JOANNA. A sense of dread filled me when Cassandra asked that question..“Who is it?” I asked, my voice shaky.. I was trying to mask my fear. Cassandra pulled out her phone as I watched her in anticipation yet filled with anxiety. She pressed her phone and turned the screen to me. The picture was that of Asher with a woman, the woman’s face was blurry but they were in an intimate position because Asher was kissing her! My heart dropped and it dawned on me that Asher was really cheating on me..“I got it from Asher's phone,” she said, taking the phone down. “I told you he was. Asher has been entangled with a woman for so long already.. You didn't know? Or you were just dumb.. now I don't need to tell you what to do twice…” Cassandra snapped,her lips curved into a sly grin. I stood frozen, unable to articulate my thoughts. I couldn't believe it. It felt so unreal. What if Cassie was faking all of these things just because she wanted me to stay away from her brother. Asher wasn't th
JOANNA. I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was met with an unfamiliar ceiling and environment. I sat up, a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to pause. I waited for the room to stop spinning, my head pounding in my temples. When the dizziness finally subsided, I looked around, taking stock of my surroundings. Where the fuck was I? This wasn't Asher's mansion. This was weird.. Then suddenly, it felt like a memory flashed over. I gasped in astonishment if the things flashing over my brain really happened! Have I been kidnapped by some mafia group! I remember being carried away but had no idea who did so. My heart pounded in my chest still fast enough that I wanted to make it stop. A set up? Cassie? A lot of wild thoughts ran through my brain because I couldn't seem to keep it together. I took in the surroundings again, this was a hotel, an expensive one at that. A suite? . The furniture was sleek and modern, the walls painted a soft gray. A lar
JOANNA. After getting ready and taking the hangover soup, Luther and I left the hotel. I entered his car and his driver drove off with both of us in the back seat. Luther and I had a lot of catching up to do so we were frequently engaging in conversations. He told me how hard it was for him to adjust in Spain and the company as well. “So are you back in New York for good or for a short period of time.” I asked him as the car was stopping in front of Asher’s mansion. We had gotten there already. “Well, that's a secret for now.” He muttered, opening the car door to climb down. “Geez, you are still so full of yourself after all these years, Luther.”I rolled my eyes and climbed down as well..“Don't lie, Joanna. I know you missed me..” He winked and I cringed..“In your dreams” I snapped, curling my upper lips in slight disdain. Daniel quickly rushed to my direction after noticing I came down because the mansion features a sleek automatic gate that swings open with ease so we didn't
JOANNA.. I bit my lips in anxiety, unable to form words while Cassandra and Asher fixed their piercing gazes on me! I couldn't believe what was going on now! Asher was asking me where I was coming after believing his sister over me.. I didn't know Cassie was this cunning! We were friends during childhood but why I'm I seeing an entirely different person? The possibility of Asher cheating on me, I wouldn't trust any news coming from Cassandra because she desperately wants me to leave Asher! Yes, Asher hates me and the woman named Pookie is still unknown but I don't want to believe Cassie until everything is sorted out. Asher’s attitude last night hurt me a lot but I didn't exactly figure out anything to do. “I just needed space to think straight,” I replied in a calm voice.. “What ? Think straight? Is this your style of rebelling now? You never used to be this petty.. Do you want to show the whole world that we aren't leaving happily so that I can lose the company I worked hard for?
JOANNA. Words failed me. I headed upstairs to wet my pillow with tears.. It wouldn't solve anything but at least I wanted to pour out my emotions, it has been so overwhelming lately..I was crying until my phone lit up with a notification..(Hey Jo. This is my new line. You better save up…) I leaned up from the bed and squinted my eyes at my phone screen. There was only one person that called me Jo in the whole wide world, Luther. How did he get my number so soon! I let out a small gasp, picked up my phone and texted back.., ( Luther.. how did you get my line!) (I have my ways..wink wink. I'm sending a dress for you and Cassie for tomorrow night..) he typed back. (You are so weird, Luther. ) (Oh, you meant LuLu?) He texted back that second and I let out a surprised chuckle.. LuLu? Why would he bring up that name now! So I gave Asher and Luther names while we were growing up cause we were always together. Asher was AshAsh.. Luther was LuLu. I only called them those names in return
JOANNA. I couldn't wrap my head around the whole issue but at the same time there was no need to make a fuss because Asher had already asked me to let Cassie have the dress. Night came by so quickly and the red dress wasn't so bad after all.. I packed my hair into a ponytail and applied a little bit of make up. By the time I came downstairs, Cassie was giggling with Asher. The yellow dress fitted her so much, maybe she was right after all.. “We are set. Let's go, Luther must be waiting.” Asher remarked upon seeing me. Cassie smirked at me when Asher looked away and I just heaved a deep breath, clutching my purse tightly.. We headed outside and as usual Cassie rushed to take the front seat. I didn't complain, I just headed to the back and sat down. Maybe I should have used my own car. The drive was a bit silent for sometime before Asher said something..“Joanna, we should put on a good show. Remember my parents and yours will be there! I don't want them suspecting anything.” Asher d
