Here is the update of 1st September. Enjoy. Thanks for the reviews. ;-) Lisa Salman-author
Aniya was sitting beside him in a luxury car and was feeling underdressed according to the occasion. Though Derek had specifically told her that it was not a date but for some reason she was getting date vibes. “Relax.” Derek tilted his head to have a better look at her, “Don’t freak out. We are NOT on a date. Remember?” he didn’t want to miss this first chance to go out with her. He was happy that at least she agreed to dine out. “I should have worn something else, I guess. It’s been quite some time since I last went on a date,” And got a good fu*ck. She thought silently. “Why? No! You look beautiful, Aniya,” Poor Derek seemed to get nervous now due to her insecurities. “Sure?” she turned her face sideways and saw a smile gracing his lips. “Yup. Cent percent.” They both didn’t know what to talk about. “Do you like music?” he asked her, realizing how little he knew about her. She shifted in her seat and looked outside the window, “Who doesn’t like music, Derek? I love music,”
“Once we catch the man who is after you, I will go back to my daughter.”“Can you make a sketch of my daughter? If possible, also capture the expressions on her face.”“I am about to get married. My girlfriend is expecting again.”“She is my little Nina. She also walks backwards. Once my girlfriend will deliver twins, we are planning to get married.”There were so many things, so many happy moments with Jeff. She wasn’t able to forget any of it. She looked up when she felt Gerald squeezing her hand.“Jeff would never return, G. He has gone. Forever!” She closed her eyes and rolled her lips between her teeth. It felt like her heart would stop beating due to the pain that was gradually increasing.“H-he had become my friend. He told me that I reminded him of his daughter. I think every girl used to remind him of his daughter. That day when we were about to get on our bus, he told me that Aniya also reminded him of his daughter.” Her tears were streaming down her face.Gerald was there
“Hey. How are you doing?” Ashton Garner asked Chad who got consciousness last night and was now lying on the hospital bed. Chad nodded his head and licked his lower lips. He was feeling thirsty, but doctors had asked him not to take too much water right now. “I am good,” Chad said in a feeble voice, “I am so happy that you are here.” Ashton held his hand and leaned on the side chair placed near the bed, “Why would I leave you alone? You are a very important man and the job you are capable of. No man can do it except you.” Chad couldn’t understand what type of job, Ashton was talking about. He was just thankful that he didn’t leave him. Unlike his family, Ashton was by his side. “Mr. Garner. You were right. River is not a boy.” He stopped when felt a shooting pain in his head, “You… you knew it. Right? I was after her thinking that he was a boy. Why didn’t you stop me?” This was poking Chad’s head, ever since he got consciousness. Chad could not take out the image of her hanging b
“Hello!” Aniya jumped in fright when she heard a whisper too close to her ear. “Gosh! Derek! Grow up!” she placed her hand on her chest to normalize her speeding heartbeat, “What are you doing here?” “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he gave her a sheepish smile, “I am good but what about you?” “Me?” she touched her fingers to her face, “What happened to me?” “You look pale, Aniya.” He took the seat opposite to her and then gestured towards the nearby chair, “Where is River?” “I – I don't know,” Aniya tried to show him that she was busy with her work. The image of nak*ed River lying beside a nake*d Marwick kept popping up in her mind. “Strange thing is even Gerald was not here for this important meeting. For some reason, Marwick is acting like an angry Ape. He had been so unreasonable throughout the meeting. He was giving everyone these unrealistic targets that are next to impossible to achieve.” “Is he angry?” she asked him, and he nodded at her, “Yes, why? It seems you did
(One month later)Aniya had been staring at the LED screen where a detective series was being played, but her mind was somewhere else. She had been observing Marwick for one month.The little friendliness he used to show her, had completely gone. He had been a different person. He rarely spoke, he never smiled, and he had become a severe workaholic.There was no sign of River Brower. Chad was arrested a month ago. The moment he was out of the hospital, he was taken to the jail. His property was put up by his wife’s lawyer.He still didn’t know who had hit him on the head and Marwick made it a point to keep Aniya safe. He didn’t want to drag her name in court trials.Even if there would be a need Aniya didn’t have to worry about it. Because it was all done in self-defense.She tried to hold her yawn and twisted her neck only to find Derek sleeping beside her on the couch. The poor man decided to watch the detective series because Aniya loved it.She couldn’t hold the smile and started
Aniya went inside Marwick’s office to get the important documents from his desk. He had instructed her to get them before leaving so she could email all the employees for the next meeting.She picked up the large manila envelope and was about to turn away when she saw his tilted seat. She didn’t know what got into her. She stepped ahead and started stroking the expensive black leather.Just to feel the heat of his body, she slowly landed her ass on the seat.Smiling to herself, she started rotating it like a kid. However, she had to stop the activity when there was a small knock on the door,“What are you doing here?” Derek’s head appeared in the doorway. He blinked and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.“Where is Marwick?” Aniya shrugged in answer,“I don’t know. He seemed to be in a hurry. Just asked me to collect the documents from the office and left. According to him, it was an unexpected meeting.” She again started revolving the chair, “Want to join the fun?” She offer
Aniya and Derek froze in their place. “Y-Yes?” Aniya asked the person knocking impatiently on the door. “Aniya? Is it you? Sorry. I thought it was Marwick.” Aniya took a sigh of relief when she heard Ashley outside the bathroom door. “She is my friend,” she whispered to Derek and then called out, “I will be out Ashley. After a few more minutes.” “Ok, buddy take your time,” Derek rolled his eyes when he heard Ashley Deluca, “What if she keeps waiting for us?” he murmured near her ear. Aniya giggled because she found his whisper like a tickle. “Aniya! You alright? Are you talking to someone?” Aniya’s lips formed a line, “Umm. Yes, Ashley. Actually, I was talking to someone on my phone.” That was the best thing she could come up with. “Ok, Aniya.” Take your time. I am waiting for you here.” Aniya leaned her forehead against his shoulder and started laughing. “Stop laughing! Urgh!” Derek groaned, clearly not liking the situation, “Now she is waiting outside. Should I use that wind
“Hey, Derek. You were inside the office too? I must have missed you when you went in there,” Ashley asked Derek trying to mask the mischief in her voice. But Aniya could detect it. Before Aniya could give any sign or hint to Derek, the poor man waved his hand carelessly, “Oh. I went inside when you were in the production department.” Aniya wanted to facepalm. Now nothing could be done about it. She was in the mess. “How do you know if I was in the production department?” Ashley narrowed her eyes and took the seat that used to belong to River Brower. “When I passed the reception desk, Aniya informed me that you were there,” Derek told her confidently. Ashley had placed her tongue on the side of her inner cheek, “Oh. That makes sense.” Derek waved at Aniya before leaving the reception desk. Both the girls kept looking at him until he exited. When Aniya turned around, she found Ashley standing behind her, placing a hand on her hip. “What?” Aniya asked her and in answer, all Ashley
(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