“Hardy, whenever you decide to come down, please check in with me before anything else!”
Wills shouted to his son, who was still sprawled in bed with another woman.
The lady he had met at the shopping mall had been spending nights with him.
He smuggled her in last night, not wanting his dad to know, with Nana covering for him.
He rolled out of bed, still sleepy. “I guess it’s Monday. You should get going to work!”
Hardy said to the woman, still drowsy.
“You don’t have a job. Why should you ever work? Your father is a billionaire,” she said, snorting.
“You can’t blame me. This is my life. Please get dressed. I’ll drop you off wherever you need to go.”
The woman frowned, knowing she might not get easy access to him again if she let him go.
She walked slowly toward him, hugging him from behind, smiling.
“Why don’t I stay here until you get back? I promise to avoid your dad, and your maid can serve me!”
Hardy was irritated. “Don’t call Nana a maid. She is not a maid. Get dressed and get out of my house. I don’t want to see you here when I get back.”
She stood there in shock as he angrily walked into the washroom.
He hated it when Nana was referred to as a maid. Thirty minutes later, he stepped out to find an empty room.
He sighed and got dressed for the day, heading downstairs to greet Nana. “Good morning, Nana.”
“Oh my, you look good! Your father will be so proud of you; you look just like him!”
“Thanks, Nana. I may not have time for breakfast, but I promise I’ll be home early for dinner, okay?”
He rushed out of the house to visit the nearby restaurant for a quick coffee, hoping not to be late.
Since today was his first day, making a good impression by arriving early was at the top of his list but, as things are turning out, he might not meet the expectations
The drive was quick. Parking in the lot, he hurried toward the restaurant.
As he opened the door, Brenda was scared, she was also rushing to the office, causing her cup of coffee to spill all over his T-shirt.
“Oh my , I am so sorry! Please forgive me!”
Brenda pulled out her handkerchief to wipe off the liquid, but Hardy was fixated on her face.
He had never seen a woman look so beautiful.
“It’s fine. No need, the damage is done”
“I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do? Let me buy you a new shirt!”
Hardy raised an eyebrow, sizing her up. “You want to buy me a 10$ shirt?”
Brenda’s eyes widened. She could afford it, but it would cut into her savings.
“I can’t spare that,” she said, glancing at the time. She was stunned.
Brenda knew if she stood there for one more minute she might end up losing her job,
“Here!” Brenda said bring out a pen and paper as she scribbled her number on it .
She handed it over to him, “ please do well to contact me and I will answer but for now , I have to head to work !”
She excused herself and rushed off toward the company.
“What’s going on? From one problem to another. How did I get myself into this?”
Brenda muttered to herself as she entered the office.
No one paid her any attention as the entire company buzzed with murmurs.
Curious, Brenda asked her deskmate,
“Tina, what’s going on?”
“You don’t know?”
Brenda shook her head.
“The boss’s son is starting today, and rumor has it he looks just like his father but even cuter!”
“Oh, I see,” Brenda replied, turning back to her work. She had a lot to sort, organizing important documents and forwarding them for approval so the editing department could begin.
She was so engrossed in her tasks that she didn’t notice Hardy walking past her department,
drawing all the female employees’ attention.
Her mind was preoccupied with how she would raise 10$ for the shirt in case he called.
The rest of the day dragged on for Brenda, while Hardy spent most of it doing nothing.
“Are you just going to sit there? Take this,”
His father said, handing him a file.
“What’s this, Dad?”
“You need to secure the contract with the firm. We need them as partners for a new branch. If you succeed, you’ll handle the branch.”
“Dad, that’s serious business. I can’t just do that, you know?”
“Why not?”
Before Wills could respond, there was a knock at the door.
In came a shy Brenda, looking at both father and son.
While Wills was happy to see her, Hardy was trying to recall where he had seen her before.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I came for confirmation to send the files I emailed to your assistant to the editing department.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll do that now.”
“All right…” she said, remembering she was at work. “I mean, yes, sir. Excuse me.”
Brenda hurried out of the office.
“That was weird,” Hardy muttered.
“What was weird?” Wills asked, worried that Hardy was already suspecting something.
“ Nothing dad, it's just that, I met her earlier and seemed to look more expensive than a secretary , don't you think so?”
Wills raised an eyebrow, to the question his son asked, knowing he was the source to those expensive things and without him, Brenda might had ended up somewhere bad
“ I have no business interfering in my staff’s affair as long as they get their job done !”
Wills said as he brought out a blueprint to look into
“ It's fine dad but …”
“ there is no but don, just leave it the way it is. And focus on real issues at hand okay?”
Hardy stood up , having the mindset to go look for her, but before he could exist he stopped him , “ just make sure you are prepared !”
“Prepared for what dad?”
