Kiara’s POVMy heartbeat was beating so fast, after what had just happened earlier between me and Leo.My lips tingle from where his finger had brushed against them; my mind was a mess of frustration. “Why did I even allow him to get hold of me like that?” I muttered to myself.I shook my head, running a hand through my hair. Damn him!Leo had always been good at getting under my skin, but I wouldn’t let him win this time. I wouldn’t fall for his charm again. I inhaled a deep breath, putting my focus back to work, when suddenly, my office door swung open.“Mummy!”On looking out, Sophia already flew into my legs, wrapping her small arms around me.I froze. My eyes widened in shock.“What… Sophia?” My voice came out in disbelief.I quickly glanced up and saw her nanny, Amelia, standing at the door, looking apologetic.“Ma, please don’t be offended,” Amelia said breathlessly. “She was crying so badly and wouldn’t stop saying she needed to see you.”I was still in shock. Sophia had never
Leo’s POVI walked out of Kiara’s office, gripping the file in my hand, but my mind was already far from the damn paperwork.My thoughts were filled with Sophia, her smile, and most especially, her eyes. Those eyes appeared to be so familiar that they sent some indescribable current through me. Her long, dark hair framed her small face and when she blinked up at me I felt an odd recognition that I could not explain. I walked back to my office, feeling my grip tighten on the file.I slammed the door behind me as I cursed under my breath upon entering my office. The noise echoed throughout the room, doing nothing to calm the storm that raged within me.I threw the file onto my desk and yanked my tie, loosening the suffocating knot around my throat. Frustration pulsed through my veins.I did a quick calculation in my head…”I'm sure she's not more than four or five” I murmured.The time I took a closer look at her, I felt this connection between us.The way her nose scrunched slightly wh
Kiara’s POVI got back home so tired. I quickly showered and changed into my fine silk nightwear. As I lay on my bed, I exhaled heavily, my thoughts still racing from earlier. “I will make sure such doesn't happen again and I will protect my baby with everything in me. It doesn't matter if Leo has seen her” I muttered to myself.I quickly reached for my phone and dialed Alex’s number."You wouldn’t believe what happened today?" I blurted out the moment he picked up.Alex’s tone sharpened with concern. "What? Tell me."My hand landed on my forehead as I bit my lips. "Sophia came to my office today.""What?! How did her nanny allow that?""Long story," I sighed, rubbing my temple, "Amelia explained to me everything, and I get her reasons, but that's not the main issue here. Guess what happened next?”There was a beat of silence. Then Alex's voice dropped. "Leo saw her.""Exactly!" I exhaled sharply, pacing the room. "That was my biggest fear all this time. I didn’t want him to see her,
Alex povI leaned against the driver's seat, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel and constantly shifting my gaze between the dashboard clock and the entrance of Kiara's office building.She had asked me to pick her up after work, but the typical Kiara I know, she would still be probably busy drowning herself in work or a meeting. Always engrossed in work and always pushing herself to be better. I love that about her though.I had arrived earlier than the time she told me to come, so I figured I could get some work done while waiting. I took out my phone, ready to go through some mail I got while leaving my office when I saw a movement at the side entrance of the building. At first, I thought it was one of the employees, but something about this one seemed... unusual.This individual was dressed in dark clothing and had the hoodie cap drawn low over their face and a nose mask as if purposely trying to hide from being recognized. Its steps were quite quick and yet hesitant, lik
Kiara’s POVI hasten my steps, heading towards my office. Miriam was already in her office. “Good morning Kiara” she greeted, with a knowing smile.My mind raced faster to what she might have done but I managed to fake a smile, “good morning Miriam.’I opened my office door and slammed it shut, rushing straight to my drawers, opening them one by one. Just by the first glance, I could see that my files were intact. I flipped through each document, checking for missing pages or misplaced papers. But everything seemed untouched.If everything is complete,then I guess I'm safe. But I doubt if Miriam sneaked in here for nothing.I pulled out my chair and turned on my laptop. As the screen lit up, I immediately sensed something was off. The trackpad was slightly smudged, as though someone else had touched it.A strange feeling twisted in my gut.Could it be Leo? He was the last person in my office before I left last night. But why would he go through my things?My heart pounded as I navigat
Karia’s povI was tapping my foot nervously on the marble floor, one hand on my waist while the other was gripping my phone as I scrolled through my call log to call Leo. “Leo baby pick up” I whispered, my voice filled with anxiety.The wall clock struck steadily, its noise resonating in the living room. I looked at the clock and sighed deeply, as I began to walk back and forth across the room, feeling anxious. “Where could he be at this time? Why wasn't he answering?” my heart raced as it filled with thoughts and images of different scenarios.I was about to call again when the front door slowly opened. A relief came over me when I saw him. I rushed to welcome him. “ Oh thank goodness you're back! I exclaimed with excitement, embracing him so tight.“I’ve been worried about you” he didn't reciprocate the hug, his hands remaining in his pockets, but I didn't mind since he was home safe.“You don’t have to worry about me, I'm a full-grown man,” he said gruffly.His response made me pul
