CHAPTER ONE ✍️
Starr’s POV “Trust me Starr, I’m your best friend and I always want the best for you, I wouldn’t lie or accuse Charles of something that’s not true. So please believe me when I say he’s a freaking liar and a cheat.” “I saw him this afternoon in Nirvana lounge with a beautiful, average height, light-skin lady, and they looked so happy like people in love. Nirvana lounge, that rang a bell in my head. That’s the hotel me and him always stayed whenever he’s around. “And before you say anything, that didn’t look like a business deal or friendship date”. She added trying to sound convincing. I hung up abruptly, and sat quickly on my bed thinking about what lizzy just spurted. I didn’t want to believe “Could she be telling the truth? No, no, Starr stop, don’t do this,” I murmured as I welcomed denial. Charles would never hurt me. And what the hell would he be even doing in Dubai? I mean, he isn’t back from Canada, where he went on an important business trip for months now. Or could he be back? What else would he be looking for in a woman? I know I’m not perfect, but I made sure I gave him all he asked for, except for one but it’s not entirely my fault….urrrgh, Starr, stop it!!!! I stood up from my bed without hesitation, picked up my bag and stormed out of my room. I quickly hailed a cab and gave the driver my destination. So, he sped up there, constantly checking me out from his front mirror. But I just sat there, wiping off the tears that tried to make its way out of my eyes. This couldn’t be true. I kept giving myself reassurance, reminding myself how much Charles loves me. I mean, he always said that to me. I kept looking at the mirror in intervals, checking if the driver was looking, and yes, he was glaring hard, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to see Charles, and be in his arms, for him to tell me everything was fine, and he’d never cheat on me. The car finally came to an halt. I quickly opened the car door and stepped out. “Hi, miss,” The dark, chubby receptionist welcomed me as I made my way into the five-star hotel Charles always checked into when comes to Dubai. “Is there something you’d like us to do for you ma’am? She asked, offering me a bright smile. “Please, can I know if someone named Charles Donovan checked in here today? I pleaded. “Yes ma’am, Mr Charles Donovan is checked in room 306.” The receptionist answered almost immediately. “Okay, please can I get the keycard to that room? I asked. “Oh, I’m sorry ma’am. It’s not done that way here, and moreover, It’s stated during his check-in that Me Donovan doesn’t want any visitor,” I’m so sorry, ma’am,” She quickly added. “Please, you don’t understand. I really need to see him right now,” I begged. “Okay, I can call him if you—” “Oh no, no, no, don’t. Here, the thing is, It’s a surprise. I am his girlfriend, and today’s his birthday so, he doesn’t have to know I’m here. I just want to surprise him. I know it’s the company’s policies, but I assure you, it’s for a a good cause,” I explained, hoping it’d sound more convincing. She studied me for a while before finally saying something. “Oh, Okay, ma’am. Please hold on for a minute, I will quickly get the keys,” She said and ran off immediately to get the card keys. Seconds later, she arrived, handing me the card. “Here miss, the top floor by your left, you’d see room 306.” “Thank you so much, this really means a lot to me,” I quickly added, I smiled and walked away heading towards the elevator. Once there, I hit the button going up to the last floor. Minutes later, I stood directly in front of the room that my Charles was checked in. Taking a deep breath, steadying my trembling hands, I knocked on the door, but it seemed the door was not appropriately closed, So it creaked open a little bit. I then pushed it open slowly. The luxurious living room was eerily quiet, with only the soft hum of the air conditioner breaking the silence. I surveyed the space, but no one was there, but I spotted a black, sleek handbag lying on the floor with its content spilled out. The air was heavy with with the scent of perfume, something more primal and feminine. Getting closer to the handbag on the floor, I noticed the trail of clothes laid at the back of the couch. As I began to ascend the stairs, a low, throaty moan echoed through the hallway, sending shivers down my spine. My heart sank. The sound grew louder, and my curiosity turned to alarm. A muffled moan drifted down the hall, my heart sank deeper as the intentional sound of moans grew louder with each step I took towards the closed bedroom door. My stomach churned, I felt a pang of desperation as I realized I might be too late to save our relationship, maybe I should just turn back. Maybe I’m the