MATILDA'S POV;I drove out of Arlan's house, a satisfied smile playing on my lips."Who knew fate could be so generous?" I asked laughing out hysterically.Saraya finding me in bed with Arlan was the perfect twist. It was almost too easy."I wouldn’t have to work too hard to pull them apart now." I mused, drumming my fingers on the wheel. "She’ll do it all on her own." I increased the sound of my car stereo as the jam 'dangerous game.' was played.*THE NIGHT BEFORE...*Looking around to make sure it was safe, I bought out the drug from my pocket. It was in a small nylon. "Don't blame me for this, Arlan." I fetched the glasses, I slipped the drug into his drink, my hands steady and my heart pounding.As we drank, the effects began to show. His usually sharp eyes grew hazy, and his words stumbled over themselves. He leaned back in his chair, his guard completely down.I took my chance, leaning in and kissing him deeply. His lips were soft and warm. “You’re all mine, Arlan,” I whispere
SARAYA'S POV;It was mid day and I still couldn’t concentrate at work. Throughout the meeting, my mind kept drifting back to what I’d seen this morning; Arlan and Matilda.I picked up the landline on my desk and entered some digits. “Peter,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.“Yes, Ms. Newman?”“Cancel all my appointments for the rest of the day. I... I do not feel great at the moment.” My voice cracked.“I'll do that ma'am. Do you need me to get you anything?” Peter asked.I shook my head like he was in front of me. "Not at the moment, I just want to be left alone without any disturbance.""I'll see to that, ma'am." Peter replied before I ended the phone call.Grabbing my tablet, I hesitated for a moment before opening the browser. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but my curiosity won. I typed in Matilda’s name and hit the search button.Her profile popped up instantly. The first thing I noticed was how perfect her life looked. Perfect hair, perfect smile, and, of course,
ALEX'S POV;I looked out through the window and took a deep breath of relief when Saraya drove into the compound."You can ease your worry, " Mary's voice interrupted my thoughts, her hand patting my back. "Now that she is back.""I don't think I can ease my worries, Mary" I snapped before realizing and could see the shock on Mary's face. Seeing how I must have scared her. "I'm sorry, I yelled at you. It wasn't my intention. It just feels like a storm I'm not prepared for is fast approaching. Mother is acting weird and had not been the same since Saraya was announced as the new CEO." I sighed."While I pretend it's nothing, it's eating my heart terribly and Saraya?" I asked. "She's been withdrawing and crawling back to her shell. With my mother and daughter this way, I can barely catch my breath in this house."Mary sighed. "I understand how you feel, I will try talking to Saraya." She suggested.I shook my head. "No, I will do it." I replied. "She is the CEO of the Newman's empire, s
SARAYA'S POV;I opened my eyes and realized it was another weekend. I used to look forward to them but now they just remind me of how empty things have become.After spending too much time staring at the walls, I decided to take a walk to the grocery store. I didn’t need much, but I needed to get out of the house.I threw on some jeans, a plain shirt, and a sandal before heading out. As I walked down the stairs, I heard footsteps coming up. I looked up and it was Evan.He was coming up the stairs with his hands in his hoodie pockets, his head down. We hadn’t really spoken since… well, since things got weird. Every interaction now was stiff, awkward, and heavy.“Hi,” I mumbled, barely loud enough to hear myself.“Hi,” he replied, his voice low and rough. He didn’t stop walking, just kept going like we were strangers passing each other on the street.I hesitated, then turned slightly. “Do you… want to grab some ice cream?”He stopped, and for a moment, his expression softened. His eyes
ARLAN'S POV;I was about heading into another meeting when my phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Saraya’s name. I froze for a second, surprised. She had refused to pick my call but there she was calling me.I quickly picked up, not wanting to miss the chance to hear her voice. I excused myself while others went in.“Hello?” I said, trying to sound calm, but then I heard it. She was crying.“Saraya?” My heart sank. Her sobs were soft and I could tell she was trying hard to contain her tears, the kind that twisted my chest and made it hard to breathe. “What’s wrong?”Her voice was shaky as she spoke. “Arlan, I think you need to talk to Matilda. Call her to order because the next time she crosses my path like she just did, things won't end with just exchanging mere words. Whatever is going on between you two has nothing to do with me. I don’t want any part of it.”I frowned, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “Wait. Did you see Matilda? What happened?”She sniffled, trying to steady
ISLA'S POVI had stayed up thinking about Ian and how to make up with him. "Poor child, I think I was hard on him. I should call him very early in the morning, I miss him so much." I was soliloquizing when I heard the main door creaked opened.I have lived and stayed in this place to know which object or person made a sound without turning my head, so I was certain it was the main door of the mansion."That sneaky bitch is at it again." I turned to the direction of my door, contemplating whether or not to see what she's up to but I was closer to the window and decided to see what she was up to from there.I waited to see her but there was no shadow of her, I found it disturbing that there was no one in sight but I heard voices.I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The voices I thought I heard outside suddenly went quiet and I heard the door closed again."What is going on? I should go see what she is up to this time." I said and headed out of my room to Saraya's room.
