POLLENAs I stepped out of the evening sunlight and into the pristine, modern venue,my eyes scanned the crowded room.Not like I was looking for anyone in particular, I just wanted to give off a confidence that was befitting for my appearance.I had never been to a book launch before, but have heard rumors about the extravagance of such events.Even at that, nothing could have prepared me for the sea of expectant faces that spun my way as I made my entrance.My red flowing dress seemed to shimmer in the light, the one shoulder strap drew attention to my toned arm, while the daring cutout on my side flaunted a glimpse of my delicate skin. The dress was a bold choice, and I knew it.Mia had spent days deliberating over my outfit, and finally decided that this was the one. I was left with no choice, but to go with itAs I strode my way through the horde of guests, the room fell silent. Conversations hung in mid-sentences, and heads spun to take in the sight of me.My heart pounded wit
ERICI was at the dining area waiting for my mother to come down for breakfast while scrolling through my phone. “Good Morning, Poppy” I looked up when I heard her foot steps approaching.“Morning, Eric. Did you sleep well?”“I did. Never slept this good in a long while”“Really” I got up to pull a chair for my mother as she got to the table.“Thank you”“You welcome”“Is it because you are looking forward to the book launch?”“Nah. Has nothing to do with that”“That’s cold” My mother made a sad face.“Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just I dreamt of some one all through the night, and now I can’t seem to get her out of my head”“Who is she? Should I be expecting to see her soon?” She leaned forward to ask.“Not sure if she will be coming to the book launch, but if she does then you will definitely meet her”“Wait a minute? You invited her to the book launch?”“No. Kira did”“Oh, I see” My mother tilted her head as if to recall something.“What’s this young lady’s name?”“Why
NATASHA After hearing the maids sing praises of the pauper while making ridicule of me, I knew it was time to be more intensional about my actions.More than anything, I wanted to go in there and confront them, but what happens after I do? Not like I can ask Raymond to fire them. Apart from the fact that he is a logical person who doesn’t just do what he is told, his attention has been swayed by the ongoing scandal and being petty was only going to work against me.As I made my way upstairs, to where I knew I was going to find him, the crashing sound of ceramic caught my attention.I turned around to see what happened. It was Lily, she looked petrified while standing there. She must been shocked to find me in the mansion, more concerned that I might have overheard them.“Good day Ma’am”“Hello” I gave her a weary smile and continued my way up.I knew she was confused as to whether I heard their conversation or not. Well, I guess that’s enough punishment for the moment until I’m in th
RAYMOND“Miss Pamela, do you think…” Pollen paused halfway when we nearly bumped into each other at the kitchen entrance.“Sorry, I didn’t see you —coming”I trailed off when my eyes fell on her.All I could do at that moment was stare, I was too dazed by her intoxicating beauty to mutter anything. How can one person possess different appealing kinds of beauty. Not long ago, she looked very innocent and charming in a pair of black sweat pants, white tank top and messy bun, now this?Alex who had came over to help me sort some files came out of the kitchen too, bumping into me in the process, as I was still by the door.He stopped in his tracks when he saw her, I wouldn’t blame him. She looked too good in the red gown with cutouts that revealed the right proportion of delicate skin.“Pollen, is it you??” Alex turned to me with a broad smile on his face.I pushed Alex aside, a subtle way of telling him to go do something with his life.“Okay Man. I’m going” Alex walked away grudgingly
I barged into Pollen's room, my anger smoldering just below the surface. She was sitting in front of her laptop, totally immersed in her little video call. I didn't bother knowing what the video call might be about, even though her tone and facial expression indicated it was something serious. I needed to use this room, and she was in my way."Get out, Pollen," I snapped, my patience getting slimmer with every passing second. "I need to use this room."But instead of scurrying away like she usually does, Pollen had the audacity to politely ask who she was talking to, wait a moment, and then turn to me with a firm tone. "I'm in my own room, Natasha. If you need to use it, please ask nicely and tell me what you need it for."My eyes narrowed, and my anger was flaring. What gave her the nerve to think she could talk back at me? Who does she think she was, speaking to me like that? I lunged at her, my hand reaching for her hair, but she sprang up, her eyes flashing with a fierce rage. I
POLLENI was totally buried in my video call with my writing critique, analysing my work and offering valuable insights. When Natasha barged into my room, her rude carriage startled me."Get out, Pollen. I need to use this room." She demanded, her voice dripping with entitlement.I smiled at my critique, asking for a moment, and muted the call. "I'm in my own room, Natasha. If you need to use it, please ask nicely and tell me what you need it for." I said.Natasha's face was distorted in anger, her eyes flashing with irritation. "You seem to have forgotten your place. Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?" She sneered, taking a step closer.I stood my ground, trying to appear saner than I was. "I'm simply asking you to respect my space, Natasha. I'm in the middle of an important call."“Do I look like I care about your flimsy video call? Get out this instant!”“What if I refuse?”Natasha's face contorted even more as her anger heightened when I said that. She charged tow
My forehead was creased with numerous lines as I focused on the financial reports in front of me. I was still trying to understand the missing figures on the the report when my office door burst open and Nala walked in, her eyes wide with urgency. I felt a surge of irritation at the interruption."Nala, what's the meaning of this?" I asked sternly, looking up from my papers. "How many times do I have to tell you to knock before coming in?”But Nala didn't apologize or hesitate. "I'm sorry, Daniel, but it's urgent," she said, her voice firm. "You need to see this."“What is it?”Nala scurried to stand beside me with an iPad. She showed me a picture of me and pollen walking side by side, then there’s one of us holding hands, and the last one made it look like we were kissing.“What magazine wrote this?”I asked in fury.“‘It’s a blog called Everything Billionaires”“Tell them to take it down or face my wrath”I went back to reviewing the financial report.“Okay Sir” Nala answered and m
MARKI walked downstairs, my footsteps resounding through the grand staircase of our mansion. The crystal chandelier above me illuminated the light, casting a kaleidoscope of colours on the marble floor. I passed by the sweeping staircase, adorned with intricate carvings, and made my way to the living room.My mom sat on the plush sofa, immersed in her phone, surrounded by the palatial decor of our luxurious home. The walls were painted a warm beige, complemented by the rich wood tones of the furniture and the vibrant colours of the artwork. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed natural light to pour in, illuminating the space.I approached her, my mind preoccupied with the conversation I wanted to have. "Mum, can we talk?" I asked, trying to get her attention.She barely looked up, her eyes scanning the pages of the magazine. "What is it, Mark?" she replied distractedly.I took a deep breath, trying to choose my words carefully. "I want Emilia to move in with us. I don't trust her eno