" Louisa.... Baby wake up " I cooed into the sleeping girls ear.
" No. Pillow. Soft" she moaned softly and adjusted her position to cuddle with a nearby pillow.
I really do not have time for this.
" Okay, here we go " I dragged her off the bed by her feet and she landed with a thump on the ground with her bum.
" Ouchie" She huffed and rubbed her rear vigorously, while I laughed at her cuteness.
" Okay baby. Bath, breakfast and then proof to Veronica that you're a World tourist" I cheerfully bribed her, knowing that she will definitely fall for it.
And she did.
She jumped up on her two feet and began to race to the bathroom.
" To the bath mobil!" She screeched and disappeared behind the door.
This girl would never cease to amaze me.
_______________________________
Right now, we're on our way to Dwight Academy, and one of the men I met yesterday is the one driving.
Louisa is at the backseat singing 'the wheels on the bus go round and round '
While I'm observing the road to make sure I can remember it for another day.
" Very active kid you got there" He said and caught my attention.
Earlier he said his name Edward, and I'm planning on how to not forget that.
" Tell me about it " I rolled my eyes at Louisa who just gave me a toothy grin after hearing what Edward just said.
" What's her name?" He asked but eyes still on the road.
" I'm Louisa or you can call me June" She answered and went back to her nursery rhyme.
Edward laughed at her behavior. " There's never a dull moment with her is there?"
" Sometimes i wish there was, she's got the energy of a million volts in one body" I groaned remembering all the nights she won't let me sleep just cause she's not tired.
He laughed again before speaking up.
" How old is she, if I may ask?"
" She's five" And I wait for him to call her smaller than her age.
" She looks four or a really tall three but with time she'll get taller "
" I hope so too" I sighed and watched her tiny legs swing with joy as she sang another rhyme.
" I wonder how she feels being the little one in her class"
Now it was my time to laugh, I am a hundred percent sure that she can fight for herself. And that was the difference between us.
Louisa fights for her survival.
Meanwhile I avoid fights to survive.
But that's a thing I could learn from the kid.
" She may be small, but won't be intimidated " And Edward found this my statement amusing.
" It's clearly stated in her name though. Louisa means a fighter or survivor right?"
I nodded in apprehension and he just smiled.
A few more moments of silence pass between us before I opened up again.
" What time does the school end?"
" I believe two, or two thirty of sort. Any issue?"
And I finish work by four.
" It can't be extended?"
" Well the school does have extracurricular activities everyday from two till three thirty"
Perfect !
" Great, after school and I mean by three thirty, can you bring her over to the office? I wanted us to take a stroll round the city "
" It will be my pleasure "
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hunter's P.O.V
———————I drive into the parking lot and crosscheck my hair in the side view mirror before getting out for the day.
The chauffeur of the company comes to collect my keys and put the car in a preferable position.
With quick steps I stride into the reception area and I see most people are already at work.
"Morning Sir" The receptionist greets before handing me the usual attendance file.
Meaning everyone turned up to work.
" Morning Clarissa, what of Miss Iris? Is she present?" I asked her as I signed at the bottom of the page.
" Sorry, who?"
I'm being asked who? Wasn't she here when that girl walked in yesterday?.
" Miss Iris? My replacement secretary?"
" Oooooh!" Now realization clear on her features " You mean Miss Jules, yes sir, she reported to work about thirty minutes ago "
I checked the time on my wristwatch and it's eight fourty two.
" Thank you " I threw her a wink and took the elevator up.
While answering the greetings of everyone I headed for the third door to my right and the nearest to my office.
I opened the door and met her on a phone call.
" Okay, call back in an hours time and I'll get back to you. Alright." Then she dropped the phone.
" You were late" Were my first words to her as I maintained my stand by the door.
" How so? I was here by eight " Still sitting down she crossed her arms.
" I'm talking to you, and I require you stand" I glare in her direction expecting to get a response from her.
" And I'm listening, discoveries require I sit" She said smugly with a shrug
" You're proving to be a lot difficult to handle " I started making my way to her desk.
" Point of correction, I'm not a thing that you should handle and second, I was late how?" She remains in her position, unflinching.
Usually she would have began to quiver or turned blue but now she's just sitting there. Daring me to make the move.
" You're particularly putting on an attitude " I stood directly in front of her now, the only thing separating us is her desk.
She flipped her wavy hair backwards and bore a grin widely on her face.
" And I particularly don't care "
She is trying to get on my nerves and she is doing it perfectly.
