That bastard wasn't far away. He couldn't tell me that he couldn't hear me. I kept banging at the door when I noticed something. It was getting a bit colder. I rubbed at my arms and looked around then I gasped. There was an AC vent high up and a lot of cold air was coming in.
What…then something struck me. Did he lock me in here?
Lance's POV
I scrolled through the files my contact had sent me. The entire marketing strategy my brother Ronald had set up. I smirked. I had them just where I wanted. News of my marriage and pretentious reformation had softened the old man Clawson's heart and of course my place in the family business, secured. All I needed to do was come up with an irresistible yet erroneous contract offer, sell it to my idiot brother and watch everything crumbling down as he takes the blame. I clenched my fist.
I wouldn't stop. I would ruin them. Each and everyone of them for what they did to me especially that witch, mother. I could just hear the bitch's horrendous screaming by now and I couldn't help but feel please. She obviously hadn't learnt her lesson yet. Maybe when I was done with her she would learn to speak with a little seasoning. I saw Rachael the air hostess rush towards the restroom at the screams. "Leave it" I snapped and she paused looking at me with widened eyes. "But sir….it seems she's stuck inside" "Do you like your job, Rachael? I saw her bow her head in remorse. "I'm sorry sir" With that she moved away. I sighed. I had to be prepare. I'd be meeting with the entire family after all these years. Sapphire's POV My brain almost had a system lag before I heard the restroom door slide open. I was hurdled at the corner of the floor, every cell in my body quaking from the insane cold. I couldn't move, it felt like my bodily fluids had been frozen! I saw Lance come in, his face expressionless. "Get up" He ordered and moved away leaving me shaking like a fish out of water. The heartless beast. He had really locked me in and left me to freeze to death! Moving felt like hell. It was like I had frostbite inside. I dragged myself outside and my eyes caught sight of a shopping bag which had been dropped on my seat. I looked to Lance who by now was wearing a black suit. "Wear what's inside" I frowned at his tone. "Why? "Would you rather I lock you back up in there? He snarled and I swallowed. I picked the bag and pulled out a floral dress. It was pretty but there was just one problem. It was kind of…short. Usually I hardly ever wore dresses. Mostly baggy clothes but this was so different…. "I don't want to have to repeat myself" His voice came again and I fumbled with the bag. "I….the dress….I can't… "You can't what? He turned to look at me with eyes colder than death and I shut my mouth. "Where do I change? I managed to speak out but he acted like he didn't hear me and sat down. I sighed. I guess there was no other place to go but that horrid restroom again. The plane landed a few minutes later and I couldn't help but be relieved. I pulled the floral dress to cover a bit of my thighs but it was pointless. "Let's go" He ordered and I stood up. "When we come face to face with people, I expect you to compose yourself. Your name is Lauren Dennis, you're a software engineer from a prestigious yet unknown family and you schooled in Hamilton University. You lived a sheltered life. Your hobbies are reading, writing and violin practice. Are we clear? I gasped. The only thing he said differently was my name and that I was from a prestigious family and the fact that I didn't actually get to graduate as a software engineer because of him!. Every other thing sounded like it came right out of my track book. How much research did this guy do on me? "Are we clear? "Em….ye…yes! "Don't speak unless you're spoken to. Put a smile on your face" "Yes...." "Good, let's go, shall we? He held out his hand to me like an actual cultured human being and I couldn't help but recoil. Without another word he held my hands and pulled me close to him till our bodies were touching and held my waist. It felt like electricity went down my spine. His face was dangerously close to mine. I gulped as I could feel myself getting hot. "There's one very important thing I expect you to keep in mind. You're my fiance, you'll be my wife in a few minutes so act like it, okay? His tone was dark and I could guess what would happen if I didn't do what he said. I nodded and then a rather insincere smile traced his lips. "Alright then. Why don't we go greet your new in laws? With that we moved outside to meet a few people who were already waiting for us to get off the plane.Sapphire's POV A group of people were waiting just outside for us. Exotically dressed people. One sexy looking Prima Dona decked with gold came catwalking towards us with a wide beam and I could swear her beauty was blinding. She stretched her hands as we approached. "Oh, Lancy! She exclaimed and I stifled the urge to snicker. Lancy? I saw Mr. Pretty man give a soft smile. One which almost looked sincere. He released his hold on me as he embraced her. I was grateful. I didn't know how much more I could take him holding me that way. "Lancy, how many years has it been? Ten? Fifteen? Wow. I can't remember the last time I saw you" "You don't have to call me that, Aunt Kathy. I'm not twelve anymore. Lance will do just fine" I saw her give a sweet smile. "Wow. My boy's all grown up into a man. You're just as handsome as your father" She gave a slight pause and turned to me. I froze for a moment as I didn't know if I was supposed to say something. "Em…morning ma'am" I managed to st
