It was a nightmare for Pemberton Synergy.Mallory headed to work, looking and feeling very sad. She knew it was going to be the saddest workday of her life. The new decaffeinated drink was the talk of the country. On that very day of the launch, cartons of it had been pushed and supplied into the market. And since then, everyone's been talking to about it. Even in the cab Mallory had boarded on her way to work, the passengers couldn't stop singing the praises of TeraFusion."My husband has always been scared of taking caffeinated coffee as a result of his heart rate even though he had reasons to take it due to the nature of his job. But yesterday, he took three bottles of the decaffeinated drink, and man! He was so energized, didn't get a wink of sleep," One of the women had said joyously."I'm telling you, TeraFusion is a lifesaver. Especially that Sybil girl. She spoke with so much respect and regard for her consumers." Even the driver had noted. An ache of heartache gripped Mall
Twenty-six years old Mallory could hear the giggles of her children as she climbed down the chipped staircase, into the sitting room. She was fully ready for work - robed in a blue crisp blouse with collars that framed her perfect face. Her blouse was tucked into a curve-gripping black skirt, making her look like the P.A that she was. Her eyes and fingers were on her phone, typing vigorously. "Mum!" "Mummy!" The kids chorused as she stepped into the living room. She had been so engrossed in her phone, she didn't even notice she was there. Quickly, she put out her phone as she smiled at the seven year olds. "How're my pumpkins doing?" she tousled their hair, beaming a charming smile at them. "I'm great. Although, I can't say the same for Cassius," Lyra shrugged. "Silly you. Of course, I'm fine," Cassius nudged her. Mallory chuckled as she watched them tease each other. Having both of them - male and female - had been her biggest blessing. She glanced at the small dining table w
Mallory dropped the kids off at school before proceeding to her place of work. The whole time she spent in the local cab, she couldn't stop herself from reminiscing over her grandmother's hurtful words. She felt humiliated, insulted. 'You showed up with those fatherless babies.' 'Where's their father, then?' The old woman's words haunted her. That wasn't the first time she was saying such words in front of Mallory, and each time she did, it reopened her scars. Mallory forced herself not to wet her cheeks as her mind drifted to the painful memories; to the father of her kids. Seven years ago, she had been so happy, married to her bestfriend and heartbeat. At that time, she was still living in Duskwood. Although, they married at a very tender age - she was nineteen while he was twenty-one - they were still happy and lived in the best way they could. His name was Wilder - Wilder Pemberton - and back then, his family was one of the richest in the country. His parents hated the fact t
Mallory felt her legs begin to wobble and threatening a fall. Anxiety spiralled through her as she continued staring at him. That was her Wilder - the only man she's ever loved; the father of her kids. Her heart continued to race heavily as she wondered if she was dreaming. But, she wasn't. Everything was real; Wilder being in front of her was real! But how was it possible? How was he suddenly in front of her when he's been missing for years? Were his parents the owner of the company? How come she had no idea the whole time? She was losing her mind. The new CEO - Wilder Pemberton - walked into the shared workspace and stood before the eleven staff. "Good morning, sir." "We're thrilled to have you here!" "Welcome, sir." They all chorused anxiously. Wilder didn't bother to look at their faces but turned to the two managers behind him. "Are these all of them?" He asked, his voice glacial, yet tuneful. "Yes. They're the one's in charge of this department," One of the managers
The rest of the time in the office, Mallory tried her best to remain calm and avoid getting on Wilder's nerves again. Despite how much it hurt her, she forced herself not to look at him and ignore the fact that he couldn't recognize her.Arlo and the other manager filled him in on some urgent issues. Then, they talked about his meeting with the board members happening in an hour. "Has everyone been duly informed and prepared for the meeting?" Wilder asked. "Yes, sir. I made sure to send a reminder email to every one of them yesterday." Mallory replied as quickly as she could, avoiding eye contact with him. She gulped tersely after that. "Get everything set, then."They spent quite sometime in the cozy office, until finally, Wilder dismissed them.The moment Mallory got to her desk, she hastened to the restroom. She wasn't pressed or anything but simply needed an isolated place to cry.Approaching the restroom, her steps became increasingly unsteady. She got into one of the room an
Mallory was already set for the meeting ahead of time. She got ready everything Wilder would be needing - some files and all. The meeting was very crucial as it was his first as the acting CEO. With poise and fitness, Wilder stepped out of his office when it was time. Mallory rose to her feet as quickly as she could, taking the arranged files on the desk into her hands. Wilder didn't spare Mallory's desk a glance as he walked past her, expecting her to follow. Trailing after him, Mallory couldn't help but stare at him as if he were a god. He looked too dashing in his designer suit; too perfect. He used to be hers...When they got to the open workspace, Mallory could tell her colleagues over there already heard them coming as they were seeming too busy and focused on their work. She caught them stealing glances at Wilder as they walked by. The meeting was taking place on the twentieth floor. So, Mallory and Wilder had to make use of the elevator. She stood behind him in the elevat
