"Listen to me, Zora. I'm your friend, and I won't dare to deceive you. I have your best interest in mind. You can't just close your mind to things that make life lovely." She paused for some seconds, examining my facial expression."Zora, you have to create time for yourself. You need to go out more often. Go for a lunch date, go to the cinemas, and have crazy memorable experiences. You know what that means?" She asked, winking her eyes, making me chuckle with shyness."Go girl. Take advantage of the fact that you have someone like Jason with you and have crazy fun with him," she declared, finally hitting the hammer on the nail and not beating around the bush.I giggled for the second time, and then exhaled a deep sigh. I was frantically not comfortable with the task Daisy was assigning me."I really wish I could, Daisy, but you know I'm a very busy type. Even Jason himself would not have time for such...""Says who?" She cut me off before I could finish. "You have no time and are alw
ZORA—When I arrived at Zech Holdings Ltd., everyone who participated in the recently approved project was already there, and their faces were beaming with beautiful smiles."Congrats, Zora, on our new win. You literally saved us from that monster." One of the upper echelons who didn't even contribute to the project remarked, and this made me realize that they were also affected by Zayn's rejection.I was wowed, but I managed to mask my emotions. "You all made it possible. If you hadn't deemed it fit, he wouldn't have approved it even though he initially rejected it," I responded, using that moment to thank him and his colleagues for speaking on my behalf on that day."Much thanks to you because I'm certain it's your words that contributed most to the project approval," I went on appreciating him.He couldn't help but keep smiling. "Thankfully, he finally accepted it," he added."Yeah. I'm grateful. How about him? Is he present yet?" I asked him, referring to Zayn."Not at all. Accordi
ZORA—Today marks two weeks since I returned to Northville City, and I have been spending time with my family, especially my daughter.The day after my return from Southampton City, Jason received a business call that required him to travel out of the city. He stayed there for a week and some days before finally returning. However, he went straight to his house, with his reason being that I am already back.However, I know the main reason for his abrupt move to his house without stopping at my place, where he left for the trip, has nothing to do with my presence. It was because of how I treated him. I had taken him as just a buddy instead of a lover, which is why I hadn't engaged in an intimate activity with him.Checking the time on my wrist, I was surprised to see it wasalmost twelve o'clock p.m. I took a deep sigh, picked up my phone from the table, and texted Jason that I would be going to Southampton City to pick up a file that I forgot at Zech Holdings.I couldn't call him beca
ZAYN —As the elevator halted, I walked out before Zora and headed to my destination.Damn, I must admit that this was the greatest taste of self-control I have ever had in my life. I didn't even know I could make it, staying in that elevator with Zora without stirring up romantic discussion.Seeing Zora again after so many weeks didn't ease the crazy desire I have for her. I never thought I could see her again after hearing from my manager at Zech Holdings that she had left Southampton after completing her project.She was still perfect, glowing as always.Only God knows how I felt being with Zora inside the elevator. Honestly, I never thought I could do it because every part of my body yearns for her kiss.I wanted to grab her and kiss the hell out of her, but each time I remembered the deal we made, I would retract my action.Her gaze wasn't concentrated on me. I bet no way she wouldn't realize that I wanted her kiss—I wanted to throw her to the wall and kiss her so bad.She wasn't
ZAYN—I was sweating, going through my contact list searching for who to call.It has been over five hours since Grandma was admitted to this hospital, and I haven't heard any positive, consoling news about her.Whenever I bumped into the doctor and asked him about my grandma's development, he would only reply with, "We're doing our best.""How am I going to forgive myself that my decision was what led to the sudden demise of my grandma?" I questioned myself, realizing that if I hadn't divorced Zora, all these catastrophic situations wouldn't have befallen me.I was about to dial Zora's contact when the doctor walked out of the ward Grandma was admitted to."Has she finally died?" I asked him, my mouth dried with drool."Calm down, Mr. Zayn. Your grandmother is okay, and you can go and see her.""Yes!" I screamed and hurried inside the ward. "Mama, you're awake," I said, touching her cheeks, making sure she's fully okay."Yeah. I'm okay. I forgot to take my medication before leaving t
