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
WENDY’S POV “I suspect Melissa coerced Listowel into throwing me out. She was already standing in front of Listowel’s office when I got there. I’m very certain, this was her doing….” “Mmm… that lady. I hate her guts. Please, I’m all ears. Tell me what you need me to do?” My grip on my phone tightened as I replied, “I want you to……..” “What?” Ivy exclaimed. “Why would you need—” Just do it!” I shouted, annoyed at Ivy’s sudden demeanor. Wasn't she the same person that had just said she hated Melissa’s guts? Why then is she acting like I’m the bad one? “Just get it for me. I'm not going to hurt her. I just need to clear things out to get,” “Mmm…” I could sense the hesitation in Ivy’s voice. “But miss…, this sounds… extreme. Can’t you just—” “Ivy,” I growled in a low tone. “I’m not in the mood for lectures. And if for anything at all, you're the last person I would seek advice from. It’s either you get it for me or your father suffers the consequences. “I’m sorry m
LISTOWEL’S POV “You can’t do this to me, Listowel” Wendy yelled as she realized the seriousness in my eyes. “Your grandmother will hear about this” “I don’t care what she’ll say. You’re not welcome here. Leave!” “Is it because of her? Are you doing this because of that bitch?!” she shouted, pointing towards the secretary’s desk. My eyes trailed to the direction she had pointed; only for me to lock eyes with Melissa! I instantly froze for a minute, processing the fact that Lisa was standing right opposite me, witnessing the beast in me! I bit the sides of my lips as I hurriedly dragged Wendy and handed her to the security guards for them to throw her out. Running my hands roughly through my hair, I anxiously bit my lower lip as I turned and headed back to my office. My head lowered, refusing to raise my gaze as I was enveloped in embarrassment. I couldn't believe I had not noticed Melissa’s presence all this while. “I might have scared her,” I whispered under my br
MELISSA’S POV As I sat in my office, my fingers aggressively tapped on the letters on the keyboard while I finalized some details of the latest contract. Although my attention was fully focused on the work at hand, the whispers and murmurs from the hallway were too loud for me to ignore. Since morning, news of Wendy Macinni currently working as an employee at Gordon Inc has been circulating every nook and cranny of the company as it spread like wildfire. A group of people who call themselves “sisters” has been going around, taking it upon themselves to explain what Wendy’s presence at the company meant but I refused to let it distract me. . “Let her work here. The company belongs to Listowel, after all,” I muttered to myself a while after I realized the pitiful gazes people had been passing at me. “If he wants his fiancée prancing around like she owns the place, that’s none of my business.” Yet, I still couldn't believe how much of a pretender Listowel could be. Wasn
WENDY’S POV Grandma Gordon smiled back at me while nodding. “You’re a good match for my grandson, Wendy”. You have the right strength, and I believe you could make him happy and no one else.” I felt butterflies in my tummy as she said this. From her tone, it felt as if she was indirectly dismissing Melissa and the other ladies who wouldn’t hesitate to throw themselves on Listowel. “Tell me what you need from me. What can I do to make this transition smoother for both of you?” My heart skipped a beat before it started racing heavily against my chest. Was she seriously asking me this? Could this really mean she’s in full support of me, despite all that I did to Listowel in the past? My cheeks flushed pink from delight as my lips parted to respond. “Ummm…,” shifting to the edge of my seat, I commenced, avoiding eye contact, “There is something… I’d need your help with.” “What is it dear, c’mon tell me. I will grant it for you,” I leaned towards the table a bit, holdi
WENDY’S POVThe call went through and an eternity later, she answered. “Good morning, Madam Gordon,” forcing the words out of my throat, I greeted. “Good morning dear,” she responded in a melodious tone that spurred me to continue. Per how she called me ‘dear’ I guess she's in a good mood but as I said earlier, she can't be predicted. Steadying my breath, “I'm calling to let you know that I will be at your place very soon, I will be hitting the road now,” I relayed. “Alright darling, I will be waiting for you soon”. “Ummm… I was thinking… is there anything you'd like me to bring along?” The was a long silence after my question which made me think it probably didn't sit right with her. “Just be yourself, Wendy” With that, the call hunged, leaving me staring at the screen in annoyance. Despite her nonchalant response, I wouldn't really be myself if I went empty-handed. A thought flashed in my mind while I was searching on the internet for cool gifts for a soon-to-be gra
LISTOWEL’S POV Today was a very long and eventful day. After the contract agreement, I had to meet some new investors who had shown interest in Gordon Inc. as soon as the government announced its collaboration with us. I headed straight to the bathroom as soon as I came home. Feeling tired and exhausted, I bathe in the jacuzzi, allowing the coolness of the water to wash over me. As I sat on my bed, wrapped in my bathrobe, I had my phone in one hand while I used my other hand to hold the towel that I was using to dry my hair. A smile immediately tugged on the sides of my lips as my eyes fell on the headlines of the various articles circulating the internet. Lots of people were praising my company, Gordon Inc. Some of the media houses have also enlisted my achievements over the years. My eyes gleamed with joy as people complimented me like they weren't the same people tearing me apart with their mean comments the previous week. The smile on my face even grew wider as I
LISTOWEL’S POVLisa cut me a deadly glare before jerking my hands away. Although she didn’t utter any other word again, her silence was very loud. If not for Wendy, that brat, whose appearance had ruined everything, my initial plan would have gone through. Why did she have to come around today of all days? For the past week, I’ve been trying to get to reach out to Melissa and apologize or at least, release a communique to retract her statement but what? She’s been giving me excuses upon excuses. And just when I had planned to ask for Melissa for forgiveness on her behalf, she’s ruined everything!I gritted my teeth in annoyance as her attitude at the parking lot replayed in my mind. I can’t wait to end the goddamn engagement that binds us. Slowly exhaling, “Don’t fret buddy, it’s just a matter of days and you will be free from her shackles. As soon as the contract gets signed successfully, you will officially cancel the engagement,” I inwardly reminded myself. The thought of it
MELISSA’S POV Wearing a long-sleeved lace top, tugged neatly in black leather shorts which complimented her equally long black leather boots, she strolled towards me. Her oblivious eyes met my gaze and her face instantly changed into a hardened expression. She looked too pissed for someone who claim to not know nor have met me before. Seeing her made my blood boil, and the surge of anger swirling inside me turned me into nothing more than a ticking bomb waiting to explode. I mean, I understand she was trying to save her face and protect her relationship but why did she have to go to that extent of disrespecting me? Indirectly classifying me as a slut? Ha! How dare she! My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I glared at her through my windscreen. I guess she purposely came here for me as she was still walking towards my car. She was almost a few meters from me when, one of the back doors of the sleek black salon car parked adjacent to me, flew open. The force with which
LISTOWEL’S POV“I have news for you, sir.” “Good or bad?” I asked, my ears itching to hear what he had to say. If he says, it is bad news, I will have to put it on hold at the moment because I have a lot going on in my mind for me to add up his. His smile even widened more before his lips parted, “It is good news, sir. Gordon Inc. has just secured the Northville Heights real estate development contract the government proposed!” he excitedly exclaimed and he looked just like a kid who had been promised a candy. It took a moment for me to process what Theodore had just said. My heart leaped with joy as the realization of the magnitude of the contract dawned on me. We’ve been in talks with the government officials for months, I had almost lost hope since they were more inclined to give it to one of my company’s rivals. This is a massive win! This contract would be a game-changer for Gordon Inc., as it will bring in substantial revenue and likely boost our stock as well. “This