EttieneNo fucking way.Mm Mm. No way in hell. No way back to earth.She is not the owner of this company,she cannot be. I mean,she can,women can do things but…this?! Nope.I am not going to get help from her.Father received his phone while he was in the middle of a hearty conversation. His laughter filled my ear and it only acted as fuel to the anger boiling at my pits.How dare he be happy and all that."Her?! My personal assistant?""What?Uh,her. She is not your personal assistant anymore. She seiezed being that years ago.""This ain't happening." I was pacing along the corridor earning a few glances from the workers.I turned my face to the wall. "There must be another way.""I found that one for you. Go ahead and find another one if you can,Ettiene. But remember,time is running out."The energy was building up inside of me. My muscles felt tense and my body was so heavy I could offer it to another person to help me carry it.Time is running out…time for what. It was his idea t
DesdemonaMy table is overflowing with papers I am supposed to sign. All this is because I pushed my secretary to print them for me. I push my chair back and start pacing back and forth in my office.After our conversation,Ettiene stood up,fixed his tie,raised his chin and left without another word.I made sure to send him a mail saying he should report by eight,today. My eyes glance at the clock. Ten minutes past eight.He must show up,it's not like he has more options. I am actually doing him a favor and he should be more than grateful for it.The door opens as soon as I go back to my desk."It's always advisable to knock when you are coming into a seniors office." I say without lifting my head.A low sigh escapes his lips. After a long pause,I lift my head. My eyes meet his and for a moment,time stops. His brown eyes look down to mine,the warmth they held five years ago are still present. His face is well shaved and one strand of his hair tips from the front. I swallow and lick
MyraNo one was picking up. Not my father. Not my mom. I had taken time out of my day to visit our place,our own building but they had not let me in.I am infuriated as I pace up and down in our living room. I dial Ettiene's and get sent straight to voicemail.My heart is twisting and the more I think about everything the more angry I feel.Ettiene,my husband of five years refuses to get intimate with me. Why that makes me mad,I have no idea. My mother is nowhere to be seen and she refuses to pick up my calls. Father is also ignoring me.All that aside,I am not allowed to go into our own building. They even called security for me."I was going to let you walk yourself to insanity but I'm a good person so I won't." That was Jules voice.O stop and cross my arms. "Where is Ettiene?""I'm not his keeper.""You work in the same place as him." He's supposed to know.He shrugs, giving me a plain look."Go away." I proceed with walking up and down."Why are you two together,though?" He's now
EttieneThe tour around the advertisement department had come to an end. There exists no reason for us to go through each department but she wants to and apparently,she is the boss. So we go her way.Every time she is next to me I am tempted to wrap am arm around her waist and pull her closer to me. When she parts her lips to reapply her lipstick...just as she's doing now...my mind skips to the time my lips met with hers and–"Let's go get coffee." She breaks off my trance of thoughts."You don't drink coffee." I grumble. She never has."Of course I do. People change, remember?""No, people don't change." I state as a matter of fact.She opens her mouth to answer but her phone buzzes, interrupting her."Yes,mother? Right now? Isn't it too early? Okay, okay." He hungs up. "To the Lorei Hotel.""At eight in the morning?""Do you have a problem?""No."Her eyes never leave my face. "No,ma'am."She cracks a small smile and walks ahead.__________I don't understand whatever is going on o
Desdemona"What happened?" I asked Mike but my eyes were entirely focused on Molly. "She was running a fever. I gave her some meds and she was doing okay till she collapsed."The doctor finished with whatever he was doing and turned to me."Doctor?""She's fine." She nudges my arm and guides me to the outside. "She's dehydrated but also she's under stress."She can't be under stress. "Why? What,I don't understand." How can she possibly be stressed."She kept on mumbling some stuffs after she had passed out. Bring her to the hospital for a scan."All my muscles tensed up. I cross my arms against my chest and my fingers grab my clothes. "A scan?""We need to check if there's anything on the brain. If not then I'd recommend therapy.""Therapy? Um, doctor?" I flap myself using my hand. "What's happening?""We'll know. Bring her to the hospital tomorrow at nine."I thank him and he leaves just as Mike walks out of Molly's room."She's asleep." He informs me. My chest feels like its getti
DesdemonaThe door swings open and heavy footsteps stomps into my office. His anger radiates from his body to mine causing the release of my happy hormones.If I continue like this then I'll have him right where I want him."What is this?" He exclaims flaring his arms all over the room.I pause, watching him for a while then proceed to my work."Is this funny to you?""How can you being late possibly be funny to me?""Fuck me being late. What games are you playing?""If you're referring to what I'm doodling,it's a strategy plan i–""Don't mess with me,babe."I close the folder that I was working on. "I'll need you to do two things,One,come to work on time. Two,lower your damn voice."He slams both his palms on the table. "Listen over here,Ariel."I immediately slam mine and get on my feet. "No you listen here,Ettiene. I am your boss and you are going to address me as one." I made sure my tone matched his."No. Not right now. Right now I am a man whose business you just messed with.""