ZAYN—"You didn't tell me all this year that you have a secret baby with someone?" She commented, looking excited."I don't have a child anywhere, Grandma. I'm yet to figure out how I'm connected to this child," I responded, my last statement solely to draw her mind off the notion that the girl looks like me, although I know it's a clear fact."I'm doomed. God, what's my offense to give me this type of a grandchild?" She wailed, raising both hands up as she questioned her creator."Why are you determined to let your father's legacy be forgotten? You've refused to spend time with me and also don't want to give me a great-grandchild. At least if I have a great-grandchild, I would be a happy lady, but you said no. You abandoned me to die of loneliness.""Your father died out of his foolishness, and your mother couldn't bear his loss, and it resulted in her high blood pressure, which later took away her life years later after his demise, leaving you behind." She paused, dampening the tear
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
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
ZORA —"Zora, I don't like your sudden decision to go back to Zayn, but..." Daisy exhaled a sigh and continued, "Who am I to question your decision?" she added with a solemn expression.It happened that she was on furlough today, so I asked her to accompany me shopping. I wanted to buy some new dresses for the dinner tonight—I wanted to look unique and different to Zayn and not wear one of the outfits he's used to."No worries, Daisy, I'm being careful with him. After all, we haven't officially reunited because the divorce documents have to be disqualified," I replied, patting her shoulder with a chuckle."It's fine. I'm only looking out for your best interest," she shrugged off, sighing."Yes, dear. So tell me about the latest update. Are you going to proceed with the artificial insemination procedure we discussed?" I asked her, wanting to change the topic.She had told me earlier about the recent issues she had been having with her husband regarding their childlessness, which I sugg
ZORA —"Can you please attend the meeting Lisa told you about? We need to have a brief meeting with the directors," I requested, my eyelids raised as I expected his response."Well, that's actually the main reason I called you. Unfortunately, I can't attend the meeting because it's a waste of time for me and the directors," he said.However, he wasn't harsh to me. I thought he would scold me and asked me not to set foot in his company, but he didn't. Instead, he was cold with his responses."How? By the time you arrive, everyone would be done with what they're doing," I blurted out, trying to convince him to show up, but he was not ready to relent from his decision."No, Zora. I've already made up my mind, and that's it. I hope you respect that.""Um, how about Daisy? Won't you like to see her? Are you also mad at her?" I asked immediately before he could end the call.There was a moment of silence from Jason's end. Deep down, he doesn't want to have anything to do with me anymore, bu
ZORA—"Ah! Jason? He didn't tell you? He has stopped working here," said Lisa with a creased forehead, making me stare at her moronically because it hit me hard. Is she trying to pull my leg or what? If Jason doesn't work here anymore, where could he be working? I hope he's not considering suicidal thoughts."But he's the owner of this place? Did he officially announce his resignation, or did you conclude it after not seeing him for long?" I asked her, tucking my hair behind my ear as I concentrated on her reply. Inside of me, I was already praying hard for it not to be what I'm thinking."I'm not saying based on assumption, Zora; I'm stating a fact. I even heard that he has got a buyer, and they're negotiating the price.""Buyer?" I asked with my jaw dropped. What is really going on? Could it be that Zayn went ahead with his plan of purchasing Tech Savvy Strategies, and Jason accepted? I shrugged off the thoughts because Jason, as far as I know, is not desperate for money to do that
ZORA—"Mommy, wake up; it's morning already," I heard my daughter's voice as she barged into my room, causing me to sigh exasperatedly because I hadn't wanted to wake up by this time.I rolled myself to face her and stared at her for a few seconds before sighing. "Honey, it's not yet school time, okay? By the way, your schoolteacher just called yesterday and informed me of the postponement of your school's resuming date.""Huh, why would they do that?" She said with a frown."Are you not happy that you have more days to enjoy?" I asked with a surprised look. I thought she'd like to spend more days at home playing video games."I hate it. I'm missing my friends, especially Sophia and Liam. I want to see them." She responded with a decisive tone, making me chuckle. I thought she was missing studies, but she was after her friends."No worries, you'll see them soon, okay?" I said, and she nodded in affirmation and turned to leave.I sighed and was about to continue sleeping when she stopp
