MELISSA’S POV “Thank you for your help. I think I can carry on from here,” I said as soon as Listowel set me down in front of my house. I can't believe he actually held me in his arms from the crime scene up to my house. Even in the elevator when I requested for him to put me down, he insisted otherwise. “I’m not leaving you here until I make sure you're good,” he said, his eyes trailing to my knee which he had tied with a singlet earlier on. “Do you need your singlet? I will dry-clean it and return it to you if you want. Better still, I could get you a new one….” I said and feigned ignorance, acting as if I didn't understand what he meant. “I’m. Not. Talking. About no damn underwear. I just want to go in there with you. Treat your wound. Put you to rest. And go back to my house. Simple.” A scoff escaped my lips as I asked, “Why would you want to go inside my —” My words caught in my throat when Listowel snatched my card and used it to unlock the door. He opened th
MELISSA’S POV Moments later, “There…. It's all done.” Listowel said, raising his gaze to meet mine. He had finished wrapping the bandage neatly around my knee. He cut off the excess bandage and asked me to stretch my legs. “Yeah… stretch it a bit forward. Do you feel any unease there?” he asked, probably making sure that he hadn't wrapped the bandage tight. “No. It is fine..” I responded, stretching my legs as he instructed. “We are all done then. Let me throw out the water and arrange the place before I go.” Listowel said while standing up on his feet. He strolled to the kitchen and attempted to pour the water into the sink. “No...no…” I said gesturing for him to send it to the sink in the guest bathroom rather. Some people may not see it as a big deal but I don’t find it hygienic to pour water filled with all those blood cells and other bacteria into my kitchen sink. Without any debate, Listowel did as I said as he turned and headed to the guest bathroom. I don
MELISSA’S POV I was thrown back to reality as Listowel left. The rooms became eerily silent, just like it has always been. Maybe I needed a partner after all. Even though allowing Listowel to come here was a bad idea, his presence made this house feel like home. While he was busily attending to my knees, one of the many thoughts that was swirling in my mind was my imagination of how perfect it would have been if we were an actual couple. I imagined how fun life would have been if Listowel knew about Crystal and we were actually living together. I couldn’t help but envisage how lovely our family would have been if only I were not a contract wife to Listowel but his real wife and there wasn’t any such person like Wendy in the picture. “How would have life been?” I thought aloud as I stood up on my feet. Heaving a sigh, I glanced at the center table, grabbed the remote, turned off the lights in the living room, and headed to my washroom. I needed to take a quick shower befor
LISTOWEL’S POV The awkward silence that settled between us was too palpable to not notice. I was still on my phone looking for other alternatives while Lisa on the other hand was lying down on the couch. She had turned the TV back on and was watching some wildlife documentaries. It seemed what I had said earlier had pissed her off because, for the past ten minutes, she didn't make a sound nor did she make any movements. Her attention was keenly focused on the TV. Initially, I had wanted to take my leave and stop inconveniencing her further but on second thought, I realized I didn't stand a chance of being safe outside either. It was already late and I couldn't guarantee I would be able to catch a cab even if it was safe outside. Letting out a sigh of exhaustion, I gently placed my phone by the window. I didn't want to make a sound to disturb her. Without warning, Melissa stood up abruptly and entered a room I guess was her bedroom and returned with a blanket and pillow.
LISTOWEL’S POV She handed to me the blanket and pillow before saying, “It’s not a five-star hotel, but you’ll be able to pass the night here.” An unconscious smile tugged at my lips as I took them and sat on the couch. “Alright, thank you. Please turn off the lights for me.” Melissa didn’t say anything, she only hissed and turned to leave. But as she turned, the fluffy slipper she was wearing caught on to the ends of the blanket I was holding. Before she could balance her stance, one of her slippers flew in the air, while the other slid down, sending her tumbling to the floor. “Watch out….” I shouted as I charged forward, catching her in my arms before she could fully come in contact with the tiled floor. I held her firmly in my arms, waiting for her to process her thoughts. Her eyes were firmly shut as she was still expecting the impact of the fall. I guess she hadn’t realized she was seated on my lap with her arms tightly wrapped around my neck. I couldn’t hel
WENDY’S POV A slight yawn escaped my lips as I stretched my arms lazily on the bed this morning. My mind swirled with plans of how I was going to get Listowel to myself once and for all. My lips curled up, a sly smirk forming on my face as I thought of a brilliant idea. “Interesting,” I muttered as I unwrapped myself from the tangled sheets and got up from the bed. Sprinting to the dresser, I grabbed my phone and dialed Kevin’s number. Yes, Kevin. I will slowly deceive him and turn him into a minion of mine. If I knew he was this gullible, I would have used him to my advantage long time. Clearing my throat, I rehearsed the soft tone with which I would call his name. I was certain it was going to melt him to give in to my request. The call went through and he picked up on the third ring. With a soft sweet tone, “Hii, Kevin,” I called out, trying as much as possible for him to not notice my pretense. His deep voice echoed from the other end of the call, “Hello, Miss Mancini
WENDY’S POV The loud buzz of music playing at the club lightened my mood. My body twirled rhythmically to the beat of the music as I occasionally sipped the alcohol before me. Although my decision to come here was kind of impromptu, I was enjoying myself regardless. I still had the glass of whiskey I had poured for myself since we arrived here fifteen minutes ago in front of me, barely touched. Yes, in as much as I was enjoying the music, I knew better than to booze. I only lured Kevin here in order to get some information out of him. Afterward, I can go chill by myself with probably some high-profile personalities. Stealing a glance at Kevin who was sitting on my left hand, I figured he had finished the whiskey in a shot and placed his glass on the counter, waiting for another round. I didn't know what to expect when I asked him out but I must say he's really boring! For the past fifteen minutes since our arrival, he hasn’t said much. With how caring he had treate
WENDY’S POV I gently crossed my legs as I leaned back in the chair, patiently waiting for him to start talking. Because he was a bit drank, he wasn’t on the main point. He was only telling some dry jokes which did nothing but irritate me. But I had no other option than to laugh. Placing my arm lightly on his shoulders, “Oh my God, Kevin. You’re so funny. Enough of your silly jokes. Now let’s talk about your work.” I said in a flirtatious tone.“Why… why do you want to know about my work so bad?” He stammered, his head tilting sideways as he tried to maintained his composure. I let out an empty laugh before scoffing, “I hope I’m not asking too much questions. If you’re not comfortable telling me about it, I totally understand. I slowly bent my head as if embrassed and whispered, although loud enough for him to hear. “After all, I’m used to people looking down on me. They see me as not trustworthy.”He shook his head abruptly and replied, “No…, Wendy dear. You don’t have to think
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