MELISSA'S POV I was pouring the coffee into the mugs when I heard his footsteps from upstairs. I turned, just in time to see him heading to the kitchen, his hair slightly messy from sleep. He smiled when he saw me, and my breath caught in my throat at how handsome he looked. My cheeks flashed pink as I recalled the steamy night we had shared the previous night. His touches were too sweet to resist, especially since I had craved them for so long. He had been away for almost a week on a business trip, and while he was away, we couldn't communicate much. Although that's quite unusual, I would guess he was only busy with work. I had received great news in his absence and I was more than excited to break it to him but his phone was mostly out of reach, so I had to keep it to myself and wait for him to return. He came back last night and I've been finding it hard to keep it to myself. My heart swelled with pride and joy as I envisioned his reaction. I will break it to him at b
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 loo
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
WENDY’S POV At the mention of that b***h’s name, I halted in my tracks. My terrified expression instantly turned into a grimace as I thundered, “So this is what it is about?” Listowel’s angry face and demeanor remained unchanged as he demanded, “ I said. What were you doing at Melissa’s house ?” “Oh… she called to tell you that I went there. Isn't it? So you've been talking with her over the phone behind my—” “Wendy! Answer my question!” “Listowel! What in the world has that bitch done to you? You don’t even care about the fact that you threw me, your fiancée, out of your office like a piece of trash without a fl—,” I shouted back but my voice faltered midway. “Why are you worried about her instead of me? What does she have that I don’t have?,” I asked in a low tone, my eyes instantly turning red as they welled up with tears. “Don’t change the topic, Wendy. What right do you think you have for you to go over to her house and threaten her?” Listowel asked again, ignorin
LISTOWEL’S POV The loud music playing at the bar was the perfect distraction to my thoughts. I came to this bar to reflect on my life and some choices I’ve made but the rhythmic music kept drifting me out. Humming the song, I periodically sipped the glass of whiskey that was on the counter before me. Moments like these always remind me of the past. The time when I lost hope of ever finding Melissa again. I remember how I used to drink myself to sleep every night, hoping that she would at least give me a call. Unconsciously, I asked myself, “I had it all, What went wrong?” as I drank the remaining whiskey in one gulp. The faint vibration of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. Tilting my head to check who the caller was, I ignored it immediately I saw the caller ID and resumed pouring more of the alcohol into my glass. It was Kevin. He has been sitting outside in the car for a couple of hours now, waiting for me. So I assumed he was calling to tell me that it was late
WENDY’S POVStolling towards Melissa, “Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to show up,” I said, darting at her from head to toe. “May I know why you are here?” Melissa looked quite puzzled as she asked.“Oh.., spare me that pretentious act. You always want to be the bigger person huh?” “If you have nothing too important to say, I guess it is a bye then,” she said while brushing past to open her door.But I beat her to it. I rushed and blocked her access to the digital lock. “What the hell are you doing!” she snapped. A smirk played at the sides of my lips as I glared at her. Slightly leaning towards her “Yes…, I love to see you rebel. Bring the actual you out. I want the whole world to know that you're not as innocent as you look. You're a pretentious bi**h who does nothing but chase after men for money!”I guess my statement really got to her as I clearly could see the fury burning in her eyes as she halted in her steps. She actually looked a bit scary but I didn't flin
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