The ride back home in the wee hours of the morning was rather quiet. We said our goodbyes to my parents and immediately retired to the car as we set back home.The tension and awkwardness in the atmosphere could be felt, so much that the driver kept looking at us through the mirror. Clark remained seated on the extreme right side of the car and I made myself very comfortable on the extreme left side as I faced the windows not having the confidence to face him.Pity we were just planning to go on a vacation, I guess that has no chance of happening and for the right reasons too, at least according to Clark.The driver parks at the entrance and immediately scurries off to park the car in the garage. Without waiting for Clark to assist in opening the door, I let myself out of the car, heading straight to my room.Either way the room is either going to be mine or Clark’s, and I guess in due time we will find out. “Are you okay?” Clark asks, unaware of the discomfort he’s caused by suddenly
“Good evening Lara” Clark says, as he settles into the back seat, simultaneously placing his bag on the floor. “Good evening” I reply, curtly before looking away gazing out the windows.Clark sighs, “we’ll be stopping at leve street, there are some documents I need to get there” he says to the driver. “Would that be our only stop, or do we have more stops?” I ask, with an annoyed tone, feeling surprised with myself immediately the words leave my mouth.He nods, ignoring my tone, “yeah, after that we can go home” he says, pulling out his phone as he busily texts someone. “Or maybe I could just get down here, not sure what could happen next with you” I mutter under my breath.“Please let yourself out” he mutters, out of the driver's hearing causing me to shoot him an annoyed look. “Please let's stop here” I say, giving Clark a determined look as the driver immediately stops at the curb looking confused at my sudden instruction.“Thank you” I say before getting out of the car. The moment
“Good morning ma’am” one of the maids says at the sight of me as she attempts to assist with my bag. “Good morning. Thank you for your assistance but I can manage” I reply, walking past her as I make my way to my room.Dropping my bag on the table, I move towards the closet to choose my outfit for the day. After a few minutes of deliberation I finally decide on a designer pink blouse paired with plain black trousers which I carefully place on the bed.A knock on the door pulls my attention away from my outfits and to the door as I walk towards it. “Who’s that?” I ask, waiting tentatively at the door. “It’s me” Clark replies, flatly.“Oh, come in” I say, pulling the door open revealing Clark who’s fully dressed for work. “Is anything the matter?” I ask, standing by the door as he remains rooted to the entrance.He shakes his head, “everything is fine” he replies, walking past me and settling on the sofa. “Okay, so why did you come to see me?” I ask, shutting the door behind me before s
Alice smiles, “I’m not sure why, but this contract seems more lucrative than our usual business contracts. Why don’t you give me details?” She asks. I nod, “yeah it is, it’s our biggest contract yet. I wanted to fill you in before we met the client, but it was rather impromptu”.“Yeah it was, but Mr Calvin didn’t give the vibes of a writer, rather that of a manager” she says, causing me to nod as I acknowledge her words. “Calvin is the co- ceo with Celia of DV writing agency” I state, looking at her, as acknowledgement registers with her.“You’ve heard of them right?” I ask, “of course” she replies eagerly, “they are the biggest writing agency in Yula and a lot of top writers signed with me” she explains with excitement.I nod, “you’re correct and the best part is that we are now partnered with them for the duration of the contract. They want us to be the promotion agency for all of the writers in their company” I explain.“This will generate a lot of revenue, but most importantly it
My eyes shift to the door as the sound of knocking pulls my attention. “Who’s that?” I ask, sitting down while ensuring that I’m appropriately covered. “It’s me” Clark answers with a gruff voice.“Oh please come in” I say, my eyes fixed on the door pathway as he makes his entrance. “Good evening Clark, how was your day?” I ask with a smile. I’ve come to peace with the fact that there’s no hope for love in this marriage and like it’s popularly said, the truth will set you free and appears to be my case.“It was okay” he replies, with a tired voice as he leans against the sofa. “Are you fine?” I ask, my eyes narrowing as I watch him. He nods, “I am fine, I’m just a little tired. Nothing good sleep can’t help” he replies, mustering a smile.“Alright, so why have you come to see me?” I ask, cutting to the chase. In the past few weeks Clark and I have made little effort to seek out each other. We don’t have breakfast in the dining room anymore but in our rooms, meaning that we rarely see
“So how are things between you and Clark?” Lai asks, his tone serious. I shrug, “it’s been so-so” I say truthfully, “we don’t really get to see each other as we don’t stay in the same room” I explain.“And when did that start?” He asks, his features expressing that he’s concerned. “Just a few weeks ago, after we returned from your birthday weekend” I say.“He was developing feelings for me, so he decided to limit our contact to prevent it from getting more serious” I state. Lai looks confused, “I mean isn’t that like a good thing, you get to increase your business prospects like the initial plan and also get to have a true companion in one another. It’s basically eating your cake and having it” he exclaims, throwing his hands up in annoyance.I chuckle, “he doesn’t want to have children and he believes that I’ll only be more hurt if we get emotionally attached” I say. “And are you emotionally attached to him?” He asks.I shrug, “not sure to be honest. I have not bothered to give it a
