“Dad, here are the documents you requested,” I said, handing over the documents.
“Are you done with all the paperwork?” he asked flipping through the pages. “Yes, I have. The Miners are demanding a 15% increase in work wage, hence they won’t release their signatures until it’s resolved.” I alerted him of the problem at hand, not waiting for him to notice the missing documents and question my competency. “Okay, let the head of finance handle that. Good job Elizabeth. You will make a good C.E.O.” he let out briefly. My eyes widened in shock. I was startled by the sudden compliment from my father. As much as he loved me, he had never been one to be expressive about it, especially after my mother’s death. He had kept to himself more often. I wasn’t offended by his actions, I didn’t know what it felt like losing a loved one and having her lookalike as a daughter. I tried to understand his pain, I was a replica of my mother whom he loved dearly and looking at me brought back memories he was trying so hard to bottle up. It must be hard for the old man but sometimes I can’t help but miss Dad’s affectionate and lively side. “Thanks, Dad,” I uttered softly, hoping he would look at me just this once. “You may leave now.” He said, still focused on the papers. Disappointed, I turned around to leave with a heavy heart. “Elizabeth.” He called out. “Yes, Dad.” I halted at the door. “Where’s Ethan.” “oh! Ethan, I gave him a week off.” I lied unwilling to jeopardize Ethan’s job. “You know he’s preparing for his wedding, so he requested some time off,” I added to make my story seem more believable. “That’s fine. He’s been a diligent worker. Tell him to see me in my office when he returns.” “Sure,” I replied, leaving his office. Speaking of Ethan, it has been three days since I heard or have seen him. This made me rethink my decision to let him know about his fiancée's infidelity. I had hired a private investigator to track Stella’s movement, discovering her involvement with different men under the guise of business partners and Ethan was oblivious about it. “Has anyone seen or heard from Ethan?” I went over asking around the office. All I got was a negative response from them. “Ma’am he called in sick and requested a week off.” The senior driver informed me. “Alright.” I returned to my office and sank into my chair. I needed to Swing into action, I had a mountain of paperwork lying on my desk which I needed to complete. I couldn’t help but worry about Ethan. I knew he was okay but I was still worried, it didn’t seem right to go running to him immediately as this would seem suspicious. He required space to think, to grieve, and also to process his thoughts. As I struggled to focus on the task at hand, my phone buzzed. It was a message from the private investigator, Mr. Parker. “Urgent update on Stella. Call me” My heart raced in fear. I knew there was more to her than eyes meet. I grabbed my phone and dialed the number. “Ma’am you need to see this. Stella’s activities are more dangerous than we thought,” the investigator spoke in an urgent tone. “what do mean?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Meet me at the café on Sterling. I’ll explain everything. I had reached the café on time. If there was something dangerous about Stella, we needed to know immediately and act fast. I can’t afford to let Ethan get hurt twice. “So, tell me. What is it about Stella.” I demanded, impatiently looking at the man seated across me. The investigator brings out an envelope from his pocket and slides it onto the table. “What this?” I raised an eyebrow at him, confused as to why there was a lot of misery surrounding the whole issue. “Open it” he ushered, pushing the envelope towards me. I picked up the envelope, noticing it was light-weight. I wondered what could be inside, as I tore it open. There were photos of Stella beside different weird-looking men, taken from different locations and angles. There was one that caught my eye, she was standing beside some women handing over a parcel to them. I looked up at the Investigator, waiting for a better explanation. I had a grasp of the situation but I needed it to be clear. “Well, you see, Stella is into resource looting.” Mr. Parker began “ She helps those men import and export such goods with the help of young women like her and she has been feeding your company’s information to a company that steals diamonds and gold with hopes of buying your workers to assist in their scheme.” My face fell in dismay. “Diamonds and Gold?? using our company?” “Yes. They have been using your logistics routes and mining operations to carry out these activities. Stella’s relationship with Ethan and Tony was a calculated move to gain access to your family business. And I’m afraid it would be hard to involve the police as it is well organized.” My mind raced, connecting the dot. “That’s why she’s always asking Ethan about his work, his access-.”I gasped in shock at my realization. “So, what do we do now?” I whispered with a faint voice, scared of alerting the people around. “Ethan’s life could be in danger if Stella and the associates suspect he’s onto them. They won’t hesitate in hurting him or anyone.” “We need to alert him to lay low and avoid contact with Stella. He could use the cheating as a perfect excuse for being distant while we dig further before informing the enforcement agency.” Mr. Parker spoke I nodded in Agreement to his words. I had to protect Ethan at all costs. He was a victim in all these. Right at the café, I dialed Ethan’s number but, his phone was still off. Mr. Parker, noticing my