SEKANI: I heaved a deep breath before stepping out of the elevator. One foot out and I could already hear the sound of music and people chattering. Shirley wasn't here with me and for the first time since I became CEO, I felt really nervous. And I knew why I did. There was only one reason why I was nervous this afternoon and it was because of one man. All I wanted to do now was walk back to my office and remain there until all of this was over, have Shirley announce that I had a really huge contract to sign, and wish everyone a happy day while promising a party that would be held during the weekend. But I couldn't just do that with this pretty dress on. In fact, I wanted to show this dress off to everyone and maybe catch a few glances from Sean. Seeing him this morning, all sweaty in his sweatpants and a black tank top did something to my insides. It was funny that I was just realising that now. I remember how rough his hair looked and now, I wished I'd run my finge
SEAN: The city lights look really pretty from up here. I can almost see everything going on. With each window having its light on is a person behind it. Either in their room or apartment. And for each window, there is a story behind it. It's so amazing how we all live in the same world but have individual lives. How we all relate with each other but are so alone. It's sad and intriguing at the same time. I make sure to hold Sekani tightly against me so she doesn't fall. Although she's not too drunk, she can fall if I leave her. Finally, I help her take a seat on one of the chairs around. It sits a few meters away from the transparent balcony so we can see the whole city from here anyway. Taking a seat beside her, I am shocked that she inches really close to me, leaning her head on my shoulders before she heaves a deep sigh. "The city looks really beautiful tonight, don't you think?" Sekani speaks. With one nod, I lean back into my seat, instinctively relax
SEAN: I stood at the corner with a smile on my face. Watching Sekani give a vote of thanks had to be the most awe-inspiring speech I'd ever heard. It was so simple and yet, it carried so much intensity. A few times, we locked gazes. She never maintained it for so long but I was glad that at least, she was looking for me in the crowd. As soon as she was done, everyone began to disperse. My eyes remained on her as I bade the guards I knew goodbye, promising to schedule an appointment with the important clients. I began to weave through the small crowd of people, making my way towards Sekani who was speaking to one of the men around. Just before I got to her, Luca went to stand beside her. He seemed to know the man she was speaking to also and they exchanged pleasantries before he wrapped his arms around Sekani's waist. I noticed that she stiffened. And so did I. Only that my fists were clenched in anger. It took a lot for me not to go over there and tear Luca's h
SEKANI: Last night was lit. In fact, lit was an understatement. Shirley had done a really good job throwing a celebratory party and for that, I decided to give her a bonus for such exceptional planning. I'd given her the week off, telling her I only needed her to be available at the party on Saturday evening. So it was just me in the office and my deputy director. I rarely ever saw him as we communicated through texts or anything that wasn't face-to-face. I only saw him a few times a month, mostly during board meetings or when important things needed to be relayed. I'd sent him a text, telling him I needed him at my office so we could discuss our budget for the new year which already started today. A knock sounded on the door and knowing he was the one, I beckoned him in. He slipped in with no smile on his face. I was used to that part of him already. He rarely ever smiled and it gave an impression that he was a mean person. But he wasn't. He was far from mean. In f
SEAN: Well, that was harsh. Sekani had a way of just hurting people causally. All she just had to say was how she didn't give a fuck how I found her attractive or how hard my cock went when I saw her this morning. I knew that might have been quite a straightforward thing to say but I don't regret saying it at all. I meant every word. "Are we taking your car?" She asked, turning towards me when we got to the parking lot. She shoved her hand into her tote bag and grabbed a pair of sunshades to block out the sun while muttering a complaint about how she had forgotten to apply more sunscreen. There, a woman who took care of herself even with her demanding job. It was why I always made dinner so she didn't have to stress, why I had a cleaner drop by twice every week to come to the house. "Yes, we are," I replied in a singsong voice and tapped on my remote button. The car beeped and I pulled it open. "Hop in." We finally settled and she turned to look at me with a gri
SEKANI: Sean was starting to be all sweet and spicy. I didn't know what to make of it. I didn't know if I liked it or if I wasn't just used to someone being that sweet to me. After losing my family members, I'd be devastated. I mean, that was expected of anyone, right? I delved into the pits of depression, shutting out every romantic relationship that might have bloomed at the time. That wasn't my priority. I was dealing with the guilt of sleeping with Sean, knowing fully well he was in a serious relationship with Simone. They'd died in a ghastly accident without knowing the truth. Without knowing that I had slept with Sean and was carrying a baby. I guessed that was the universe handing me a scone of ice cream with a cherry to top it off. All of the partners I would have had or dated didn't work out because I was too busy running around and handling Atrix Communications which was a subsidiary of my father's company. It seemed to be promising at that time so I focu
SEKANI: The rest of the day went by in a blur. I called Sheila a few times only to remember immediately that I had given her the day off. I was soon starting to regret and contemplated calling her a few times before deciding not to. Once office work was finished, I decided to leave early. I needed to be at the spa tomorrow morning against the anniversary party on Saturday which was going to be held the day after tomorrow. I'd already sent an email to Sekani informing her that I was going to be off work. Not only did I need to be at the spa, I had an appointment with my nail technician and my hair stylist. And oh, I needed to get a new dress and perfume to match the color and aura. I was already tired from even thinking of it and contemplated just sleeping in tomorrow but I knew that wasn't possible. My body was excited to be treated with finesse but my mind only wanted to remain asleep for the whole of tomorrow. I mean, enough beauty sleep guaranteed a healthy me tomorro
SEAN: I'd never felt so much at once; embarrassment, sheer guilt, shame, anger, self-loathing, and the one directed at Luca. He'd come in and suddenly, he had the attention of the girls, including Mya who used to be all over me. She barely left his side, showing him around the kitchen and laughing at their inside jokes. How long had they all bonded for them to have such inside jokes? It was absolutely ridiculous. "Uncle Luca!" Mya called in a loud voice as she pulled him into the kitchen. Sekani had just opened the first box containing cheesecake and was cutting through with a cake knife. She'd spent the better part of the last twenty minutes ignoring me and acting like I wasn't there. Well, I stood and watched, feeling utterly useless and when I offered to make snacks or a meal to complement the dessert we were about to have, she informed me that Luca had already ordered Italian. How the hell did he know the right things to do and I didn't? Well, I guessed being ab