Rosalie's heart thumped frantically when her eyes took in Sophia's glare. She moved a step backwards and swallowed nothing. First, she walked in on them in the morning.
And now, she was in his arms and Sophia saw them together. She bit hard on her lower lip before she whipped her head to Alexander who had a plain look on."You're here Sophia, you took longer than expected to get here" Alexander maintained a gaze with Sophia. "Let's get things done."Get things done? Rosalie's insides twitched at that? What do they have together? Wait—she saw them in an intimate position in the morning.Of course, they were probably dating. Her heart sank at the thought but it was jolted back to life by the high pitched hiss."Let's get things done?" Sophia scoffed and took a step towards Alexander. "You were supposed to come pick me up but you declined and I met you here, with her in your arms. Her—" she took a pause and pointed at Rosalie.She couldn't believe it. If she hadn't tracked his spot, she wouldn't have seen him .She scoffed and continued, "And you think I don't deserve an explanation?" Her voice was fury filled and her fist bunched into a ball while her jaw tensed but Alexander only sighed."Explanation? Goodness Sophia, don't make a fool of yourself" he scoffed and frowned. "Stop embarrassing me" he glanced around as if people were watching them."Embarrassing you?" Sophia's eyes widened as she took another step toward Alexander while Rosalie gasped. "I am embarrassing you Alex? So you holding her, your secretary isn't embarrassing?""Sophia!" Alexander called as his face turned impassive. He was trying. He was trying to cope with her attitude; to cope with her countless demands. They weren't even dating and she feels so entitled."Who I hold is clearly not your business," he took a step towards her and locked eyes with Sophia so she could hear him clearly. "She was about to fall and I had to grab her" . With that, he took a step backwards.He pocketed his right hand and turned around."Alex!" Sophia called after him but he didn't bother to turn back. "Alex!" She barked again but her calls faded into the people's chatter.Sophia's jaw tightened. Veins popped up in her neck as she watched the retreating figure of Alex. She tried so hard to get him to come here and he left. She didn't even get to spend time with him.And it's all because of her; his secretary.Sophia turned around and Rosalie sniffed. "I'm so—" Rosalie was cut short when Sophia grabbed her wrist."What's your deal?" Sophia asked through gritted teeth. Her jaw was tense and Rosalie's heart raced when Sophia narrowed her eyes, the contempt and loathing flaming in them."It's, I wanted to… he saved me from falling" Rosalie stuttered as she tried hard not to whimper. Her grip was way too tight.The grip coupled with Sophia's abhorrent glare was making her weak."Stay away from Alex!" Sophia gritted and Rosalie raised her head to her."The next time I see you very close to him," Sophia closed up the distance between them and locked eyes with Rosalie which caused Rosalie to gulp down in fear."I will make you lose your job." The threat sank deep into Rosalie's mind. Knots tightened in her insides as Sophia released her. She read the seriousness.Sophia was serious. She could make her lose her job. But, she took things too far. He only… saved her from falling."Till we meet again secretary" Sophia turned around and walked away, fading as people made way for her.Rosalie sniffed and wrapped her arms around herself. She was at fault. If her legs hadn't felt weak due to Alexander's hypnotic voice, everything wouldn't have happened.It was all her fault. She better not let it happen. She wasn't ready to make Sophia angry. She wasn't ready to lose her job. She had to stop everything; her admiration for her boss.And she was going to put an end to it.—————With a smile plastered on Rosalie's face, she headed towards the office. When she was close enough, yesterday's memory flooded her mind.She wasn't going to make the mistake again. She knocked and his voice reverberated, "come in.""Good morning, sir" Rosalie mumbled as she walked towards him. All the confidence she mustered flew off when she saw his face.The event at the bar rambled in her mind when her orbs took in his frigid face. His eyes darkened as soon as they settled on her and she froze in her step."Morning Miss Jones, I need you right here" his forefinger was pointed at the chair in front of him and Rosalie trudged towards it, her heart struggling to supply the blood she needed.Was he angry? He left angry yesterday but it wasn't her fault, was it? She sniffled and exhaled to calm her erratic heartbeat.When she got to the chair, she settled on it and casted her gaze to the table when his eyes didn't leave her."I didn't give you my rules yesterday" Alexander cleared his throat and placed both elbows on the table. "We hired you because we thought you were competent