No one talks until we get to his penthouse. We have competition now of who’s best fit for being mute. And despite my gloating right now, I don’t have much choice but to follow wherever he drags me to since I didn’t have my wallet nor my smartphone with me. Once we are inside, he confidently leaves me alone while he goes straight to the tub. He knows I can’t run since the elevator inside his room only recognizes his fingerprint. So I just go inside his study room. I cry and cry until there’s no more left to cry. I blame myself for being such a whore. I blame myself for everything. My throat hurts trying to suppress my weeping sound. I cover my mouth with my two hands and just lay down on the couch. After half an hour, I hear Dmitri comes out of the comfort room, but I have no strength to stand so I just stay there.When he realizes I am in the study room, he follows me. And there, sees the vulnerable side of me, lethargic, demotivated, wasted. He doesn’t say a word and we avoid e
After having breakfast, Dmitri and I really spend the day inside his penthouse. Like he said, he has no intention of going to work today. “Are you sure you are not going to work or what?” I ask him. “Yes, I want to be with you and I also need a break from all those paparazzi,” he explains with a smile on his face like it is nothing. “Okay, so let’s see,” I utter thinking of what to do next, “Aha, why don’t we watch some movies?” I search for the remote around the bedside table and Dmitri is saying something, “I think it is best not to open the televi-” he warns, but before he could finish the sentence, I already clicked the power button. The static sound starts and a woman’s voice reporting fades in until the television shows its true color and sound. “We are now outside the building where the penthouse of the renowned young billionaire Dmitri Sullivan is located. People have divided commentaries about the said bachelor. All the more, their company’s stock market price plummets
“Dee, I need a favor from you,” I ask.He stops what he’s doing and he looks at me, waiting for me to continue.“I, I left my phone at K’s house, is there a phone or a computer I can use to check my e-mails?” I hesitantly ask.He doesn’t seem surprised about it, and then he walks towards the other bedside table and pulls out the drawer.There I see the pouch which I left at K’s. Then he puts it on the bed, “I thought you’d never ask,” he says.“You had this since yesterday? How foolish of me!” I blame myself, “Thank you, Dee. I need to check some important details.”“Do you want to use my laptop on my study table instead?” he offers.I try to open my phone, I thought it was because I turn it off but it seems the battery died indeed, so I accept his generosity, “Uh, yes please, my phone died anyway, thanks, Dee.”We once again go back to the study room, and he turns on the laptop. Then he leaves the room so I can have time.I sit in front of the computer and stare at it for a while. I
During their whole argument, I pretend to be sleeping so I could hear what they are about to say. I understand the severity of this situation, especially to my career, but even more so, to Dmitri’s company. Thanks to his sister, I find a way to make this right. This is at least, one thing I could do for him. So I pretend once again to be waking up and waiting for him to notice me. When he sees that I am already awake, he runs to me and immediately checks me out, with a worried face. “Hey, how do you feel? Can you breathe now? Does your heart still ache?” he asks worriedly. I smile and lean to him, “I am fine, Dee, sorry to make you worry,” I apologize. “I-I read your e-mails, I am sorry for intruding. But what they did was inappropriate. You can sue them for this, I’ll give you my best legal advisors if you want, Avery,” he angrily says. I shake my head. “No, please, let’s stop. I just want to go home, Dee,” I beg him. “But, you are safer here, don’t you think?” he insists.
(Dmitri’s Thoughts)The moment I laid my eyes on her, I was completely astounded by her beauty. I’ve been watching her from afar, but the first time I’d garnered the strength to talk to her was in Austria. The moment she entered the bar, I heard bartenders gossiping about her. After all, she was the most beautiful of them all. Her beauty stood out effortlessly. I had no plans to talk to her, I just wanted to meet and see her, how she really looked like in the flesh, but who would have thought, that would be our first meeting.Well, for her, that is. I reminisced the memory of ever first talking to her, as she took a rest on my bed tonight. This scandal took a toll on her big time, and because of me and my obsession with her, I put her into a difficult spot. Her company wronged her big time, and she took the fall. I hated myself seeing her like this. I think I ruined her. Her glow suddenly fades away when she’s with me. Why am I born like this?When I asked her to live with me, I a
(Dmitri’s Thoughts)I keep on driving going nowhere until Greta gives me the exact location of Avery. It took her almost an hour but fortunately, she was able to give the specific name of the hotel. “Diamond Rough Hotel at Eastern Boulevard, unit unknown,” Greta informs us. I immediately relay her location to Nik and Kendra, and luckily they are close to that hotel. A ray of hope is still at hand. I look for a U-turn slot and drive the car at its top speed to the hotel. While on my way, I call the CEO of that hotel who happens to be my friend. “Call Leo,” I command Greta. “Calling Leo…” she states. The call finally connects after some trials, “Sullivan, the man of the hour, I am thrilled seeing your name on my phone screen. What do you need?”“Leo, I’ll cut the chase, I need a unit number of one of your guests,” I told him without beating around the bush. “Wow, you are cold, man. I am fine by the way. You’re looking for your girl right? I am watching her live stream, too, let
