The car ride back home started silent, I was itching to say something but I didn't know how to start. I kept stealing glances at Leon who had his head rested on the car seat with his eyes closed“What do you want to say?” he asked with his eyes still closed startling me“Um thank you,” I said “For what?” he asked opening his eyes to look at me“For standing up for me” I whispered“What?” he asked“I said for having my back,” I said and he didn't say anything again“Thank you” I whispered again“I am married to you sadly, it wouldn't be a good look for me to let people shit on my wife,” he said plainly, he just had to ruin it. He should have just kept it to himself than open his stupid ass mouth“Don't look at me with those eyes, I was just saying” he said with a little smile at the corner of his mouth. I rolled my eyes at him and the car went back to being silent“Have you thought about what I discussed with you?” I asked“I don't recall having a discussion with you,” he said, he wen
LEONShe was persistent, always pushing and trying to convince me that she could make it happen. She wasn’t like most people I had come across. Most of them were scared of me, afraid to say the wrong thing or even look me in the eye. But not her.She wasn’t scared, not even a little intimidated. She spoke to me however she liked, without hesitation or fear. And when words weren’t enough, she stabbed me with a pen, of all things just to prove her point.She was crazy. Completely crazy.I rubbed the spot where she stabbed me. The pain was gone now, but it lingered in my mind because it wasn’t just pain it was something I hadn’t felt in years. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt pain in my legs.I had been told over and over that my legs were useless, that they were as good as dead. And I believed it I had to believe it, there was no reason not to. But now… now I wasn’t so sure. That sharp, fleeting pain made me question everything.What if she was right? What if she a
NayaIt was really early in the morning when I heard a knock on my door, I was barely awake when I answered “Who is it?” I asked and I got no response, I was falling back asleep when I heard another knock, a loud groan of frustration left my mouth“Who is it?” I asked again and still no answer, I dragged my legs to the door to check who was it, lo and behold when I opened the door it was Leon, the sleep in my eyes immediately cleared away“What are you doing here?” I asked“I need a detailed explanation of what type of treatment you would want to try on me,” he said, my eyes went to the table clock in my room to see what time it was “It is three in the morning” I reminded him“And so? Or have you given up?” He asked He made it seem like he was doing me a favor by hearing me out“I would be down in a minute,” I said“Don’t keep me waiting” he said wheeling himself to the elevatorHe was so lucky I needed his helpI walked into his study holding the laptop I had been using to do a l
I woke up super excited the next day, once he gave me the go ahead I started to put everything in place, we didn’t have the equipment for the other therapies but Nick was to get that prepared so I had to work with what I had which was a pool. I put some floaters in it which made it look like a seven-year-old was about to have a pool party but I had to work with what I had.“Good morning” I shouted at the top of my voice, before knocking on his bedroom door“Good morning” I sang, and I didn’t get a response again so I knocked one last time before I peeked inside the room “What the hell do you want?” He asked frowning, he was sitting by the window“Our first session start at eight,” I said smiling from ear to ear“It is six what is the noise about?” he asked looking at me like he wanted to murder me with his eyes“I just came to remind you and ask if you needed anything?” I asked grinning, he wasn’t going to spoil my mood it was a great day“And since when is that your business?” He as
I spent half of my time doing research and trying to figure out more solutions that could work while the other half doing the therapies on Leon, he had started to lean more into not questioning me or arguing about me he mostly just did as I told him. It was still way too early into it to see results yet but I could tell it was going to work out because of how consistent and progressive he was.“Hey,” Nick said, making me turn my attention to him, I just finished a session with Leon. This time we did the robotic-assisted therapy. It was a lot more painful for him than I thought it would be because the machine was stretching his muscles and trying to unstiffen some of his joints, so I was in the library Leon made for me trying to do some little research to see about that form of therapy and how progressive it could be so I would know if I was to tweak it a bit or just ditch the whole thing.“Hey Nick” I gave him a little smile“Aren’t you working too hard give yourself a break” Nick sai
LEONNaya was giving it her all to make it work, she was the kindest and most encouraging whenever we were doing a session. She was almost like a different person, no sass, no sarcasm, no argument even when I lashed out at her she still always kept her cool.She also spent long nights studying and doing a lot of research, she would always sleep off most nights on the table covered with different books. That gave me a bit of assurance that she knew what she was doing but she was working herself way too much. She wanted that result, maybe even worse than me with the bad leg. “Hey Boss,” Nick said walking into my study“How you feeling?” he asked“I am good,” I said taking a sip of my coffee“You know what I am talking about. The therapy, you leg, how are you feeling?” he asked“No difference I am just sore” I breathed out, it was too early to be discouraged but I was gifted with patient “That is a good thing, you didn't feel anything before,” he said smiling “Yeah I guess” I rolled m
NAYAI got back feeling a lot more refreshed than ever, Nick was right I needed it. Other than the fact that I bumped into Ryan the day went well, I couldn't stop thinking back to him handing his business card to me. Like what was he trying to do? Or get from me? He was a big-ass creep that needed to be put in his place.I had an evening session with Leon so I didn't bother to go to my room, I decided to rest on the couch till he came out for the session. The masseuse did a great job. I have never felt so light in my life, I was so light that I felt like I could be blown away. “A little nap won’t hurt,” I said to myself, adjusting so that I could get more comfortable, that was the last thing I remembered before everything drifted away.When I woke up from my supposed nap, it felt like the best sleep I had ever had in my life. I kept on stretching and yawning as I searched around for my phone to check the time. “Finally up?” I heard someone say making me jump“Holy cow” I jumped“Le
