LISTOWEL’S POV. Her question took me by surprise, causing me to flinch a bit. Honestly, it wasn't my intention to spy on her all the time. When she returned to Aphrodite City months ago, I was afraid that she might vanish again overnight. That's why I have my men on guard, checking out if there’s any unusual movement going on with her. But when she became the target of the media’s celebrity drama, I had to tighten the security around her. Lisa might not know but my men have protected her from several media intrusions. She's had so many reporters lingering around to question her unnecessarily but she never bumped into any. I wouldn't really say it is all thanks to me because I was the root of it in the first place. If I had not carelessly interacted with her in public as I did some months back, she would have lived her life peacefully like any normal person. That's why I almost went crazy when I couldn't find her whereabouts nor get a text to the plenty of messages I was spam
MELISSA’S POV My senses heightened as I slowly inhaled the sweet aroma exuding from the coffee before me. Vapor from the coffee hovered in my face as I brought the cup closer to my lips, blowing air over it in an attempt to cool it. While darting around in admiration of my new work environment, I took a sip of the coffee. As soon as the earthy taste of it glided its way down my throat, I got energized to start my day. Settling in the swiveling chair in my office, a wide grin formed on my lips as I glanced around my new workplace in admiration. The large office I was seated in was assigned to me this morning after attending a brief orientation with Mr. Montenegro, the executive director. My office was huge and even though the decor didn’t really suit my taste, I felt ecstatic about it. The exciting and most important part of this all was that I wasn’t sharing it with anyone. My hands shot up to my face as I covered my lips in disbelief. In as much as this was real,
MELISSA’S POV Immediately the clock struck five, I packed up my stuff into my bag and hurried off downstairs. I couldn't wait and go home to celebrate this massive win with my family; Nancy and Crystal. I can only imagine their shocked yet excited faces when they hear this. While exiting the forecourt of Legalstone, I waved to the colleagues I met on the way goodbye till I got to my car. Staring into thin space, I heaved a sigh as I started the engine. The traffic in town was kind of hectic but managed to pull through. Coming to a stop in front of the apartment complex where I reside, I turned off the engine and hurried to my house. The cozy smell of the scented candles I had put on the shelves in the hallway leading to my house filled my nose as soon as I walked out of the elevator. As I was approaching my house, I noticed something unusual on the floor right in front of my door. I took a few steps closer to check what it was. As soon as my eyes fell on it, I st
WENDY’S POV A glint of hope flashed in my eyes as he went inside the shop. Was he getting them for me? Does he plan on visiting me today? Gosh… I should have stayed home and waited for him to surprise me. My heart swelled with excitement and I became even more certain that they were mine when he picked a bouquet of white lilies. Oh my God. They are my favorites. I've given so many hints on my social media pages that I love lilies. But I didn't expect it to have caught Listowel’s attention. My heart raced faster in my chest as I watched him pay for the flowers before returning back to his car. Was Listowel going to apologize for the humiliation he put me through? “Yes..yes.. He is,” a little voice in my head replied, causing me to giggle to myself. Tucking the loose strands that were hanging on my face behind my ears, I admired my reflection in the dashboard mirror before starting the car. A thought flashed in my mind while I continued tailing Listowel’s car.
WENDY’S POV Let go of me!” I screamed but my voice could barely be heard as the person’s hands had covered my whole mouth. “Ughhhh… fuck...” he let out a scream as my nails dug into his skin while I bit his hands hard with my teeth. His grip on me loosened instantly as he winced in pain. “Fuck you” he cursed, shocking me. It wasn’t the fact that he had cursed at me that shocked me but the fact he was the last person I expected to do this. “How dare you…” I sneered, my hands shooting up to his cheeks as I gave him a dirty slap. Glaring at him from head to toe, “Have you lost your mind? How dare you touch me with those filthy hands of yours?!” My blood boiled with rage as I stared at Kevin. LISTOWEL’S butler. What was he thinking when he touched me with those filthy hands of it? Wait, who gave him the audacity to even come near me? Not to even talk of dragging me like that? Hitting his chest without a stop, “ Answer me! Who do you think you are to stop me? Do you even kno
LISTOWEL’S POV It wasn't part of my plans to get Melissa flowers today. While on my way to work this morning, some pretty lilies caught my attention. They were so pretty yet delicate that they immediately reminded me of Melissa. I signalled for Kevin to park after which I got out and headed to the florist. A bright smile formed on my face while my eyes flickered with delight. “Lisa is going to love them,” I mumbled to myself while darting at them in admiration. The lilies looked so cute and lovely. Since I was running late to work, I decided to personally deliver them to her after work. I was so certain this was the plan I was going to go with until I remembered something. “Melissa has resigned from the M&M legal firm and is no longer working so she will definitely be at home today.” I thought to myself and signaled for Kevin to move. “Take me to Crimson Estate,” I said before bringing the flowers to my nose to inhale the sweet fragrance exuding from it. I could se