It’s been two years since I left the States and move here to Europe, specifically France. It wasn’t easy but after the scandal, I decided to flee from that place. All’s well, except for the fact that K, my bestfriend, blocked me from all her social media account. So, however absurd it may sound, my ex-boyfriend Seid keeps me posted on K’s life. Stating the obvious, she’s still mad at me for leaving her just like that without any word. I had no choice, her boyfriend is Dmitri’s brother-in-law, I know, somehow, Nikolai, will get the word out of her. It is best she knows nothing. So, here I am, still building a new life. I’ve been studying again some short courses about Art History. Well, I’ve ditched writing after the scandal, so at least, I have to find a new hobby, and here it is arts. Apart from writing and coordinating events, I enjoyed planning for Jodie’s exhibit the most, and since I realized I have eyes for precious potential talents, I’ve decided to apply as a curator in
Caen City, Northwestern region of Calvados, France My little happy reminiscing time with Jodie finally come to its end. She invited me over for dinner but since I already had plans with Jeff, I had to say no to her. “That isn’t the only reason, is it? You are afraid to mend the already loose ends, right?” my sarcastic mind teases me as I fix myself inside the locker room. I look at my phone to check the time and it’s already 6 in the evening. Given the walking time, I still have 30 minutes to freshen up before my date with Jeff. I tie my hair using a rubber band and hit the pedestrian street. The apartment where Jeff and I are living is just 15-minute away from here. This part of the city is my favorite place. By far, it is the liveliest corner in this city. Caen isn’t as big as France but you can enjoy a lot of things here. Well, I guarantee how I’ve been enjoying its nightlife for a year now. Unlike in the States, bars here are a little quieter, more modest, and more discr
(Avery’s Thoughts) (Two Years After The Divorce)I am standing backstage at one of the famous morning talk shows here in NY.I don’t know why I feel so nervous, well, it is my first TV appearance nationwide.Then I look at the mirror and fix myself, “Well, I am not yet ready to reveal my personality so I think of a way to hide my identity, and that is to use a pen name and a sophisticated mask, like the ones you wear in a masquerade ball.”A staff finally reaches out to me and says, “Miss Sparks, in a minute they are going to call you on stage. And your cue is the dimming light, okay?”“Uh-huh,” I hesitantly answer.But she is there to boost and cheer me up, “Take a deep breath, relax, and remember, you are good, and you definitely got this!”The sound from the crowd suddenly dies down and the voice of the host is heard. I look up at their gigantic spotlight and wait for the cue.I take a deep breath and say to myself, “You got this, Avery. You got this!”“Let us all welcome with a ro
(Avery’s Thoughts) “Dear Avery - My Loyal Wife, When you came into my life and agreed to be my wife, that was the best day of my life. That day, on our sudden wedding day, I promised that I would cherish you more than anyone else.I swore to protect the smile on your face, a smile so genuine when I first met you at that hotel five years ago. Avery, I know you’ve been trying so hard, and you never once failed to fulfill your duty as my loving wife, even if it means putting your heart aside. You’ve been so good to me, and you’ve been faithful to me like you promised me. But sometimes kindness and compassion aren’t enough when love is forced. Eventually, the true feelings will immerse.With so much regret, I’ve seen you fell right in front of my eyes. I’ve witnessed how your bright spark faded when you married me. I’ve become the reason why you lost yourself.I let it happen. And I can’t forgive myself for that ever again. You were forced to love me. I forced you to love me. And
(Avery’s Thoughts)“Babe, did it come out now?” Jeff yells behind the door. While I am damn nervous to even peek at it. “It is only a minute, it needs another minute, babe. Please, don’t stress me out,” I yell back at him. “I’m sorry. I just feel so excited about the news. I can’t wait to tell mom and dad about our baby!” he says exhilaratingly. “Don’t jinx it!” I scream angrily. “Okay, okay, I’ll wait here patiently,” answers Jeff. I am here sitting on the bathroom floor, waiting for the result to come out from the pregnancy test kit. It has been almost three years since we got married and there was never a time that we didn’t try having a baby. But until now, there’s still nothing. I hug my knees and start crying silently, “What if it fails again? Am I infertile?” I ask myself. The kit finally ticks and now I have to face the truth. God knows we’ve been trying so hard that’s why I even ask Kendra to take full charge of the business for now. I stop all my physical activities