MATILDA'S POVI paced round my living room with my phone pressed to my ear. "You won’t believe that girl, Tessy," I hissed, my voice was loud and filled with hatred."She had the audacity to stand there, look me dead in the eye, and sprout such nonsense as if she owns Arlan." I continued.Tessy’s amused laughter rang through the line. "Saraya again? That girl doesn’t know when to stop. You’ve got to teach her a lesson, Matilda. Don’t let her think she can walk all over you.""Exactly," I snapped, running a hand through my hair. "She’s arrogant, entitled, and entirely too bold for her own good. I mean, Alex has spoiled her rotten, and now she thinks she can challenge me over Arlan.""Don’t let her steal your man," Tessy warned, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. "I can’t believe Alex’s daughter is so wayward. She’s no match for you, though."I smirked. "She won’t get the chance. I’ll make sure of it. It's such a pity, Alex doesn't know he has a slut for a daughter, but I know exactl
ISLA'S POV.The phone rang and Ian picked almost immediately. "Hello, grandma!" His lively voice came on sending a wave of relief over me."Still mad at me?""I dare not, I'm sorry I've not been in touch with you since your birthday." Ian voice softened with regret as he apologized. "I just didn't know want to say to you.""Silly boy." I said teasingly and drew a small laugh from him. "You really do not have to apologize, Ian. I would've been angry if I were in your shoes and I apologized for my actions.""You don't have to apologize, grandma." Ian said. "I understand you perfectly, anyone would have thought of me as the culprit.""But I'm not anyone, I'm your grandmother." I reminded him."Still, the Newman's empire is your sweat and blood and Saraya's reputation is tied to it at the moment. From that perspective, I can understand you trying to protect it from harm.""You're so like your father, Ian." I complimented him. "Thinking from other people's shoes. You've grown, my boy.""It
MARY'S POVI didn't sleep a wink the entire night, I kept on thinking of what I could do to gain leverage over Ian.The alarm rang on my bedside interrupting my thoughts. I angrily pressed the off button. "Shut the fuck up!" I yelled at the bed clock.Taking a deep breath, I got up from bed and walked to the mirror and studied my reflection. I ruffled my hair, letting it fall messily around my face, then rubbed my pale eyes until they looked swollen. My nightgown was already slightly wrinkled, which worked in my favor. "This looks perfect." I said, taking in my disheveled look.Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I stepped out of my room and walked down the long hallway to Isla’s room. My footsteps were slow, hesitant, like a woman in labour.I needed to get in character and I was doing a great job. When I reached her door, I didn’t bother knocking. I turned the handle and pushed it open, letting the door slam against the wall.Isla jolted awake, her eyes wide with shock as she
SARAYA'S POV.I turned to my side when I noticed a figure hovering over me. I stirred and open my eyes and couldn't make sense of who it was so I screamed."Easy, it's me." Gabby held me."You scared me" I said breathing heavily. "What's going on?""You were sleeping longer than expected, it's already 10a.m in the morning so I came to check on you." She explained."What? 10a.m?"Gabby stood up and drew off the curtains and opened the window. "You believe me now?"I quickly grabbed my phone, there I saw Dominic has replied my message and he had also called severally.I sat up quickly, my heart racing as I unlocked my phone. I read his message and he had also sent another message about an hour ago.Dominic: Hey, how are you doing? I called a few times. Call me back when you see this.Guilt settled in my stomach. I had been so lost in sleep that I hadn’t heard my phone ring. I tapped on his contact and called him back, my fingers trembling slightly.Gabby sat on the edge of my bed, watch
MARY'S POV."That little rat, I wish I could just yank his neck off his body this instant. How dare he spy on me?" I asked breathing heavily at the realization that I was about to drag down.Arlan aside, if Isla gets to find out about this, she will never look at me the same way again."I've built my reputation to be a submissive wife, respectful daughter in law and dutiful mother and all of that is about to come crashing down because of that idiot! I can't stand that let that happen." I told myself.I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I paced the room. "I have to do something very fast." I kept reminding myself as several thoughts ran through my mind but none of my ideas were good enough for the situation I had found myself.Ian thought he had me cornered, thought he had the upper hand? "That fool had no idea who he is dealing with, I will show him that I'm not to be disrespected.""But you have until tomorrow morning, what can you do before then?" A tiny voice ask
IAN'S POV."Awesome," I clapped my hands. "So Mary intends using Dominic to spy on Saraya. Guess I'm not the only one who is worked up about Saraya's existence." I said to myself."I've known she didn't care for Saraya like she claims to but I don't know Saraya made her so insecure she would go all the way.""Let's shake her up a little with this." I said staring at my phone before replaying the voice note."Isn't it too early to confront her? What if it goes down south?" A voice said in my head. "While it's still early, time is not on my side. With the way the company's shares have been plummeting since I took over, it's just a matter of time before those punch of greedy people start discussing my impeachment.""I'm in no position to consider the timing, even if it's just a straw, I have to grap it tightly with both hands and figure out a way to survive."I stood up and headed to her room with a victorious smile. "Let's see how she would react."I knocked twice on the door, taking a
