Chapter 18 Her OutburstM&M FOODS, NEW YORK.Asher held onto his head as he stared blankly at the computer screen. Nothing seems to make sense. The numbers seem to be depreciating. He needs more money pumped into the company as soon as possible if they intend to have any heads way. To make matters worse, Andrea isn’t exactly turning up as expected.His phone rang, showing his father as the caller. Asher picked up the call with less enthusiasm.“Yes, Dad.”Darren cursed from the other end. “What is this I am looking at, Asher? Why is our market value this low? What the hell are you doing?”“Dad, can you not yell? I am going through a lot at the moment. I don't believe it's my fault you went recklessly with your money; stop trying to make me the bad egg. As you asked, DDFoods are topping the sales chart because they found better ingredients for our best-seller, and the consumers are going crazy over it.”“Are you stupid? Why would you respond in such a dumb manner, and you run a company
Chapter 19 His Childhood FriendX&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.Xander chuckled at something Nina said on the other end. “You sound like you have it all planned out.”She made a gurgle sound on the other end. “I am just nervous.” He reached for the pen in front of him and started twirling it. “Come on. You are not new to this. Don’t let yourself get worked up for nothing. It will all work out, trust me. So, what are your plans for the weekend?” “Why? You need me to do something?” “Err, I am not sure yet….” He drawled as the door opened, letting in an excited Dawn. “You know what? Let me call you back.” He said.“Sure,” Nina replied, ending the call. “Hey boo boo!” Dawn screamed as she rushed towards Xander. “Oh My Dawn!” Xander dropped the phone, stood up from where he sat, and pulled her into a hug. Dawn is his childhood friend and COO of X&J Empire. She had gone on a two-month leave and was returning from her vacation. He didn’t think he would miss seeing her around. “When did you retur
Chapter 20 A Fulfilled PersonTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.With a delightful tune on her tongue, Tania strolled into the room, giggling multiple times. Nina looked up from the sweater she was crocheting. “What's going on? Why do you look so happy?” She asked. Tania exhaled like a fulfilled person and handed her an envelope. “Take a look at the content.”Nina raised a brow as she received it. Reading through it quickly, she gasped. “Oh, my goodness! Tania, this is such good news. Brooklyn College? That’s a big deal.” She squealed, clapping her hands. “This is my lifelong dream, Nina. I will finally study art history and learn as much as I want. And this is all thanks to you.” “Me? What did I do?” “You noticed my excitement whenever there’s a new art piece in the house. You made it a duty to always seek my thoughts on any new art piece that caught your interest and even praised me, saying I would make a good curator. So, I got more curious and started reading. I got my GED and then
Chapter 21 Dining With Xander Jackson“Are you that excited to have her over?” Carla asked Xander as they arranged the dining table. Xander grinned sheepishly. He had invited Nina and Tania to have dinner with him at his house. He would have loved to have Nina alone, but he worried she might decline. But inviting her friend seems like a good idea. “I won’t say I am not. Nina is a long-time friend of mine, and I am just happy to have her around me.” The older woman smiled; she didn’t need anyone to tell her that there was more to his explanation. However, it felt nice to see Xander look radiant and bustling. He has never invited a female friend over except for the one who barges in like she owns the place. He hardly does anything aside from work. His diet and social life are unbalanced. He practically lives like a monk. She hopes this Nina lady will make a good impact in his life. “As long as your face keeps being this radiant. I don’t mind entertaining this woman every day.” Carla
Chapter 22 The PresentationX&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.Nina chewed nervously on her nails. She kept pacing the office back and forth, hoping that Xander would branch at the office before heading to the meeting room. It's been two days since she resumed work, and they haven’t met since then. Her attitude at the Sunday dinner didn’t seem pleasant, and Tania had something to say about it, putting her in a fix. She apologized for treating Xander like that when he only showed concern. She had arrived early at the building of the X&J Foods factory to take a look around and note things for the meeting she would be having with the CEO, the COO, and other administrative officers of the company. At first, they had set up the office of the research department staff at the factory location, but the company’s team moved it to the main building the day before. And it felt nicer as it would make meetings like the one they are about to have much more accessible, while the factory will only be more super
Chapter 23 Who is Nina? X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. Jace didn’t look pleased with Dawn’s presence in his office. “The last time I checked, we don’t have much business together; why are you here?” Dawn scoffed. “You must think yourself as important to have me in here. I have some questions to ask you.” “And if I refuse to answer?” “Then I will tell Minny how much of an asshole you are.” He looked unfazed as he leaned further into the chair. “Go ahead, tell your sister. Do you think she doesn’t know that already? Your sister likes to roll with the bad boys. And I am a motherfucking good-looking one.” He smirked proudly Dawn wanted to throw something at his face to wipe off the dumb smirk. She would never understand what Minny is doing with him. “I bet she is just using you.” “Well, I am glad it is a mutual feeling. Once again, Dawn, what do you want? It is too early in the morning for me to have your face in my business. What the fuck do you want from me?” “How did Xander get t
