Vesper perched on a stool at the sleek bar counter, the dim light casting a shadow over his brooding figure. With a half-empty bottle in hand, he took another long sip, loving how the liquid ignited a simmering warmth within him.Although, he wasn't drunk, his once bright orbs now held a reddish tinge. And the lines of his face etched deeper, tracing a map of untold stories and hidden pain.That was all he could do at the moment - drink and drink. The bar had become his sanctuary."Always drinking alone, huh?" He suddenly heard a strange voice and cocked his head to see a lady taking the seat beside him.She was a young pretty lady with the prettiest smile he's seen in a while. But she didn't look familiar in any way.It was Kalina. She's been following him for some days now and decided to show herself to him that evening."Always?" Vesper arched his brows. "How do you know it's always?"She chuckled. "Well, I've seen you a couple of times at this bar. Let's just say... you've been th
Adira's eyes gently fluttered open, the soft rays of the morning sun embracing her. For a long time, she remained still in bed, trying to comprehend the heaviness that settled upon her mind. Why was she having some confusing visions?She shut her eyes tight, trying to piece together the fragments of her memories from the previous night. She knew she had been very drunk. Yes, her mother's news had weakened her and made her turn to drinking, but why did she feel something else had happened? Something... strange?'What is wrong with you?' She gasped when she heard that voice in her head. That was Nikolai!She sat up immediately, trying to clearly see the images and how he had joined her at the bar counter. Yes, she could remember. Nikolai sat next to her!Her fingers went into her messy hair, itching it as she tried to remember more. Although the images were unclear, slowly she began to recall a few of the things that had happened. She couldn't remember much, but she remembered when Niko
Adira moved away from the door immediately as she turned to see Nikolai. Did he know her? "Nikolai!" The lady's eyes crinkled in a smile as she made her way into the house, her shoulder brushing pass Adira. Excitement was all over her. "My goodness! Look at you. You're even more handsome than the last time we met." She rubbed her palms together. Adira could tell she wanted badly to hug him, but it was obvious she was aware of his hatred for touch. So, who was she to him? A friend? Why's she with a luggage? Surprise etched the lines of Nikolai's face. "What're you doing here? We didn't talk about this." "Uh! I know," she tucked some strands of hair behind her ear. "I actually wanted it to be a surprise. How're you doing?" But Nikolai didn't look satisfied. Adira noticed he was trying so hard not to look at her. Has he become irritated by her?
Adira spent the rest of the day in her room - just watching movies and trying to clear her head.At intervals, the thought of her family flashed into her head, making her restless. Was she to forgive them - she thought countless times. But thinking of how mean they had been to her gave her doubtful conclusions. Those people had treated her like slaves and never loved her - not once. What reason does she have to help them?By evening, she had cravings for noodles and decided to make some herself. Evans had already made dinner and left for the day, but she didn't feel like eating the meal he prepared just yet.She got downstairs, into the kitchen and began chopping her vegetables. She's always loved cooking, but working at the company takes too much of her time and prevents her from doing the thing she loves. It was for the best, anyway. It was preferable to be rich and busy, than to be poor and lazy around.'Have you though of what your life would look like after the divorce?' a voice
Done with her noodles, Adira stepped out of the threshold to get some air. She had a glass of wine with her which she sipped at intervals while losing herself in a vacant state. The atmosphere seemed so peaceful.It didn't take long before she heard the door opening behind her and guessed it to be Na-ri. That lady has been moving around the house like she owns it. Was she done from Nikolai's room already?She turned to give her a glance and nearly choked on the wine she had in her mouth when she discovered it was Nikolai. It wasn't Na-ri, but Nikolai.She felt the fingers of nervousness crawling into her heart again as she locked eyes with him. Since the previous night, her anxiety had gotten worst around him.He was dressed in black shorts and a T-shirt and looked really handsome - as always. And tho z his eyes looked tired,a subtle glimmer of warmth sparked into them the moment they found Adira.For a few seconds, the air around them freezed as they just gave unexpected stares at ea
TWO WEEKS LATERAs Adira and Nikolai left the car simultaneously, maids ran out of the house to meet them."Welcome, ma'am.""Welcome, sir." They all chorused, their heads bowed.Adira and Nikolai walked pass them into the house, while the maids got their bags from the boot, along with Yvonne who assisted.The mansion was like one Adira had never seen. It was super huge and painted in a neat shade of white. That was the family house of Nikolai's grandparents, and they were there to spend a few weeks with Mr. Thatcher who was close to his demise.Mr Thatcher was Nikolai's grandfather and the founder of Yonder Dynamics. Unfortunately, he was suffering from cancer and wanted to spend the last of his days on earth with his family.Getting into the expansive sitting room, Adira was welcomed by the intoxicating aroma of fine leather and polished wood. The walls were adorned with exquisite artworks, ornate chandeliers dangled from the high ceilings, casting a soft glow over the richness of t
Adira was in awe as she stared at the lady. How was she Mr. Thatcher's wife?! How was she from an influential family? Wasn't that the Lyra she knew?The family paid homage to Mr. Thatcher, flashing pleasant smiles at him - except Nikolai, of course. Man wouldn't smile to save his life."We've all been waiting for you, father. It's a good thing you're here to join us," Mrs Bellamy said, joining to assist him to sit at the head of the table.The whole time, Adira's eyes were on the young lady. She looked prettier and richer. Her hair was smoothly brushed into a fine ponytail, and her face held very light makeup. She had a very short gown on which revealed most of her thighs."Lyra?" She finally voiced out, attracting eyes to her direction.That was the first time the young lady also saw her, and for a second, shock flashed right through her eyes."Yes?" She replaced the shock with a smile, so swiftly like she was an expert. "Do you um...need something from me?"The room was tensed, beca
Adira stood up and ambled to the door at once, and there she found Lyra, looking all radiant in a shimmering dress.A lot had changed about her. Back then, in college, she was mostly looking unkempt and could barely afford good clothes. But now she was looking like a goddess. She was happy for her, no doubt; one thing she wasn't happy about was the fact that she was concealing her identity and might be there for a purpose.The two ladies exchanged weighty stares at each other for a while, saying nothing."Can I come in?" She finally asked, her voice soft and polite.Hesitating a little, Adira nodded and stepped away from the door, giving her access to walk into the room."Could you excuse us, please?" She said this to Yvonne, who was fixing some clothes into the wardrobe."Uh...of course." Yvonne nodded and left, leaving just the two ladies in the room.For a moment, Adira stood behind Lyra, who kept looking around the room, like she was inspecting and admiring it at the same time."L