“It's not my boyfriend.” Marie replied, deciding to be coy. She watched Steven’s eyes for a reaction but could find none.“Right, let's get back into it.” He said, looking into the binder.“Favorite color?” He asked.“None.” She replied. Steven said nothing as he wrote in the binder. Curious to see what he had written, she leaned over to get a clearer glance but was too slow as Steven had placed his fingers over it.“Let me see!” She cried, giggling and straightening up when he continued to cover it. As she raised her head, she found herself lost in Steven’s eyes. She knew she should look away but couldn't bring herself to do it, and Steven wasn't looking away either. She saw his gaze drop to his lips and her mouth went dry. She leaned forward to kiss him when she remembered what his friend, James, had said.The fake wife. What was she doing? He didn't love her and their relationship was going nowhere. Feigning a yawn, she retracted to her initial position. Clearing his throat, Steve
“Stevennnnnnnnn!” Marie bellowed, as she ran out of the room, clutching her cardigan and her purse in her hands. “Marie? What is it?” Steven asked, panting, as he bounded down the stairs that led to her.“I have to leave now! Sandra is in trouble. I just got a call from someone who used her cell to call me. She's messed up pretty bad in a bar somewhere. He's scared that someone might take advantage of her. I need to go because it's all my fault!”“Okay, calm down Marie. Where is she?”“At the Runtown Bar. I’ll go myself to get her.”“ I don't know, Marie. It's pretty late. Can’t the said person drive her home? Do you have to leave?”Seeing that Steven was serious about keeping her here tonight, Marie channeled all the emotions she had about her situation with Sandra into her voice.“No! I have to leave. Now! She's my best friend! I can't let her end up in some ditch somewhere when I could have helped.”“Calm down, Marie. You're not kidnapped. You can leave if you have to. I’ll just g
Cursing under his breath at his cruel luck, Steven pulled into the parking lot at his grandfather’s house. He hadn't been to see Alden in several months and that meant he was going to get an earful from the old man about how he was running the business. With Alden, no one could do it better than him, and everyone else was doing it wrong but him.Steven shuddered to think about how his grandfather would react to the news of the leakages that had besieged the business in the last few months. He also hadn't told his grandfather he had gotten married as he hadn't seen the need to inform him. Steven had tried to reach his father several times to tell him the news but William hadn't been able to take his calls.However, after Marie had left, he tossed and turned on his bed, thinking about how willing she was to risk her safety to rescue a friend. He hadn't been able to sleep and had decided to visit his grandfather. Seeing the old man when he was still shaken up by his heart attack was prob
Steven frowned as Sarah, his housekeeper drew the drapes open and caused light to filter into his eyes. Sitting up in bed, he ran his hand through his hair and threw his shirt over his head.Sarah stood at the foot of the bed, waiting with a steaming cup of green tea and a message.“Mr Cordon is here to see you, Sir.”Steven rolled his eyes. It was exactly like James to show up at his house without a call.Dragging himself out of bed, he walked to the living room on his private floor (where no one but him and his staff were allowed) and found James sitting and looking smug while reading an Ad magazine.His cell beeped in his pocket, and a fleeting glance revealed a text from Amelia informing that Alden was stable and thanking him for coming.Like he had had a choice in the matter. Wincing as a sharp pain pierced his head, he took a sip of his green tea and walked over to where James sat.“This had better be worth getting me out of bed for.” Steven said as he sat across from James, r
Marie awakened to the sound of frantic knocks on her door. She felt so sure that if she tried to stand up, she’d keel over right there at the foot of her bed.Was it the alcohol? The tension with Alden? What exactly had triggered this aggressive bout of pain and fever that now ravaged her body?She had tried to call Sandra but so far her best friend hadn't called back or shown up. The frantic knocking was not letting up and Marie was curious to see who it was. Was it Sandra? But Sandra knocking made no sense as her best friend had her own key. “Marie!”A voice that sounded very familiar called out from her doorstep. But it couldn't possibly be. What would Steven King be doing here on a Sunday? Was he here to pick up his car?“Marie!”Willing herself to stand up, Marie dragged herself, blankets and all and walked to the front door. Steven was at her doorstep and he wasn't alone. Had he discovered that she had been at Alden’s place last night? It was only after she had climbed into bed
“Wow.”Steven rolled his eyes and pretended not to hear James as he pulled out of Marie's driveway.“I don't know this area very well. I hope we find a Deli close by. I doubt she’s had anything to eat.” He said.“Wow, City Boy. I’m not letting you off that easily. No way. You never told me about this fake wife of yours.”Feeling prickly at the way James was looking at him, Steven started at the road and said nothing.“You never told me she was such a hottie, and so beautiful.”He shot James a side eye as he made a turning to his left and parked in the parking lot of a place called True Deliciousness Deli. Hoping they lived up to their name, he took out his card and alighted from the car without a word. James, alighted and walked beside him into the Deli. Grabbing a menu, he joined the short line and waited his turn. James stood behind him, chuckling and pressing his finger into Steven's shoulder as he did so.“What?” Steven asked, knowing that James wouldn't let up until he shared wha