enough.""When I talk, Miss Jones, look at me" his voice was authoritative and stout and Rosalie forced herself to look at him. She swallowed the clog in her throat and tried to keep up with his gaze."Freezing, being in shock, not able to maintain eye contact with people are not characteristics you as my secretary should have and being clumsy is a big offense" Alexander stated as he watched her.Yesterday, he was angry about the whole event that took place. He knew it wasn't her fault but he was mad because of a reason he couldn't pinpoint.Perhaps because of the fact that he held her and saved her from falling.He took a deep breath while Rosalie's heart raced. She could tell he was angry with her. "I'll forgive you for stumbling in your steps simply because it was outside the office."He clicked his tongue while she swallowed back her trepidation, "any form of incompetence will not be overlooked Miss Jones. I want perfection every time.""I want things done impeccably. I hope I was clear Miss Jones" his head tilted to the left as he studied her like she was a prey he wanted to devour.Clear? Of course. Rosalie almost looked away but remembered his words, "yes sir.""I promise to be perfect from now on," she answered. She already made up her mind to push off her admiration and she had done that."Good" Alexander nodded and stood up while Rosalie watched. He headed to the book shelf and grabbed a file."I'll be needing you to get these signed.""Huh?" Rosalie looked up immediately. Why's her signature needed? She was still in her thoughts when Alexander placed the file on the table."You have to get this signed at Red's company, we're in a partnership with them" he cleared her thoughts and she swallowed hard at her own insane thoughts.Alexander settled on the chair and rescanned the file. It was a great deal and he signed it with his friend who was his business partner. It definitely would be a good partnership."Here, my driver will take you" he pushed the file to Rosalie and she forced a nod. She knew she would be going to other companies but didn't expect it to be that soon."Signatures needed on the last page" he pushed open his drawer and brought out another file. "You have to give this to him in hand.""Alright" Rosalie nodded as she took note of all of his orders."When you get back, you have to come write my schedule" he added and she answered with an "okay sir.""A call to my driver" Alexander mumbled as he punched on his phone. "You'll go meet him downstairs"Rosalie nodded, her gaze kept on the file. She definitely will be seeing the CEO of Red's company."How can I locate the office sir?""The receptionist will give you directions" Alexander replied as he scribbled down notes on a book."What's his name sir?" Rosalie cut through his thoughts and he looked up with a raised brow. Name? She doesn't know the name of the CEO of Red's?"Williams Shelby" he answered and Rosalie nodded."Come in," Alexander replied from inside the office. "Good morning, sir" Rosalie greeted with a smile as she approached him.She had worked for two days and she knew it was a good one. They worked overtime, especially the second day he sent her to Williams.She worked until she became weary.But she loved it, as long as she got paid, she would work."Morning Miss Jones" Alexander replied as his eyes scanned her attire. She was dressed in a straight skirt with a plain t-shirt that matched the stiletto heels she had on.Rosalie sucked in her cheeks as he scrutinized her. Her legs felt wobble under his penetrating gaze, "I'll finish the work we—" he cut her short when he stood up."You're here early today, you'll have—" he paused when her face creased into a frown. "What's it Miss Jones?" He queried but she shook her head."You frowned in between my speech, why?" He asked as his eyes bore holes on her in a bid to read her body language."You…said I was early, I'm always early" Rosalie st
Date.Alexander exhaled and turned to Sophia. "Is it today?""Are you asking me that?" Sophia scoffed and sucked in her flushed cheeks. As her eyes darted around, it landed on Rosalie, "what're you doing here? Get away from here" she growled and her hands balled into a fist.Rosalie sniffled and nodded rapidly. She turned around and scurried into her office leaving Sophia with Alexander."Why'd you send her off? I'll need her" Alexander queried as he strode to the couch."Need her? For what Alex? I just told you we have to go on a date. You gave no answer. I met her on your thighs, in your arms Alex and you said nothing about it. Nothing Alex," Sophia groaned as raw anger shot through her.Just by thinking of that secretary in Alex's arms, the loathe rose in her like a tide. Her blood steamed and rage swelled in her. She'll make her pay.She'll get her out of Alex's office no matter what."Why're you angry?" Alexander questioned and she turned to him with raised brows. Was he asking h