“Come in” Clark responds. I push the door knob down, letting myself into his room. My eyes gravitate towards the room as I take into cognisance my environment, “nice interior” I comment, settling on the edge of the bed due to the absence of a sofa.“Thanks” he says, shutting his laptop and focusing his full attention on me, “do you need something he asks?”. I nod, slowly moving my head, “not exactly but I do have a request to make” I respond awkwardly.“Okay, what is it?”, I smile, feeling a little awkward to be making a request of him when we haven’t even spoken to each other in weeks. “Lara!” He says, pulling me from my thoughts.“Apologies” I smile, “I actually came to ask if you’ll be available this Wednesday” I say, before pausing as I study his facial reactions. “Why?” He asks, his face stoic.“My company is having a celebration event to celebrate our biggest contract yet with DV writing agency and I’m sure you know how these events can be. I’m sort of required to show up with m
Lara’s POV“Good evening everyone” I say, taking my time to scan the room before resuming my speech, “I really appreciate everyone who made time to be here. I’m most especially grateful for my husband” I say, holding eye contact with Clark before continuing.“My parents” I say, smiling at both Clark and I’s parents who are seated together at a table, “my family” I say, winking at Lai and Belle, “and most importantly my staff, we wouldn’t be here to celebrate the contract with obtained with DV without them” I say, before pausing.“But aside from the contract, we are here to celebrate something remarkable. We just received news that SignaBook is currently the second top book promotion company in all of Yula”The crowd erupts into cheers and applause as they celebrate the news, the flashes go crazy as the media takes several pictures commemorating this moment.“This is an exceptional growth for me, my staff, the business and to everyone who supported us throughout our journey.”“We have
It was a crisp Saturday morning when Clark and I decided to escape the city for a while. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden hue over everything, and I could feel the excitement bubbling inside me. "Are you ready for our adventure?" I asked, glancing over at Clark as he adjusted his backpack. "Absolutely! I've been looking forward to this all week," he replied, a wide grin spreading across his face. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t help but smile back. We hopped into the car, the engine humming to life as we set off toward the countryside. As we drove, I watched the scenery change from the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes outside the city. "Look at that view, Lara!" Clark exclaimed, pointing towards a sprawling field dotted with wildflowers. I turned my head just in time to see a burst of color against the green backdrop. "It's beautiful," I said, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "We should stop and take some pictures." Clark pu
As we dig into the meal, the aroma of the food fills the air, wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. The table is adorned with a colorful spread—fresh fruits glistening in the sunlight, a platter of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and golden-brown toast, all meticulously arranged to create a feast for the senses. I watch as he takes his first bite, his eyes lighting up in delight. “This is incredible,” he exclaims, savoring each mouthful as though it’s the best thing he’s ever tasted. I can’t help but smile at his enthusiasm; it’s moments like these that remind me of the joy of sharing a meal with someone special.We fall into a comfortable rhythm, the clinking of cutlery and the soft sounds of chewing filling the space between us. I take a moment to observe him, the way he enjoys his food, the little quirks that make him uniquely him. There’s something so endearing about the way he closes his eyes for a brief second as he savors the flavors, as if he’s trying to capture the mome
I smile, nestling deeper into his embrace, “what’s done is done, there’s nothing we can do about it now. And it’s not like you can fire her after all you went through to hire her” I say, sympathetically.He shakes his head, “right now, I’m thinking very much of firing her. She can’t go scot free with that sort of behaviour”. I smile, “no let it be Clark, I don’t want to leave you without help at the office. As long as this was a one time thing then I’m fine, let’s move on” He smiles, “you’re just too kind but I can see that your mood isn’t totally lifted. I shrug, wearing a tired smile, “I just feel trained after that conversation, why don’t you go ahead and have lunch without me. I’ll eat later” I say.He shakes his head, “no way, you came all the way to my office for us to eat together. So what can I do to lift your mood” he says, a mischievous smile on his face. “Letting me sleep” I chuckle, suddenly feeling very tired.“I’ll let you do that in due time, but please let’s have lun