wrong room. I hesitated as my fingers hovered the door handle. Getting myself together, I twisted the doorknob and pushed it open. There he was, my fiancée wrapped in another woman’s arms. An unknown lady. Who doesn’t look familiar, I know for a fact that I’ve never seen her before in my entire life. He was on-top of her, her finger nails digging dip into his shoulders as he continued to use his dick to satisfy her, and his hands roamed and pressed around her body. My chest tightened, and my fingers became sweaty, my mind reeled in shock, pain, and anger as my tears came falling fast. They both remained oblivious to my arrival. With a gentle creak of the floorboard beneath my feet I announced my presence and Charles looked up at me. He wasn’t scared or surprised and they continued. That action shocked me to my bones, and that minute, I knew I was NOTHING to him. I felt crushed, embarrassed, and used. That instant, there was no word that could explain exactly how I felt. But I still stood there, on the same spot because I was too broken to take a step. Lizzy’s words echoed in my mind, “he’s not good for you, Starr,” I tried to brush it off, but seed of doubt had already been planted. I clenched my fists, my eyes swollen up with tears as I realized the truth. And then the man who I thought was my all hit me with a vigorous statement. “When you’re done shedding your tears, don’t forget to close the door behind you.” And that sent my world crashing, my heart shattered into a million pieces. But I didn’t leave, I wanted to question him. I wanted him to look me in the eyes, and tell me why he’d cheat on me. “Charles,” I called out but he didn’t turn to face me till I raised my voice. He turned to look at me with so much anger. “What the hell Starr, what do you want? What are you still doing here? Do you want to keep on watching as me and my woman make love? He said with no hint of remorse in his tone. “Why would you do this to me? What have I done to deserve this?” I asked him my voice laced with pain. “Well, you wouldn’t blame me. I got tired of a barren woman,” He voice firm and intentional. Immediately that word came out of his mouth, it felt like everything stopped, the world got frozen. I didn’t want to believe Charles referred to me as BARREN!! just because I couldn’t conceive, With a quiet sob, I turned and fled the room.CHAPTER 2✍️As the elevator came to a halt, I stepped out and returned the keycard to the receptionist. I sprinted out of the building and flagged down a taxi. The drive was cold and silent, and my vision blurred from excessive crying.Getting to my destination, I sat in a bar with three bottles of pure alcohol, drowning in my sorrows. I knew that was exactly what I needed at that moment. As I struggled to regain control of my emotions, memories of what I had witnessed came flooding back.The memory of her stunning beauty lingered, and I couldn’t help but compare myself to her. She was a version of perfection, stunningly beautiful, and in that moment, I knew I would never measure up to her. Even in a fairy dress, he’d never love someone like me. He needed someone beautiful, model looking, confident, and someone who’d give him a Child, I was none of them.I remembered how they looked into each other eyes with burning love passion, and it dawned on me. “Never in a million year
CHAPTER 3✍️ I woke up in an unfamiliar place; the ceiling was far different from the ones in my room. “Where the hell am I?” I asked myself. I tried getting up, and that was when I saw the bed I was lying on. “I’m in a freaking hospital.” The door creaked. I looked up to see what was wrong, and I saw Lizzy walk in with a man that looked like, he’s in his late forties and yes, he was with a stethoscope on his neck. “Yeah, how great. Lizzy brought me to a fucking hospital.” “Hey, Starr, right? How’re you feeling?” the doctor asked, his voice gentle. I hesitantly answered, “I feel good doctor,” please can you give me and my friend a moment together? It’s really urgent. I need to speak with her. The doctor nodded sympathetically. “Of course, I’ll give you some privacy. But just for a minute, okay?” As soon as the doctor left, I turned to Lizzy, my voice low and urgent. “Why the hell did you bring me to a hospital, Lizzy? You know how much I hate hospitals, it smells, It