" Wherever did you toss your respect over the years?" I put my hands in the pockets of my trousers.
" Oh, you mean fear? Yeah I threw it in a recycling van five years ago " Her glare spoke louder than her words did.
She still hates me after all these years.
Well it's a good thing one mutual feeling still existed between us for the times past.
" You've got a fluffy mouth there, watch it " I placed my hands on her table and leaned into her face.
" You're invading my breathing area, one. I was late, how? Two."
She didn't cower nor blink, rather she stared me back in the eyes and waited for her answer.
Wherever she's been really toughened her up.
" You reported to work by eight this morning " I leaned away and took a few steps backwards from the table.
" Yes, like every other normal employee in the world would do " She rolled her eyes as if what I just said was ludicrous.
" But that's the issue, you're not any normal employee in the world, you work for me " I returned my hands to my pocket and smiled at the thoughts formulated in my head.
" So I work for the devil, big whoop"
Now that was shocking. I was expecting something more like, so what time should I be reporting or I'm sorry, I'll try to be earlier tomorrow.
But she said her statement and went ahead looking for a file on her desk.
" You're to report here by seven thirty as my secretary " I continued to talk because her behavior began to look like she had forgotten someone's standing here.
" So as your secretary, I'm to report thirty minutes early " She inquired as she raised her head to look back at me
" That's correct " I nodded
" Then as my boss?" Was the next she asked while crossing her arms.
The nerve of her.
" I'm the boss, I turn up whenever I want "
" Hmm, what an example you are for your employees " She commented and carried on her search for the file.
" You're gonna be coming to work by seven thirty every morning. Period!" I shouted and took a deep breath to calm myself.
" I never said I wasn't going to " She never raised her eyes, while searching for the file she responded with the most calm demeanor I've ever seen from her.
" Iris-" My tone about to warn her about frustrating me when she cut me short.
" Ying and Shang want to schedule a meeting for next Tuesday, should I accept or you'll like to speak to them yourself?" She finally looked at me and stretched out a file.
" What?" I really didn't comprehend what just happened. She's talking business?
" You heard me right." She said and dropped the file at the edge of the table then I picked it up to read.
After a brief silence with my concentration on the paper she talked again.
" Oh...and it's Jules"
Hunter's P.O.V.——————— I was signing the documents for the Ying and Shang meeting when the door of my office creaked open. " Brooks my man, how's ya doing " Chance, a colleague and friend from high school walked into my office." I haven't set eyes on you for a week " I dropped the pen I was holding and gave him my full attention." Of course you haven't, if not you'll be suffering from a Tuesday night hangover " He grinned and took the seat in front of my table. I laughed at his idiocy and finally closed up the file before me.Seems like a chat after all." So tell me, how's everything? And by everything I mean Michelle" He relaxed back and stretched out his legs on my table." Well, all is good" Was all I could say." Good? Alright spill, what's up?"
I was setting out a few things before the close of work by four when a call came into the office line.So much for being a secretary.But I answered the call anyway." Good Afternoon, Brooks and Shields Companies, how may I help you?" " Jules?" " Mr McConnell, it's nice to hear from you again " I took a seat after relaxing because it's not a business call." And from you too. How you doing?" " Well, I'm fine if I may say, what of you?" " I'm good. The office is not as effective without you here but we're surviving "" I could always come back and you'll send someone else here instead " I chirped with a little too much enthusiasm. There was a slight pause between us before he talked again." Someone seems eager to leave, any problem with your boss? I can al
"Mummy?" Louisa pulled me out of my trance, where I was deep in thoughts about My Boss.We were standing by an ice cream van that was in front of the central park." Yes pumpkin?" I turned to give our orders of strawberry for her and cookie dough for me." Who was that man?" Who was that man?, sweetheart how am I going to begin my explanation? That man is my boss and the son of my former boss. That man was my bully back in high school and the reason my parents quit their jobs. That man was the guy who raped me and diminished my self esteem till I had nothing and I mean nothing left to hold on to. Most of all that man is your father. That egotistical, narcissistic, wicked, heartless, mean, wretched, evil, deranged thing,I
