Second update of 8/4/23 Lisa Salman-author
They were having dinner on the balcony of the first floor. She was craving a restaurant styled rare steak. So, Marwick got it made by his chef. “So, what’s your education?” Marwick asked her when Greta arranged the table for them. “Graduation,” she said a little uncomfortable by the question. “Any siblings?” he asked her and started cutting her steak into bite-sized pieces. “Come on. I am not a toddler,” Ignoring his question she laughed but he kept doing his job. “You can’t give this much stress to your hand.” He said and placed the plate before her. They both were dressed casually, in sweatpants and sando shirts. The weather had taken a one eighty degree turn and was a little humid now, but it sometimes used to turn chilly without warning. “You didn’t answer me.” He remarked not looking offended, but his sharp eyes were on her face now. She was not telling about her siblings. “I just did. I told you, I am a graduate.” She said and got busied with her steak. He kept looking a
River had to face disappointment because of Gerald’s call. She was about to have this romantic and intimate moment with Marwick until he gave him the idea to take her along. She finished the cold dinner with Marwick and stood up from her seat. “Won't you have more wine?” he offered her and tried to divert his gaze when she stretched up her arms and gave a good show of her belly button. “Nah. I am too excited to have anything,” she dropped her arms to her sides and offered him, her hand. “Excited about what?” “Going to Africa! Gerald just told you that we both should go there. And I also find it practical. It's so sweet of him for sending us there, together.” “Gerald is NOT sending you there, River. He just gave a suggestion!” “Oh, I see. Still!” she forced an overly cheerful grin, “We need to do a few preparations, Marw!” she said before pulling him up. Marw? Did she just call me… She was overly excited while walking to her room, holding his hand. “There is so much to do.” Sh
His eyes lazily traveled from her thigh to her chest which was heaving by now and then reached up to meet her eyes. “When you were disguised as a boy, how you managed to hide them?” he asked her, and she looked around in confusion. “Hide what?” “These,” he tilted his head to look at her assets behind her blouse. “Oh,” she looked down and felt her cheeks turning red. “You haven’t gotten anything that is boyish. How could I miss those all this time, Bella,” his velvety voice purred near her, “I am such a fool.” She was not looking at him and was gazing down at her lap. Until she felt his finger under her chin, “Eyes up, Bella.” She tried to stifle the nervous giggle about to leave her mouth and made an attempt to divert his attention from her bo*obs, “Umm. Is there a room in the plane too? Like you have changed your clothes.” She chewed her lower lip looking for more words, “Nice try!” he smirked, “Yeah. There is a cabin with an attached bath,” he murmured, unconsciously making c
Marwick saw her walking ahead of him excitedly and he could not contain the smile. She seemed so excited and so full of life that he did not know how to control his desire for her. The worst thing was she already knew about it. She was aware he was keeping her at a distance. She had felt the burning desire when she was sitting on his lap. He had had his fair share of flings too. But the guilt after marrying her didn’t let him enjoy his life. His close ones kept telling him not to take it on his heart. But he couldn’t do it. Those azure eyes behind the veil kept haunting his nights. The little she-devil was taking advantage of him. She wanted his closeness, his touch. “F*uck!” he cursed under his breath. Just thinking of her was enough to make him hard. “Oh, good, God” he heard her voice laced with enthusiasm when they entered the villa his company had rented for them. “This is so beautiful!” she came to him running for a hug and all could Marwick do was wrap his arms around her.
“Hello, there,” she had just stepped outside the cottage when she heard a familiar voice behind her. “Jeff?” she waved and fixed her dark glasses on her nose, “I guess you followed me?” “Yes. It's my duty not to let you go all alone.” When she just nodded and didn’t budge from her place, he just threw a sheepish smile at her, “Look. I know you must be exasperated. But please understand I am not on vacation here. I am still on duty. I swear I won't let you know or feel that you have got company.” River kept looking at him and then nodded in understanding, “Fine!” She turned on her heels and started walking. Right now, she didn’t have any plans to enjoy the sea. She was just here to walk on the sand. Water could be enjoyed later with Marwick once he would be free. Their cottage was in a great location as compared to others. It was all power of money. She thought with a sigh. As River strolled along the sun-kissed beach, she spotted a perfect spot under a colorful beach umbrella.