EttieneI loosen my tie and go back to my seat. I go to sip my coffee and realize that the cup is empty. Seventh one so far.My mind races back and forth not finding any solution to the problem. Not a single one of them.Telling Ariel that I have quit wasn't such a smart move. It was more…impulsive. So now I need to find something I'll beat her at. She has the upper hand in this game she has created. That is what I need to take from her.My hand rakes through my hair. I stand and refill my cup making this one stronger than the last one.One sip and I rethink all my life choices. I glance at my watch,it's not too early for some alcohol. Hence,I ask my secretary to bring in a few bottles.Minutes after she'd left,my door slides open. I glance up and see my wife. Definitely not what I need to see right now so I go back to working.She is not saying a word,she isn't moving much. I lift my head. My gaze narrowed at her where she was standing in the middle of my office.Her weight was bala
DesdemonaThe man across from me had asked for bread. Home baked bread. One that I had done with my own hands. I had done my best to deliver exactly what he had asked for,and more.He cut the first piece and tossed it to his mouth. That was followed by a sjl of juice. Such a weird combination but I was not going to judge verbally."What are you playing at,Me. Raven?"He swallowed and cut another piece. "You made this? This is good. Not many women can do th is."He is not referring to bread. "What?""Going against a man you love and not letting your feelings get in the way."My eyes go wide in astonishment. I scoff and laugh at the same time. "You are wrong sir. I–"No. I am not going to defend myself."To what do I own this invitation?""The CEO position is vacant at my company."Interesting. Meaning the two brothers have to fight for the position. But what does that have to do with me?"I need you to cause a storm. Shake things up a little bit for both of them."I am most certainly
Desdemona It was all good.The joy in the house, the laughter shared, the plays they engaged in, the only things being created were good memories.It was all good.Too good to let it last.The pair had sidelined me in all that they did. Baking, cooking, playing games, I was even blindfolded while they were watching a movie.Here they were thinking of baking again. Apparently my daughter loved the activity so much she wants to do it for the rest of her life. Worst part is she wants to do it with Ettiene!“Molly,dear, I think its time to get back home. You have to go to the kindergarten tomorrow.”She whines and jumps up from the counter. I scream out, reaching for her but she was already in Ettienes hands.“Molly!” I scream. She continues to giggle, completely ignoring me.Ettiene helps her up the counter. Once again, she jumps and lands in his arms“Guys, guys,” I get in between them. “I agree that you are having fun but fun doesn't have to be dangerous.”“Okay Mommy.” She sits.
Desdemona ‘She's matured so fast.’ ‘She acts so reasonably.’Those are words I don't want to hear being used to describe my daughter. That is why I agreed to go out with Ettiene. Not as the father of my child but as a man I am giving a second chance to.My best friend glared at me from the kitchen. Everytime I face him,he avoids eyecontact.“Come on,we can't be doing this everyday. You agreed to let me be.”“Never said I'll smile as I walk you put the door.”Good point.My phone beeps, a message from Ettiene signaling he was here and that I should leave my phone behind.I sigh and call out to Molly.She comes running as usual.“Go over there and kiss Mr. Grumpy goodbye. I'll be back.”Outside, Ettiene had stepped out of the car and was now leaning against it. “What? You plan on kidnapping me?”He laughs and pulls me in his arms for a light kiss.It was over before I could even fight back.“Seriously, you-” I shake my head to clear the fog caused by his stupid kiss.“If you carry yo
DesdemonaMy eyes glared at the ceiling like it was the source of all my problems.I can't do anything in two weeks–less that two weeks actually.I roughly turn to my side and exhale loudly. The clock starred at me reminding me I have four hours to sleep before work.The date offer from Ettiene still lingers in the air. Not because I don't want to go but because he wants to go on a play date with my daughter included.A knock comes before the knob turns. He flips on the lights.“Something told me you were still awake.”“That thing was right.” I sit up.He hands me a glass of milk.“What's keeping you up?”“Ettiene and his stupid family.”He chuckles. “Must be hard.” Silence embraces us and for the first time I was uncomfortable in it.“Hey, you have something to talk about?”“I don't like the guy and the stress he puts over you. No, it's not because I'm I love with you or anything, I hate what he put you through. And I hate that you want to go back to him.”“I'm giving him time to pr
Chapter 43Desdemona Ignoring and moving on, that's what you do when too much information has been dumped on you all at once.A knock comes and I stop swinging around in my chair.“Come in.” His figure brings a light smile to me face. “I didn't expect to see you here.”“Your secretary called me.”“Ah, the new one? he's quite good at his job.”He sits. “Talk to me.”“You are remaining with two weeks till one of you takes the position.”“I'm well aware.”“What are your plans?”“Oh babe, you want me to share them with you so you could sabotage me?”I laugh, brushing him off. “Now why would I do that to the man I'm attracted to.” and the man who hurt me.He sighs and his shoulders slump. “Honestly, I don't know. Two weeks isn't enough to get that much amount, I think jules will have it this time.”I scoff. “And you are just going to let him?”He gives me a weak shrug.“I'll do it. I'll find someone to make it happen.”“It's a lot of money, Desdemona. ‘“I know. First, do you have anyone
MyraThe club was not packed up but the same smell filled the air; sweat, alcohol and cigarettes. Not to forget sex.I clear my throat and step further inside, allowing my eyes to scan over the room.Josh is tall and well built meaning he won't be hard to spot in the crowd.Cold hands grab my arm. “Come this way.”I spin around but that was not fast enough to catch the face of the man dragging me towards the stairs.“Straight ahead, last room.” He orders huskily.I scoff. ‘Rude of him to handle a woman in such a manner.’Nevertheless I follow his direction.Before I could knock the door swings open.“Josh!”“Why are you here?”I stride past him and make myself comfortable.“Is this where you make the drugs?”“Why are you here?” He repeats more sternly than before.“What? I can't come and visit my brother?”He goes round to his seat and goes back to whatever he was doing.“You are completely ignoring me.” And I'll be darned if my voice sounded as whiny as I heard it.He does not reply.
