REIGN’S POV
My hands moved before my brain did as I quickly pulled my camera from my bag and took quick pictures. It was a bit blurry from where I stood but it was obvious what the people in the frame were doing. I stood up from my butt and escaped, my heart in my throat the whole time. I placed my hand on my racing heart when I finally reached the lobby, glad I was able to leave unscathed. I glanced at the time, surprised to see it was closing time already. I was relieved that I did not have to go back to the hospital. It felt like my camera was burning a hole through my back. Even on my way home, I bit my lips in thoughts on what to do with the pictures. Hours later, I was sitting cross-legged in front of the coffee table with my laptop in front of me, staring at the edited picture of Ivan and his mistress. It will be 12 soon and all the story submissions for the production early tomorrow will close. Could I really do this? I thought, wringing my hands together, a habit that I did whenever I was nervous. I was sure if the story was published, both physically and on the website, it would be an instant hit, shooting me up to the Pinnacle of journalism as well. I did not believe myself to be a greedy person but stars shined in my eyes at the thought. I started to write, trying my best to remember every detail of Ivan's engagement to Melanie and linking it to the scandal. By the time I was done, I had a well crafted and structured story that Ivan would have a hard time combating. Next, the email was constructed and all I had to do was just to press send, but something stopped me. I was nervous. This could make or mar my life. Shouldn't you conduct further verification? I heard a voice in my head tell me but I was too far gone to bother with that. If 12 passed without me sending it, then the news would never see the light of the day again because I was sure I was running on some sort of adrenaline at the moment. If I had friends, I would have consulted them on what to do but I only had myself. I had to do it then, for myself and my career. So I pressed send and my fate was sealed. ********************************************************* The day felt fulfilling and energetic like I had moved to the next phase of my life and my career. I decided to dress up according to my mood, ditching the usual baggy pants and shirts two sizes bigger that I usually wore. Although it was a bad idea for a big person to wear something so big as it would only make them look bigger, I felt like it protected me and covered everything I wanted covered and protected me from criticizing eyes, not like people still don't find a way to call me names. I pulled my pink blazer tighter as I skimmed over the white blouse I had underneath, paired with high waisted trousers that accentuated my ‘fat ass’ . I tied up my red hair and I did a light makeup that made my green eyes pop. I wouldn't have been so daring to do all these on a normal day but I suddenly had a confidence boost. I grabbed my leather tote in my hand after confirming that it had everything I needed for the day's work before trudging out of the house. I got to work in less than an hour, thankful for the non-existent traffic. I had a feeling it was going to be the best day ever, everything pointed to it. “ Good morning. ” Greeting erupted from left and right as I walked to my department. I was surprised and slow in replying because it had never happened before. Despite my size, I was treated as invisible but now they were acknowledging me, passing me greetings, smiles and nods. A warm, fuzzy feeling grew in my chest and a silly smile grew on my face until I got to my seat. “ Oh, if it isn't my favourite journalist. ” Mr Cobbs beamed as he sighted me. I almost looked back to check if Bethany was behind me but I could see her shooting daggers at me from across the room. “ If you had done this sooner, would I have been so angry with you? ” He asked, placing his hand around my shoulder. It felt uncomfortable but I allowed before he had never been this cordial with me. “ How were you able to get that news? ” “ I– ” I started. “ Well, it doesn't really matter how you got it. ” He cut in and I clammed my mouth shut. “ You know I only care about results and the ones you have provided are exquisite, I must say. ” I bowed my head to accept the compliments. It felt surreal and all my doubts about publishing the news flew out of the windows. I made the right choice and I refused to regret it. “ Keep it up, ” was his parting statement. I nodded and watched him leave with a smile on my face. I sat down at my desk and pulled out my laptop, ready to finish any unfinished work but the shadow that loomed over my desk had me pausing and stiffening. I had an idea who it was and my suspicions were confirmed when I met the stormy eyes of Bethany. I sighed, “ what can I do for you? ” “ You must think you are a hot cake right now, ” she said, folding her arms. “ How dare you even publish such news about Ivan? ” “ I only reported what I saw. ” I refuted, looking away from her. If looks could kill, I'd be dead already. “ Everyone here knows Ivan is my person so