worries beamed with a smile. “You must care about him.” “What?” I frowned. “Ethan. He’s fine, I kept track of him. He’s at Esctic Bar.” Mr. Parker said, before standing up to leave. “Thank you” I uttered with tears in my eyes, unsure if he heard my words. I stood up hastily. I had to get to Esctic Bar immediately. ****** At the bar…. I scanned the room in search of Ethan, it was easy to fish him out as the bar seemed pretty empty. He was seated by the bar table, obviously intoxicated by alcohol. I walked towards him, having a sat beside him. “One more shot, please” I hear him burb out. “This seat is taken. Go find elsewhere.” He murmured not bothering to look up. “Ethan” I called out softly, hoping to get through to him. He lifted his head, sparing a glance at me before turning back to the bartender. “Where is my whiskey, I said one..one more whiskey!!” He yelled. Seeing Ethan in such a state was heartbreaking. Tears welled up in my eyes as I stood, shocked to see him looking haggard and dejected. “Ethan…” I called out, hoping he could hear me call out just this once. “Lizzy, you came,” he said with a childlike excitement before bursting out in pain. “She’s a cheat, Lizzy, She’s…she’s a fucking cheat!.” I could feel the pain in his voice as he spoke. “I loved her. I…i…cherished her…I gave her my all…I was willing to do anything and everything for her Lizzy and what did she do….she threw it all out the window.” “ I caught her on the bed with another man.” He continued angrily. “And guess what?” “My fiancée said I’m no fun, she needed something exciting and unpredictable unlike me.” He picked the shot at his front and downed it in one gulp. “More!” he yelled once more, stretching forward the shot glass to the bartender. The bartender turned to give me a look, signaling that Ethan had a lot for tonight and wasn’t ready to risk having someone dead over alcohol. I didn’t bother to speak a word to Ethan, I knew he needed to let all these off his chest. He looked at me, with tears filled in his eyes.“What did I do wrong, Lizzy? Why did she do this to me?” “you didn’t do anything wrong, Ethan. She’s the one to blame” “You’re an incredible person and we all can see that.” I said, patting his back softly. “Guess what Lizzy.” Ethan buried his face in his hands. “I now realize why my guys never liked her, why they didn’t want me around her. I’m such a fool. I was blinded by love, a love that didn’t exist.” He broke down. I could feel the pain in his eyes as she spoke, it hurt to see such a strong man break down in such a way. “Ethan…” I called out. “Don’t say that. You shouldn’t be getting worked up over a woman that refuses to see your worth. You’re rare and a lot of women would die to be with you.” “Like you?” He raised his head, looking directly into my eyes. “Huh?” I was taken aback by his question. Confused as to whether he knew about my feelings for him. “you know I have always admired you, Lizzy. You were just so…so…kind, real and perfect.” I felt a rush of emotion at his confession. My body jilted as he cupped my face closer to his, my lips slightly brushing his “Never mind. You’re way above my league.” He pulled away, waving his hand off the thought. “Ethan, come with me. There’s something I need to show you.” I said, pulling him off his seat."Ethan, come with me," I urged, pulling him along. We both struggled to keep moving as he leaned heavily on my shoulder. At that moment, I was grateful for my morning exercise routine.We finally made it to the car, and I drove to my apartment. I didn't have access to his place and couldn't ensure his safety there."Ethan, are you listening to me?" I asked, glancing over to see if he had passed out."Uhmmm.""Good. We're almost at my place. You need to rest.""Are you going to make my favorite pasta for me?" he mumbled, giving me a puppy-eyed look.I chuckled, amazed at how cute he could be even when drunk. How could Stella hurt someone like Ethan? The thought of her made my stomach churn. She was still a problem I had to deal with.In less than seven minutes, we reached my apartment. The bar wasn't far, and I might have driven faster than usual. Once inside, I switched on the light and guided Ethan to my room."Stay here, Ethan," I said, gently laying him on the bed. He was consciou
I watched as Ethan sat up lazily, obviously still recovering from last night’s drunken state. “Ethan,” I began, “about last night…”“Lizzy, I’m sorry about last night.” He interrupted, his eyes filled with regret. “I know what happened shouldn’t have. I regret my actions and I promise to take full responsibility for it.”My skin tightened at his sudden apology; this was far from what I was expecting. I didn’t need any of it. It wasn’t wrong for two people to confess their feelings. I guessed he was scared I was going to get at him for sleeping with me. I wanted him to see me for the woman I am. Not his boss at work, not his friend, just two individuals in love.“Ethan, I don’t need an apology. Moreover, what happened was consensual,” I stated slowly, hoping he’d understand.“Ethan,” I called out, moving closer toward him. My hand reached for his face while I spoke. “what happened yesterday didn't suddenly happen. I love you, Ethan. I have always loved you. I just didn't know how to le
