Tasha's POVI could hardly believe what had just unfolded before my eyes. Ryan, whom I was having a conversation with had fallen down the stairs, and now he lay on the ground, bleeding. Panic surged through my veins as I tried to make sense of the situation.Desmond's trembling hands hovered over Ryan, his face etched with worry and fear. I could see the weight of responsibility weighing heavily on him. We had to act quickly, but the fear of being implicated in this accident paralyzed me.As I looked around, my heart raced. It was late, and the school security was just around the corner. If they found us here, they would surely suspect foul play. The secret Ryan held would only complicate matters further. We couldn't afford to be seen in this scene, not when Ryan's life hung in the balance."Is he.... Is he alive?" I managed to ask."Yes, but he is hardly breathing" Desmond replied between breaths.A heavy sigh of relief escaped my lips when Desmond assured me that Ryan was still aliv
Desmond's POVAs I stormed into my room, Tasha followed closely behind, her nonchalant demeanor contrasting sharply with the turmoil raging within me. I couldn't shake off the shock of what had just transpired the image of Ryan lying on the floor, blood staining the ground, played on an endless loop in my mind.My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear, guilt, and disbelief coursing through my veins. How could I have unintentionally caused harm to someone? The weight of my actions pressed heavily on my conscience, and I struggled to comprehend the consequences of my choices.Tasha's casual attitude only added to my confusion and frustration. It was as if she was oblivious to the gravity of the situation as if the incident held no significance for her. How could she act like everything was fine when it wasn't? Didn't she understand the potential repercussions of our actions?As I paced back and forth in my room, my mind raced with questions. Did Tasha truly not care about the harm we
Tasha's POVI woke up with a heavy heart, the events of last night weighing me down like an anchor. The knowledge that our actions were captured on that CCTV camera at the staircase left a knot of unease in my stomach. Determined to face whatever was to come, I quickly hopped into the shower to freshen up.The water cascaded over me, a feeble attempt to wash away the guilt and regret that clung to my skin. Each droplet seemed to carry a piece of the truth, reminding me of the consequences we now faced. I scrubbed at my skin, hoping to cleanse myself of the burden I carried.Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped myself in a towel, my body still tingling with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Today was going to be a long day, and I knew I had to prepare myself for whatever lay ahead. I couldn't let the weight of last night's events consume me.I stood in front of the mirror, studying my reflection. I made a conscious effort to present a composed exterior, masking the turmoil that churn
Tasha's POVAs I pondered my options, a surge of determination coursed through my veins. I couldn't let fear or doubt hinder me. I had to find a way, no matter how risky or unconventional it might be. The stakes were too high, and I couldn't afford to fail.As I hid behind the stairs, my heart raced with anticipation. This was the perfect opportunity to sneak into the CCTV room and erase any evidence of our involvement. I knew that the operators worked in shifts, and it was almost time for the current person to leave.Dressed in an outfit resembling the uniform of the CCTV operators, I blended in seamlessly with their ranks. It was crucial to look the part if I wanted to go unnoticed. The disguise gave me the confidence to walk in confidently as if I were the one taking over the shift.With each step, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The adrenaline coursed through my veins, heightening my senses. I had to remain calm and composed, ensuring that my actions didn't raise any s
Desmond's POVAs we made our way through the hospital corridors, a nurse guided us to the ward where Ryan was being cared for. I was able to successfully convince Tasha to come with me because I know it would be weird coming here on my own when I have no personal relationship with Ryan.As I turned to look at Tasha I couldn't help but notice her unease, her discomfort palpable in the way she shifted nervously. I couldn't tell if it was just Tasha being her usual self or if she was genuinely scared. Regardless, my conscience was eating away at me, urging me to see Ryan, even if it was from a distance, just to confirm that he was okay.The sterile smell of the hospital permeated the air, mixing with the anxiety that hung heavy in my chest. Every step closer to Ryan's ward felt like a weight on my shoulders, a constant reminder of the part I played in this unfortunate chain of events. Even though I wasn't the one who physically pushed him, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had a hand
Desmond's POV"I can't sleep Des, I need you" Tasha began her voice filled with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I need you badly Desmond, it's been a week and we haven't spoken"I stood there in shock, my eyes fixed on Tasha as she unleashed her frustrations, complaining about how I had neglected her, no longer showing her the attention she desired. It was as if she didn't understand the gravity of the situation we were in.Just a week ago, Ryan, her so-called boyfriend had stumbled upon our secret affair, and now he lay in the hospital, fighting for his life. The weight of guilt and remorse bore down on me, threatening to suffocate any remaining fragments of happiness.How could Tasha be so oblivious to the turmoil that surrounded us? Didn't she realize the danger we were in? My mind raced, desperately searching for answers to these questions, grappling with the conflicting emotions swirling within me."I don't understand Tasha, what exactly is your problem?" I needed to ask that
