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Tarnished name
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2024-09-09 07:42:48Related chapters
His sidepiece Emma vs Isabella
EMMAI was heading to my desk when I heard the door to Isabella's office slam so hard. Alex stomped out, viciously annoyed. Anna and I exchanged quick glances.“What happened?” I whispered.Our floor was out of bounds for most workers, so only a few had the privilege of seeing the drama.Anna shrugged. She didn't know, and didn't care either.I dropped the files on her desk. “Watch this, I'm coming.” I said to her,I could see the resentment in her eyes, as she shook her head, but I ignored it and trailed him.His long legs were an advantage as he walked to the office paces ahead of me. I wasn't sure he knew I was behind him, but I kept a reasonable distance. Alex had never been one to show emotions, so his reaction meant Isabella had pushed a button, and I had to make sure he was fine. I cared about him too much to let the anger get the best of him.I wasn't cheating on John, right? I was only checking on my boss, as any normal employee would do. Except that I had spent the night wit
Last Updated : 2024-09-09His sidepiece A hundred days count.
ISABELLA.He had to be joking. This had to be a fucking joke. I shut my eyes, trying to push back everything. I was probably dreaming, that had to be it. I must have slept off, and ended up dreaming about everything, because Alex wasn't asking for a divorce. He wouldn't dare.“Isa,” he called my name, confirming the reality of everything. I wanted to smack him right across the face.“Alex, no.” I refused. I didn't want to hear any of it. I couldn't stand it.“Isa, we've tried our best. It just isn't working out.”“We've tried our best? No, the fuck we've not! You haven't! You've never put in a single effort to actually make this marriage work. You never wanted me.”“Then why don't you want out of it?” He charged. For the first time, I noticed his eyes were bloodshot. I watched as he took a deep breath, then regained composure. “Isa, I don't want to hurt you.” I scoffed at that.“You've already hurt me. You're hurting me right now.”“Can't you see this isn't working? Staying together
Last Updated : 2024-09-10His sidepiece Four years.
EMMA. Two weeks had gone by since the incident with Isabella, and Alex. In those two weeks, Isabella hadn't stepped foot into this building. I, on the other hand, avoided Alex like a plague. There was a strange level of hurt he had released that day, and that made me realize I couldn't keep up with this emotional stress. I was getting too attached to him, and he didn't even know what he wanted.Anna walked in, seizing my attention. “Transcorp has asked to postpone the meeting.” She informed me.“Why?” I asked, confused.“They said an emergency came up.”“Have they rescheduled?”“Not yet, but they've promised to get back to me.”“That's good.” She walked out. I returned my attention to the work at hand. I was typing furiously when I heard my phone ring. I picked it up to find a strange number calling.“Emma Martinez,” I said, as soon as I picked up.“Hey, girly” the other voice came through. It sounded familiar. I could have sworn I knew the person at the other side of the line.My
Last Updated : 2024-09-11His sidepiece Four years.
EMMA.I didn't want to believe what I just heard. “Four years?” I asked, in confirmation. I dropped the drink in my hand.Laura beamed, and for the first time, I noticed the dark hint to her smile. I touched my stomach gently. “Yes, four years,” she affirmed. I knew she wanted me to be fully aware of her stand.I closed my eyes for a few seconds. It all made sense now. Why John disliked her, why he didn't want me interacting with her. “I need to leave.” I said, as I reached out for my bag.Laura's smile faded. “We have a lot to talk about. Why are you leaving?”“I'm leaving because I want to.” I affirmed. I picked up my bag, and rose from my seat.“Maybe next time?”I shook my head, “No. Never.”“Aw, I had a lot to say to you. There are some things you need to know about the man you're playing with,” I eyed her suspiciously. I had somehow found myself in the net of the jealous ex.“Whatever information you have can be sent to my mail. My assistant will filter it, and get back to me
Last Updated : 2024-09-11His sidepiece A save.