Chapter 24 Busy BeeANDREA’S HOME, NEW YORK.Andrea hissed for the umpteenth time as she reloaded her feed, hoping something of interest would pop up. Nina seemed determined to hide away from her. She was surprised that Nina no longer worked at the grocery store. It made her feel good that Nina might be scared of what she would do. Even though it is inevitable that Asher would rather be with her than Nina, it doesn’t stop her from being paranoid. Many things are at stake for Andrea, so she considers knowing a possible enemy has been dealt with a significant step forward. Giving up on the phone, she tossed it to the bed and stared blankly at her closet. She must send a few out for her to have enough to survive on. Settling some of the companies on behalf of Asher because of Nina drained her a bit. Her mother walked into the room and went straight to her vanity mirror without a word. “Mum, for goodness sake! How often have I warned you to stop barging into my room like we own it toge
Chapter 25 The Family DinnerPRAWNS & SHRIMPS RESTAURANT, NEW YORK.Asher got out of the car, checking out the restaurant space. He has always heard about the Prawns and Shrimps but never got the chance to visit. Not because he couldn’t afford it; it was just never on his bucket list. Rumour has it that Chad Davis owns the place, and only VIPs are allowed to eat there. He chuckled to himself at hitting the jackpot. Leila pushed past him. “Will you quit looking around like you have never seen something like this?” She hissed. “You are always so impatient, Mum. Sometimes it's nice to take it all in without being in such a hurry every damn time.” He said. Darren cleared his throat loudly, “I understand we need this person. But that doesn’t mean I will be so low to please them. I am a pioneer of packaged foods in the country. I deserve to be as regarded as anyone else. So respect yourself, son. Don’t make me lose my patience.” Asher groaned inwardly. He would never understand his pare
BONUS CHAPTER“Are you ready for tonight, Mia?!” Xander smirked as he sat beside Nina, watching a movie on Netflix and chewing on popcorn. “What’s happening tonight?” She asked, looking at him and pretending not to understand.“Well, why did we ask my mom to care for our baby?” He grinned sheepishly.“Did we plan to do that?” Nina grinned, too.“Well, put this aside.” He took the popcorn from her thighs and placed it on the table. Nina rolled my eyes, hiding her smile. “Oh, not today,” she tried to escape, but Xander quickly grabbed her. “Don’t you dare!” He laughed, tickling her that she laughed so hard. His hand reached for her bare thighs. And before she knew it, Xander grabbed her and pushed her down on the couch. It was fast! He pulled her legs apart and gave her breasts a rough squeeze. He positioned Nina just like he wanted. He yanked off his belt and tied her hand above her head. “Nasty, isn’t it?” Nina giggled.“Wait till I’m in full mood!” Xander removed her pants and sh
Chapter 95 Sex With XanderEPILOGUE: ONE YEAR LATERXANDER’S HOME“Are you sure I look okay?” Nina asked Tania again while analyzing the dress she had on. She had come in to change after Winter doused the other dress with candy juice as they were due to take pictures. Tania huffed tiredly. “How else do you want the dress to look on you, Nina? You look beautiful enough. Come on now, Winter would be waiting, wondering what her dearest mama is still doing hidden away.” Venus peeked into the room. “We are waiting for you. Nina, Winter is eager to cut her cake.” She called out. “Yes, Mum, I am coming.” She replied. Nina’s face fell as she stared at herself intensely. Tania walked up to her and rubbed her back slowly. “I wish he was here.” “You know he would have loved to be here. It would help if you stayed strong for you two. I believe better days are closer than expected.” Tania comforted. Nina smiled, glancing at Tania’s bulging belly. “Jace looks elated these days.” She laughed l
Chapter 94 The MotorcycleREMINGTON HOSPITAL, NEW YORK.The hospital building almost felt strange to Nina, even though she had been by the place a few months back. The section she is heading to must be the reason why. However, Nina has decided, knowing she is doing what suits a great cause, that she doesn’t mind whatever she has to do. “Hello.” She greeted the receptionist. “Hi, ma’am. Welcome. Who would you like to see?” “Uncle J.R. Oh, pardon me, I mean Dr Jason. Is he in? He is expecting me.” “You must be Miss Nina Ruiz?” “Yes, please.” “Alright, please come with me.” Jason was on a call when they walked into the office. At the sight of Nina, he smiled heartily. “Let me call you back, Dr Smith. My daughter just walked in.” He mumbled and hung up. Nina blushed at his referral. “Hello, Uncle J.R.” “How are you, my darling? Feels like ages.” He laughed, embracing her. “I am good. How are you, too?” “Great. Please sit.” He motioned towards the couch. “Thank you. So, I am yo