As Alexander strode into the opulent living room, a smile broke on his lips when the light emanated by the chandelier flashed in his eyes.He missed the feeling of watching light emanate from the chandelier. In fact, he missed everything about this house —his parent's house."Good evening, sir" a maid came into view and dropped a tray on the table. "Get mum" Alexander ordered and settled on the sofa.The maid bowed, turned around and headed to the stairs.Alexander exhaled and shut his eyes. He could feel his muscles screaming. He needed to rest and he knew it but he couldn't. He wasn't resting any time soon.He had a load of work to access and a lot of deals to examine. He knew it'd be that way the moment he took a break from the office.He had to attend to his work; his personal work that got him entangled in a compromising situation. He exhaled and tugged on his hair."So, what're you brooding about?" Alexander raised his head when the voice plunged into his thoughts. "Me?" He chor
The thoughts clung tightly to her insides as she worked. Her trembling hands didn't get a grip of the pen. She ran her hands through her hair and took a deep breath.30,000.Where was she going to get it? Rosalie let out a frustrated sigh at the thoughts. The last time her mum took out a loan and couldn't pay, she suffered the consequences. She remembered her fear that night.It was a miracle she was rescued, else she didn't know what could have happened.But now, there was no hope.Despite how hard she tried, she could see the situation repeating itself. No, she couldn't afford to go through that again.No human deserved to. She tugged on her hair as she thought of a solution but her foggy mind didn't let her.Her insides were clouded with the cold demeanor of Alexander and the thugs issue. She knew her boss was still mad at her and hadn't let go of that day's clumsiness.Despite her trying to reassure herself, the dreaded thoughts hunted her. She could see herself getting fired.Sh
Rosalie sniffed and gripped her handbag tighter. She just got out of the elevator and despite how hard she tried to console herself, it didn't work.She made him lose that deal.He was angry!He left her there and she took a taxi to the company. Her steps wavered and she sniffled as she sighted the office. Why was she unlucky?She keeps getting into trouble every now and then. And now, she jeopardized her job.But it wasn't her fault. Her anxiety was at work.She didn't believe she could experience it again. That was the main reason they came to New York. Her paranoia ate her up wherever she went.Suddenly, she paused in her steps at the sound. As she strained her ear to hear clearer, a high pitched yell filled her ears.She could figure out that yell anywhere.A tell tale feeling surged through her but she shook her head. She wouldn't believe it. She had to see.She trotted to the office and pushed the door open. The moment her orbs rested on the figures, all courage, hope she felt
Rosalie?She didn't go home? She came to the bar?His eyes widened when she almost fell. She held on to a stool as her eyes threatened to close. Her face was tear-stricken and her eyes looked puffy.He knew she had been crying and she was drunk.A prickly feeling of regret washed through his veins and he found himself heading to her."Rosalie —" he called and she raised her head to him. She batted her lashes and retrieved a step backwards which caused her to stumble but Alexander was quick to reach out for her."Miss Jones —" he held her firmly to himself and once again, he was attracted to her cognac eyes."Sir…" Rosalie stuttered with her lips quivering. "Did…you hire me again?" She grabbed his face like she needed it to be true."Miss Jones, you're drunk" Alexander cautioned when she grabbed the bottle of alcohol in her hands. "Oh yeah, I shouldn't" Rosalie chuckled and held on tightly to his shirt."Please don't fire me, please" she begged and clutched tighter to him "I need the j
Rosalie sniffed and clung to herself despite the hotness of her body. The sound of her heart beating slowly coupled her blurry vision.Her face was stained with tears that dropped as her mind ran wild about the situation on ground. It's been a week since she told the man she was going to pay him by the end of month.How that slipped off her mouth she didn't know.She guessed it was the only thing her brain thought of in that dangerous situation.She sniffled and sighed.She knew one thing; she couldn't get 30,000 in a week; except a miracle happened. And she was sure now—she wasn't meant for good things.Her phone beeped and she hurriedly reached out for it.She checked her mail and her eyes became clouded with tears when she saw one of her applications had been rejected.She had been trying to get a job to no avail. She sighed and palmed her face.The heat she felt was nothing compared to the pain in her life. She never imagined her life this way. 22 and not having money? She didn't