even if you had stumbled on a news like that, you were supposed to reach out to me. ” Bethany said, her voice chilling. I held back a shiver. “ I don't answer to you. Everyone also knows that you are just delusional about your supposed relationship with him. ” “ How dare you? ” she screamed, making everyone look over. Realizing her mistake, she gave them her legendary smile that is capable of making anyone swoon, and truly everyone looked away. She turned back to me, a murderous look replacing the smile on her face. “ This is not over. ” she promised and stalked back to her seat. I sighed and messaged my forehead. Truly, most of the news published about Ivan from our side were usually written by Bethany and they were often pieces praising the man. I thought it was just admiration but it looked like she had a crush on him. I remembered when the news about his engagement to Melanie was released and she had a full blown meltdown right in the office, screaming at her laptop like it was going to change the state of things. I should have known then. I opened my laptop, wondering about the state of the Internet. Was everyone as shocked as I was? How many reads and clicks did I get? I decided to check at the end of the day's work instead. By then, everyone should have seen the news. The rest of the day passed by slowly and it took a great deal of self control not to check it. Finally the day ended and I did not have to control my curiosity anymore. I logged on our company's site to check and I was mind blown. I had the most reads I had ever had, even surpassing that of Bethany. Looks like Ivan was a hotshot. I had a fun time scrolling through the comments, agreeing with all the people calling Ivan an asshole. Only assholes cheat. After I was satisfied, I logged out once again, reverting to the homepage of my browser. I expected to see several other sites reporting on the infidelity of Ivan but all the websites on my feed were all reporting on other issues. I was perplexed, even searching it out specifically but all I got were positive posts about him. Maybe they were just confirming. I reassured myself when a sense of dread started to develop in me. A twinge of guilt filled me when I remembered I did not confirm on my part but I shoved it away. I shut down my laptop and arranged everything I needed to take home with me. I caught Bethany's eyes over the desk and I had to look away from the amount of dark intensity in them. If looks could kill, maggots would be feasting on my remains right now. I kept my head down as I left until I got outside the building. Taking a huge breath of the fresh air, I felt better and free. I walked to the small parking lot at the side of the building noticing my small car from the lot immediately. I pressed the unlock button on my key and my old but functioning car came to life. I smiled as I entered my car, happy I was going home. The smile slipped from my face when I felt a presence at the back seat. My eyes trailed to the rearview mirror and locked with the black eyes of a man peeking through a mask. A scream escaped from my lips but the man's gloved hand came to muffle it. He used his other hand to signal to me to me keep quiet. I nodded severally, willing to do anything to survive. When he was sure I was not going to scream, he removed his hand. “ Please, don't kill me. I am actually a broke woman. ” I pleaded, my heart beating erratically in my chest. I wondered who I had offended to have deserved this. Before I could react, the man's gloved hand came up once again to my face, this time with a white cloth in it. My eyes widened as he pressed the cloth on my nose. I tried not to inhale it but failed and soon I felt my eyes closing. Then I fell into darkness.IVAN’S POV I clenched my fists in anger as I watched the constant ringing of my phone. The shrill, annoying sound definitely succeeded in ruining my mood further. Tired of the sound, I switched off the phone and threw it on the table harshly. Christian came in at that moment. “ We have taken the news down but it has already spread wild. Everyone now thinks you are a cheating bastard. It took a while because of the traffic on the post. All broadcast stations have also been notified not to post anything, well except the one that already posted. “ Christian snickered. A hard glare was what he got in response but it didn't scare him a bit. Anyone else would have pissed in their pants, but not Christian. After all, he was my best friend. “ Who was the journalist that released it? ” I asked, trying to stay rational and ease the bloodlust brewing in me. The realization that all my carefully thought-out plan was ruined overnight did nothing to alleviate the wrath I felt about the situatio