JOANNA.I stood frozen because I wasn't prepared for that question that was thrown to me. For now Asher and Cassie are the only ones that knew of my infidelity. I didn't know how to get through to my in -laws yet and Asher’s mom wasn't at the event..I went mute entirely, like I wasn't out of daze and everyone’s gaze was fixed on me waiting for an answer! But I couldn't seem to form words. “Joanna you went for a test, didn't you?” Cassie broke the silence and the attention went to her. I couldn't really say what she wanted to point out but I don't think it was a good time to expose it. Deep down I felt so bad. I'm unable to produce an heir for one of the prestigious companies in New York. I'm unable to get Asher to love me, I literally felt so useless. “A test?” Mr Clifford repeated. “Yes, she did.. She is in good condition. A baby would come later,Dad” Asher remarked and everywhere fell silent for moment, awkward I would say..“The event is about to start” Luther announced, liftin
JOANNA. I let out a deep sigh, my heart racing, as I turned to Luther with a forced smile. "Nothing, nothing, I'm not doing anything," I said, trying to sound casual.Luther raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "What's going on? You seem a bit off” he asked, his voice low as he tried to peep into the room.. I stood still, tongue tied. I didn't exactly know the excuse to give. Moreover I was overwhelmed with emotions..Luther's expression turned confused as he tried to open the door. "What's going on?" he asked, but I blocked his way, my hand on the door handle. "No, Luther, don't," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I have never been so embarrassed. I don't want anyone to find how messy my marriage with Asher was. Luther looked at me, searching for answers. Why did he even show up? Shit, he is always showing up in the wrong situations. Just then, Asher emerged from the room, his face looking surprised to see me standing there with Luther. He quickly composed himsel
JOANNA. “Wow… I'm so full, Luther. ….” I groaned, shutting the car door. “I'm glad you liked it. And I'm also glad you ate to your satisfaction, Jo” “I know right?” I smiled. For a moment, I just wanted to forget about the whole thing going on. “Let's go inside.” Luther muttered and I followed him in. I sat on the couch and Luther sat next to me. “How was work?” “Work’s great. Jo. Just working my ass off to impress Dad. You know I have to keep staying in New York.” “Wait, you are staying for a limited time?” “Not really but if I don't keep up, he might send me to another country.” “Wow. He better not. Who am I going to cry to?” I muttered and Luther laughed. “You are not planning on having more days or are you?” “Of course not… but all I'm saying is I don't want you to leave. I didn't grow up with so many friends. I could have ended up in a bar like the last time if this happened when you weren't around” “Thank Goodness I'm here to stop that tragedy.” “Okay okay let's tal
JOANNA. After Luther left, I slumped into deep thoughts. I tried so much not to cry as I promised him because life wasn't worth living anymore.. for some time, I just wanted to disappear from the earth, maybe that would be better. I stared blankly at the plate, losing my appetite. I pushed it away, my mind trapped.. I left the dining table and went over to the couch. Was I really worthless? Why was this happening to me? Didn't I deserve to be loved? The questions swirled, making my head spin.My phone started ringing and I let out a scoff, it was probably Asher. He has been blowing up my phone since last night! But what exactly would he want to say! I didn't even take a look at my phone and just ignored it. My mind was too numb to deal with whatever and I didn't feel like talking to anyone.. I felt lost and alone. The phone wouldn't stop ringing. I sighed, irritation and exhaustion warring within me. I picked it up, ready to shut off whoever was on the other end but it turned out
ASHER. I have been calling Joanna since last night to know where she was and she hasn't been picking my calls! I couldn't tell if she heard the conversations between Cassie and I. I couldn't stop her from leaving again, it was too late. I was still in Cassie’s embrace when I heard the car engine come on.. I pulled away, and went outside to check, only to see Joanna driving out! I shouted her name but she ignored me and she didn't come home again. I kept staring at my phone, hoping she would call back. I was already dressed up for work but my mind wasn't at rest. I needed to find Joanna. What if she had gone to her father to spill ? I felt so disoriented and I couldn't think straight. This could Jeopardize the legacy I have been trying to build. “Has Joanna called back yet?” Cassie’s voice cut through the silence and I lifted my gaze to her, seeing her lean against the door, her arms folded over her chest... I kept mute and stood up, picking my suit jacket to wear. “Not yet, Cass
