"You mentioned buying this place for me... Fine, what happened to your lovely wife, Paige? She doesn't deserve it."Zayn was astounded by the question. He literally didn't expect me to react this way. Even Jason was shocked to his bone marrow.At first, Jason's expression was laced with disappointment, although he was at a point glued to the incident. However, there's this betrayed look he usually snaps at me, which I couldn't fathom.By now, I thought he must have realized that the man in front of me was my ex-husband.After staring at me for some while with a doubtful facial expression, Zayn finally exhaled a deep sigh and sat back on his executive chair. "Alright then. Let's get back to business," he remarked.I sighed and gulped hard. I was really furious. I sat back on my chair and picked up my glass of wine in front of me and sipped from it just so I could calm my emotions. So I could refrain from saying all the things in my head I intended to lash at Zayn. However, I was still f
Zayn let out a wry smile. He was unfazed by my response."Well, you can say that. Time passes, and people change as well," he said, gritting his teeth without the wry smile fading.I was surprised because the more I tried to subdue him, the more he found new tactics to defend himself. Was he trying to tell me he had changed? How did he expect me to believe that? I swallowed hard, and a faint smile escaped through my lips. He was indeed very brave. "Anyways, let's not get distracted. Since you've refused to go through the project demo, I'll give you a brief explanation then." With this being said, I brought out the 10.1-inch screen tablet phone from my bag and turned it on.I went to the gallery and scrolled to our company's illustration image, then handed him the tablet."We decided to come up with a new advertising system that not only helps in improvements in model marketing but also makes it more ey
ZAYNI couldn't believe what just happened a few minutes ago. It's been my wish to set my eyes on her again, even if it's just a quick glance.I couldn't believe I messed up the opportunity I had been praying for—I ruined the beautiful moment I had—being with Zora.I had rehearsed multiple times and stood in front of the mirror to practice how to keep my facial expression while presenting my words. I chose my words correctly so they wouldn't trigger her to remember the past.Despite everything, as soon as I saw her walking out of the restroom, I forgot everything and started fretting as I noticed how much better she had become. I was scared she wouldn't even listen to me or would embarrass me in front of my subordinates, which just happened.Well, I should blame myself for how she reacted. I should have apologized to her straight without beating around the bush. I should have been more loving and used appealing words instead of acting as if I was trying to buy her love with my money,
ZAYN —Blake, you wouldn't believe what just happened today." A smug grin tugged at my lips as I spoke."Really? Tell me then," Blake replied, his tone dripping with curiosity.I breathed a sigh, and a wry smile crept onto my lips. "I saw her—I mean, I saw Zora.""For real? So how is she? I bet she couldn't recognize you," he said, obviously teasing.My brows creased, and a faint smile curled across the corner of my lips. "Of course she did. And she is doing fine, even. I wasn't surprised though, because I know what she's capable of.""I second that. Zora is such a vicious lady. You really fumbled," Blake retorted, mocking me for my action. Well, I won't get offended because I created the problem for myself."You're right, Blake. I fumbled, but that's why I called so you could be of help with my problem." I crossed my legs, massaging my temples. Beads of sweat were dripping on my forehead.There was a brief silence from his end for some seconds. "And how can I help? How sure are you th
ZAYN —I was still thinking about my crumbling world when I dozed off inside the car, only to be woken up about twenty minutes later by a knock on the window by one of the restaurant's attendants."Excuse me, sir. You've been inside here for too long without moving your car, so we decided to know if you are okay," the attendant stated with a creased forehead. His eyes were moving around inside the car, probably to know if I was doing something illegal in here."Oh, that's so kind of you. I'm actually fine. Nothing is wrong," I replied, forcing a warm smile to mask my emotions."Alright, sir. So can you leave now?" He requested, his gaze mean."Excuse me?" I snapped and glared at him with a stoic expression, but he doesn't seem to be moved."I'm sorry if I sounded rude, sir, but you're acquiring a slot where another customer would have parked his or her car. We kindly request you leave as you're done with refreshment," he went on."And if I don't?" I responded with a sneer on my face."