Steven sat in Marie’s living room with James, hoping she was getting the food into her body somehow. Whipping his phone from his back pocket, he composed a short Email informing the Kazuko Inc. staff of their situation and updating them that they would be coming in on Wednesday. He was just about to keep his phone away when he received an Email from Zed about the Cheggo Foods meeting. “Everything alright?” James asked, muting the volume on the TV.“Yeah, work problems. One of my executives has offered to take a meeting I was supposed to sit in on. It’s quite clear I can’t make it now but I keep having this feeling I have to be in it.”“You can join in virtually, can’t you?” James asked, raising his eyebrows.“I should be able to but it’ll rub the key stakeholders the wrong way. They’ve been trying to get me in the room for quite a while but with the craziness of the past few months, it hasn't happened yet.”“Well, do you trust this Exec to handle the meeting?”“I do but I wanted to b
“Marie, are you okay?”“Yes.” She responded, wiping the tears off her face with the back of her palm. Clearing her throat, she reached for the glass of water by her side and took a gulp. Why would Sandra return her things in a box like mementos from a bad relationship she wished to forget?“Can I come in?” Steven asked from outside the door. Why was he still here?“Yes.” She answered. She hadn't felt this exhausted in years. “How are you feeling?” Steven asked, hovering at the foot of her bed, with deep furrows in his eyebrows and forehead.“I'm okay.” She said, cradling the box in her hands and looking away as she didn't trust herself not to start crying again. Steven had seen enough for today. She had taken out her illness on him all day and he had been surprisingly patient with her. “You're crying, Marie. You have been, all day.”“I’m fine.” She replied, her tone sounding more gruff than she had intended. Unperturbed, Steven plunked on the bed beside her. Hugging her knees to her
Eight months later Marie smiled as she felt Steven’s warm breath dance on her face. Moments later, her eyes flickered open and locked with her husband's handsome eyes.“What's this?” She asked, as she sat up and made space for the tray he was holding.“A celebratory breakfast.” He said as Marie answered with a short laugh.“We can't keep celebrating a sentencing that happened four months ago, Steven.” She said as he ignored her and filled her glass with orange juice.“Who says?” Steven asked, as he planted a kiss on her forehead.“Me. I’m saying.”“Noted. Now eat.” He responded as he plunked on the bed beside her and watched her.“What?” She asked as his eyes roved over her.“I can't believe I almost lost you, Marie.”“You mean the way you were going on and refusing to listen to me?” She teased as she tossed a pillow at his head.“I told you I didn't like that woman.”“I know you told me. You’ve told me so almost a thousand times, Steven. But it was Zed that was the real shock to you
Steven’s mind whirled with thoughts as they headed to the hotel where he was staying. The silence in the air was rife with the weight of unspoken words. He glanced at her again and she looked so ashen. Was she okay? Why had she felt the need to come to Japan? How had she survived the flight? Was that why she looked so white? And why was she trembling so badly?He placed his hands upon hers and it was so sweaty.“Stop trembling. You're making me nervous.” He said in a more gruffer tone than he had planned.Her eyes widened for a second before she mouthed a solemn“Sorry.”She retracted her hand from under his and stuffed it in her laps.Huh. So much for wanting to comfort her. They said nothing to each other after that until the car stopped in front of the hotel.Steven rolled his eyes as Marie argued with the front desk attendant who had patiently explained that the hotel was fully booked and there was nothing she could do about it. To listen to Marie, it was like he was going to har
Steven frowned at the clock ticked noon. All his life, he had never had to wait to see anyone, but here he was, waiting on Mr. Kaito, whom he has been unable to see in the last two days.“Mr. King?” A feminine voice called out.“That's me.” He said in a chirpy voice, smiling even though his insides felt queasy. He knew convincing Mr. Kaito of the fact that Alden King Inc. still deserved his business was going to be tough and he wasn't so sure he was prepared for it. Although, in a way, he felt relieved the truth was out. The pretty brunette led him through a series of doors before stopping before a plush office. She tossed him a tight smile then knocked before leaving Steven on his own.Mr. Kaito took his sweet time before answering the door.“Mr. King, what a pleasant surprise.” Mr. Kaito said as he ushered him to a seat. While his face was smiling, Steven could sense the displeasure in his tone.“Thank you for seeing me.”Mr. Kaito took a long look at him, and Steven could feel the