LUTHER. I watched Joanna cry so much that it ached my heart badly.. I didn't expect to see her in this kind of pain after returning to New York.. Joanna ? The girl with the prettiest siren eyes ever, the prettiest lips and curves. I had harboured secret feelings for so many years but she always had eyes for Asher and Asher was my best friend. You know, your best friend’s woman should be out of bounds.It wasn't right looking at your best friend's girl. Asher had always treated her like trash but she wouldn't stop looking his way. We all grew up together. I remember the day Joanna made me stay awake for a whole night to prepare the gifts she was going to use to ask Asher to be her best friend! It was wild but I had no choice. I always wanted her attention but I couldn't voice them out not when her eyes were on one man. Asher treated Joanna roughly when we were kids, well until his parents asked him to treat her nicely! Asher agreed to whatever Joanna wanted. I remember how he al
JOANNA. I'm frozen in shock, my mind reeling from the revelation. Really? From Cassie’s words, they had been in a relationship so long enough. Wow, so I was truly a third wheel..The weight of their betrayal crushed me. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of pain and anger. My legs and hands trembled when I was tiptoeing back to the room.. I tried as much as possible not to make a sound but I almost wanted to burst out. I rushed to our room, my heart racing with every step. I need to leave this mansion, I can't stay here, not with everything I found out. I grabbed my phone and car keys, trying not to make any noise. I sneaked out of the mansion, desperate to escape the lies and deception that surrounded me. The more I tried to hold back my tears, the more they fell through. It's as if I can't breathe! I slipped into my car, the automatic gate unlocking with a soft click. As I started the engine, I heard my name being called. "Joanna!" Asher's voice echoed. I glanced in the rear
JOANNA. Why would Cassie be asking that? We were married couples! Isn't he supposed to be lovey dovey with me? “Cassie, Joanna is my wife.” Asher responded and I smiled in conviction as it should. I was glad he was defending me. “Oh really,Asher? Since when? Since when did you consider her a wife? What about our plans? When are you divorcing her?” Cassie demanded..plans? What plans? Divorce? Didn't Asher say he never wanted to hear the word 'divorce' from my lips? “Cassie, I promise you. You have to calm down. I'm not divorcing Joanna now. One mistake and everything could burst. I don't want to risk it” Asher responded. What was Asher exactly saying ? He wasn't divorcing me now, but he was planning to afterall.. My heart sank deep. What was I even expecting? Risk? burst? Asher just seemed to be speaking in parables. “And the best way to do it, is pretend to care about her? How long will you keep up with a woman you don't love? Are you going to continue deceiving her?” Ca
JOANNA. Frustrated over everything, I just sat down on the couch and cried. I wanted Cassie out of our lives if she was going to keep tormenting me. I did nothing to deserve this! What surprised me the most was the fact that she went to the kitchen and started making a super easy meal which was stir fry noodles. I couldn't believe her but then again there was nothing I could do. I watched her from the living room, my eyes swelling in anger. She would occasionally smirk at me. I turned away from her and clenched my fists. I didn't have the confidence to ask Asher about this, about how long she would stay. Maybe if our relationship progresses then she gets to leave..The door kicked open and Asher stepped in. My face brightened up as I stood up from the couch..“Good evening Asher…” I greeted,walking close to him.. Asher smiled back at me and spread his arms.. I gently dived into his embrace..“Good evening Joanna. How was your day?” He inquired and I giggled. Asher kissed my forehead
JOANNA. Asher left for work and I blocked the number that sent me those messages. I didn't want to receive such messages again. I can't believe someone would obsess over Asher like that. My day wasn't so bad because Asher had brightened it up before leaving and I stayed indoors the entire day, imagining what it would be like from now on.Luther did text me to know how I was doing and I told him everything that happened between Asher and I. About our reconciliation, his words and the anonymous messages. Luther wished me well and said he was glad we cleared things up. The day passed by quickly and I got so excited that I wanted to make the best dinner for Asher.. I mean he wanted to eat my food after three years. I should give it my best. I looked at the clock, it was 5pm and he would be home around 8pm but it was easier to start earlier or maybe it was just the excitement..As I stepped downstairs, excitement bubbled in my chest. I headed to the fridge, rummaging through the shelves
JOANNA..Asher’s expression changed in an instant,his eyes widening in bit of shock. . He seemed taken aback with the fact that I proposed a divorce. I wasn't even in my right senses. The whole situation made me feel like I was losing my mind.. I couldn't hold onto anything.. Asher didn't love me, I couldn't bear children. Is life even worth living? For a moment, Asher just stared at me, his mouth slightly ajar, before his face darkened and his eyes narrowed. "Divorce?" he repeated, his voice low. “Did I just hear you say divorce, Joanna?” He asked and I nodded, tears dripping. “You don't love me. I know you hate me. All these times,this marriage has only been beneficial to you.. I can't conceive. I can't get you to love me. There's no need….” My words were cut off with a hard slam on the bed as I flinched..“Not ever! Joanna. You wanted this for yourself. Didn't you? You wanted to marry me. You told your father that you wanted to marry me. And now, you think you can leave wheneve