River was in high spirits when she returned to the cottage. When she left home Jeff was on her tail but since they had returned River was holding Jeff as if they were old friends. Greta raised her brows when she saw them coming while laughing crazily. “You are funny,” Jeff said and picked up an apple from the kitchen island. “I need to go to Marwick and bring him down. He must be working in his room,” River said before stepping on the stairs but had to stop when she heard Greta. “Mr. Garner is out for some office work. He said to tell you specifically to have dinner without him,” As expected River felt disappointed. On the plane, he was so friendly and then after she requested him to take his hand up, he just chuckled in reaction and kissed her temple. Was he avoiding her? “Sure, Greta. Of course, he is here for work. We can’t expect him to waste his time here.” She didn’t let his absence get to her heart. They ordered a large meal, and she enjoyed Greta’s and Jeff’s company. T
As expected, Marwick wasn’t beside her when she woke up. But her plan didn’t include him being closer. She quickly pressed the bell for Greta. Once she was done with her morning tasks and dressed up, she went out where other waiters could be seen in the living room standing in a long line. A uniformed man who must be the hotel manager was giving orders to the waiters’ army. “What’s going on, Greta?” she asked the woman in a low whisper. “Mr. Garner has arranged an official dinner for the business fraternity near the beach,” Greta whispered back and took River to the kitchen. River must be halfway through her breakfast when a familiar scent hit her nose. She turned and found Marwick coming inside the kitchen and took the chair near the small coffee table. The hotel chef placed a breakfast plate in front of him. “I am sorry. I thought you are done with the breakfast.” She said sheepishly but Marwick waved his hand carelessly and started taking big bites of his sandwich. River look
“So, Marwick, what do you think about this proposal?”An executive from the African company asked Marwick whose mind was drifting off, thinking of the girl who just left the study after informing him that she was going out.He blinked, realizing he was momentarily lost in his thoughts, and tried to regain his focus on the meeting.He looked at the man absent-mindedly, “Uh...yes, I believe it has potential. We should consider the financial projections more carefully.”Another executive who seemed to be in his middle age looked at Marwick, “Is everything alright, Mr. Garner? You seem a bit worried.”Marwick tried to regain his composure, “Oh, my apologies. I was just... reviewing some additional data. Please continue.” He said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.The executives exchanged curious glances, but they continued with their discussion.Mr. Marwick Garner was taking enough interest before that pretty girl arrived and disturbed the meeting.Marwick tried his best to stay eng
(2 years later) “I went to the school today. The management is quite happy with Mimi’s progress,” Arabella told Jeff’s partner, Fione who moved to their house for her girls’ better education and job opportunities. Two years back, Marwick had offered Fiona to join his company. Even if she wouldn’t have moved here, Marwick had promised her long ago that he would take responsibility for Jeff’s family in his absence. Whether his girlfriend wanted to do a job or some business or even if she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. He had promised himself that he would support the family as much as he could. There was an annex at a little distance from their giant house that was built especially for the family. “You should start dating, Fiona. You are still young,” the girl smiled and shook her head. There was a sketch of Jeff’s older daughter that was made by Arabella as promised to Mimi’s father. “Where are the twins?” Arabella asked her, looking around. “Oh, they just went to sleep. You wer
(Aniya: One month later)“Finally, we are here,” Aniya told Derek who held her hand and leaned to kiss her cheek.“Yeah. Finally!” He looked happy too. It was almost a dream come true. His dream girl was at last by his side.They had just landed at the Sydney Airport and they both knew that their fate had brought them here. The same fate that brought them together.Aniya took out her phone when it vibrated. She had received millions in her bank account. Her mouth was hung open.There was a message from Gerald.“Take it as your gift from Garner Empire. I know you will never accept it. But this is a joint gift from me, Ashley, and Marwick so that you can start your life without worry.”Aniya felt strange. As a director, Derek did receive a good chunk of his due funds after he resigned. But why Gerald, Ashley, and Marwick were giving her so much money? For God's sake, this meant only one thing. Now she was a billionaire.“What’s the matter, darling?” Derek asked her while walking to the
“What? Resign?” Gerald was looking at Aniya open-mouthed, “Are you nuts? Who makes such impulsive decisions, Aniya?” “I do!” Aniya lifted her chin up and there was this stubbornness evident on her face, “I have decided to follow him.” She flipped back her shoulder-length hair with style. That same Aniya style. Her smile did waver a bit when she felt Gerald’s pointed gaze on her face. “What?” She sounded defensive, “People do leave jobs and shift to other countries. I need to accompany him if we want a future together. I am quite sure my happiness lies with him.” “You were quite sure when you followed Marwick here and packed up your cleaning business. Just to be a receptionist in his office.” Gerald pointed out and that brought rage on her face. “Mr. Gerald Oliver. Are you questioning my decisions?” she cocked up a challenging brow at him. “No, Aniya,” Gerald leaned back in Marwick’s seat. After he left for Turkey, Gerald was taking care of everything behind him, “I am your frie