Chapter 4✍️“Always make sure you sleep well, rest early, and stay away from alcohol, okay? And also stay hydrated.” He added.I nodded slightly, still gazing out the window. Lizzy squeezed my hand reassuring.“We’ll get through this, Starr, like we always do, okay? Lizzy consoled me. Yes.” I answered.The doctor smiled softly, warmly. “You’ll need to come back for a follow-up appointment in two weeks’ time. We’ll monitor your condition and adjust your medication as needed.”I turned back to face him, forcing a weak smile. “Okay, doctor. Thank you.”After an emotionally draining day, I collapsed onto the bed as soon as we got home, exhausted, took over. Lizzy let me sleep, knowing I needed to recharge.Hours later, I woke up feeling a bit more refreshed. Lizzy was sitting in the living room, her eyes fixed on me as I walked in.“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked, concern etched on her face.I shrugged, taking a seat beside her. “Better, thanks.”Lizzy nodd
Chapter 5✍️“Where are my freaking clothes?” I shouted at the top of my voice. The door swung open, and someone walked in. I looked up and my eyes widened in horror. It was the same guy I met at the club! “What was his name again?” I thought to myself, panic setting in. “I don’t even remember and I don’t care!!!”“No, no, no, this can’t be happening, I exclaimed, my voice and hands trembling. “W-what am I doing in your… your house?” I stuttered, trying to process the situation. “Who brought me here?” I demanded, my anger rising.The guy’s expression remained calm, but I could see a sense of amusement dancing in his eyes.“You don’t remember me, do you?” He asked, his voice low but smooth.I shook my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “No, I…I don’t, and funny enough, I don’t care. The only thing I wish to know is, Why the hell am I in your fucking bed?” That’s all I want to know.I tilted my head sideways, trying to calm my frazzled nerves do
Chapter 6✍️The cool breeze enveloped me as I stepped off the plane in France. I joined the stream of passengers moving towards the baggage claim, the sound of luggage wheels and chatters filling the air. I felt a thrill of happiness knowing I was away and I wanted to start all over, but I still had thoughts of that suspicious phone call. I don’t frolic around with any man, so who could that be? I mean, I would have easily said Charles’s wife, but they were long gone and I haven’t spoken to him since our last encounter at the airport, so definitely it’s not here, then who? I thought to myself with a blank expression on my face. I rolled my luggages to a taxi, gave the driver my destination and few minutes later, I stood at the front of a beautiful tall building.This was it, my new home. I smiled and stepped inside. The concierge greeted me warmly and handed me the keys to my apartment. I thanked her and made my way upstairs, unlocking the door and stepping inside
CHAPTER 7✍️Starr’s POV I and Mr. Jenkins were still conversing, but we were nearly finished.“I like that.” He quickly reached for his landline and called someone to come in and after a few minutes, a beautiful brunette lady came in and he told her to take me to my office.We got outside, and she complimented me. “Hey, I’m Racheal, but you can call me ray. I wouldn’t mind, I mean cause my friends call me that.” She stuttered, and God! You’re so beautiful,” she added.I blushed immediately, that rolled out of her mouth. “Thank you Racheal, you look beautiful too,” I complimented her too, and she slightly tapped my arm. “Oh, please, don’t flatter me.”We got a cabin, and we stopped there. She opened the door and told me this was my space, while hers was just beside mine, and if I ever needed anything, I shouldn’t hesitate to call her. And I responded, “ Okay, Rachael, thank you.”After a long stressful day at work, I got home, had my shower, and headed outside t
CHAPTER 8✍️Starr’s POVThe next morning, I gazed into the mirror, my eyes sparkled with self-admiration. I couldn’t help but notice the transformation that had taken place over the past two years. My skin, had lightened to a radiant glow, My curves, were mind blowing.With a gentle smile, I traced the contours of my face, my fingers dancing across my high cheekbones, my full lips, and my almond-shaped eyes. I felt like a work of art.We had already packed our things yesterday, so it wasn’t hard to get the airport that morning.Few hours later, I checked the flight status and saw that our plane had just landed. My heart skipped a beat.We made our way to the arrivals gate, my eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of my best friend .And then, suddenly, I saw her. Her long hair flowing behind her. Her eyes locked onto mine, and a radiant smile spread across her face.“Lizzy” I exclaimed, rushing towards her with open arms.I swept her into a tight hug, feeling
