SARAYA'S POV:
"I'm a businessman," He began, "I can tell just by watching closely. Look, let me show you," He moved closer beside me till our faces were almost touching. "See that Lady over there with a hat that looks like the shape of a monkey's butt?" He lowered his voice "Yeah?" I snickered. "She's the ex-wife of Raphael Alou, the infamous Opera Vocalist. Over there is Mr. Richard Wallenstein, he took over his father's business years ago and is doing well. And as you can see," He extended a hand outwardly "Everybody is either standing next to someone or talking to someone. In short, everybody knows somebody here. Except for you." He turned his face to me. I felt his gaze burning deep into my skin, I turned too. "How can you presume so?" I asked in an almost whisper. "I can tell from the look in your eyes. You look...alone. Why should a beautiful woman like yourself be all alone at a party?" He brushed some strands of hair away from my face. I cupped his chin with my hand and asked "Why can't I?" He moved back a little. "Since you're here alone I can instinctively say that you only know the host, which is why you're here, obviously." He smirked, the corner of his lips twitching, betraying his act of 'modesty' of not wanting to smile in pride of his sheer wittiness. "Careful now, hun." I purred, "knowing too much can be very ... Dangerous." Two men walked up to us stealing his attention away from me. I took advantage of the distraction and brought out my lipstick from the little purse I carried along. I wrote out my number and name on a piece of serviette I had taken off a waiter's tray, I carefully slid it into his pocket and walked away. ARLAN'S POV: I sat on the desk of my office staring out the large tinted window at nothing. My mind was occupied with the images of Saraya's face and the feel of her hand against mine at the party. I closed his eyes and took a breath in, trying to remember her scent. "Ugh, If it hadn't been for the untimely, unpleasant distraction, I would've gotten more than just her name." I told myself. "Fuck it." I cussed under my breath. I picked up my phone from beside me and searched for her on the various social platforms I could think of, under a fake account. But I found nothing. Frustrated by my futile efforts, I storm out of the office and head home. Later that evening, I stepped into the VIP section of the club hoping to clear off my head from thinking about a woman I knew so little of yet taunted me so. I have been with different women of class in the past, charming them was seamless and I grew confident. All I had to do was flash my signature heart melting smile and say the right words. All the while being the gentleman that I am and it works. Every freaking time - except with Saraya. She is different. It's like she knew my cards. Other women would've been easily flattered by my actions and soft talking but she intrigues me. The thought of the many chances I would have seized to have at least gotten her number before she disappeared like smoke on a raining day lingered all day in my head. I had hoped to find some sort of peace at home but I was wrong -- The calm and quietness made it much worse. I took a seat by the bar and ordered a drink. "Your finest, something strong." "Here you go." The waiter gave me my order. My eyes wandered through the crowd of people dancing away in the dancefloor of the dimly lit wide space seeking for a distraction --an entertainment, nodding my head to the loud music booming. My eyes fell on the sultry swaying of hips of a feminine silhouette dancing and twirling in rhythmic flow to the beat of the music vibrating through the speakers. I honestly can't tell if it is the alcohol but I can swear I'd just seen her as the faint glow from the neon light flashed past the silhouette. I gulped down the content of my glass in a hurry and made my way towards the figure. "It was her," I chuckled. I approached her and stopped few inches away from her. "it really was her again." I assured myself that I wasn't hallucinating. She was dancing alone, her body moved in different directions with each thump of the bass. "Why is she always alone? She twirled slowly, unifying herself in sync with the music. I took few strides and stopped right in front of her making sure she saw me. I was going to say something but she placed a finger on my lips. She slowly turned around in rhythmic motion till I was now standing behind her, close enough to feel the energy radiating through her body. She took my hands and placed them on her waist. I pulled her closer to me till our bodies magnetic together in a firm gentle force. I caught a smile tugging at the sides of her lips as she leaned into me. Her ass positioned against my groin. She moved her hips in slow sensuous circles, teasing me. She arched her back a bit brushing my jaw with her hair - it had the sweet smell of peaches. She took my hands again and gilded them up her body till I felt the curves of her breasts. She rested my hands on them, rocking her hips on mine still. I tightened my hold a bit, soft pressure, in response to the tantalizing feel of her D-sized orange shaped breasts. My hands fitted in them perfectly. My