CHAPTER 2

After putting her to bed and keeping the glass, Lexi took her phone quietly to the balcony and dialed a number she hadn't called in years. 

Hey…… if it isn't the good best friend who betrayed her friend to save herself then who would it be, Rick said amusingly. 

Rick Dickson what is your problem, anyway let's meet up I think it's time we catch up on things. Sure I'll be glad, Royal Hotel in a presidential suite then, I'll be there in thirty-five minutes. Lexi hurriedly dressed, went inside her car and decided to take a breath. When she calmed down she just realized that she had set up an appointment with Rick and was ready to have a confrontation out of anger. Anyway, it's done, I can't delay. Thirty minutes later Lexis was seen entering the driveway of the Royal Hotel and Rick smirked wickedly, Oh my my this is just gonna be so much fun….. he said as he took a sip out of his drink. 

Lexis's Pov

Hey Lexi it's been years since we last saw each other and you're not doing so well either; I heard him say mockingly. Uh, yeah it's been years and you still haven't stopped being a dick!!! I retorted and gasped dramatically and said ouch how can I forget that you are from the bloodline of dick since your father was once a dick you would have to carry the families lineage and live up to your name and I smirked when I saw him trying so hard to curb his anger, so funny…. 

So feisty right, exactly how your friend was being feisty when she was fucked by me! 

How dare you Dickson, then a sound of a slap rang out in the room, don't you even call Zendaya's name in your mouth, ever again in your life or else I will make you pay dearly and just try what you did today and I won't hesitate to tell Marceaux the truth and that you have been feeding him lies for years, how about that…..Do you want that??

Fear begins to show as Rick registered those words in his head and the thought of what his cousin would do when he finds out that everything was all his doing and that all his pain was caused by his so-called favorite cousin. 

Lexi attempted to leave the room as she was down talking then Rick yelled at her; 

"STOP RIGHT THERE" Do you think you have the right to threaten me and go free? So what are you going to do about that? Oh really you dare ask that: Rick said while smiling. How about I call your sister and tell her her lovely sister who she loves is banging her husband in their very own house, uhh. 

BANG, Lexi slammed the table with her hand and said, Don't think you can threaten me like that with no evidence --- ohhh you think I have no evidence he said cutting her short, I have testimonies from people in your school Who knows that something was going on between the two of you and also I recorded a video of you guys. Lexi left the room devastated and got into her car with his words still ringing in her ear. Lexi's sister's name is Amelia

Her Husband Lorenzo was Lexi's ex-boyfriend

Lorenzo and Rick Dickson are best friends

So one day Lexi came to visit her sister and she wasn't around

The table turned around and she had sex with Lorenzo in the parlor

Unfortunately, Rick came to visit Lorenzo and caught them in that position

Unknowingly to them, he brought out his phone and recorded them

So it was that tape he threatened her with and she felt stupid for not knowing her enemy well. 

She cried as she drove home not for herself but for her best friend whom she swore to help but keeps disappointing; Zendaya Ivorida I hope Marceaux falls in love with you so quickly so all this year of trauma can end for you. I drove into the compound and as I went Into my unit I saw Zendaya waiting for me and she sat looking lonely in the corridor. Lexis said inwardly to herself that no matter what, she was going to protect her friend who had nothing but trust for her and she would always put her first even if her sister had to find out the truth. She made a promise. 

Zendaya took notice of her bestie and rushed to hug her. I miss you bestie, you left me all alone in your boring house, she said in a cute voice and Lexi burst out in laughter and pinched her, My bestie is so cute right now pls marry me…. They sat down and broke out in loud gauging laughs, Lexis hoped time could stop right now and she could enjoy the moment because when the truth comes out there would be no more friendship like this anymore…….

A month later Zendaya could be seen dressing up excited about her new job.

Zendaya walked into the grand lobby of the multinational company, her heels clicking against the polished marble floors. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as she made her way to the reception desk. 

"Good morning, how may I assist you?" the receptionist asked with a warm smile. 

"Hi, my name is Zendaya Ivorida. I have an appointment with Mr. Marceaux Fredrigo," she replied confidently. 

The receptionist quickly checked her schedule, scrolling through the list of appointments before nodding and handing Zendaya a visitor's pass. "He's waiting for you in his office on the fifteenth floor," she said. 

