Chapter one
Brrring!!.
The annoying sound of my alarm wakes me. It's 7:30 am and I have an interview by 8:30. So, I get up, go into the bathroom, brush my teeth, take my bath and get out, and in minutes, I am on my way. In about 25 minutes, I am in front of 'A&S LTD'.
I get out of my car and practically run into the building with my slightly high stiletto heels which I am wearing to match my black suit. I get to the reception and tell the lady that I am here for the interview. She directs me to the elevator and instructs me to stop on the 3rd floor where the interview is to hold. I look towards the elevator and see that the doors are about to close. I look at my wristwatch and it is 8:28 am.
I make a run for the elevator and before the doors close, I am able to get my fingers in. The doors reopen and I step in and see a handsome guy. He has blue eyes, light brown hair, a charming smile, dimples to die for and it is evident from the suit he is wearing that he is built and rich.
He looks really familiar though. He breaks the silence and speaks.
"Hey, hope you didn't hurt your fingers?" I glance down at my fingers and see that they are red.
"It's nothing. I'll be fine". I say, rubbing my fingers gently.
"Ok, if you think so". He says and looks back at the files in front of him.
He's not so chatty is he?. I wonder if he is also here for the interview.
Before I can ask, the elevator doors open and he steps out. I follow him and see a room full of people probably also here for the interview. I try looking for the handsome stranger but he is nowhere to be found. Oh! There he is.
"Attention, the interview is about to proceed".
I check my watch and see that it was 8:30 sharp. Wait, Oh my God!!, he's the boss. No wonder he looked familiar.
"Lisa Brooks please report to my office", he says.
Now I'm really nervous but I really need this job. If I do, I'll become Andre Smith's assistant and I will temporarily train under him so I can own my own business someday. He comes out and calls the next person. I start playing candy crush as I wait patiently for my turn. He steps out, again and again, and each time he comes out I'm nervous cause it could be me.
"Freya Stanford please report to my office ".
He smiles and our eyes meet. I feel butterflies in my belly. My fingers are crossed, I really hope I get this job. I summon all the courage I have in me and boldly walk into his office, look around and gasp in awe of how huge his office is. I wasn't expecting it to be small but wow! Like wow. What does he even need all this space for? There is a huge desk with two chairs, one on each side. Beside the desk to the right is a large shelf with several books on it and to the left is a tall standing refrigerator. In another section of the same office is a grey sofa, two other chairs, a center table with fruits in a bowl, red and green apples to be precise, and a very large flat-screen Tv.
There are two standing air conditioners in the office and thank God I am wearing a suit, as I would have frozen to death. Two were attached to the walls. A picture of him shaking the President's hand is also part of the WOW. I'm sure this office can buy my house with everything in it. The view of the beach from his office is so beautiful.
"Please sit," he says and I blush, he must have caught me admiring his aesthetically pleasing office. I sit down and say, "Thank you".
"I think we've met before?" He states, studying my face.
"Yes, in the elevator" I reply.
"Oh yeah, at least now I know your name. So Freya let's start with this. What do you know about this company?". He looks very authoritative. I tuck a loose strand of my hair behind my ears and clear my throat before I speak.
"Well for starters, I know it is owned and financed by you. It became yours when the former owner MR lee Smith, your father gave it to you. You made wise decisions and as a result of your initiative, this business is where it is now. It has over the years climbed the ladder and crossed over the mountains of competing industries to become the number one and richest private enterprise. I..."
He held up his hands and I trail off. Oh no, Oh no. I'm definitely not getting this job. Did I say too much? Well in my defense he did ask what I knew about the company.
"I've heard enough, you really did your research didn't you?" I tucked another loose strand of my hair behind my ear and nod slowly.
"Yes sir, I did", I confess nervously.
He opens an envelope and brings out a sheet of paper.
"Do you know what this is?" I gulp and answer.
"No sir, I do not" I'm so frigging nervous.
"Well, it's your resumé and on it, it says you do not have any work experience" He gives a questioning look.
"I do actually but not in a business firm".
"Where do you work?"
"At a restaurant sir"
"What is your job there?"
"Accounting"
"Accounting? In a restaurant?"
"Well," I pause for a second before continuing. "Money matters, collating the income and then the expenditure".
"You seem to have a steady job, what brings you here then?"
"I want more, I need more"
"More what? Money?"
"No sir"
"Then what?"
"The thing is, I love my current job but it is not enough for me. It is not Fulfilling enough for me. I feel like if you give me the chance. I can do much more and take my life from where it is to where I want it to be. To where it needs to be sir" At this point, my heart is palpitating with fear and I am already shaking.