REIGN'S POV I groaned as I grabbed the side of my head. It felt like the whole world placed a heavy load on my head. I turned groggily before sitting up, my hazel eyes blinking rapidly to get rid of the fog. My eyes met a chandelier that obviously cost more than anything I'd ever make and I was on a sofa. ImThen, all the memories hit me. I was kidnapped in the parking lot. I gasped and searched my body before sighing in relief when I sensed no sign of assault. Where am I? I thought, feeling fear envelop me. It looked like I was in a fancy hotel room. Whoever kidnapped me should know no one would look for me. “ I thought you were going to sleep forever. " The deepest voice I had ever heard reverberated from across the room or closer, I was too dizzy to pinpoint where exactly. My head snapped up before clashing with grey eyes that looked bored but sinister. I moved back in fear, my back hitting the back of the couch. There was nowhere for me to run. Recognition finally dawned on
REIGN’S POV Fate must be playing a huge joke on me. This must be some sort of attempt at easing the boredom that marked every facet of my monotonous life. If that was it, then this is the right moment for whoever is in charge to cut the damn camera and tell me it was a prank. Fiancee back in 30 days? How the fuck was I supposed to do that? “ What do you mean? ” I choked out. “ I believe my words were clear enough. Why? You don't want to do it? ” he asked, a smirk taking over his features. The more he made me disgruntled, the more satisfied he looked. I was starting to think he was a sadist. “ How am I supposed to do that? ” I resisted the urge to scream. “ If you can't convince her to take you back, then what could I possibly do? This is like an impossible task. ” “ Everything you are worried about right now— ” he paused before continuing, “--is really none of my business. I gave you options. You are free to choose whichever one you think is convenient. ” I wanted to cry so bad
REIGN’S POVI mumbled incoherent words as I snuggled more into the soft pillow I was clutching in my arms. It was the softest I had ever had, a huge contrast to the hard lump of complexity that my life had become. The realization had me pushing the pillow away and sitting up, looking around the beige themed room. I felt the same awe I had felt when I had stepped into it for the first time, when someone, a maid i presume, kindly helped me to my room. Something Ivan was not gentlemanly enough to do.I pushed the duvet away from my laps and stood up before stretching and humming in satisfaction at the ‘pop’ sound I received. I resisted the urge to grimace at the sight of my bed nest hair and the obvious drool on my cheek as I passed the mirror on my way to the bathroom. I did my business in a hurry, eager to get a headstart on the day. I had a job that determines my life or death. Twenty minutes later, I was out of my bedroom, dressed in jeans and a simple T-shirt, and jogged down the s
REIGN'S POVMelanie’s first stop for the day was at a spa, which looked more like a mall to be honest. I parked a few feet away from them and gaped at the building. How was I supposed to enter this place? I watched with a heavy heart as Mel got down from her car, nodded at the valet and disappeared into the building. I immediately got into action, I can't afford to lose her. I got down and walked towards the building but was stopped by a man dressed in a black suit.“ Ma'am, your key. ” He demanded, without any emotion.My key? Oh, the valet.I handed him the key and watched as his eyes widened when he saw the car the key belonged to. I smiled sheepishly when he turned back to look at me. Of course, my beat down car would look like a sore thumb anywhere.Realizing that I had wasted too much time, I jogged into the building, stopping only for a few minutes to admire my surroundings. Wealthy people live in another world entirely. I spotted Mel again talking to someone in the lobby and
REIGN'S POV What should I do? Should I laugh and just run away? No, she would just run after me and catch me easily? Should I say I was a fan? That was more feasible. Or should I just say the truth? That Ivan had me do this? Ivan never told me if I was allowed to do that though.I groaned. What a rollercoaster my life has become!“ I…I was just…you know….” I stammered, looking around the mall like a way out was going to suddenly appear.“ I don't know anything. All I know is a creepy woman has been following me in a beat up car all day. ” Mel said, venom coating her face and her voice. My poor car. I am sorry you are taking the brunt of my actions.“ The thing is…” I started, ready to throw Ivan under the bus to redeem the image of my car.“ Oh, it's you. ” Melanie suddenly exclaimed, startling me. What was going on? Have we met before? “ Do you know me? ” I asked, reluctantly.“ Of course. Aren't you the reporter who posted the first article about Ivan's affair? ” She asked, the i
IVAN’S POVI enjoyed the startled look on her face. Far too much than I would like to admit. That was what she gets for keeping me waiting. Nothing no one has ever done or can afford to do. Yet this woman, with lips that were too pink for her own good and was currently staring at me with fear in her eyes, dared to do so. It was rather unsettling.“ Pretending to be a statue won't make me forget your actions. ” I said, when she still didn't move after all.“ Really? It was worth a try though. ” She sassed before walking towards the seat next to mine and sitting down.She smelt of vanilla and coconuts. While I noticed it was beyond me but as she passed by me, I unconsciously inhaled her scent and let it fill me.What the hell was I doing?“ I was late because your dare fiancée kept me busy. ” She muttered, almost in an accusatory tone. “ She's pretty persuasive. ”“ Those shopping bags–” I started.“....are her handworks. ” Reign completed for me. “ She just wouldn't stop and before I k
