SYDNEY'S POV
I couldn't stop the laugh that burst out of me as I took in the fourth special order for the day.
Usually, Atelier receives a bunch of orders on a daily basis, and our employees take care of these orders. But if the jewelry order were to be custom made, the orders came directly to me.
Right there on my screen was an order for two pieces of jewelry from Mark's assistant. It had been included in the preference space for it to 'stand out' from any of our jewelries, then he ended it with 'just name your price'.
Typical. Only Mark would be so egotistic to make a request sound insulting. It was Mark's assistant that placed the order, but I was sure the order was on behalf of Mark. There was no way his assistant would be able to afford Atelier's custom-made designs for himself.
I swiveled in my chair, whistling, "Time to make some extra millions."
I turned back to my laptop's screen and reread the last phrase. My grin widened, "Oh. I am so going to name my price."
Briefly, I wondered who he'd be gifting and only Bella came to mind. "Awww," I cooed, wiping the fake tears trying to escape my eyes. He wants to gift her two custom-made jewelries at once? So sweet.
There was no better way for my day to go than an order from Mark. I was ready to make a fortune from him. After all, I didn't ask for alimony.
As I thought of how much I should charge Mark, swiveling in the chair, I couldn't help but notice the clean, expensive paint on the walls, the latest inbuilt television, the plush chairs…
I stopped swirling on the chair and looked around. Everything looked so well kept. My heart warmed with gratitude, even in my long absence, Grace didn't fail to keep this place running. She efficiently handled the two businesses all by herself when she could have easily abandoned Atelier and fully focused on the fashion sector that she handles so well.
Then I remembered her upcoming birthday and thought it would be the perfect time to also gift her a piece of specially made jewelry for her hard work and support apart from her birthday gift.
Now having three specially made jewelries added to the pending orders I had, I decided to get to work.
First, I made a sketch for the first four pieces of jewelry which was one of our client's daughters' graduation gift, Mark's and Grace's. The latter's Jewelry stood out. Then I designed a 3D jewelry model for all of them. I took extra care and time in picking out the color and gemstones for Grace. I needed it to be perfect.
Hours later, I was done with the designs for the four pieces. For a brief second, I reclined in my chair, my lips curved in a smile as I appreciated my handiwork.
I got out of my head, printed out what I designed and strode to the workshop. I got greetings from the workers there and I returned their greetings with a smile.
I put on the appropriate uniform and got to work.
It was hours later when I pulled the helmet off my face and turned off the machine. I let out a deep breath and fanned my face.
I stretched as I made a brisk walk out the door. I picked up a small bottle of water and guzzled almost half of it. It was already dark outside and I already said my goodbyes to our employees hours ago.
It was always like that. I always get carried away whenever I design these jewelry.
I walked back in. I picked up the pendant for Grace, squinted my eyes as I admired what I had designed. I smiled, a foreign yet familiar sense of accomplishment wafted through me. I sighed contentedly, I hadn't felt that in a long time.
I gave myself a pat on the back as I inspected the rest too. I stacked them safely in a jewelry box before packing up for the day.
I shrugged on my coat and picked up my bag. I turned off the lights in the control room then headed for the door and used my phone's torch to illuminate the now dark workspace.
I let out a short scream, my feet came to an abrupt stop and my bag landed on the floor with a thud from my hands as the door abruptly burst open and a shadow stepped in.
"Sydney!"
My shoulders drooped and my legs almost gave as I breathed out in relief.
"Grace!" I called in an admonishing tone. I shone my torch on her face. She was grinning widely, the excitement wafting off her in many folds. "What's got you so hyped up?" I asked as she took more steps closer to me.
"Come with me," she took my hands and dragged you both outside.
"You wouldn't believe this. I saw a super handsome guy at the bar," she rambled on as I locked the door. "And guess what? He's Italian." She literally jumped as she said it, her feet lifted off a few inches from the floor.
She linked our arms immediately I finished locking the door, "I came back specifically to get you. Sister's got your back, right?!"
I laughed at her dramatics. All this rush of excitement just because she saw a handsome Italian guy? But I pulled her closer and gave a kiss on the cheeks.
"Come on."
"You don't have to worry about what to wear. I brought your outfits so we won't have to waste time going back home," she explained as we headed to her car.
"Woah," I smirked as I lifted the skirt she brought to the air. I didn't think I had ever seen a skirt so short and sexy.
"It's gonna look good on you, I'm sure."
She looked back from the front seat. Then she faced the front and started the car.