CHAPTER 9✍️We all sat down on our chairs, conversing cause they were all throwing questions at me and I answered all swiftly. The idiot, Seven, kept on staring at me and Ella kept giving me this side eye that felt annoying. “Why is she looking at me like that?” I mumbled to myself.So she finally muttered to Tania to swap chairs with hers, they did, and she immediately pulled the chair closer to Seven.They began talking, “Hey, Seven! I’m Ella, It’s so great to finally meet you.” He responded with his name, and Ella tried pushing it more, but he clearly wasn’t interested in whatever she was saying. But Ella didn’t mind, all she wanted was to strike a conversation with him by all means, she wanted his attention at all cost.But he was still seated, looking uninterested. She didn’t let that deter her, though. She flashed him a bright smile and asked another question, but he just looked at her and gave a warm smile.We all kept on conversing, except Seven and Ell
I was currently in my room. After that outburst from Jude, I wasn’t feeling comfortable anymore, so I told them that I was going back to my room.Firstly, I went to the kitchen, took my food and a glass of milk before going back to my room.After I finished eating, I dropped the tray on my nightstand, and I snuggled u see the warm blankets, feeling the softness of my bed envelop me. I tried taking a nap, but each time, I bounced back to thinking.Hours later, Lizzy came into my room, so I quickly shut my eyes to pretend like I was sleeping and she snuggled close to me as she placed her hands on my face, caressing it till she spoke.“You know you can’t deceive me, right?” I still kept shut cause I wasn’t ready for her scolding. But she chuckled when I still didn’t make a move, then she went for my nose. She held it and I quickly slapped her hands off and we bursted out in laughter.I gasped out as I spoke, “Do you wanna kill me?” I asked with a smile plastered on my face.She laughed b
I placed my hand on Seven, making him turn his gaze back at me. The room fell awkwardly silent as Kay came closer and asked if I was alright.I responded with a smile as I glanced back at Seven and I saw he was fuming. Clearly, he didn’t like the idea of Kay been this close to me, so he leaned closer and whispered to me that he’d be back. He has to receive a call.He stood up and left, making the atmosphere in the room change. We all started conversing, although Lizzy was a little distant. I knew she wasn’t happy that Seven had to leave because Kay was around.She liked Seven for me. He rounded up our conversation, and it was time for him to leave. So he placed a peck on my cheek the moment Seven walked in.My eyes snapped to the doorway as I saw Seven halt in his step before moving away for Kay to walk out.He didn’t say anything as the nurses came in to inject me with a sleeping dose, so I dozed off, obviously tired from the whole talk.I woke up the next day to see that it was jus
I flickered my eyes away from her back to Lizzy, and I signaled that she should come closer.Immediately she pulled her chair close to me, she rose, and sank onto the bed, as she arched her brows and rubbed my chin.I took my gaze from her back to the Tania, and then back to Lizzy again. But before I’d speak. Tania spoke up and insisted that she wanted to speak to me first.Ella stood up, strolled closer to the window as she no longer felt comfortable, so she spoke up through gritted teeth “You can see that she’s sick, tell her whatever you want to tell her later.”So I quickly took my gaze back to Tania. She drew closer as she fumbled with her fingers. “No, I want to tell her now.” She persisted.I nodded with my eyes squinting around waiting to hear her talk, “What’s it?”Hesitantly, she started off, “I’m sorry Starr. I doubted you so I misunderstood you. But it wasn’t my intention. Please understand me.”Confusion was etched on my face as I furrowed my brows trying to understand he
CHAPTER 60✍️Clamping my mouth tightly as I tried to take in the whole scenario that was displaying. I didn’t know what to do, so quickly, I moved my hands to reach for my handbag. I pulled it onto my lap as I tried to pull out my phone.I got the road that had a U turn, so I swiftly turned my hands towards it as I pulled up into the next lane.My fingers grasped my seat belt as I buckled up, before I dialed Seven’s line as my hands continued shaking in fear and my face soaked in premium tears.God! I was going to die today. Tears continued to roll down my face as I tried to breathe out but my chest tightened.When he picked at the second ring, I shout as I tried to explain to him briefly. “Seven, please help me. My car wouldn’t stop, it just doesn’t want to stop.”Hurriedly, I felt his tensed voice. “I don’t understand, what do you mean?” He asked sharply, and I responded immediately, not giving him a chance to speak again.“Please help me, it wouldn’t stop. My