FIVE YEARS LATERKIARA’S POVThe warm rays of morning sunlight fell on me through the kitchen window. I looked at the beautiful sight of the neighborhood while sipping a cup of coffee. The thought of the past came flashing in my head like it was just yesterday.Five years have passed since the fateful night that my world came crumbling. The memories of Leo and Miriam's betrayal are still fresh in my head, but I'm not the same woman anymore. I'm now stronger and wiser. And thanks to Alex who came right on time to save me that fateful day… I would have lost my baby and even died too.Alex has been my friend since high school. We always look out for each other. I know he had a crush on me but I don’t have feelings for him nor even consider being in a relationship with him. I only had eyes for Leo,which broke his heart but still, he never left. Luckily for me that day,it was his number that I dialled before passing out.“I must get my revenge “ I murmured,biting my lower lips.“Mummy! Mu
Kiaria’s Pov I let out a sarcastic smile. “Leo Williams” I replied in a sarcastic tone.He smiled, trying to act familiar. "Kiaria, it's so great to see you again. You look... stunning." Looking at him, I couldn't tell what my emotions were playing at. Was it anger, sadness, or something else entirely? All I knew was that I wasn't happy to see him but my heart was racing, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. “I said you look stunning,” he repeated,this time around, his voice became softer like he really needed me to acknowledge his compliment. “Oh of course, I know” I had to answer him that way to let him know I'm no longer the timid kiaria he used to know. “Oh I see you guys have already met,” Mark said with a surprised look. Leo chipped in immediately, “Yes, she's my wife” moving closer to hold me asif I’m one of his possessions. “Don’t you dare come close to me.”I said with a wide rage of anger in my eyes, staring at Leo. “Ex-wife,” I said loud enough that every
Kiara’s POVI hasten my steps, heading towards my office. Miriam was already in her office. “Good morning Kiara” she greeted, with a knowing smile.My mind raced faster to what she might have done but I managed to fake a smile, “good morning Miriam.’I opened my office door and slammed it shut, rushing straight to my drawers, opening them one by one. Just by the first glance, I could see that my files were intact. I flipped through each document, checking for missing pages or misplaced papers. But everything seemed untouched.If everything is complete,then I guess I'm safe. But I doubt if Miriam sneaked in here for nothing.I pulled out my chair and turned on my laptop. As the screen lit up, I immediately sensed something was off. The trackpad was slightly smudged, as though someone else had touched it.A strange feeling twisted in my gut.Could it be Leo? He was the last person in my office before I left last night. But why would he go through my things?My heart pounded as I navigat
Alex povI leaned against the driver's seat, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel and constantly shifting my gaze between the dashboard clock and the entrance of Kiara's office building.She had asked me to pick her up after work, but the typical Kiara I know, she would still be probably busy drowning herself in work or a meeting. Always engrossed in work and always pushing herself to be better. I love that about her though.I had arrived earlier than the time she told me to come, so I figured I could get some work done while waiting. I took out my phone, ready to go through some mail I got while leaving my office when I saw a movement at the side entrance of the building. At first, I thought it was one of the employees, but something about this one seemed... unusual.This individual was dressed in dark clothing and had the hoodie cap drawn low over their face and a nose mask as if purposely trying to hide from being recognized. Its steps were quite quick and yet hesitant, lik
Kiara’s POVI got back home so tired. I quickly showered and changed into my fine silk nightwear. As I lay on my bed, I exhaled heavily, my thoughts still racing from earlier. “I will make sure such doesn't happen again and I will protect my baby with everything in me. It doesn't matter if Leo has seen her” I muttered to myself.I quickly reached for my phone and dialed Alex’s number."You wouldn’t believe what happened today?" I blurted out the moment he picked up.Alex’s tone sharpened with concern. "What? Tell me."My hand landed on my forehead as I bit my lips. "Sophia came to my office today.""What?! How did her nanny allow that?""Long story," I sighed, rubbing my temple, "Amelia explained to me everything, and I get her reasons, but that's not the main issue here. Guess what happened next?”There was a beat of silence. Then Alex's voice dropped. "Leo saw her.""Exactly!" I exhaled sharply, pacing the room. "That was my biggest fear all this time. I didn’t want him to see her,