REIGN'S POV I hummed as I successfully got the board and myself through the front door. I locked eyes with Ivan as I shrugged off my coat. I swear this man appears and disappears. He was nowhere to be found when I had left home earlier.Home? Did I just refer to this prison as a home? I must be hungry, very hungry.“ Where are you coming from? ” Ivan demanded, glancing down at whatever he was doing. I realized he was working on his laptop when I moved closer and there was a plus….he was wearing glasses! It was crazy how attractive Ivan looked and it was crazier how attracted I was to him despite how rude and mean he was to me. My taste in men was questionable. Ivan looked up again when I took so long in replying. I cleared my throat and looked away before he realized that I had been staring. I would hate for a repeat of what happened in the kitchen yesterday.“ Does living here mean my movements are monitored too? ” I scowled, resting half of my weight on the board.“ Well you are n
REIGN'S POV The life of a jobless broke woman was really monotonous. My routine now consisted of waking up, eating, and seeing Mel. I wondered how I was going to live after this whole thing was over. It was more than glaring that I had lost my job at Everlight publications. The thought of Bethany getting the position I had worked hard for made my stomach clench in sadness and something else akin to anger.“ Are you okay? ”“ Uh, what? ” I said, remembering my surroundings. I was in a mall with Mel. She had suddenly invited me out for breakfast that morning. She was exactly the person I wanted to see so I didn't waste time in going to see her after that weird moment with Ivan.“ Is everything fine? You have been staring at your cup for over five minutes. ” Mel said, twirling her latte with a straw.“ Yeah, everything is fine. I just feel a bit nostalgic. “ I smiled.“ Oh, I understand that feeling. Missing moments that are long gone and wishing they would happen again. I know it all t
IVAN'S POV I wiped the towel down my face as I shut the gym door and made my way back to the sitting room. I wondered if Reign was in the kitchen whipping up something. I almost could not see the kitchen without her in it anymore.I placed the towel on my shoulder ready to go to the kitchen to see Reign when the woman in question suddenly appeared in front of me, startling me. Thankfully, I didn't have a reaction too big. I had already embarrassed myself enough with what happened yesterday.“ Are you cosplaying a ghost today too? ” My eyebrows raised in question.“ Pull off your shirt. ”“ What? ”“ Pull off your shirt, ” She repeated.She was serious? Was she okay? “ Don't you think I need some sort of explanation as to why I need to pull off my shirt? ” I folded my arms.“ I need to confirm something. ” She replied, folding her arms as well.Wrong move.I can't believe I let my guard down yesterday and got caught ogling her boobs. She was doing the same thing again. Raising them u
REIGN'S POV The address Mel gave me was a cozy looking cafe. Just looking at it alone made me feel good. There was almost a skip in my steps as I entered the cafe. The chime of the bell signalling my entrance. The cafe was not too big so spotting Mel was not an issue.As usual, she was dressed impeccably. I wondered how she managed to look good and still not go over the top. I plastered a smile on my face and walked towards her. The click of my heels had her looking up. My chest warmed as her lips widened into a smile when she spotted me.No one had ever been that excited to see me.“ Hi. ” I said shyly, and took the seat opposite her. I was nervous, way more nervous than I had been in front of my first crush. She unnerved me in a way.“ Hello. ” She replied enthusiastically, almost shooting out of her seat. She grabbed her head at the extreme movement, massaging her scalp gently.“ Are you okay? ” I asked, wondering what was going on.“ Yeah, I'm good. I just had a really crazy nigh
Chapter 11REIGN'S POV Satisfied with what I have come up with, I placed the board in the corner of my room so I don't collide with it and so it is the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning. It would make me get up fast and get me started on my day.To completely get started on my plan, I needed to learn everything I can from Ivan about Melanie. Even if they were not close, I am sure he would know a few important pieces of information about her. It would also be an opportunity for me to test just how on the surface their relationship was. If he could give me substantial information, then there was hope but if I got nothing, then my work was really cut out for me.I grabbed my phone from the bed and trudged out of the room. I whistled happily as I walked down the stairs, excited that everything was going according to plan. Hopefully Ivan was still in the kitchen. I would hate to have to go to his room. I was not even sure which of the rooms belonged to him. We have never bum
