"The number you're trying to call is unavailable at the moment, Please call back later…,""Shit!" Lucas clamped the phone hard on the desk, his breath racing. How had he not known that things would turn out this way? He had fucked up, maybe he thought he could protect her, but protect her from what? The truth? It was her right to know the truth, so why didn't he tell her?As his thoughts whirled, a part of him knew it was his fault, he had chosen not to tell her from the start. Their parents' marriage was a burden he had to carry for years and he opted to carry hers too, but clearly, it was the most unwise thing to do.In exertion, he ran his hands through his hair. He felt a weakness in his muscles and he couldn't tell if it was a result of tiredness or worry.A knock on the door distracted him and he looked up."Come in," he said sparingly.Bryan walked in, a flush in his cheeks."Good afternoon sir, I spoke with Limo's lawyers, but they have decided to see you,"Lucas brushed the w
"You promised to stop crying," Ellen said, rocking her back and forth.Purple sniffed, tucking her hair behind her ears. Her make-up was ruined from the tears that kept flowing from her eyes, the mascara had left dull patches of gray on her face, her eyes looked puffed, they had become bloated."You don't understand, Ellen, you fuvking do not understand,"Ellen paused. "You'll be fine, okay? I promise,""I'm not even sure he loves me! look, he hasn't even called,""That's because you told him not to," "Well, I didn't mean it that way, and he obviously doesn't care!... It hurts," she whimpered.Ellen smoothened her hair to the sides. "Maybe he does care, maybe he does love you, have you thought of that?"Purple shrugged but did not answer."You should forgive him," Ellen hinted."What?" Purple grimaced. "Hell, no! How can you even think of that all of a sudden?""Well, maybe it's time you take a critical look at the situation. Your parents' marriage was natural, it was not anything ei
Strobe lights designed the bar with few people twirling, humming and dancing to the music blaring from the speakers. Purple paused to drag her gown again to the knee. The dress was damn short and skimpy, but Ellen had insisted she wore it.According to her, the dress made her look hot, but Purple doubted that, if anything, the dress exposed her bare thighs making her look like a harlot. It did not matter anyway, she had zero interest in staying in this place for long, she had only come to please Ellen and probably shake off boredom.She turned to look at Ellen in admiration, she was looking specifically hot this evening, she wore a green strapless gown that matched the color of her eyes. Her lips were coloured red and her blonde hair was tied at the back."Hey," Ellen interrupted her thoughts. "Let's grab some drinks,""No alcohols, El, you know I don't enjoy them,""You won't drink the whole goddamn drum, just a pint,"Purple sighed, she did not know if the words were meant to annoy
She was suddenly falling off a building, the height of it frightened her so much that she screamed, unable to control her swinging hands.She shut her eyes tightly, waiting for the impact of her body against the cemented floor, waiting for her head to break into pieces.But none of that happened.Instead someone swooped her up, her knight in shining armor, Lucas. He gave her a perfect smile, a smile that she had not seen in days, it connected with her heart that all her previous anger for him melted.Her eyes twitched and turned, was she dreaming? She doubted so, it felt so real, so true that she gave him a gentle smile."Lucas," she said, placing a palm on his face."Hey…,"His tone was warm, gentle, a pleasant tuning in her ears and she was conscious of the tight fluttering in her stomach."How did you know I was here?" She couldn't help but ask."It doesn't matter, I'm here now,"She nodded and exhaled, he was right. It didn't matter why and how he had suddenly saved her, all that
The doorbell rang for the third time and she hurried to the door with a flushed breath and an escape sigh. It was Lucas. "Hi," she greeted with a smile. "Hi…," "Come in," she said, opening the door wider to welcome him in. He gave her a brief smile and entered the room that had the scent of lavender. His eyes observed the pink in her cheeks, her marble cheekbones, and her slightly scattered light brown curls. Her dim gray eyes looked tired. "Sit," she said, handing him a glass of wine. As she sat beside him, she clasped her hands tightly together, wishing he would not pick the scent of alcohol on her skin or anywhere else in the house. It had taken quite an effort to put her messy house in order, so he dare not ruin her efforts by finding out. "How did you know I was back in town?" She said to satisfy her curiosity. "Ellen told me," he said without an effort. "What?!" She gasped in surprise, batting an eyebrow. What did he mean Ellen told him? Her best friend? How the hell
"What?!" Her face grew pale until it was completely white."I'm calling because I'm disappointed. You're a hard-working staff, Purple, and the company is proud, but recently, you've proved to be undeserving of our support,""Sir…," she said, but her voice trailed off. What was really her offense? Why was he suddenly firing her out of the blues? Yes, she had skipped her job on some occasions, but it was not enough to just fire her, was it?"Sir… please, this job means everything to me! I cannot afford to lose it!""You would have thought of that before trying to play smart,""How exactly did I play smart?!" She wanted to retort but kept quiet. Arguing would never solve the issue, it would only escalate it.If she lost her job, there would be no one to run to. She had no helper, no sponsor, nobody that could help her, so why the fuck was he doing this?Cold sweat broke at the back of her neck and trickled into her blouse. Her mouth suddenly felt dry and she felt her hands tremble, like