cock started to throb and rise in agreeable response to her body language. My breath quickened and deepened. She raised her hands up and balanced them on the back of my neck, pulling me lightly as she tilted her neck to one side. I complied with soft kisses on the bare of her neck. She uttered something inaudible and accompanied her words with a soft moan. I guided down one hand through the curves of her body, leaving the other still on her breast, and wrapped my hand around her waist locking her in and teased the side of neck further with my lips. Brushing, kissing and nibbling. As it started to get intense,I released my hold around her waist and slid down my hand, penetrating slowly, eagerly into the small space along the waistline of her jean shorts. Thanks to the dim lights, I was carrying out my atrocities care free. My cock was already hard as Iron. All I could think about was how warm and tight she'll feel inside - if she gives me the chance to. A hand stopped me, it was hers. I had barely made it to the low soft hairs of her pussy. "Come home with me" I whispered lovingly into her ear. I caught her smiling again or maybe it was a smirk this time,I wasn't sure but she gave me no response. I groaned, "Do you know the torment you're putting me through, saraya? Are you aware of just how much you make me yearn for the softness of your body against mine? " I whispered again. "I never knew you're into young girl?" She rolled her tongue. "All I see is a beautiful young woman and not a girl." I replied.ARLAN'S POV:She turned to me, the closeness of our faces inches apart made me want to grab her gently by the neck and savour the sweetness those plump lips have to offer but I held myself back."You really have a way with words." She finally said."Typical of a businessman if you ask me."It was clear she liked to be in control like the wild cats. I'm going to make her my little wild kitty some way anyways.She tipped on her toes and leaned closer to me, "Can't wait to see you again " She whispered and walked out of the dancefloor leaving me standing there with an erected penis."What did she mean by seeing her again? How? Was she baiting me?" I asked myself as several questions ran through my head."Shoot! " I smacked myself on the head - her number, I had forgotten to get it again.My groin hurts. I looked down at my throbbing cock disappointed at how easily aroused I was by her. I made my way out to chase after her. I looked around but she was nowhere to be found. She'd disappeare
SARAYA'S POVI walked into the imposing mansion of my father's home and made my way to the designated meeting room. I knew everyone would be impatiently waiting for me by now. It wasn't my plan to arrive late. I had stopped by the mall to get gifts for my stepmother and granny. "I don't know why you'd bring her here," The shrill voice of an elderly woman, practically yelling came in. That would be my grandmother, Isla, even though I've never seen or heard her speak before but from what I've heard about her. I could tell she was the one speaking."That grumpy old woman." I cussed under my breath and paused at the door. "You should've left her there in America and-""Stop already, mother!." My father cut her words short. I've always been curious to know what he thought about Isla's actions years ago.My mother had told me how Isla had turned down her request of seeing her son even after she had told her she carried his child and that he needed to know about it before he left for coll
SARAYA'S POV My lips cracked up in a smile as I opened his message first.There was a loud knock on the door. I immediately got out of bed and hurried to the door wondering who the hell that is. I opened the door and found a young, tall guy about Eighteen years old. He must be Evan—My brother who looks and is behaving... different. An imbecile, I have to reveal. It's no little wonder our father wants me to take over the business. Evan had the mind of a seven year old."Hey there, little guy." That clearly was an irony compared to how tall he towered over me wearing a pair of lenses, but he is my younger brother after all. He wrapped me up in a bear hug and without saying a word, ran off to his room that happened to be opposite mine. Separated by the long lobby.I closed the door and walked back to bed. 'If we had the same mother, would he have turned out different or was my father fated to have an imbecile son?' The thought of a whole different life if my parents had been marrie
ARLAN'S POV: I walked in with a ready smile for the camera and my plus one, Matilda, by my side. I sighted my good old friend, Alex, already making his way towards me. "Arlan! Hey man." We embraced like two long lost brothers meeting after a very long time. "Matilda," Alex took her hand and kissed the back of her hand, " it's a pleasure meeting you again. I'm glad you've come to came to my party." Matilda smiled at him. "My pleasure." "Matilda!" A lady called out in shock. "Is that you?" She asked and pulled her into a warm hug. "Never thought I would see you here." "Oh my goodness, Tessy. It's been such a long time," Matilda replied all smiles. "Pardon me, gentlemen." She apologized after they broke off the hug, still holding each other hands. "Meet Tessy, my friend from college." "Hi!" Tessy waved at me. "Nice to meet you Tessy!" I took her hand and kisses it. "If you don't mind, gentlemen. I think I have a lot of catching up to do with my friend." Matilda said as