I'd gotten Louisa ready for school and sent her off with Edward. Now i was just in front of my mirror trying to create a messy bun of my hair to cover the scar on my hairline. And sadly it's not working. The mark is just insistent on being displayed. Okay, ponytail might work out. I untied the bun and passed a comb through my hair over seven times to smoothen it out. Tying my hair with a fancy ruffle into a ponytail, I considered using a hair gel to style its edges and conceal the scar. But after almost fifteen minutes of efforts, it was still a stupid idea." Funny how the easiest things get you frustrated" I murmured to myself out of my slowly building anger." You really are a funny lady aren't you?" The french accent grasping my attention. I turned to see
Hunter's P.O.V.———————"Mr McConnell?" Came a little voice with three light knocks on my office door. Could be Lily, my financial secretary. Since my replacement secretary was meant to attend the meeting for other reasons than documenting, I decided to call in someone to take the minutes instead." Yes come in" I called for her to open the door even though I know she will only open it slightly to deliver her message. Maybe having sex with her and ignoring her afterwards wasn't my best move, but she's alive so no issues. Like I said, she opened the door only slightly to deliver her message." The representatives from Bellevue Resorts are here already, should I refer them to the meeting room?" Her voice merely above a whisper and she ensured she wasn't making any eye contacts." Please do" I told her a
Hunter's P.O.V.——————— "Good morning Mr Jaquish, Mr Harwood " I greet the two men who I am familiar with and giving them a handshake which is obvious that they grudgingly accepted.Well Dad was right. I sight Lily at the left end of the table and I acknowledge her with a nod.But the third man in the room was a strange appearance to this party. And from my apprehension he looks to be my age more so or a tad bit older." And may I ask who?" Referring to the gentleman who is currently undressing my secretary with his eyes." This is Mr Hayes, my nephew and the one to take over my business. So he is right to be here to know the companies he is up for " Mr Jaquish answers glaring at me with his last words.You're angry. Hint taken." Well then, nice to
Hunter's P.O.V——————— I was just returning from my fourth and final meeting of the day. Believe me when I say I am beyond exhausted. The rest of the meetings went by without strain and Iris was documenting as a secretary should. Dare I say it, but she is efficient. Walking into my office floor with Iris slightly farther back, the elevator door just sealed shut and I turned to look at her. Her bun was in a slight mess but it was still suitable. She was taking slow strides and obviously too engrossed in the file of the last meeting to notice my actions. Speaking of actions, I needed to understand why she acted the way she did earlier today in the meeting with Bellevue." Iris?"" Jules" Sh
" Louie honey, you've been quiet all morning are you okay?" It's the truth. Louisa was always very cheerful and jumpy in the morning, so to my assumptions she was a morning person.But sadly not today.And I'm beginning to get worried." Maybe she's sick or something " Cheryn who was the shortest and most plump lady who came to greet me with a hug on my first day suggested." Are you sick? Any belly pains?" I asked her to confirm Cheryn's suspicion but she just shook her head in a negative response." Louie? Should I make your banana smoothie?" Cheryn asked her but she just shook her head in a no again.Louisa is declining her favorite snack.Something is definitely wrong." Okay, should I cook something else?" Cheryn was in charge of cooking around here, so trying to win Louie over with a meal was
Iris's p.o.v.-----The tunes for Unconditionally by Katy Perry was being played so softly by the DJ and it's lull filled the entire hall.The room was slightly beginning to get filled up by business associates, family members and even the press.Clicks from cameras and chatters from people engaged in discussions were prominent in the enclosed space, filling the area with excitement and buzz.I stood at the entrance and surveyed the black and blue themed hall in awe and gloom. Claudette has really got a top notch style.I had already handed Louie to Jenny so she could prepare to be the 'flower girl' and now I regret it cause I have no company.I engaged in a little chat with Guillermo a few minutes ago before I entered the hall but he had to leave so he can go get the priest.No sign of the bride and groo
Iris's p.o.v." Mommy am I going to be okay?" Louisa asks as I tuck her in.We had finally arrived home after a brief, suspiciously quiet, tiring drive.Seriously, the silence made the journey longer than it should." Yes baby but the doctor said for you to be okay, all you have to do is sleep, eat, draw and sleep some more" I answered with a smile." Yaaaay" she cheered but it ached my heart when I heard how weak it sounded." Go to sleep cupcake" I whispered and placed a soft kiss on her forehead." Mmmmm" she moaned softly and slowly shut her eyes in an attempt to fall asleep.I noticed her little winks and sighs and unknowingly, a chuckle escaped my lips and I began using my thumb to trace her plump cheek outline." Mommy, what about daddy?" Huh!?