Nothing!”He said, picking up the document. “I’ll see you later. I’ll go through the document and get back to you,” knowing full well this wouldn’t end well.He rushed out of his father’s office, looking around to see if he had lost her. “Now I know where I’ve seen that face!”He walked out of the company, ignoring the stares from the ladies. Calling his friend, “Can you come over to my place? We need to talk!”“Alright, I’ll meet you there,” his friend responded, ending the call. Hardy made his way home, had lunch with Nana, and then met his friend, who was waiting in the car.“I need your help tracking someone.”“Really, who?”“A lady I met today!”“Oh, I see, another one of your escapades.”“I feel like this is different. She’s not like those gold diggers, and I need to know more about her. Find out everything you can!”“Are you sure about this? So, what’s her name?”“I don’t know her name. That’s why we’re going back to my father’s company.”“How come you don’t know her name?” An
“Is everything okay?” Hardy asked as Brenda kept staring at the figure, trying to be certain that she was seeing clearly “ Are you okay?” came the voice of Hardy placing his right hand over hers Looking up at him, stunned, “Yeah, yeah I’m fine, uhmm could you please drop me at the next bus station? I think I might need to get somewhere!” Brenda said, frowning as if she had forgotten about my schedule,” Oh really, why not let me drop you off then ?”“ Oh, no please, I already feel bad about you driving me home, this is more than generous of you”Brenda couldn't wait to get out of his presence, just so she didn't have to speak with him any longer “ it, fine let me drive you to the next station,” he said in a sad toneShe didn't want to burden him any longer, the drive down to the next station was short and quiet. She hopped out almost immediately and she started walking away from his car without even thanking him for his gesture “ Are you sure you'll be fine alone ?” he asked as
The guard and Brenda stopped in their tracks. Knowing fully that no one had entered after Brenda had.The guard carefully placed Brenda down, still keeping a tight grip on her so she wouldn't do anything rash.“And who are you?” the guard asked the figure in the shadows, though it was clear that the guard recognized his boss’s voice.“ let her go, that is not how a man should treat a lady “The person said stepping out of the shadow, this made then curious to how it may concern the unknown figure As the figure came into the light, Brenda was shocked, her mind racing “ Will!!” She called out, in the momentum of the moment forgetting they were in public, and she was to refer to him as Mr will Shaun.The name had already slipped off her lips. With her hair all messed up and, her eyes were red from the constant flow of tears Suddenly, she wondered if Will was responsible for their eviction but, she was brought back to reality by the exchange between the men “ oh Mr will, I’m so sorry
When Hardy got home, he knew there was no one there except for his nanny.“Nana, are you home?” he called out. His nana came running out from the kitchen.“Oh, my child, you’re back! I was fixing dinner for you and your father before I call it a day!”“Oh, you shouldn’t bother yourself this much. I can fix something for myself, and you know you aren’t as strong as you used to be,” Hardy said with great affection for her. He was always soft-hearted with her.He loved her like he would love his real mother.“It’s okay, my child. Let me set the table, and then I’ll call it a night. Excuse me!”“Okay, Nana. Please, Nana, have you seen my father by chance?” Hardy asked, one foot already on the staircase, getting ready to go up to his room to change.“Oh, he’s not back yet. I find it odd as well. Have you tried reaching out to him?”“No, Nana, he’s not a child. I guess he had somewhere to be!”“If you say so, Hardy,” his nana said, her voice echoing as she walked back into the kitchen.Hard
Stepping out of the company, Will was still pissed off with what he saw on his office floor, he was beginning to imagine things But knowing that he needed his same mind to get himself, inclined with the meeting he was going for, looking at himself in the mirror Of his car, he needed to calm himself down, before starting the car, the journey down to the organizers of the next biggest magazine show Had called to collaborate with his company, as he was known for being the best publishing empire, he had the audience they were looking forBut there was a clause, Wills sturdy the Baird who attended the meeting as they looked at the memo for the meeting.“ Mr will, I appreciate your presence and I must say that you are true, a wonderful person not to waste Mitch of your time, let’s discuss today's meeting “Will nodded his head , he couldn’t allow himself to be distracted by their kind gesture, to sway him off his feet, to earn his pityIt was business and business would it remain, “Thank
Hardy walked into the hospital, forgetting that he had dropped his envelope containing information that could cause chaos.But he was worried about his Nana, as he loved her so much, just like he would have loved his mother if she were alive.Storming into the hospital building, he spotted a young lady shivering, her eyes fixed on him the minute he stepped in.He knew that must be the maid. Walking toward her, he asked rudely, “What happened? Where is she?”The maid, stressed and worried, replied, “The doctor is in there, attending to her.” She pointed to a room opposite where they stood.“I just hope she’ll be fine,” Hardy murmured to himself. He didn’t have to wait long.His father appeared, running down the hall. “How is she?” he asked Hardy, glancing from him to the maid.“I haven’t heard from anyone since I arrived,” Hardy responded as they waited for the doctor to come out and address them.Walking out of the room, the doctor recognized them. “Oh, Mr. Will, it’s so nice to see y
