YVONNEI rolled my eyes at him when our gazes met through our reflection on the elevator wall. He didn't say anything, but his arm snaked behind my waist. He didn't let me go even when we stepped out of the elevator.A shiny, black limousine was waiting for us outside the building. His bodyguard opened the door. He helped me in before sitting beside me, his hand resting on my exposed thigh. A trail of heat coursed from his palm, spreading throughout my skin.I shifted in my seat, took a deep breath, and tried to calm myself down. I will take this as a test.Dr. Chapin has already prescribed antidepressants for me. I've been taking it religiously, along with our frequent sessions. Her first diagnosis was that I had complex post-traumatic stress disorder. She said I developed it from the prolonged exposure to traumatic events.My panic attacks and hypersexuality were just manifestations of my long-term trauma.Our talks had really helped me understand myself better. I am slowly learning
VLADIMIRShe looked terrified when I called her name. But the expression quickly vanished from her face, replaced by a confident smile as she strode towards the stage.I walked to meet her on the stairs to help her up. Her hand was ice cold when I held it."Relax," I whispered as we walked to where the microphone was.I heard her audible gasp. I squeezed her hand gently to remind her that I would be with her the whole time. She put on her best smile when she finally stood in front of the crowd. Had I not felt how cold her hands were, I wouldn't have thought she was nervous."Hello everyone," she chirped energetically while scanning the crowd with her eyes. "To our executives and directors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you're all having a great time tonight."She glanced at me. I smiled at her encouragingly before she looked back at our audience."I am extremely excited to take on this new role," she stated in a clear voice. "This is a moment of personal honor fo
VLADIMIR"But," her voice died down with a gasp when I let my fingers work up to her bare, hairless crotch.It felt smooth to the touch. I wonder what treatments were done to achieve it. Or was it natural? I doubt it. The ring must have made women undergo a laser hair removal or something.Her breathing hitched as I slowly traced her slit with my fingertips. I gently massaged it, tentatively teasing her opening but not going in."Vlad," she mewled. Her voice was muffled when she shoved her face to my chest.She whimpered when I taunted her clit by drawing circles around the tight nub with the pad of my index finger. She buried her face into my chest even more, her hands clutched tightly on my suit.I kept my head straight, making sure no one would notice what I was doing even though the thought of somebody catching us added to the thrill of it all.I slowly caressed her slit with my middle finger while still playing with her clit. She was already drenched. I could feel her juices comin
YVONNEI can't believe we're doing this in the middle of all these people!What has gotten into him? Hypocrite. His voice echoed in my head. Damn, he's right. I knew this was wrong on so many levels, but here I am, already on the verge of reaching my climax.My hips instinctively moved along with his harsh strokes. He was hitting something inside me. Something that I thought was only a legend for a long time.He wrapped his other arm around my waist, holding me firmly in place as if preparing me for what was coming. "Vlad," I whispered before biting his chest, trying my best to stop myself from moaning with complete abandon.I could feel the pressure intensifying as his fingers attacked me with precision, hitting that spot again and again. The tension between my hips built rapidly until finally, it snapped and exploded. I was hit by wave after wave of exquisite pleasure.I limped against him as my body seemed to explode into a million pieces. My whole body quivered while recovering
YVONNEHow could that be? I know what I saw.It was her! I couldn't be wrong. I couldn't just mistake her for someone else even after the years that have passed.She's been my nightmare for the longest time!She must have looked older since the last time I saw her but I would recognize her anywhere! How could I not when she resembled me so much? Staring at her felt like looking at the older version of myself.But how...Did she recognize me as well? Did she know it was me, her daughter?Yes.I was certain it was my mother standing across the street. She glared at me like I owed her. As if I was the one who sold her to a sex trafficking syndicate and not the other way around!"Is there something wrong?" Vladimir asked.I glanced at him, about to say no but he quickly cut me off."Don't try to bullshit me. I can see it on your face," he stated calmly while staring at me.I heaved out a sigh to clear my airways."I think I saw my..." I trailed off. "My mother."My mother. The words echoe
VLADIMIR"These are all the footage we got, boss," Blaze reported when I got to my office.I called him last night to get CCTV footage around the area of the gala venue. I had a bad feeling after Yvonne told me she saw her mother. I don't think that's a coincidence."I've played this part numerous times. There's nowhere else for her to go aside from this vehicle," he pointed at the screen.A black van passed the area, covering the woman standing by the street. She vanished at the same time the van drove away. But the van didn't stop to pick her up."Did you check other CCTV's?" I asked, still doubtful of the angle he's been getting at."Yes, boss," he nodded. "She wasn't caught by any other CCTV around the area.""Are you telling me, the van dropped her at the same spot where it picked her up?" I frowned."That's the only plausible explanation we could come up with," he said. "We checked earlier footage, the same unidentified black van passed by the area two hours before, but there we
