[ Madeline Parker ]
I’d always advise girls never to dream for a prince charming who’d swipe them off their feet. Dreams always ended up shattered leaving us hopeless and rejected.
I am tired of having being told what to do and how to live my life. I paid the price for following my heart rather than my brain.
“Come on, girl. You haven’t touched your drink. I didn’t bring you to sulk over that scoundrel.” Ava shouted near my ear as loud, pulsating music blared through the speakers.
I looked down, she was holding a tray of vodka shots. I was hesitated at first since I don’t drink much but I badly needed it to let go off my pain even if it’s temporary. I gulped them down my throat one by one while Ava hooted for me.
“Woah! That’s like my girl.” She shouted. She was a bit tipsy so I decided not to drink more as I’d have to drive us back to home.
“Are you looking at that guy? He looks hot and I think he is looking at me.” She pointed her finger on a man on the dance floor.
“Not again, Ava.” I rolled my eyes. She has never done serious relationships. I guess she is happy because at the end, she doesn’t get her heart broken.
“I have to test him. Enjoy your drink babe and find yourself a hook up. You need to lose it, bi*ch.” She winked at me and went to the man and soon they were grinding on each other at the dance floor while I ordered the bartender to give me a bottle of plain water. Wistfully, I looked at the bodies, scattered on the dance floor. I wish I could have moved on a bit early.
“A beautiful girl like you shouldn’t be sitting here alone. There are many lusting eyes darted on you.” I heard a deep masculine voice.
Despite the noise and loud cheers from the crowd, I somehow recognized him and craned my neck in his direction. Startled, I glanced up at the owner of such imposing voice. I was yet able to make out his features but in the dim neon lights, I met with stunning azure blue eyes staring at me with inquisitiveness.
“Miss Parker, I should introduce myself.” I heard him saying in a clear voice.
I scrunched my brows together to make out his facial features, I have heard this voice before.
“I am the CEO of your company, Noah Miller. I guess this name rings a bell now.” He introduced himself with a hint of amusement in his voice.
My eyes widened. I don’t visit my father’s company much. I only join my parents during parties and business events since I hardly get time from my busy life as a doctor.
“Oh, I am sorry, Mr. Miller. I didn’t recognize you since this place is dark.” I apologized.
“Allow me to buy you a drink, Miss Miller?” He asked me in the same smooth voice.
“Thanks for the offer but I have to drive myself and my friend back to home.” I politely refused his generous offer. As much as I was comforted by his harmless company, I didn’t want to end up regretting any impulsive move driven by my unstable emotions.
“Bloody Mary for the lady.” He said to the bartender while he sipped from his glass, perhaps a light drink. The bartender served my drink, I silently thanked Mr. Miller and sipped on the mild taste of my drink. My throat burned as the liquid glided down my throat numbing my pain. Ava was completely wasted, she was kissing the guy. I wanted to stop her but it’s her life and the man didn’t seem harmful.
“I am going out from here for a while. My friends are wasted. Would you join me? Trust me, I am not trying to hit on you. I am engaged and I love my girl so you can trust me.” He said gaining my attention back on me, an amused smile floated on his lips.
I put my empty glass on the counter and jumped down from the bar stool.
“I think I need some fresh air too.” I said. Talking to a stranger is much better and he seems a sincere man.
We walked out of the club. The temperature outside had fallen miserably. Luckily, I had brought my blazer with me. I quickly wore it.
“So, what brings Doctor Parker here? I don’t take you as someone who likes clubbing. Your father describes you as a nun, to be honest.” He said breaking the silence and the mention of my father reminded me of our bitter encounter a few hours ago.
“I am sorry if I said something offensive but he really praises you and looking forward to the day when you’ll step over his position. He wants retirement but only when you’re ready.” He continued.
“I am happy and contended with my job and I am not planning to get involved in the business.” I made it very clear so he can pass my message to my father.
“Hmm, it’s very rare to see how an only heir kicks a golden throne away. Not everyone has same courage and selflessness as you, Miss Parker. I am impressed.” He mused.
“Though I planned to join it in a couple of years but now, I have changed my mind.” I didn’t know why, but it blurted out of my mouth eventually catching his attention. We stood under a tree.
“May I know why if I am not invading your privacy, Miss Parker?” He furrowed his brows together.
“I have been living in a world of illusion and deception. I don’t know whom to trust anymore when the people I have loved the most, turned me down.” I said, my throat constricted as the effect of alcohol kicked in.
“I think we should go back.” he said and I nodded.
“I’d like to help you if you want me. I mean as a friend.” He offered and it caught my attention.
Why a stranger wants to help me?
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be nosy in your matter.” He apologised.
“It’s okay. In fact, I do need your help.” I said. He stopped walking and scrunched his brows at me.
“Yes, Miss Parker?”
“Actually, I am ready to join the company now. Let’s fix the meeting with my father and the lawyers tomorrow. I have to show some people that I am not a mute doll. I am fed of being dictated by others’ wishes and fake promises. It’s my turn to strike back.” I said thinking about my next move.
“Alright, I won’t ask you whether it’s the alcohol in your body speaking or you really want to seek revenge on someone. I’d see what can I do for you.” He said with a firm nod.
“I think I should tell you why I am doing this.” I paused and smirked again. The innocent girl who was madly in love with Brandon Wesley, now feels only hatred for him, “I want to show my asshole for a husband that he has committed a hazardous mistake by betraying my love and trust. Revenge tastes sweeter when it’s served cold. Brandon Wesley will realise it tomorrow.”