Mallory was about questioning the lady when the CEO's door opened, revealing Wilder. His presence was abrupt and interrupted the tensed atmosphere.Mallory saw how the strange lady forced herself to composure the moment she saw Wilder. Pulling a smile, she ran to him, her heels clacking hard against the floor."Wilder!" She beamed, giving him a hug.Mallory felt her heart skip a beat. Her throat got constricted and she had to take a very hard gulp. Did she know Wilder? Why was she giving him a hug?Wilder glanced at Mallory before looking away."Safiya," he called, pulling away from the lady's hug. "What are you doing here? You didn't tell me you were coming.""Seriously?" The lady chuckled, walking her hand on his chest. Mallory could see so much obsession and lust in her eyes. "Do I need to call the love of my life before showing up at his office?"Mallory couldn't stop the shock from reflecting in her eyes as she watched them, even Wilder noticed. Who was she to him? There was no w
Ronan had a bright smile on his face as he stared at the love of his life. He was the very picture of understated elegance.He was dressed in a plain black trouser that clung to his tall lean frame, with his crisp white long-sleeved shirt tucked into it. He had rich sleek hair that fell in thick waves, just enough to be ruffled by a playful breeze. And his face was perfectly sculpted to charm it's way into the heart of anyone.Man was facially and financially handsome.Mallory's heart summersaulted in her chest as he advanced towards her. Her hands turned damp from sweat.Everyone was present. Her grandma, her kids, Isla, and two of Ronan's friends. Although, Isla had a glum on her face. Her grandmother looked the happiest.Her breath caught up in her throat when Ronan got close enough and went down on one knee. God, no! Not now.His eyes, a deep and soulful
It was a nightmare for Pemberton Synergy.Mallory headed to work, looking and feeling very sad. She knew it was going to be the saddest workday of her life. The new decaffeinated drink was the talk of the country. On that very day of the launch, cartons of it had been pushed and supplied into the market. And since then, everyone's been talking to about it. Even in the cab Mallory had boarded on her way to work, the passengers couldn't stop singing the praises of TeraFusion."My husband has always been scared of taking caffeinated coffee as a result of his heart rate even though he had reasons to take it due to the nature of his job. But yesterday, he took three bottles of the decaffeinated drink, and man! He was so energized, didn't get a wink of sleep," One of the women had said joyously."I'm telling you, TeraFusion is a lifesaver. Especially that Sybil girl. She spoke with so much respect and regard for her consumers." Even the driver had noted. An ache of heartache gripped Mall
Mallory was very anxious. The launch had started and in the meantime, they were just having work presentations going on. Her TV was already on with her kids with her in the living room. She couldn't help the panic that filled her heart. Of course, it wasn't the first time TeraFusion was launching a new product. But they'd always given a hint on the details of the product before time. This was different because there was no hint. So, Pemberton Synergy didn't knew what to expect and hence, were very worried. Mallory was anxiously waiting in the living room when she noticed Zara had been gone for too long. They had been together in the sitting room when she got a call from someone, telling her to meet outside. Zara claimed it was her friend, but she had been gone for more than thirty minutes. Mallory decided to check up on her. She went out of the house and found her farther away with some strange guy. The guy was just like Zara looked - a wild hairstyle with so many piercings. She c
Mallory chuckled nervously and looked away, not knowing what to say.But the Wilder she knew would never try to take advantage of someone. The question was - was he the same Wilder?"I don't think so, sir." She forced herself to reply. "But so far, you've been nothing but committed to the affairs of the company, I'm sure you small matters like that are of no importance to you. Besides, you have a fiancee, and I'm sure you love her very much."She lifted her gaze to meet his at the same time he was staring at her. Their eyes got locked for a stretched moment, causing a wave of heat to wash over Mallory.In that fleeting moment, she wondered if she'd said the truth. Did he really love Safiya?Wilder broke the contact by redirecting his gaze back to his food. Suddenly, Mallory felt stupid for her last statement. Maybe, she shouldn't have mentioned it. He wouldn't be engaged to her if he didn't love her.For the rest of the time, nothing else was discussed between them until Wilder's phon