EMMA.I couldn't breathe. As soon as I got to my apartment, I bursted the door open and ran into my room. I could barely see, as my eyes were clouded with tears. I held onto my chest, feeling as though I would faint. I had lived a great deal of my life hating my mother because she was a mistress. I blamed her for our family not having a father figure. Now, I was no different.I turned the lock on the door to my room as I heard footsteps approaching.“Emma,” Aaliyah’s voice called out. I couldn't muster up a reply.“Emma,” she called me, again. Her voice was hollow, and fragile. “I'm fine,” I muttered between tears. “I just need a minute alone,”I heard her tap the door gently with the tip of her fingers. “Fine, but if you're not out in an hour, I'll bust this door.” She threatened.“I'll be out in an hour,” I replied. I just needed some time alone. I wiped my eyes, as I pulled off my shoes. I laid lazily on the bed. I heard Aaliyah, and John conversing.“She's in her room,” Aaliya
Last Updated : 2024-09-12His sidepiece Proof.
EMMA.Today, I had to drag my soul off the foam. For a minute, I considered not showing up to work. I wanted to call in sick, it would be my first time. But then, Aaliyah had hopped into my room with a thousand ideas on activities we could carry out for fun. As much as I loved her, I wasn't in the mood for fun, and games. I just wanted to get my mind off the tension in my life.I punched Anna's line, waiting for her to pick up.“Hello,”“Hey, please get me a cup of coffee. Black, and no sugar.” I demanded. I heard her hesitate on the phone before she replied, “okay, I'll be there soon.”I ended the call. I was met with the pile of work I had left. In the last few days, I had gotten more work done, but Isabella's absence made it worthless. Not only did I have to assume her responsibilities, I was barely even compensated for it.I was still buried in thoughts when I heard my phone ring. I checked, only to find out John was calling. I buried the phone in my bag. I wasn't ready to speak t
Last Updated : 2024-09-13His sidepiece Dinner date
EMMA.For hours I remained in one position, trying to calculate a way to make things work. Aaliyah had passed by three times, and I noticed she occasionally looked into the note in my hand. I had scribbled lots of trash in it. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to strategize. Despite the panic I felt in my chest, my brain was blank.I wanted John…and Alex. Was it possible to want two men? Was I selfish?I took in a deep breath, wiping the tears from my eyes. I needed to think, not cry.Isabella had a sex tape. My sex tape. I slammed my forehead with my palm. How did I end up so reckless?I got off the chair, pacing through the room. I needed to act fast.All these years, I had been telling myself that I would drop the world in a heartbeat if Alex asked me to, but now I realized I couldn't.I wasn't just bothered about John finding out, I was bothered about the press. If it got to their hands, I was doomed. My career was ruined. Why didn't I just accept the fact that I would n
Last Updated : 2024-09-13His sidepiece Sweatshirts
EMMA.Quietly, I crossed my arms over my thighs as Alex's driver moved swiftly through the streets. I had no idea where we were headed. I didn't have my phone in hand, and I wasn't comfortable with Alex sitting next to me. I cleared my throat, trying to stifle the silence.He pulled a bottle of water from the side of his seat, and handed it over to me. I grudgingly received it. As annoyed as I was, I was thirsty. I gulped down the water quickly, causing it to trickle down my sweatshirt. He handed me a tissue.“I don't need one,” I replied. I wasn't that messed up. He stashed the tissue in a box.The ride continued silently. My eyes widened as we arrived at his destination.“I'm not going in there,” I quickly said. He had said we would be going out for dinner, not to a hotel. I would not be going into a hotel with him again. I had risked a lot for him, but my public face was not one I was willing to take.“You don't have to. Just sit here, and wait.” He replied, as he pushed the door
Last Updated : 2024-09-14
Latest chapter
His sidepiece He is back.