ZORA —"Uh, I'm really sorry for what happened in Southampton. I know I messed up the whole situation," Jason said, looking tired as we halted the car after driving off the restaurant's premises."Of course you did, Jason. Thankfully, you realized," I responded. This was what I was thinking of how to discuss with him, but I couldn't, so it doesn't seem like I'm berating him."I'm really sorry about that. Actually, I was just putting your interest in mind. Did you forget why we were there?""It doesn't matter, Jason. It doesn't matter," I replied, clutching my hands on my bosom as we were still inside the car.Jason sighed and gulped down the lump in his throat. "Listen, Zora. They say opportunity comes, but only once. I was trying to link you up with that man. Don't you know that once he notices your excellence, he can make you stand out in this country with just a recommendation
I had just returned from my daughter's school. When I reached there, she was already in the caretaker's sector because most of the kids had been picked up by their parents.Daisy and another boy, whose parent was said to have died in a road accident while coming to pick him up, were the only ones remaining there.It was said that the child would be handed over to the government because he has a single parent who had just died.Meanwhile, Jason was the one who drove us home and even gave Daisy a gift he bought for her before we proceeded to enter the building.As soon as we entered, Daisy rushed to the kitchen to get her food. I could see the desperation in her as she was eating. She had been hungry to the point where she couldn't even pray before eating.In all honesty, I felt really bad because the reason I starved my daughter wasn't valid. It was just because of that monster I
The following day, I drove straight to the office after dropping my daughter off at school.Upon arrival at the office, Tech Savvy Strategies, I was surprised to see Jason's car already in his private parking spot.Does it mean Jason has already come to work? I was surprised because it was too early for him to be at work when we don't have a major project we're working on.As I alighted from my Porsche Cayenne, the latest model, my PA rushed over to me and stretched out her hand to collect my handbag, but I waved at her in dismissal.I'm not the type who fancies a red carpet treatment, but due to Jason's persuasion, I accepted the service. However, since this lady started this job, I could count the number of times I accepted her red carpet treatment. And the couple times it happened was because it was done in the presence of Jason, so there was no way I'm going to resist that.I took my handbag and stormed off to my office. However, on my way to the elevator, I could hear my name scre
ZORA—"Not a problem at all," the lady commented and stood up to fetch her kids.She came back a few minutes later holding the kids in both hands."Good evening, Miss Paulson. Did you come with Daisy?" Liam asked excitedly as he saw me, scanning the environment in search of his friend.I bit my lips, swallowing hard. I couldn't answer the question."Kids, Daisy's mom is here alongside her friends. They came so you could help them in search of your friend, Daisy," their father uttered, sitting them down."Mommy, is she missing? What about her daddy?" Sophia, the female one, asked inquisitively."Did you in any way see Daisy today after the dismissal time in your school?" their mother asked them tenderly, holding their shoulders."Yes, Mommy," they chorused in unison."We sat at the usual place we do, waiting for you when her father came and picked her up. He said he's taking her to the ice cream store.""Yes, Mommy. He could have taken us along too, but he was worried about you not fin
ZORA —I was sitting on the pavement outside Daisy's friends — the albino twins' house, waiting for Daisy and her husband to pull up so we could storm in and get clear information about who was the man they told me Daisy left with at the school.While waiting for them, I took out my phone and began logging in to all my social media platforms, searching for blogs to find out if there had been news of a missing girl, but throughout the whole platform, none of the blogs had carried such news today.I let out an exasperated sigh, my gaze downcast with my hand on my jaw.I gazed at my wristwatch. It was already 5:45 P.M., and there was no sign of my daughter being found.I held my head in agony. Gosh, why didn't the person who kidnapped her kidnap me instead? What use will Daisy be to him except he's an organ harvester?"God forbid!" I exclaimed, rebuking that thought. "My daughter can't be harvested."Just then, I heard a honk, and I raised my gaze; behold, it was Blake's car. Finally, th
ZORA—"Are you certain about what you're saying, ma'am? Have you reached out to all your family members, including extended family, to see if anyone picked her up?" the police officer inquired, frustrating me.I had gone to the police station to file a report after searching the daycare premises with their security personnel but still couldn't locate her.I can't even begin to describe the turmoil I'm experiencing. How could I have lost my five-year-old daughter?My hair was disheveled, and I was barefoot, unable to recall where I left my shoes due to my mental state. I silently prayed not to lose my composure and go insane."Officer, I don't have any close relatives living with me here; in fact, I don't have any relatives at all. I am the only child of my deceased parents, and I live alone with my daughter in this city," I explained."Just a moment," he said before disappearing inside. Upon his return, he delivered the disappointing news, "Unfortunately, we can't take action until tw
