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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 The clock struck five and it was already time to close. I shut off my monitor and started arranging my desk, bringing the day's work to an end. I grabbed my bag and put in it some accessories before I stood up and adjusted my dress. From the glass windows, where I was checking myself, I could see a blue folder with a stack of documents inside. I let out a gentle sigh as I remembered what I told the owner the other day. I remember telling Listowel that I was gonna give it to a dispatch rider to deliver it to him but there here it was, still lying on my desk as if all the riders in town were on holiday. Well, I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to go give it to him in person. Yes. Yes. I know. I know that seeing him often was gonna disrupt my healing journey but….. I forced a chunk down my guts as I inched closer to pick it up. These documents seem to be important and it'll be thoughtless of me to leave them in the hands of a random rider. Wha
A wave of gasps erupted from the people around me as the liquid drenched my designer dress, turning the white fabric into red.My lips parted widely, my eyes closing shut as the wine dripped from my hair to my face and onto my dress. I froze. For a moment, I couldn’t move or utter a word.Was I just hallucinating or that dang old bat had poured the wine on me?I let out a slow breath, my fingers curling into a fist beside me as I stood properly. “What the hell do you think you’re—“ I yelled, but my statement died on my lips as her palm vehemently clashed against my cheek.My head snapped to the side, my hair flying everywhere as the sting spread through my face. My hands shot up to caress the area she had just slapped, glaring at her with deadly fury. Whispering, the onlookers started inching closer to the scene; their phones shot up in the air as they started recording. I raised my hand, intending to return the favor. These people were recording and I hate to be the one at the m
WENDY’S POV Tonight made it exactly a month since Listowel woke up in my bed. I had sent the photos to Melissa to get a reaction out of her. But to my surprise; she never reached out as I expected. I was even doubting she must have seen the photos until I witnessed Listowel being thrown out of her house by security two weeks ago. Only the heavens know how happy I was that day when I realised my plan had worked. Their so called lovely relationship had crumbled. I had this in mind and was in the process of planning my next move not knowing the blow that hanged in the air, waiting to be served. I was dining at the rooftop restaurant, when the articles of Listowel admitting that Melissa is the lady he’s been going out with circulated the internet. The people around had started murmuring among themselves so I had requested to change to a private dinning room. The music played softly in the background while the symphony of clinking glasses, people conversing over their foods an
MELISSA’S POV My phone buzzed with messages as my colleagues from work texted to inquire if I was really dating the famous ‘Listowel Gordon’. Who the fvck released these images and how the hell did the person get them? My mind raced with thoughts as mixed feelings wrestled to take over me. I couldn't really tell how I was feeling. I didn't know whether to be happy or pissed. Unlike before, people were admiring me now. They were somehow glad that we were a couple and wished that our relationship would prosper. Really? What changed? Why were they happy for us all of a sudden? Well, this and other thoughts swirled in my mind as I tried to connect the dots. The fact that the pictures that were trending were personal ones I took with Listowel baffled me. Unless maybe Listowel got hacked, I’m not sure he will release the photos like that without informing. Even though I wasn't getting immediate answers, I was glad this in some way had cleared rumors. For weeks now, I have
LISTOWEL’S POVI let out a long exhale as I read through the articles about Melissa and I. Surprisingly, all the comments we were receiving are all good and encouraging. Unlike the previous months, the people were complimenting our resilience to have kept our relationship going despite everything. The articles were spammed with people admiring Melissa’s beauty. Even though I didn't like the fact that they were comparing her to Wendy; I was happy either ways that she was getting the good recognition she deserved. With a smile on my face, I scrolled through each comment, liking each compliment. Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed outside of my door. My brows knitted together as I wondered who could have been at the office at this time aside Kevin and I. Glancing at my wrist, I noticed it was a few minutes past eight. I was about signalling Kevin to go check who it was when the door flung open. The audacity! Who enters my office with such disrespect?! My eyes darted the doorway, as I p
LISTOWEL’S POV Listowel, do I look stupid to you?” Lisa’s voice jolted me back to reality, anger flashing across her face as she crossed her arms over. My lips parted, and I was about to tell her that she was the smartest person I've ever known and that I was the stupid one there. Because all this was my fault. I was stupid for failing to see the signs of Wendy’s plot when it was so obvious. I couldn't believe how stupid I was to have ignored the fact that, Webdy had seductively rubbed her shoulders against mine that evening. But before the words could part my lips, she grabbed her bag and stood. “You know what? I don't have time for your little games…” I reached for her hand but once again, she pulled away as though I was a plague. I wanted to follow her but stopped. I was going to give her some distance in the meantime. Now that a major part of the puzzle has been revealed, it will take me no more than a few days to find out the whole truth. ********** With a fo
LISTOWEL’S POV I have faced several challenges in my life, from impossible negotiations to dealing with rival businesses but none of them have taken a toll on me as the one that I have been currently battling. This one was the worst kind of battle. Why? Because I was fighting the one person I loved most. And it looks as if there wasn’t any chance of me winning. For the past few weeks, after the event that happened at Melissa all my attempts to get her to listen to me have proved futile. There have been days that I’ve tried to reach her by waiting at her doorstep, but I couldn’t anymore because she reported me to the landlord and now I’ve been banned from entering her residence till further notice. I tried to catch up with her at work but her goddamn boss, Giovanni has had security chase me away several times. Even though it was humiliating, I was willing to endure it all for her. I could have countered Giovanni’s actions by making my men oppose him but the fact
MELISSA’S POV It's been almost a month since I broke things up with Listowel. That jerk! After chasing me up for a few days, he gradually backed off. I guess he must have finally realized that I am no bvtch to be toyed with. But I must admit, the past few weeks have not been easy for me. Waking up every day to pretend as if I did not know or had anything to do with him has been heartbreaking. I try to convince myself that he's not worth my time and energy but deep within me, I've been hurting. On lonely nights, I cry my eyes out before I’m able to sleep. There have been days that I felt like calling to cry on him, to tell him how much he hurt me, to explain to him why I didn't deserve all that he did to me; but the fact that I had deleted his contact from my phone had saved me from embarrassing myself. Within the first two weeks, I was unable to concentrate at work; but Mr. Giovanni, already aware of the turmoil in my life, helped to keep me distracted from overthinking. H
GIOVANNI’S POV Seeing Melissa cry her heart out the other day in the office made me want to care for her more. I had offered to walk her to the garage because of the tear stains on her dress. I didn’t want her to attract unnecessary attention and questions from the other staff. At the garage, I was about to head back to the office after waving her goodbye when I suddenly heard a consistent click from the soles of heels behind me. Curious, I turned in the direction of the sound only to see Melissa rushing towards the other side of the garage. My eyes trailed to the direction she was heading and an unsettling feeling washed over me as soon as I recognized who it was. Listowel Gordon. The CEO of Gordon Constructions. Even though he might not know me, I know him very well. We’ve not gotten the chance to meet face to face yet but I’ve known him for a long time. He’s a smart business mogul whom most influential people in Aphrodite City admire. And I am no exception. When it