REIGN'S POV I hummed as I successfully got the board and myself through the front door. I locked eyes with Ivan as I shrugged off my coat. I swear this man appears and disappears. He was nowhere to be found when I had left home earlier.Home? Did I just refer to this prison as a home? I must be hungry, very hungry.“ Where are you coming from? ” Ivan demanded, glancing down at whatever he was doing. I realized he was working on his laptop when I moved closer and there was a plus….he was wearing glasses! It was crazy how attractive Ivan looked and it was crazier how attracted I was to him despite how rude and mean he was to me. My taste in men was questionable. Ivan looked up again when I took so long in replying. I cleared my throat and looked away before he realized that I had been staring. I would hate for a repeat of what happened in the kitchen yesterday.“ Does living here mean my movements are monitored too? ” I scowled, resting half of my weight on the board.“ Well you are n
IVAN’S POVI enjoyed the startled look on her face. Far too much than I would like to admit. That was what she gets for keeping me waiting. Nothing no one has ever done or can afford to do. Yet this woman, with lips that were too pink for her own good and was currently staring at me with fear in her eyes, dared to do so. It was rather unsettling.“ Pretending to be a statue won't make me forget your actions. ” I said, when she still didn't move after all.“ Really? It was worth a try though. ” She sassed before walking towards the seat next to mine and sitting down.She smelt of vanilla and coconuts. While I noticed it was beyond me but as she passed by me, I unconsciously inhaled her scent and let it fill me.What the hell was I doing?“ I was late because your dare fiancée kept me busy. ” She muttered, almost in an accusatory tone. “ She's pretty persuasive. ”“ Those shopping bags–” I started.“....are her handworks. ” Reign completed for me. “ She just wouldn't stop and before I k
REIGN'S POV What should I do? Should I laugh and just run away? No, she would just run after me and catch me easily? Should I say I was a fan? That was more feasible. Or should I just say the truth? That Ivan had me do this? Ivan never told me if I was allowed to do that though.I groaned. What a rollercoaster my life has become!“ I…I was just…you know….” I stammered, looking around the mall like a way out was going to suddenly appear.“ I don't know anything. All I know is a creepy woman has been following me in a beat up car all day. ” Mel said, venom coating her face and her voice. My poor car. I am sorry you are taking the brunt of my actions.“ The thing is…” I started, ready to throw Ivan under the bus to redeem the image of my car.“ Oh, it's you. ” Melanie suddenly exclaimed, startling me. What was going on? Have we met before? “ Do you know me? ” I asked, reluctantly.“ Of course. Aren't you the reporter who posted the first article about Ivan's affair? ” She asked, the i
REIGN'S POVMelanie’s first stop for the day was at a spa, which looked more like a mall to be honest. I parked a few feet away from them and gaped at the building. How was I supposed to enter this place? I watched with a heavy heart as Mel got down from her car, nodded at the valet and disappeared into the building. I immediately got into action, I can't afford to lose her. I got down and walked towards the building but was stopped by a man dressed in a black suit.“ Ma'am, your key. ” He demanded, without any emotion.My key? Oh, the valet.I handed him the key and watched as his eyes widened when he saw the car the key belonged to. I smiled sheepishly when he turned back to look at me. Of course, my beat down car would look like a sore thumb anywhere.Realizing that I had wasted too much time, I jogged into the building, stopping only for a few minutes to admire my surroundings. Wealthy people live in another world entirely. I spotted Mel again talking to someone in the lobby and
REIGN’S POVI mumbled incoherent words as I snuggled more into the soft pillow I was clutching in my arms. It was the softest I had ever had, a huge contrast to the hard lump of complexity that my life had become. The realization had me pushing the pillow away and sitting up, looking around the beige themed room. I felt the same awe I had felt when I had stepped into it for the first time, when someone, a maid i presume, kindly helped me to my room. Something Ivan was not gentlemanly enough to do.I pushed the duvet away from my laps and stood up before stretching and humming in satisfaction at the ‘pop’ sound I received. I resisted the urge to grimace at the sight of my bed nest hair and the obvious drool on my cheek as I passed the mirror on my way to the bathroom. I did my business in a hurry, eager to get a headstart on the day. I had a job that determines my life or death. Twenty minutes later, I was out of my bedroom, dressed in jeans and a simple T-shirt, and jogged down the s