Rosalie took a sharp breath as she stared at the office door. Once again, she was in his office for a job. The receptionist had thrown her a surprised look but Rosalie cared less.She had to come see him and plead for a second chance.She sniffed and exhaled as she clutched tightly to the folder of files. Even if he had employed a new secretary, she'd ask for another job.Anything to pay her money.After one moment of her mustering courage, she raised her hand to knock and at the same time the door creaked open revealing Alexander.Alexander took a step backward as they locked eyes. He stood unblinking as he tried to process the image in front of him.It felt surreal but she was there. His heart thumped inside of him. It leaped for joy like a part of it was back."Sir—" Rosalie licked her lips and batted her lashes. That simple action made Alexander wish to hold her. He punched his hands to fight back every urge to hold her.He said to forget her and the persistent feeling. What was h
There she was. The love of his life. Her happiness written all over her face all she watered the flowers. It was only a few days after the engagement that Alexander found out she loved gardening and he loved watching her admire the flowers."They smell so nice," Rosalie turned to him with a big smile and Alexander chuckled, his eyes running down her tummy.That had a life in her.The tummy having another life in her. His happiness knew no bounds when the doctor declared it to them.It was one month after the engagement that they broke the news to them and he had never been that excited."Come on, stop staring at me," Rosalie rolled her eyes, her cheeks turning crimson red and Alexander laughed as he walked towards her."I can't wait to see the baby. I really want to," He muttered as he thought of it. He'd get to be a father. Be a good father that he never had. Nothing would be more fulfilling.But would he be able to treat the baby right?"It'll like me, wouldn't it?""Oh, I don't lik
"Why are you doing this to me, Aria?" I drawled as I stared at my best friend who had her face fully into her phone, "Aria?""What?" She jerked her face up suddenly and I spotted the crimson blush on her face and my brows knitted up, "what the hell is going on, huh?""What?" She rolled her eyes and quickly switched off her phone screen which heightened my suspicion. It's been three weeks since we went to visit Sophia.Her mum gave me a mouthful which made Xander visibly angry and when the woman didn't stop talking, Xander had to show her my wounds that her daughter inflicted on me.Collins was on the run because apart from the fact that Xander wanted to tear him into pieces, the authorities were looking for him.And then, my wound had almost healed up and things were starting to look good and we were out in the restaurant. Aria and I and we have been talking for a whole ass hour but she wouldn't even hear me."What'd you say?" She flashed me a fake smile, "I was just busy looking at s
Fucked four time in a day. My stitches hurting yet I still went on. Sleeping in the arms of the man I love. I rolled on the bed and back into his warm arms that were waiting for me."Good morning, my gorgeous rose," Xander whispered and I could swear butterflies danced in my tummy. My cheeks heated up so much I was sure it'd boil an egg and Xander released a small laugh behind me."It always amuse me.""What?" I asked and at once he rolled over until he was lying over me and I released a wince."Oh my," Xander moved backwards at once, "Sorry about that."“What amuses you?" I confronted with a pout and he laughed as he settled beside me, his hands raking my hair."Your shyness yet boldness." He locked eyes with me, a smile forming on his lips. "I always look forward to seeing you bold yet shy."All of his words added to the heated feeling inside of me. Warmth. Love. I smiled and leaned into him, "I'm after all full of surprises."He chuckled as he nodded, "True. Now let's get you to ea
Rosalie's POV"I can manage to walk and you know that," I rolled my eyes when Xander snorted after I spoke. I was in his arms. He was taking me inside the house even after I tried to work on my own."Do you know what you've gone through?" Xander rolled his eyes, "I'm surprised you're perfectly fine and it makes me happy. I wouldn't have been able to deal with it if I had lost you."My cheeks heated up and I leaned into him, "now that's enough, please put me down."Xander chuckled, his eyes darting around since we were in the living room and gently, he placed me on the two seater couch and at once settled beside me, pulling my head onto his chest, "I owe you a proper apology.""I am sorry." He breathed out and exhaled while I stared up at him. I could count the number of times he had apologized to me before and how hard it's been. But that moment was different, he was saying everything thoughtfully."For wanting to let us go. Believe me I felt horrible. Thought you'll hate me. I didn't
