MELISSA'S POV
I gasp for air, reaching for the glass of water in front of me, but my fingers fumble and knock it over. Before I can fully process what's happening, Listowel is on his feet, moving with that effortless grace of his, pouring another glass and handing it to me. "Here, take a sip," he said and tried helping me with it. I snatched the glass from his hands and without thinking twice, gulped the whole water down. Why is he acting caring when he just shattered my heart? Isn't he the reason I was in this state? He watches as I drink, the expression on his face unreadable. The water soothes the burning in my throat, but it does nothing to ease the sudden tightness in my chest. Finally, able to calm myself, I looked up at him and asked with a shaky voice. "What... what did you mean by that, Listowel? About it being time to get divorced?" My knees wobbled underneath the table, but I held them back to maintain composure, waiting for an answer that made sense. He looks down at me, his eyes gradually becoming unfamiliar. "Melissa, our marriage has always been just a contract," he said indifferently as if he were discussing the weather. "It was never real. You know that." Once more, his words coursed pain through my body, shattering especially my heart into a thousand pieces. I stared at him in disbelief, trying to find a hint of the man I thought I knew, the man I thought loved me. But his face remained unchanged, cold and indifferent. As if on cue, his phone rings, breaking the unbearable silence that had settled between us. Listowell glances at the screen, a slight frown forming on his face before he dismisses it. He leans down and presses a kiss to my cheek as if everything he just said was of no consequence. "I have to take this," he said, leaving no room for further talks. And then, just like that, without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving me sitting there, dumbfounded and confused. For a moment, I couldn't move, couldn't think. It felt like the ground beneath has been ripped apart, ready to swallow me whole. The memories of our time together flooded my mind, as I desperately tried to weave together how we ended up here. I close my eyes, and I’m back to the beginning, the night we first met. It was supposed to be just a one-night stand, a reckless decision I made after too many drinks and a desire to forget my troubles. But it turned into something more. At least, I thought it had. I remember how he looked at me that morning, the way his eyes softened when he asked me to stay, to be his wife. I remember the flutter of excitement, the disbelief that someone like him would want someone like me. He had said he needed me, that he couldn’t do it alone. He had promised to clear all my debt and so he did. But after 12 months, which was the agreement, he never brought up divorce, nor did he show any signs of us ending things. I had fallen in love with him. I had convinced myself that he must have loved me, or else why would he come back home to me every day? Why would he keep me by his side all these years even when the contract ended two years ago? But now, as I sit here alone in our kitchen, the truth plays before me like a cruel joke. Was I nothing more than a convenient distraction, a tool he used to pass the time until something better came along? Did he see me as nothing more than a commodity, something he could buy and discard when it no longer served his purpose? I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe that the man I thought I loved, the man I thought loved me, could be so heartless to do this. I waited for him to come back, to explain, to tell me that he didn’t mean it, that it was all a misunderstanding. But he didn't come home that night. Or the next. Or the next. As each day that passes, my hopes subside, I try calling him, but he doesn’t pick up. I left several messages, begging him to come home, to talk to me, to tell me what’s going on. But there’s no response. I barely ate, barely slept. I’m consumed by the need for answers, the need to understand how everything went so wrong. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that maybe I never really knew him at all. Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and then, like a slap in my face, the news broke. I was sitting on the couch, flipping through channels aimlessly, when I saw it. His name, beside hers. The words on the screen blurred as tears filled my eyes. 'Listowell Gordon To Tie The Knot With His Long Distance Girlfriend, Wendy Maccini.' Oh, so this is it. So it was true. It is finally happening, my heart shatters into a million pieces as I realize the depth of his betrayal. He didn’t just leave me. He left me for her. And he didn’t even have the decency to tell me to my face. I couldn't breathe. The walls closed in around me, suffocating me with the weight of my sorrow and anger. I trusted him. I loved him. And this is how he repays me? By casting me aside like I’m nothing, like a commodity he could discard off anytime? I cried out in anger and pain. It feels like my whole world is collapsing around me, and there is nothing I can do to stop it. The man I thought I knew is gone, replaced by a stranger who never cared about me at all. The tears come then, hot and fast, streaming down my face as I curled up on the floor, my body shaking with sobs. I cry for everything I’ve lost, for the life I thought I had, for the love that was never real. But as the tears finally subsided, I made up my mind.. I won’t let him destroy me. I won’t let him take away everything I’ve worked for, everything I’ve built.MELISSA’S POV He may have used me, turn every shred of dignity I have down and ripped my heart open. I wiped the tears off my face, trying to gather what little strength I have left. So, it’s happening, everything I’ve feared, everything I’ve suspected. Listowell never valued me. The thought of it alone crushes me, and before I can stop myself, the tears start to fall again, hot and uncontrollable. I sink to the floor, my chest heaving with sobs. How could I have been so blind? How could I have let myself fall so completely for a man who never saw me as anything more than a convenience? I need to do something—anything to take my mind off the overwhelming pain. I pushed myself up, wiped my tears, and looked around the mansion that once felt like a home. It’s all a lie, every bit of it. I start to clean. I stripped away every decoration, every item that I brought into this house to make it ours. The soft throws on the couch, the family photos on the walls, the flowers I care