ZORA—I passed my hand across my face, feeling caught. Why the hell is he asking me that? I couldn't talk but clenched my lips."Your silence means that it's true. You still like him," Jason concluded, his tone a mix of anger and disappointment.The world around me seemed to be shattered at those words, and my body trembled with shock. Is someone giving him info about me?It seems he had realized what went on between me and Zayn at Southampton City. Maybe Blake had told him that I visited Zayn at his mansion.I couldn't shake off the fear that was catching me. Even if my relationship with him should end, it shouldn't be like this because Jason doesn't deserve to be hurt."I'm not consenting to anything, Jason. You're just being overly suspicious. I don't have anything to do with Zayn anymore since my project with his organization has ended. Are you convinced now?" I said, faking a victim expression.Jason sighed deeply, shaking his head in regret with a mix of deadpan smile on his lip
ZORA —"Are you saying that Daisy isn't my baby?""Ah. No, I didn't mean to say that," I said, realizing my mistake—I had insinuated that Jason is just being foolish by taking care of a child that doesn't belong to him unknowingly."You are the only father Daisy has. I'm sorry for being mouthy. Trust me, I didn't mean that," I went on apologizing."It's fine. So let's go together since you insisted on picking her up. Maybe you're scared of Daisy transferring all the parental love to me."A smug grin tugged on my lips as I found that statement amusing."Let's go then," I said. I picked the car key from the table and led the way while he followed.We sauntered to the parking lot. I was heading to my car when Jason objected. "Are you planning on driving me?""Of course. Anything wrong with that?" I asked him, looking worried."Not at all. But I want us to go with my car. I should drive you with my car," he stated, heading to his car.I had no option but to follow him. Jason always likes
ZORA —I was in my office sorting out works that I intended to embark on once I'm back from break. Suddenly, the door was opened, and I turned with tension.No one opens the door of my office and walks in without my messenger informing me beforehand, seeking permission first from me, so I was scared of being in danger.However, the moment I saw Jason entering, I exhaled a deep sigh of relief. "You literally freaked me out," I commented, pouting my lips as I faked a cry, doing that baby girl look, and as expected, he walked closer to me and began petting me."I'm sorry, baby. Pardon my misconduct," he said, hugging me and using his cheeks to brush mine.Nonetheless, I noticed one of his hands was hidden behind his back. "What's in your right hand?" I asked him."Do you want to know?" He responded with a question, leaving me curious while adjourning the hand down to his butt area as I tried to find out."Calm down. It was even meant for you. But you have to close your eyes first so I ca
ZAYN—I swallowed hard, my eyes rolling as I tried to quench the urge to sound harsh to him and tell him openly how he offended me."Nothing, Blake. I don't feel like going," I said, my gaze still on the kids.Blake sighed with frustration. "I think you're confused, Zayn. You don't know exactly what you want, and anyone helping you is just wasting their time on you. Do you know what it takes to organize a party? Making everyone leave their daily activities to join this party, which was organized solely because of you.""I'm not interested in any damn party, man! Call it off. What's the big deal there?" I barked at him, my tone venomous.He then let out a bitter chuckle. "I've helped you succeed with your mission, and now you're trying to kick me out of your life, thinking I'm of no use to you anymore?""You didn't help me with anything, Blake," I cut him short before he could finish his speech."How could you help me and be useful to me but only be backstabbing me? Hiding sensitive in
ZAYN —"No!" I roared, standing up from the couch and beginning to pace around the room.No way I'm going to let another man take away my child from me.Impossible!I reached for my phone and scrolled through the contact list; I wanted to call my pilot because I wanted to embark on a mission.I stared at my wrist, checking if I could make it on this mission that I'm about to embark on.As soon as the call was answered, I proceeded to deliver my message. "Hello, get the plane ready. I will be heading to Northville City. Expect me in the field in a short time," I remarked and quickly hung up the call without letting him say anything."Impossible!" I screamed again, dropping the glass cup of wine nonchalantly on the table and standing up, not minding the content pouring away."Another man can't claim my child on a platter of gold while I'm still alive," I grumbled, hurriedly dashing into my restroom to take a shower.About five minutes later, I was done with bathing, and I left for my ro
ZAYN—"Hello, Mr. Zayn. Always at your service. What's the deal this time?" He asked as soon as he answered the call.I took a deep breath before making my request. "I want you to investigate Zora for me. Heard she has a child, so I need you to confirm the maternity of the girl and the hospital she was birthed in in Northville City," I requested."Alright, but could you tell me the year of birth?" he requested, his fingers already typing on his keyboard as he began working on the request."Ummm..." I checked the girl's image on my computer to estimate her age and birth year."From her height, I would say she was born in 2019. But you should verify that as well. I will send you the girl's image so you can continue your investigation," I stated, forwarding the picture to Michael's email address."Got it, sir. I will give you feedback shortly," he said, and the call ended."Great," I muttered, clasping my fingers as I awaited Michael's response.Michael is a renowned detective who works