After our little conversation, I headed to my room not like I could get any sleep but I spent the rest of the morning doing more research that could help. I was bummed that I missed a session. It was just one session but there wasn’t the luxury of time so every session was important.I walked into Leon’s therapy room early that morning, determined to make progress. I had stayed up, researching techniques to help strengthen his core and leg muscles we had to make up for the session that was missed. It was exhausting, but I didn’t mind. I was determined to make him walk again, no matter how much effort it took.Leon was already waiting for me in the gym, sitting in his wheelchair by the large window that overlooked the garden. His face carried its usual unreadable expression, but there was something different today. Maybe it was the slight narrowing of his eyes or the way his hands gripped the armrests of his chair.Did he get any sleep? Why was he here so early?“Good morning,” I greet
RYANEverything seemed to be happening at once. My mind was spinning, struggling to make sense of what I had just seen. Leon? The CEO of TechNova? No, there was no way. It just couldn’t be true.TechNova was one of the fastest-growing companies, the name on everyone’s lips. Their products were everywhere people talked about them, used them, and praised them. I used them. My phone, my laptop, and even the computers at work were all TechNova products. And I wasn’t the only one. Everyone I knew used their devices because they were the best.The company was so good at what it did that no one ever questioned the identity of the anonymous founder. There were rumors, of course, speculations that went around from time to time. But it was never something I paid attention to. Because it didn’t matter.Until I saw Leon standing on that stage, taking credit for everything.Of all people Leon? How did he pull it off? It was just a regular company but it was a multi-billion dollar company and he di
KAYLAI was having lunch when I saw Ryan’s message, “Come to my place. Now.” The text read followed by his address.Without thinking twice I grabbed my keys and rushed out abandoning my food“Won’t you finish up before you head out?” My mom asked“I’m done you can clean up” I answered as I went out the doorThe drive to his house felt longer than usual. I wanted to fly to him if I could. I was already there. He called for me first, I didn’t have to linger around him. He called me himself. That was a huge progress right there. By the time I arrived, it was already dark. The guards at the gate let me in without question, and I made my way to the main house. I entered without knocking.The air smelled of smoke and expensive cologne. Dim lights cast long shadows across the room, and there he was, sitting on the couch, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His shirt was unbuttoned, his hair slightly messy, but his sharp eyes were just as intense as always.“You’re late,” he muttered, taking
The venue was massive, even bigger than I expected. A luxury hotel ballroom filled with bright lights, expensive decor, and an overwhelming crowd of people. From businessmen to reporters, socialites to tech enthusiasts, everyone was here for one reason. The launch of TechNova’s new phone.It was funny how everyone was present but no one knew the face behind the company. I stood beside Leon, my hand linked with his as I scanned the room. Everything was perfect, the shimmering golden banners, the sleek displays showcasing the new phone, and the massive TechNova logo glowing on the stage. The air buzzed with anticipation, and cameras flashed nonstop as reporters tried to capture every little detail.Leon looked unbothered no single sense of nervousness from him. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his shoulders held high oozing out a great amount of confidence. Even in a room filled with powerful people, he stood out effortlessly.“Are you nervous?” I asked, watching his expression car
NAYAEverything else went smoothly, and all we had to do was wait for them to schedule another election. In the meantime, I kept myself busy by helping out at the office whenever there was work to do. I didn’t do much, but it was better than sitting around all day with nothing to occupy my time.I was seated in Leon’s office while he attended an online meeting. The more time I spent around him, the more I realized just how busy and hardworking he was. He had so many things going on for him that he didn’t even need Valois Group.Leon wasn’t just some ordinary businessman, he was a powerhouse. He owned an investment company with ties to several major corporations. He was the owner of the country’s largest tech company. He even had a private villa, home only to people of high status, those were the few I knew about. And yet, despite all of this, no one had the slightest idea. They thought he was struggling, living in misery, when in reality, he had been building an empire in silence.“He
JENNIFERWhat I received was worse than a low blow. How could Ryan have done something so reckless, something of this magnitude, and keep it from me? At the very least, if I had known, I could have done some damage control. But now, it was too late.I was too dumbfounded to speak, too stunned to react as the shareholders and board members all turned on me, demanding answers. They thought I was part of this mess, but they had no idea that I was just as shocked as they were. I wanted to defend myself, to explain that I had no clue what Ryan had done, but the words wouldn’t come. For the first time in a long while, I was completely speechless.“How could you allow this?” the chairman of the foundation asked“This has to be some type of misunderstanding,” I said trying to calm the situation but they weren't having it and my patience was drawing thin.“Did you think this was a good agreement and made him sign it?” his wife asked me irritating the shit out of me, who was she to question me?