SARAYA'S POV.I walked in feeling exhausted, at this point, there was no more tears coming out from my eyes.Gabby who had been waiting quickly rushed to me. "You gave me quite a scare, you wouldn't pick your phone..." She was saying when she finally looked up and saw my face. "Oh my, what happened?"I sank into her arms. "I hurt him, Gabby. I did."Gabby wrapped her arms around me, her grip firm and reassuring. "Who did you hurt?" she asked gently, stroking my hair."Dominic," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "He—he told me again he had feelings for me, and I... I couldn’t give him what he wanted."Gabby sighed, pulling back slightly to look me in the eyes. "Saraya, it’s not your fault. You can’t force yourself to love someone just because they love you.""But he’s been nothing but good to me," I said, my voice breaking. "He was there when I needed someone, when I was at my lowest. And instead of appreciating him the way he deserves, I—""You were honest," Gabby interrupted. "And that’s
SARAYA'S POV."Dominic, ever since I met you, you've been a good person and friend to me. I wouldn't want to jeopardize our friendship.""What are you scared of?" He asked."I'm scared of everything!" I snapped. "Letting someone new in and being vulnerable to them is something I don't want to do anytime soon.""I think it's time you let go.""What?" I asked like I didn't hear him the first time."I said it's time you let go of your obsession with Arlan." He said firmly, making me nervous. "He is never going to be yours, he is expecting a child with Matilda and if my memory serves me correctly, she should put to bed anytime from now."The realization in his words made my heart go cold. Dominic must've noticed how his words got to me but he didn't stop."Are you really going to stand between a father and a child because of your obsession?" He added.I felt the sting of his words like a slap across my face. Obsession? Is that what he thought this was?I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my
DOMINIC'S POV."Saraya...""Dominic, what's going on?" She asked sounding so worried. "I just got to my phone and saw your calls and message. Is my dad okay? Are you okay? Is everyone fine?""Calm down, princess." I managed to break through her worrisome questions. "I came to see you.""What?" She said. My actions took her by surprise just I had expected. "You mean you came all the way from Sydney to Colorado just to see me?" She asked like she needed to be sure."That's correct." I affirmed."Dom...""I know what you want to say but you can chastise me for showing up unexpectedly when you see me. What do you say?" I suggested, hoping she would agree.There was silence on the other end. I could almost see the way her brows would be furrowing right now, the way she’d bite her lower lip when she was trying to process something she didn’t see coming.I held my breath, waiting.“Dominic…” she finally said, her voice softer this time. “Why do you have to make such trip when we could have e
DOMINIC'S POV.The flight touched down at the airport and I soon checked out."Saraya, here I come!" I screamed out drawing stares from onlookers but I didn't care.I bought out my phone. "Okay, let's do this." I said, dialling her phone. It rang a few times but there was no reply. "Could she be busy at the moment?" I thought to myself, wondering why she wasn't picking I flagged a taxi down, "take me the closest and coziest hotel around, I'm so tired."The taxi ride was quiet, but my mind wasn’t. My heart raced faster than the car, my thoughts were fixated on one person—Saraya. I could help but wonder how would she react when she see me? Would she be surprised? Shocked? Angry?I leaned back in the seat, running a hand through my hair. “She’ll probably be mad at first,” I muttered under my breath. Saraya wasn’t the type to welcome unexpected visitors with open arms, especially not when she had told me that the last time I showed you expectedly on Christmas day. But I silently hoped wi
ALEX'S POV.I patted his back awkwardly, the strength of his hug catching me off guard. “I’m here, Arlan. I’m okay now.”He pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes. “Do you have any idea of how I felt when you collapsed? I couldn't focus knowing fully well it would be on me if you never wake up?”“I’m sorry I got you and everyone worried.” The words came out in a whisper, guilt settling in my chest.“You’re sorry?” He shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous. Its all my fault, I should've told you everything...” His voice broke again, and he rubbed a hand across his face.I tried for a weak smile. "It's okay." I replied. "It would have been difficult if I were in your shoes too."“Thank you for coming around,” he said, but a small, relieved laugh slipped out anyway.I gestured to the chair by my bed. “Sit down before you fall over. You look like you haven’t slept in days.” I said pointing the eye bags beneath his eyes.“I haven’t,” he admitted, sinking into the chair. His elbows re