“Afternoon Miss Denie, you require our assistance” one of them says. She nods, “yes please kindly escort this woman downstairs”. They both turn to face me, their eyes widening in shock, before returning their attention to her, “that’s Mr Clark’s wife, please excuse us” they say, before exiting the room.I watch as Denie remains immobile and speechless as she processes their words. I don’t bother getting up as I patiently wait for Clark’s arrival.In less than a minute, Clark walks into the room, concern evident on his face as he walks directly towards me. “You sounded upset, is everything fine my love?” He asks, crouching down as he takes my hand.I look behind him to see Debie’s eyes widen at her mistake. I shake my head, “not really. I closed work early to come suprise you with some food and drinks” I say, raising up the lunch bag for emphasis.“But I was met with insults and disrespectful t from your assistant. She wouldn’t even let me inside your office. To think she actually cal
I’m met by a woman who seems to be in her late 20’s. She is seated in Lai’s former desk. Her auburn hair drops over her shoulders, and her hazel eyes catch my attention. “Good afternoon” she says, rising to my feet, a surprised look on her face as she slowly assesses me.Feeling uncomfortable with being under her scrutiny, I mumble a quick greeting before walking towards Clark’s office. “I’m sorry you can’t go in there” she says, blocking my path.I look up at her, obviously surprised at her audacity, “excuse me” I say, trying hard to control my emotions. She gives me a smile, which is more of a mocking smile, “I’m sorry but you can’t see Mr Clark right now, you shouldn’t even be up here. I wonder who let you in here” she says, frustratedly running her hands through her hair.I chuckle, slightly moving backwards as she’s right in my face at the moment. I quietly assess her, wondering how to address the situation. I force my lips to form into a smile, “I don’t appreciate the tone that
Clark brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch gentle and reassuring. “We’re in this together, babe. No one can come between us,” he assures me, and I believe him. Our bond is unbreakable, forged through years of shared experiences, laughter, and even tears. I lean into him, feeling safe and secure in his arms.“Remember that time when we first met?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood. Clark grins, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “How could I forget? You were so sassy, but you still managed to charm me with that confidence of yours,” he confesses, his voice filled with warmth. “Yeah, I can be quite sassy,” I admit, “but I didn’t know this side to you. You were definitely worth it.” Clark’s smile widens, and I can see the pride in his eyes. “And look where we are now,” he says, pulling me closer. “Married, happy, and in love. It’s a beautiful journey we’re on.”I nod, feeling a swell of gratitude for the life we’ve built together. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” I say e
Jordan coughs, obviously uncomfortable with being made the third wheel, “I think you guys would love to be alone, so I’ll just leave and catch up with the others” he says, attempting to rise to his feet.Clark shakes his head, “absolutely not, I honestly don’t mind your presence here. A friend of my wife is mine” he states. Jordan smiles, “thank you, but in all honesty I have some things to discuss with Lai. Please excuse me and it was nice meeting you Clark” he says, before walking away leaving Clark and I to ourselves.“Why were you alone with him?” Clark asks, studying me. I smile, “I wasn’t alone with him, I was basically in the open. I purposely discussed with him, where you could easily see us” I say, chuckling at his jealous display.He smiles, “well I don’t like the fact that he keeps hovering around you. You might not be able to see it but I can definitely tell that he like you” smh r says, drawing me closer to him.“How so?” I ask, my tone evidencing my surprise at his words
“So what have you been up to?” Jordan asks, as we settle down. I shrug, partially intrigued by his sudden interest in my life, “nothing much to be honest. Just the usual, handling my business and enjoying my married life” I say, with a smile as I dwell on my relationship with Clark.Jordan chuckles, “how’s that going? Last time I saw you guys, you were both heavily invested in an argument” he says, slightly leaning forward. I chuckle, “you know how couples are, we fight and we make up. It’s all part of the process of understanding each other and learning to understand each other's triggers and boundaries” I say, my gaze drifting to Clark who’s heavily invested in a conversation before returning my attention to Jordan. “So you guys are good?” He asks, suggestively. I nod, “we are more than good, I’m in love with that man” I say, my smile huge as I set my boundary. “What about you, how’s life going?” I ask, shifting the attention from me.He shrugs, “nothing much, except from the fact
“Heyy Belle” I say, running to give her a hug, almost tripping along the way. “Careful Lara” Clark yells after me. “How are you doing?” I ask, pulling her into a hug, before releasing her as I examine her face.She smiles, “I’m hardly getting sleep with Tululla’s sleeping schedule. But in all honesty everyday feels like a blessing to have my little girl in my arms” she states.I nod, totally understanding what she means, “what about Lai?” I ask, scanning the room for my brother. “He’s over there with your dad and mine,” she says, pointing towards a section of the backyard.“They must be giving him some stupid parent advice” I joke, noticing how serious their conversation is. “Heyy Belle” Clark says, embracing her with a hug, “how are you doing?” He asks, returning to my side.She chuckles, “your wife already asked that. Like I told her, I feel blessed” she says, a wide smile on her face and I can tell that this is the happiest she’s been since I’ve met her. Clark nods, “alright, let