"Since you don't have any business work experience whatsoever, what makes you think you have what it takes to get this job?" He asks, eyeing me.
"I might not have the work experience but I've got many other things"
"Like what?"
Is he really doing this?
I clear my throat again and reply, "Okay, I've got the skill, I have a great zeal towards my work, I am disciplined and I don't tolerate distractions. Finally, I believe if you give me a chance, I can make a change"
"You've spoken well miss Stanford," he says, keeping a straight face. Should I take that as a good or bad thing?.
"Thank you, sir"
"But is it enough?" He asks.
"That's up to you sir"
"And if it isn't enough, what will you do then?"
"I'd walk myself right out of this building and I promise never to bother you again". Yeah, I'm so badass.
"Ok, well this interview is over" He puts out his palm for me to shake. I take it and say, "Thank you for your time, sir".
He stands up and says, "I'll give you a call to let you know"
"Ok sir" We both leave the office and I hear him call "Brenda Sparks" before I left the building.
In the past twenty-four years of my life, I've never been under that time of pressure. I just hope I get this job.
Chapter two Whoa!!. That was intense. I still can't believe I said all those things. Anyways, thank God that's over. I spend the rest of the day with Jade my best friend and Asher, her boyfriend. We laugh and talk, and I tell them about the interview, and just before we leave, Jade shows me her ring, a beautiful silver ring sparkling on the ring finger of her left hand . "Oh, it's nice. This must have cost a lot. What have I told you about wasting money?" I question, frowning at her. "It's not for fashion Freya" It slowly begins to dawn on me. "Then what's it for?" She looks at Asher and smiles. "Should I tell her or do you want to?" She asks him. "She's your best friend, so go ahead" he urges her. "Wait, I don't understand, tell me what?" "We're getting married" What! no
Chapter three As soon as I get up, I change into my gym wear and go downstairs to my workout room. I turn on the treadmill, get on it, and work out for twenty minutes. Next, I lift 20-pound dumbells and when I am done, I go back upstairs to my room, take a shower, shave and get out. I go downstairs in my robe for an apple, with a towel wrapped around my head. On getting to the living room, I turn on the TV and watch the news. It is 11:20 when I check my phone, only to see two messages from Andre. "Meet me at the new coffee place around cone Avenue"- 8:00 am "Let's meet there at twelve noon"- 10:00 am. Shit!. It’s almost twelve, don't wanna make a bad impression. I better get ready. I run upstairs, dry, and curl my hair. I don a short, wine-colored gown and black flats. I put my phone in my purse an
Chapter four I wake up on Sunday morning and pay a visit to 'THE GRILL' That is the name of the restaurant that I used to work. It’s a family restaurant owned by the 'Buyers'. I bump into Mrs. Buyers almost immediately after I enter the restaurant. "Freya!” she exclaims. “it’s so good to see you, did you get the job?" "Yes," I reply happily, and she smiles, giving me a warm hug. "I knew you could do it, congratulations" "Thanks" "But I must say, we will miss you here at the grill" "I know but I've got to go" "Ok, go say hi to Ross, he's in the kitchen" I sigh. Ross has been asking me out since I stepped into his restaurant for a job. The only relationship I see between us is a friendship, nothing more but he doesn't seem to get the message. I walked to the kitchen. &nbs
I couldn't help but think about my new boss, Andre. He a very attractive person who loved to have everything under control. I wondered how I was going to cope with being in the same work environment as he was. It couldn't be that bad besides he made it clear nothing could happen between us. My not essentially his type of woman. He probably made up that rule when he noticed I liked him."Thank you very much" I said for the thousandth time."I don't want you going to the bar" He said in a very demanding tone. I should have protested but a part of me loved how he sounded like he actually cares for me."I'm so sorry. Thank you for saving me" I thanked him. I can't imagine what would have happened if he didn't come to my rescue the time he did.I walked round my small room to get myself ready for my first day at work. My room isn't what you can actually call small but it isn't big either. Either ways i'm comfortable with the room and I think it's beautiful. It
I hurriedly make a new cup of coffee for Andre. I still can't believe he loves his coffee with a lot of sugar and milk in it. I knock on the door to his office and wait patiently for him to permit me to come in. I didn't hear him talk, he's probably not in his office anymore. As I turn to leave I heard him moan. He is really having sex in the office. I can't believe this. "Freya" The sound of my name from his lips gave me permission to enter. "Oh shit!. I'm so sorry!" I say dropping his coffee, running out of the office. He was masturbating in the office. Andre Smith masturbates, okay, but why did he look so shocked when I entered the office?. That can only mean one thing, he was thinking about me while in the act. "Mr. Smith seeks your attention," The secretary says, smiling at me. I smile back politely as I stand up. I walk nervously to his office. I can't get that image out of my head. I knock, hoping he i