I stood up, my spirit unwavering. I had come too far to give up now. Picking up my phone, I dialed my office number. Janet answered after a few rings.“Hello, Janet speaking.”“Janet, it’s Miss Douglas. I need you to find someone to cover my responsibilities for next week. I’m taking a break,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “And don’t forget to inform my dad.”“Is everything okay, Miss Douglas?” Janet asked, her concern evident.I knew Janet loved to gossip. I couldn’t afford to be the next topic of discussion. “I just need some time to sort things out. Please handle it,” I replied, my tone cold, not wanting to give her more to talk about.“Of course, Miss Douglas. Take care.”I hung up, feeling a slight relief. I needed time away from the office and all the reminders of Ethan. As I was contemplating my next move, my phone buzzed with a message from my best friend, Matilda.Matilda: Hey babe, I need the scoop. You haven’t explained how Ethan ended up in
About an hour later, Janet arrived with the envelope. I thanked her and quickly closed the door, ripping it open. My eyes scanned the letter, my breath catching in my throat. It was from the private detective I had hired to file a case against Stella, using the proof my private investigator had provided. Lizzy, I reviewed the evidence provided by your investigator regarding Stella’s activities. Unfortunately, the proof isn’t sufficient to file a solid case against her. Without stronger evidence, pursuing this case is not advisable. I recommend putting this matter aside unless more substantial proof can be obtained. Sincerely, Detective Harris My hands trembled as I read the letter again. So, despite everything, there wasn’t enough to bring Stella down legally. Frustration bubbled up inside me. I had hoped this would be the breakthrough I needed, something to finally open Ethan’s eyes. I stared at the documents, my mind racing. What should I do now? How could I get more proof?
ETHAN I sat on my comfy chair in the sitting room, staring at the two letters on the table before me: the promotion offer letter on the right and the resignation letter on the left. This promotion was a fantastic chance, a huge step up in my career, and something I had always wanted—but it came with strings attached. Memories of that night with Lizzy kept flashing in my mind, making my decision even harder. I sighed, rubbing my temple, an act I do whenever I was indecisive and stressed. I needed to make a decision quickly. Today marks the end of the submission deadline for the promotion. Uncertain of what to do, I decided to reach out to Mike for advice. I picked up my phone, dialing his number. After several rings, it connected, and I could hear his husky voice behind the phone. "Hey, Ethan! What's up?" Mike answered, sounding like I had just woken him up from a deep sleep. "Hey, man. Got a minute? I need your advice on something," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
LIZZY POV What did you say? I hear my father's voice, calm yet commanding. There was no time to back down now; I had started a lie, and I had to keep up with it. "I said I'm pregnant with Ethan's child." I repeated, but this time confidently. I stared at Ethan's face, hoping for a reaction from him, but his face was blank, with no iota of emotion. He stood there like a log of wood struck by lightning. I averted my gaze back to my father. I watched as he rearranged his seat, relaxing further. For the first time in what felt like forever, my father raised his head to look at me, not with the soft, loving eyes I had wished for but with disappointment. My heart sank in shame. I wonder what must be running through his mind right now. I sighed, waiting for one of them to say something or ask questions at least. It was not like I had an answer prepared; this was all a facade. Something I had blurted out foolishly, the same way I requested that Ethan marry me. "So, where's the pregnancy r
We arrived at the cafe a few miles away from the office. The ever-busy environment added to the already lingering tension between Ethan and me. The smell of the brewed coffee graced the environment with its presence, calming my tensed nerve. I sat in front of Ethan this time, without regard for his manly gesture. Ethan took a seat, and we both stared at the menu, waiting for the other to break the ice. The silence between us, which was unwelcoming, was broken by the young, charming barista, Lui, who approached us with a bright smile. "Ahhh! It's good to see you again, Miss Douglas. What's your order today?" He asked politely, ready to pen our orders down. "Hey, Liu. I'll have my usual." "thanks." "That would be an iced mocha." He confirmed, as he noted my favorite on his tablet. "And you, Mr.?" Liu asked, turning to face Ethan, who looked so lost in a world of his own. "Ethan," I called out, notifying him of the presence of the barista, Liu." "Uhhh?" "Sir, would you lik
"What do i want from you?" She sneered at me. "Yes Chloe! What do you want from me?" I repeated, colder than before. "You think I want something from you." Chloe let out a demeaning chuckle. "Ahhh! You're such a silly fool to think you have anything to offer me." "Everything you own is mine, Elizabeth. EVERYTHING." "I'm here to collect what's rightfully mine, starting from your seat right here." She stated, her hands resting on my chair, swirling me slowly. "Chloe, we're sisters. We shouldn't be doing this." I sighed, trying to be rational. I didn't want to stoop to her level or compete with her. "Sisters?" "Who? Me, you?" "You must be delusional to think I consider you my sister." "I can see this pregnancy is getting to your head." "I can and will never be your sister, Elizabeth." "You're just an illegitimate child, who will suffer the consequences of her mother's actions." "That's enough, Chloe," I roared angrily. I hated when my mother's name was mentioned in such manner. I