Purple sat behind her desk, punching off the keys of her laptop. She sighed and straightened her neck, trying to shake off the tiredness that was beginning to build in her muscles.It was a new day at work, a new day to put in her best. There was no room for laziness.Across the desk, her phone rang and she reached out for it. As she saw the caller, she smiled. The balm to her pain had finally called. Lucas."Hey," she said, smiling."My queen, how are you?""I'm fine, how about you?"I'm good,""Your voice sounds extra cheerful today, what's the news?" She probed."I have a surprise for you, a lovely one," he sang the words.She gasped in excitement. "A surprise?""You'd love it…,"She placed a hand on her chest in gratitude. "Wow… I cannot wait,""I'll pick you up after work, call me when you're done,""Yes, my king,"He chuckled. "Can I get a kiss before I go?""From here? It wouldn't feel real,""It would, just send it,"She closed her eyes and tilted her mouth. "Muah…," she rel
It was a car!A fucking brand new SUV!"Oh my goodness!" She gasped, covering her mouth, and turning to look at his pleased face."You bought me a car?""You like it?""What do you mean, I love it, I love it so much, and I love you…!" She shrieked and gave him an embrace.He hugged her tighter, excited by her happiness. The past few months had been rough for both of them. He had thought to surprise her, to make her happy, to prove his love, and yes, It felt so good to spend his money on her.She withdrew from the embrace and kissed him on the lips."Thank you, my love," she whispered into his ears."You deserve it," he whispered, biting her ears softly."You're the best!" "You deserve it," he repeated.Her hands moved around the car. It felt so soft, so posh, so expensive. She smiled, she had always planned on getting a new car to replace her previous one that was beginning to wear out, but here it was, right before her, a brand new car, bought by her lover to fulfill her plans, her
Lucas walked into the room with a bowl of ice cream which he placed in front of Purple with a smile. "There you go," Purple frowned as she regarded the bowl like it was a long standing enemy of hers. "I'm not interested in that," "What?" Lucas couldn't believe his ears. "You heard me. I'm not longer craving ice cream," Lucian chuckled at her pouty lips. What the hell? He had brought her favorite and she no longer craved it. He didn't know how to react to this. "What's wrong?" He asked. Purple sighed and sat up straight, a hand raking through her hair. "I'm craving to know the truth about you and Ellen. Is she still sending more of those love texts bullshit? Should I confront her this time? What's going on?" Lucas leaned closer with a smile, as if taunting her. "Is this what took your appetite away? Like I said, your health is primary, everything other things are secondary," Purple nodded in acceptance. Lucas was so stubborn, he wouldn't budge, it didn't matter how she coaxed. "
Lucas walked into the room with a bowl of ice cream which he placed in front of Purple with a smile. "There you go," Purple frowned as she regarded the bowl like it was a long standing enemy of hers. "I'm not interested in that," "What?" Lucas couldn't believe his ears. "You heard me. I'm not longer craving ice cream," Lucian chuckled at her pouty lips. What the hell? He had brought her favorite and she no longer craved it. He didn't know how to react to this. "What's wrong?" He asked. Purple sighed and sat up straight, a hand raking through her hair. "I'm craving to know the truth about you and Ellen. Is she still sending more of those love texts bullshit? Should I confront her this time? What's going on?" Lucas leaned closer with a smile, as if taunting her. "Is this what took your appetite away? Like I said, your health is primary, everything other things are secondary," Purple nodded in acceptance. Lucas was so stubborn, he wouldn't budge, it didn't matter how she coaxed. "
Lucas turned quickly to the limp body on the floor and screamed. "Purple!" He collapsed to the floor and checked her pulse. She was still breathing, but very faint. Adrenaline rushed through his entire body as he lifted her from the ground. "Help! Somebody fucking help!" His screams attracted attention from within and nurses rushed outside and wheeled Purple into the operating room. For a moment, Lucas stood there, rooted to the spot, there was a tighteness in his chest. A lump settled in his throat and he stifled the urge to yell. Where the hell had that useless bullet come from? He was about enjoying the night with his angel, so what the fuck just happened? She had fucking took a bullet for him. He climbed into his car in a wild race, but as he drove, his heart in his mouth, he received a message that the security guards who had swunged into action earlier were unable to catch the shooter. According to the text, the culprit's car had plunged into a large tree during the pursui
