She suddenly felt odd. Wouldn’t people look at her like some homeless person? But then again, she was with Haven.Two men stood by the door, ready to receive them in, their heads already low in a short bow. A woman dressed in a dark skirt and suit, stepped out and walked towards them with a smile.‘’Mr haven, so nice to have you here.’’ The woman extended her hands inside. ‘’We’ve made all arrangements as requested.’’''Thank you, Lara,” Haven said. He made to move when Alexis unconsciously dragged him back.He stopped, turning to her with a short frown. ‘’What?’’She blinked, wondering why she stopped him. ‘’Nothing,’’ She said, averting her eyes. She noticed the condensing look Lara shot at her before she turned to walk into the mall. With a dejected sigh, she followed Haven inside.As expected, the inside was just as incredible as the exterior designs outside. Everything was organized, even the sales-persons were all dressed corporate. The minute they walked in, Alexis could feel
Like the second dress, this one was also black. She ran her hand across the cloth’s edge. It felt like suede but looked like fine silk, no doubt of the finest quality. It seemed like eternity before she finally wore the dress. It was tight just below the ribcage and loose around her neck, black as night. It flared under her waist, stopping just two inches above her knees. The back of the cloth was a wide opening that showed her neck to the base of her spine. Alexis whistled to herself.Now, this was a killer outfit. It was more of a street sexy, rather than an extravagant sexy. Exactly her type of clothing. She turned to Haley, feeling confident. From the look on Haley’s face too, she was certain this was the one.‘’It’s lovely,’’ Haley said.‘’I choose this one.’’‘’Wonderful.’’ Haley sounded relieved. ‘’Now, let’s move to the shoes section.’’Alexis gathered her old clothes and followed after her. ‘’Could I get a sneakers instead?’’ Alexis asked.‘’With that gown?’’ Haley scoffed.
‘’Our products are of designer quality, mind you.’’ Haley said. ‘’We don’t sell cheap products.’’‘’That’s a shame. You’d make a lot of money, even if you were selling rags.’’‘’Why you-’’ Haley moved forward. Even the sales person in charge of payment was taken aback. A low sigh from Haven had Haley stopping in her tracks. Without another word, he took his credit card and made his way out of the mall.Alexis stuck her tongue out at Haley, before following Haven out.Alexis wasn’t sure if it was her imagination or that Haven kept making side glances to her as he drove. She tried not to feel too self-conscious, but it was hard not too. She wasn’t used to being this scrutinized every now and then, especially from a guy she’d only know for two days.The car finally came to a stop in front of a trump tower. Alexis was staring at the huge building with polished panels so she didn’t notice when Haven had gotten down to open the door for her. She shot a leg out, moving to bring the other one
The man must have caught up to it as well and he immediately changed the topic. As they were discussing business, Alexis turned her attention to the building. The inside was really beautiful, and the designs were sleek, clean, and of good quality. She had no doubt that even the marble floor underneath their feet was going to be squeaking clean if she touched them.She was about to react to her intrusive thoughts when Haven suddenly called out to her. She halted, her hands inches from touching the marble floor. Haven and the man stared at her, blinking. She straightened up, laughing lightly, her cheeks red from embarrassment. ‘’I thought I saw something on the floor.’’ She lied.‘’Let’s go.’’ Haven reached out to take her hand. She grabbed it without hesitation and he guided them both to a far corner of the lobby.‘’You don’t like that man?’’ The question was out of her mouth before she knew it. She remembered his rigid self and how he had looked hot when he was angry. ‘’I don’t like
Alexis almost laughed. Was he flirting with her? ‘’I’ll take wine,’’ Haven said. ‘’She will also.’’ He glared at Roshua. ‘’Make it the finest wine this restaurant has since it’s on you.’’Roshua laughed saying, ‘’I smell vinegar on you.’’ before walking away.They sat in silence. Alexis drummed her fingers on the table, staring at the vast window that showed the outside. The lights from the city and from cars twinkled like stars. It was a pretty sight. Taking her eyes away from the window, she glanced at Haven. He was on his phone, typing away only he knew what. Alexis guessed it was business work.Even now, he was still working.Roshua was back a minute later with a bottle of wine and two glass cups. He placed them on the table. ‘’Our restaurant's finest.”He popped it open and filled up the glass. He handed a cup to Alexis. She frowned her face after taking a sip. It was slightly bitter and sweet at the same time.‘’You don’t like it?’’ Roshua asked.She had a feeling he would be s
‘’I said don’t tell me what to do.’’ She removed her hand from his. ‘’I am the one doing you a favor here.’’‘’I am paying you.’’ He retorted.‘’Screw you and your money.’’ She clearly didn’t mean that.She stepped backwards, her heels clicking against the marble floor. ‘’Arrogant bastard. Fucking idiot. You think you’re all that, huh?!’’ Haven frowned, taking a step closer to her. ‘’Stop.’’‘’Don’t tell me what to do!’’Her little shout caught the attention of those in the room and suddenly all eyes were on them. She could hear their tiny voices talking, gossiping about them. Haven wanted a rumor, well, he would be getting one from the looks of things.‘’You’re making a fool of yourself.’’ She heard him say.‘’I am making a fool of myself? All day, you’ve been a pain in the butt. But I thought I could put up with it cause I need the money but that doesn't mean you can dictate how or what I do.’’Haven frowned but quickly recomposed himself. ‘’I am paying you.’’‘’That’s all you have
