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
Miriam's PovI closed the door of my office, my back pressed against the door as I released a slow breath of relief. "That was close," I muttered. I moved straight to my office chair and sat down, staring at the blank laptop on my desk, replaying the scene and how furious Kiara was--just the way I like her to be."Enjoy your little victory while it lasts, Kiara," I murmured to myself, stretching out my legs. "You were lucky this time, but next time?" You won't be. You'll be humiliated precisely how I want.I let out a low, wicked laugh, picturing the day she’d crumble in front of everyone. No matter how careful she tries to be, I must get her, cause even the strongest foundations had cracks. I just needed to find hers.I was still basking in the moment when the door of my office burst open and it was Leo. I stiffened slightly, but composed myself quickly, rolling my eyes as he walked in. With the way he stormed in and his countenance, you could see that his angry. He was fuming."W
Leo’s POVIt was early in the morning, my phone rang continually. I looked at the screen and saw who it was and sighed. It was Miriam.I hesitated for a moment just before answering."Hello, sweetheart. Where are you? I didn’t see you when I woke up," Miriam’s voice came through the speaker, laced with sweetness that felt forced."I left quite early. Still on my way to work," I responded curtly. "You should get up and prepare for work too."She sighed dramatically. "Please, allow me to get some rest. I’ll come when I’m done. Should I get you something on my way?""No need. I’ll grab something before I get to the office," I said, eager to end the conversation. "I’m driving. Talk to you later."I hung up before she could respond, holding the wheel of the car tightly in my grip as I focused on the road.However, I actually had another stop to make.My eyes scanned the streets for an open gift shop. I needed to get something for Kiara—not just to smooth things over for Miriam’s blunder
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 stood in the corner of the office, watching the whole drama with amusement. Miriam was clinging to Leo like her life depended on it, for whatever reason; she really did seem incapable of letting go."Leo, forget about Kiara," she purred with a sweet yet controlled voice. "I will come up with another project, I'll lead it myself and bring Williams & Co. back on its feet."She fluttered her lashes as if to ply him with that, but it only darkened Leo's expression. He did not even attempt to mask his irritation."That's enough, Miriam," he commanded and brushed her off so forcefully that she stumbled backward. I smirked at the sight of her faltering. Miriam, always acted like she was untouchable. How satisfying it felt seeing her caught off guard."You know what Miriam," I said with my arms folded. "Your designs are trash just like your ideas. If you worked more and schemed less, probably you wouldn't be making a fool of yourself this way."Her face turned red and anger su
Leo’s POVIt was early in the morning, my phone rang continually. I looked at the screen and saw who it was and sighed. It was Miriam.I hesitated for a moment just before answering."Hello, sweetheart. Where are you? I didn’t see you when I woke up," Miriam’s voice came through the speaker, laced with sweetness that felt forced."I left quite early. Still on my way to work," I responded curtly. "You should get up and prepare for work too."She sighed dramatically. "Please, allow me to get some rest. I’ll come when I’m done. Should I get you something on my way?""No need. I’ll grab something before I get to the office," I said, eager to end the conversation. "I’m driving. Talk to you later."I hung up before she could respond, holding the wheel of the car tightly in my grip as I focused on the road.However, I actually had another stop to make.My eyes scanned the streets for an open gift shop. I needed to get something for Kiara—not just to smooth things over for Miriam’s blunder
Miriam's PovI closed the door of my office, my back pressed against the door as I released a slow breath of relief. "That was close," I muttered. I moved straight to my office chair and sat down, staring at the blank laptop on my desk, replaying the scene and how furious Kiara was--just the way I like her to be."Enjoy your little victory while it lasts, Kiara," I murmured to myself, stretching out my legs. "You were lucky this time, but next time?" You won't be. You'll be humiliated precisely how I want.I let out a low, wicked laugh, picturing the day she’d crumble in front of everyone. No matter how careful she tries to be, I must get her, cause even the strongest foundations had cracks. I just needed to find hers.I was still basking in the moment when the door of my office burst open and it was Leo. I stiffened slightly, but composed myself quickly, rolling my eyes as he walked in. With the way he stormed in and his countenance, you could see that his angry. He was fuming."W
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