ROBERT The ticking of my office wall clock brought my thoughts back to the present, and I sighed as I listened to the client seated across my desk. He was the construction manager in charge of my Orlando office renovation. I'd told Renee over the weekend that I could make Orlando my business headquarters, and I was following through with it. Mr. Ryan, a close friend who worked in the Orlando office, had referred me to the man. He was in his early fifties and seemed to be the right fit for the job. The man rambled on and on about the changes the building would require and the renovations that’d be done.With his salt-and-pepper hair and a grin on his face, I decided not to focus on anything else but what he was saying. I paid close attention to everything he said and even took notes to avoid forgetting anything important. After all, I didn't want this project to fail because it was my best yet. “When are you going to start? Also, how long will it take us to finish the remodel? Y
The best-laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley. And leave us naught but grief and pain, For promised joy! (To A Mouse) by Robert Burns.~•~AMANDA The grim expression on Robert's face when I walked into his office was unsurprising. He stood in front of his desk, one hand on it and the other against the edge, drumming impatiently. I could tell he wasn't thrilled about my visit by the tenseness in his muscles and the way his jaw ticked. But I didn't mind. “Amanda—” He greeted me coldly as I approached the desk. I took a seat, placing my small clutch purse on the cool wooden surface and flipping my hair sideways. “Robert…” I replied smugly, and he raised an eyebrow at me.“What do you want?” His tone held an undertone of irritation, as if he didn't appreciate my presence here and that I was well aware of.However, I did not respond right away. Instead, I used a few moments of silence to look around the large office. The room was decorated in a masculine style, and I couldn
RENEE “Renee, Renee... there's a surprise package for you.”The cheerful voice of Sally, my coworker and closest friend at the restaurant, echoed through the building. I looked up from the counter, my gaze drawn to her slim, bouncing figure. She was carrying a simple flower bouquet and a box with a red ribbon wrapped around it. “What’ve you got there?” I asked, my eyes narrowing as she approached me. “Is this some kind of prank or something?” “Prank? Oh, how I wish it were. This was given to me by a handsome gentleman parked outside.” I rolled my eyes at her as she giggled and carefully handed the package to me as if it were some exotic jewel. “A handsome gentleman? Is he—” “Do you remember the man who came into the restaurant the other day and whisked you out without blinking? He is, indeed, the one.” She said, wiggling her eyebrows. “Oh, Robert...” I muttered to myself, a flush rising on my cheeks as I stared through the restaurant windows, and lo and behold, as Sally predic
ROBERT "How about this gown?" Renee asked.I looked up from my phone, my eyes widening as I took in the stunning vision before me. “Wow!” The word escaped my lips before I could stop myself, and Renee's self-satisfied grin, which had been slowly forming, grew more prominent. The black sequined dress she wore was almost flawless. Extremely beautiful—as stunning as she was—with every line and curve revealing her long legs and full breasts. The material clung to her body perfectly, creating an enticing appearance that radiated allure, sexiness, and bare seduction. "I can see you like this dress, Mr. Clarke. Are we taking it?" The nearby attendant asked, her eyebrows quirking as she waited for a response. “Absolutely. I think it's beautiful and…." I trailed off, staring at Renee again, this time at her thighs. “Is there a slit anywhere?” “Do you mean showing off some sexy skin? There is, indeed. Do you like it?” Renee teased, twirling and widening her legs slightly, allowing me to
RENEE SOME DAYS LATER "Ma'am, raise your chin slightly. We're almost finished." The makeup artist gave me instructions, and I followed them exactly. The woman was quick. As she brushed my face and smoothed the stray hairs, I looked in the vanity mirror, taking in my appearance. Today was the masquerade Robert had been invited to, and I was being primed and prepped for the occasion. His hotel suite's bedroom had been converted into an intimate dressing room, and various stylists and makeup artists were on hand to attend to my every need. It felt like this event was more for me than for him or us. What else could I expect from our first official outing as a couple? Of course, he'd want to go all out. A shiver ran down my spine as I wondered if I'd fit in with his world. A world that screamed wealth, extravagance, and grandeur. I had doubts, but I’d give it my all for him and us tonight. The vibrating sound of my cell phone drew me out of my reverie. Muttering an apology to the
Stronger than lover’s love is lover’s hate. Incurable, in each, the wounds they make. — Euripides~•~AMANDA Time was speedily running by, yet Robert and his date were nowhere to be seen.What the hell was keeping them? I gripped my wine glass so tightly it almost shattered.They were supposed to arrive an hour ago, according to my watch. The masked ball had begun already. The evening had been busy, with wealthy socialites milling about, talking, and dining while most of the activities set aside for the ball had taken place. Charity donations and auctions which were the party’s main event had finished. Most people in attendance were making their way to the exits. Yet still, the man of the show—or my show—was nowhere to be found. So, where in the world were they? Had they decided to bail out? Had they decided not to attend the ball anymore? I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind of the thoughts and questions brewing. They couldn't bail. They just couldn’t. If there’s one th
RENEE I followed the waitress out of the hall and to the back of the magnificent building. The restroom was oddly located at the back of the building. Whoever designed this building had something up their sleeves. The idea amused me when we finally reached our destination.Murmuring my thanks, the young lady took her to leave, and I pushed the large door open to reveal an empty restroom.It was deserted. Well, lucky me! I mused, a small smile on my lips. I was feeling pressed, as I'd told Robert earlier. I needed privacy and time to myself after what’s happened since we'd arrived at the masquerade. On the outside, I'd acted fine and composed all night, but deep down, I was shaking with nerves. I expected this. I'd even prepared myself for whatever might happen tonight, but it didn't stop me from feeling completely overwhelmed, helpless, and tongue-tied. It’d been difficult not to panic with every camera click taking photos of Robert and me and the never-ending stream of questions
RENEE My heart broke like bricks tumbling down a wall. It shattered into pieces like an ice cube in the middle of December’s snow, and I couldn't string it back together. My soul had taken a back seat in my body, and my entire existence was now dependent on my legs moving, but I remained stiff. The pain grew stronger and sharper with each word this woman said. It was like a punch to my guts. It felt like someone was squeezing my heart until it was as hollow as the pit of my stomach. There was nothing left inside. And maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if I'd had something to hold onto, but now, I could only stare blankly at the wall behind her.Everything in my line of sight was jumbled and the words 'Mrs. Amanda Clarke' kept echoing in my head over and over. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't block it out, and it hurt so damn much. The things she was saying. The way she laughed as she spewed out the trash made me want to scream, but I couldn’t. "I believe I've gotten you e