Leo’s POVI walked out of Kiara’s office, gripping the file in my hand, but my mind was already far from the damn paperwork.My thoughts were filled with Sophia, her smile, and most especially, her eyes. Those eyes appeared to be so familiar that they sent some indescribable current through me. Her long, dark hair framed her small face and when she blinked up at me I felt an odd recognition that I could not explain. I walked back to my office, feeling my grip tighten on the file.I slammed the door behind me as I cursed under my breath upon entering my office. The noise echoed throughout the room, doing nothing to calm the storm that raged within me.I threw the file onto my desk and yanked my tie, loosening the suffocating knot around my throat. Frustration pulsed through my veins.I did a quick calculation in my head…”I'm sure she's not more than four or five” I murmured.The time I took a closer look at her, I felt this connection between us.The way her nose scrunched slightly wh
Kiara’s POVMy heartbeat was beating so fast, after what had just happened earlier between me and Leo.My lips tingle from where his finger had brushed against them; my mind was a mess of frustration. “Why did I even allow him to get hold of me like that?” I muttered to myself.I shook my head, running a hand through my hair. Damn him!Leo had always been good at getting under my skin, but I wouldn’t let him win this time. I wouldn’t fall for his charm again. I inhaled a deep breath, putting my focus back to work, when suddenly, my office door swung open.“Mummy!”On looking out, Sophia already flew into my legs, wrapping her small arms around me.I froze. My eyes widened in shock.“What… Sophia?” My voice came out in disbelief.I quickly glanced up and saw her nanny, Amelia, standing at the door, looking apologetic.“Ma, please don’t be offended,” Amelia said breathlessly. “She was crying so badly and wouldn’t stop saying she needed to see you.”I was still in shock. Sophia had never
Kiara's povI was preparing a cup of coffee for myself in the kitchen, my mind already thinking about the long day ahead. I decided to go sit at the dining table, when I turned, I saw Alex leaning against the door frame. I almost threw my cup of coffee. I didn't know he spent the night at my place after the incident yesterday, so I wasn't expecting anybody. "Jezzz! you scared me.""Sorry,I didn't mean to." he said, stepping aside.I walked past him and sat at the dining table.He came and sat next to me,there was a silent tension between us."About yesterday—" he finally said, breaking the silence.I raised an eyebrow, sipping my coffee. "What about it?"He cast his gaze downward and raised it up almost immediately."I didn't expect Sandra to show up like that, I was just as surprised as you were, and I'm sorry if I didn't handle the situation well." "It's fine. You couldn't have done anything more than what you did and it's not your fault she behaved like a mad dog.” I let out a dry
Alex POV I finished work earlier than usual today, so I decided to surprise Kiara at her office. she loves surprises and I know that the bouquet of red roses in my hand will earn me one of her heartwarming smiles "I'm here to see Miss Kiara," I told the receptionist, as i adjust my blazer. I was wearing a clean white button ups shirt tucked neatly into a navy-blue trousers, paired with a fitted charcoal-grey blazer which gave me a perfect look. My black leather loafers shoe shunned under the office lights and my expensive Rolex wristwatch adorned my wrist. The fragrance of the roses, mixed with my cologne, creating an aroma that I know Kiara would love. The receptionist glanced up at me with a curious expression. "Is she expecting you sir," she asked. "Uhmm not really," I admitted with a sly smile. "It's a surprise." She smiled a knowing smile, seeing the bouquet on my hand. " You can go right in, sir. First door on the left." "Thank you", I replied nodding politely wi
Kiara's povI walked into the office building with a sense of determination, as if I was ready to take the world. Although I remembered Miriam's little stunt yesterday but I'm always ready to remind her who was still in charge. The team was very much busy-some were sketching layouts, some were discussing colors, and a few others were reviewing lists of vendors. It was just the sort of energy one is expected to find in any professional environment.But as I went closer to my office, my eyes fell on Miriam. She slouched in her chair, completely glued to her phone, her fingers lazily scrolling while a faint smile played on her lips. Every other person looked focused and was working hard to see to the success of this project, but Miriam sat there like it wasn't any of her business.The sight of her small office was a total mess. Papers lay scattered all over her desk, an empty coffee cup was also at the edge of the table. I shook my head,let out a breath, squared my shoulders, and strol
Leo’s povI went back to my office after Kiara left, sank back into my office seat, loosened my tie, and let out a long breath. The weight on my chest was heavier than usual and it wasn't really about the project, rather it was Kiara that occupied my thoughts.I leaned back in my seat, faced my head to the ceiling and then I shut my eyes closed. memories of her flooding back into my mind. Her laughter at my jokes, the many lazy Sundays she would curl up beside me, the way she used to look at me as though I was her entire world. How had I allowed that to slip away?I opened my eyes and glanced through the window, Where I had a clear view of her office. She was pacing inside, with her phone pressed to her ear, having an animated conversation. She was so engrossed in the conversation.What if she was talking with Alex? The thought struck me. The thought of Alex made my jaw clenched. Seeing them together that very day, the way she laughed with him and hugged him so tight. It felt like a