EMMA.At about five pm, Samuel had texted, telling me I would get picked up by eight. That meant I had three hours to prepare. Kristina and I had already chosen the dress, shoes, and bag I would use so it wasn't that much work left, but I still panicked.I needed to get my hair, and make up right.We eventually started preparing by six pm. A girl needed her time to prepare right?I sat before the mirror as Kristina worked her magic with my hair. Luckily, Zara had some curlers around and we made judicious use of them.“This date will be amazing,” Kristina said, brushing my hair.“I hope so,” I replied, trying to ease the tension I felt in my chest.It had been a while since I went on a first date with anyone. What were the etiquettes? What would we talk about?For someone who had decided to dump the dating pool for a long while, it surely was too early for me to be rehearsing what to say on a first date. What would we even talk about? I couldn't think of one thing we had in common. Su
His sidepiece A night to remember
EMMA.I knew Kristina often worked out to tone her body, and maybe gain some strength, but I was beyond surprised when she lifted the heavy box off the floor, and headed into the living room.I stepped out of the way giving her all needed chance just so she could do what she wanted.She slammed the box on the floor, turning to face me.“It wasn't even that heavy,” she said, breathing heavily. Yeah…“It wasn't that heavy but you lifted it off the floor, and slammed it down like a two hundred and sixty five pounds man. Oh, and the delivery man himself refused to lift it because she thought it was ‘too heavy’”“Come on, you know I work out. I lift weights often. This is a breeze.”“I work out too, but you don't see me lifting things like superwoman.”.She laughed out, wiping her face.“There's absolutely no point in arguing over this. Samuel gave you a gift, and I helped you bring it in. The least you could do is appreciate me.”“Fine,” I agreed, “thank you.”*You're welcome.”“Now let'
His sidepiece Gift
EMMAOh well. The day I agreed to go on a date had arrived.I didn't inform Kristy, neither did I tell Zara. Not even my mother was aware.I sat on my bed, pondering on what to wear. I knew I should have told them what happened, but after yesterday's event, we all clocked out.Since then, I just couldn't come up with a way to tell them. Not that they would be annoyed or anything.I knew they would be excited for me. They loved me.Kristina on one hand would be over the moon. She had been waiting for this for a long time.But in my heart, I harbored some thoughts.Was it wise to start something with Samuel?What if it didn't work out? What would happen to his lovely relationship with my family? He knew them before me. I didn't want to get in the way of anything.If I ended up ruining their friendship, I would be pissed at myself forever. I couldn't even tell if I would recover from that.Then again came the question of time. Wasn't it too early to date? Did I want to fall in love jus
His sidepiece A new intel
EMMA Well, it was safe to say this was the sweetest and most intentional thing any man had ever said to me.I was dumbfounded, and couldn't even come up with any concrete reply. “Emma,” he called my name.“Yes?” I croaked out.He seemed to be genuine. As I stared at him, I will ndered if his words were genuine? They could always be lies.I would be a fool to believe his lies.“Emma, I want to take the appropriate step. Can I take you out on a date tonight?”Tonight? I had nothing to wear. All the clothes I had brought were casuals, and it would be almost impossible to find an outfit that would work in less than six hours.“What's the time?” I asked,He pulled out his phone. “Six thirty three.” He answered.No. Definitely too late.“I don't think I can,” I replied, slowly. I just hoped he didn't get the wrong message. I did want to go on a date with him, but I was beyond unprepared.“Why?” He askedIf I asked for a dress for the date would I come out as entitled?I mean, he had alrea
His sidepiece Tension.