Hunter's p.o.v.It's tomorrow.Finally, the wedding is tomorrow and I've been feeling jiggly since morning.If jiggly is indeed a word.I've gotten a suit picked out with the help of Guillermo and Michelle says she's already got her gown too.The venue was being set up by Claudette and Jenny while Cheryn took charge of the caterers.Edward handling the convoys and my family and friends are flying in today.I'm honestly feeling like a girl who's about to have her first kiss.Fucking excited!.Nothing can honestly dampen my mood right now.I'm on my way home and a little early from work cause I promised Louisa that I'd take her out and that's exactly what I'm gonna do.Because I seriously doubt if Michelle would allow me to hang out with s
Iris's p.o.v.————— After a while of thinking and consideration, Claudette and I decided to make the proposal party a small one. I personally wanted it smaller than that, possibly just two people and a ring but Claudette does know how to throw a fit. So we chose his office as the venue and invited a few people asides from his employees. Edward, Guillermo, Claudette, Mrs Reid and her children ( well except Meredith and of course Michelle ) and some business partners he was particularly fond of. Mrs Reid took it as a point of duty to invite some of Meredith's friends. That also, I saw no use for.Nine o'clock pm sharp. It's time for Michelle to walk into her surprise." Hu
Hunter's p.o.v.-------I've always learnt to detest Monday morning's but today's adrenaline rush and anticipation almost killed me.Right now it's a few minutes passed six pm and I have never been happier with an early close of work.Why?Well here's why. On my way to the office this morning Mr Reid gave me a phone call saying he had important information for me.And the rest seems like history.Currently I was in my car, driving down to the restaurant he'd chosen for the meeting and my heart is pounding so loudly in my ears.Okay, I know I said I'd given up on everything but for some reason I still feel the need to save my life.Survival instincts right?Why the hell is the journey taking so long?I had to
Third person p.o.v.It was a few minutes to three am but she hadn't winked a slumber, she looked to her side to ensure her baby was tucked in safe and sound.She sighed softly and turned to her side to try catching some sleep.After a few minutes of squeezing her eyes to no avail, she had to figure out what was wrong with her.No..She knew exactly what's wrong. Ever since Hunter had come home looking so sad and crestfallen, she hadn't felt so comfortable.Her little thought told her that it had something to do with Mr Reid and the deal, probably Mr Reid hadn't agreed with the terms.If that were to be the case then Hunter is really doomed, he can't get any backing or financial support to pay off the debts.He was left to the fate of some drug Lord's somewhere around the world.But th
Hunter's p.o.v." Mr McConnell?" A plump lady calls as soon as she steps out of the room." Yes?" I stood to my feet." Mr Reid would see you now. He's out the balcony" she smiles briefly before walking away.The event was currently taking place downstairs and after searching for Mr Reid for over an hour I decided to give him a call.He detailed that he was on the second floor, room fifty two C in the hallway.I just realized this building was also a luxury guest inn." Thank goodness" I smiled to myself in apprehension of speaking with Mr Reid and proceeded to locate his room.I've been harboring thoughts about revealing my intentions to Mr Reid and it's high time that I did.Everything else is currently a secondary discussion. Once he's done saying what he has in store, I'll
Iris's p.o.v.-----So Hunter has been deathly quiet.And I have been biting my lips to avoid laughing at his nervousness.Edward was driving us to the venue and it seemed like forever to Hunter." Edward, how much longer do we have to complete this journey?" Hunter finally asked after glancing at his watch in every five minutes interval for the past fifteen minutes." Am I hearing a modified adult version of ' are we there yet?' " Edward mocked and I lost it.I laughed out so loudly that I was gasping for air. But when I want to stop, a quick look at Hunter's face sends me reeling in laughter once more." Stop..... Stop... I can't..." I managed to blurt in between my laughter." Iris you're insane" I heard Hunter's voice but it seems to be laced with amuseme
🎶 hold my hand and you promised, to never let go.Iris's p.o.v.-----" It's our problem freeeee... Philosophyyyy... HAKUNA MATATAAA!!" " Someone should remind Jules never to leave her kid with Cheryn anymore" Claudette and I burst into laughter at Jenny's complain because of Louisa and Cheryn's newly profound joy.I wouldn't blame her, they've been singing Lion King soundtracks ever since they came in here.Don't get me started on their imitation of the monkey in the beginning." Don't listen to her Louie, she's just jealous" Cheryn patted Louisa's head and smirked at Jenny." Nuh-uh... Mommy said jealousy is very very bad" Louie scolded and folded her arms to send a disappointed look to Jenny." Testify angel" Claudette barked in laughter as she applied a layer of c