Sapphire's POV "Do you, Miss Lauren Dennis take Mr Lance Clawson to be your lawfully wedded husband? The priest's voice came and I felt the words stuck in my throat. I looked to Lance. He had this blank and unreadable expression in his eyes. I felt my legs quaking beneath my $1,000,000 wedding dress. I still couldn't believe I was getting married to this man. I wish I could run away. Only yesterday we arrived he had locked me out of our room and made me sleep on the balcony instead in the freezing cold. According to him he liked space and I was in the way. Was this the way I was going to live the rest of my life? "Miss Dennis? The Priest called and I gasped gently. Lance squeezed at my hand with a raised brow and I gulped. I forced a smile. "Ye....yes...I do" "Do you Mr Lance Clawson take Miss Lauren Dennis to be your lawfully wedded wife? "I do" "You may now kiss the bride" My heart froze. What? I looked to him as I saw him inch closer and I flushed. I closed my eyes in unce
Third person POV Elisa Clawson stood fixated at a corner , a glass cup in her hands with her eyes resting on the newly weds who at the moment were having their first dance. For some reason she couldn't help but feel so uneasy. "You're troubled too, right? She heard a voice behind her and she spun round to see her cousin Alfonso who was draped in a quality cream colored tuxedo standing behind her. He gave a sly smile. She didn't even know when he arrived. "What are you doing here Alfonso? She half yelled and he gave a shrug. "I came to meet my sweet cousin of course. Besides didn't you miss me? You barely call these days" He said as he slipped his hand around her waist. She frowned and slapped his hands away. "Behave yourself. we're in public and my husband is around here somewhere " She said in a whisper and he scoffed. "It must be tiring sharing a bed with that oaf. Honestly at times I get jealous. I wish you didn't have to tolerate him. I wish he didn't have to have acce
Sapphire's POV I moved past the halls hurriedly, my heart threatening to tear right out my chest. Someone was planning to kill Lance. I couldn't tell who. I couldn't recognize their voices either but I couldn't sit back and do nothing. Who could it possibly be? The thought of all of this was frightening me. I could just let this happen though. If Lance died maybe I would be freed but then ...why ....why was I moving? He was a horrible person but I....I couldn't just sit back and let this happen. I was rushing through the hotel lobby when I crashed into someone. I staggered and nearly fell but he held my hands. I gasped and looked up. It was Ronald. He gave a wide smile. "Hello beautiful. I was wondering where you were" His voice came as he gripped my wrist gently. "Mr.....Ronald...em... , I just went to use the bathroom earlier. Em, I didn't see you at the wedding earlier or the reception so I thought you wouldn't come." I forced a smile. Within me, I wished he would let me go.
Sapphire's POV I pried my eyes open with a groan. I was on a hospital bed in a private ward. What happened? I suddenly remembered what had happened. How I had stopped Lance from getting poisoned and had gotten poisoned instead. I groaned and clutched at my chest. I was alive. For a minute, I could have sworn I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The door flung open the next minute and the doctor walked in along with Aunty Kathy and Mrs Elisa, my mother in-law. Aunty Kathy gave a heavy sigh of relief clasping her hands together while Mrs Elisa had this somewhat insincere look of worry on her face. Her eyes betrayed her.Why did it seem like she was disappointed? "She's awake! Thank goodness. Lauren how are you doing? Who would do such a horrible thing? Aunt Kathy moved to my side and touched my cheek softly. "Are you alright? Her gentle voice came and I forced a smile.Of course I wasn't fine. It was obvious but her niceness was so pure and bewitching. She was differ
"Don't....don't tempt me Sapphire, you won't like it" His husky voice came and my eyes widened. It was one of the first time he was calling me by name. Why did it sound so sexy when he called my name? It was so... But then suddenlyi saw him sigh. He pulled away, got up and turned to leave without sparing me a glance. Wait what..... He stopped in his tracks halfway across the room. "I'll have my personal assistant Travis take you round town for shopping when we get back to the mansion as a recompense. I don't intend to remain in your debt. Keep that in mind" It felt like a block had been dropped on my head. Why was he acting like he hadn't just rushed at me like a wild hound few seconds ago? Why was he acting like nothing had happened between us? Did he just do that to tease me? I flushed in embarrassment when I realized if he hadn't pulled back, I would have probably let him have his way with me like some cheap tramp. Sapphire, what the hell is wrong with you? He left witho