[ Brandon Wesley ]My office is on the 45th floor of the Wesley Groups, it has glass on front side from where I could see half of the city. I usually spend my time here watching people living their hectic lives when I am not doing some work but today is different. I am not enjoying anything, not even the neat scotch I tried to swallow.I didn’t imagine in my wildest dreams that Madeline would appear at my office at the worst timing. For six years, I have watched her from far, to ensure she is happy and moved on in her life. As we promised each other before parting our ways that we’ll advance in our careers and she achieved what she had always planned.I felt mixed emotions when we came face to face for the first time. She has grown into a beautiful young woman. She is the only friend I ever had, the only person who knew the real me, who stood by my side in my thick and thins as my true friend. I’d not lie, once I was attracted to her and when my grandpa expressed his wish that he want
[ Brandon Wesley ] My father lowered his reading glasses and gave me a deadpanned look, “Calm down, Brandon. I told you to focus on your present and in extending our empire. There’s no need to dig in the past which doesn’t matter anymore.” He said.“She visited me today.” I told him.He looked at me with a bored expression, “I know, son. Your wife told us. You are a married man now, Brandon. Whatever happened in the past, it was a horrendous mistake made by your late grandfather. Anyways, she’ll not bother you again. I have warned her father and he’d not dare to breach our deal.” He said with surety.“Dad, this is my life. How can you take decisions for me?” I scoffed, “She came to visit me when her patience broke, I kept lying to her all these years. You know how pathetic I feel? Her reaction didn’t give away any signs of her involvement in the deal you and her father made.” I said.“Does it really matter now?” He gave me a dead look which means he wants to end this discussion.“Yes
[ Madeline Parker ]I stared at the man who broke my heart, the pain flooding back at me with more force. Seeing him with my own eyes after receiving a cruel betrayal from him, ripped my fragile emotions in shreds. Everything kicked me back in the guts, the horrible scene when I saw him with another woman, the bitter revelation and his cold response.“Dr Parker, I am sorry that the hospital called you for an emergency. I was having cramps and got panicked.” Melissa, my patient’s voice broke the chain of my thoughts and I immediately tore my gaze from him to my patient. She was my priority in the moment. So, ignoring his existence like a plague, I rushed to her.“Please, lay down. I’ll check the position of the baby. It’s normal to have cramps at this stage but I want to be sure before I perform more tests. Don’t worry, just relax or it may get worse with increased levels of hormones flow in your body.” I eased her.“I think I am not ready yet to welcome this baby. My brother isn’t in
[ Madeline Parker ]“I can’t believe, my little angel is getting married today. It still feels like yesterday when we first held her in our arms.” I heard my Mom’s emotional words.I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I was dressed in my wedding gown with a diamond tiara and pearl embedded veil. I, myself can’t believe, at the age of eighteen I am getting married to the boy who stole my heart when I first saw him in the 9th grade, it’s like a fairy tale. I fell for my best friend and our parents fixed our marriage because they think we’re perfect for each other.“Sweetie, it’s the time.” Dad’s steady voice ripped me out of my memory lane. I took a deep breath and turned to face my parents. They had tears in their eyes. I am their only child, they brought me up like a princess and always fulfilled my wish, even if it was expressing my wish to marry Logan, my best friend.“I’ll miss you, guys.” I sobbed.“Maddie, don’t be stupid, it’s the matter of only two weeks. You’re going to li
Six years later…[ Madeline Parker ]“It’s now or never, Maddie.” I chanted this mantra to myself as I stood before the tall skyscraper, the headquarters of the Wesley Groups.My palms were sweaty as I anticipated everyone’s reaction, especially Logan’s. I haven’t seen my husband in long eight years and only I know how excruciating these eight years had been for me. I kept my promise and gave him time to study, root in his career and thrive but finally my patience ran thin. I can’t wait any longer to see my husband and be with him.Today’s day is more special because today, it’s our sixth wedding anniversary and I’ll surprise him with my visit.Taking a deep breath, I made my way inside the magnificent building. Everything screams wealth and power. The high class employees in expensive suits rushed in every direction. I rarely visits my father’s office since I opted a doctor’s career. I want to focus on my dream career first before I step into business.I walked to the reception and c
[ Madeline Parker ]When I left Logan’s office building, I must have blacked out since I don’t remember how I drove back to my house. My mind couldn’t register, I still believed that it was just a horrible dream and it’d end when I wake up. My tears couldn’t stop.The fate has played the cruelest joke with me.Somehow, I made it back to my apartment and locked myself in my room. No one could see my breakdown. I haven’t allowed anyone to see my weak side. I have been living in some sort of trance where only my dreams exist. How could I be this stupid to not see the things clearly? The truth has always been in front of me. Logan abandoned me the day he asked me not to disclose our relationship to anyone.His parents slowly drew themselves apart from us and we lost contact. Logan made excuses not to respond to my calls, I rarely received mails from him. I highly doubt if he sent them by himself or hired someone to keep me fooling around.I didn’t realise how much time passed, it was when
[ Madeline Parker ]“Mom, Dad, do not sympathize with me because you are the one who gave me the most painful betrayal. How could you hide this from me all these years when I used to share my plans with you and expressed my love for Logan? You never felt bad for me?” I gave them an accusing glare.My anger and hurt were coming on the surface.“Maddie, we’re sorry for keeping you in the dark for six years but trust me, when we saw you happily living with your son, we couldn’t muster up the courage to tell you about Logan’s marriage. We thought with time, your love will slowly fade away and you’d find someone who actually loves you.” Dad said.I scoffed looking away, “If you have really cared for me, Dad then you would have told me the truth a long time ago.” I said.“Honey, I think we should tell her the reason of her marriage with Logan. We have hidden the truth from her for a really long time. I can’t lose my daughter. Madeline and Chris are our everything.” Mom said to Dad in a weak