“Yes?” Ashton just got done fuc*king a dame and now he was smoking while scrolling his phone when he got this call.“Sir. I have bomb news.” The man on the other side told him with excitement. “Shoot!” he pressed the cigarette between his finger and thumb and flipped it towards the ashtray on the nightstand. The girl beside him was sleeping without bothering to cover herself and Ashton's hand was stroking her a*ss after getting rid of the cigarette. “It’s about your son, Mr. Ashton. Marwick Garner,”Ashton threw a quick glance towards the girl and decided to leave the room. He came out while knotting the robe around his gown.“I told you not to bother me about my son. I just wanted to know about Arabella Den. She is fuc*king eighteen and I was thinking that Marwick must have gotten rid of her by now.But no. She is still residing there.” Frustration was evident in his tone. “Or maybe my son is also taking advantage of her beauty,” Ashton said with a low chuckle. Arabella Den. E
From a very young age, he had been taking care of his business. His father being a womanizer could never pay attention to the family.As a result, Marwick had an indecisive mother who could never take a stand for her husband’s cheating.Marwick Garner started acting like a man of his family from his teens. His grandfather started trusting him and did something that he could never do to his son.He gave the business reins to Marwick without any interference. Ashton Garner got furious. He could never enjoy his father’s money this freely. And just when he thought he would soon have everything. All the wealth was handed over to Marwick Garner on a silver platter.Marwick worked hard and took the business to an international level. He had this knack for business from a very young age. Nobody could manipulate him that easily.But this girl River Brown?She took advantage of her sickness. She used him as a pawn and convinced him to go to Turkey. He thought, the couple really needed help.How
“So, are you seriously going to Turkey? Just to settle the couple?” Gerald asked him when Marwick was putting his passport in a leather pouch, “I can’t believe it. Don’t you think it’s an absurd demand?”“Sir. I have packed your bags.” Marwick’s butler informed him, “Please let me know if you need any more assistance,”Marwick dismissed him with a slight shake of his head and looked towards Gerald.“I have a very trustworthy staff, but I would really appreciate it if you stop mentioning the country repeatedly. The newly married couple might be dead due to your carelessness,” Marwick hissed but Gerald knew why he was frustrated.“Are you scared that you might bump into her?” Marwick zipped the pouch as if he wanted to zip Gerald’s mouth.“Nobody knows which city she flew to. She didn’t even inform River or Keanu about her whereabouts. I am not going for her. I am going for River and Keanu. Will help them initially and return. I have a business to run. Remember?”He went into the bathro
Aniya frowned and looked at Derek when someone whispered from behind, “The bride seems to be a cancer survivor. Such a brave girl she is.” That was the moment Aniya noticed her newly grown short hair under the veil.“Derek,” she breathed after leaning towards Derek.“I know, love. I know. We will talk about it later,” Derek kissed her hand lightly and looked ahead to witness the vows. ***“You may now kiss the bride,” The priest announced, and River kneeled in front of the wheelchair, where Keanu lifted her veil with a teary chuckle and bent down to kiss the bride.The small audience started cheering for them.“I love you so much,” Keanu almost choked on his tears. River wiped his cheeks and chuckled.“I love you too, Mr. Keanu. I am lucky to have you in my life. As my lover and as my husband.”“Not lucky as me, Mrs. Keanu,” He bent again to kiss his bride. They both were not embarrassed to cry and kissing each other again and again in front of a bunch of people.“Thank you so much.”
(1 month later)Aniya was standing before a full-length mirror pouting at her image. She lifted her black hair off her neck to examine herself, “I think a bun at the top will look more suitable,”The bathroom door opened, and Derek stepped out with a towel around him. He ran a slow gaze at Aniya who was wearing a blush pink gown that flowed just below her knees. The off-shoulder neckline that was lined with lace was giving her an ethereal look.He tried his best to take his eyes off her and started dressing up. After buttoning up his tailored charcoal gray suit jacket, he smirked.She was still confused about her hairstyle.“Whatever style you will decide, believe me. You will ace it.” He said and started brushing his fingers through his partially wet hair.When she didn’t respond and the pout stayed there on her lips, he walked up behind her and placed his hands on her bare shoulders. “What’s the fuss about?” he muttered close to her ear, causing goosebumps on her skin.“I can’t deci
Marwick and Keanu got busy with River. They used to feed her bone broth, fruits, and veggies. The daily multivitamin intake was a must. River had to be strong enough to get the chemo. Her next head shave was also due. The first one was done by Keanu. Garner Empire was still bustling with people and business. Gerald was taking care of all the meetings and Aniya was managing all the online commitments along with Mr. Penks. They wanted to give maximum time to Marwick so that he could spend most of his time with River. “River. Now don’t act like a bratty kid,” he heard Keanu’s stern voice who was trying to feed chicken corn soup to River. “I can’t. It’s been so many days since I last ate a burger or a pizza,” she had been puking everything and the doctor had asked them to feed her soft food. At last, Marwick who was working on his laptop got on his feet and placed the laptop aside, “Give it to me,” Marwick reached out to hold the bowl, “If you have any errands to run then you can g