They walked in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Thinking about the unknown. Finally, Haven spoke. "How is your father, really?"Alexis's smile faded. "He’s hanging in there. The doctors say his health is stable, but being in prison is not a healthy environment, it's taking its toll."Their eyes met for a second and the air became surprisingly cold. Haven’s gaze dropped to her lips, Alexis found herself leaning in.The disturbing ring of Haven's phone shattered the moment. He stepped back, clearing his throat as he fished the device from his pocket. "Haven," he answered, his voice rough.Alexis turned away, her cheeks red. What was she thinking? This marriage was a business arrangement, nothing more. She couldn't afford to forget that, no matter how kind Haven was or how her body reacted to his presence."That was the family lawyer," Haven said as he ended the call. "He wants to meet with us tomorrow to go over some documents and sign some documents as well."Alexi
"What are you saying?" she asked. Haven held her hands, his thumbs running circles on her skin. “I’m saying the whole circumstance that brought us together has blinded us to see what has been growing inside of us. Alexis, I think I’m in love with you.“"Haven," she whispered, "I think I'm falling in love with you too." She said with a whole lot of emotions. And it felt like a burden was lifted of her immediately she said those words, thereafter came a soft smile that was unique and uncommon.Alex had always engrossed herself in a high self esteem on her composure and calmness. It was one of those things that made her different. But today was not that day that grace was going to be upheld.The morning sunlight came peeping through the curtains, giving off a warm glow over the bedroom as Alexis came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a white towel.Her mind was busy with the details of her arranged marriage to Haven. It was not that she denied having feelings for him, by the way they sha
"I actually believed that we would eventually have to take sides.” Marcus could vividly recall the memories. He had been friends with Haven since high school, witnessing his journey through a painful breakup with his college girlfriend, who had betrayed him by getting involved with his roommate. Smoothly flowing friendship marked by shared experiences and challenges. The betrayal had caused Haven to build walls so high that they appeared insurmountable. His innate warmth and optimism were buried beneath layers of protective cynicism. When Fiona first re-introduced Alexis to their friend group few months ago, Marcus noticed the same wounded walls in her. Fresh from calling off her engagement to a man who had gradually tried to suppress her sparkle, in an effort to control her better, Alexis was portraying a demeanor characterized by sharp edges and cautious aloofness. Haven and Alexis moved around each other cautiously, like two wary cats, drawn to each other yet filled with insecuri
The park seemed hushed, only the little giggles from the children playing and the jogging steps from around the park seemed to be the only sound apart from the heartbeat of both Haven and Alexis. Haven and Alexis sat across from each other, their gazes locked. Time seemed to stand still as they simply were, their presence filling the space with a quiet intensity.Haven's heart pounded in his chest. He’d never felt this way about anyone before. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, every detail, every nuance, striking him with a fresh sense of wonder. Her eyes, a deep, captivating brown, held a universe of emotions. He could get lost in them for hours, exploring the depths of her soul.Alexis, too, was lost in the moment. She felt a warmth spreading through her, a comforting familiarity that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Haven’s gaze was steady and kind, a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounded her. In his eyes, she saw acceptance, understanding, and a
Haven's throat was fixed. He knew precisely what she meant—how they had both lost themselves in the splits and cleft of their fizzled marriage, getting to be individuals they didn’t recognize. "Do you ever think," he said, his voice scarcely capable of being heard, "about what us?" Alexis gave him a sidelong look, her expression softening. "All the time." They fell into a pensive quiet, the kind that comes as it were when two individuals share a history as well complicated for words. "I think," Alexis began gradually, "we were trying so hard to be what we thought the other needed that we overlooked to be ourselves." Haven gestured, her words resounding deeply. "No doubt. I thought I had to be this culminating supplier, continuously solid, continuously in control. But I wasn't truly letting you in. I see that now." "And I kept trying to be this perfect spouse," Alexis included with a little, self-deprecating snicker. "I needed to demonstrate that I was enough, that I could handle