EMMA.He turned around.“Are you sure about that? I can always come by later.” I closed off my phone, “I'm sure.” I replied.His smile was all too bright for his excitement to be hidden. It somehow made me excited too. He had this boyish glow in his eyes whenever he was excited.I walked up to him.As I approached him, I noticed his eyes following my chest.Little did I realize that I wasn't exactly clad. I had unbuttoned my shirt, and while I had covered up, the buttons were mixed up, giving him access to see my chest. He looked away immediately. What a gentleman. Well-behaved. He maintained eye contact with me, and in his eyes, I could see him battling not to look again.Something about that turned me on.“Please come back,” I said.I said out loud just because. It was good that I did. I wanted to choose someone who wasn't Alex, and I had done that. I verbally, outrightly chose someone who wasn't Alex.I had broken free away from his grasp. I was my own woman.I took a breath, l
His sidepiece Unimportant
EMMA.The first time I had made an attempt at calling Alexander Blackwood after his wife pleaded, he did not answer.I was immensely grateful for that. At least, I could say I tried.I mean, it would go down in record that I dialed his number, right?Yes, it would. I hadn't done anything wrong.I laid in bed, watching the ceiling, engrossed in thoughts.The day had gone all so well. Kristina and Samuel had gotten into a deep conversation about me, and I didn't want to be there while they analyzed my lifestyle.Well, two hours had gone by, and neither of them had come up to me.I looked out the window, only to find the entire family, and some friends in the backyard. They seemed to be having fun discussions, and eating together.Did anyone notice my absence?Did it matter?I was sure they were preoccupied with activities.I laid back.Looking at my screen, I stared at my wallpaper. There was a picture of me in sunglasses, and red lipstick. My smile was broad, and genuine. I was all too
His sidepiece The unexpected call
Emma.“Hey, Emma. We need to talk,” Mrs. Blackwood's voice came out as soft and gentle, but it was enough to send a chill down my spine. I sucked in a deep breath and wondered if picking her call was a good idea. I hadn't thought it through before picking her call.“Mrs. Blackwood,” I replied, sounding a little apprehensive. “How may I help you?”I didn't need a mirror to know my face had turned pale. I could easily tell from the weird and worried look plastered on Samuel and Kristina's faces. Kristina mouthed the words, “Are you okay?”I shrugged.Mrs Blackwood let out an audible breath before continuing. “It's about my husband.”My mouth ran dry. I knew bullying Anna wasn't far from him, but talking his wife into speaking with me? I didn't think he'd go that low.“Firstly, my husband didn't send me to call you, if that's what you're thinking,’’ she continued.“Okay,” I whispered into the phone. I could feel my heartbeat pick up pace. If Alex had not coerced her into calling me, the
His sidepiece The phone calls
EMMA.“Well,” Samuel started his speech, still standing really close to me, “I would try to initiate a conversation to see if there's any remote chance we could have anything serious.”“And then?” Kristina urged,I knew what she was searching for, and judging by the kind of person Samuel seemed to be, he would play along, and that would ruin me.“After that, I would try to make a grand gesture for her. That is after she has given me a green light of course,”Did I, by any chance, give him a greenlight?“And what's the definition of a greenlight to you?” Kristina probed,“I don't think it's wise to disturb,” I tried to divert their attention, but Kristina was so focused on what she was trying to achieve.Knowing the kind of person she was, I let her be. If she wanted to prove, she better do it.Moreover she would be gone in three days, and after that, the only source of information she would have would be me. I would definitely make her suffer. It wasn't time yet.I just had to endure
His sidepiece The question.
EMMA.I didn't know how to react to that message. Well, it was obvious Samuel wasn't trying to hide his status, but what was he doing in such a small town? He was supposed to be with the top leagues.I had heard of the johnsons. Although I had never met or had any personal encounter with them, I had attended some of their parties. Of course, Alex had been invited to some of their parties, and when I worked as his assistant, I was an immediate invitee.I bit my lips gently. If I was wiser, I should have taken advantage of that opportunity.I should have made some friends, even at the least a few connections with some elites. They would have helped.I took a deep breath.“What is he doing here though? As a sheriff at that,” Kristina finally asked the questions in my heart,“We have no idea. Although some say his father is trying to build a brand here so he's kind of preparing the place for him.”“Hmm…” I took a breath, “so, he's brooding this place.”“Something of that sort,” my mothe
