrea, it shows. This can't be real right? Why didn't you tell us?” Lisa was at it again. “Listen, I can explain.”“Gosh! So it's true Andrea. Why didn'
~Andrea~The last thing I wanted was for morning to come. I know it's stupid to have such a wish but I just couldn't bear people throwing my decision to my face here and there. I dressed for work and made my way downstairs. I met Lisa and Laurel who didn't try to talk to me. It hurt that I made this decision to help the family but now, I am facing multiple scoldings from them. I silently had breakfast then went straight to work. The cab driver recognized me as he started asking questions. “Miss, do I know you from somewhere? You really look familiar.”“Sorry but I don't think you know me. It could be a coincidence.”“No, I'm not mistaken. I saw you on the news. You're everywhere on the news as Mr. King's fiancée.”There we go again. “Can we have a silent ride please?”“Sorry ma'am, I was just excited to see you. Everybody believed Mr. King was into men and it was shocking when he finally announced you as his wife.”I ignored him till we got to the office building. The shocking th
~ Andrea ~She had a look of finality and I knew she really meant what she said. I still went ahead to confirm from her own mouth. “Are you really going to do this mom?”“Yes and it's a final decision.”“I am sorry mom, but I'll have to step out of this door. I hope one day you'll get to know the reasons behind my action. Take care of yourselves.”I step out of the hospital room and disguise myself as before heading to the house. I had to pack a few things I had and wait for Mr. King’s driver to pick me up. I knew deep in my heart that this was going to be the last time I get in touch with my family. I will still take care of them from afar. ************I stood looking around the house I had stayed in all my life. I'll be leaving this house for a whole year. I was going to miss the questions from Lisa and the happy moments as well. When I left the hospital, I went home directly and packed the few things I felt were important. Derrik had called some time ago to let me know the d
~ Andrea ~I stared at every single door the driver and I passed by until we got to one with a different color from all of them. The driver knocked lightly and then gave the door a little push so I could enter. The room looked like the devil's cabin. I could feel goosebumps all over my body. It looked so dark in here. “You are scared almighty Andrea.”I heard a voice say in the darkness. I'll recognize that voice anywhere. I knew it was Derrik but what I don't understand is why the lights in the room were off. Is he trying to scare me or make fun of me? “Could you please turn on the lights Mr. King?” “I knew you were scared. How about we play a game? You find where the switch is and turn the light on yourself.”“This is your house, not mine. How do you expect me to know where the switch is? Please turn on the lights. I'm begging you.”I hate being in darkness. It somehow brought back my nightmares even without sleeping. If I stay in this for too long, I will pass out. I have
~ Andrea ~It's been eight months since my agreement with Derrik. I don't know where this is going anymore. We both agreed it was going to be a fake relationship but I was catching feelings and I don't know if it is a mutual feeling or perhaps, a one-sided feeling. We do things real couples do in their married life. We go on dates and make love countless times but I don't know where this stands. Just four months. Four months and everything will be over. I stared in the mirror, my hair in an updo bun, dressed for yet another day for work. If all this ends, do I still stand a chance of keeping my job? Or do I get dismissed? “Andrea, are you still in there?” Derrik called out. I got out of the bathroom and met him seated on the bed. He stood smiling and walking towards me. He placed a light kiss on my neck. “Mm.. Andrea,” He mumbled while kissing other places. “We have to get to work Derrik.” I pushed him slightly and I made my way outside. I was going to put a stop to all this roma
~ Andrea ~Derrik had asked one of his drivers to drop me off at the hotel. I got out of the car with a scarf covering my face. This has become the new normal in the past few days. I called Vale again and again. Just when I was about to give up calling, she answered. “Goodness Vale!” I exclaimed in relief. You scared me . Are you okay? I have been trying to reach you since yesterday.” No amount of words can express how happy I was right now. “I am fine Andrea. I lost my phone yesterday.” “Thank goodness you are safe. I am in front of the hotel you are lodged in.” I told her. “In front? Why?” She sounded a bit off. “Like I said before, I was worried and wanted to check if you are Alright.” I answered, confused by her reaction. “Stay right there. I will be out in a minute.” She hung up leaving me both confused and worried but I still waited as she said. “Hey,” She was breathing heavily like someone who had been chased. I looked at her closely to check if she really was okay and i
~ Andrea ~Used me as a bait really? As per what? What shocked me was the fact that it wasn't Carl. I mean, I heard his conversation that day. Argh! I was just so stupid. How did I expect the Adelaine to be the same as the one leaving bad reviews. It's not like there is only one Adelaine in the whole world. Derrik was just too much. He knew who was behind this and still gave me a hard time. I needed someone to talk to and the only person that came to mind was Valentine. I called her and waited for her to answer but she didn't even after the third ring which was surprising. Vale always answers my call no matter what. Maybe she was just busy and will return the call afterwards. I was still looking at my phone screen to see if she would call when I heard a knock on my door. “Come inside,” I was thinking it might be Derrik turns out it was Carl. I am so ashamed to stand before him right now. “Hey,” I said nervously. “You don't have to be nervous around me, Andrea. I understand you