LISTOWEL’S POV My mouth flung open widely as I stared at what I had just done. “No, no, no, no! There must be a way to delete this…” I mumbled as I tried to figure out how to delete the photo. My fingers hovered over the phone screen, searching every nook and cranny for the delete button. “I have to get rid of this before she sees it.., I muttered after finally seeing the delete button. My stomach twisted when I realized there wasn't any ‘delete for everyone’ option. “I cooked…,” I yelled and clicked my eyes shut hoping that by the time I opened them, everything would just be an imagination. But no. The goofy photo of myself was staring back at me after I opened my eyes. “This is so embarrassing….,” I said while running my hands through my hair. The double checkmark appeared beside the photo and there was no doubt that Melissa had already viewed it. Tossing the phone aside, I turned off the bed lamp and laid back on the bed, my thoughts a mess as I contemplat
MELISSA’S POV The cool evening breeze welcomed me as I stepped out of my office. Adjusting my bag strap, I darted around to check if there were any colleagues in sight. I wanted to let them know I was leaving first today. Yes, it wasn't 5pm yet today. It was fifteen minutes past four and I was already leaving the office. Why? Because I’ve been feeling a bit restless today. I’m certain that I’m not unwell but I can’t really tell where this sudden feeling was coming from. I was only able to endure till this time because I only forced myself to. Luckily, a staff from the executive office passed by just in time. “Hey Aria…,” I called while waving to get her attention. Halting in her tracks, “Hi Miss Muggins..,” she responded with a smile. “I’m a bit under the weather today so I will be leaving—” “Ouu… so sorry. I hope you get better soon,” she said, cutting me off with her concerned words. “Thank you, dear. In case HR comes around, kindly let him know.” “S
MELISSA’S POV Listowel kept the fork he was holding down and leaned back into the chair. He narrowed his eyes at me and simply asked, “Why Not?” “Because it was a mistake?” was my response. I busied myself with cutting the steak in front of me. In a deep gentle tone, “Look at me….” he demanded. As if I were a robot who could be controlled, I lifted my gaze from the plate to meet his. His pupils dialed, and his eyes widened as soon as our gazes locked. “For me. What happened between us was not a mistake. I cherish everything we shared.” I couldn't help but scoff at his words. Even though deep within myself I wanted to believe his words, a part of me couldn't help but scoff. I have to admit. It has become very difficult for me to let go of the past and trust him again. A part of me wants to give it a shot especially now that he's no more with Wendy but a part of me also dreads this decision most. Leaning forward, he moved his hands across the table to hold me. I instin
MELISSA’S POV The soothing sound from the fountain at my far right was the only thing that could be heard amidst the clatter of plates and in the restaurant where Listowel and I were seated. To disguise ourselves, Listowel had on a cap while I covered half of my face with a scarf. We made a stop at a boutique nearby to buy it because Listowel thought it would be awkward if we both came to the restaurant wearing a mask. A black mask to be precise. Thankfully, when we walked in, there were very few people here. Even the few people around were also busily eating, chatting, or having a meeting with their colleagues. No one seemed interested in who we were. Despite this, I requested that we sit at the secluded side of the restaurant and the manager was very kind to allow us. A few minutes adterfettubg seated, a slim petite lady who from the black mini dress with a white collar and tie she was wearing; hinted that she was a waitress, stridden to our table. Listowel on the
MELISSA’S POV “Back off…” I sneered. “What if I don’t?” He asked in a low whisper, his hot breath, fanning against my face. I inhaled sharply and rolled my eyes before muttering in annoyance, “Then I will be forced to—“ Before the words could fully leave my lips, he shut me up with a kiss. I pushed back slightly but his firm grip on my neck weakened my effort. I couldn’t understand why Listowel was being so careless. Was he not aware that any slight mistake could land us over the news? I closed my eyes and kissed him back for a while but as soon as I realized his hold on me had loosened, I bit him hard on his lips. “Ouch…,” he winced and I couldn’t help but let out an evil smirk. “Serves you right…” I remarked, trying hard to suppress myself from laughing at the face he had made. “Did you have to bite me?” he retorted, but I didn’t say anything. I only pulled up the nose mask and stared straight ahead. He didn’t push further. He turned on the engine and started the
MELISSA’S POV My mind wandered to Listowel as soon as the call ended. He was the one who handled everything that night so it was not too out of the ordinary that I was feeling obligated to call him. But as I finished putting in his contact number, my thumb hovered on the screen while I contemplated whether I really had to call him or not. Thinking aloud, “Should I call him or not? Won’t it be too awkward if I call him at any little inconvenience? Besides, Melissa… why are you acting like he’s your guardian or some sort? Since when did you start depending on people? No. You don’t need to tell him. Just go to the station, give your statement, and come back home. Simple. “ I battled with my thoughts as I put down the phone and headed back to the dining area. I had settled on the idea that I would be going to the station alone until something crossed my mind. Listowel still needed to know that the police called since he was also at the crime scene. I’m sure he
MELISSA’S POV Listowel had called out after me several times, probably confused at my reaction. But I paid no heed to him. I threw and sunk myself onto the bed. Even as I pressed the pillow hard against my ears, I could still hear him calling my name and asking if he said anything wrong but I didn't bother explaining anything to him. I could only thank my stars he was still oblivious and had not suspected anything. ****FLASHBACK ENDS*** Something flickered in me as soon as my eyes fell on the pink sticky note on the dining table. It bore Listowel’s handwriting. Yes, I still remember his handwriting because since I worked with him. Back when I was working at Gordon Inc., all my work projects had to be approved by him before any other proceedings so I pretty much recognize it. A broad smile formed on my face as I read the message. It read; “Hey, you had a good sleep? I made your favorite breakfast. I know I’m not the best cook but make sure you finish everything.