As she sped to the bar, I struggled into the miniskirt in the small space of the backseat and put on the simple cute tank top she brought with it. I sprayed the perfume I had in my bag - its scent was heavenly - until we were both coughing and giggling.
When we arrived at the bar, I put on the black heels I had worn to work and adjusted my outfit.
Inside the bar was bustling with so much energy, the neon lights slightly concealing the carefree occupants of the bar as they mindlessly and crazily swayed to the hip-hop jamming.
I unconsciously bobbed my head to the music as we stepped in. Grace was looking around, her brows furrowed.
"Aww," she pouted, "I can't find him."
"The hot guy?" I had to shout so she could hear me over the loud music.
She nodded but she still looked around.
I touched her shoulder so she'd face me. "Don't worry, babe." Then I threw my hands in the air, "Italian dude or not," I whined my waist and winked at her, "let's dance the night away."
Instantly, her face lit up and she threw her hands in the air too. We both danced our way to the dance floor but not before grabbing a drink each from the bar girl.
Grace downed hers in a go while I held mine above my head as I swayed to the music, hooting occasionally.
I gulped the rest of my drink and placed the cup on a nearby table. Soon, the DJ changed beats and I felt myself go even crazier with the new beat.
I shook my head in the air, my hair whipping around my face. I could hear Grace's giggles as she whined her waist and occasionally jiggled her ass.
"Go girl!" I screamed and started my own dance moves too. I let go of all the stiffness I had gotten accustomed to in the previous years and swayed to the beat.
We both giggled as the spotlight was turned on us. Some people had stood aside to watch us with cries of encouragement while some joined us.
I tipped my head back, feeling the freedom. I couldn't believe I let go of all of these for the shit I called marriage.
Grace was suddenly by my side, her face close to mine. I flinched when she screamed in my ear. "I'll be right back, I need to use the restroom."
I nodded and watched as she hurried down a hallway.
I turned to one of the guys on the dance floor as I danced. He had some cool moves.
I was so carried away, finally happy and free, that I didn't notice the smoldering set of eyes digging holes on my back. I didn't notice on time that the guy I was dancing with had stopped dancing and shifted away from me. His eyes were trained above my head.
"Come on!" I shouted when I noticed, "Why'd you stop?"
He didn't answer me. He just looked at something behind me. The people around him were also looking behind me.
Still moving my body, I followed their line of sight and turned back.
I let out a loud shocked gasp as strong fingers wrapped around my wrist and dragged me away from the spotlight.
"Let go!" I screamed and attempted to wrench my hands from the bastard but their hold was too strong.
"Stop it."
I froze. The voice was dangerously low and calm, contrasting deeply with his strong grip.
My head whipped up in anger and my eyes clashed with Mark's burning gaze. "What are you doing here?"
MARK'S POVA knock came on my door."Come in," I called out without tearing my eyes away from the files before me.I heard the smooth creak of the door as it was opened. My assistant's voice drifted to me, "Luxe Vogue has replied, sir.""Hmm," I hummed, and nodded. "When will the necklaces be ready?""It's not about the necklace, sir. It's about the acquisition offer we sent them."I looked up and pushed my chair back. "Oh, really. When are we meeting to finalize the handover of the website?" I asked.It had been a coincidence that Atelier is partnered with the website I've had my eyes on for the past months. Their response hadn't come for months, but I had been relentless. I kept instructing my assistant to keep sending them emails.After Bella had left, I had searched about Atelier myself and damn! Bella was right. They made stunning jewelry. The quality of their stones was top-notch. It had filled me with pride and reassured me that acquiring the website was a good decision. It wou
I kept struggling, pulling at my hands and cussing out as Mark pulled me to the hallway, right beside the male section restroom. I stumbled after him, unable to keep up with his pace in my heels.Even in my wildest dream, I wouldn't have thought I might run into him here. I mean, in our three years of unfortunate marriage, I could count the number of times on the fingers of one hand I had seen him elsewhere apart from home. I had assumed he was always at work then recently, I concluded that he was either at work or in some fancy hotel fucking my sister."Mark, what is wrong with you?" I hit his fingers wrapped around my wrist with my free hand, "Let go of my hand."He didn't say anything, he just stormed ahead, his back rigid.Ever since I proposed the divorce, he seemed to have become a ghost out to hunt and haunt me, appearing everywhere I was.I let out a low groan as he slammed my back to a wall and pinned me to it. The depth of his deep blue eyes were fathomless and they had turn