Once again, the election didn’t hold it ended before it even started, worse than the last time. The shareholders couldn’t believe what they were seeing. The moment they finished reading the contract Ryan signed, chaos erupted.Jennifer tried to calm the situation down, raising her voice above the commotion. “Let’s give Ryan a chance to explain himself,” she urged, her eyes scanning the room desperately. But when it was finally time for Ryan to speak, he did the exact opposite of what everyone expected, he stormed out without a word.His sudden exit only made things worse. The board members erupted in anger, shouting over one another. Some demanded answers, others turned their frustration to Jennifer. She was left standing there, trying to maintain control, but it was clear this was a disaster.Leon turned to me, his eyes glinting with amusement. “What do you rate this surprise?” he asked, smiling like he had just pulled off the greatest trick in the world.I folded my arms, pretending
Arriving at the company for the election was almost the same as last time, the eyes of everyone around were glued on us, the camera of the press flashing in our faces. The only difference I would say is that Leon wasn't sitting in a wheelchair he was walking by himself.“Your cane” I gasped remembering he came without it again“I’m fine trust me and I have the best masseuse in the world” he winked at me as we walked in. I just shook my head at himRyan and Jennifer were the only ones not present yet everyone had to wait for them to show up. Everyone’s eyes didn't look away from us they kept whispering and giving us dirty look“Leon” a man called softly behind us and when we turned, it was an older man in his late fifties wearing a classic black suit so I assumed he was one of their family or major shareholders.“How may I help you?” Leon asked ignoring to exchange pleasantries “I am Richard Brokee, I worked as your father's vice president before he died,” he said“Okay and?” Leon ask
NAYAThe rest of the week passed by so quickly that it almost felt like a blur. Before I knew it, the day had come for us to meet with the board members and shareholders. It felt like time had slipped through our fingers, and now we had to face the moment we had been waiting for.It had only been a week, and I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. There was no way Leon could have convinced enough people to support him in such a short time. Winning them over required careful planning, persuasion, and time was something we didn’t have much of. I don’t think he even started trying to win them over to his side yet.The thought made my stomach twist with worry. What if things didn’t go as planned? What if the board was already leaning in Ryan’s favor? No matter how confident Leon appeared, I knew this meeting would be tough. And that uncertainty scared me.“What are you thinking about?” Leon asked from behind me wrapping his arms around my waist“The voting would commence today,” I said“Okay and
LEONI woke up to Naya sleeping peacefully beside me, her soft breath caressing my neck. I couldn’t help fit smile just watching her sleep like a baby, memories of the night we had came flooding in and the smile on my face grew even bigger, my arms were wrapped around her as she slept. We were still both naked, our bodies having contact with each other and I didn’t mind it.The night took an unexpected turn never would I have guessed that I would be naked in bed with her and I didn’t regret anything in fact I wanted to have more nights like that. Life felt perfect and I wanted it to remain like that forever, I just had to keep her safe and not let harm get to her in any way.I placed a small kiss on her forehead making her let out a low mumble in her sleep. She was adorable I was smiling way more than usual. I just out of bed took a quick shower and headed to my office, there was a lot of work to be done and as much as I would love to spend the day in bed with her I had multiple thin