Sapphire's POVThe light rays hit my face and my eyes pried open. I looked around. I was at the resort suite. On the bed.On the bed? I gasped, sat up and flung the duvet away. How did I get on the bed? If I could remember right, aunty Kathy had come pick me up from the hospital. She helped me to the suite and I sat outside on the balcony bench till I fell asleep.I slept outside last night so how....... Or was I dreaming?The bathroom door was flung open that instant and I saw a half dressed Lance come out. He was still wet wearing a white robe which was left open, exposing his muscular upper body and a white towel was wrapped around his waist. He wiped his hair with another towel. I couldn't help but notice how hot he looked with his hair roughened and his ripped body on full display. His cold eyes shot to my direction all of a sudden and I looked away with a gulp. I suddenly remembered how he kissed me yesterday and I flushed.Wait, was he the one who carried me to the bed? Did he d
Sapphire's POVWe arrived the Clawson mansion after a few hours. The idea of living cooped up from now on with a bunch of unseeming rich folks made my hair stand on edge.For all I know someone tried to poison Lance and like he said, it could be anyone, even his family. Lance hadn't spoken to me since I talked back at him at the parking lot. I glanced at his direction a few times on the plane.He had been busy with his tablet as usual. Not saying a word.He didn't mock me as usual or throw insults at me. It made me shudder. What was he possibly thinking? What was going on in his mind? At the mansion, we were welcomed by the staff and the head butler whose name I found out was Mr Dawson. Elder Clawson introduced me to the entire staff and after a cherry welcome and tons of congratulations, I followed Lance to where would now become our bedroom. It was larger than my entire apartment. Luxurious with a king sized bed as soft as wool. The room was finesse at it's peak. "It's beautiful"
"Lance" She muttered softly. He kissed her again, this time deeper as he ran his hand through her hair. Sapphire felt her body throb in need. She was yearning for his touch and this time she couldn't deny it. She held his collar as he kissed her more violently. She moaned softly. He ran his hand down her back and over her hair. He pulled back and wrapped his arms around her. "I want you Sapphire" He whispered into her ears in deep heavy breathes. "Then..what…are you waiting for? She stuttered softly and his eyes glowed. Just then, he swept her off her feet and carried her to their room. He laid her down on the bed and climbed over her, using his right arm to support his weight on the bed to avoid crushing her. He kissed her again. This time more hungrily. His tongue swirled entangling with hers. He pushed her dress up as he ran his left hand ran up her thigh softly. He trailed his tongue down her neck, planting kisses on the nape of her neck and sucking it slightly. She felt the
Sapphire gave a fresh gasp of relief when she alighted the car. She had sworn she almost suffocated despite the AC. Lance was just so damn close to her. He wasn't sparing any moment to make her uncomfortable, right? It was more frustrating how she hated it but liked it at the same time. Sapphire looked at the bungalow in front of her and raised a brow. Did the driver bring them to a wrong place? Sure, the place was exquisite but nothing special. Lance walked over to meet her and he caught her confused looks. "Not what you were expecting? He said, hands in his pockets. "Hm. Not really"He gave a slightly amused smile. "What? You said it was a massive surprise. I expected something more thrilling" She shrugged in her defence. "Why don't you see the surprise before concluding? Let's go" He held her hand and pulled her along. Having him holding her hand like that made her heart feel fuzzy. It was unlike other times. It was filled with nothing but warmth. They moved into the buildin
Esther flashed a sassy smile. "Oh, if it isn't Lauren. I didn't see you there. You presence is just so weak as usual" Esther spat with a lace of venom as she pushed a lock of her hair behind her shoulders. Sapphire's jaw tightened. Esther was in Dubai too? Had she come here because she heard they would be here? But no one was supposed to know. "Hi Lance. You look more handsome today than you did last night" Esther said with a sly wink and Sapphire felt her blood boil. Last night? She raised a brow and turned to look at Lance who didn't say a word. She couldn't believe it! He had been with Esther all night. He must have probably invited her too! The bastard! After all the nonsense he spewed when they were both in the Jacuzzi. "Say, didn't you miss me Lance? You didn't even say goodbye last night. That was so cold. I was kind of lonely after you left" Esther said with a slight moan and Sapphire couldn't bear it anymore. Seeing the two of them flirt in front of her. She turned to La
Lance intensified the kiss as he held her closer. It almost felt like he was on fire. He had never felt this way in a very long time. This woman was driving him crazy. He wanted her right now. He wanted to feel every inch of her and make love to her from dusk till dawn but then he knew he needed to take things slow. If he went any further, she'd probably pull away. Like last time. He pulled away gently and caressed her cheeks as he gazed into her eyes but Sapphire looked away sheepishly. What was she doing? Why was she feeling this way for him when she knew without a doubt that he was simply using her? It felt like her senses had just kicked in. She pulled away from his arms. "Staying…staying with you tonight didn't include kissing me"He smirked. "You didn't seem like you wanted me to stop. I don't mind kissing you all over again all night long" He said in a husky tone and she gulped with a blush. She moved away from him a little. He chuckled, got out of the Jacuzzi and came bac