Marie's hand clenched the steering wheel till her knuckles turned white. Sandra had a lot of nerve, seducing Steven and then trying to pin someone else's pregnancy on him. She jumped out of the car, and headed to the front door. She was about to knock when she noticed the door was open. Zed's loud voice filtered to where she stood.“You had just one job, Sandra! Seduce him! Get him to marry you! Don't think I care about that scum in your belly!”“I tried okay! He loves her! And I’m tired of being your little pawn! You always said you could have taken down Steven King without me so why haven't you?”“I've done everything on my part! You haven't done crap except complicate things for me. You couldn't even convince him to have sex with you. And he was drunk!”“And the only thing you’ve succeeded in doing is killing an innocent woman!” Sandra flung back.“Oh? Breathe a word of that to anyone and see what happens!”“Oh, please. What are you gonna do? Kill me too?” Sandra screamed.Marie to
Marie shoved the rest of her mementos and snapped her box shut. If she wanted to get to Lake George by nightfall, she had to hurry.She chuckled ruefully under her breath as she wondered about the rush. It's not like she had a job anymore or anything she needed to get to. Ten years with Steven, ten years of bending backwards, and all it took was one misunderstanding for him to fire her. She had even gone back and tried to explain but his granite heart hadn't moved. This from the man who though married to her, had decided to knock up her best friend.She frowned as her cell phone rang. She fished it out of her pocket, and held it to her ear with her shoulder as she rolled her luggage out.“James, there's nothing more we can do. I tried, James,”She waited as James tried to convince her not to leave town until he had spoken with Steven but to be honest, she was done begging him. For the most part of her adult life, she had fixated her emotions on him. Letting him treat her like his feel
Steven was slightly out of breath when he arrived at the orchard and ran into Rick.“Uncle Stevie! Wow. Aunty Marie was super fast. I only just spoke to her. Are you here to take me to the Planetarium? You’ve promised many times.” He asked expectantly.“You’re right, buddy. I do owe you a trip to the Planetarium. But that's not going to happen today, buddy. I've been…”“Busy. I know. You’ve had important things to do.” Rick said as a forlorn expression rested on his face. Steven sighed as he lowered himself to the boy’s gaze.“Now, Rick. You know how important you are to me, don't you?” Steven asked.Rick shrugged but Steven refused to let him out of his grasp till Rick said“Yeah.”“Well, Uncle Stevie has just had a lot of things happening to him at the same time. I'm almost done wrapping those things up and then we can go to the Planetarium as many times as you want, okay?”“Really truly?” Rick asked, a huge smile forming on his face.“Really, truly.” He confirmed.“Okay.”“That's m
“So you're headed to the house at Lake George?” Alden asked as Marie watched him peel an orange and toss a piece into his mouth. Ahead of them, Rick was glad that he had a no-school day and was allowed to run amok.“Quite a sugar rush, he’s got.” She remarked as Alden sighed.“Tell me about it. Amelia's going to have my head when she returns. One minute I look away and he downs all that stuff.”“So, what did Steven say when you told him the truth?”She sighed and tossed a piece of the tangerine she had just peeled into her mouth.“What I expected. That it didn't change anything. And that he wished me the best in life.”“He’s so obstinate sometimes.”“I told you to trust him more, Alden. If it were me, I would have been upset too. I know you love him, but you’ve got to stop coddling him!”“You don't understand, Marie. The boy is the light of my whole life. He’s everything William is not. And he was so young when he took over. And it infuriated many people.”“But that was over ten years
“Nice of you to stop for a chat and all but I'm very busy.” Steven said as Marie took her seat and folded her legs. It was like seeing a woman he hadn't met before.“I told him this was a waste of time. You don't work for someone for ten years without knowing how conceited and set in their ways they are.” Marie begun“Look, Marie. I don't know why Alden keeps trying. Isn't the work you've done for him in the past ten years impressive enough?” Steven asked.“Sneer at me, all you want. I'm not here because of Alden, I'm here because James asked me to come to talk to you.” She retorted, leaning forward to place her hand on his desk.While he didn't care about what she had to say, he figured the faster he allowed her to talk, the quicker she’d be out of his hair.“I'm listening.” He said, as leaned back in his seat.“First. I'm sorry I didn't disclose that Alden and I have a relationship.”“He was your boss, and…”“He was my guardian.” Marie cut in.Steven let out a sardonic laughter.“Gu
“What do you mean they're citing reputation issues as their reason for pulling out? We've committed to vendors, paid for the spaces for this exhibition and they're just canceling it?”Zed shrugged as Steven paced furiously. He sighed and leaned over his desk as Zed replied.“They also cited budget constraints and explained that it wasn't top priority for the foreseeable future.”“That's a load of bollocks and we both know it, Zed. Find out the real reason they're pulling the plug.”“I thought so too as well and tried to do some findings. My source alleged that top stakeholders were having cold feet due to our recent…err…”“Recent what?” Steven half yelled as he glared at Zed.“Due to your recent PR fiasco.”“What? They're canceling their activation because some reporter did a story on me?”“Well, Sir. You have to respond. You haven't addressed the rumors yet.”Steven thought about his phone call with Smith three days ago. He vehemently refused to believe what Smith was alleging until