....."Drop me," Katherine said, drawing her purse even closer to her thigh."I'll take you home." "No, I refuse," she said, holding the door to open it. She turned to him when she realised he made no move to stop the car, "Anderson--"Are you just going to act oblivious to what happened?""Yes. Because it doesn't involve me," she answered him. If she had known accepting his offer to take her home would erupt this much effect in her, she would have declined. But with his parents watching and waiting for them to leave, Katherine felt it would be unusual rejecting his ride after the act they pulled up in front of everyone. Anderson heaved a sigh, his fist rigidly holding the steering. He hated how desperate he was and how he was vividly showing it in front of her.He had to send his chauffeur home just to have this moment with her but she obviously was trying to get out of it. "I mentioned you."Katherine went mute to that. "I wish to get down now, Anderson." "I don't want to do th
..."Mr Riecke," Gerald answered, walking in."See if the car needs servicing, the one I returned with." "Oh, right away sir." Gerald walked out. Anderson released the towel from his neck and hung it on one shoulder, he grabbed his cellphone and opened Peter's file, going through it. Just like he guessed, Peter truly obtained the informations he requested.Perusing through the content, Anderson realised yet again the accuracy of his hunch about her difficulties. "...heart disease.." Anderson muttered under his breath, his palm on his chin. He checked all the medical bills and debts Xavier was yet to pay. He went through the list one after the other, good thing Peter made it so easy. For a second, he wondered if Katherine was aware of all the debts her father owed nor had a way to settle all of it, obviously she was the one carrying all these debts now considering Xavier's condition. Anderson also noticed Xavier didn't include any information about his family to his creditors, Kat
..."Good afternoon, doctor," Katherine greeted as she pushed the basket first through the door before walking in. "Hello Katherine" Doctor Nick's smile was little and unappreciative."Please sit" he offered and she took the the chair opposite him. "Sorry I'm a little late, I ran into a little situation.""I'm glad to know it wasn't anything serious," he gave her a questioning look, as if expecting her to prove him wrong."Oh it wasn't," Katherine stated with a wave of her hand, "and by the way, I brought brownies" she placed the small portable basket on the table and pushed it gently towards him. "It's warm cos I made them before coming here." Nick's face fell, he sighed and gave her a look, adjusting his glasses. "This isn't what your father need right now.""I know. It's not for my father, I made them for you. Just a little to say thank you for everything," she said, "so, how's my father?" "That is why I sent for you" doctor Nick stated, swatting the basket aside to give her a
...Katherine's fingers ran under the fabric on her naked protruding belly, a satisfying habit she had gotten accosted to ever since she discovered she was with child. Somehow, especially in times like this, Katherine feels a rush of peace and settling within her, more like a subtle assurance, just by rubbing her stomach. It gave her a sense of motherhood, the joy of knowing she was carrying a life in her. She scrolled through her mail, Checking for a response on her request. It's been twenty four hours since she last replied a job offer directed to her mail, but a response was yet to reach her up till that moment. She released her arm on her stomach only to adjust her body on the seat, her butt hurting from sitting too long in one place. She glanced at the bowl in front of her, initially filled and refilled with chips that she had exhausted at different times but in the same position.She sent a quick glance at her phone when it began ringing, seeing the caller was doctor Nick, she
.....Katherine could feel Anderson's stare burrowing into her as she scrawled her signature on the paper. She sat up, held her head high and pushed the file away from her. All through the process, Katherine struggled to swipe her face off of any expression and hold her mind from thinking. Anthony-- Anderson's lawyer, withdrew the file to himself and stepped away. Soon, they stood side by side, facing the priest and exchanging their marriage vows all over. Two days back, if anyone had told Katherine she would be getting married today, especially to her ex-husband; she would have doubted heavily. Even though their words screamed dishonesty, both Katherine and Anderson worked to make it look believable. The wedding bands were brought on a platter, fine stones adorning the silver bands. It was as though Anderson already prepared for their wedding even before she accepted. When Anderson picked her finger to slip the ring in, Katherine felt a light tingle in her stomach, for a mome
...Two days later, the first thing Katherine noticed as she stared out of her window that morning was Anderson's car and Gerald waiting to pick her up.An hour was used in packing and exchanging farewells. "I promise you, when I come visit; I'll bring Dad home as well," Katherine cheered Yvonne up, seeing the sadness in her eyes. "Can I come visit you sometimes, too?" "Of course, just call me whenever and I'll come get you," Katherine assured, though unsure if Anderson would permit it. Katherine hopped into the car and relaxed into the seat, shutting her eyes as the ride enhanced. "Miss, we're here."Katherine's eyes peeled open and she first tilt her head sideways to view Anderson's villa. It was almost ten feet away from the heart of the spacious compound where the car was stopped. The fountain, Katherine remembered, still looked as clean and fresh as ever, the pool, inviting and cleanly blue. When she stepped out of the car; the all-white exterior painting almost blinded her.