Sapphire sat by her reading table, a book in her hands. She had dismissed Janet for the night and she couldn't help but feel so alone and scared. What was Lance really planning for the honeymoon tomorrow? Maybe it was also part of his ploy and he was only using the trip to Dubai as a cover to do something else. Just then Lance came out of the bathroom, half naked except a towel which was wrapped around his waist. She resisted the urge to gaze at his hot body and just looked away. She swallowed. If she didn't ask now, she probably wouldn't know."Lance""Yes?"Why….why did you suddenly request we go on a honeymoon? "I just felt like it. After all we're husband and wife. Shouldn't we get to spend time with one another?"Huh? Sapphire looked at him wide eyed and he shot her a sexy look. She flushed and looked away embarrassed. "But..but…this marriage is nothing but a sham. You…you only got married to me to access your family's empire so why should you care? Or is this another one of
A celebration was held at the mansion that night. Greg's plans or stolen ideas rather had worked out! It came as both a relief and surprise to everyone. The celebration took place in Elder Clawson's private balcony. For some reason Kathy had talked grandfather into it and he had agreed. While everyone talked and chatted, Sapphire's mind couldn't help but be elsewhere. She couldn't stop thinking about Lance's request. What was he really planning?"Ma'am, do you need a drink? Janet asked with a bright smile and she sighed. A drink was the last thing she wanted. With Elisa running lose, there was no telling what she'd do. She could plan to poison her. "I'm okay J" "Elder Clawson isn't present at the party" Sapphire noticed. It was strange. "He must want to rest. I heard Mr Steve telling Mr Fred that he had gone to sleep in his chambers""Oh" "Mr Lance isn't here also" Janet noted and Sapphire grimaced. "That's a good thing" She whispered to herself. "Did you say anything ma'am?"E
Pearl scoffed immediately Sapphire walked out of the kitchen and Brenda rolled her eyes. "Since when did you run errands for Aunt Kathy? Is this the result of grandfather kicking you out of the company? Brenda spat and Pearl gave a mocking laugh. "At least I'm better than a certain someone. It amazes me how much of a snake you are. Can you tell me? What's the secret to laughing along with someone you stabbed in the back?"Says the woman who tried to kill her, along with your brother!"Oh please! We both know that wasn't my intention! If there's someone who's capable of killing someone, it's you! You've always been a vile snake! A pretender and a complete phony! You act all good on the surface but I know you would have been happy if Lauren had died in the fire so you could steal her husband! You slut! Pearl spat and Brenda gasped enraged. "I dare you to say that again! Brenda spat and Pearl smirked. "Oh what? That you're a slut? I said it, so what? "Babe! Devon called as he walked
"Fine! Sapphire spat with a frown and Lance smirked. "Alright then. I'll have my secretary transfer the renovation funds to you"She scoffed and turned to leave. "Wait, I haven't told you my first request"Sapphire's hair stood on edge and she turned."Ugh. You're doing this. Right now?He raised a brow and she sighed. "Anyway, here's my first request………"Brenda had hurried to the office to catch up with Lance but she felt her heart stop when Tina the secretary told her that Lance was inside the office with Lauren. She stifled the urge to bawl. Lauren was here? Right now? Why? Why did that bitch always have to ruin her plans?She went home fuming. She had to put her plan into motion. She couldn't let Lauren couldn't steal Lance from her. There was no way Lance loved that woman that much! She would get Lance back.Sapphire walked outside the office with a puzzled look on her face. She was still baffled at Lance's request. Sure she had expected that he would request for something ins
A conference at the Clawson office complex was ongoing. Greg was presenting a remedy to the problem the company was facing. That was clinching a certain project with the Gregorys who were known for their credibility. "This was what I thought about and after compiling stats, I'm certain this will help the company growth" Everyone at the conference was stunned. No one possibly expected a loser like Greg to come up with such a majestic idea. A majority agreed to follow Greg's plans. After the conference ended, a bunch of the board members hovered around him commending him and telling him how brilliant his idea was. He grinned. "Well what can I say? I can be rather surprising eh? He said and they burst into laughter. Lance scoffed. He knew his thieving father would steal his idea. He had prepared a few documents on a good strategy plan to solve the problem too and had intentionally kept them carelessly in his study room at the mansion. The old man had probably sneaked into his study,