MELISSA’S POV A soft yawn escaped my lips as I sat up on my bed. My eyes darted, searching around for only God knows what. I live alone so it was so unusual for me to wake up and dart around like this. It felt as if I was expecting to see someone. Slightly lifting my hands, I stretched myself before rising up and heading to the living room. As I opened the door that separated my bedroom from the rest of my apartment, I was greeted with an appetizing aroma. My brows knitted together as I tried to process what was happening. Halting in my tracks, I squinted my eyes as I tried to figure out if what I was seeing in the dining area was real. To make sure I wasn't daydreaming, I rubbed my eyes a couple of times but as the savoring aroma that had engulfed the room filled my nostrils, no one had to tell me that whatever I was seeing was real. Yes. For the first time in months, since I moved into this apartment, there’s an actual breakfast on my dining table. My eyes flicke
KEVIN’S POV The thick silence that engulfed the car was too loud to ignore. For a split second, I thought the boss was ignoring me and probably didn't want me to disrupt what he was doing on his tablet so I kept my lips shut and drove out of the garage to hit the road. Listowel usually listens to the early morning news on his way to work so I turned on the radio and lowered the volume to a level that helped balance his attention on both the tablet and the radio. I had not thought much of it earlier but turning on the radio kind of eased the tension in the car. It's been a few minutes since we hit the main road but Mr. Gordon had still not asked me to continue with what I was about to tell him earlier nor has he made any sound. I had not thought much of it earlier but turning on the radio kind of eased the tension in the car. Suddenly, “What was it that you needed to tell me?” his deep commanding voice echoed from the back seat. He removed the glasses he had on and
KEVIN’S POV My head throbbed as I sat on my bed this morning. The hard liquor I had consumed yesterday was definitely the cause of the pain. Yes, I had threw up the one Wendy made me drink while we sitting at the counter so it was so odd for me to have felt this way. But the truth, I went back to drink more last night. My chest tightened with fury as I tried to recall the events of the previous night. A pang of guilt washed over me as I also recalled my indifferent attitude towards my boss these past few days. I felt mad at myself for doubting him and believing that Wendy deserved better. I couldn't help but replay the scene I had witnessed last night. Wendy, whom we all knew to be obsessed with Listowel was tightly entangled in another man’s arms, kissing him like there was no tomorrow. Initially, I thought I was hallucinating so I got off the car and hid closer to have a proper look. It was indeed her. Even though she had on a scarf which had covered most o
KEVIN’S POV“Ouch..” Wendy let out a loud shrill cry, as she clutched her stomach. “Why what is it?” Her cry caught me by surprise, making me spring up to my feet. I sprinted to her side and assisted to get up on her feet. “My…. my tummy. It aches. I need to go to the washroom now,” she answered, although her tone sounded a bit dramatic to me. I attempted to hold up and maybe escort her to the washroom door but she yanked my hands away. “Thanks but I can go by myself. It isn't really a big deal. I think I just had too much to drink.” she said, making me confused as to what she meant. “Alright… easy there,” I said, letting go of her hands. “I'll be waiting for you here then. No. No need to wait. You can take the lead.” she shouted as she made her to the ladies. “Woww…” I said, taking out money from my wallet and placing it on the bill. The harsh cold breeze greeted me as I stepped outside the bar. I shook vigorously my head in anticipation of getting the influence of the alcoho