*** _*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
"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
....Anderson picked the bottle of whiskey from the bar he grabbed a glass and filled it to the brim, picked it up and then glanced at his phone, waiting for his call to go through."Hey man?" Jude's ruffled voice answered from the other end."Don't tell me you're still in bed!" Anderson lamented ruefully."I am," Jude yawned. "What's up?""Just rush down to my place as fast as you can. It's urgent." he said."Wait.. is something wrong?" Jude asked, getting alarmed."Yes. And I need your help so fucking get off your bed and come here, goddamit!" Anderson groaned, his palm tightening on the glass."Jeez.. I hear you. I'll be there as soon as I can" Jude said and disconnected the call.Anderson dropped the phone on the pub table and took a long chug from the drink.No matter how hard he tries to accept it, he still couldn't believe his father's words, his proposition just to get the conglomerate he rightly deserves! Anderson had worked his butt off for the conglomerate, he had done no
....Katherine joined her father in his bedroom after dinner. Expecting to find him asleep, she discovered he was up and seated in his study area, reading."Ahem!" She cleared her throat to gain his attention and watched him flinch. Seeing it was her, Xavier relaxed and smiled at her."Margie told me it's past your bed time and you would be asleep. Why are you still up, dad?" She asked."Come here," he signalled to her quietly and she went towards him, stopping only when she got to him. "Margie will be mad if she finds out I stayed past my sleeping time" he said, referring to their housekeeper."But it is for your improvement, Dad. You should follow all of the doctor's advise." Katherine said. "I know, Katy. But I doubt that I'll be able to fall asleep if I don't finish reading this paper," he said. Katherine was about to argue with him when he spoke. "They're only few lines left for me to finish up" he said.She looked at the book; a written documentary."And I'm done!" Xavier sai
....Katherine, with the aid of her mouse, clicked on the job offer. It directed her to the company's webpage, the available position is for a clerical staff and since she has a degree in business and a few years of experience in that aspect, she accepted the offer.Her résumé was required and she submitted it. Carefully filling in some personal details that was requested in the next page, She completed the online form in no time and submitted. Jamming her palms together and hoping greatly that she gets accepted.Just as soon as she clicked 'submit', she received a message in her mail.Hopefully, she opened it and when she saw the company's name as the mail's title, she quickly read the content..Dear Miss Monroe, Thank you for applying for the post of a clergy at Apex Finance.We have reviewed your application materials and would like to invite you to verbally interview for the role with Mr Bricks Johnson, Apex's manager. The interview will last for an hour and take place here
....Katherine was back to staring at the computers screen, scrolling through for a job offer. It's been four days already since her job hunt and she hasn't gotten an offer since the last one.As she operated the mouse with one palm, the other went to her nightgown, resting on the slight bulge in her stomach, she massaged it lovingly.Just yesterday she had visited the hospital for antenatal and she felt more than relieved when the doctor told her her baby was doing just fine.Due to the stress she has been going through of late and the constant lack of appetite and sleep, she had feared that the foetus might have been affected.The doctor wiped her fears positively but advised that she never skips meal or sleep again. She is only in her third month and a week to start experiencing complications. She feared for herself and her baby, especially for her baby. He is too tender to be experiencing any difficulties, too innocent. The last thing she wants is having another issue toppling
...Anderson walked out of the conference Hall, his secretary and a few other head staffs running behind him to meet up with his pace."What's next on my schedule?" He asked her, making a sharp bend towards his private elevator."You have a business meeting with Deluxe by nine concerning the business proposal we offered," she said."Okay. Joey?" He called."Yes , Mr Riecke?" Joey ran up to him, bringing out a pad and pen. "I need all the accounts from every department, in my office before the end of today.""Yes sir," Joey nodded, scribbling something on his note."And-Anderson's words trailed off when he noticed Reynard stepping into the company."Hello brother!" Reynard smiled, taking the dark shades off and making his way towards Anderson.Anderson paused, instantly stopping the rest of his workers as Reynard stood in front of him."What are you doing here?" Anderson asked him."Why? Because you're the acting CEO doesn't mean I can't pay my the company's HQ a visit," Reynard shru
Katherine watched him anxiously as he went through her credentials, adjusting the spectacles perched on his nose bridge at intervals. Her palms stayed glued on her thighs as she waited for his statement. Finally, he raised his head to look at her, putting the papers aside. “Well, miss Tetrazzini, I’ve gone through your informations right here,” he pointed to the folder and Katherine nodded. “You are undoubtedly fit for the job- Katherine sensed a but in that statement and when he mentioned it, she gulped nervously. “But,” he continued, adjusting his glasses again. “Looking at your marital status, it states that you are divorced and approximately three months pregnant currently, is that right?” he inquired and Katherine nodded. “Yes sir.” “Well, I’m sorry miss Tetrazzini but your state is against this company’s policy. We do not hire pregnant women, especially for the position available, which you applied for.” He dropped the bombshell. Katherine’s mouth open and closed as she c
"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.