EttieneOkay.The mother and the daughter are going all out in this round."What? What do you mean my father?"Moriah stops and turns. "And for your information,he was not old then,he is old now. Either way,he does not look his age.""The fuck you mean he does not look his age?" Moriahs face does not give anything away."You are seeing him even now? Are you cheating on David? Are you repeating your past?"She gives a nonchalant shrug. "Who says I am?"Waaaait.No way."Oh so it's someone you are…" Ariel's words trail off as realization hits her like a brick.Myra lifts her head from where it was buried in Josh neck."Come again?"Josh had now quit crying and composed himself. He looks up with a scrunched face and puffy eyes. The guy has clearly been through a lot. I feel for him.Kevin who had been silent all this time lets out a long,deep growl. "You two are sisters. Do you want everything spelt out for you?""What are you mad about?" I mumble loud enough for him to hear.He waves
Desdemona"Wait,what?""Collins is not your father." Mother's voice was even,no trace of emotion but I still felt like she had screamed them.As if she slapped me right across the face with them.So all those years I kept up with the man's shit,I could have done something. I considered the fact that he was my father in every decision I made.My eyes well up.I quickly wipe the tears because there was nothing to cry about."I hate him." My chest burn as I mutter those words."And not him alone,I hate you and I hate my biological father as well." The bitterness in my voice made it sound strained."Yeah. Yeah. But…who is your father?" Myra who was not seated asks.I sprint up and wrap the robe around me tightly. "I don't care. I don't want to know. Leave. Everyone leave."The tears streamed down my cheeks.Ettiene stands beside me and pulls me against him. I allow myself to melt into his support."You do care,babe."I hear Myra snarl from afar."You do and that's why you are crying righ
Desdemona"I'm sorry,mother. We have to tell them."My jaws dropped to the ground and my arms to my side."Please tell me you are kidding.""Oh shit!" Ettiene cussed.I laugh then pause to exchange a glance between the two. "You are joking,right?"No response. "This isn't serious.""No shit it is.""No. No. Tell me it's one of those dumb things you do mother. Tell me that you got with a boy with mommy kink and that's what you have going on."Heavy silence followed."Wow." I say while nodding. "It's not."Myra laughs but that's the least of what I want to focus on at the moment."This family is so messed up.""Explain." I ordered. "It's not worth it." She shrugs it off."No. I deserve an explanation and that is exactly what you are going to give to me." I shuffled from the centre of the room and took a seat on the edge of the bed."Maybe we should go talk about this at home.""I see no reason for that." I argue sternly. "Josh,your son over there will probably tell Myra about it. Kev
Ettiene"You know him?!" "Of course I know him." She replies in a high pitch. "W–what are you doing here?" She is already getting out of bed with the gray sheets wrapped up all over her body. "How do you even know her?'Myra steps in front of the guy. "That part is not very important right now.""Then what is?'"The information that he holds." She declared."Information?" Ariel squeaks. "No." She is pushing Josh out the door. "You have no information you want to give. Nothing at all."Josh revolves around her and ends up in the room where he once was."Who's the man you're with?" His eyes pierced into mine. "Waaaait." He growls. "Is he?" He covers his mouth and turns to Ariel. "No way." He stretches on the 'a' a little bit too long."You went back to the guy who put you through shit?" He sneered."Wait. Wait. Wait. He knows about me? Who is he? What I'm I missing over here?"Ariel's phone rings.She ignores it and moves to the wardrobe where she removes a robe and puts it on. The s