Chapter sevenIt has been two weeks since the kiss and Andre's behavior has suddenly changed. He is normally nice, maybe not so nice but nice at least. However, since the kiss, he's been so different, snaps at me a lot, complains about anything I do and I don't find all these necessary. I didn't start the kiss that day so why is he being such a dickhead?.Baxter and I have gotten a lot closer in the past weeks. I think my so-called crush for my boss has suddenly vanished. Baxter has been a really lovely gentleman. He takes me for lunch. His smile is so charming. He's always very careful with me. I just don't think I can date him. He doesn't look like someone who could satisfy me. I mean he's super gentle with me like I'm an egg that will break if touched. I don't think someone like that can ever please me sexually. I don't mean to judge but with movies and novels I read I know I would love sex a little rough."W
Baxter pulls me closer to him as we walk out of the store. I can't stop the smile that is plastered on my face."See you after work girlfriend," He says, making me laugh."See you" I smile and walk back to my office only to meet an angry-looking Andre. Why is he angry?. It is not like I am late, I still have a few minutes left from my lunch break."Good afternoon sir," He immediately clenches his jaw, folding his hand into a fist."Don't call me sir." He barks. I nod quickly."I'm sorry MR Smith" I apologize sincerely."What were my rules when you started work here Miss Stanford." He asks angrily."Errrrr... tardiness is not welcome" I state, and it comes out more like a question than an answer. He doesn't look satisfied with my answer."No romantic relationships!" He yells, causing me to flinch a little. I am scared he is going to hit me."I'm sorry MR Smith. I don't know what you're talking about" I said, confusion lacing my voice."What is it that I
I am frustrated all day. I can't get the thought of Andre out of my head. I want him and I feel bad because I'm in a relationship with someone else. Baxter already told me he would pick me up by seven pm so I decide to get dressed. I don't want to be late for my first date.I decide to go for something simple yet cute. I choose a white crop top and a body-hug skirt, matching the top. I let my hair down and pick a blue sandal, something convenient for me. I stare at myself in the mirror. Shaking my head in disapproval I changed my footwear to a different sandal. I think I'm fine. Right?I am busy battling with my curly hair when my phone starts to ring. I jump at the sound of it. I check the caller ID. I smile at the name appearing on my screen. Baxter."Hey, babe," He drawls, and. I smile."I'm almost ready," I say, brushing my hair with my hand, deciding to let my hair down."Good cause I'm at your door" I smile, hanging up the call as I run downstairs. I o
“What are you doing here?. You’re supposed to_”“Be in jail right. It’s not difficult to break out when you have help” He moves closer. I turned to run but he grabs me. Scared I stay still and let the tears fall. He’s going to kill me. This is how I’m going to die. He caresses my face with a smirk.“I always wondered what you saw in him but I see it now. He’s rich and you want all of his money” He started. I shake my head no. I don’t want his money you asshole I thought.“Tell your husband I will be coming for what’s mine” He informs me. I nod with tears still falling.“Good girl” He drops me and I fall hand on the floor. I quickly stood up holding my phone as I run back to Andre who I see standing. I ran to his arms scared.“What took you so long. I_” He starts.“Wait” He pulls me away from him staring at my shaken s
“Where do I begin?” He asks.“How did you meet her? Did she work for you?” I ask. He nods.“Ok. So Samantha and I have been friends for years now. Since I was a teenager and when dad he was thinking of opening a new company in New York I was excited because I had started learning about family business. I hoped to work for him. With Samantha’s help we were both able to convince dad to let us take charge of this new company. We were still teenagers so we couldn’t help with the building but dad let us think of different ideas. This was when our ‘love’ started. I think spending more time trying to mix business and school together made us closer than we were. We thought of the name for the new company until we decided A&S. Dad was glad we came up with a decision. Our plan was to become partners but my sister wasn’t too happy about this. She claimed Samantha was after the money but we were both teenagers I
“No” I groan when Andre taps me again for the thousandth time. He laughs.“Baby. You will have to stand up eventually” He explains.“I know. Must it be now?” I ask.“No love but I have plans that requires you to stand up now” This time he pulls me up.“Argh Andre you don’t love me anymore” I whine when I seat up and rest my back on the head board.“Never question my love for you Freya because I love you but I really need you to stand up” He begs. I roll my eyes at him.“I’m up. Aren’t I?” I ask him. He smiles and places a small kiss on my lips.“Yes you are. Thanks” He smiles moving to stand up. I pull him back by his neck and place my lips on his. He does not waste time to return my kiss. His hands now on the bed caging me in.“That’s a big temptation love but we need to start our day” He sa
After dinner and Andre realised I will not admit his food tastes better, he gives up and lays on the bed.“You’re forgetting something” I remind him but he still looks very lost.“You promised me a message” I frown at him. He sighs.“Fine,” he says and I jump on him making him scream.“Fuck! Freya” he protests and I laugh, making a move to stand up. He sits up and stretches.“Argh Freya, what's got you this excited?” He asks.“You” I whisper to him.“You know I must say you're good with your words” is he really saying that?. He has the best words ever. I only grin as I remove my PJs and lay bare naked on the bed. Andre checks through his bag and brings out a bottle of oil. He walks over to the bed and kneels above my head. I am laying with my back on the bed.