Chapter 59✍️“Tania?” I asked with my eyes wide open in shock. “What’re you doing?”She seemed to be to in surprise as she saw me, but she quickly straightened her shoulders as she tried to calm her nerves, cleared her throat and gave her response, “I’m sorry, I…. Just didn’t know how to face you. I borrowed your car, so I came to drop off your keys.” She replied, stuttering.I furrowed my brows in confusion as I try to get what she meant by that. “You don’t know how to face me, so you thought it was okay to sneak in? Just because of the keys?”I asked, and she glanced at me before taking her eyes off me back to her fidgeting fingers. “No. It’s because I’ve been acting all strange and I misunderstood you, so I’m sorry.” She concluded and took a step, but halted immediately. “Please, just know it wasn’t my intention to hurt you..” she added.I still arched my eyebrows, still not understanding what all this was about. “T, what’s wrong? What are you saying?” I ask
CHAPTER 58✍️I rubbed my temples to calm my nerves before speaking. “It’s fine, Ella. Thank you.” I said to her as I was about going up back to my room. I stopped and turned to look at her again.“On a second thought. Actually, I checked everybody’s room except Tania’s because it’s locked.”I stated, and I saw her open her mouth, probably startled by that piece of news. “You see that? Why would she lock her door?” She commented.And I shrugged off my shoulders and climbed back to my room. I didn’t know what to think. Was Tania truly behind this? But I’ve known her for a long time. She wouldn’t steal, she’s not a thief.I kept on thinking, trying to revolve my head around the entire issue.My phone rang again as I glanced at the screen to know if he was the one calling. He was.So I swiped up to pick as I hear his deep voice. Although it was calm but I knew he was angry, and probably trying to keep it intact.“Have you gotten home?” He asked.I replied hesita
Chapter 57✍️I knew from the onset that he never liked Kay. He had always hated Kelvin right from the first day he saw him. I remember when I and kelvin came down the stairs, and he kept on gawking at him, so hearing his voice in the background made him angry.And I was sure different thoughts were going through his mind at this moment, but I just can’t be away from my best friend that I’ve known for years even before I met him just because we are now together and he doesn’t like him.That’s his own issue to deal not mine. I’d see kelvin anytime I want. The love I have for him won’t stop me. Moreover, I’m sure he’d understand considering that he knows what it means to take someone very dare to your heart. If the girl on his chest isn’t important, he wouldn’t tattoo her on his skin and keep her identity away from me when he claims that he loves me.Kay glanced at me momentarily as I respond in the same tone, “I’ll call you back.” before I hung up and dropped t
CHAPTER 56✍️The day was moving smoothly, but I couldn’t concentrate at work. He still tried to have a conversation with me after I finished bathing, but I wasn’t in that mood, so I gave silence and laughed a little at whatever he said.After we both finished preparing, he offered to drive me to work because my car had already been sent home. We walked to his car with my heels clicking the floor.Abruptly, he held my hands back and held me by my waist in front of his glaring gate keeper. He asked if I was okay, that I should talk to him, but I dispatched it, and said everything was fine, but now I regret it.My coming to the office today was clearly a mistake. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t attend to the reports that I should. The reports of 130pages are to be checked and sent by me to the marketing teams. It should be finalized by Friday. That’s three days from now and I was yet to do them. I was a mess.Finally, it was closing hours, and I quickly packed the files
Chapter 55✍️️I couldn’t help but laugh. Lizzy’s laugh cracked me up. “Elizabeth,” I said, “I’ll speak to you when I get home. I spoke through gritted teeth. I didn’t speak out loud cause Seven was on a call with Clarice about a major project.I could feel that she raised her brows to respond, but I gulped as I wait for it. “Really? The same way you promised to be home today? But you didn’t?” She stated, and I opened my mouth to defend myself, but I was short of words. I didn’t know what to say, so I literally begged her, “Okay, I apologize, but it was very important, so I had to stay.”“Really?” she questioned, and I nodded like she could see me.I heard her clap her hands together and replied, “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow, then. I’m serious, Starr. Tomorrow has to be tomorrow.” And I replied, still nodding my head before speaking.“Of course, boss.” I spoke, and I heard her chuckle.“Well____” she dragged before adding, “Goodnight…. Say hi to Seven for me and don