Alexander's POV"Rosie…" I called as I took a step while she glared at me with eyes full of pain."Really? You want to live in my memories and not stay with me huh?" She shook her head before moving towards me and at once her fist made contact with my chest."Really huh? Really? It's better to leave me huh? That's it? You don't care if I live in pain huh?" She continued, her fist driving into my chest repeatedly as her tears ran down before while I remained glued to my spot.I didn't deserve her. Not once have I ever deserved her."Rosie, stop it," her mum rushed towards her and grabbed her arm and I finally got out of my thoughts when the punching stopped."It's okay," I let out and sighed, "let her hit me. I deserve it.""Thank god you know!" Rosie screamed before sending a final punch to my chest and then her tears dropped. "You're such an idiot, Xander.""You know everything except how to console a woman," she sniffed and leaned into me, "how can you want to leave huh?" Her voice t
"He won't even pick up? Wow, wow," I chuckled and fought back my tears as I tried Xander's number once more.He wants to leave the city and me… wow. I shook my head as I reminisced on his words. We're in the hospital since I was brought there right after my attack."He wants to leave," I sobbed once more."I told you!" Aria screamed and hit the wall, "he wasn't worth it! You lost your father and all he could think of is to leave! Goddamn it! I hate him more!""Xander," I sniffed as I dialed the number again, "he's not picking up.""He won't," mum cut in and sniffed, "I… made him go away.""What do you mean?""I gave an outburst right after Raymond died. He's the cause of everything and I just wanted him away. I… I made him promise to leave you alone after all the chaos he caused.""What?" I gripped my chest as I fought back my tears, "how's he at fault?""Sophia came after you because of him! You were hit because of him! You were almost killed. Got shot! It was because of him that you
White ceiling coatings that my eyes were almost used to. The blank point where I try to recognise the ceiling was gone now because I understood it.With the pain hammering in my chest and the sniffles plus the deep scent that hit my nostrils, I needed no soothsayer to tell me I was in the hospital.My hands shook at that moment and then the memories came rushing like a wind into my head."Rosie,"The familiar feminine voice called and I whipped my head to the voice at once, "mum.""Rosie," mum called panickedly before her hands tightened around me and I let out a whimper, "I'm sorry," mum sniffed, "are you okay, are you okay?""Are you okay?" A tear dropped down her eyelids as she watched me, "should I call the doctor huh?""I… I," I gulped as I glanced around, "water. I need… water.""Here," I heard the friendly feminine voice and at once the glass cup met my lips and I gulped down water while I stared at Aria. She had a warm smile on her face while she watched me."I'm so glad you'r
"Take one step and I pull the trigger here," Sophia warned, her voice laced with anger. "You think I brought you here to see him? No. I just want him to see you drop dead. I want to show him what he gets for choosing someone else over me.""Sophia, you are crossing the line," Xander gritted, his fist clenching and his eyes pinned on me in fear, concern and the one that warmed my heart, in love."Rosie, stay still. You are not dying," he assured me and I heard his voice tremble at the end. Something my Xander doesn't do.Fear. He was in fear too."How could you?" Sophia started, her voice distant and barely audible, "choose this thing over me,""She's just s fucking poor girl. I am way better!""I don't love you!" Xander yelled and took a step and at once, Sophia raised the gun and fired into the air, "take one step and the next bullet goes into her head," she glanced at her wristwatch and exhaled."Remember I am always vulnerable with you Xander. My father wasn't that great to know my
Headache. Blurry vision. It was what welcomed me as my eyes fluttered open and at once I gasped.Where was I huh? I… I was with Raphael and suddenly… My throat went dry with the realization. I've been kidnapped. At once, I let out a scream and almost immediately, a hand drove onto my face, hard."Don't you scream bitch!"The familiar voice. Sophia. I panted as my eyes darted around and I realized we were in a car and were still in the airport. The glasses of the car were tinted and… they couldn't see meTurning to Sophia, hee face held a lazy look and she had her eyes shut while I accessed her. How'd she come to the airport? How'd she know I was leaving? Does she know Xander is here?And where was Collins? Did he assist her?Heavens. There was no answer. My eyes moved around the car as urgency seeped in my bones. Raphael told me we had only minutes left and it was a private jet. We should have left.We should have if not for this maniac woman."Why did you kidnap me? Why the hell am I