ARLAN'S POV:‘Great’ I roll my eyes, ‘Just what I don't need’ "Mr. Arlan Reef.'' She counts out my name, moving close."So, it's Saraya Newman, isn't it? Don't even answer that, it's a stupid question now." I let out a sigh, releasing the tension off my chest. I took a sip of the wine in my hand, it now tasted unpleasant - like acid, compared to the good taste it had almost an hour ago."Are you mad I wasn't completely honest? When we met, my family was yet to officially introduce me. Fuck it, I hadn't even met them yet. Hilton is my mother's last name that I have been using until I met my father, so technically I didn't lie" She kept her voice low. "And also,” she adds, “ about the other night-""Little Miss." I cut her short, glaring at her in disbelief. How could she even be talking about that night with me now. I opened my mouth to say something, but I was still too stunned to utter another word. The memories of our different encounters came alive in my head. My hand had touch
SARAYA'S POV:As Arlan's words, "Someone has seen us," pierced the air, my reverie shattered, and reality slapped me back into awareness. The flutter in my chest, the thrill of our secret moment, instantly disappeared, replaced by a chilling dread. My face twisted with worry, my mind racing with the dreadful possibilities.What if it was my dad, my stepmom, or worse still, Isla? Getting in trouble was the least of my concerns now, but dragging Arlan into the mess was never part of the plan.I swiftly smoothed my dress, my fingers tremble slightly. I hope he doesn't notice. "I'll see you inside," I whispered.Our eyes locked for a fleeting moment, and I saw the mirrored concern etched on Arlan's face.With a deep breath, I watched as Arlan vanished into the sea of guests, his broad shoulders slice through the crowd. I gave him a few minutes' head start before following, my heels clicking on the marble floor.As I entered back into the party, the paparazzi mobbed towards me, holding out
SARAYA'S POV:The room felt heavier with each second that passed. Evan’s eyes blazed with an intensity that made my stomach churn. He wasn’t just angry; he was hurt.I stood slowly, keeping my hands by my sides, palms open in a gesture of calm. My mind raced with different thoughts for a way to fix this, to make him doubt what he thought he saw.“Evan,” I began softly, my voice as steady as I could make it. “You must have misunderstood. It wasn’t me you saw.”His body stiffened, and his lips trembled as though the words he wanted to say were trapped behind a barrier. He balled his fists tightly, and when he finally spoke, his voice cracked, raw and strained.“N-not… m-m-mistake,” he stammered, each word clawing its way out of his throat. “S-saw… you!” His finger shot toward me, shaking with anger. “At… w-w-window!”My breath caught. I could feel the blood drain from my face, but I forced myself to stay calm.“Evan,” I said gently, taking a cautious step forward. “I know you’re upset,
ISLA’S POV:The hallway was quiet save for the soft creak of the wooden floor beneath my feet. I was heading to the kitchen for a cup of tea to calm my nerves, when I heard Saraya’s voice coming from Evan’s room.It wasn’t her usual tone. "What could be the problem?" My instincts kicked in as I slowly approved the slightly ajar door.“Evan, please,” Saraya was saying, her voice low but pleading. “You have to believe me.”My brows furrowed. "What is the problem between these two?"“D-don’t… t-touch me!” Evan’s voice came next, shaky but loud, and full of anger. The boy rarely raised his voice. Whatever had happened must have deeply upset him. I could stay back and watched.I pushed the door open without knocking.Both of them froze. Evan stood stiffly by his bed, his face red and tear-streaked, while Saraya stood a few steps away, her hands raised as though trying to calm him down.The sight was enough to make my chest tighten.“Someone want to tell me what’s going on here?” I asked, m
SARAYA'S POV.The door behind opened but I was just too weak to see who it was. It's not like I cared about who came in or went out. I was already lost in a world of my own.My room was dark and the curtain were drawn to give me the feel of my state: lonely and dark. I could only close my eyes that way.I felt a hand on my hair and sniff a feminine scent. I don't need to be told who it was.She caressed my hair gently. "You wouldn't leave your room, are you okay?" She asked gently.I couldn't reply because I was choked on my tears."Good gracious, are you crying?" Mary asked alarmed. She switched on the lamp beside the bed. "What is this about?" She asked.I only pulled her close and cried out loudly, fortunately she didn't press any further. She just allowed me in her embrace and patted my back.Minutes passed as I sobbed into Mary’s embrace. My chest heaved with the effort of crying, but I couldn’t stop. It was as if every emotion I’d buried for days, weeks, maybe months, had erupte