.....Five days later and Katherine still wasn't eating, she remained in her room and last Anderson saw her was when they had dinner at his parents'. He couldn't deny that he was now worried, at this point he couldn't conclude if she was just messing with him or there was something wrong with her. Madam Trina updated him daily of her activities in the room, she would only ask for lemonade and if she wasn't sleeping or on the phone, she was mostly on her laptop. It was through her, he knew she wasn't sick and that brought down his worries a little. As much as he tried to detach his mind from her, he couldn't help his thoughts. Somehow Madam Trina's words no longer sounded objective to him, not that she had any reason to lie or keep an issue away from him but Anderson wanted a self-confirmation. He wanted to see her for himself. She wasn't about to die in his house, he was just going to confirm she was okay and that's it. Whatever she does after that wouldn't be his concern. And
... .. "What is this?" Renard fumed at Taylor, "I asked for an accurate list. What is this, Taylor?" "Sir, I-I worked on it all night-- "This is not good enough," he grabbed both end of the spreadsheet and symmetrically tore it before disposing it into the shredder. "Make a fresh one, and do it right this time," He grumbled apathetically. "Yes sir," she grabbed the rest of the file and started for the door but stopped halfway, "um Mr Renard, there was a report from the headquarter, I forwarded it to your mail. Did you get it?" "What is it about?" Renard questioned with disinterest, his gaze fixated on the active monitor seated on his desk. "A complaint about missing funds, incomplete accounts and-- "Enough," he stopped her with a sharp look, "I'll check it out when I'm done." "Yes sir." Renard waited until he heard the door shut before tearing his gaze off the monitor and sitting up, he grabbed a bottle of water and chugged down the liquid until it was half empty. In a
"When did you arrive?" Jude asked after handing her a cup of coffee. "Two hours ago. Would have arrived earlier but there was a little trouble with the flight." "I hope it was nothing serious. You're okay, right?" "Oh, not at all. And I'm fine," Hope smiled. Jude lowered his gaze to the ground like there was something interesting there and an awkward silence fell between them. "How have you been?" Hope broke the silence. He started with a slow repetitive nod, "Good. Really good. You?" "Same," Hope nodded. "I was driving to Dad Xavier's to pick up Katy's kids, so I thought I'd stop by and say hi since I was close. You'll be at the party, right?" "Yeah, I'm all dressed up for it." "Oh good," Hope breathed out, wrapping her palms around the mug. As much as she didn't like how silent they were, she expected it. It's been seven years and she suddenly appears in front of him without a word. She had hoped to ask him to accompany her to Xavier's or probably expected him to su
*** _*Six_Years Later*_ *** Renard's fingers caressed the package as he spoke on the phone to his mother. "Ugh, Mom! I told you I'm not going." "Just this once, Renard. It's not like you attended the previous ones. How long do you plan to distance yourself? They're your niece and nephew!" "Do you have to keep calling me every year for the same thing? I have work to do, if I slack Anderson wouldn't take it lightly. You know how he is. I can't stand him," Renard fused. "Even Marcus will be there, you think you're the only one who has work to do? Besides we both know Anderson wouldn't trouble for missing one day." Renard grumbled, taking the gift off his thigh. "If I go this once, will you stop calling me concerning it?" "I'll give you a break for the next two years." "Four," he bargained. "Three years. I can't believe we're bargaining this! It's not even supposed to be this serious." "You're making it serious, Mom. Like I don't care about my brother, I mean I send gif
***"Careful," Anderson cautioned, his palms resting on her bare baby bump. They both giggled as she successfully sat on him, her weight falling on him. She touched his chest to support her balance, and Anderson quickly adjusted to the weight. Katherine began moving her waist in circular motion and riding him slowly. Amidst the waves of pleasure, Anderson's eyes remained plastered on her, fearing that she might fall and ready to grasp her if she did. "Do you really have to do this?" He asked, guiding his hands to her waist. "Yes," she answered. "Relax and enjoy. I'm fine," she said, leaning slowly to kiss his chest. Anderson threw his head back, the pleasure slowly grasping him more than he could control. "About Marcus-Anderson sighed, "is that what this is about?" "No," Katherine denied, moving her hands to his chest and teasing his nipples with her fingers. "Fuck Katy, this is so goddamn good," he groaned and she smiled, loving how she gained control of him in a short space
***"200 meters is just perfect, if there are any changes I'll let you know beforehand," the client stood up."Please do, sir," Leila stood up with him. "Until then, we'll have the garden ready for you and yours " He smiled, "Perfect. If you're available, please attend." With that, he slipped an invitation card into her hand. "Oh," Leila hesitated, "I'll see what I can do." After a handshake, Leila picked up her stuff and walked out. In her car, which she managed to get back with her earning, Leila made