LISTOWELL'S POV It’s been three days since I left the mansion. I had received a call from my butler that I had to come to the office as soon as possible. A rival company had something on my company, Gordon Inc so I had to rush out and get it sorted. Later in the day, I received a call from Mr. Macinni, Wendy’s grandpa. I had a meeting with him and in the course, I lost my phone. I had wanted to call Lisa and inform her that I wouldn't be coming home but I stopped because I thought she might be angry with me. I still can't wrap my head around her reaction, the other day. Our marriage is purely contractual, and she's aware of that. Well, I’m home now, we can sort things out and if it is money she needs, I will triple it up for her. As I walked through the front door, an unfamiliar scene greeted me. I was expecting to see Melissa standing by the door, her graceful smile playing widely across her face. She would have come to hug me and take my briefcase while asking if I had
MELISSA'S POV ****SEVEN YEARS LATER**** “Congratulations Miss Mugins, you've been selected to participate in the Silver Edition of the Legal Hour Conference! See you at Aphrodite City Soon!” That's how the message read when it came through the mail that morning. I couldn't hide the excitement I felt as I saw my name boldly embedded in the list of eligibles. My dream has finally come true. It is indeed happening. My dream of becoming a lawyer is finally here. Seven years have passed, yet it feels like a lifetime. It feels like yesterday when I promised myself, to come back to Aphrodite City as the best version of myself. I left this place as a broken woman, a woman whose heart had been shattered into a million pieces. I didn't know where to go neither did I know my next move. It was as if the world was moving while I stood still. Everyone and everything was progressing while I stood still, hiding in my shell. I spent years of my life caring for that one person to the e
LISTOWEL’S POVMy butler, Kevin, had informed me earlier about my invitation to the legal hour conference. If not for the fact that it is one of the most prestigious events in Aphrodite City, I would have turned down the invitation. I hate meetings and conferences. But this is a chance for me to network with other executives and presidents of famous brands, so I wouldn't miss this for anything. To maintain my influence and power in this city; I've got to mingle with these people. Within the blink of an eye, my car pulled up in front of the infamous Glory Palace, where the conference was going to be held. It is an 82-floor building, known for its serenity and perfect ambiance, purposely built to cater to the demands of the first-class citizens in the city. Kevin walked up to my side of the door as soon as he turned off the engine. With a slight bow, he opened the door to usher me out. Fixing the one stubborn button on my suit that had removed itself from its hole earlier, I headed
MELISSA’S POVAs I forced myself through the crowd, trying as much as possible to endure the curious stares of the people around, Wendy’s image played relentlessly in my head. She looks like a literal model. Her slim pretty face, her hair, make-up, dress and the jewelry she was adorned in screamed nothing but luxury. At a glance, anyone can tell she's a typical spoiled rich brat.The kind of glare she shot me when our eyes met is what startled me and caused me to pull myself from Listowel’s embrace. I must admit, I got frightened by her unexpected presence. I felt like I had taken something that’s not mine. Just like seven years ago, I couldn't help but think that I'd stolen her man. I did it once and I don't plan on repeating it. Things naturally crawl to their owners no matter how far they wander. Seeing her wrap her hands around Listowel’s arms caused a stir in my chest. It was as if she was asserting her ownership of him even when he had me tight to his chest. I swung the doo
MELISSA’S POVMy heart raced heavily against its cage as I exited the forecourt of Saint Glory. I turned left to join the main road, my car almost hitting someone else's. It was the honk of incoming cars that saved me from the commotion I was about to create. I couldn't think straight. My mind was only filled with the urge to run from him. “I have to get out of here” I whispered and sped off. But as I drove through the vibrant city, a series of unanswered questions lingered in my mind. I couldn't help but whisper them aloud. Why did Listowel pull me tight to his chest like he'd found a lost treasure? Why did he follow me to the parking lot? What did he want to tell me? Does he still think of me as the naive woman he met seven years ago? Maybe I should have stayed. I shouldn't have run away. I should have let him know that I’m no longer the 23-year-old girl he toyed with. I bit my lower lip in regret as memories of the past rushed in. *Flashback*I vividly remember the day my
MELISSA’S POVThe sharp irritating sound from my alarm jolted me awake the next morning. I swept my hands across the bedstand to turn off the alarm as the consistent sound it made threatened to tear my earlobe. In times like these, I always wished I could throw it out the window and destroy it. But I simply can’t. If not for anything at all, I partly owe this alarm clock for the woman I am today. During my dark days, when I felt like the world had turned its back on me, it was the only companion I had. Its irritating sound always jerked me into action. It would always ring till the sleep in my eyes vanished.I was also able to write the law school entrance exam, all because of this my red apple-shaped alarm clock which woke me up five minutes before the starting time. A wide smile formed on my face as I took a glance at the time on the alarm clock. It was exactly 7 AM. I had set it last night after my bath. I didn't want to be late for my new job at M&M Legal Firms. “Today is an
The world seemed to be moving in circles as the words hit me. My breath hung in my throat, taken by surprise by what I just heard. Gordon Inc? For a moment, I doubted if I had heard right. “No, I must be hearing things”. No this can’t be happening. Why Gordon Inc. of all places?The words seemed to be stuck in my throat as I gazed intently at the HR Rep, her smile still boldly across her face. I wanted to scream, to rant, to vent out the anger surging through me. I wanted to let her know that, what she just announced is no good news. That her message carries no joy for her to be smiling broadly like that. But the words refused to come out. She called out my name again when she realized the shock on my face. “Miss Muggins? Melissa?” “Yes ma’am” I responded, my voice barely above a whisper. “Is anything the matter? You don't look fine?”I gripped the sides of my pants tightly, before forcing the words out of my gut. “Can I request a change please?” I pleaded firmly, not minding
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