~ Derrik ~I was going to meet Adelaine in the same bookshop I had met her. Just hope I will be able to catch the culprit on the spot. I drove through the familiar environment with amazing scenery as always. I walked towards the bookshop. This is the only way to get hold of him red handed. When I entered, Adelaine ushered me to a place in the bookshop. “You will be able to hear everything from this angle. Make sure you make good use of it Mr. King. I am counting on you. ” She said.I was still in the same area waiting to hear something. I was on the verge of giving up when I heard them talk. “Why did you call me here, Adelaine? You know it's risky.” The voice said. I peeped through the little hole to get hold of the face of this person but it was a little impossible. I knew who it was but needed to confirm. I had started recording immediately I heard their footsteps. “I can't do this anymore please. I can't continue spreading false news about someone who did me no wrong.” Adelain
~ Derrik ~I saw Andrea leave the office alone without informing me and I don't blame her. It was because of my actions earlier so I take the blame. I decided to catch up with Brian so I called him for a meet up. He answered on the very first ring. “You care for a meet up Brian?” I asked and waited for a response. “Yes, why not? It's been a while since we went out together. The usual Irish club?” “Yes. I will be there soon.” We ended the call. I sat in the car and drove to Irish. As always, Brian was there when I arrived. We went to our usual VIP spot. “I got us some wine.” Brian said as I settled. “Who is responsible for the rumors?”I looked at Brian for a while before telling him who it was. “That is quite surprising. Are you sure that's the right person?” Brian asked. “Yes. I am very sure. I just want him to hold unto the bait I have set and when he does, I won't let him off the hook easily.”“What are you planning on doing?”“If he went to that extent to destroy me, why wo
~ Andrea ~That evening, I went home alone. I was thinking about going to my formal place but that will raise too many questions I am not ready to answer. “You came back alone?” Mr. Johan asked, still focused on the television. “Yes. Derrik should be here soon.” I didn't wait for any reply. The only thing I wanted was to get a good rest after the stressful day. I wasn't hungry or mayne I lost appetite for ang food right now. The cold water was a pain relief as I settled in. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep in the tub until I heard a knock that woke me. I knew it was Derrik so I didn't bother to respond till I heard it the third time and decided to check out who it was. It wasn't Derrik like I had expected but rather Miss Karen. “You haven't eaten anything Andrea. I brought you food.”“Thank you Miss Karen but I don't have the appetite for anything now. Can you please take it out?” I was dressing up while speaking with Miss Karen. She ignored me and set the food on a table on
~ Andrea ~I wanted to know what was wrong with Rosie but she obviously wasn't going to tell me. I went to the office and started surfing the internet just to check if things were okay. I had to speak to Carl about it so I went to his office. I met Carl on the phone with someone but he hid it immediately he saw me. Why is everybody acting weird in this office? “Hey Carl, did I disrupt your call?” I asked. “Oh no, you didn't. Anyway, why are you here?”He sounded relieved. “I wanted to ask if the reviews are still coming out good.”“Yes they are.”“Okay then. That is all I need to know. I will get going now.” Something told me to stay behind and what I discovered was shocking. I still had my ear in the door when it opened revealing Carl. “You are still here Andrea?” “Oh yes. I am going to my office now.” I rushed to my office and waited for Derrik to return. I was starting to be impatient when he wasn't coming so I went to his office to wait for him. I was deep in thought when I h
~ Derrik ~ I woke up to see the other side of the bed empty. Meaning Andrea was awake already. Thinking she might be downstairs, I washed up and got ready for work. I went to the kitchen when I did not see her at the parlor. The kitchen was empty as well. I saw dad on the couch and decided to ask him. “Good morning dad. Have you seen Andrea?” He turned from the television program he was watching to look at me. “Yes. She left for work without having breakfast. Is everything okay between you two? What about the spreading rumors?” Dad asked. “We are working on it and yes dad, everything is okay between us. I have to rush to the office now. I will let you know if there is anything.” I drove to work this time around without my driver. Getting to the office, I went straight to Andrea's office and met the office empty. Where could she have gone to? If she left home, then she should be at the office..or maybe she is with her family. It was at this moment it dawned on me that I had nobod
~ Derrik ~I met Andrea in my office when I went there. She looked restless. “Is something the problem?” I inquired. “Oh you are back.” She jumped up in surprise when she heard my voice. “Yes I am. Why are you here?” I took a seat across from her. “I–I was waiting for your return.” She shuttered. I felt there was something wrong with her. She has been acting weird since the news about the review came out. Does she have a hand in it? No, no. I don't think she will do something like that. “Andrea, you have been acting weird lately. Are you sure there is nothing wrong?”“I am fine Derrik. I will go to my office now.” She rushed out immediately. I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. Soon, everything will be settled. I still had my eyes closed when I heard my phone ring. Brian. It's been a while since I heard from Brian. Ever since we had an argument about Andrea, we hardly speak to each other. I know it was foolish of me to think Andrea was trying to destroy my friendship