(Avery’s Thoughts) Our El Nido, Palawan experience was splendid. And of course, I still can’t believe it. I came there single, “And now, I am officially Avery Tales. I am now married,” I murmur as I stare at both my and his wedding ring while he’s holding my hand in his sleep. It’s been a week since we came back here to America. Of course, the honeymoon stage has just begun and Jeff wants to make love to me almost every time. And me, being a good wife, always give him what he wants. Although, right now, I think I am still a little swollen down there. I go to the bathroom to clean myself up and wash my face as I promised Kendra I’ll be meeting her so we can talk about our new business venture. After brushing my teeth, I wake Jeff up, “Hey, babe. Didn’t you say you have an interview at Kirkland’s Best?”He groans and instead of getting up, he pulls me into the bed and showers me with morning kisses. I giggle as his kisses tickle me, “Babe, stop it. We have a lot of things to do tod
(Avery's Thoughts)Even though the wedding is sudden, Jeff managed to pull it off, and he has planned it all along. So after the wedding ceremony, we stayed for a little bit, I got to finally meet his parents. And for the longest of times, I once again felt the warm embrace of a parent. It made me cry because I knew that I am no longer alone, and no longer an orphan. Because now that we are married, his parents became my parents, too. And I can’t deny, my heart is full. After that, we stayed to talk to our guests for some time, and then we ate and enjoy the party, too. And now I am here standing on the balcony staring at the moonlight, while Jeff is still cleaning. I don’t know why. It isn’t the first time we are going to have sex, but for some reason, now that we are married, there’s this tension inside me, a feeling of hesitation, a feeling that I am officially owned by him. And unexplainably, I feel afraid. And now, my heart almost stops as I hear the gushing of the water fina
(Avery’s Thoughts) Later this evening, all four of us will meet Jeff’s parents. And because of it, I am so dead worried and I can’t get this nervousness out of my system. So while Jeff is away meeting his parents ahead of time, I rush downstairs and go to our neighboring villa. I knock ceaselessly, but Kendra and Nik aren’t coming out. I move back to look up, and I see that the light is on, it means they are there, so I continue to rampage on their door. “Kendra, Kendra,” I knock nonstop, “Open up, please!” I scream a little loud. Then after five minutes of almost breaking their door down, someone finally opens the door for me. “Thank God you finally come out, what took you so l–” I am about to complain but when I see her glaring at me with her hair a little bit frizzy and wrap in a blanket, I know that I should be more careful with my next words. Then later on Nik comes down with a little sweat on his forehead. “Uh-oh, definitely bad timing, Avery,” I say to myself. Then Kend
(Avery’s Thoughts) “Hey, we are going to be late for our flight!” I yell when I notice Kendra still struggling with how to put all her stuff in one big luggage. “Wait up! This stupid luggage just won’t listen to me!” she frustratedly yells back at me. Kendra is not a patient and she hates dealing with this kind of stuff. So I go to her room to check up on her. And there I see her leg wrestling with her luggage just so she can close it up. “Stupid-little-luggage!” she yells and kicks before she pounds it hard in the end. And then she sits beside it looking at me with so much energy wasted. “Help me out, A?” she begs. I smile at her and then gently hit her on her forehead. “That’s why I’ve been telling you to pack a week ago,” I nag at her a little and she sticks her tongue out for a moment. “Hmm, let’s see what unnecessary things you put in here,” I tease her. Then I begin to take out some clothes and things she can’t wear to our destination. “Nope!” “–But I need it.” “–It’
(Kendra’s Thoughts)Then a slight touch on my shoulder and a breathy apology are enough to get hold of the situation, “I am sorry, Kendra. Let me fix this,” is all he says. And even without looking, I know this one is definitely Dmitri’s voice since it triggers the hatred hidden deep within my bones.And as he passed by me, he steps up and grabs the arms of that tallest guy, “Let go, Luke, please,” he calmly says.Then the man who fell suddenly stands up continuing his tantrums like a child, “Why are you siding with them, Dee? He punches me first, you should get mad at that bitchy Heather’s husband” then scowls at Dmitri. But Dmitri is true to his words for the first time in his fucking life, he is trying to fix the situation. He glares at him and Luke, “I said Let go, Luke. Don’t make me say it for the third time, and you, I told you to be more careful with your words, this is my city, they know me here as a businessman, you should have thought of me more before creating a scene. T
(Kendra’s Thoughts)Avery finally got discharged from the hospital and in the meantime, I invite them over to stay in my apartment instead of wasting all their money paying for a hotel room. I have two more spare rooms in my apartment so I guess it is fine. Kervin is still here, so they will look after him while I go out with Nik and enjoy our anniversary. I am about to finish dolling up when A enters my room. “Hey there, gorgeous,” she says while leaning on the side of the door. I am currently wearing my earrings when my side zipper comes undone. So she goes to me and says, “Here, I got this,” she says and helps me out. I can’t stop smiling. I am just happy to know she’s here. I am happy we get to do this again. I hear the zip sound finishes, “Okay, you are good to go, sexy K. Are you going to bring the house down tonight with your fiery red velvet bodycon dress?” she pokes my side. “Oh god, no. We will just eat and then go home since that bitchy wife already knew our annivers