Mary's POVStartled from my half-sleep, I abruptly sat upright as the jarring sound of my phone pierced through the silence of the night. Blinking my eyes, I fumbled around, trying to locate the source of the disturbance. Finally, my gaze landed on the table, and I reached out to grab my phone, my heart pounding with curiosity and a tinge of apprehension.As I glanced at the screen, I saw my boss's name flashing across it. A wave of confusion washed over me, mingling with a sense of unease. Why on earth would he be calling me at this late hour? I couldn't help but question the reason behind his unexpected intrusion into my time, especially knowing that I was a married woman.My mind raced, conjuring up various scenarios and possibilities. Had something urgent happened at work? Was there a crisis that required my immediate attention? Or perhaps it was just a simple mistake, a misdialed number that had unintentionally disrupted my peaceful evening.Mixed emotions swirled within me as I
Desmond POVAs I stepped out of the bathroom, a wave of unease washed over me. Mary stood there, her presence unexpected and unsettling. The look on her face was inscrutable, leaving me to wonder if she had overheard us. Fear gripped my heart as I tried to decipher her expression, but it was as if she was caught in a state of indecision, unsure of how to approach the situation.Did she hear us? The question echoed in my mind, intensifying my anxiety. I desperately hoped that she hadn't, that our secret remained hidden within the confines of that bathroom. Yet, a part of me couldn't shake the nagging doubt. If Mary had truly heard something, surely she would have burst into the bathroom to investigate.I watched as Mary hesitated, her eyes shifting from me to the closed bathroom door. It was as if she was wrestling with her thoughts, torn between curiosity and the fear of uncovering something she wasn't meant to know. The silence between us grew heavy, filled with unspoken words and un
Mary's pov.Seeing Tasha in this kind of state snapped me out of my thoughts, she claims she's all grown and tough but she is still my baby sister. I'm trying to think of different reasons why she would be sad to the extent of crying, it must be serious."Talk to me, I'm here for you." I try to get her to talk but she just bursts into more tears as soon as she sees me as if I'm the reason she's hurt.Her sobs and sniffs fill the silence, that's what we do lately, we don't have anything to talk about, she has grown so quiet since I got back from the trip.Perhaps she was already like that I just didn't notice her withdrawal. Something was disturbing her and I as an elder sister I'm suppose to know, that's why Mom and Dad insisted she stay with me."Can we just go home?" She said in almost a whisper.So we drove home.When we reached home, the house was just silent, even Desmond was a bit more quiet than usual. I don't know what's happening, maybe everyone is just having a bad day.Haro
Tasha's pov.Everything came to a halt, my heart dropped to my stomach when I heard Mary's voice at the door and reality came slapping me in the face.I finally had to wake up from that dream, the dream where I was happy and satisfied having Desmond all to myself. My sister has no idea how I so badly want what we have, what she takes for granted.As I stare at them hugging and exchanging kisses, I immediately feel a bile taste gathering at the base of my throat and the pain tugging my chest is almost unbearable.To avoid the tears that were threatening to expose my presence, I silently moved to my room and collapsed on my bed. I wish this was all a bad nightmare and I will just wake to Desmond beside me.The reality was a bitch!A soft on the door got me alert."Yes, come in," I reply." Tasha?, It's me, Mary, I'm back," she said so happily, she had no idea how irritated I was at the sight of her stupid goody face."I thought you would never come back."" Someone was missing me, did y
Mary's pov."This calls for a celebration, don't you think so?" with a charming smile Harold said.After the positive outcome of the meeting and workshop, in general, I'm just so glad I didn't miss this opportunity. I got to network, expand my scope of business knowledge and experience how the real world handles things.Moments later we were seated at the bar, friendly conversation filled the atmosphere and I relaxed enjoying the evening.I was happy because tomorrow I would be going back home to Desmond, the sooner I got home the sooner we would resolve our issue. My marriage is so stable, my husband loves me and I love him."You are a very intelligent woman, very ambitious and dedicated," his eyes shone with admiration, " I love that about you Mary."Nothing could prepare me for the compliment, it was as if all my work was finally paying off and I was getting the credit I desired."I'm just doing my best to take the company to greater heights and attract new clients," I said with pr