"What?" Henry pushed the chair backward and stood on his full weight. "What the hell is wrong with you?!""Tada! Was it a pleasant surprise? Awnn, probably not,""Are you insane? What did you just do?!"Purple shrugged. "I tore the goddamn papers. Got any problems with that?"Gritting his teeth, he grabbed her neck, pulling her forcefully to her feet."You bitch!" He snarled."Let me go!" She struggled, hitting his huge muscles."No, I won't, you sicken me!""You…you're…choking me, stop, please!"His grip on her neck tightened with every word of her plea until there was a soreness in her throat. She was gasping for air."Stop!" Alice screamed and rushed over, separating the fight. "How dare you lay a finger on my daughter?""Your daughter is just as irresponsible as you!" He scoffed, pushing Purple roughly to the floor."Wow… so I'm irresponsible? Is that it? After everything?""After fucking what, huh?"Purple groaned, massaging her throat. The back-and-forth arguments were disgustin
Alice disentangled from the embrace and peered into her daughter's face. Jeez, those eyes were miserable, helpless, like a scared child. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. How selfish of her to think of her baby's heart as a rag doll. She took a deep breath to steady herself. How about a thorough confession? A confession that'd purge the tightness in her chest. Her heart lurched, no, a confession would mean a swift change of plans. Titus would sell her off without another glance and she could not afford for that to happen. Darn! If only that stupid game had not clicked red. "Now you're talking like the smart daughter I raised you to be," Purple sighed. "Smart indeed," "Hold on, I'll make a call to Henry," Purple stopped her hands. "What? Now? I'm… I'm… I don't think I'm ready to meet him yet," "Don't worry, honey, it'll be fine," As her mother left, Purple released a sly smile. Phew! Plan A had gone by so smoothly, like a piece of cake, no hitch. But wait, was that a bi
Henry tried to keep the shock out of his face like her words hadn't affected him. "What?""And don't forget to never come this close to me again!" She spat.Henry paused, tilted his head to the right, and smiled. "You're really something,""Leave while I'm being nice!""You have to calm down, listen…""Fuck you!" She sprang to her feet and grabbed a bundle of broom that laid against the wall. "If you don't leave this instant, I'll break you to pieces with this!"Henry stood up with raised hands and stepped backward. Was this the responsible daughter Alice had wanted him to meet? This raving bitch?The hell, she didn't look one inch like a responsible lady, she was dangerous, insane."Are you still here?!"His brows lowered. "Fine, I'm leaving,"At his promise of leaving after a phone call, she stood with a glare while watching him. Within seconds, Alice unlocked the door and walked into the room, a wild look on her face."What's going on here?"Henry brushed past her icily. "You shoul
Lucas brought out his phone from his pocket and tapped on the unread message. His eyes widened. What? Mrs Alice was in town? Why so sudden and unannounced?He sighed. Should he go ahead to meet her as Purple suggested? How would she react to seeing him? No, she'd refuse to smile at him. It would be so uncomfortable.He started his engine and dialed Purple's line thrice, but there was no response. She had to know that buying fruits for her mum was not really a good idea.Within minutes, he arrived at Purple's apartment, but as he started up the stairs, an odd feeling crept up in him. Something was not right, his guts knew it. He had been calling for like a thousand times if not less, but no response. It was unlike her."Purple?" He started and opened the unlocked door to step into the small living room.It was empty, no sign of Purple or her mother."Pur…" he stopped at the sight of her phone on the center desk. Why was her phone here when there was no sign of her?"Purple!" He hurried
"I'm sorry," Lucas whispered.Purple walked towards him, cupped his chin, and placed a kiss on his lips. "It's alright, the diagnosis says appendicitis. We'll get through this together,"He brought her into an embrace. "There's something else,""Which is?""There are signs of a growing tumor in my brain,""Oh my goodness!" She hugged him tighter. "You're going to be okay. I trust you'll be,"There was a sniff behind her and she knew he was trying so hard to control his emotions. Who the hell said that men shouldn't cry?"Cry all you want, pie. I'll be a shoulder to lean on,""I'm so sorry, bun"She brought his head to her breasts. "It's not your fault,""You don't deserve this, I feel…""Hey, listen. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right by your side,"He looked up with a weak smile."You're going to be alright," she assured."Thank you,""Should I make tea for you?""No, I'm fine. I should head back to the office. I have a meeting to attend by 2"Her eyes darted to the wall clock. "I
If looks could kill, then Purple would long be dead from the dagger shooting looks by her boss. Her palms twitched in discomfort as her head hung low. For goodness sake, he should say something other than just staring at her."Why is there no report from you about the shareholders' account?"Purple heaved. Finally, he spoke! "I'm sorry sir, I'll have them delivered to you today,"He searched her face. "Miss Brendon,""Yes, sir,""You were supposed to send in those records yesterday,""So…something came up," she stammered."You allowed whatever it is you're dealing with to affect your job performance?"She bit hard on her lips, searching her brain for a suitable explanation. It was not her fault, but how could she tell him that she had been worried sick about her boyfriend in that she hadn't slept a wink throughout the night, nor could she concentrate on the records.There was no telling him that she had rushed Lucas to the hospital this morning because the abdominal pain had increased