After Dimitri drops us at the airport Andre holds my waist and kisses me. I smile at him“Why did you do that?” I ask him.“Because I wanted to and I can” He answeres smiling back at me.“Who says you can” I decide to tease him.“I did” I laugh at him.“What about my permission” I tease further.“You always want me to kiss you love” He replies to me and I blush. He's not wrong.“That blush on your face shows that I am right” He grins.“Whatever. I’m not going to miss this flight because of you” I say smiling. I carry my box and bag and he does the same. After going through all the necessary procedures we both wait. Our flight was called for takeoff so we both run to catch up. Entering the plane I smile quickly taking the window seat and Andre sits beside me. I've never travelled, o
“Mmm,” I whimper still swirling at my face.“What is the problem?” he asks mildly, sitting up on the bed to scoot close to me.“Nothing just...just__” I break down again in tears. He holds me to himself and let me cry all I want. After some time, I look at him“I couldn't sleep. I keep thinking about my ex and all he did to me” I sniff. He reaches out to the side table to bring out a napkin which I use to dab at my eye. “ He abused me so much Drè. I don't know how am ever going to forget what that monster did to me. They were horrible, horrible things.” this is not the first time am saying anything about her ex to him. He knew about Baxter but not everything the scumbag did to me. My heartbeat accelerates as I imagine what he will do to the bastard when he gets hold of him__knowing how possessive he is of me.“That day at the
“Stop with the suspense already Drè just spill it!” My face dampens as I try to manipulate him into telling me the surprise.“Close your eyes,” He says. I open my mouth to say something but he tightens his lips and shakes his head at me.” just close it” he says again. Seeing that he's serious, I close my eyes but not entirely. I peek at him from under my thick dark lashes“You are cheating. If you won't obey, then you are not ready for the surprise” He surmises and comes back to sit on the bed. I raise my hands up “No no no am sorry... Please go ahead” I clamour, his face causing my heart to flutter.He looks at me for some time to make sure I wasn't going to want to open my eyes again. Seeing that am receptive now, he enters our walk-in closet and removes two tickets from his briefcase.As he is coming back, I tighten my eyes and w
I smile as I look at my husband with his eyes closed still in a deep slumber. My mind went to last night the way I was squirming under him when we were entangled in our blissful moment. As I think about it now I can't help but feel that everything is thrilling.I still can't believe that Andre is my husband. My smile becomes wide “Yes!” I say, slightly covering my mouth so that I won't wake him up. I stretch my hand to brush the stray hair that had fallen to his face. He is so beautiful even in his sleep.I yawn and gently climb out of the bed.I enter the bathroom to ease myself. As am coming out, Andre stretches his hands up and yawns probably to release tensed nerves. He looks at me and smiles.“Good morning beautiful ,” He says to me. My cheeks become red and I hide my face away. I was thinking by now I would get used to us, but from what am seeing, am still very shy around him.&nbs
CHAPTER 60I believe every repentant or good person deserves to be happy. We all have our shortcoming and imperfections and that is what makes us human. I have been given a chance to be happy, despite all that has happened, despite my imperfections. I judged Rob and Johnson wrongly without sitting Rob down to hear him out and without studying Johnson well enough to know who he really is before judging him.If I have not been given a chance to be happy again, then I won't be here, walking down the aisle in Jonhson's arm to become the wife of no other person than my very own heart desire. The only man whose voice can wake me up from whatever slumber I fall into. The only man that understands my silence, even when my mom is trying hard to figure out what it means. The only man that is patient and kind and understanding. The only man that can accomodate all my excesses, my moodswings and bad behaviour.I am walking down the aisle right down, my left hand in Johnson's arm