Desmond's POVIt takes only a moment to realize that it was Mary who was on the other end of the line. I quickly snatch the cell from Tasha and answer her." Hello, Honey."" Hi baby, is that Tasha I just heard a moment ago?""Ummm yes, yes it's her, she was waiting for a call from Ryan's mum to know how he's holding on." I lied through my teeth."Oh, I see but why is she using the one in our room?"" I don't know for sure but that's not important, how are you doing and the trip so far?"" I thought you didn't approve of me going? ""Yes I was angry but after you left I cooled off a bit and had space to think of our argument."Trying my best to sound normal while betraying my actual state of urgency, why would Tasha make the dumb mistake of answering? I turn to see her giving me one of those dead stares." Well, I'm calling to let you know I will staying a few extra days "" Really? Hmm."" I will explain better when I come home and we will discuss what you said"If there's one thing
Chapter 16 ( Business before pleasure).Mary's povDeep breaths have always helped me to calm my nerves, but no amount of air seems to calm me at the moment. My not-so-pleasant exchange of words with Jake has totally spoiled my mood, this job was important to me, to us, and to our future.Sometimes I know I might be too ambitious, and it's hard to tolerate the late and extra hours of work. I can accept that part of his anger, but accusing me of cheating is way overboard.How can he think that? I would never do something like that, I love my husband, he is my everything, my marriage is the best thing that has happened to me and I know he would never do anything to destroy our relationship. This job is my top priority.As I make myself comfortable while buildings pass me by, I can't help but wonder why my boss would pick me to accompany him on this business trip. I am the most efficient at what I do but an unexpected trip definitely took me by surprise.If I can prove myself capable of
Tasha's POVI sat there with Desmond, his head resting on my bosom, feeling the weight of his hurt. It was clear that what Mary had done had deeply wounded him. Leaving home for a business trip, despite her husband's plea for her to stay, was a blatant act of disrespect. And little does my sister know, the more she treats him this way, the more he finds solace in my presence. It's exactly what I had hoped for.At that moment, as Desmond sought comfort in my arms, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. There was a certain satisfaction in knowing that he turned to me for support, for understanding, when his wife had failed him. It validated the connection we had been building, the unspoken bond that had grown between us.But along with that satisfaction came a sense of guilt. I knew that my desires for Desmond were wrong, that I was betraying my sister and the sanctity of their marriage. Yet, the pull between us was undeniable, an irresistible force that seemed to grow stronger wit
Desmond POVAs I stepped out of the bathroom, a wave of unease washed over me. Mary stood there, her presence unexpected and unsettling. The look on her face was inscrutable, leaving me to wonder if she had overheard us. Fear gripped my heart as I tried to decipher her expression, but it was as if she was caught in a state of indecision, unsure of how to approach the situation.Did she hear us? The question echoed in my mind, intensifying my anxiety. I desperately hoped that she hadn't, that our secret remained hidden within the confines of that bathroom. Yet, a part of me couldn't shake the nagging doubt. If Mary had truly heard something, surely she would have burst into the bathroom to investigate.I watched as Mary hesitated, her eyes shifting from me to the closed bathroom door. It was as if she was wrestling with her thoughts, torn between curiosity and the fear of uncovering something she wasn't meant to know. The silence between us grew heavy, filled with unspoken words and un
Mary's POVStartled from my half-sleep, I abruptly sat upright as the jarring sound of my phone pierced through the silence of the night. Blinking my eyes, I fumbled around, trying to locate the source of the disturbance. Finally, my gaze landed on the table, and I reached out to grab my phone, my heart pounding with curiosity and a tinge of apprehension.As I glanced at the screen, I saw my boss's name flashing across it. A wave of confusion washed over me, mingling with a sense of unease. Why on earth would he be calling me at this late hour? I couldn't help but question the reason behind his unexpected intrusion into my time, especially knowing that I was a married woman.My mind raced, conjuring up various scenarios and possibilities. Had something urgent happened at work? Was there a crisis that required my immediate attention? Or perhaps it was just a simple mistake, a misdialed number that had unintentionally disrupted my peaceful evening.Mixed emotions swirled within me as I
Desmond's POV"I can't sleep Des, I need you" Tasha began her voice filled with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I need you badly Desmond, it's been a week and we haven't spoken"I stood there in shock, my eyes fixed on Tasha as she unleashed her frustrations, complaining about how I had neglected her, no longer showing her the attention she desired. It was as if she didn't understand the gravity of the situation we were in.Just a week ago, Ryan, her so-called boyfriend had stumbled upon our secret affair, and now he lay in the hospital, fighting for his life. The weight of guilt and remorse bore down on me, threatening to suffocate any remaining fragments of happiness.How could Tasha be so oblivious to the turmoil that surrounded us? Didn't she realize the danger we were in? My mind raced, desperately searching for answers to these questions, grappling with the conflicting emotions swirling within me."I don't understand Tasha, what exactly is your problem?" I needed to ask that