MELISSA’S POVMy heart thumped faster against my ribs as the question came through. It seems the heavens aren’t on my side today. Why is everyone trying so hard to get on my nerves today? Or did they all collaborate with Listowel to ruin my time here? Now that I really thought of it, everything looks suspicious. First, it was the impromptu proposal, Yaw had called me to work on yesterday.Next was the rejection of the proposal. Followed by the team dinner, Listowel insisting on joining us and now here I was, being asked questions here and there as if there’s nothing else to discuss. Was I just overthinking or these are mere coincidences?My eyes trailed to the end of the table, where the voice came from. It was Priscilla. I had heard someone call her that when we arrived. But I couldn’t tell if this question came out of sheer curiosity or if there was something more behind it. For a moment, I sat frozen, thinking of what to say. I indeed know Wendy. Although I had heard of her
MELISSA’S POVHis words rang consistently in my ears. What does he mean by “everyone here knows you're special to me”?But what he said didn't bother me as much as the loudness of his voice did. He had said it out loud such that everyone had turned to look at us again. This is very unlike him. The Listowel I once knew liked to keep his things private and was reserved in nature. The man I fell in love with years ago wouldn't want people to glare at his wife with judging eyes. But the one sitting by me was a totally different person. He has changed or perhaps, I never knew him at all. I tried to steady my breath but the food in my mouth suddenly choked me. I couldn't swallow it down nor could I throw it out. My fingers trembled violently as I fumbled for the glass of water. But Listowel beat me to it.He reached for the water and quickly held it to my mouth, urging me to drink. Like a flash I gulped down three glasses of water, desperately hoping that it would help ease the burning s
MELISSA’S POVI swallowed hard, hating how vulnerable I sounded. “Why do you want to manipulate everything in my life?How much more do you need to hurt me before you stop? Do you hate me that much? What did I ever do to you? The least I thought was that I'd found genuine people who wanted to be by my side. But.. I guess it was all a facade. I thought….. I thought they were my friends,” my voice broke, the tears I've been holding back all this while freely cascading down my face like a free fall. My knees had become too weak to hold up the heaviness of my heart, making me squat before him. With my thighs supporting my elbows, I buried my face in my palms, when I finally remembered. It finally remember a pledge I made to myself. I had vowed to myself never to shed a single tear in front of Listowel. But I guess the weight of his actions has been too heavy for me to endure. No matter, how hard I had tried to suppress the vulnerable side of me, I guess he was the only one who c
MELISSA'S POVThe ray of sun filtering through the narrow space between curtains jolted me awake as it hit me. I spread my arms and stretched myself from the sheet that had tangled all over me. I glanced around to look at my surroundings and for a moment I couldn't remember where I was or how I got here.My head ached severely as I shut my eyes and flared it open once more. My hands instinctively reached out to a side of my head which was throbbing. I felt a dull non-stop ache through my whole body as I tried to sit up on the bed. Taking one more glance around, everything looked familiar.It then dawned on me that I was in my room and on my bed to be precise, "but how did I get here?".Moving my hands to my forehead, I attempted to recall how I came back home last night. My headache was even more as I struggled to remember how I had come home. My memory could only recap up to the encounter I had with Listowel in front of Murphy's, the bar."Gosh.., such a mess," I whispered, my sto
MELISSA'S POV"Omg., I can't believe I drank a whole bottle of wine last night..." I whispered to myself while staring at the bottle I was holding. My other hand instinctively reached out for my forehead because it was hurting me so badly. I took out the soup container from the fridge and poured some into a bowl before slipping it into the microwave. I turned it on and set it to heat for five minutes before heading back to the bedroom for the first aid kit box.Since it was my first time using the kit ever since I came to Aphrodite City, it took me a while to find the keys to it.I got an aspirin and swallowed after which I pushed it into the water before heading back to the kitchen. As if on cue, the microwave stopped as soon as I stepped foot in the kitchen. Using a glove, I took out the hot bowl of soup and set it before me.I wanted to heat for a while so I grabbed the remote, and turned on the television before scrolling through the channels. I intended to watch one of my favor
MELISSA’S POVWhat!" I exclaimed, the remote I was holding, slipping from my hands. My stomach twisted as I watched the photos displayed on the screen. Who the hell did this? A tight knot formed in my throat as I stared at the images of Listowel and I replayed continuously on the screen. I bet these photos were taken last night.Examining them from afar I could attest that they indeed looked intimate! Some of the photos had Listowe vividly pulling me tight to his chest, while the others had him, petting my hair, while the rest were shot when we were standing outside of the bar.Did Listowel intentionally had this released? I mean, that man is unpredictable and can do anything. But why would he do this?" anxiety gnawed at my brain as I tried to connect the dots.No, come to think of it, everyone knows of his engagement with Wendy Macinni, so he can't possibly do this.My heart pounded heavily in my chest as I paced up and down in my room, trying to find answers to my numerous questi
WENDY'S POV A few minutes after joining the main road, I got stuck in a traffic jam. “Why is everything not going my way today?” I shouted, frustration evident in my voice. I reached for my phone which I had tossed aside earlier and started browsing the internet as I occasionally glanced at the traffic, impatiently wishing that there was another route other than this to use to my destination. Truly, Listowel's name is at the top of the trending news. More and more articles, write-ups, and videos circulated on the internet and the comments were an eyesore. I so much hate these people who call themselves fans! They cheer you up after an achievement and treat you like a literal goddess but when something bad circulates the air, they suddenly have something mean to say. I don't even blame them. The only person I blame is Listowel. I am his fiance for Christ's sake? How could he allow these photos to linger on the internet especially when there are already articles on his encoun
LISTOWEL'S POVThe constant ringing of my doorbell jolted me awake from my sleep. A groan escaped my lips as I lay down, the sharpness of the noise threatening to tear my earlobe."Who the f**k is that?" I cursed under my breath, I unwrapped myself from the blanket, pulling myself up. Pain coursed through my entire body as I tried to lift myself.The light rays from the chandeliers hit my eyes as soon as they flared open. It was after my eyes fully opened that I realized I had passed the night on the bare floor. "How did I end up here?" I asked inwardly as l attempted to recall how l came home last night. But the consistent ringing of my doorbell irritated my ears, distracting my thoughts.The coldness of the floor caused me to sit up on the sofa as it seethed through my body. It was after, I sat up that I realized I had passed the night on the floor. Rubbing my eyes, I made my way toward the door to check who in the world had the guts to disturb my slumber like this. My head thr
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
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
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 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
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