DAISY —I had been worried since last night because of Blake's absence in the house. He had never acted this way before since we got married."Could it be that he got kidnapped on his way back, or did his car develop a technical issue, and he decided to park and spend the night at a hotel?" I asked myself, trying to figure out what might have gone wrong."At least he should have answered my calls if he's in a good state," I doubted, sighing in frustration, tears welling up in my eyes as I tried to stay strong."Gosh, God, don't let this befall me. I'm too young to be a widow. I don't even have a child," I cried, felt so emotional that the tears I had been controlling began streaming down my cheeks without my notice until a drop touched my lips.I quickly wiped my eyes and took my phone. I went online and searched for my husband to know the last time he was online.{Active five minutes ago}"Really? He was active a few minutes ago and didn't bother to call me back. Could it be that he
Blake —I felt completely weakened and confused. "Are you trying to blackmail me, Danielle?" I asked, trying so hard not to make my fretting obvious to her.She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, tucked the few strands of hair cascading down her cheeks behind her back, and turned to me with a mean expression."I'm not here to debate, Mr. Blake. I've already fulfilled my mission, so you should do what's necessary; otherwise, your wife will find out...""No, no, no. It's fine. Let's settle it here, please," I said with tension, reaching into my wallet and taking out a few bundles of dollars. "I hope you'll leave me alone now. You have to delete those videos in my presence so everything will be sorted out," I said, expecting her to comply."Alright," she said, unlocking her phone and deleting the videos as I requested."Good. I hope you can now stay away from me and never disclose what happened here to my wife. I hope the money is enough for you," I said, my voice a mix of ser
Blake —My hand landed on something soft, and my subconscious guided them to form a gentle circle, as if cradling a delicate object. The sensation brought me a strange sense of satisfaction, and I pinched them.The softness made me wake up to see what it really was, and then I saw her—a lady lying close to me.“Ah…” I gasped in shock, taken aback as I noticed it was her breasts that I was touching all this while. Apparently, she was naked because she only covered her body with the duvet, but some parts of her cleavage were showing.I was startled upon realizing that I was in a hotel room with a naked lady.I slowly raised the duvet to observe myself, to confirm if my instincts were right, but unfortunately, it is what it is—I was naked as well."What is going on here? How did I get here?" I asked, shaking her and waking her up from sleep.I could only remember going to the bar to drink in order to forget my problems, especially the issue of childlessness in my marriage, but finding my
ZAYN—"Babe, what about your friend Daisy? I haven't seen you talking to her or mentioning her lately. Are you still in touch with her?" He asked, running his fingers through my hair as I rested my head on his chest, feeling the softness of his beard.We both were lying on the bed, taking advantage of that prime time of the early hours of the morning. Unlike usual, we didn't have sex today because we had enough last night—in fact, almost throughout yesterday was sex that we accomplished."Of course I do. But you stole my attention throughout this period that I couldn't even think of calling her," she replied, sighing and giving me an unserious deadpan look.I chuckled and responded, "As it should be. I deserve all the attention.""While I don't deserve yours, right?" She asked with a tone of jealousy, leaving me curious. Hadn't I been giving her my attention since our reunion?"What is that supposed to mean? Had I not been here with you throughout this week, I didn't even visited my o
DAISY —"So, doctor, what is the result?" Blake asked as soon as he barged into the doctor's office upon the doctor's summons.However, when he saw the solemn look on my face, his body weakened instantly."Um, calm down, Mr. Blake. Please have a seat," the doctor remarked, bringing out the test results. Before she could even stretch out her hand to give them to Blake, he snatched them from her and began scanning through them."Fuck!" He exclaimed, kicking the air with his hand as he saw what was written there.He exhaled a deep sigh of frustration before swallowing the lump that formed in his throat."Calm down, Mr. Blake. None of you are to be blamed for this unfortunate situation, but..."Blake did not even wait for the doctor to finish speaking, and he rose to his feet, flinging the test result to me and heading out of the office with his gaze upcast. He wasn't happy at all.At that moment, with the expression on his face, if a fly mistakenly perched on his face, it was surely goin