Alexis let out a little, severe giggle. “I never stopped caring, Haven. That’s the problem.” The genuineness in her voice cut through him like a knife, more sharp than any offended she may have tossed his way. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “If you never stopped caring, why did you leave?” She hesitated, her expression tormented. “Because I was tired of waiting for you to choose me.” Haven felt the air leaving his lungs as if she had punched him. “What are you talking about? I was continuously there.” “You were physically there,” Alexis whispered, “but your heart was someplace else. Continuously working, continuously building. I needed more than that.” He closed his eyes, blaming wrapping around him like chains. He had worked himself to the bone to donate them both a great life, believing it would be enough. But in the process, he had missed the foremost vital thing—her. “I thought I was doing it for us,” he said, his voice overwhelming with lament. “I though
A minute, the walls around her heart trembling but not very falling. Perhaps, just perhaps, she might take another step. “Yeah,” she said unobtrusively. “I think I do.” Haven leaned back in his leather chair, checking the numbers on his laptop screen with a tired but fulfilled smile. Business was good, better than ever, in reality. Growing his firm had been one of the most risky choices of his life, but the payoff had surpassed his expectations. However, even in the midst of his proficient victory, a gloomy hurt remained underneath the surface, one that wasn’t so effortlessly relieved by benefits and development charts. He tapped a number of keys to distract himself and ran a hand down his face. He had a whole lot to do on his plate for the upcoming investors meeting that could serve as a major boost for the future of his company. His company that suffered a downgrade after the divorce with Alexis was slowly getting recognized and becoming a better version of itself.Outside the wide
She moved awkwardly in her seat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s easier that way. In case you don’t expect anything, you can’t get hurt.” Dr. Patel inclined forward marginally, her hands resting on the armrests of her chair. “It sounds like you’ve built walls around yourself to secure against dissatisfaction. But those walls also make it difficult for people to associate with you, don't they?” Alexis collapsed her arms firmly over her chest. “Yeah, well. it’s not like anyone’s trying that hard, anyway.” “Do you think that’s true?” Dr. Patel inquired tenderly. “Or is that something you tell yourself since it feels safer?” Alexis looked absent, jaw fixing. “What difference does it make? They give up inevitably. Friends, boyfriends. everybody. It continuously happens.” Dr. Patel let a minute of hush hang between them before she spoke. “Tell me about your last relationship.” Alexis moaned, rubbing her sanctuaries. “Do we have to?” “I think it could help us learn mor
Alexis giggled, the sound light and free. For the first time in a long time, she felt confident. “Maybe,” she said, looking at him, “but possibly it’s worth the risk.” Haven’s grin mollified, and in that minute, something moved between them—something inconspicuous but irrefutable. As the night wore on and the wine vanished, they found themselves closer than ever before, their chuckling blending within the warm glow of the room. And for the first time since her engagement ended, Alexis allowed herself to accept the plausibility of love again—not the perfect, fairy-tale kind, but the chaotic, complicated, genuine kind. And sitting there with Haven, she realized that perhaps, just perhaps, she was precisely where she was meant to be.The cool night air brushed against Alexis’s skin as she strolled down the quiet street. She’d left Haven’s place a little later than she’d planned, but the lingering warmth of the evening was a welcome change from the usual rush.A sense of peace washed
Alexis didn’t drag her hand away, but she looked down at the ring once more, her lips squeezing into a lean line. “Why does it feel like I’ve been left with nothing?” “Because shock could be a thief,” Haven said delicately. “It takes more than just the person, it takes your sense of worth with it. But that’s a lie. You still have all of you, Alexis.” For a long minute, neither of them talked. The hum of discussion and clinking glasses filled the hush between them, a foundation clamour to the turmoil whirling in Alexis’s mind. Haven gave her hand a soft touch. “Let’s get out of here. This place isn’t precisely built for healing.” Alexis wavered but at that point nodded, thankful for the life saver he was proposed to. They ended up at Haven’s flat, the air thick with the comforting fragrance of coffee and cinnamon candles. Alexis twisted up on the couch, holding a warm mug between her hands while Haven sat over from her, his expression open and understanding. “It’s not just Mat
Alexis yanked her arm free, dazzling at him. “No, Matthew. You had your chance, and you blew it. I deserve way better than this.” Matthew’s shoulders dropped back. For a moment, the sound between them was the murmur of the TV. “Where did you indeed meet Deborah?” Alexis inquired intensely, incapable of stopping herself. Matthew moaned intensely. “She’s an old friend from college. She got into a few financial inconveniences, and I thought I might help.” His voice trailed off, as if indeed he realized how lamentable the pardon sounded. Alexis shook her head in disbelief. “Unbelievable. You bet with our future for some lady from your past.” She turned and walked toward the door, her heart overwhelming but unfaltering. She had gone through for so long disregarding the signs, trusting Matthew would be the man he imagined to be. But presently, she saw the truth clearly, he had never been that man. “Alexis, please!” Matthew called after her, his voice splitting with edginess. “Don’t le