a happy dance. She was elated and above all, she was glad she was finally doing something that would make her boss pleased with her again. After losing a rental deal a week back, Leila had tried to make up for it. She noticed Jude's unwillingness when she asked to be in charge of this project, but he eventually handed it to her. Amongst the twelve clients, ten were willing to patronize them, one was going to think about it and the last person already booked elsewhere. Leila coul
***Jude didn't miss the discontented look on Bianca's face when he walked in with Leila. "Hey," she forced a smile, "I didn't know you were bringing someone with you. We didn't discuss that." "She's my secretary and will be in charge of the meeting. She'll answer all of your questions and explain to you what to expect if your father's corporation partners with us." "Oh secretary," Bianca emphasized, relaxing. "I don't mind." "Where's your father, I expected to see him here with you." "Oh he's not coming," she winked. "He wants me to talk to you first and if I like what you're proposing, we automatically have a deal. So it's all in my hands now." "Okay," Jude shrugged, "so let me start with-"Hold on," Bianca's leaned over the table to touch him. Jude jerked away from her hold, glaring at her, "Why don't we eat first? It's a dinner date remember." "Not a date," he reminded. "Right," she chuckled softly. "Over here, waiter." A waiter approached their table at once, "What are y
***"Leila-" The door went open and she quickly turned away, wiping the tears from her eyes while trying to gain composure of herself. Jude's brow narrowed as he opened the door wider and walked in, his gaze first landed on the skinny tall man in his secretary's office and then on Leila whose back was at him. "I need you to make me some coffee," he said. "I'll be there, sir. Please give me a second," she answered, trying her best to give a straight response despite the sound of her voice. "Who is he?" Jude asked, staring at the unknown man that wore a frown. He didn't plan on interfering but the atmosphere in the room was something he didn't want any of his guests to meet. "H-he-" Leila stuttered. "I'm her husband," the skinny man replied, darting a cold stare at Jude, "you must be the boss." "Alex, please leave.." Leila tried to interfere. "What? I can't meet your boss? You said you were scared, should I tell him on your behalf then?" "No, get out!" Leila snapped, her voice
***Jude walked into his office, he turned around only to find Leila stirring his coffee as she spoke on the phone. Her body was in a different direction but her hand didn't stop moving the spoon in a circular motion. She was carried away and seemed to be pissed with whoever she was talking to on the phone. Jude noticed this and paused, watching her multitask. It was her first day without Ria's assistance and she was already giving him an idea of how berserking she could be. "I told you I'm fine, I don't need your money. Please stop calling me, you could get in trouble," She hassled. "Stop talking to me, I don't want any more problems between you guys." "Please don't say another word to me, Mom. You know I'll never agree to it. I can't move back in, don't you understand?...The other words strolled off his hearing. Mom? She was arguing with her mother? Jude squinted his brows. "I'm hanging up, please don't call me again. I'm fine and I don't need your help. I'm not worth losing yo
***"Sir?" Jude looked up from his computer to find Ria, his secretary walking in. "I brought the monthly accounts for the three hotels in Northridge. I already reworked them and piled in the conclusion. Please check and tell me if there's a problem." Jude took the papers from her and went through each page briefly. Knowing her capabilities, it didn't take him a lot of time before he started nodding in satisfaction. She had worked for him for four years and had proven countless times to be competent. Left to him, he wished he could make her stay. "What do you think? Is it good, sir?" She asked when he dropped the file. "Yeah. All good." "Really?" He shot her a stare, "is there a problem?" "Not really but the intern actually worked that out. It wasn't my doing." "Intern?" He looked lost for a minute before it hit him, "Leila?" "Yes sir. I gave them to her two days ago and made my workings too just in case, but checking them I realized she did quite a good job with the balanc
***"Oh hey, there Rey-" he grabbed her wrist before she could finish talking and led her out of the hall, scowling. His grip was too strong for her resistance and soon she relaxed and focused on catching up with his long step in her six inches heels. "What the hell," she breathed out when he finally stopped and released her, pushing her ahead of him roughly. "What the hell is right. Now, what the hell are you doing here?" He growled at her. She huffed, crossing her arms. "To see you obviously, who else do I know in this stinking rich organization." Renard grimaced, "I don't recall inviting you, and I cut all ties with Suzy and everything that has to do with her so why the hell are you here?" "Jeez chill, I didn't come to bother you," Anna assured, tucking her hair behind her ear, "You're the only one I could come to because you're the only one I know that knows Suzy." "So?" "I came to drop off her stuff. I'm leaving the country first thing tomorrow and her stuff are in my way.