Will stood outside Brenda’s home for a while. He rang the bell one more time, hoping someone was home. He would feel disappointed if no one answered, especially since he knew Brenda was so obsessed with him. He had never felt so loved, more than when his wife had iced him out when she was alive. He was about to ring the bell again when Brenda’s sleepy face and voice greeted him. “Mum, someone’s at the door, but I’ll get it, okay!” she said, not wanting her parents to stress themselves. But she was wrong, as her mother’s voice rang through the house. “Who is it, dear? I was about to come down and check!” Brenda was too stunned to answer, her eyes growing wide as she saw Will standing in her home. “Brenda, is anyone there?” her mother called, snapping her back to reality. “Oh no, Mother, it’s nobody!” Will smirked, standing confidently. Brenda quickly closed the door behind her and dragged him to their little garden, away from the view of passersby or her parents. “What a
Chapter 10 “ Is everything okay?” Brenda asked Will who seemed to be more focused on the road than herself, looking around like he was checking to be sure that he wasn't been followed. “ Will, is everything okay?” “ yeah I am fine, don't worry dear, it's nothing important okay!” he said, reassuring Brenda that everything was fine notwithstanding. The drive to Will’s penthouse was short, seeing how intensive, it was for them, “Come here darling... I miss you so much!!” They spent the better part of the day, kissing and loving each other, their bodies moving in a sensual way. Brenda, knowing the power she had over him, walked slowly to him, she was dressed in sexy lingerie Walking quietly, like as if she didn't want to wake the next person next door, “ I know what you want “ Brenda said walking up to him, seductively carving her lips, she could feel the sting of pleasure in between her legs and it was responsible by the minute. She brought her lips closer to Will,
Will sat in the first-class cabin of the transatlantic flight, staring blankly at the screen in front of him. The thought of returning to the U.S. after weeks of avoiding the inevitable felt like a bitter pill he had no choice but to swallow. Despite the luxurious surroundings and the attentive service, his mind was consumed with one relentless thought: Brenda.The idea of her—his ex-lover—marrying his son was an insult he couldn’t stomach. For days, he had convinced himself that distance was the solution, that ignoring the situation would somehow make it disappear. But it hadn’t. Instead, the announcement of a firm wedding date had dragged him back, forcing him to confront the reality of what was about to happen.By the time the plane landed, Will had made up his mind. He wouldn’t allow this farce to go on any longer. He would speak to Hardy directly and make him understand why marrying Brenda was the worst decision he could ever make.Will’s car pulled up to his grand estate late
Will sat in his office chair, staring at the city skyline through the massive glass window. The meeting had dragged on longer than expected, leaving him drained. As he loosened his tie and leaned back in the chair, he reached for his phone to check the time. That’s when he noticed it—several missed calls flashing on the screen.His brows furrowed as he unlocked the phone and scanned the call log. The name at the top made his stomach churn: Cassandra.He hesitated, already guessing the reason for the frantic calls. It wasn’t hard to figure out. Whenever Cassandra called this persistently, it could only mean one thing: Hardy.And if it was about Hardy, then Brenda’s name was undoubtedly involved.Will’s grip tightened around the phone as the all-too-familiar wave of resentment crept in. Brenda—his son’s fiancée, his own former lover, and the woman he had never truly let go of.The mere thought of Hardy marrying Brenda felt like a cruel twist of fate. It wasn’t just her presence that uns
Cassandra had barely opened her eyes when a wave of determination washed over her. It was early morning, and the faint light of dawn filtered through her curtains, casting a soft glow in her bedroom. Today marked a new month—a significant turning point in her personal crusade. She had spent the past weeks fuming, plotting, and rehearsing her arguments, all aimed at one goal: removing Brenda from Hardy’s life.Hardy’s home, her home—it didn’t matter what Brenda thought of it. Cassandra was resolute. This would not end with a wedding. Brenda would not win.But as Cassandra swung her legs off the bed, a strange sensation stopped her. Her head swam, and the world seemed to tilt. She gasped softly, clutching the edge of her mattress as dizziness overwhelmed her. Her body felt heavy, like gravity had doubled its pull.She tried to stand again but collapsed back onto the bed with a thud, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her pulse was erratic, her hands clammy. The room spun like a carou