Zendaya thanked her and headed to the elevator, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't believe that she was about to see Marceaux after all these years. She had rehearsed what to say to him, but now that the moment had finally arrived, her mind went blank. 

As she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Marceaux standing by the glass window, overlooking the city skyline. His back was turned to her, and she couldn't help but notice how tall and impressive he looked in his suit. 

"Good morning, Mr. Fredrigo," Zendaya said softly, interrupting his thoughts. 

Marceaux turned around, a look of surprise crossing his features. "Zendaya," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Please, have a seat." 

As she took a seat, Marceaux looked at her critically, evaluating her appearance and demeanor. "You have an impressive resume," he said finally. "But I need to know if you're up to the task. I have a few questions for you." 

Zendaya nodded, feeling a little intimidated. She could tell that Marceaux was being cautious, keeping his emotions in check. She wondered how much he still resented her for leaving him at the altar. 

But as he asked her work-related questions, Zendaya quickly realized that she had nothing to worry about. She was well-prepared and confident, and her answers were concise and effective. Marceaux seemed impressed, and she could feel the tension in the room dissipating. Marceaux scrutinized Zendaya. He knew she was hiding something, but he couldn’t tell what it was. It was like she was holding a dark secret that she wasn’t willing to share with him.

Despite the years that had passed, Marceaux found himself still drawn to her. It was almost as if he couldn’t help himself. He had loved her once, but now he was filled with resentment and bitterness towards her.

“You want to work for my company?” Marceaux asked, changing the subject.

Zendaya nodded eagerly. “Yes, I need to start over. I want to prove to you that I’ve changed.”

Marceaux merely raised an eyebrow, still skeptical of her intentions. “We’ll see.”

Over the next few weeks, Marceaux put Zendaya through a series of interviews, testing her knowledge and skills. To his surprise, she was talented, smart and driven. Despite his initial resistance to her, his heart began to soften, and he realized he was falling in love with her all over again. After they finished the interview, Marceaux leaned back in his chair, studying her. "You're hired," he said finally, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 

Zendaya felt a rush of relief and excitement. She had landed the job, and she knew that it was a great opportunity for her to start over, to prove herself again. 

"Thank you, Mr. Fredrigo," she said, standing up and feeling a little more confident. "I won't let you down." 

As she was about to leave the office, Marceaux called out to her. "Zendaya, wait," he said. 

"Look, I know things ended badly between us," he said, his hand reaching out to touch her cheek. "But I can't help the way I feel about you. I still love you, Zendaya." 

Zendaya felt her heart skip a beat at his words, her mind racing with emotions. Could it be possible that Marceaux still cared for her after all these years? 

Before she could respond, Marceaux leaned in and kissed her, his lips soft and gentle. Zendaya felt a surge of desire and longing wash over her, and she responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck. 

Could he forgive her and give her another chance? The billionaire’s revenge would have to wait, for his heart was no longer cold. I don't think so….

Zendaya was on her way to deliver some documents to the Managing director due to her haste she forgot to knock and when she gazed into the room she found out that he was Rick, the reason for her nightmare. She saw him sitting with a girl in between his legs attending to his "needs" while he grabbed her hair and groaned he stood up after he had his fill and dragged Zendaya into the room in his office;

Zendaya's pov

He pushed me to the bed as fast as he could and my brain couldn't register what was going on, I started fighting and trying to resist him but he was too strong he already took off my blouse when his secretary came in and announced that the CEO is calling for a meeting, Keisha said while giving me a side eye, I ran away but didn't know I was photographed.

Some hours later I cooled down and tried to adjust my emotions and report for duties but all the employees were looking at me weirdly till I went to Marceaux's office his face was devoid of any kind of feelings we had earlier, he was fuming madly.

  Miss Ivorida, I didn't employ you to come to be a whore for my brother, in case you forgot your job then let me remind you; he snapped angrily and dragged her over to the desk.

Marceaux you're hurting me…please it's not what you think, she begged in tears and agony.

Oh really am sure all those years you went away was to go and be WHORE right" uhhhhh answer me you know what ,why don't you be my whore and I would pay you instead since you love being under men so much. 

    

    Zendaya's heart was broken into pieces, no way this couldn't be the man I once loved…….