MATILDA'S POV."Gosh! Girl, you're something else." Tessy covered her mouth and her eyes widened. "Your tactics gives me goosebumps, it's the way you involved Alex without spilling the milk for me."I shrugged my shoulders. "Well, I'm sure one way or the other, my message would have been relayed to Saraya." Tessy chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Poor girl, I feel so bad for her."I rolled her eyes, "you feel bad for her? I can't believe you're saying that right now." I was disappointed and I didn't hide it. "So what about me?" I asked. "You don't feel bad for me?""Easy girl, you know, not many people can pull off what you just did. Saraya is probably in one corner crying her eyes out as we speak.""That’s the plan," I said. "Not only to make her cry but also to get her to retreat from my man. I can't share Arlan with any other woman and definitely not with her.""So tell me, have Arlan come in terms with being a father and a husband?"A smile played on my lips. "What other
SARAYA'S POVI stood in front of the mirror, struggling to gather my hair into a ponytail, but the knots kept getting in the way."Ugh," I muttered under my breath, running my fingers through the mess I've made of my hair."Need help with that?"I turned around to see Mary standing behind me.I smiled. "I could use all the help I can get."Mary chuckled softly, taking the brush from my hand. "Let me handle this."I sat down, letting her work through the tangles I’d created."You're so good at this," I said, watching her expertly untangle my hair."You know," she began, a soft smile tugging at her lips, "after I had Evan, I always wanted a daughter but was too scared to try again." Her voice softened and she had this vulnerable look on her face."When he was little, I used to style his hair all the time. It feels like..." Her voice faltered, and she sniffed. "I'm reliving those moments of Evan’s childhood right now.""Mary..." I whispered, unsure of what to say."And we are done," she
ARLAN'S POVI traced my thumb over the edges of the sonogram and my hand trembled. It was such a small thing—this picture but it was about to change the course of my life. The walls felt like they were closing in and I felt so trapped. Trapped by my own feelings, by circumstances I couldn’t control, and by the fear of losing her.The thought of having a child, a life that I now have a responsibility to protect and what I would do with Saraya threw me off balance.I laid my back on my king size bed but my buzzing phone which was on the table got me up almost immediately.I checked and It was Alex. I hesitated for a moment before answering.“Yeah?”“Arlan,” He called out. "Congratulations, man. I just can't believe what I just heard.""What is this about?" I asked, not in the mood for long talks."Oh come on, don't play dumb with me, Arlan. Matilda just called me and told me you two are going to be a parent. Finally, I'm so happy for you.""God damn it!" I cussed under my breath, runni
MATILDA'S POV."Congratulations girl." Tessy hugged me. "I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt.""And a godmother." I added."Everything seems to be working in your favour but have you informed Arlan that he is going to be a father?" She asked still giggling.I shook my head. "This news is too big to be shared over a phone call or text. I want to tell him in person to see his reaction for myself."Tessy nodded her head approvingly. "I agree with you, I wish I could see the look on his face too."I placed my hand on Tessy's. "You don't have to worry about a thing, I will be sure to get you a full details of everything that happen once I break the news to him.""I trust you." She hugged me again. "This feels so good after the hectic day work."I raised my glass to her. "Cheers!" But Tessy grabbed the glass from me."You're pregnant and should cut down on drinking." She placed the glass down and gave me a glass of water.I chuckled, shaking my head as I took the glass of water. "You’re
ARLAN'S POV.When my secretary, Charles announced isla's presence, a million and one thoughts ran through my mind but I wasn't going to chicken out without knowing why she had come."Good morning, Ms. Newman." I greeted while showing her to the sofa to have her seat. I walked towards the sofa very slowly, trying hard not to show myself leaping."Nothing is good about the morning, Arlan." She retorted."Whatever she is here for, in certain she is up to no good." I told myself. Forcing a small smile on my face.I sat opposite her, studying her as she crossed her legs and leaned back, her piercing gaze locked on mine. Isla always had a way of commanding attention, but this time, I wasn't going to let her have it easy if her intention was to undermine me in my own space.“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Ms. Newman?” I asked.She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she let her eyes sweep across the room before finally settling back on me. “Let’s cut the pleasantries, Arlan
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
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 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.