ChapterThe trip to Brazil was an excellent one. Having to sit down and think things through, back at his home, Hardy was finding it hard to curtail his joy. His father wasn’t home; he had the opportunity to show his wife to be around, but as they were having dinner Brenda felt uncomfortable as she looked around. “Are you sure your father will be cool with me moving in even before the wedding preparations?”“There is nothing to worry about; as I have said, this is your home now, so there is nothing wrong with it.”Hardy said, planing an hand over hers that was on the table, the maid who had now become a spy.Rushed out through the back door, she knew the only place the hatred wouldn’t be keeping an eye on at that time of the day. Was the tiny door that led into the woods? It was a fishy thing to do.Having to walk through the woods, she had no choice but to find her way down to Casandra. Up on getting there, she waited to be allowed into the large country house, but at that moment
ChapterWill was just coming out of the board meeting, holding a file in his hand as his assistant rushed after him. “Sorry, sir, I forgot to remind you about the project with Brazil!”Will stopped in his tracks, stunned as he looked at his assistant, realizing he still had to travel.“And how come I’m just hearing about this now?”“I apologize, sir. You’ve been so busy with the launch of Mr. Buckley’s new book that I thought there would be time to notify you.”Will sighed, turning as he walked into his office and sat down. “And when is this meeting?”“Tomorrow night, which will be morning in Brazil.”“I see,” Will said, dropping the file he had been holding. “You know what, once I’m done here, I’ll head back home. Just book me a night flight.”“Alright, Mr. Will, I’ll do just that.”His assistant replied, walking out of the office, and Will buried himself in work.Meanwhile, Brenda was still struggling to digest the whole arrangement. Talking to her mother had been a total waste of t
ChapterTime was already running out, and Brenda couldn’t stand the stares directed her way. It felt like everyone was judging her by her appearance.She couldn’t understand why they kept staring as she approached the front desk, where the guard would pay for the gown she had chosen.Her phone wouldn’t stop ringing. She pulled it out as the ladies at the front desk began gossiping among themselves.“Are you sure someone like her, with that cheap guard, can afford such an expensive wedding dress?”“I don’t think so. You need to get your facts straight. She may look cheap, but she might actually be able to afford it.”“No, I still don’t think so.”Brenda glanced at her phone and saw it was her mom calling.Answering might mean hours of talking, and she needed to rest. There was a chance her mother wouldn’t be able to attend her wedding, which wasn’t sitting well with her. “How much is the dress?” the guard asked, irritation in his voice.“Twenty thousand,” the first lady replied, eyeing
Chapter Cassandra headed straight to her friends place the minute she noticed some inconsistency in her statement..“ I am coming over to you and you better be ready to spill everything ““ fine just come over!!”She made her way right off into the other lane just as she could make it to Layla’s place on time Everything seems blurt at the moment even for Brenda, as her mother looked at her smiling, “ come child go for the shipping at least it will reduce the street of other preparation ““ mum!!” Brenda exclaimed knowing fully well why her mother would accept that she go for a wedding preparation. Going all round, she still couldn't win her mother over the issue and this pissed her off ass she made her way right out of the hospital This made her way right out of the hospital making ht way down to the shopping mall, she didn't have the zeal to choose anything that expensive.Brenda entered the wedding dress store, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the elegant surroundings.
Cassandra woke up that morning feeling tired; she knew nothing could pull her out of this mood.One of her maids was already in her room, opening the curtains. This wasn’t something Cassandra liked best.“What exactly are you doing?” Cassandra asked, watching her maid, who was staring at something on the side table.The maid nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Cassandra’s voice. “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am! I was just putting this here,” she said, placing down a magazine. It was filled with news about the wealthy; Cassandra’s life had never been private since she turned sixteen.She had a fashion show to attend that morning, and she didn’t want to look at the magazine, fearing it might spoil her mood.The magazine had always been full of fabricated lies, with a few truths mixed in. It allowed people who looked up to her to read the diary of her life without really knowing her.“Would you like breakfast this morning, ma’am?” The maid sounded anxious, piquing Cassandra’s curiosity.C
Hardy drew Brenda closer as he kissed her. He knew he had won; his dad was the least of his problems now—all he needed was to get himself together and move forward.Everything seemed blurry for Brenda. She knew she shouldn’t have accepted his proposal, as everything was going from bad to worse.“I can’t accept this marriage proposal,” she said to Gerald as she paced back and forth. But the more she thought about it, the more uncertainty built up in her heart.Hardy drove back home after much pleading from his aunt. “You’re finally back home?”“Yes, I am, Dad, and I think we should start preparing for my wedding!”“Why a wedding?”“My wedding with Brenda. I proposed to her today, and she said yes!”“You can’t be serious. What do you see in her that makes you want to go against my wishes?”“I just love her, Dad. Is there anything wrong with loving a woman I cherish?”“No, I don’t think so, but you need to think this through. She’s not the best for you, and you know it!”“I have nothing