The air became so dense with tension, it felt like a suffocating fog pressing against her voice.Wilder turned around and wrenched himself away while Mallory stared at the complimentary card in front of her."I'm... I'm sorry, sir. Not to sound disrespectful, but this isn't allowed." She replied, inclined her head and turned around to catch up with Wilder.Mallory could feel her heart racing heavily as she walked beside Wilder. What the hell was wrong with that crazy man?! Of course, she's had clients stare and smile at her during meetings, but none of them had ever had they nerves to approach her in the tjr presence of her boss. Mr. Landon sure had some balls.The guards who had been attending and waiting at a distance, joined them as they walked to the car."Book a reservation at Grand Oak for lunch. Tell them I need the rooftop," Wilder said when they were close to the car.Mallory was relieved. At last, he was talking to her."Okay, sir."Settling in the car, she turned on her lap
Safiya burst through the door like wildfire, her fury igniting the air around her. The intensity of her anger seemed to crackle and smolder, threatening to engulf the entire house in flames. The maids and house boys scurried out of her path as she walked through, neither of them wanting to be a victim. She went right to the corner she knew her mother would be that morning - the second living room upstairs. She stormed in to find her talking and laughing over tea with someone. "It didn't work, mum! It failed!" She let out before her head could register the fact that her mum wasn't alone. She didn't care either ways. Pomella was a little offended that her daughter didn't mind her guest. But above all, she was worried.With a forced smile, she turned to the elderly woman beside her."I am so sorry. Can you give me a minute?""Sure. Take your time."Pomella stood up afterward and led Safiya out of the room, taking her to her own room. "What is going on, Safiya? Do you even know who
Mallory groaned as she regained consciousness in bed. Time seemed like a tricky puzzle, leaving her unsure of what had really happened while she slept. Her hands were tangled in her unruly hair, aching to soothe the throbbing in her head. What happened to her? What time was it?Directing yer eyes to the wall clock, she was shocked to discover it was mid day. What in God's name?! How did she sleep so early?She hurried out of the bed, her kids in mind. Was Zara able to prep and take them to school? How come no one even bothered to wake her up?She went downstairs and found Zara and Isla playing a drought game. "Hey, sis! You up at last," Zara waved at her, smiling widely. As expected, Isla only spared her a glare before looking away. "Why didn't you wake me up, Z? How about the kids? Did you take them to school?" Mallory asked, making Zara scoff. "Are you being serious? The only thing I didn't do trying to get you to wake up was probably to hit you in the head. You were sleeping
With the persistence of Zara, Mallory got clad in a pair of jeans with deliberate distressing at the knees, adding a touch of edgy flair to her outfit. Completing her look, she paired the jeans with a crop top, showcasing her impeccably toned midriff. The distressed jeans hugged her curves in all the right places. Mallory couldn't remember the last time she's had to dress that way. It was so strange, she unconsciously dragged the tip from time to time to cover her exposed tummy. Zara had brushed her hair to fall freely on her shoulders. And even if she was a little uncomfortable, she knew she was damn pretty. Her gold necklace was revealed and rested on her shirt."Woah! You a damsel, baby! I sure deserve some accolades!" Zara clapped happily. Afterwards, she got dressed and they left for the party together.......It was Mallory's first time going to a club in seven years. She'd missed the fun of it - the booze, the life. It also brought back memories of she and Wilder 'cause he
Until it was evening, Mallory didn't leave the room. When the kids got home from school, they were equally surprised to find her home. "Mummy, are you alright?" Cassius asked, climbing into the bed with his uniform. Mallory had to force herself up. "Yes, baby. How was school today?" She asked feebly, fondling with their hair. "School was fine." Lyra answered. The children's mood became down as well, noticing something was seriously wrong with their mother. And they knew no mater how hard they tried, she'd never tell them about it. "Why don't you shower and go play with aunt Zara downstairs?" She said dismissively and was relieved when they complied. In a matter of minutes, she had the room all to herself again. It was seven in the evening when Lyra ran in and told her Ronan was there to see her. Mallory sighed disgruntledly. All she wanted was to be alone. But she knew Ronan. He was never going to leave without seeing her. Tiredly, she left the bed and that was when she rea
The tech guy handling her computer looked at Wilder, like he was waiting for some kind of approval. And when he got it, he turned to Mallory."Yesterday, I got notified that some customer databases had been released to one of our rivals - the Wyatt Enterprise. I ran a search and..." He angled the computer to face Mallory. "... turns out it'd been sent from your system."Mallory realized fear had been a stranger to her until that instant. It gripped her like an icy hand, halting the rhythm the of her heart and disconnecting her feet from the ground. Shock rendered her speechless, her jaw slackening and her gaze moving from one person to the next. What the heck?"Wh... What're you talking about? I never sent that email." She wagged her head. "But the evidence is glaring, Miss Harrington. The email was sent from your computer, as you can clearly seen." The tech guy pointed at the screen. Mallory felt as though, the world was crumbling in her very eyes. "No. This is not possible. I'v