Chapter 93 Two peas in a pudXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.Nina saw how nervous he was and felt bothered that she might have said something she shouldn’t. Relaxing her shoulder, she sat on the couch and faced him. Xander held up a weak smile. “Why don’t you tell me what you must say first?” He urged. She exhaled slowly and took his hand in hers. “We are not kids, Xander. Neither are we immature. Even though my first marriage was a wreck, I believe life continues. Being heartbroken does not mean one's life has to come to an end. Ever since you came into my life, I have been able to see things differently. I am learning to love and embrace life as it should. One thing I promised myself after being betrayed by Asher and Andrea was never to trust anyone. Also, I vowed off men, telling myself all I needed to do was work hard and get back on top. What mattered was getting back at the people who made my life a living hell.” Nina chuckled, still caressing his hand, “But I was wrong. I couldn’t
Chapter 92 Court OrderXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“It doesn’t feel right for me to stay home,” Nina whined behind Xander as he dressed. He turned to her, stopping halfway with his shirt button. “Why not?” “Because it's been two days. I need to get to work.” “Do it from home. Also, Tania would be coming today. Aren’t you excited to see her?” “I am, but…” She pouted, exiting the bed and wrapping her arm around him seductively. “Come on now, what happened last time will never happen again. I will defend myself no matter what.” “That right there is the problem. I don’t want you defending yourself no matter what. I have it covered. Please stay put here until Asher signs the court order, Nina.” Nina huffed in resolve, knowing there was no way out anymore. “Fine, I will just stay back.” She yawned loudly and sat at the edge of the bed, staring at his broad back. For the past few days, she has laid in Xander’s bed. He works until late at night, and she finds his arm wrapped around her wh
Chapter 91 Terrible FatherNINA’S HOME, NEW YORK. Gripping the phone tightly, Nina let out a long hiss. Xander does have a wrong side to him. Despite his promise to meet with her two days back to celebrate her unexpected promotion, he didn’t show up and gave an excuse for being busy. She thought he would reach out afterward, but he still hasn’t called. Her hand trailed Winter’s sleepy face absentmindedly. She brought her to the office to take her around the place like the little one would understand what was happening. Regarding Xander, her inability to get angry at him is the most annoying thing for her. Instead, she is worried that something might be wrong; at the same time, her ego prevents her from calling him. Her eyes roamed her new office space, and it felt surreal. They made the immediate move of X&J Foods into the M&M building. Nina occupied the same office Asher had sat in as the CEO but with a significant redesign. She was more than happy to see Asher and Andrea beneath
Chapter 90 The SwindlerTAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK.Asher struggled to sit up from the couch drowsily. He had gotten drunk and slept lazily without a bother in the world. In his distorted state, Asher noticed Andrea rushing out to her car. He let out a hiss, wondering what spa she had an appointment with again. He still can’t get over the fact that Nina holds the rein of a company he had dreamt of for years. She walked in without doing anything to reap where she didn’t sow. He let out a wince at the ache that struck his head. Suddenly, the door opened, letting in an angry-looking Leila. “Have you seen what your stupidness has caused?” She hollered. He held his aching head down. “What is it this time?” Leila screamed into her palm. “I told you to control yourself and not do anything stupid. But I don't remember you listening. Now everyone knows we have been humiliated by Nina. Everything that happened was written in the tabloids, every bloody thing.” Asher let out a slight cough. “Ca
Chapter 89 Why won’t you make love to meX&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.“I can’t believe this. So, M&M Foods is all yours now?” Jace asked for the umpteenth time.Xander laughed amidst the celebration going on in the lobby. “Yes, Jace. X&J foods will only get bigger and better from here on.”“Nina must be so happy.”“I am sure she is.” He mused while staring at her sweetly among the crowd. “That reminds me, Dawn should be here to celebrate with us. Where is she?”Jace shifted on his legs; Xander hadn’t checked his mail. “She must have informed someone of her absence.”“That is strange,” Xander said, checking his phone for any message she must have dropped.“Why not check your mail?”“Mail? Dawn hardly uses her mail unless it is for work. But then, let me check.” His brows furrowed when he indeed found a message from Dawn. It happened to be a resignation letter. “Take a look, Jace. She resigned. How am I just getting to know about this now? We still spoke a while back, and she didn’t mention an
Chapter 88 The Naive OneM&M FOODS, NEW YORK.Nina stared anxiously at the building and suddenly felt an intense pressure in her bowel. She thought about what might be going through Xander’s head for the rest of the weekend. He had constantly evaded any means of them getting intimate beyond foreplay, and Nina was beginning to think he might not have as much interest in her as she did. Either that, or she is pushing too fast.Thinking about that alone had her on the edge, now returning to the same place where she had experienced so much humiliation it made her feel suffocated.Inhaling sharply, she gripped Xander by the arm. He turned to see her pale face.“Hey baby, are you okay?” He asked in a worried tone.Nina managed to put up a smile. “Yes, I am. I need to get to the restroom. I will join you soon.”“I will wait for you then.”“No, don’t do that. I know my way around here, remember?”Xander looked skeptical, but he chose to respect her privacy. “Alright, just call me if you need