YVONNEI woke up alone on the bed. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep again. The last thing I could remember was being cuddled in Vladimir's arms, feeling safe and secure.Only to wake up feeling cold and empty on my huge bed.Where did he go? Did he go back to his room?I got up to take a quick shower. And then I went outside. I don't know why I was so giddy while finding my way to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly made pancakes hit my nostrils before I even got there.I was grinning from ear to ear, but the smile on my face instantly dropped when I saw Cora preparing the table. I looked around, hoping to see Vladimir but he wasn't there.What am I even thinking? Why would he be in the kitchen? Do I really expect him to prepare breakfast for us? For... me?Well, kind of... I must have been losing my mind. I could feel my cheeks heating up in embarrassment. "Good morning!" Cora chirped when she saw me. "How was the party?""Uhm, it's fine," I forced myself to smile. "Where's Vladim
VLADIMIRI went home, still stressed about what happened this morning. The hour-long session with my therapist did nothing to pacify me. I wasn't cured. I am still impotent!I'm still the same wreck I was this morning.And the scene that I came home to didn't help at all!I found Yvonne and Dave on the balcony, sitting very close to each other. They were alone in the penthouse. Cora must have already left.Yvonne seemed to be looking at something on his iPad. I know they must be working on the presentation, but why do they need to be so close to each other? Can't they work while on opposite sides of the table?Damn it. What am I even thinking?I shook my head, hoping it would clear up if I did so."We're looking at different locations that can be suitable for the shelter," Yvonne said after recovering from the initial shock of seeing me."Sir, I am showing her the donated lands owned by the foundation," Dave added. "I see," I nodded, finally recalling the project she told me about.S
YVONNEI missed him. God, I missed him.I am so close to jumping on him. My whole body ached for him. I wanted to hug him. Kiss him. But I can't...Riva is just outside, waiting on their table..."If you have nothing else to say, I'd like to leave, please," I told him before I changed my mind.Thankfully, he didn't argue anymore. I have to muster all my strength to force myself to walk away from him. My heart felt like breaking at each step I took.I gasped. My eyes widened when I realized who was in front of me. As if it wasn't torture enough, here comes Riva who must be going to the washroom. This is the first time I'd be seeing her up close.I clenched my jaw to keep a straight face as we walked past each other. I couldn't help but glance at her face.She looked better now than the first time I saw her. Of course, she's with Vladimir now!My heart was beating so fast, I think it could jump out of my ribcage! My knees were buckling when I got back to our table. I drew a long breath,
VLADIMIRTime seemed to stop as I watched her in slow motion. It's as if the whole world ceased to exist. All I could see was her.What the hell is she doing here?!I mean, I know this place is near the shelter but I never thought I would bump into her, let alone eat in the same restaurant!And why the hell is that man's hands all over her? Why is she letting him touch her?!My fingers tightened around the utensils in my hands as I watched him gently guide her in as if she couldn't walk on her own!What is the meaning of this? I glanced at their table where Dave and the other woman sat. Are they out on a double date? Who is the man she's with? Does Dave know him?My jaw clenched as I watch the asshole pull out a chair for Yvonne. How long has it been since the divorce was finalized? One week? Two weeks?It doesn't matter. The point is, it hasn't been long. But she's already here going out on a date looking so fucking beautiful!Fuck. Wait. Did I just compliment her?I scanned her from
YVONNEI was beyond shocked. Who would have thought that I would see him here out of all the places we could have bumped into each other?Every day when I go to work, I always imagine what I would do if he suddenly showed up. I created different scenarios inside my head. I was planning how I would react if ever I saw him again.Damn it. Why can't I remember anything now? I swear I've already prepared myself for this moment. But everything seemed to vanish now that he was here. And with Riva nonetheless.I took in a sharp intake of breath. It's none of my business anymore. I shouldn't let myself get affected by their presence. I should not show it at least."Here!" Selene's voice seemed to echo inside the quiet restaurant.My gosh! I suddenly wanted to tape her mouth or something! Can't she behave for once?!"There they are," Dr. Phil said as if I didn't hear Selene loud enough.We went to our table. I sat beside Selene while Dr. Phil took the remaining seat between me and Dave."This