I would have loved the rough way in which his lips kneaded mine, and I would have kissed him back with equal fervor if it was someone else. But this wasn't some stranger or lover of mine. It was Mark.I struggled between pulling him to me and pushing him away. I wanted to clamp my teeth on his tongue or lips as I did the first time, but I couldn't bring myself to. This feeling was confusing. I wanted him to stop and go far away from me, but, insanely, I was scared that he would actually stop. It was crazy.But I still struggled, and as I did, my eyes squeezed shut. I tried to speak even with his lips on mine. His tongue, somehow, made its way into my mouth. His body pressed on mine, and I could faintly feel the bulge in his trousers against my thighs.My struggles doubled, and a scream rose in my chest.My scream died in my throat because suddenly, his hands were off me, and I couldn't feel his body heat anymore.I brushed off the tiny tinge of disappointment and looked up to find a w
The cold night air hit my face as we both burst out of the door and the hairs on my arm stood erect. I was still grappling with the information that the bar owner was the one I had seen in my Villa.I had every right to call the police on him right now and maybe get this place searched. I mean, he had a gun that day but I had no evidence. I shivered, shaking the feeling that swept through me as I remembered the feel of the metal behind my back.Still lost in my thoughts, Mark pushed me into the car. He hastily and roughly fixed the seat belt around me as though I was some kid he needed to take home with immediacy."Where are you taking me?!" I clumsily pulled at the belt as I threw the question at his moving figure. He went around the car. The car slightly shook as he climbed in and slammed the door closed.His face was set straight, staring ahead as he blatantly ignored all the questions I threw at him."Where are you taking me, Mark?!" I asked deadpan."I'm taking you home! We're go
As I pulled up to dad's mansion, I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable confrontation. I knew he wouldn't be pleased with me showing up without Mark; he always wants me to scurry after Mark like some lost puppy. For a while, I'd admit, I had actually scurried after him. I had practically changed my life to satisfy them. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.I made the short walk to the mansion's courtyard; the courtyard faced the well kept garden. I had admired the garden when I first came. It was where I preferred to spend my time whenever they were fawning over Bella. The garden looked even more beautiful and we'll tend to. I was sure mum must have gone bunkers as she instructed the household gardeners on how to trim it right.The area was already bustling with activities. The servants were already up and down attending to the guests - young and old - that were seated around tables, each person clad in luxurious outfits and jewelry. Some young
The feeling that coursed through me was heavenly. And for the first time since I announced to Mark that I didn't want to stay married to him again, I felt free.After my announcement, the courtyard was shrouded in pin drop silence. Their eyes alternated between Mark and I then between dad and mum.I could see some young girls immediately shooting their shots. The already deep neckline of their dresses become even deeper, their amble blossoms half on display as they cast flirtatious glances at Mark. I didn't blame them. In truth, Mark was like a diamond among the many men in town. Who wouldn't be excited to grab such a man if there ever was a whisper that he was back in the market?Bella looked pissed, her hold still on Mark's arm.I wished I could capture the look on dad and mum's face right now and frame it. Their eyes bulged as they turned to me; I couldn't tell if it was out of panic or anger at me.Throughout the years I had been with the family, I had learned that Michael's famil
I stared at Mark in disbelief, my eyes widening incredulously as his demand echoed in the room, harshly bouncing off the walls. His determined eyes were fixated on me, his lips were set in a straight line and his arms that were folded across his chest hinted at his seriousness."You're saying I have to give you a million dollars as a breakup fee?!" The words burst from my lips and my voice resounded in the room. "What the actual hell! A million dollars?" The absurdity of his request was incredulous."Yes, you have to give me a million dollars before I sign those papers," he answered calmly as if he was asking me to pay him a measly sum of three hundred dollars. The nonchalant demeanor with which he responded only did more to heighten my disbelief than make me come to terms with his demand."You can't possibly be serious," I exclaimed, the words tumbling out of my mouth in a mixture of disbelief and frustration as I got on my knees on the bed, all strung up. "You're a billionaire, and
My words had barely left my mouth when Bella's trembling voice reverberated in the space. "Mark!' Her voice quivered with raw emotion and her eyes glinted with unshed tears as she gazed at him, "Stay," she whispered. "My friends are all waiting for you. If you leave, they'll mock me endlessly."I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her dramatics.It was her fault if her friends mocked her. Ever since she returned from her elopement, she had made me look like the villain before her friends and anyone who cared to listen. She would always tell them that she and Mark were the real deal and I, who had always envied her, had taken the opportunity to force myself on Mark when she went abroad for her medical treatment. The bitterness of her accusations still lingered till this day. I had felt betrayed when I had heard it. When I had thought I was saving her name, painting me bad was all I got in return.I rolled my eyes some more when I saw Mark's expression softened. Even in my grasp, I felt