VLADIMIRI watched Riva as she walked down the stairs. She's wearing a beautiful dress that hugged her body in all the right places. The smooth fabric seemed to move with her in every step.My jaw clenched while staring at her as she came closer. Fuck. Something was amiss, but I tried to brush it off. This night is for her. This is the first time I will take her out for a date after she returned. And it's been more than a month already.I smiled when she stopped in front of me. I held out my arm to her which she happily hooked hers. She looked up and grinned at me excitedly."Where are we going?" she asked."You're still impatient, huh?" I chuckled. She's been asking me that since last night."I already told you it's a surprise," I muttered while looking straight into her eyes."Fine," she smiled. "It doesn't matter anyway. As long as we're together, I don't care even if you take me to the end of the world."Once again, I felt the stupid twisting pain in my chest upon hearing her word
YVONNE"Well, what do we think?" Selene excitedly asked behind me.We were both looking into my reflection in the mirror. She had just finished doing my hair and make-up. I can do it, but she insisted on it. Looking at the result now, I think I made the right decision to leave it in her hands."I like it," I muttered after staring at my face."What? That's it?" she groaned as if she was in pain. What else does she want me to say?"You look so freaking hot! Can't you see?!" she exclaimed.I think she was exaggerating, but yeah. I look good.She turned my new hairdo into messy waves, which added volume and perfectly framed my face. The barely there makeup surprisingly made me look so...Innocent.I never thought I could use the word innocent to describe me. The black dress only complemented the impeccable look. The top has a modest V-neckline and fitted to my body while the flowy skirt seemed to dance with every movement."Dr. Phil's jaw will drop when he sees you," she gushed. "I can b
VLADIMIR"Good morning," Riva chirped when I got into the dining room.I woke up alone in the room but I already guessed I'd find her here so I proceeded to get ready for work.She smiled at me before resuming making coffee in the espresso machine."Why are you doing that?" I asked. "You could have just asked our house helpers."I looked at the food laid on the table. There was French toast, bacon, eggs, and hash browns. I frowned."Did you prepare all of this?" I grumpily asked."Don't worry, Agnes helped me with those," she gestured at the food.Agnes?"Where's Cora?" I asked. She's the one who usually cooks for us."She's busy doing the laundry," Riva shrugged.I guess it's alright. Cora stayed with Yvonne in the penthouse. I don't want her to mention anything to Riva. I knew I could trust her to keep her mouth shut, but her tongue might accidentally slip. As much as possible, I don't want Riva to know any details about my marriage with Yvonne.It's enough that she knew about it. S
VLADIMIR"She rejected everything," my lawyer said as he handed me the finalized divorce papers. "I tried to insist on the money as you ordered, but she was adamant about it."I took it, crumpling the edges when my hands fisted on it. My jaw clenched as I stared at it. That's it. We are no longer bound by a contract. It's over.Why would she refuse to accept the penthouse and the money though? Where the hell does she think she can go? What is she trying to do?I don't understand.I was just trying to put her life on set before I... Before we part ways. It's not like I was asking for anything from her in return. Yes, the penthouse costs a lot, but I can't see myself living there anymore. Especially now that I live with Riva. It feels wrong to bring her there.I can sell it, but..."Didn't she have any demand?" I asked. Perhaps she didn't want to live in the penthouse. Does she like that property in the countryside instead? But that is literally in the middle of nowhere."No," he shook
YVONNEI stared at my reflection in the mirror. My long hair was chopped into a blunt bob that reached just below my chin. "Oh gosh! It suits you!" Selene gasped."Thanks," I muttered. That's what I thought too. "You don't look bad yourself."Her hair is now back to its natural blonde color. Its striking contrast with her blue eyes really complemented her. It also looked more vibrant after the rejuvenating treatment she availed."What should we do next?" she giggled while letting her fingers run through the smooth strands of her hair.Honestly, the massage worked wonders in my body. It soothed my aching limbs and muscles. But I don't think I'm up for something else."Actually, I... want to go home," I said."What?!" her eyes widened as she stared at me as if I'd grown two heads. "How about we go shopping for a while before we go?"I frowned. Shopping? I wanted to ask how she got money to afford these, but I didn't want to offend her. I paid for my haircut and massage though so she mu
YVONNEI gasped and jolted upright from bed. Loud, incessant knocks on the door startled me from my deep sleep. I frowned, my hazy mind still processing what was going on.What the hell is happening?I tried to pry my eyes open to check for the time. It's only eight o'clock in the morning. I glanced at the door when the knocking continued. It even got louder.What in the world?! Did they get the wrong unit? I wasn't expecting anybody. Who would visit me this early in the day?"Ugh," I groaned as I pulled myself to get up.I dragged my feet to the door. My whole body is aching, probably from pushing furniture and cleaning almost the whole day yesterday. I could have used a few more hours of sleep if not for the person trying so hard to disturb me.I swear, I could yell at whoever is trying to knock my door down!"Who's there?""Good morning!" a cheery voice greeted me as soon as I pulled the door open. It took me a few seconds to realize what was going on.Selene was standing right out